Hotels, leisure & entertainment security applications

Booth number: 14039 Dahua Technology USA Inc. will display video surveillance solutions, access control and intercoms at ISC West. Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. The first year that we exhibited at ISC West was in 2012. That was before we had a local US operation. The market started to pick up our brand and was surprised that we offer extensive product portfolios. In 2014, we registered our US office and continued to participate in ISC West. Through our presence at the show, customers get to know us better and understand that we are not just a product manufacturer but can also support them from the service and operation standpoints. We are local here and help our customers to grow their business and increase their satisfaction with us. A trade show is not just for marketing; ensuring the best ROI requires work by several parties in an organization Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? A trade show is definitely a lot of investment within a few days. Therefore, how we create the best ROI and meet the right customers are very important. A trade show is not just for marketing; ensuring the best ROI requires work by several parties in an organization, including products and technical expertise as well as the sales team. We use an internal and highly coordinated plan with the team to get a better result. We make sure everyone is on the same page in terms of the products/technology we are going to present and have the people with the best knowledge to present to customers who visit our booth. Therefore, a highly coordinated team strategy is required. Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? Every company has their ways to follow up with the leads and evaluate the ROI from the show. The way we are using is to upload all our leads to our software and track all these leads afterwards. If they are not already buying from us, our goal is to convert them to become a registered dealer. Customers get to know us better and understand that we are not just a product manufacturer but can also support them from the service and operation standpoints If they are already our registered dealers, we seek to grow their business by using our latest technology solutions. In general, all marketing activities in business today require a clear ROI, and it has to tie into the sales numbers. From our experience, the ISC West show provides the best ROI among other shows in the North American market. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organize each year? We have a partner event and invite our value-added dealers and partners. We’ve been hosting this event since 2015. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? As I mentioned, ISC West provides the highest ROI among other shows in the North America market. This show also brings many of our customers and partners to the city as well. I guess people value this opportunity to meet and discuss the technology, the industry trends, and the business to figure out how we can grow together. Other trade shows might be smaller than ISC West and targeted at different markets or address different scopes of the industry need. Every show we attend in 2019 plays a strategic role for us to communicate with the market and find the customers we are looking for.

Booth number: 8045 Costar Technologies, Inc. is a public company that designs, develops, manufactures and distributes a full range of products for the video surveillance and machine vision markets. Costar consists of five operating companies: Arecont Vision Costar, CohuHD Costar, Costar Video Systems, Innotech, and IVS Imaging. The combined product portfolio consists of surveillance cameras, video surveillance systems, recorders, monitors, lenses, cables, accessories, and cloud-enabled services. For more about their presence at ISC West, we contacted Jeff Whitney, Vice President of Marketing for Arecont Vision Costar, a Costar Technologies, Inc. business unit. In 2005, the technology was extremely new and unproven to the typically risk-adverse security industry Q: What Was The First Year Your Company Exhibited At ISC West? Please Share Your Remembrances Of That Experience. One of our companies, Arecont Vision, exhibited in ISC West booth 17147 in 2005, a tiny space on which the hopes of the company rested. At the time AV was focused on pioneering IP megapixel surveillance cameras, but today we are part of Costar Technologies, offering cameras, VMSs, and recorders. In 2005, the technology was extremely new and unproven to the typically risk-adverse security industry. Talking with those who were with the company at time, the enthusiasm of the booth team reached the security dealers and systems integrators who were attending, helping bring megapixel cameras to a much wider audience. Q: What Strategies Do You Use To Get The Most Out Of Exhibiting At ISC West? The Costar companies have a very deep portfolio of products for the security market, and we bring our latest products from each business unit to ISC West. Attendees come in part to see the latest tech, and we drive our development cycle to have exciting new products to unveil on the show floor. We also have meeting space in the booth to provide one-on-one time with our executives and sales team, while sponsoring free admission to the expo for all who want it. Q: How Do You Quantify Your Success At ISC West? What ROI Do You Receive From The Show? Unveiling our latest products and solutions to existing customers and partners is key to a successful event, and ISC West’s large impact on the industry ensures that many will attend. Perhaps even more important is informing those attending of the strength of the Costar product portfolio, including many Made in USA products and services that others don’t deliver. Both help to drive leads for projects in which we can really benefit our partners and end user customers. Each of our companies will participate in meetings, dinners, and events with our customers and partners throughout the days of the show Q: What Company Activities (Outside The Show Floor) Does Your Company Organize Each Year? A large show like ISC West brings many of the Costar business units together, providing an excellent opportunity to continue bonding as a team, as well as to participate in events beyond the show floor. Each of our companies will participate in meetings, dinners, and events with our customers and partners throughout the days of the show. Q: What Sets ISC West Apart From Other Trade Shows On The Calendar? ISC West brings a very large number of interested, security-focused systems integrators, dealers, consultants, and end user customers all to one place for a three-day expo. That audience and opportunity to share our message validates the investment any large show requires from Costar or others. While some industry events have struggled to find and maintain their audiences, ISC West continues to deliver quality, knowledgeable attendees from across the Americas and around the world.  The show differs from other events we do, which are typically regional in attendance or focused more on specific vertical markets.

Booth number: 12089 At this year's ISC West, VIVOTEK USA, Inc. will be showcasing their 180⁰/360⁰ product line plus other general form factors with new features and benefits, including a cybersecurity application embedded onto the cameras, crowd detection, smart motion detection, tailgating, and many more. In addition to IP cameras, VIVOTEK will display a comprehensive product line that also includes NVRs, video receivers, video servers, PoE switches, and video management software. Q: What Was The First Year Your Company Exhibited At ISC West? Please Share Your Remembrances Of That Experience. We have come a long way from a little-known surveillance manufacturer with a small booth size VIVOTEK has been an exhibitor at ISC West for many years now. Looking back, we have come a long way from a little-known surveillance manufacturer with a small booth size to one of the global providers in the security industry with a recognizable and trusted brand. Now, we are well-known in the industry and are proud of our accomplishments, but we feel greater things are still in front of us. Q: What Strategies Do You Use To Get The Most Out Of Exhibiting At ISC West? Each year, we want our booth to tell our stories – who we are, what we do and what we are capable of, and where we are heading. We do not want to just be another camera manufacturer who only promotes and displays products; we want to be the solution provider that customers are looking for. In addition, we have very knowledgeable sale managers who can assist visitors at our booth who are looking for surveillance, whether it’s an upgrade or a totally new solution. Q: How Do You Quantify Your Success At ISC West? What ROI Do You Receive From The Show? Gain industry knowledge and perspective as to where surveillance security industry is heading Like any trade show, it is difficult to quantify success. We attend ISC West to promote the VIVOTEK brand, meet and discuss with customers and gain industry knowledge and perspective as to where surveillance security industry is heading. If we achieve these, then ISC West is a success for us. Q: What Company Activities (Outside The Show Floor) Does Your Company Organize Each Year? Our main focus each year at ISC West has always been the interaction with customers and potential customers on the show floor. We pride ourselves in the products and technology we offer, and there aren’t any other trade shows in North America to showcase our capabilities than ISC West. Q: What Sets ISC West Apart From Other Trade Shows On The Calendar? ISC West is the industry standard of security trade shows in North America. Since we are a security surveillance manufacturer, ISC West is the one show that all manufacturers in this industry must attend.

Booth number: 10053 Seagate develops computer drives and storage to store the world’s data from consumer to client specialized drives (i.e. surveillance optimized drives) to the enterprise. Q: What Was The First Year Your Company Exhibited At ISC West? 2014 Q: What Strategies Do You Use To Get The Most Out Of Exhibiting At ISC West? We meet customers, use digital marketing, and display eco-system partnerships in our booth. Q: How Do You Quantify Your Success At ISC West? Our success is based on relationship building with new and existing customers and lead generation. Q: What Sets ISC West Apart From Other Trade Shows On The Calendar? ISC West is definitely one of the biggest shows in US, where all the industry professionals, system integrators and dealers converge. The attendees are a highly knowledgeable base with expertise in security and surveillance – making it a great place to have conversations with customers and partners alike.  

Booth number: 26041 March Networks is a global provider of video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions. Their product portfolio is end-to-end, ensuring that customers can deploy comprehensive solutions designed to help them address real business challenges and improve performance. At ISC West this year, March Networks will be showcasing new hosted services, new PTZ cameras and additional offerings. Attendees will also be encouraged to discover their solutions for banking, retail, cannabis and transportation – all of which help organizations transform video into business intelligence through the integration of surveillance video, analytics, and data from business systems and IoT devices. For more about their presence at ISC West, we contacted Peter Strom, President and CEO, March Networks. And not surprisingly, the technology was a lot less sophisticated compared to what we see today Q: What was the first year your company exhibited at ISC West? Please share your remembrances of that experience. I believe March Networks first exhibited at ISC West in 2001. I did not join the company until 2003, however I had been working in the industry for several years already, and can recall that the exhibitions back then had a much different feel. For one thing, there weren’t the very large companies we see today dominating a lot of the landscape. And not surprisingly, the technology was a lot less sophisticated compared to what we see today. Anyone who has worked in physical security for a long time can attest to the remarkable shift we have seen over the years, first with the transition from analog to IP video and all that entails, to security analytics, to today’s truly advanced business intelligence applications, hosted solutions, and artificial intelligence, computer vision and similar content analytics. Q: What strategies do you use to get the most out of exhibiting at ISC West? Our most effective strategy by far is scheduling our business meetings in advance of ISC West. Our sales team does a very good job of planning meetings with enterprise end users and channel partners ahead of time, so we’re hitting the ground running even before the doors open on Day 1 of the event. In addition, our channel partners are also very well organized, and know which organizations they are going to bring to our booth during ISC West. This pre-planning saves us a tremendous amount of time and ensures that we make the most of the opportunity to meet face-to-face with the many decision-makers who have traveled to the show. The quality and quantity of our planned business meetings is definitely how our company measures the success of our ISC West participation each year Q: How do you quantify your success at ISC West? What ROI do you receive from the show? The quality and quantity of our planned business meetings is definitely how our company measures the success of our ISC West participation each year. Of course we do track the number and quality of the leads we capture as well; however, our face-to-face meetings with end user organizations and channel partners are the primary measures of our ROI. Q: What company activities (outside the show floor) does your company organize each year? The activities we organize outside of the show floor vary from year to year. We have hosted customer appreciation events and roundtable events. We will typically organize an internal sales meeting as well to take advantage of the fact that many of our salespeople and product managers are in the same location. Q: What sets ISC West apart from other trade shows on the calendar? The timing of ISC West is good for most people, as it is still early enough in the budget cycle for most customers to leverage the show to help make decisions – particularly in our banking, retail, cannabis and transit target verticals. Holding the event consistently in Las Vegas is also beneficial, as it makes it easier for people and exhibitors to plan in advance. The city itself is well equipped to handle large exhibitions, offering everything from a central conference space at the Sands to the convenience of nearby accommodations, restaurants etc. Travel is typically convenient as well. In our opinion, ISC West is the premier industry show in North America and appears to be gaining momentum each year.

Booth number: 18037 Hikvision will showcase a wide-range of its video surveillance solutions and security products such as its DarkFighterX dual-sensor with patented bi-spectral fusion technology for low light color imaging; thermal technology for critical perimeter applications, as well as preventive maintenance through temperature alarming and fire detection; specialty solutions for vertical markets including retail, education, gaming and commercial real estate with tailored products and valuable business intelligence analytics; TurboHD (HD over coax) for high resolution video using existing cabling; PanoVu and multi-sensor cameras. We will also feature Hikvision’s central management system, HikCentral, which provides a highly-scalable, reliable, and efficient centralized system management. We bring the latest and greatest in technology and a knowledgeable workforce to meet our customers and partners Q: What Was The First Year Your Company Exhibited At ISC West? Please Share Your Remembrances Of That Experience? Hikvision has exhibited at ISC West since 2006. Our presence has grown considerably since then. Each year we showcase Hikvision’s latest technologies and the evolution of the brand through ad campaigns: “Heartbeat of Security” (2016), “Art of Video Surveillance” (2017), and “Achieve Extraordinary” (2018). At ISC West, Hikvision enjoys re-connecting with existing customers and developing new partnerships. Over the years, Hikvision has demonstrated growth and strength within the industry and will continue to support its partners through the dedicated workforce that makes up Hikvision North America.  Q: What Strategies Do You Use To Get The Most Out Of Exhibiting At ISC West? The strategy is simple. We bring the latest and greatest in technology and a knowledgeable workforce to meet our customers and partners. With our latest products displayed at our booth and our team of product managers, vertical-market leaders, and other technical gurus readily available in one place, it’s a great opportunity to connect with our current and future partners. Of course, we also have one-on-one client meetings in our meeting rooms throughout the show. And, we also host interactive experiences including trivia games, product demonstrations, and other technical presentations at the Thought Theater in our booth.  Q: How Do You Quantify Your Success At ISC West? What ROI Do You Receive From The Show? Hikvision quantifies its success with a variety of metrics including traffic throughout the booth, attendance at educational sessions we host, the number of meetings we conduct with customers, and responses from our sales team on the engagement with integrators and end users after the show. We also measure the feedback we receive from our advertising campaigns whether it’s through our signage at the show or coverage in publications.  Q: What Company Activities (Outside The Show Floor) Does Your Company Organize Each Year? We host a Hikvision Partner Celebration @ ISC West, an invitation-only event to celebrate Hikvision Dealer Partners, distribution, technology and design partners We host a Hikvision Partner Celebration @ ISC West, an invitation-only event to celebrate Hikvision Dealer Partners, distribution, technology and design partners, and end users. We consider it a fun way for us to say thank you to our valued partners in a casual setting. We’re also an enthusiastic sponsor of the Mission 500 Security 5/2K. Hikvision is fielding a running team, and we’ve begun our fundraising in earnest. Corporate social responsibility is part of our DNA at Hikvision, and the Security 5/2K is a wonderful way to join with our security industry colleagues to make a difference in kids’ lives and give back. Q: What Sets ISC West Apart From Other Trade Shows On The Calendar? Hikvision attends a variety of important conferences and trade shows throughout the year, but ISC West is the big show that attracts international attendees that everyone looks forward to. We wouldn’t miss it.

Rodrigue Zbinden, CEO at Morphean, discusses the business benefits from merging video surveillance and access control technologies as demand for ACaaS grows. The big question facing businesses today is how they will use the data that they possess to unlock new forms of value using emerging technologies such as the cloud, predictive analytics and artificial intelligence. Some data is better utilized than others: financial services were quick to recognize the competitive advantages in exploiting technology to improve customer service, detect fraud and improve risk assessment. In the world of physical security, however, we’re only just beginning to understand the potential of the data that our systems gather as a part of their core function. Benefits of ‘Integrated access control’ The first thing to look for is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functionsWhat many businesses have yet to realize is that many emerging technologies come into their own when used across multiple sources of data. In physical security, for example, we’re moving from discussions about access control and CCTV as siloed functions, to platforms that combine information for analysis from any source, and applying machine learning algorithms to deliver intelligent insights back to the business. ‘Integrated access control’ then looks not just to images or building management, but to images, building management, HR databases and calendar information, all at the same time. And some of the benefits are only now starting to become clear. The first thing to look for, of course, is how multiple sources of data can be used to improve physical security functions. For example, by combining traditional access control data, such as when a swipe card is used, with a video processing platform capable of facial recognition, a second factor of authentication is provided without the need to install separate biometric sensors. CCTV cameras are already deployed in most sensitive areas, so if a card doesn’t match the user based on HR records, staff can be quickly alerted. Making the tools cost-Effective In a similar vein, if an access card is used by an employee, who is supposed to be on holiday according to the HR record, then video data can be used to ensure the individual’s identity and that the card has not been stolen – all before a human operator becomes involved. This is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business functionThese capabilities are not new. What is, however, is the way in which cloud-based computing platforms for security analytics, which absorb information from IP-connected cameras, make the tools much more cost effective, accessible and easier to manage than traditional on-site server applications. In turn, this is driving growth in ‘access control as a service’ (ACaaS), and the end-to-end digitalization of a vital business function. With this system set up, only access control hardware systems are deployed on premise while the software and access control data are shifted to a remote location and provided as a service to users on a recurring monthly subscription. The benefits of such an arrangement are numerous but include avoiding large capital investments, greater flexibility to scale up and down, and shifting the onus of cybersecurity and firmware updates to the vendor. Simple installation and removal of endpoints What’s more, because modern video and access control systems transmit data via the IP network, installation and removal of endpoints are simple, requiring nothing more than PoE and Wi-Fi. Of all the advantages of the ‘as a service’ model, it’s the rich data acquired from ACaaS that makes it so valuable, and capable of delivering business benefits beyond physical security. Managers are constantly looking for better quality of information to inform decision making, and integrated access control systems know more about operations than you might think. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lightsRight now, many firms are experimenting with ways to find efficiencies and reduce costs. For example, lights that automatically turn off to save energy are common in offices today, but can be a distraction if employees have to constantly move around to trigger motion detectors. Integrating lighting systems with video feeds and access control creates the ability to control the lights depending on exactly who is in the room and where they are sitting. Tracking the movement of employees Camera data has been used in retail to track the movement of customers in stores, helping managers to optimize displays and position stocks. The same technology can be used to map out how employees move around a workspace, finding out where productivity gains can be made by moving furniture around or how many desks should be provisioned. Other potential uses of the same data could be to look for correlations between staff movement – say to a store room – and sales spikes, to better predict stock ordering. What makes ACaaS truly exciting is it is still a very new field, and we’re only just scratching the surface of the number of ways that it can be used to create new sources of value. As smart buildings and smart city technology evolves, more and more open systems will become available, offering more ways to combine, analyze and draw insights from data. Within a few years, it will become the rule, rather than the exception, and only grow in utility as it does.

There’s a lot of hype around the term ‘digital transformation.’ For some, it’s the integration of digital technology into everyday tasks. For others, it’s the incorporation of innovative processes aimed at making business optimization easier. In most cases, digital transformation will fundamentally change how an organization operates and delivers value to its customers. And within the security realm, the age of digital transformation is most certainly upon us. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality. No longer are the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and smart cities foreign and distant concepts full of intrigue and promise. Enhancing business operations We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other These elements are increasingly incorporated into security solutions with each passing day, allowing enterprises the chance to experience countless benefits when it comes to enhancing both safety and business operations. The term ‘connected world’ is a derivative of the digital transformation, signifying the increasing reliance that we have on connectivity, smart devices and data-driven decision-making. As we become more familiar with the advantages, flaws, expectations and best practices surrounding the connected world, we can predict what issues may arise and where the market is heading. We’re increasingly seeing devices become smarter and better able to communicate with each other through the IoT to achieve both simple goals and arduous tasks. Within our homes, we’re able to control a myriad of devices with commands (‘Hey Google...’ or ‘Alexa...’), as well as recall data directly from our mobile devices, such as receiving alerts when someone rings our doorbell, there’s movement in our front yard or when a door has been unlocked. Analytics-Driven solutions The focus is now shifting to the business impacts of connectivity between physical devices and infrastructures, and digital computing and analytics-driven solutions. Within physical security, connected devices can encompass a variety of sensors gathering massive amounts of data in a given timeframe: video surveillance cameras, access control readers, fire and intrusion alarms, perimeter detection and more. As the data from each of these sensors is collected and analyzed through a central platform, the idea of a connected world comes to fruition, bringing situational awareness to a new level and fostering a sense of proactivity to identifying emerging threats. The connected world, however, is not without its challenges, which means that certain considerations must be made in an effort to protect data, enhance structured networking and apply protective protocols to developing technology. Physical security systems We can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well As the use of connected devices and big data continue to grow, we can expect to see the conversations regarding data privacy and security increase as well. Connectivity between devices can open up the risk of cyber vulnerabilities, but designing safeguards as technology advances will lessen these risks. The key goal is to ensure that the data organizations are using for enhancement and improvements is comprehensively protected from unauthorized access. Manufacturers and integrators must be mindful of their products' capabilities and make it easy for end users to adhere to data sharing and privacy regulations. These regulations, which greatly affect physical security systems and the way they're managed, are being implemented worldwide, such as the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). In the United States, California, Vermont and South Carolina have followed suit, and it can be expected that more countries and U.S. states develop similar guidelines in the future. Technology is already a part of our day-to-day lives, with smart devices in our homes and the ability to perform tasks at our fingertips now a reality Automatic security updates Mitigating the concerns of the ‘connected world’ extends beyond just data privacy. IoT technology is accelerating at such a pace that it can potentially create detrimental problems for which many organizations may be ill-prepared - or may not even be able to comprehend. The opportunities presented by an influx of data and the IoT, and applying these technologies to markets such as smart cities, can solve security and operational problems, but this requires staying proactive when it comes to threats and practicing the proper protection protocols. As manufacturers develop devices that will be connected on the network, integrating standard, built-in protections becomes paramount. This can take the form of continuous vulnerability testing and regular, automatic security updates. Protocols are now being developed that are designed to ensure everything is encrypted, all communications are monitored and multiple types of attacks are considered for defensive purposes to provide the best security possible. IoT-Connected devices Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices Built-in protection mechanisms send these kinds of systems into protection mode once they are attacked by an outside source. Another way for manufacturers to deliver solutions that are protected from outside threats is through constant and consistent testing of the devices long after they are introduced to the market. Hackers wishing to do harm will stop at nothing to break into IoT-connected devices, taking every avenue to discover vulnerabilities. But a manufacturer that spends valuable resources to continue testing and retesting products will be able to identify any issues and correct them through regular software updates and fixes. ‘IoT’ has become a common term in our vocabularies and since it’s more widely understood at this point and time, it's exciting to think about the possibilities of this revolutionary concept. Providing critical insights The number of active IoT devices is expected to grow to 22 billion by 2025 — a number that is almost incomprehensible. The rise of 5G networks, artificial intelligence (AI) and self-driving cars can be seen on the horizon of the IoT. As more of these devices are developed and security protocols are developed at a similar pace, connected devices stand to benefit a variety of industries, such as smart cities. Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches Smart cities rely on data communicated via the IoT to enhance processes and create streamlined approaches to ensuring a city is well-run and safe. For example, think of cameras situated at a busy intersection. Cameras at these locations have a variety of uses, such as investigative purposes in the event of an accident or for issuing red-light tickets to motorists. But there are so many other possible purposes for this connected device, including providing critical insights about intersection usage and traffic congestion. These insights can then be used to adjust stoplights during busy travel times or give cities valuable data that can drive infrastructure improvements. Physical security market The impact of connected devices on cities doesn’t stop at traffic improvement. The possibilities are endless; by leveraging rich, real-time information, cities can improve efficiencies across services such as transportation, water management and healthcare. However, stringent protections are needed to harden security around the networks transmitting this kind of information in an effort to mitigate the dangers of hacking and allow this technology to continuously be improved. Whether you believe we’re in the midst of a digital transformation or have already completed it, one thing is certain: businesses must begin thinking in these connectivity-driven terms sooner rather than later so they aren’t left behind. Leveraging smart, connected devices can catapult organizations into a new level of situational awareness, but adopting protections and remaining vigilant continues to be a stalwart of technological innovation within the physical security market and into the connected world.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is improving everyday solutions, driving efficiency in ways we never imagined possible. From self-driving cars to intelligent analytics, the far-reaching impacts of Deep Learning-based technology empower human operators to achieve results more effectively while investing fewer resources and less time. By introducing AI, solutions are not merely powered by data, but they also generate valuable intelligence. Systems which were once leveraged for a narrow, dedicated purpose, can suddenly be engaged broadly across an organization, because the previously under-utilized data can be harnessed for enhancing productivity and performance. Video analytics software The video intelligence software processes and analyses video to detect all the people and objects that appear When it comes to physical security, for instance, video surveillance is a standard solution. Yet, by introducing AI-driven video analytics software, video data can be leveraged as intelligence in previously inaccessible ways. Here are some examples of how diverse organizations are using AI-based video intelligence solutions to enhance security and performance with searchable, actionable and quantifiable insights. Law enforcement relies on video surveillance infrastructure for extracting investigation evidence and monitoring people and spaces. Instead of manual video review and live surveillance – which is prone to human error and distraction – police can harness video content analysis to accelerate video investigations, enhance situational awareness, streamline real-time response, identify suspicious individuals and recognize patterns and anomalies in video. The video intelligence software processes and analyses video to detect all the people and objects that appear; identify, extract and classify them; and then index them as metadata that can be searched and referenced. Maintaining public safety For law enforcement, the ability to dynamically search video based on granular criteria is critical for filtering out irrelevant details and pinpointing objects of interest, such as suspicious persons or vehicles. Beyond accelerating video evidence review and extraction, police can leverage video analysis to configure sophisticated real-time alerts when people, vehicles or behaviors of interest are detected in video. Instead of actively monitoring video feeds, law enforcement can assess triggered alerts and decide how to respond. In this way, officers can also react faster to emergencies, threats and suspicious activity as it develops. Video analysis empowers cities to harness their video surveillance data as operational intelligence Empowering law enforcement to maintain public safety is important beyond the benefit of increasing security: A city with a reputation for effective, reliable law enforcement and enhanced safety is more likely to attract residents, visitors and new businesses, exponentially driving its economic development. Furthermore, in cities where law enforcement can work productively and quickly, time and human resources can be reallocated to fostering growth and building community. Video surveillance data Video analysis empowers cities to harness their video surveillance data as operational intelligence for optimizing city management and infrastructure. When video data is aggregated over time, it can be visualized into dashboards, heatmaps and reports, so operators can identify patterns and more seamlessly detect anomalous. A city could, for instance, analyze the most accident-prone local intersection and assess the traffic patterns to reveal details such as where cars are dwelling and pedestrians are walking; the directional flows of traffic; and the demographic segmentations of the objects detected: Are cars lingering in no-parking zones? Are pedestrians using designated crosswalks – is there a more logical location for the crosswalk or traffic light? Do vehicles tend to make illegal turns – should police proactively deter this behavior, or should the city plan new infrastructure that enables vehicles to safely perform these turns? Finally, does the rise in bike traffic warrant implementing dedicated biking lanes? With video intelligence, urban planners can answer these and other questions to facilitate local improvements and high quality of life. Video analysis empowers cities to harness their video surveillance data as operational intelligence Enhancing situational awareness Insight into traffic trends is also critical for transport companies, from public transit services to transportation hubs and airports. By leveraging the video insights about citywide traffic, public transit organizations can make data-driven decisions about scheduling and services. Analyzing video surveillance around bus stops, for instance, can help these companies understand the specific hours per day people tend to dwell around bus stops. Correlating this information with transactional data for each bus line, bus schedules can be optimized based on demand for individual bus lines, shortening waiting times for the most popular routes. Similarly, the traffic visualisations and activity heatmaps derived from the video of major transit hubs, such as international airports and central stations, can be beneficial for increasing security, enhancing situational awareness, identifying causes of congestion, improving throughput and efficiency and, ultimately, solving these inefficiencies to provide a streamlined customer experience for travellers. Large education campuses Campus law enforcement can leverage video data to increase situational awareness and public safety Much like a city, large education campuses have internal transportation services, residential facilities, businesses and law enforcement, and video content analysis can support the campus in intelligently managing each of those business units, while also providing video intelligence to these individual groups. Campus law enforcement can leverage video data to increase situational awareness and public safety, driving real-time responses with the ability to make informed assessments and accelerating post-event investigations with access to easily extractable video data. When campuses are expanding or developing additional infrastructure, they can plan new crosswalks, traffic lights, roads, buildings and entrances and exits based on comprehensive video intelligence. By understanding where pedestrians and vehicles dwell, walk, cross or even violate traffic laws, the campus can inform construction projects and traffic optimization. Countless business operations The campus can leverage video business intelligence to justify leasing pricing for different retailers across campusFinally, the campus can leverage video business intelligence to justify leasing pricing for different retailers across campus, demonstrating property values based on traffic trends that can be correlated with retailer point of sale data. Whether its empowering security, productivity or decision-making, the insights generated by AI-based technology can drive significant optimization – especially when data is fused and cross-referenced across smart sensors and systems for even deeper intelligence. In the case of AI-backed video analytics, diverse organizations can harness video surveillance impactfully and dynamically. Whereas once video technology investments could be justified for their security value – with the introduction of AI capabilities – procurement teams can evaluate these solutions for countless business operations, because they offer broadly valuable intelligence. And video surveillance and analytics is merely one example of AI-driven solutions’ potential to disrupt business as we know it.

One of the common characteristics of trade shows is booths with walls and walls of new products. Sometimes exhibitors seem intent on displaying everything in their portfolio, even though the displays appear cluttered and may not be welcoming. In an age of system sales, in particular, the emphasis on products can seem off kilter. Discussions with exhibitors at this year’s GSX show reveal a new awareness of the need for less cluttered booths, but the equipment walls persist. Here’s a review of Day 2 from the show floor.  Allegion embraces more open booth design At GSX 2019, Allegion is among the exhibitors embracing a new, more open booth design that encourages engagement with customers and puts less emphasis on product displays. Discussions at the Allegion booth have centered around the value proposition and lower complexity of network-connected access control systems. The approach has been gaining a higher profile at Allegion since the company acquired Isonas, whose system configuration involves a reader-controller connected to the network via power-over-Ethernet cable. “Customers are also asking about Bluetooth technology and mobile applications,” said Jonathan Mooney, Allegion sales leader. Allegion is looking to deploy the Isonas software in other products in their portfolio; it will be offered in the range of Schlage wireless locks by the middle of 2020.The benefit of the cloud and network is to remove a lot of complexity and unnecessary costs for access control" “The benefit of the cloud and network is to remove a lot of complexity and unnecessary costs for access control,” said Mooney. Bosch offers complete security solution Bosch is introducing 55 new products at GSX 2019, but when it comes down to it, the company’s overarching message is not about individual products but about how they can be combined into a larger system. “At the end of the day, the message from Bosch is ‘how do I create a complete security solution?’” said Paul Garms, Bosch Director, Regional Marketing Security. “That’s what we are trying to demonstrate: How do all these things integrate?” Most of interest to attendees are actual demonstrations, which are a unique aspect of the trade show experience. “It’s nice at a show where we can really demonstrate what we are talking about when we say ‘integrated solution,’” said Garms. “And people can say, ‘oh yeah, if I trip this video analytic, the speaker will warn me I am approaching a restricted area.’ Or, when the manager signs in on the intrusion panel, now the associate can access a door he wasn’t able to before. It’s that integration and the complete solution that resonates. People are also interested in new products. At a show, they like to see them in operation.” At the Bosch booth, there is a big wall that illustrates some integration possibilities. An array of cameras was among the 55 new products introduced by Bosch, which also emphasized systems. Machine learning and advanced video analytics One implementation featured on the wall is Bosch’s Camera Trainer machine learning system. The system can “train” a camera to recognize a car in a parking lot, for example. Among the new Bosch products is the Autodome 7000i, the next generation of a best-selling camera, now with H.265 encoding and analytics such as line crossing. There is also an outdoor panoramic camera that is adjustable to 180-degree or 360-degree views. The new, less expensive 3000i series cameras provide an affordable option with edge analytics and Bosch’s data security protection included. Integration from Honeywell as well as 'the big picture' At Honeywell Security Group, Senior Product Manager G. Eric Green said the show seems to be much better attended than last year, “and we have had a lot of interest in our products.” Even end-user attendees typical of the GSX show are interested in the details of technology, as well as “the bigger picture,” commented Green. “Some of our booth visitors want to get into the weeds,” he said. “They say they want this piece of hardware. But they also also interested in the big picture. How things are interacting is very important.”Honeywell announced the 30 Series IP cameras, which can be used as part of video systems that comply with National Defense Authorization Act Section 889" “Most customers have installed products from other vendors that they expect us to work with. So integration is always at the top of the list. Can you work with these guys? Do you have an API? Do you support this piece of equipment? We always hear that a lot,” said Green. “There are customers who want best-in-breed products, but they’re not necessarily concerned about that coming from one manufacturer,” he said. “Other customers want ‘one throat to choke.’ When something goes wrong, they don’t want any finger-pointing.” Web-based security console and frictionless access control Honeywell is showing a beta version of its Pro-Watch 5.0 product, which is coming out in Q1 next year. It is an integrated security console that provides a map view of access control, video management, intrusion and other third party systems. The web-based platform offers access to each element, all controlled by permissions. “We are also building in an incident workflow engine that allows an operator to see exactly what steps he should take when something occurs as defined by the supervisor or a security director,” said Green. “It can literally walk you through, and it is completely freeform. Whatever you want it to say, it will say. This works in conjunction with access control, video, and all the things we talk to.” The Honeywell booth was a busy place on day two of GSX 2019 Another new Honeywell product is the OmniAssure Touch reader, a “frictionless” device that can read a credential off a smart phone in a user’s pocket. The user merely touches the reader, and it scans the area for a nearby mobile device that is authorized, and you can walk through the door. Honeywell also announced the 30 Series IP cameras, which are encrypted and can be used as part of video systems that comply with National Defense Authorization Act Section 889. They are made in Taiwan. Arcules' cloud security solution “There are fewer people here at GSX 2019, but we have seen a lot of really big companies looking for a cloud service,” said Andreas Pettersson, CEO of cloud video company Arcules. At previous shows, questions about the cloud often seemed out of curiosity. Now, potential customers are more decisive: They say “we want to move to the cloud.” Pettersson theorized that concerns about a possible weakening economy may prompt some companies to avoid the large capital expenditure of procuring a new on-premise system and instead opt for the minimal investment needed for a cloud system. Monthly operating expenses of a cloud system are also predictable and more easily managed, said Pettersson.At previous shows, questions about the cloud often seemed out of curiosity. Now, potential customers are more decisive Arcules is proactive on the subject of cybersecurity and has a two-page handout that summarizes the cybersecurity advantages of their system. They are eager to talk about cybersecurity as it relates to cloud systems, said Pettersson. He said that, in his experience, on-premise systems tend to have more cybersecurity issues,  whether because ports are left open or a firewall is implemented incorrectly. Users may also seek to bypass the firewall — a dangerous practice that is not an option with cloud systems. Security patches may not have been implemented; in a cloud system, such updates are pushed out automatically. The recurring monthly revenue (RMR) aspect of cloud systems are a windfall to integrators who embrace the cloud. “One integrator said he went on vacation for the first time in years because he had the extra money coming in,” said Pettersson. Control room integration from Vistacom "We're still fairly new to GSX, as our first show was 5 years ago, but what we have noticed is that the show continues to attract valuable attendees and drive critical conversations around what companies like ours must bring to the table in order to be successful in this space," said Dan Gundry, Director of Sales and Marketing, Vistacom. "We've had so many chances to learn from and share with potential customers and partners, and as a result, we continue to forge great relationships.” Vistacom is highlighting its control room integration and the value enterprise organizations can gain from implementing one in their facility. The company works alongside end-user customers and security integrators to build a command center space, taking into account video wall display technology, operator consoles and furniture, audio and lighting considerations, as well as temperature and more, in an effort to optimize these centers. Stay tuned for the full GSX 2019 show review.

GSX 2019 got off to a jaunty start Tuesday. The show was humming with activity much of the day, and most exhibitors said they were pleased with the numbers and types of potential customers visiting their booths. There seemed to be less emphasis on product introductions than at the ISC West show in the spring (although there is much that is on the new side), while the trend toward system sales is continuing. Here's a review of Day 1 from the show floor. Dahua continues to educate market  “Traffic-wise, the show is better than last year,” observed Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA, at midday on Tuesday. “We met more people from Latin America,” he added. Shen theorized that Chicago is at the center of a larger territory of customers than last year’s location (Las Vegas).Dahua’s presence at the show makes a statement: “We’re still here" Dahua has faced some negative publicity in the last year since they were banned from procurement by U.S. government customers by the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Dahua’s presence at the show makes a statement, says Shen. The statement is “We’re still here.” Shen said only one visitor to the Dahua booth even mentioned the NDAA on the first day of the show, and the visitor was misinformed about the provisions and implications of the law. “There is a lot of misinformation,” he says. “We need to continue to educate the market.” Facial recognition, video metadata, and people counting New at the show is the Dahua Analytics+ line of cameras that feature more in-depth analysis of data such as facial attributes, video metadata, and people counting. For example, the cameras can identify 128 points in a face, with an additional 256 attributes analyzed by the back-end recorder. Analysis can provide information such as age and gender, which can help a retailer analyze the demographics of their customers, for instance. Dahua is also adopting some of its consumer line of products for sale through the commercial channel. These include a flood light camera, a 2-megapixel WiFi camera and a doorbell camera. The products might be used outside of a retail store, for example, to complement Dahua commercial cameras that are used inside the store, says Shen. Dahua previewed a new multi-sensor camera that also includes a speed dome. The multi-sensor component combines eight views, each 2 megapixels, for a total of 16 megapixels. Below the multi-sensor camera is mounted a speed dome that can zoom in on regions of interest in the larger multisensor view. The camera will be launched in the fourth quarter. The show was humming with activity much of the day, and most exhibitors said they were pleased with the numbers and types of potential customers visiting their exhibits ACRE reports continued North American growth “The industry’s momentum will continue to grow,” predicted Joe Grillo, Principal of ACRE. New areas such as cloud and mobile credentialing have the fastest growth rate, but are starting from a much smaller base, he said, so momentum in those categories will take time.ACRE sees continued rapid growth with no slowdown in the North American market Grillo noticed the first morning of GSX was busy, although there was a bit of a lull at midday. In terms of the business outlook, Grillo sees continued rapid growth with no slowdown in the North American market, although there have been some negative elements creeping into the outlook in Europe. Cybersecurity concerns in access control I caught up with Grillo at the booth promoting RS2, a Munster, Ind., access control company that Acre acquired last May. It is the only Acre company that is exhibiting at GSX. RS2 is one of two access control companies acquired by Acre in the last year — the other was Open Options, Addison, Texas. Grillo said the two acquired companies are complementary, especially in terms of their sales channels and geographic strengths. Although both are national companies, RS2 tends to be stronger in the Midwest, while Open Options sales emphasis is centered in Texas and emanates to the rest of the country. Concerns about vulnerabilities are a growing issue in access control, said Grillo, and more large endusers are conducting penetration testing of systems. The industry should welcome the scrutiny, he added. Cybersecurity also represents an business opportunity in access control, noted Grillo. Concerns about the vulnerabilities of legacy technologies such as 125Khz proximity cards and the Wiegand protocol will likely accelerate the pace of companies upgrading their access control systems There seemed to be less emphasis on product introductions than at the ISC West show in the spring (although there is much that is on the new side) Eagle Eye Networks and cloud-based VMS Ken Francis of Eagle Eye Networks had already realized some new client opportunities during the first day of the show, although he was not optimistic at the outset. In contacting potential clients to meet at the show, he had heard that many were not attending. Among Eagle Eye Networks’ news at the show is full integration of body-cams into their cloud-based video management system. “It’s the most unique thing happening from a video management perspective,” Francis said. Previously, if someone needed a video clip from a body cam, they had to use a separate software system. Five years from now, at least 80 percent of all VMS systems will be cloud-managed" Francis continues to be bullish on the subject of cloud adoption of video management and made a bold prediction: “Five years from now, at least 80 percent of all VMS systems will be cloud-managed.” Eagle Eye Networks is doing its part with “rocket growth” that is reflected in an increase of company employees from 27 to 165 or so. Economies of scale have enabled Eagle Eye Networks to lower subscription prices by up to 45 percent. Genetec's release self-service PIAM system Many of the “new” products at GSX 2019 are slight variations on what was introduced at ISC West last spring. An exception is Genetec’s introduction of ClearID, a self-service physical identity and access management (PIAM) system that enforces security policies while improving the flow of people within the organization. The new system is integrated with the Genetec's Security Center Synergis access control system. PIAM systems have historically been customizable, complex to install and costly, which is why a lot of companies have not used a system. Genetec’s differentiator is that it is an off-the-shelf, out-of-the-box solution for a broader base of customers. “We scanned the market and found a lack of off-the-shelf identity management systems,” said Derek Arcuri, Product Marketing Manager, Genetec. “Targeting the mid-market, we are providing an accessible, ready-to-go cloud-based system that is ‘baked’ for the average company but can be integrated and expanded to include other systems.” The trend toward system sales at the show is continuing ClearID will simplify operation for the security department, which was previously tasked with a lot of administrative work in response to various departments. ClearID “pushes down” the authority to use the system to stakeholders (such as IT and/or facilities directors) and provides  a system they can use themselves without involving security. “It empowers stakeholders and employees to work directly through the system rather than going through security,” says Arcuri. “It gives employees access based on stakeholder policies and improves the flow of people through an organization. The security director is relieved of administrative work and can work on ‘real’ security.” I saw some other things today, too, which I will share in a future GSX article... And more about the show tomorrow.

Video is a more common feature of security systems than ever before, driven by implementation of Internet Protocol (IP) networks. In addition, various computer analytics systems are now being implemented as a matter of course. The combination of the two trends is changing – and expanding – the operation of security operations centers (SOCs). Intelligent security operations "Intelligence is central to the next evolution of security", says Alan Stoddard, Vice President and General Manager, Situational Intelligence Solutions, Verint. An architecture is needed that can gather information from multiple devices and process it using intelligence and analytics engines. Cross-domain analytics create a higher level of security. Exposing data to best-in-class analytics provides information tailored to each security operator" “Exposing data to best-in-class analytics provides information tailored to each security operator,” says Stoddard. “There is so much data, and people need to react to it.” The result is the emergence of intelligent security operations centers (iSOCs). Consider, for example, any recent security event: “As people look to understand and get ahead of these incidents, how do they synthesize information? How do they move ahead from response to prevention?” asks Stoddard. Video-centric command-and-control Because of the expanding uses for video, Stoddard sees movement in the industry toward video systems being the focal point for integration of data sources into a command-and-control environment. “Everyone is visual, and video provides a mechanism to understand your environment,” says Stoddard. “Video-centric command-and-control marries the value of video with a map that is easy to navigate and understand. He adds, "Video is pulled in from each location, and various subsystems are integrated into a unified environment. The video management system (VMS) is a natural integration point.” To serve the combined emphasis on analytics and video management, Verint has introduced its VMS One system, a single product that combines video and integrated command-and-control for iSOC environments. The new product serves a need in the marketplace to manage diverse data streams, to analyze data for greater intelligence and to automate workflows. Integration with third party VMS VMSOne combines a VMS with a command-and-control system and is targeted to large facilities and campus-like environments with SOCs. Examples include transportation hubs, large manufacturing sites, critical infrastructure, safe cities and higher education. For even larger, enterprise-type customers with multiple locations and plenty of subsystems, Verint offers its Situational Awareness Platform, which can integrate with third party VMSs and other systems. The scalable system for very high-end customers can manage tens of thousands of devices and subsystems. VMSOne, which had a preliminary launch at ISC West and is featured at the 2019 GSX show in Chicago, is targeted to the next lower tier of customers. Customer shipments will begin in September 2019. Verint’s Situational Awareness Platform can integrate with third-party VMSs Physical and cyber security Increasingly, the security needs of end users are being converged, says Stoddard. They encompass information technology (IT), physical security and cyber security, combined with a corporate security officer (CSO) in charge of decision-making. More sensors and subsystems create the possibility of data overload for security operators, and more intelligence and analytics are tools to filter and manage that data and present it in useful form for better decision-making. Verint recently hired Jeffrey Lewis as Vice President, Marketing, to lead its marketing effort from an IT-centric perspective and talk to customers in a new way about the concepts of converged security. New technologies and a more converged environment create higher expectations and greater demands on the integrator/installer community, too. In response, Verint has launched a VIP Partner program to develop stronger and closer relationships with a select group of integrators. These “VIPs” are the “best of the best” – the most capable in the industry, knowledgeable about new technologies, and able to provide more value to end-customers. VIP Partner program Dealers are screened based on modest volume sales requirements and whether they have the right skillsets, technical capability and training. There are currently several dozen VIP partners, who “lead with” Verint solutions where they make sense in the marketplace. The VIP Partner initiative complements Verint’s other partner channels. Providing another tool to manage the flow of data in an organization, Verint recently acquired Nowforce, a small Israeli company, that provides an enhanced computer-automated dispatch system. Verint offers the integrated dispatch and response capability as either a stand-alone product or as part of the larger Situational Awareness Platform. Situational Awareness Platform Getting ahead [of security threats] requires looking at social media and other data sources" “It allows SOCs to take information in and handle response in an integrated fashion,” says Stoddard. “It also extends the security workforce, enabling customers and employees to take part in the security environment.” Stoddard adds, “Getting ahead [of security threats] requires looking at social media and other data sources, information on site, and creating a holistic security view for greater understanding,” says Stoddard. Verint’s Situational Awareness Platform integrates with third-part systems that track social media, such as Liferaft Navigator, NC4 and Dataminr,” Nowforce creates 360 degrees of control, extends the control center into the virtual workforce, and enables everyone to be managed. Information such as visuals and maps are pushed to security personnel on smart phones, and security officers get to the scene faster.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium has a rich history of innovation. Since its founding in 1984, the facility has become one of the world’s leading public aquariums and ocean conservation organizations.   Monterey Bay Aquarium has produced significant insights into the life history of sharks, sea otters, and bluefin tuna. The aquarium also was the first to exhibit a living kelp forest, and in 2004 it was the first to successfully exhibit and return to the wild a young great white shark. It is therefore no surprise that the Monterey Bay Aquarium desired the most innovative and state-of-the-art cameras as a key component for its security system, and Arecont Vision was able to deliver what they required. Until recently, the Monterey Bay Aquarium relied upon up to 60 analog cameras for its video security needs Constant Surveillance And Monitoring The aquarium has a huge campus, with multiple separate properties and an average annual visitation of two million people. Until recently, the Monterey Bay Aquarium relied upon up to 60 analog cameras for its video security needs. With such a large area to cover and with so many people to monitor, this type of system proved increasingly unreliable and insufficient to its growing security needs. The aquarium’s security staff also found it a major inconvenience that accessories and other parts for the system were exclusive to the original provider, limiting the security team’s options both technically and financially. The footage from the analog cameras was monitored on monochrome screens and useful viewing of surveillance video was quite difficult at times. The quality of the images was low, and the inflexible nature of the cameras resulted in a number of blind spots throughout the aquarium’s large campus. Difficult Lighting Conditons The aquarium also has some very challenging lighting situations, requiring more specialized, versatile cameras in order to properly capture images.  “We have some very difficult light levels here. The reflections of the water tanks can make certain areas lighter on camera than they are in person, or vice-versa,” stated Thomas Uretsky, Director of Security and Emergency Management for the facility. The security team reached the point where they knew they needed to upgrade. “The system needed more flexibility, multiple views on one camera, the works,” Mr. Uretsky said. “Blind spots needed to be eliminated, and we wanted as close to a 360-degree view as possible.” After thorough research, San Jose, California-based security integrator NSI Systems recommended Arecont Vision for the camera solution.   The aquarium has a huge campus, with an average annual visitation of two million people Arecont Vision Surveillance Expertise Mr. Uretsky and the team at Monterey Bay Aquarium collaborated with Arecont Vision regarding what they were looking for, where coverage was needed, and how to best fit in into their budget. Monterey Bay Aquarium chose ExacqVision as their video management system, another solid partner to help upgrade their prior surveillance system. A range of different Arecont Vision cameras were ultimately deployed to serve the aquarium’s varying needs. Arecont Vision MicroDome cameras were ideal for the ticketing area and customer lines. The series includes Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) models, which can achieve clear images across extreme lighting conditions, such as those found in some of the indoor spaces at the aquarium. MicroDome cameras have an extremely low profile and only a 4” diameter, making them ideal for discreet security surveillance. When asked for his thoughts about the MicroDome camera, Mr. Uretsky responded, “They are small and nearly invisible to anyone who doesn’t know what they’re looking for. The fact that they have such a small footprint makes them ideal for us in the ticketing and front entrance areas.” The Monterey Bay Aquarium now has the unique and flexible camera solution it required, utilising 360-degree video Another favorite at Monterey Bay Aquarium were Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Omni G1 and G2 adjustable-view cameras. The SurroundVideo Omni series utilises a patented 360º track where each of its four-megapixel sensors can be moved to cover virtually any angle. Remote motorised focus simplified installation with the Omni G2. Combined with the ability to interchange lenses, the Monterey Bay Aquarium now has the unique and flexible camera solution it required. The customizable features of the camera also simplify future changes that may occur at the aquarium, saving time and money if construction or remodeling were to occur. “The SurroundVideo Omni cameras are some of our favourites because we are getting four cameras in one. They have the most flexibility,” said Kevin Wright, Monterey Bay Aquarium’s security manager. “Our blind spots are much more limited, and we don’t need to use nearly as many cameras as we previously had in those areas.” Although each camera offers four separate views, only a single PoE (Power over Ethernet) cable and a single software license is required for integration with the Exacq software, further reducing costs. Megapixel Camera Performance The system has performed incredibly well to date. Not only was it installed on time, but it was completed within budget. The Monterey Bay Aquarium monitors the system locally, 24-hours per day. The images are viewed on a dynamic video wall in the new Security Operations Centre. While most footage is viewed on-site, some cameras have been enabled with the Exacq software for remote monitoring at satellite offices. For example, holding areas for rescued sea otters can be viewed remotely by a research team.   Some cameras have been enabled with the Exacq software for remote monitoring off-site Arecont Vision cameras have helped the aquarium’s security department in a variety of ways, one of which is increasingly common: addressing bicycle theft. Individuals will sometimes access a public recreational trail that runs along the aquarium’s main campus to steal unattended bikes parked by visitors or staff. Unlike the previous analog surveillance system, Arecont Vision’s megapixel cameras are able to provide the security department with good views and high-resolution images when reporting such incidents to the police department. The project at Monterey Bay Aquarium fulfilled a vast array of surveillance requirements — indoor and outdoor scenes, large and small spaces, low- to high-lighting conditions — and Arecont Vision cameras addressed each of the challenges. The deployment of the new cameras made an impression on Mr. Uretsky and his team. Making Potential Security Solutions Reality One installation inspired ideas for another, and Arecont Vision helped make these potential security solutions a reality as well. The continual partnership between the aquarium, the system integrator, and Arecont Vision has resulted in an ongoing collaboration between the three entities. “The reason we went with Arecont Vision was because it has a niche where a lot of manufacturers don’t, with its multi-view cameras,” Mr. Uretsky stated. Arecont Vision pioneered the first multi-sensor megapixel panoramic cameras in the surveillance industry in 2006, and has continued to enhance their capabilities, introducing adjustable-view Omni cameras in 2014. “These cameras have been fundamental as we systematically replace our old cameras with newer, megapixel versions. We are always improving and always adding cameras, so each time we’ve installed them we’ve been pleased.”

Avigilon Corporation, provider of security solutions, announced it was selected to enhance security at Vodafone Park stadium, in Istanbul, Turkey, of Beşiktaş JK. Enhancing Spectator And Player Safety Vodafone Park opened in April 2016 and is the venue for national Süper Lig and UEFA Champions League games. It features over 43,000 stadium seats, 144 executive suites, and more than 4,000 sq. meters (43,055 sq. ft.) of restaurants, shops and parking. To enhance spectator and player safety Beşiktaş JK, in partnership with security systems integrator Sensormatic Güvenlik Hizmetleri, deployed a complete Avigilon surveillance solution that incorporated more than 500 Avigilon cameras, including the award-winning Avigilon 7K (30 MP) HD Pro camera line, Avigilon Dome, Bullet, and PTZ cameras, as well as Avigilon network video recorders and Avigilon Control Center (ACC) video management software.  Avigilon’s complete solution has enabled Beşiktaş JK operators to monitor and track activities during matches more efficiently The use of the Avigilon 7K (30 MP) HD Pro cameras allows Beşiktaş JK to cover wide areas of the stadium while simultaneously delivering exceptional image detail to zoom in and quickly identify and respond to potential security events. Combined with the advanced search functions of ACC, Avigilon’s complete solution has enabled Beşiktaş JK operators to monitor and track activities during matches more efficiently. This has helped to decrease illegal entry at Vodafone Park, helping to create a safer, more enjoyable customer experience. Smooth Installation “Avigilon’s solutions have helped us create a safe and inviting environment for our fans, which has ultimately allowed us to sell more tickets,” said Serhan Abaç, Stadium Marketing and Event Director at Beşiktaş JK. “The installation of Avigilon’s solutions was smooth and the system has been providing such positive results that other clubs now want to reach this level of security and technology in their stadiums.” Avigilon’s high-resolution cameras, artificial intelligence driven video analytics technology, and video management software solutions are designed to meet the diverse needs of stadiums around the globe.

World-class service, sublime surroundings, and luxury within reach are all things you will find at Davenport Hotels in downtown Spokane, Washington. The four-hotel collection runs the gamut from classic to contemporary, full-size to boutique, and historic to modern. Guests can enjoy luxurious spa, wedding, and business facilities, as well as some of the best dining in the city. Davenport History Opened in June 2015, the new 716 room Davenport Grand Hotel offers a unique alternative for travellers who seek a reprieve from the traditional, uninspiring hotel environment. The Davenport Grand provides a lifestyle hotel experience in a highly social atmosphere rich in cutting-edge design, energy, and comfort.The management team knew from the start that an analog surveillance system would not be sufficient Crafted to appeal to both business and leisure travellers, the Davenport Grand combines the dynamic qualities of urban living with best-in-industry services and amenities in a unique setting. The new Davenport Grand embraces the glorious past of the Davenport Hotel with a bold, modern spirit and joins the historic Davenport Hotel, Davenport Tower, and Davenport Lusso family. Move From Analog To IP Davenport Hotels had relied on an analog video surveillance system for the existing hotel facilities and structures. For the new Davenport Grand Hotel, hotel management wanted to ensure the safety and security of its guests, employees, and visitors while helping to prevent theft and other loss. It was also important to be able to capture images of the vehicles that come and go from the public garage used by hotel guests. This would enable the hotel to better deal with potential vehicle damage claims, which is a common issue in the hospitality industry. Each of the Davenport Grand’s planned camera applications would require highly detailed video, and the management team knew from the start that an analog surveillance system would not be sufficient. “We have other hotels that have analog cameras installed, so getting a more current system with clarity was a priority. We decided we're not going to invest in an older system,” said Kevin Miller, Corporate Director of Security for the Davenport Collection of Properties. Instead, an IP megapixel surveillance camera solution would be required. Leveraging Megapixel Technology Hotel management had a system design in mind, which Kevin Jetton, A-TEC’s President, was able to refine based on what he saw after touring the facility Working with Spokane-based security firm A-TEC, the hotel narrowed its potential choices down to three camera vendors, each of which submitted a bid for the video surveillance system project. After evaluating all of the products included in the bids, the hotel chose IP megapixel cameras from Arecont Vision, primarily based on image quality. Exacq was chosen as the video management software. “If we’re going to build a new surveillance system, we need to make sure that if we have an incident, we can actually see who was involved,” said Miller. “We wanted an innately high-quality, flexible solution, and we got it with Arecont Vision.” A-TEC Software Solution Hotel management had a system design in mind, which Kevin Jetton, A-TEC’s President, was able to refine based on what he saw after touring the facility. According to Jetton, the changes were largely based on the ability to cut the hotel’s costs without sacrificing camera coverage. “We pride ourselves on determining what the areas of concern are, how we are going to address them, and what cameras will do the best job,” Jetton said. “We realised we could incorporate SurroundVideo Omni and other Arecont Vision megapixel cameras to lower the camera count and increase overall views.” Before moving forward with the modified design, A-TEC set up a software solution in conjunction with demo cameras provided by Arecont Vision. These were used for test shots to provide to hotel management the types of views they would be able to get with the cameras Jetton recommended. “Once we were able to get it all set up and show them what they were going to get with the reduced camera counts and increased camera views, they were definitely on board,” Jetton said. “I knew what solution needed to be proposed. My partnership with Arecont Vision is unprecedented, and I knew that presenting the Davenport with this solution was going to be a success because we were all working together.” Arecont Vision SurroundVideo Ombi user-configurable omni-directional multi-sensor megapixel cameras were used in the installation, such as in the Grand Bar. Arecont Vision Camera Families The overall installation included nearly 70 Arecont Vision cameras, all of which were deployed to suit the individual areas in which they were to be used. The installed cameras are from several Arecont Vision families. SurroundVideo® Omni user-configurable omni-directional multi-sensor megapixel cameras  SurroundVideo® 180° panoramic multi-sensor megapixel cameras MicroDome® ultra-low profile megapixel dome cameras MegaBall® megapixel dome camerasA-TEC remained in close contact with Kevin Miller and hotel management to ensure that they knew the details of the project’s progress and to demonstrate the evolving system as cameras were deployed MegaDome® 2 megapixel dome cameras with remote focus/zoom Throughout the installation, A-TEC remained in close contact with Kevin Miller and hotel management to ensure that they knew the details of the project’s progress and to demonstrate the evolving system as cameras were deployed. Stuart Wells of A-TEC led the onsite installation and integration of the system, working with the Davenport team. “A-TEC did test shots for us before the hotel was even finished so we could see the exact depth, range, and view that we were going to get with each camera,” Miller said. Megapixel Solution Benefits Davenport Hotels had a number of safety and security goals for its new surveillance system in the Davenport Grand. Hotel management wanted to ensure that the cameras wouldn’t be the first thing guests noticed. With their high quality and their sleek, unobtrusive design, the Arecont Vision cameras have met those needs. “We certainly didn't want to give people the feeling that they're being watched throughout the hotel,” Miller said. “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.” Shortly after the installation was completed, Jetton conducted a test to see just how unobtrusive the surveillance system was. Proactive And Preventative Approach To Security The Arecont Vision cameras have allowed the Davenport Grand to take a more proactive and preventative approach to security“I took two visitors with me to do a walk-through of the hotel when the installation was first completed and I challenged them to find the cameras. On many different occasions they didn’t even notice that they were in the camera views,” he said. “People are there to relax and enjoy their time away; they don’t want to feel like they are being watched by cameras.” The Arecont Vision cameras have allowed the Davenport Grand to take a more proactive and preventative approach to security, something that would have been missing from an analog surveillance system. “We can see activity and hopefully stop and report behavior to prevent things from happening,” Miller said. In terms of return on investment, the ability to avoid claims for which the hotel is not responsible has been a major benefit of the new system in the Davenport Grand. This has been particularly the case with the vehicle valet service. “With the valet service, customers will come in and claim that marks on their vehicle weren’t there when they arrived, and quite honestly, they may believe that’s true. With the Arecont Vision cameras, we’re able to look at the video and say with confidence whether the mark was there when he or she arrived at the hotel,” Miller said. Preventing Theft The cameras have also helped with a number of instances of items disappearing from the exterior of the hotel. In one example, the Davenport Grand was able to provide the local police department with video which led to the items being returned and the thieves apprehended. In addition to the Davenport Grand’s potential cost reduction from a lower camera count, savings were realised in other areas as a result of the new surveillance system which is monitored on the premises. “What’s really nice is we can actually view the cameras from several different locations in real-time or in playback,” Miller said. “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 cameras, who can cover 10 times more area than one person can on foot.”

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.

The Deutsches Theater is a Berlin landmark of 19th-century Classical architecture. Built in 1849, it is among the most prestigious theatres in the German-speaking world. It has an elegant, classical façade, 3 stages inside and with the help of CLIQ® technology from ASSA ABLOY, its building security and access management is now flexible, reliable and future-proofed for its 21st-century audience. CLIQ Mechatronic Locking System Security managers at the Deutsches Theater chose CLIQ®, a mechatronic locking system which integrates cutting-edge microelectronics and intelligent data encryption into a high-quality mechanical locking cylinder system. CLIQ® technology provides an extra layer of electronic protection, enhancing high-quality mechanical security by simplifying key management and making access control more flexible. Every CLIQ® key is battery-powered, and can easily be programmed with access rights to suit each authorized keyholder. This is not the only way CLIQ® makes life easier for Deutsches Theater security managers. Fine-grained permission schedules, right down to the individual door, can be set for every employee and contractor. A programmable CLIQ® key can be scheduled to permit entry only at pre-set times—during public opening times, for example, or after hours for cleaning staff. Any permission updates are easily communicated from system to door using CLIQ® programming keys. Power is supplied by batteries inside each key, so it is not necessary to visit every locking cylinder individually to replace batteries and because CLIQ® locks are wireless, no major alterations needed to be made to the existing door hardware or building aesthetics — a critical feature when refitting an historic building like the Deutsches Theater. It is also straightforward to add new CLIQ® locks to more theater doors, if building management needs to change in the future. Upgraded Staff And Public Security In addition to putting building managers in greater control of their premises, CLIQ® has significantly upgraded security for theater staff, and for the public who attend its three different auditoriums. If an employee or contractor loses a key, its access authorization can be withdrawn simply by reprogramming the locking cylinder using a programming key. The lost key would no longer work. With CLIQ® technology, there is no need to replace locking cylinders when a key goes missing — which saves the theater time and money, too. For more information about CLIQ® please visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/cliq

Fire and security systems are two elements of the same mission: To keep buildings and their occupants safe. However, the two systems often operate independently and may not be integrated. Should there be more integration and what are the pitfalls? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and opportunities of integrating security and fire systems?

An aging employee population and the influx of a new generation of workers and customers is driving change in the physical security industry. Millennials – those born in the 1980s and mid-1990s – are especially impacting how the industry operates, the technologies it produces, and the customers it serves. This tech-savvy generation grew up with the Internet at their fingertips. They embrace innovation in all its glory and expect it to play a seamless role in their lives – and work. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are millennials changing how security systems are designed, installed and/or operated?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?