Healthcare security applications

Two giant video surveillance companies have responded to a United States government ban on use of their products included in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Both Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology Company and Dahua Technology Company are mentioned by name in a section buried in the giant military reauthorization bill. A ban on use of their products will take effect “not later than one year after” the law is enacted. Response From The Manufacturers Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress Hikvision’s statement expresses disappointment with the version of the 2019 NDAA passed by both chambers of the U.S. Congress. “This legislation was quickly drafted without sufficient evidence, review, or investigation to warrant the video surveillance technology restrictions outlined in section 889,” says Hikvision. “The process resulted in an ambiguous provision with potentially far-reaching implications for American business and represents a rejection of the U.S. government’s commitment to use a standards-based approach when evaluating security risks in federal procurement.”  Dahua was less direct and did not specifically mention the ban in its statement. “Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market,” says the statement from Zhejiang Dahua Technology Ltd. The rest of the statement centers on Dahua’s ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market and addresses possible motivations for the ban (see below). Impact On Contractor Business Dahua’s statement expressed its ongoing commitment to the video surveillance market Hikvision also cited a recent article published in The Hill that quoted Chris Nickelson, a Missouri-based contractor, who argued that a ban on Hikvision products would actually harm small American businesses like his. According to the article, Nickelson said allegations against Hikvision have hurt his business, and he decried a lack of evidence supporting the allegations. “Somebody still needs to show me that there’s any real meat and potatoes behind any accusations that have been made towards Hikvision,” Nickelson is quoted in The Hill. The rest of Hikvision’s statement: “Hikvision is committed to complying with all applicable laws and regulations and has made efforts to ensure the security of its products go beyond what is mandated by the U.S. government, including certification under the Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 and opening our Source Code Transparency Center (SCTC), which makes the company’s source code available for review by law enforcement authorities and government agencies in the U.S. and Canada.”We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge" Company Statement On The NDAA Here is more of Dahua’s statement on the National Defense Authorization Act: “Dahua Technology is a global leading IoT video surveillance solution provider operating in 37 countries and dedicated to bringing our customers innovative solutions. Dahua Technology has been publicly traded on Shenzhen stock exchange market since 2008 and is not a government-owned entity. We understand that in today’s security industry, cybersecurity is the biggest challenge. We have provided remedies to correct those issues with our customers. We take cybersecurity very seriously by implementing a seven-module cybersecurity baseline into our product design. Meanwhile, we continue to work with 3rd party partners like DBAPP Security and Synopsys Technology, to rigorously test our products to combat against current cybersecurity vulnerabilities."To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor" Dahua’s statement continues: “With over 6,000 R&D Dahua professionals, we strive to provide secure products and solutions to our valued customers to secure what they care about. Although local laws and regulations may present challenges, we never lose sight of our goals — to provide top-tier products and services for the North American market. We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market. "We will continue to invest in resources and employees to ensure our customers and partners retain the highest quality of services to support future growth in this market.” Hikvision Comments On GSX Presence Hikvision has also issued a statement about its downsized presence at the upcoming GSX trade show (formerly ASIS) in Las Vegas. A Hikvision spokesperson confirmed that the decision to abandon Hikvision’s large booth presence was made earlier this summer and was not a result of the ban. Here is Hikvision’s statement about GSX: “As in previous years, Hikvision will be well represented at the GSX show in September in Las Vegas. To personalize our interaction with customers at this event, Hikvision will not have a booth on the GSX show floor. Instead, a contingency of Hikvision professionals will attend the conference and host partner meetings and product demonstrations in meeting facilities throughout the trade show. "As a total solution provider, Hikvision looks forward to meeting with end users, A&E consultants, integrators and other partners to discuss how Hikvision's full suite of products can help address the challenges facing security directors and the broader C-Suite.”

Lately, at the time of introduction of mobile communication, authorities were adamant to ban the use of wireless devices in hospitals. According to them, signals coming from mobile devices can jumble with the signals of monitors and other medical equipment, in turn hampering their functioning. However, American Medical Association and UK Medicines issued documents which negated the interference of cellular signals in functioning of medical devices. On the contrary many hospitals are using mobile phones to reduce medical errors, offer timely services, boost efficiency and decrease costs. GSM Technology In Medical Domain Much before the introduction of GSM technology, there were many healthcare units that understood the importance of quick internal connectivity, and hence, invested in communication solutions. Since development of GSM technology was in its nascent stage at that point of time, the systems offered connectivity for legacy networks only. After successful use of GSM technology in other sectors, the healthcare domain also realized its importance and upgraded the existing infrastructure with the help of various and widely available GSM 3G Gateways. Before delving more into applications of GSM technology in the medical domain, let’s learn the basic concept of GSM technology. GSM is an acronym for Global System for Mobiles and its invention dates back to 1970. The technology uses the circuit switched method which divides 200 KHz frequency in to eight different slots of 900 MHz, 800 MHz and 1.8 GHz bands each. GSM Technology Offers Wireless Connectivity One of the main advantages of GSM technology lies in the fact that it offers wireless connectivity. In case of an emergency or when it comes to connecting areas devoid of wired connectivity, GSM technology plays an important role. However, if we consider a situation where the patient is seriously injured or is ill and all he or his companion has is a mobile phone then in this case connecting with the nearest healthcare unit becomes easy.In case of an emergency or when it comes to connecting areas devoid of wired connectivity, GSM technology plays an important role If connected with the doctor, then the injured patient can receive preliminary treatment while on the way to hospital. In case of an illness, doctors can study patient reports in case of any abnormalities and remain ready for the further tests, offering immediate treatment. In the hospital premises, if some patient, attendant or hospital staff gets stuck in the elevator or in power cut situation, GSM FCT helps the person to quickly connect with the nearest rescue services. Persons in these situations can call for help through the GSM SIM inserted in the deployed Fixed Cellular Terminal (FCT). In the above three situations, GSM was an important component for communication to take place. Some of the main reasons that supported wide implementation of GSM technology in the medical sector were its low cost, increased use of mobile devices and the availability of high speed internet. GSM Technology Used In Basic Telemedicine Systems The basic telemedicine system comprises of four components: The patient unit, communication network, receiver unit/server side and the presentation unit. Although, the conceptualization and invention of telemedicine dates back to 1989, the technology has not been able to get a prominent place in every nook and corner of the healthcare world. However, now in modern hospitals, the use of telemedicine is going rampant and GSM FCT device find its application here as well. Equipped with the facility to offer connectivity amongst mobile hospital staff, the FCT is the key element for tailoring a robust communication network. If the technologists are to be believed then in near future, healthcare units are going to witness huge transformations. In the next decade, hospitals will be including communication solutions based on the latest technology in their environment. The IT administration or key decision makers will have to perform the daunting task of scouting the market for systems which fit their exact requirements.

Suprema access control is now integrated with Arteco Video Event Management Software (VEMS). The integration between Suprema’s BioStar 1 and 2 and Arteco adds real-time access control events into Arteco. BioStar solutions can now be managed from within the Arteco VEMS interface, streamlining usability and boosting event management. Efficient Door Surveillance Through the Arteco mapping interface, operators can check door status and manage locks, demonstrating the benefits of managing multiple connectors through the Arteco UI. The integration opens doors to new opportunities with customers in the logistics, healthcare, critical infrastructure, transportation and retail markets because it allows users to focus on critical events rather than non-useful data. Suprema solutions are optimized to meet a wide variety of access control needs and are built to ensure strong access protocols in various market applications.

RTI has announced new video intercom support for select RTI controllers and third-party intercom-enabled devices Remote Technologies Incorporated (RTI), a control and automation manufacturer for residential and commercial settings, has announced new video intercom support for select RTI controllers and third-party intercom-enabled devices. Ideal for front door access, security gates, intra-office, and room-to-room applications, this new capability allows users to conveniently and safely communicate from point-to-point via their RTI devices. Video Intercom-enabled Controllers"The demand for intercom continues to increase, and we are pleased to add video functionality across a range of RTI devices," said Mike Everett, Vice President of Global Sales for RTI. "Our lineup of video intercom-enabled controllers includes wired and wireless interfaces, which allows our dealers to offer their clients convenient communications between their RTI devices and third-party door stations." Video Communications RTI's video intercom capabilities are supported on the KX3, KX7, and KX10 in-wall touchpanels, the CX7 and the upcoming CX10 countertop/under-cabinet touchpanels, as well as the company's flagship T3x – delivering the company's first video intercom-enabled handheld controller. Via a free firmware update, dealers can also leverage video communications on compatible devices that support H.264-based video intercom via SIP. These devices also support auto answer or do not disturb modes, while a push-to-talk audio mode lets users communicate via voice only from device to device.

Kantech EntraPass oftware and KT-1 Door Controllers ensured speedy transition to IP-based access control Tyco Security Products announces that Kiwanis Village Lodge, a care facility for seniors in Nanaimo, B.C., has selected a new IP-based access control system from Kantech that features one-button door controller enrollment and the ability to leverage the facility’s existing infrastructure to ensure continuity of services to the lodge’s residents.  Kantech’s KT-1 Door Controller With help from local systems integration firm, Securco Services, Inc., Kiwanis Village Lodge chose Kantech’s KT-1 Ethernet-ready door controllers for their ease of use, cost-efficiency and ability to be integrated with the facility’s existing access control infrastructure, including wiring, access card readers and card reader racks. The one-button enrollment feature of the lodge’s KT-1 door controllers kept installation time down, resulting in minimal impact to facility operations.    “Securco’s integration team had the controllers up and running in a matter of minutes,” said Shawn Simmons, Manager of Support Services for Kiwanis Village Lodge. “It took less than a week to migrate our legacy system to the new EntraPass IP-based access control system. We are very pleased with the project’s timeline and our ability to maintain our residents’ quality of life throughout the transition.” Kantech EntraPass Security Software Kiwanis Village Lodge chose intuitive and user-friendly Kantech EntraPass Security Software to manage the new access control system. The lodge’s staff uses EntraPass to control access to all doors from their workstations and employs the software’s live view feature to monitor the doors’ functionality and to get status updates. The scalability of EntraPass gives the lodge the freedom to extend the reach of its new Kantech system to include other buildings in the future, as the needs of residents change.   Kiwanis Village Lodge is a four-story complex care facility within Kiwanis Village, a six-acre campus catering to seniors requiring various levels of support and accommodation, offering independent living, supportive living, assisted living and complex care to its residents. Kiwanis Village is working with system integrator Securco Services, Inc. to add additional door controllers and to extend EntraPass to include other buildings in the community.

Arteco Open Connector is an integration platform that streamlines interoperability between systems, devices and different types of applications Arteco Open Connector is an integration platform that streamlines interoperability between systems, devices and different types of applications, from video security, access control, intrusion and fire detection to building automation, traffic control and parking management. Arteco Open Connector gives partners the ability to integrate these systems and allows users to customize and scale every aspect of the interface, making it adaptable to every kind of installation and placing the needs of the end customer in focus. Intuitive, Fast Integration By using standard protocols to third-party partners, Open Connector provides an intuitive, fast and easy integration that leverages the full power of Video Event Management systems (VEMS) to centralize events from many different devices and help users make sense of their incoming event data for vertical markets such as critical infrastructure, logistics, retail, transportation, industry, banking, healthcare, hospitality and education. Save

Virtua called on the services of CM3 Building Solutions of Fort Washington, Pennsylvania to design and install their new system, as well as local manufacturer’s representative, ASR Enterprises, Inc. to assist with equipment selection. After choosing ExacqVision NVRs, Virtua’s management team met with various megapixel camera suppliers to review their product lines and to see demos. After extensive testing and analysis, Arecont Vision megapixel cameras were selected for Virtua’s new system as a result of their superior resolution, processing power, product selection and use of H.264 compression technology. New Arecont Vision megapixel cameras added to the security systems throughout Virtua’s facilities are connected to ExacqVision’s hybrid network video recorders (NVRs). The system design allows for the seamless transition to a networked platform over time, eliminating the need to immediately replace all existing analog cameras. The hybrid recording solution also enables Virtua to immediately capitalize on the performance and cost efficiencies of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras in locations where they are most needed, with the ability to easily integrate additional megapixel cameras overtime. To preserve the integrity of security operations, new Arecont Vision megapixel cameras and ExacqVision NVRs are installed on a dedicated network connected by an NVR server with dual network interface controller (NIC) cards. This method isolates video bandwidth from the hospital’s data network until video needs to be viewed via a remote client. The NVRs are installed locally with varying storage requirements based on current camera counts and anticipated future expansion. Virtua’s smaller facilities have 2 Terabytes of storage, while hospitals and larger facilities have storage capacities ranging from 8 to 40 Terabytes. Surveillance and access control systems for Virtua’s hospitals, long-term care facilities, health and fitness centers, and corporate business services facilities are monitored centrally at the company’s Incident Command Center (ICC) located in Camden, New Jersey. The ICC is the location that also dispatches security personnel to all facilities. The megapixel cameras used throughout the Virtua system include Arecont Vision models AV8185, AV3155DN-1HK, AV2155 and AV3105. Arecont Vision’s SurroundVideo® AV8185 is an 8 megapixel, 180-degree panoramic H.264 IP camera that incorporates four 2-megapixel CMOS image sensors to provide 6400x1200-pixel panoramic images at 5.5 frames-per-second (fps). Th e panoramic view can also be set at lower resolutions to provide faster frame rates, such as 1600x1200-pixel images at 22 fps or 800x600-pixel images at 88 fps. Low-light sensitivity is 0.2 lux at F2.0. The 180-degree panoramic camera can substitute up to 24 analog cameras. Features include image cropping and up to four regions of interest for forensic examination and digital PTZ. The megapixel cameras used throughout the Virtua system include Arecont Vision models AV8185, AV3155DN-1HK, AV2155 and AV3105 Virtua also uses 2 and 3 megapixel Mega- Dome® IP cameras from Arecont Vision. Model AV3155DN-1HK is a 3 megapixel H.264 network (IP) MegaDome integrated camera, lens and IP66-rated dome providing 2048x1536-pixel images at 15 fps and 0.2 lux light sensitivity at F1.4. Features of the all-in-one camera include a 1/2” CMOS sensor and Arecont Vision’s Mega-Video® image processing at 80 billion operations per second. The camera employs H.264 (MPEG 4, Part 10) compression to minimize bandwidth and storage requirements while maintaining real-time image resolution. Capabilities include motion detection, image cropping, region-of-interest viewing and the ability to zoom into an image after it is archived (forensic zooming). Virtua uses the day/night (DN) model featuring a motorized IR cut filter which is removed in low light conditions to provide increased sensitivity. The 2 megapixel Arecont Vision AV2155 MegaDome® has similar features and provides 1600x1200-pixel images at 24 fps, with low-light sensitivity of 0.1 lux at F1.4. Both domes feature a camera gimbal with 360-degree pan and 90-degree tilt adjustments for easy installation. Also used at various Virtua sites is the Arecont Vision’s AV3105 3 megapixel box camera, which has specifications similar to the Arecont Vision AV3155 dome. Megapixel Benefit The image quality and digital PTZ capabilities of Arecont Vision megapixel cameras far exceed analog and conventional IP cameras allowing Virtua to capture and record extremely detailed video images over large coverage areas. Combined with recent cost reductions in NVR storage and network switches, the use of fewer cameras allows Virtua to transition to high-quality video with the highest levels of cost-efficiency, which translates into lower total cost of ownership and overall higher ROI. Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras also allow for significant upgrades in system functionality compared to standard-resolution IP cameras. In addition to lower bandwidth and storage requirements, megapixel cameras dramatically decrease costs related to other elements of a system, including fewer software licenses, fewer lenses and a decrease in man-hours needed to install and operate systems. Additionally, Arecont Vision megapixel cameras’ ability to provide highly accurate digital PTZ functionality translates into fewer moving parts than traditional PTZ systems, which reduces maintenance costs and the potential for failure. “Due to the exceptional resolution provided by Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras, and the deployment of several AV8185 panoramic cameras, we have easily expanded our coverage capabilities using fewer cameras with outstanding results,” said Paul M. Sarnese, System Safety Director, Virtua Health. “The performance of our new surveillance systems has helped us to improve overall security. It has been a win-win situation for Virtua.” The Arecont Vision system proves its value on a daily basis monitoring more than 4 million square feet of coverage area. After a recent incident at one facility, Virtua’s ICC staff reviewed crystal clear megapixel images within minutes and quickly distributed them to security managers and personnel throughout the enterprise for immediate action.

Security surveillance specialist AD Network Video is introducing its enhanced integrated HD IP video solution for hospitals. Virtual NVR delivers high definition IP video images for evidential purposes which directly tackle theft and anti-social behavior in a completely secure way. The Virtual NVR aims to offer hospitals secure environments, a culture of safety for patients, visitors and staff. The new solution offers video of high quality that can be used for whatever action is appropriate, including legal action if necessary. The Virtual NVR solution intelligently distributes video storage across single or multiple locations, with IP cameras recording and storing images on the in-camera server. These will carry on recording even in the event of a network outage as the devices operate as if they were standalone systems resulting in no single point of failure. The evidential recordings are easily accessible locally or from the control room via a single user interface and are exported in compliance with police and home office guidelines. Recordings can be archived and managed from a central location driving greater efficiency and flexibility in locating and retrieving video from multiple sites. Virtual NVR's secure and segregated network enables hospital operators to implement the HD IP camera solution and integrate event triggers. Virtual NVR has flexible and scalable qualities, from general practices to large hospital trusts. AD Group, of which AD Network Video is the solutions arm, has developed security surveillance solutions for more than 30 years. Current solutions include FireVu for early fire detection, and for logistics losses, TransVu.  Both can be used in healthcare environments

Bon Securs Hospital, Galway, has integrated the SALTO XS4 Locker Lock into the drug and medicine cabinets used within a new build extension to the hospital to control when and by whom patient medication can be accessed.Bon Secours Hospital Galway is a 120 bed acute care facility, providing a wide range of surgical and medical services. It is part of the Bon Secours Health System, the largest private healthcare provider in Ireland, and currently admits 18,000 patients per annum, comprising 6,000 in-patients and 12,000 day-cases. A substantial expansion plan has seen 50 new Patient Bedrooms, a Physiotherapy Department, a new Restaurant and enhanced Laboratory, Medical Stores and Office Accommodation added to the hospital.“The XS4 Locker lock is designed to provide a high level of security protection and is ideal for use with drug and medicine cabinets as well as for more general use with hospital staff lockers” said Stephen Foley from Doorware, SALTO’s Irish distributor who carried out the installation at the hospital. “We’ve installed 32 drug and medicine cabinets with the new electronic locks and these now ensure that only authorized, accredited medical staff can access the drugs and medicines contained within them. Every time the cabinets are opened the event is automatically logged via their audit trail facility (the lock continuously records the last 1,000 operations in its memory) giving hospital management a useful security record.”XS4 Locker has been designed to offer the latest in state-of-the-art electronic access control technology in a low cost simple retro-fit format to solve the problem that most lockers, including those routinely used by hospitals, are supplied with very basic mechanical locks that usually offer little in the way of resistance to thieves. The XS4 Locker is designed to offerthe latest state of the art access controltechnology It can be fitted to most cupboards and cabinets to control access to any drugs, medicines or other equipment stored on site and upgrading from an existing mechanical lock is quick and easy. The old lock is removed and the XS4 Locker simply fitted in its place. No wiring is required, power is supplied by 3 AAA or optional lithium batteries good for 30,000 openings, and its exterior dimensions are a compact 54mm x 105mm x 28mm ensuring a neat fit and professional appearance. An ergonomically designed twist operated locking handle makes for easy use, even with wet hands, and its durable wipe clean construction makes it highly resistant to chemicals; UV radiation and physical wear and tear ensuring a long lasting, smart appearance.The access reader is built into the locking handle and the ID carrier - key card, wristband, key fob or bracelet – is simply presented to the reader and XS4 Locker will grant or deny access, providing an intelligent solution for high performance locker security in hospitals in a versatile easy to fit package.

One of England’s oldest childcare centres has invested in an IP network based video surveillance system manufactured by Samsung Techwin, to create a safe and secure environment for its staff and children. Gingerbread Corner, which is located in Croydon, Surrey, was England’s first latchkey scheme. It was established in 1976 with the objective of providing quality childcare for single parents of children aged between 5-11 after school and during school holidays. 37 years later, Gingerbread Corner has evolved and grown. It now provides year-round child-care for more than 160 children between the ages of 3 months and 11 years. An existing outdated analogue CCTV system needed to be replaced. Apart from the fact that  there were just four cameras which only allowed the monitoring of entrances and exits, the quality of the images captured and recorded were not of sufficient quality to be of any practical use if and when an incident needed to be investigated. As a registered Charity, Gingerbread Corner relies heavily on its fund-raising activities to maintain and improve its facilities, as well as employing 40 members of staff. Despite concerns over significant funding gaps following the Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review, Gingerbread Corner’s management were determined to allocate sufficient capital for the installation of an effective replacement video surveillance system. “There are so many potential situations where access to high quality video evidence can help protect the children in our care and also verify that our staff has at all times professionally carried out their duties,” said Ben Dzendzera, Gingerbread Corner’s Operations Manager. “For example, with so many children living in single parent environments, we can avoid any disputes by being able to monitor, and if necessary verify, who has collected a child from our premises. Equally important, we can quickly resolve any issues which might arise through accusations of one child bullying another and we have a duty of care towards our staff to ensure they can be protected against any false accusations.” Ben invited a number of different companies to recommend a solution that would meet both Gingerbread Corner’s current and future needs. “It was clear that we immediately needed approximately 20 cameras in order to be able to monitor all activity throughout the site, but we also wanted to ensure that the system we invested in could continue to be expanded if and when our requirements changed.” Some of the quotations received provided for the new system to be analogue based, but Ben and his colleagues decided to take the advice offered by video surveillance and public address specialists Postfield Systems, who recommended that Gingerbread Corner should choose an IP network based system. The cameras offer multiple streaming with a choice of compression methods An analogue system would have provided Gingerbread Corner with a slightly lower cost option, but the justification for allocating the extra capital for an IP network based system was easily made. “One of the key advantages of choosing a Video over IP solution is that it is very flexible in terms of how it can be monitored,” said Ben. “Live or recorded images can be viewed by any authorised member of staff who has access to the Internet. I personally use the Samsung Techwin Net-i Viewer software on my laptop to view the video of any incidents, whilst senior management can access the system via smartphone when they are off site.” A total of 21 Samsung Techwin cameras have been installed, 16 of which are SND-3082 Day/Night network domes. These utilize Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) technology making them ideal for locations where there may be strong contrasting lighting conditions. The SND-3082 features Power over Ethernet (PoE) which means that both power and video/audio transmissions can be provided via a single Ethernet cable connected to Gingerbread Corner’s network. This has resulted in costs being kept to a minimum as there wasn’t a need for coaxial cable to be run to each of the 21 cameras. The five other cameras are Samsung Techwin SNO-1080Rs which are weatherproof cameras, have built in IR lighting and feature PoE. The SNO-1080R is part of a range of cameras which was designed to provide a cost effective network video surveillance solution for small to medium size applications. Both models offer multiple streaming with a choice of compression methods, providing the option to simultaneously transmit images to multiple locations at various frame rates and at different resolutions. This allows different authorised users to monitor live images at one location, whilst recording video evidence at another. The images from all of the cameras are recorded on one of two SRN-1670D network video recorders which have been designed to be user friendly in that they have the look and familiarity of a DVR. “As a non-profit organisation it is difficult to show a return on investment, but there is no doubt that the video surveillance system has given us peace of mind in knowing that if any serious incident takes place we can verify exactly what has happened by being able to retrieve the recorded video.”

Rick Meyer, Executive Director, Friendship Village of Bloomington says, “In my sixth year at the Village, it became very clear to me and my staff how time-consuming and unwieldy our old access control system had become. The community opened in 1979, thirty-two years ago, and the existing access control system had been in place for fifteen years. We realised it was at the end of the road; it was clearly time for us to find a more modern and user-friendly system.” Floyd Total Security Recommended SALTO Rick Meyer further explains, “After evaluating our limited options with the existing service provider, we referred our problem to Floyd Total Security, a SALTO Inspired Business Partner and system integrator, also located in Bloomington, MN. Continuing Care Facilities are of critical interest for Floyd, and Bill Wood, who heads up the company’s electronic locking systems team.” “His team was charged with helping find the best solution for the needs of our project and brought SALTO to our attention.” “We liked the SALTO system from the start and Ray Satterfield, Director of Facility Management, suggested we ask other Lifespace Community facilities to assist in our evaluation. After several group presentations and a couple of site visits, they unanimously recommended SALTO over the other options, as did Gary Conkin, Lifespace Development and Construction Manager, who oversees and approves all construction projects from the corporate office in Des Moines, IA.” Outfitting The Facilities “Floyd met with the management team to understand how they needed various parts of the system to work to best suit our operation. They made sure we could take advantage of everything that the SALTO System could provide. The Village has just opened a new fitness center which was, of course, also protected with the SALTO locks. Various workers at the facility, like nurses and housekeepers have a range of scheduled time needs, and their access cards have been programmed accordingly.” Advantages Of The SALTO System Rick Meyer continues, “The Village was previously equipped with three separate systems; a traditional proximity card system on the perimeter and two generations of offline locks on administrative and resident doors. While these where easy for staff and seniors to use, they proved very costly to operate and maintain. Talk about time-consuming! Our facility has 415 doors with electronic locks for over 1200 cardholders. In order to program the old system to provide access cards for new occupants or to supply replacements for lost cards, a staffer had to carry a laptop with cable to every door lock covered by the new or lost card in order to recode for access. Many man- and woman-hours were lost in resolving these problems.” “Furthermore, we were having trouble getting parts and support for our old system. That was a growing problem, to the point where we actually had to ask some of our residents to go back to using metal keys. Not something we desired for a facility that prides itself on being up-to-date in everything!” “With SALTO it was easy. We no longer have to program at the door and we didn’t have to build an infrastructure with wiring through walls; we used the SALTO Virtual Network. When the locks where installed, of course they required initial programming. But unlike the other options, they don’t require ongoing lock reprogramming at the door as we make access changes. The SALTO Virtual Network (SVN) pushes and pulls data from our “hot-spot” openings to all the offline locks.” “We like the ability to set up the computer and program all the cards, rather than walking around to each location. The fact that Floyd and SALTO can reference many large installations in similar applications helped satisfy us that we’re using a proven product.” Employee Cards He stated, “The Village has about 285 employees including part-time, on-call, high school, etc. Our eight-person maintenance staff functions as security during the morning and early afternoon, followed by two trained security officers for the afternoon, evening, night and weekends. Cards issued to employees are automatically refreshed and updated when used at any of our seven “Hot-spot” doors, which makes it very easy to meet everyone’s access needs on the fly.” If A Card Is Lost  “When a card is reported lost, there’s no big crisis. The cards are blank, with no telltale room number or ID, so someone finding it would have no way of knowing what unit the card gave access to. We simply delete it and assign a new one. Once the original card is deleted, it will no longer provide access to the exterior doors either: access is denied and facilities are notified. The lost card is also added to the blacklist of deleted cards which eliminates its value at the interior doors via SVN.” Rick Meyer explained. Friendship Village Population “A retirement facility like Friendship Village has a unique population. Apart from residents in healthcare, skilled nursing and long-term care, where the doors do not lock, there is assisted living, general residency, independent living and twelve free-standing town homes. There are also administrative offices and a variety of special facilities. All of their needs must be carefully addressed to avoid creating unnecessary problems.” “With the new system in the works, administrators set up meetings to alert employees and the resident body to what was coming, so they could appreciate the benefits and improvements. A permanent informational kiosk about the new SALTO system was supplied and staffed by Floyd to provide residents with any information they required.” Expectations Were Exceeded “The installation went well and timelines were met: a week for preparation, loading the software and training, then about four weeks for actual change out of the residence units, with perimeter doors switched over to the new system last. The entire implementation took about five weeks in the summer of 2011. Floyd technicians trained our maintenance personnel on the installation and maintenance of the battery powered door locks. This allows us to remove and install the devices ourselves when we remodel and refresh areas of the facility, a common occurrence with 425 units.” “This SALTO changeover is probably the easiest such install we’ve ever done. Residents feel safer in their units than they did before. Floyd couldn’t have provided a better or more accommodating crew. Our administrators had ample time to get familiar with the new system and feel comfortable with it. Michelle Hasbrouck and Chris Chromey from Floyd backed us up with responses to residents’ concerns and where available when we needed them.” “We would recommend this system absolutely! As a result of our experience, Floyd Total Security has implemented the SALTO Inspired Access Control System at two other Lifespace Communities: Grand Lodge at the Preserve in Lincoln, NE and Abbey Delray South in Abby Delray, FL.” “Two additional facilities in Florida and Pennsylvania are scheduled to begin installation later this year, with the balance coming online over the next two years. We think all our communities will be moving in this direction.” commented Rick Meyer.

As part of the centralization of five Munich hospitals, 20,000 old cards were gradually switched to new LEGIC employee ID cards for time & attendance and access control. With around 3500 beds, 260 day clinic places and 9500 employees, the Klinikum Munich, resulting from the merger of five clinics, is the biggest health service provider in southern Germany, today. As part of the centralization operation of the five hospitals, a central SAP system was implemented. It was decided to implement a certified SAP sub-system from Kaba for time & attendance and access control. At the same time, a company-wide card system was introduced. The areas for which employees use the new LEGIC ID are: time & attendance, access control, in the canteen, at food and clothing distributors. Kaba time & attendance terminals were installed everywhere and then 10,000 old cards were exchanged for the new LEGIC ID card. A further 10,000 cards were then given to sub-contractors and visitors.  At the same time, new regulations were put in place regarding the use and payment of the catering facilities in the entire hospital. The Munich-based company Automaten Seitz implemented a cashless payment system (EC machine). Old cash register PCs and distributors were replaced. Now, employees, outside staff, visitors, interns, etc., can eat in any of the hospital’s five canteens without using cash. Access control was also extended. In order to be able to cover new requirements for flexible access profiles, the Kaba Attendance Management module was implemented. All employee authorizations will be taken care of centrally with this module. Central access control regulates, on all premises, access to underground garages or open parking spaces, canteen entry and entry to particularly sensitive areas (laboratories, computer rooms, etc.). The data center, which requires particular protection, is secured with high-security gates. Daniel Wolf from the StädtischenKlinikum, adds: “We have a certified sub-system for time & attendance and access control which is fully integrated in SAP and very stable. Overall, we are very satisfied with the system.”