Hotels, leisure & entertainment security applications

Security trade fairs can be daunting for attendees. At big shows like ISC West and Global Security Exchange (GSX), there can be hundreds of physical security manufacturers and dealers vying for your attention. Booths are sometimes spread out across multiple halls, often accompanied by a confusing floor plan. As the scope of physical security expands from video surveillance and access control to include smart building integrations, cyber security and the Internet of Things (IoT), there is an increasing amount of information to take in from education sessions and panels. Here, SecurityInformed.com presents eight hints and tips for visitors to make the most out of trade shows: 1. Outline your objectives. As the famous saying goes, “Failing to plan is planning to fail!” Before you plan anything else, ensure you know what you need to achieve at the show. By clearly noting your objectives, you will be able to divide your time at the show appropriately, and carefully choose who you speak to. If there is a particular project your organization is working on, search out the products and solutions that address your security challenges. If you are a security professional aiming to keep up with the latest trends and technologies, then networking sessions and seminars may be more appropriate. 2. Bring a standard list of questions Prepare a list of specific questions that will tell you if a product, solution or potential partner will help you meet your objectives. By asking the same questions to each exhibitor you speak to, you will be able to take notes and compare their offerings side by side at the end of the day. This also means you won’t get bogged down in details that are irrelevant to your goals. Most trade fair websites provide the option to filter exhibitors by their product category  3. Do your homework Once you know your objectives, you can start to research who is exhibiting and decide who you want to talk to. Lists of exhibitors can be daunting, and don’t always show you which manufacturers meet your needs. Luckily, most trade fair websites provide the option to filter exhibitors by their product category. Many exhibitions also offer a downloadable floor plan, grouping exhibitors by product category or by relevant vertical market.  It may be easier to download the floor plan to your phone/tablet or even print it out, if you don’t want to carry around a weighty map or show-guide. 4. Make a schedule Once you have shortlisted the companies you need to see, you can make a schedule that reflects your priorities. Even if you are not booking fixed meetings, a schedule will allow you to effectively manage your time, ensuring you make time for the exhibitors you can’t afford to miss. If the trade show spans several days, aim to have your most important conversations early on day one. By the time the last afternoon of the show comes around, many companies are already packing up their booth and preparing to head home. When scheduling fixed meetings, keep the floor plan at hand to avoid booking consecutive meetings at opposite ends of the venue. This will ensure you can walk calmly between stands and don’t arrive at an important meeting feeling flustered! Look for panels and seminars which address the specific needs of your project, or which will contribute to your professional growth 5. Make time for learning If you’re on a mission to expand your knowledge in a given area, check the event guide beforehand to note any education sessions you may want to attend. Look for panels and seminars which address the specific needs of your project, or which will contribute to your professional growth. This is one of the best opportunities you will have to learn from industry leaders in the field. Be sure to plan your attendance in advance so you can schedule the rest of your day accordingly. 6. Keep a record Armed with your objectives and list of questions, you will want to make a note of exhibitors’ responses to help you come to an informed decision. If you’re relying on an electronic device such as a smartphone or tablet to take notes, you may like to consider bringing a back-up notepad and pen, so you can continue to take notes if your battery fails. Your record does not have to be confined to written bullet points. Photos and videos are great tools remind you what you saw at the show, and they may pick up details that you weren’t able to describe in your notes. Most mobile devices can take photos – and images don’t need to be high quality if they’re just to refresh your memory. 7. Network – but don’t let small talk rule the day It may be tempting to take advantage of this time away from the office to talk about anything but business! While small talk can be helpful for building strong professional relationships, remember to keep your list of questions at hand so you can always bring conversations back to your key objectives. Keeping these goals in mind will also help you avoid being swayed by any unhelpful marketing-speak. It may seem obvious, but don’t forget to exchange business cards with everyone you speak to, or even take the opportunity to connect via LinkedIn. Even if something doesn’t seem relevant now, these contacts may be useful in future. Have a dedicated section in your bag or briefcase for business cards to avoid rummaging around. With your most important conversations planned carefully, there should be time left to explore the show more freely 8. Schedule time for wandering With your most important conversations planned carefully, there should be time left to explore the show more freely. Allowing dedicated time to wander will give you a welcome break from more pressing conversations, and may throw up a welcome surprise in the form of a smaller company or new technology you weren’t aware of.  Security Trade Fair Checklist: Photo Identification: As well as your event pass, some events require photo identification for entry. Notebook and pen: By writing as you go, you will be able to compare notes at the end of the day. Mobile device: Photos and videos are great tools to remind you what you saw at the show, and may pick up details you missed in your notes. Paper schedule & floor plan: In case batteries or network service fail. Business cards: Have a dedicated pouch or pocket for these to avoid rummaging at the bottom of a bag. Comfortable shoes: If you’re spending a whole day at an event, and plan on visiting multiple booths, comfortable shoes are a must!

I have been thinking a lot about the U.S. government’s ban on video surveillance technologies by Hikvision and Dahua. In general, I question the wisdom and logic of the ban and am frankly puzzled as to how it came to be. Allow me to elaborate. Chinese Camera Manufacturers Reality check: The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse. Before the government ban, you occasionally heard about some government entities deciding not to use cameras manufactured by Chinese companies, although the reasons were mostly “in an abundance of caution.”  Even so, I find the targeting of two Chinese companies – three if you count Hytera Communications, a mobile radio manufacturer – in a huge government military spending bill to be a little puzzling. I can’t quite picture how these specific companies got on Congress’s radar. The government ban is based on concerns about the potential misuse of cameras, not actual misuse What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced (by a Missouri congresswoman) into the House version of the bill? And after the ban was left out of the Senate version, was there a new wave of discussions to ensure it was included in the joint House-Senate version (with some minor changes, and who negotiated those?). It all seems a little random. Concerns For The U.S. Furthermore, the U.S. ban solves neither of the two main concerns that are generally used as its justification: Concern: Cybersecurity. The U.S. ban “solves” the issue of cybersecurity only if both of the following statements are true. No security system that uses a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. Any system that does not use a Hikvision or Dahua camera or other component is cybersecure. What level of lobbying or backroom dealing was involved in getting the ban introduced into the House version of the bill? The ban ignores the breadth and complexity of cybersecurity and instead offers up two companies as scapegoats. Our industry has sought to address cybersecurity, and the one principle that has guided that effort is that cybersecurity is an issue that must be addressed by manufacturers, consultants, integrators and end users – in effect, everyone in the industry. Cybersecurity does not begin and end with the manufacturer and banning any manufacturers from the market does not ensure better cybersecurity. Concern: “Untrustworthy” Chinese companies. Hikvision and Dahua are only two Chinese companies. Any response to concerns about whether Chinese companies are trustworthy would need to cover many more companies that manufacture their products in China. Australian TV recently claimed that “All Chinese companies pose a risk. Because of Chinese laws, there is a requirement for companies to be engaged in espionage on behalf of the state.” Even if one embraces that extreme view, the logic fails when only two companies are targeted. One source told me that 60 to 65 percent of the global supply of commercial video cameras are manufactured in China, so it’s a much bigger issue than two companies.The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras And is U.S. security at risk unless or until it is cut off from more than half of the world’s supply of video cameras? Even Western camera companies manufacture some of their cameras and/or components in China. Why name only two (or three) companies, only one of which has ties to the Chinese government? If the goal of the U.S. ban was to address the possibility of cybersecurity and/or espionage by the Chinese government, shouldn’t there be other companies and product categories included? Clearly, video surveillance is not the only category that has the potential for abuse. The Chinese government has much more effective ways of conducting espionage than exploiting security cameras. Global Response To U.S. Ban And now that the U.S. ban has been passed, how is the ban being misused to justify a new level of alarm about Chinese companies? Australian television effortlessly made the leap from “software backdoors” to a concerted and organized effort by the Chinese government to use cameras to be the “number one country for espionage.” And it’s not just about government facilities: “Even on the street, [cameras] have the potential to inadvertently contribute toward Chinese espionage activity by providing real-time information about the situation on the ground,” says the Australian TV report. If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies? If all Chinese companies pose a risk, why is the U.S. government targeting specific companies rather than all Chinese companies, or at least those with electronics or computer products that could be used for espionage? What about the espionage potential of the 70% of mobile phones that are made in China? What about other consumer electronics such as PCs or smart TVs? How many government facilities that are eliminating Dahua and Hikvision cameras have employees who use iPhones or use other electronic equipment from China? Artificial Intelligence & IP-Over-Coax Also, consider the impact of the ban on business. Hikvision and Dahua have had many successes in the video surveillance market, including in the U.S. market. They have added value to many integrators and end user customers. They have been on the forefront of important trends such as artificial intelligence and IP-over-coax. And, yes, they have made technologies available at lower prices.Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just Hikvision and Dahua Cybersecurity issues have plagued several companies in the industry, not just these two, and both Hikvision and Dahua have worked to fix past problems, and to raise awareness of cybersecurity concerns in general. Is a U.S. ban on two companies an appropriate response to a series of geo-political concerns that are much bigger than those two companies (and bigger than our entire market)? Should two companies take the brunt of the anti-Chinese backlash? Video Surveillance Cameras Is the video surveillance market as a whole better or worse for the presence of Hikvision and Dahua? Is it up to the U.S. government to make that call? In some ways, thoughts of Chinese espionage are a sign of these uncertain political times. Fear of video surveillance is perfectly congruent with long-standing anxieties about “Big Brother;” suspicion about China taking over our video cameras just rings true at a time when Russia is (supposedly) controlling our elections. But should two companies be targeted while broader concerns are shrugged off?

Governments and corporations face crisis events every day. An active shooter terrorizes a campus. A cyber extortionist holds a city for ransom. A hurricane washes away a key manufacturing facility. Not all critical events rise to the level of these catastrophic emergencies, but a late or inadequate response to even a minor incident can put people, operations and reputations at risk. Effective Response Plan In 2015, for example, the City of Boston experienced several record-breaking snowstorms that forced the city to close the subway system for three days. The extreme decision cost the state $265 million per day and was largely attributed to a lack of preparation and an inadequate response plan by the transportation department. The reputation of the head of the transportation department was so damaged by the decision she was forced to resign. Being able to better predict how the storms would impact the subway system’s aging infrastructure – and having a more effective response plan in place – could have saved the state hundreds of millions of dollars (not to mention the transit chief’s job). A comprehensive critical event management strategy begins before the impact of an event is felt and continues after the immediate crisis has ended. This full lifecycle strategy can be broken into four distinct phases – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Assessing Threats For Prevention Security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictionsIdentifying a threat before it reaches critical mass and understanding how it might impact vital assets is the most difficult challenge facing security professionals. In the past, security teams might have complained about not having enough intelligence data to make accurate predictions. Today, the exact opposite might be true – there is too much data! With crime and incident data coming from law enforcement agencies, photos and videos coming from people on the front line, topics trending on social media and logistical information originating from internal systems it can be almost impossible to locate a real signal among all the noise and chatter. Being able to easily visualize all this intelligence data within the context of an organization’s assets is vital to understand the relationship between threat data and the individuals or facilities in harm’s way. Social Media Monitoring Free tools like Google Maps or satellite imagery from organizations like AccuWeather, for example, can help understand how fast a storm is closing in on a manufacturing facility, or how close an active shooter is to a school. Their usefulness, however, is limited to a few event types and they provide only a very macro view of the crisis. Data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile Critical event management (CEM) platforms, however, are designed specifically to manage critical events of all types and provide much greater visibility. Internal and external data sources (weather, local and national emergency management, social media monitoring software, security cameras, etc.) are integrated into these platforms and their data is visualised on a threat map. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting and don’t lose time trying to make sense of intelligence reports. The more they can see on a ‘single pane of glass,’ the faster they can initiate the appropriate response. Locating A Threat Once a threat has been deemed a critical event, the next step is to find the people who might be impacted – employees/residents in danger, first responders and key stakeholders (e.g., senior executives or elected officials who need status updates). Often, this requires someone on the security team to access an HR contact database and initiate a call tree to contact each person individually, in a specific hierarchical order. This can be a time-consuming and opaque process. There is no information on the proximity of that person to the critical event, or if a person has skills such as CPR that could aid in the response. Ensuring ahead of time that certifications, skill sets, or on-call availability is included with contact information can save valuable time in the middle of a crisis response. Going even further, data from building access systems, wifi hotspots, corporate travel systems, among others, can be used to create a profile of where a person just was and where he or she might be going in a CEM platform. This information can be visualized on the threat map and help determine who is actually in danger and who can respond the fastest. The emergency response then becomes targeted and more effective. Security teams can quickly see if there are actual threats to the organizations or communities they are protecting Acting And Automating The third step is to act and automate processes. If there is a tornado closing in on a town, for example, residents should not have to wait for manual intervention before a siren is activated or a message sent out. Organizations can build and execute their standing operating procedures (SOPs) fully within a CEM platform. Sirens, alarms, digital signs and messages can all be automatically activated based on event type, severity and location. Using the tornado example, an integration with a weather forecasting service could trigger the command to issue a tornado warning for a specific community if it is in the path of the storm. Summon Security Guards Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert Warning messages can be prepared in advance based on event type so there is no chance of issuing a misleading or unclear alert. All communications with impacted individuals can be centralized within the platform and automated based on SOP protocols. This also includes inbound communications from first responders and impacted individuals. An employee confronted by an assailant in a parking garage could initiate an SOS alert from his or her mobile phone that would automatically summon security guards to the scene. Conference lines can also be instantly created to enable collaboration and speed response time. Additionally, escalation policies are automatically engaged if a protocol is broken. For example, during an IT outage, if the primary network engineer does not respond in two minutes, a designated backup is automatically summoned. Eliminating manual steps from SOPs reduces the chance for human error and increases the speed and effectiveness of critical event responses. Analysis Of A Threat Looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again It’s not uncommon for security and response teams to think that a critical event is over once the immediate crisis has ended. After all, they are often the ones pushing themselves to exhaustion and sometimes risking life and limb to protect their neighbours, colleagues, community reputations and company brands. They need and deserve a rest. In the aftermath of a critical event, however, it’s important to review the effectiveness of the response and look for ways to drive improvements. Which tasks took too long? What resources were missing? How many times did people respond quickly? With a CEM platform, team performance, operational response, benchmarking data and notification analysis are all captured within the system and are available in a configurable dashboard or in after-action reports for analysis. Continuously looking for ways to better prepare and respond to critical events will not only improve performance when similar events occur again, but it will also improve response effectiveness when unforeseen events strike. Coordinate Emergency Response Virtually every organization has some form of response plan to triage a critical event and restore community order or business operations. While many of these plans are highly effective in providing a structure to command and coordinate emergency response, they are reactive in nature and don’t account for the full lifecycle of a critical event – Assess, Locate, Act and Analyze. Whether it’s a large-scale regional emergency or a daily operational issue such as an IT outage, a comprehensive critical event management strategy will minimize the impact by improving visibility, collaboration and response.

Using a smart phone as an access control credential is an idea whose time has come – or has it? The flexible uses of smart phones are transforming our lives in multiple ways, and the devices are replacing everything from our alarm clocks to our wallets to our televisions. However, the transformation from using a card to using a mobile credential for access control is far from a no-brainer for many organizations, which obstacles to a fast or easy transition. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: When will mobile credentials dominate access control, and what are the obstacles to greater adoption?

In 1973, a brilliant economist named E.F. Schumacher wrote a seminal book titled ‘Small Is Beautiful:’ taking an opposing stance to the emergence of globalization and “bigger is better” industrialism. He described the advantages of smaller companies and smaller scales of production, highlighting the benefits of building our economies around the needs of communities, not corporations. In almost every industry or market that exists in the world today, you're likely to find a difference in size between companies. Whether it’s a global retail chain versus a small family-owned store, a corporate restaurant chain versus a mom-and-pop diner or a small bed and breakfast versus a large hotel chain — each side of the coin presents unique characteristics and advantages in a number of areas. Disparity In Physical Security Industry Customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises as the big names typically imply stability This disparity very clearly exists in the physical security industry, and differences in the sizes of product manufacturers and service providers could have important implications for the quality and type of the products and services offered. All too often, customers are drawn to products and services from large enterprises, as the big names typically imply stability, extensive product offerings and global reach. And that's not to say that these considerations are unwarranted; one could argue that larger companies have more resources for product development and likely possess the combined expertise and experience to provide a wide range of products and services. But the value that a company’s products and services can bring isn’t necessarily directly related to or dependent on its size. In an age where the common wisdom is to scale up to be more efficient and profitable, it’s interesting to pause and think about some of the possible advantages of small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Typically, “small” companies are defined as those with less than 100 employees and “medium” with less than 500. Providing Social Mobility  Schumacher argued that smaller companies are important engines of economic growth. Indeed, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), a group of 36 member countries that promotes policies for economic and social well-being, SMBs account for 60 to 70 percent of jobs in most OECD countries. Importantly, SMBs provide resilience in that there are often large economic and social impacts when big companies fail. Smaller companies are better for regional economies in general, as earnings stay more local compared to big businesses, which in turn generates additional economic activity. SMBs are also better at providing social mobility for disadvantaged groups by giving them opportunities and enabling them to realize their potential. Smaller companies are often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions such as Cloud, analytics, AI, and IoT New Companies Introduce New Technologies There's no denying the role of start-ups when it comes to innovation. In the security industry, many new technologies (e.g. Cloud, analytics, AI, IoT) are first brought to the market by newer companies. In general, smaller companies’ products and services often have to be as good or better than others to be competitive in the marketplace. They are therefore often more innovative, bringing to the market novel technologies and solutions. And these companies are also more willing to try out other new B2B solutions, while larger companies tend to be more risk-averse. Customer Service Aside from the quality of products and services, arguably one of the most important components of a security company’s success is its ability to interact with and provide customers the support that they deserve. Smaller companies are able to excel and stand out to their customers in a number of ways: Customer service. Customers’ perceptions of a product’s quality are influenced by the quality of support, and smaller manufacturers often possess a strong, motivated customer service team that can be relatively more responsive to customers of all sizes, not just the large ones. A superior level of support generally translates into high marks on customer satisfaction, since customers’ issues with products can be resolved promptly. Flexibility. SMBs have a greater capacity to detect and satisfy small market niches. While large companies generally create products and services for large markets, smaller companies deal more directly with their customers, enabling them to meet their needs and offer customized products and services. And this translates to adaptability, as SMBs become responsive to new market trends. By having a pulse on the market, smaller companies have much more flexibility in their supply chain and can adjust much faster in response to changing demand. Decision-making. Smaller companies are much more agile in decision-making, while larger enterprises often suffer from complex, tedious and lengthy decision-making processes. Communication is easier throughout SMBs, as smaller teams enable new ideas to flow and can solve problems faster. Job Satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction Employees working for SMBs connect more directly with the company's goals and objectives, which in turn increases motivation and job satisfaction. SMBs are also generally more connected to local communities and participation in community activities leads to a greater sense of purpose. Additionally, SMBs have a much smaller impact on the environment, which is increasingly becoming an important consideration for today’s employees and customers. Though Schumacher's book takes a much deeper dive into the large global effects of scale on people and profitability, the general impact of a company’s size on its products and services is clear. It’s important for all players in the security industry to remember that the commitment and dedication to product quality can be found in businesses of all sizes. Ensuring Safety Of People, Property And Assets Large manufacturers may catch your eye, but small business shouldn’t be forgotten, as they can offer end users a robust set of attributes and benefits. While all security companies are aiming to achieve a common goal of providing safety for people, property and assets, smaller businesses can provide extensive value when it comes to driving the economy, innovating in the industry, providing quality employment and offering superior customer service.

Repercussions are rippling through the physical security industry since President Trump signed into law the ban on government uses of surveillance equipment by Chinese manufacturers Hikvision and Dahua. In addition to the direct and indirect consequences of the new law, there have also been other developments likely to impact the future of Chinese companies in the video surveillance market. The ban has raised awareness of Chinese companies’ role in video surveillance, and other developments are related to tariffs and possible sanctions, all playing out amid the backdrop of an escalating trade war. One Chinese manufacturer previously dismissed security concerns about its role in video surveillance as “Cold War rhetoric.” There has been an almost nostalgic tone recently to the escalating concerns about video cameras being used for spying. Hikvision and Dahua have both stated emphatically that they have not conducted any espionage-related activities. Even so, the U.S. government ban has emboldened the concerns. However, to be clear: No one has alleged that technologies from either of the companies have been used for espionage. Rather, the concerns are about the potential for misuse, not actual misuse. Also aggravating the situation are Chinese companies’ previous, actual problems with cybersecurity, which the companies say they have addressed. Here are some recent developments related to the U.S. government ban and Chinese manufacturers in general: Tariffs And Trade Concerns Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods, including data storage and processing components such as printed circuit boards, as well as video camera lenses. The escalating trade war has kept generalized concerns about China and its trade practices in the public eye and fomented a level of uncertainty in many markets, including physical security. Additional rounds of U.S. tariffs have targeted an expanding array of Chinese goods Involvement Of Surveillance In Chinese Human Rights Violations Concerns have surfaced in a Congressional hearing recently about the Chinese government’s surveillance activities targeting the Uyghurs and other Muslim ethnic minorities in the Zinjiang Urghur Autonomous Region (XUAR). Specific attention is being directed at the region’s surveillance system including “thousands of surveillance cameras, including in mosques,” and Hikvision and Dahua were mentioned in the Congressional hearing as profiting from security spending in the area. Increased Global Media Attention The ban has not been widely publicized in the U.S. mainstream media, but the topic has attracted global attention. For example, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation broadcast a 10-minute expose on the use of Chinese-made cameras in Australian government facilities, including “sensitive military facilities.” The report, which mentioned the U.S. ban, noted that “Both [Hikvision and Dahua] have had security flaws be exposed leading to fears that some of the flaws were placed there to help the Chinese government spy.” The report continues: “China is trying to set itself up as the number-one country for cyber-espionage, and this is part of that platform.” How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of "critical infrastructure" mentioned in the bill? Broader Interpretation Of The Bill Beyond The Federal Government The language in the bill leaves a level of ambiguity in terms of the scope of its application, and the security marketplace as a whole has been struggling to understand its full impact. Does the ban only restrict an integrator’s use of Chinese technology on a specific government job, or does it eliminate an integrator who installs the technology (even in non-government projects) from consideration for government jobs? How broadly should one interpret the inclusion of “critical infrastructure” mentioned in the bill, for example, non-governmental facilities? Will other governments and private entities assume they should ban Hikvision and Dahua in order to be compliant? For example, Suffolk, VA., has announced it will not to use Dahua or Hikvision cameras because the federal ban applies to “U.S. government-funded contracts and for critical infrastructure and national security usage.” The result of these developments is a kind of snowball effect, simultaneously drawing attention to the issues and adding new elements to an overall narrative. Taken together, these developments suggest the U.S. ban has set off a level of concern about Chinese companies that will have an industry-transforming impact in the months to come.

Somerset Mall in South Africa’s Western Cape Province has become the first shopping mall to make the transition to IP CCTV surveillance. Working with local systems-integrator, SSC Infrasek, Somerset Mall has installed 130 Hikvision network cameras to protect the safety of visitors and stores alike throughout the complex, the third-largest shopping center in the province. The scenic splendor of South Africa’s Western Cape Province has long attracted visitors. Millions of tourists flock to visit Table Mountain, the Cape of Good Hope, Robben Island – where the late Nelson Mandela was incarcerated – and enjoy the Cape Winelands and the beautiful coastline. But, as the fourth largest of South Africa’s nine provinces with a population of almost 6 million, visitors with business in mind are also plentiful in the capital, Cape Town. The town of Somerset West on the outskirts of Cape Town is ideally situated for commuters and visitors. Lying in the Helderberg basin with a view across the bay to Simon’s Town and Cape Point, and overlooked by the Hottentots-Holland mountain range, approximately 55,000 people call it home and welcome tourists to the beachfront and numerous golf courses. Both can also take advantage of Western Cape’s third largest shopping center – Somerset Mall. Bigger Challenges First opened in 1993, Somerset Mall is on the N2 Freeway that connects Cape Town to Port Elizabeth and Durban. It’s an ideal position to attract visitors and since its first opening the mall has seen numbers continue to climb. Two separate expansion phases have taken place and Somerset Mall now houses 204 stores extending over more than 1.3 km, all with single level access. Parking is also similarly extensive, with a total of 4,500 parking bays of which approximately 700 are undercover. Alongside the stores, the most recent expansion of Somerset Mall has also seen it expand to encompass an Adventure Arena. This is dominated by a spectacular double climbing wall with views of the Helderberg mountains, but the Adventure Arena also includes a 10-pin bowling alley, a games arcade and an 8-screen movie complex. As a result, the successful complex now attracts an average of 200,000 visitors per week. However, the CCTV security system had not kept pace with the growing numbers of visitors and shoppers and the Mall’s management realized that enhancing the level of security was vital. They turned to systems-integrator SSC Infrasek for a solution. New IP System The wide range of cameras and options available to us meant that we could select the right camera for the job without compromising the design objective" According to Mario Groenewald, technical manager at SSC Infrasek, “When we looked at the entirety of the security challenges facing the Mall, we quickly realised that simply supplementing the existing analog system was not going to work. The expansion of the shopping precinct to 1.3 km of storefronts together with the new Arena and extensive car parks had stretched the old system almost to its limits. Increasing levels of surveillance in the pedestrian areas and in the extensive car parks was a priority and we were also conscious that the mall is very innovative and successful in attracting visitors to its unique blend of attractions. Therefore, further expansion of the site is quite likely and any proposed CCTV system would have to be capable of coping with this expansion. “Having been tasked with implementing a comprehensive CCTV system to maintain security throughout the whole complex, we decided that the only realistic solution was to replace the whole of the existing analog system with a fully IP CCTV system, based upon 130 Hikvision network cameras supplied through their local distributor, Sensor Limited.” According to Mario, the choice of Hikvision technology was based on a number of factors. “The wide range of cameras and options available to us meant that we could select the right camera for the job without compromising the design objectives. We had also used Hikvision products in other projects and found them to be robust and reliable, delivering very high-quality images while remaining cost-effective. Finally, Hikvision has successfully delivered many similar projects around the world and offered us great support all the way from system design through to implementation.” Maximum Protection Inside For the inside of the mall, SSC Infrasek chose DS-2CD7153-E the network mini dome camera, which offers many features that make it ideal for the surveillance of an area like Somerset Mall where image quality and a robust build quality are key priorities. Inside the vandal proof IP66 rated housing, the camera is based around a large 1/3” progressive scan CMOS image sensor, offering 2 megapixel HD resolution (1600 x 1200 pixels), dual real-time video streams of up to 720p, and offers a choice of H.264, MPEG4 and MJPEG video compression. The DS-2CD7153-E model is fitted with a bright 4 mm F1.8 lens, although 2.8, 6 and 8 mm versions are also available, and offers a wide 68 degree viewing angle. The unit also offers three axis adjustments at installation and Hikvision’s ePTZ capability for increased viewing control and versatility. The result is a camera that delivers outstanding images while withstanding the rigors of a very public placement. Image quality was paramount, but protecting the camera from any environmental factors was considered closely A total of 100 DS-2CD7153-E models were installed throughout the interior of the mall.Versatility is also offered in placement of the camera courtesy of the PoE feature. Meanwhile, the inclusion of day/night automatic switching and multiple alarm triggers, including motion detection, tampering alarm, network disconnect, and IP address conflict, give installers and users maximum flexibility. SSC Infrasek opted to install 30 Hikvision DS-2DF1-518 PTZ network high speed dome cameras to protect the outside of the mall and the 3,800 outside parking spaces. Again, image quality was paramount but protecting the camera from any environmental factors was considered closely. At the heart of the DS-2DF1-518 is a powerful 36x F1.8 zoom lens that take just 5.4 seconds to go from wide open to fully zoomed. Augmented with 16x digital zoom, this bright 3.4 - 122.4 mm lens is backed up by with a 1/4’’ Sony Super HAD CCD image sensor inside a tough, weatherproof IP66 housing. This combination of 36x zoom, 3D intelligent positioning and the powerful built-in PTZ control means that operators can maintain surveillance over very large panoramas while retaining the ability to focus effortlessly on any area of interest. The camera also integrates an IR cut filter, for seamless day and night operation down to a minimum 0.2 lux in color and a very low 0.02 lux in black & white. Building Success Into The Future “The successful implementation of South Africa’s first IP surveillance solution in a shopping center environment is an impressive demonstration of SSC Infrasek’s design and implementation expertise that is set to bring in more IP projects in the coming months,” according to Mario Groenewald. “It is also an expression of Hikvision’s commitment to producing the most technologically advanced cameras and making them available to every market in the world,” he concludes.

Arecont Vision megapixel technology is proven around the world to reduce the number of cameras required while increasing video quality, coverage, and forensic recording.  Hotels, casinos, theme and amusement parks, museums, restaurants, and entertainment venues of all types are customer-proven environment for Arecont Vision cameras. At the same time, customers are usually able to dramatically slash the number of cameras required for a less-prevalent and more welcoming surveillance environment while delivering superior situational awareness with Arecont Vision SurroundVideo multi-sensor panoramic and omnidirectional camera models. Video Surveillance Applications Video surveillance is growing in use not only for the traditional protection of guests, facilities, staff, and visitors, but also for people counting, access control/identify management, traffic and parking management, forensic recording, and real time monitoring. Typical Deployments Criminal behavior and vandalism deterrence Facial recognition and identification Traffic monitoring and vehicle identification Parking monitoring and license plate recognition Crowd and traffic flow monitoring Monitoring of restaurants, bars, retail areas, lobbies, reception areas, lounges, gaming areas, event spaces, parking lots, corridors, elevator lobbies, gyms/health clubs, pools, offices, stock rooms, and storage areas Litigation protection indoors and outside Vehicle monitoring for pre-existing damage for parking areas and valet Overall situational awareness What Arecont Vision's Customers Say “These cameras help reduce our on-floor manpower and increase our effectiveness because there can be one person on the floor and another person who is watching the camera, who can cover 10 times more area than one person can on foot. "We certainly didn’t want to give people the feeling that they are being watches throughout the hotel.  We really like how the low profile of the cameras and the multi-sensor capabilities enabled us to use just one camera opposed to four separate ones," comments Kevin Miller, Corporate Director of Security for the Davenport Collection of Properties “We demonstrated the superior performance of Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras to provide wide area coverage in almost any lighting. Mr. Linh’s staff at the Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers were so impressed that we designed and built a new video surveillance solution around Arecont Vision’s imaging technology," states Thomas Tran, Citek Corporation.

One of Italy’s grandest hotels has upgraded to a state-of-the-art March Networks video surveillance system. Château Monfort, a five-star hotel located in the center of Milan, is part of Italy’s luxury Planetaria Hotels chain. Planetaria Group operates four and five-star hotels in some of the country’s most popular destinations. Video Surveillance For Events Improving the performance and efficiency of video surveillance at Château Monfort was the primary reason the Planetaria Group turned to March Networks. “Our video surveillance solution had to provide maximum safety for our guests, and deter any illegal activity,” said Hotel Manager Stefano Risolé. “We were particularly concerned about security for some of the large events we host, where visitor numbers increase and the risk of theft is much higher. “The reception desk is always open and our staff are always present and available, but we wanted the added assurance of a real-time monitoring and security system,” noted Risolé. 24/7 Monitoring Of Premises Château Monfort wanted to upgrade its older video surveillance system with a solution that enabled comprehensive monitoring of its premises 24/7. It was also important to have access to technical support in order to promptly resolve any performance issues. The Planetaria Group knew it could count on March Networks, having already deployed the company’s video technology at the Hotel Pulitzer, its five-star property in Rome. March Networks was able to demonstrate how its intelligent video solution could meet the hotel’s strategic challenges A world leader in the business-to-business (B2B) security sector, with many years of experience in banking, retail and hospitality, March Networks was able to demonstrate how its intelligent video solution could meet the hotel’s strategic challenges. After evaluating various options, Château Monfort selected the March Networks Command Enterprise video management solution with server-based recording. “It is essential for a prestigious hotel like ours to have the highest-quality video security system that is proven to be both reliable and easy to use,” said Risolé. “Our choice was influenced by the need to protect the hotel’s reputation. We needed a system that would be fool-proof. Human error can lead to mistakes, and we want to guard against this at all costs.” System Scalability The March Networks system allows Château Monfort to investigate reported incidents of missing or damaged property while making sure that privacy is always respected. Authorized staff have access to live and recorded video as required, and can monitor the hotel remotely from any networked location. Equally important, the system is scalable, ensuring that Château Monfort will be able to take advantage of technology advances in the future. “March Networks has expertise in the design and supply of products and solutions to meet the most demanding security requirements,” said Paolo Romanò, March Networks Regional Sales Manager for Southern Europe. “Our focus on innovation and the development of cutting-edge products supported by great service has proven to be a winning formula and has been fundamental to our growth and customer satisfaction.” Video Surveillance Solution Features Installed by March Networks certified partner Hitech Madness in July 2015, Château Monfort’s video surveillance solution includes 40 March Networks IP cameras, with models such as the MegaPX WDR MiniDome Z, and three Edge 4e Encoders to digitise video captured from existing analog cameras. It also includes a Dell server pre-configured with Command Recording Server software and internal RAID5 storage to ensure redundant data protection, even in the event of hard disk failure. The solution is set to automatically overwrite recorded video after two days to comply with Italian privacy legislation. Three years after the hotel opening, and with various upgrades since, the technical support provided by March Networks remains flawless Security staff and the hotel’s director can access live and recorded video captured by surveillance cameras installed on every floor of the hotel via March Networks Command client software. Château Monfort uses the Command client to display the various interface screens for configuration and video review. The software is very intuitive, with menus organized in a logical way to help less technical users configure the system in a few steps. User privileges and more complex camera and alarm configurations are also easy to set up using rules and conditions. System users are able to quickly search for recorded video by scanning thumbnail images and export video evidence together with explanatory notes for follow-up by law enforcement. Constant Monitoring For Crime Prevention “Château Monfort has used March Networks products from the beginning, following specifications drawn up by the main contractor,” said Gioele Colombi of Hitech Madness. “I have been very satisfied with the quality of the solutions and the excellent price performance ratio.” “Three years after the hotel opening, and with various upgrades since, the technical support provided by March Networks remains flawless. Technical and marketing support are always available and very professional. In the security sector, issues can occur, but with the approach taken by March Networks, resolutions are easy to find.” Hotel manager Stefano Risolé said the video evidence captured by the system has proven extremely useful on more than one occasion. “Using our March Networks video, we were recently able to identify the cause of damage to a valuable, ornamental statue located in one of our public areas. More than that, the police have used the recorded video to investigate a theft that occurred in front of the hotel entrance.” Thanks to March Networks and Hitech Madness, Hotel Château Monfort is able to rely on a stable, scalable and high-quality video solution that provides comprehensive surveillance throughout the property. The image quality and ability to access the system remotely allow staff to constantly monitor the premises and guard against critical situations.

Customer Located in the Meadowlands and part of the MetLife Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey, MetLife Stadium is home to the New York Football Giants and the New York Jets. The $1.6 billion stadium was financed and built by a joint venture between the two teams, who operate it through the New Meadowlands Stadium Company. The stadium opened in April 2010 and boasts a seating capacity of 82,500, making it one of the NFL's largest stadiums. On February 2, 2014, MetLife Stadium played host to Super Bowl® XLVIII. Challenge MetLife Stadium wanted to replace 26 IP cameras located at the perimeter gates of the stadium and also to deploy 180° panoramic-view cameras in place of the 27 pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras that covered the exterior perimeter. Given the large crowds they attract, each football game, concert or other event has its share of unique challenges, including monitoring fan conduct, crowd management situations and dealing with medical emergencies. MetLife Stadium's main goal in upgrading its surveillance system was to ensure a safe, secure environment that would contribute to a memorable guest experience. Incident prevention and monitoring were additional key goals of the project. MetLife Stadium staff members are challenged with trying to determine what happened after an incident occurred. There are often various versions and accounts from those involved and from independent witnesses. Clear recorded video is needed to reveal what actually happened. Prior to the new camera system being installed, MetLife Stadium used four PTZ cameras to monitor the seating bowl area and these cameras were only used reactively when an incident came to the attention of the stadium's Command Center. With the new camera system, every seat in the seating bowl is monitored at all times. Being able to have their Command Center personnel go back in time and review everyone’s actions is an extremely valuable investigative tool for stadium security personnel and for public safety agencies. Among the stadium security management team's other goals are to identify and examine objects left behind, monitor security screening procedures, investigate slip-and-fall incidents, observe staff performance and provide surveillance for counter terrorism efforts. Solution Because MetLife Stadium was designed to be a network-controlled building, IP cameras were part of the original design. When it came time to install cameras to cover the seating bowl, IP was the only platform considered, according to Daniel DeLorenzi, Director of Security for MetLife Stadium. "To run an analog system would have been cost-prohibitive due to cabling, and the cables would be single-purpose. If upgrades were necessary, the project would have to be completed all over again," DeLorenzi said. The excellent image quality provided by the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras makes it possible for stadium security to identify individuals DeLorenzi and the rest of MetLife Stadium's security management team turned to Robert McCabe, owner of Corporate Security Services, Inc., located in Edison, N.J., to assist in selecting IP surveillance components and to design and implement the video surveillance solution. After a careful evaluation process, an optimal surveillance solution was built around megapixel imaging technology from Arecont Vision to ensure wide area coverage with extreme detail and to enable forensic zooming on live and recorded video. Corporate Security Services deployed more than 130 Arecont Vision megapixel cameras throughout MetLife Stadium, including MegaVideo® Compact 10-megapixel (MP) cameras located around the bowl of the stadium to provide a view of every seat in every section; SurroundVideo® panoramic 8MP cameras provide 180° coverage of entrances and common areas; and MegaDome® 2 3MP cameras with remote focus and wide dynamic range (WDR) are located in the stadium’s security entrance areas. Arecont Vision WDR cameras provide detailed video where bright and dark images exist in the same scene. The Arecont Vision megapixel cameras are controlled using Genetec Security Center, a unified video management system (VMS) which is monitored by a centralized security command center within the stadium. Arecont Vision worked with Corporate Security Services' designers to provide a layout of the camera locations required to cover the area, which McCabe says helped with the installation. In the end, all the cameras were installed in easily accessible and serviceable locations. Megapixel Benefit Because of the high level of detail it provides, one Arecont Vision SurroundVideo panoramic camera covers the same area as multiple IP VGA resolution cameras. By using Arecont Vision cameras to reduce overall camera counts, MetLife Stadium’s security team was able to achieve its goal of implementing an unobtrusive high-performance video surveillance system. With a reduction in the total number of cameras implemented, the system can be more efficiently managed. MetLife Stadium's policy is to initiate real-time recording 24-hours prior to game day, at which time every camera within the stadium is recorded at its full frame rate. Incidents are recorded prior to, during and for several hours after a game or other event. This allows the security staff to easily search and play back detailed video of any reported incidents from any of the cameras to determine what happened. Because of the high level of detail it provides, one Arecont Vision SurroundVideo panoramic camera covers the same area as multiple IP VGA resolution cameras The excellent image quality provided by the Arecont Vision megapixel cameras makes it possible for stadium security to identify individuals, and the high frame rates allow them to see actions that occur. Additional benefits of the Arecont Vision cameras include Day/Night video capabilities where mechanical infrared (IR) cut filters are used for clear images in low light, H.264 compression to reduce network and storage costs and Power over Ethernet (PoE) to reduce cabling costs. Arecont Vision MegaVideo Compact series box cameras are available in 1.3MP to 10MP resolutions with features that include dual H.264/MJPEG encoding, fast frame rates, privacy masking, pixel binning to increase light sensitivity in 3MP, 5MP and 10MP models, extended motion detection grid, flexible cropping and PoE. They are available in color and Day/Night configurations. SurroundVideo series megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision are all-in-one 180° and 360° panoramic solutions that are available in 8MP, 12MP WDR, 20MP and 40MP resolutions. Housed in environmental rated IP66 domes, the units feature dual H.264/MJPEG encoding, true Day/Night functionality, IR corrected megapixel lenses, privacy masking, extended motion detection, bit rate control, binning mode to increase light sensitivity in 12MP, 20MP and 40MP models, fast image rates and WDR in 12MP models. Arecont Vision MegaDome 2 all-in-one cameras with remote focus and remote zoom are available in 1080p, 3MP, 5MP and 10MP resolutions. Features include an IP66-rated / IK-10 impact-resistant dome chassis with a 3-axis camera gimbal for easy adjustment, dual H.264/MJPEG encoding, integrated megapixel vari-focal lens, optional WDR in 1080p and 3MP models, pixel binning in 3MP, 5MP and 10MP models, total PoE and optional IR illumination, audio functionality and heater kit.

The Need For Improved Access Control Since the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010, also known as the Kerry bill, was signed, on-board safety and security has been improved on cruise ships headed to or from American ports. Under the numerous specifications of the act were significant improvement requirements to crew member access and control procedures. The new requirements meant cruise lines needed to move fast to make upgrades, especially the lines with high demand and around-the-clock travel schedules. This would require a reliable system, along with a smooth implementation process in order to keep goals on track and ships on schedule. For one of the world's leading luxury liners, the act meant that they would have to establish a new key control system for its four ships. With thousands of weekly passengers and destinations in Europe, Panama, the Caribbean, Alaska, and other transatlantic locations, an updated key management system was an instant priority. The cruise line's previous key system not only lacked individual and time-based access control, but it also required long periods of key collection and distribution. Automated Key Control With Access Restrictions "With the new requirements of the CVSSA of 2010, we needed the tools to meet the new key control guidelines. This meant that controlling access to different keys by person and time-frame was necessary, as well as a system to go along with it." Traka fulfilled this goal by providing intelligent, software-driven key cabinets with automated key issuing to ensure the cruise line exceeded the CVSSA requirements, along with a complimentary system that could be maintained by the existing security staff. For a smooth implementation process, the cruise line required a solution that could be integrated with their existing manual systems. Traka's key cabinets were a clear solution for the four vessels, as they could be quickly integrated with existing systems and exceed the access requirements of the Kerry Bill with their products. The Roll Out The implementation of Traka technology made this the first cruise line in the world to adopt the latest in key management in accordance with the CVSSA of 2010. With no complete key management systems in place and only manual processes, critical Traka electronic key cabinets were installed. Meeting the CVSAA requirements calls for a thorough planning process to go alongside the installation and training, but Traka went above and beyond what was expected with unique, specific processes designed for each ship. In a one to two week period, Traka carefully planned out how keys would be managed for the cruise line, who would have access to them, along with pinpointing when, why and how auditing the system would occur. An existing Traka security officer with the cruise line is able to manage the Traka systems with little impact on current workload, following a quick turnaround, implementation with the current specs, as well as training. With Traka, the increase inaccountability and productivityallowed for average monthlysavings close to $2500, completelycovering the return on investmentin just six months along with aquick, continuous profit Accountability And Increased Productivity "The main benefits of using Traka have been the key accountability and increased productivity, which eliminated approximately 120 personal hours per month that had previously been spent collecting and distributing keys." Though the Kerry Bill required access changes, the cruise line got much more in return by using the best in key management technology. With Traka, the increase in accountability and productivity allowed for average monthly savings close to $2500, completely covering the return on investment in just six months along with a quick, continuous profit. Once the new Traka systems were implemented, crew members saw major productivity increases. Now that keys don't have to be issued at the beginning and end of shifts, crew members appreciate the time saved. As a whole, the cruise line immediately recognized an extended list of benefits from implementing Traka, including: Key accountability Increased productivity Lower collection & distribution time Reduced costs Quick, effective implementation process Access control by person & time Return on investment in under six months After being the first cruise line to adopt key management, they plan on continuing to stay ahead of the pack with compliance and security for their passengers. Moving forward, they plan to purchase 10 more Traka key management systems and standardize based on Traka's complete fleet of key and asset management systems, including expansion with storage lockers to help protect electronic equipment and ignition control systems for vehicles. They also look forward to continued cost saving with Traka systems, along with training the shore side crew, so that they are up-to-speed with the on-board crew members and their grasp of the full range of key management solutions.

Customer Nirvana Spa is located about an hour outside of London in the Berkshire countryside. The award-winning facilities feature a variety of amenities including treatment rooms for hands-on healing, a gym, cafes, and 14 natural mineral water pools designed for pleasure, relaxation, or therapy. Nirvana Spa has a well-deserved reputation for luxury and first class service that has attracted a diverse range of clientele seeking to relax and unwind in secure and pampered comfort. Challenge Video surveillance cameras are as much a part of daily life in the UK (United Kingdom) as are the local pubs, and the grounds and facilities of Nirvana Spa are no exception. Video cameras on pan/tilt units have been installed outdoors on poles, on rooftops, and on the sides of buildings to cover the parking lot, perimeter areas, entrances, tennis courts, outdoor gardens, and maintenance buildings. Fixed and pan/tilt cameras have been installed in exercise rooms and pool areas for safety reasons and for general security in common areas. In keeping with the premium standards set at Nirvana Spa, the original analog video surveillance system was high quality when originally installed. Image quality was considered acceptable but required additional lighting to ensure useable recordings on a 24/7 basis. The need to increase the number of cameras for additional coverage was a major concern since it would become more difficult for the surveillance system to remain discrete. The most important issue related to the existing pan/tilt cameras, which were not adequately capturing incidents on video because they were usually facing the wrong direction when an event occurred. All of these issues were of concern and needed to be addressed by the new solution. Megapixel Solution Nirvana Spa management received a demonstration of Arecont Vision® SurroundVideo® panoramic megapixel cameras arranged through its system integrator, Lantec Security. The image quality of the Arecont Vision® SurroundVideo® panoramic cameras was considered to be far superior to other cameras that were demonstrated and evaluated. Camera features include true wide dynamic range (WDR), motion detection, day/night functionality, remote focus/remote zoom, and vandal-resistant housings. Arecont Vision® SurroundVideo® 180° and 360° panoramic megapixel cameras were the choice for the new installation. Megapixel Benefit Arecont Vision® SurroundVideo® IP AV-8185DN panoramic megapixel cameras were deployed for surveillance of the car park and surrounding perimeter areas. Each camera provides a 180°continuous view of the scene which means that fewer cameras are needed to cover the entire area. There are no lapses in coverage, unlike the previous pan/tilt-based solution. The day/night capability of the SurroundVideo® cameras also ensures that high quality video is captured 24 hours a day. In the event of an incident, operators can zoom in live or on recorded video for a closer look or for evidentiary purposes. The surveillance system provides full coverage of external parking areas and increases safety of customers & staff Arecont Vision® SurroundVideo® IP AV-8365DN panoramic megapixel dome cameras are used inside the facilities. Each camera provides a continuous 360° view. Areas which previously required several analog pan/tilt cameras are now monitored by a single 360° megapixel panoramic camera. Nirvana Spa clients and staff alike appreciate the added coverage without the feeling of being watched. Issues are now quickly resolved because of the exceptional video quality and the ability to capture the moments leading up to and after any incident. “The image quality of the Arecont Vision® megapixel cameras is excellent,” said Graham Walker, Head of Procurement & Security, Nirvana Spa. “They have helped us to improve the level of safety and security without intruding on anyone’s sense of privacy.” Significant cost benefits were delivered by requiring fewer cameras and less supporting infrastructure. The SurroundVideo® panoramic megapixel camera solution is also less taxing on the IP network due to H.264 compression and bit rate control capabilities. Digital Sentry Video Management Software Digital Sentry® video management software from Pelco by Schneider Electric was selected as part of the project. Digital Sentry® is Arecont Vision® MegaLab™ integration certified. These collective advantages further reduce the overall Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of the new surveillance system while increasing Return on Investment (ROI) for Nirvana Spa. “From a cost standpoint, we have saved time and money,” said Mr. Walker. “Fewer cameras are needed and any problems or incidents are resolved much faster and with less expense.” Megapixel Video-Based Solution The megapixel video-based solution delivers highly detailed images that are displayed on a video wall and monitored 24/7. Operators are able to control which views from each of the Arecont Vision® cameras are displayed, and they can zoom in on any selected areas to get a closer look if needed. The high quality of the video and the combined camera and VMS functionality allows Nirvana Spa to monitor key areas such as the gym and to respond to incidents or issues in real time as they occur. The new surveillance system also provides full coverage and recordings of external parking areas, minimizing potential losses, and increasing the safety of both customers and staff in a discreet manner.