Remote monitoring security applications

Over the years, Dahua has continuously invested in the development and innovation of Full-color technology to solve the monitoring challenges brought by low illumination. In 2018, the company launched the Starlight and Starlight+ technologies which enable cameras to effectively capture color details in low-light environments. 24/7 color monitoring Focusing on further improving low-light monitoring, Dahua officially released the Full-color concept in 2020, realizing 24/7 color monitoring by introducing F1.0 super aperture, 1/1.8 '' high-performance sensor for large targets, and Dahua’s self-developed ISP 4.0 technology. The color information of key targets in the scene can be captured even at night, which can be used as evidence in case of an investigation or backtracking. Dahua Full color 2.0 technology Dahua TechMonth showcases some of the integrations of Full-color technology for customers and end users In 2021, the company continued to upgrade its technology and launched the Dahua Full color 2.0 technology. It further expanded the Full-color “family” and integrated 4K, panoramic, zoom, and other technologies to facilitate the development of high-end products, provide a more comprehensive product system, and enhance low-light surveillance. To elaborate more about this remarkable technology, Dahua TechMonth showcases some of the integrations of Full-color technology that create more business value for customers and end users. Recap of solutions Following is a short recap of these amazing solutions: Full-color + TiOC The TiOC (three-in-one camera) has 3 main features: Smart Dual Illuminators, Active Deterrence, and AI. It can effectively warn off intruders with active deterrence, and notify users in time with real-time alarm, providing pro-active video surveillance to properties that require 24/7 security. TiOC utilizes Full-color technology to capture color footage in dark scenarios. Also, its smart exposure technology realises time-sharing control and prevents the interference of flashing red & blue light in the image. To see TiOC in action, check out this video. Full-color + Panoramic The Dahua Full-color Dual Lens 180° Panoramic PTZ & IPC devices are equipped with dual sensors that deliver a 180-degree field of view. After the right and left lenses to capture an image, the camera calculates the feature values of the left and right images to avoid warping and pixel loss using standardized image correction technology. The Dahua advanced pixel-level metadata fusion algorithm then enables seamless splicing of the image, resulting in a seamless 180° wide-angle image. Panoramic IPC The Panoramic IPC offers EPTZ that provides a panoramic image of the scene, as well as sub-images that focus on specific areas or targets. For the panoramic PTZ camera, both panoramic and detailed views support AI functions and can be independently deployed in different directions to cover wider areas.  Full-color + ZOOM The motorized varifocal lens of the upgraded Dahua Full-color 2.0 network cameras has approx. 5x optical zoom capability and auto-focus function, providing clear color details of the monitored scene even after zooming in. With its long-distance illumination capability, the camera can also capture a clear full-color image even from far distances. Full-color + 4K The Dahua Full-color 4K camera delivers enhanced color images and surveillance footage 24/7. It adopts a 1/1.2” image sensor (currently Dahua's best low-light IPC sensor) that provides a 110% pixel size increase compared to a common 8MP sensor. Its F1.0 large aperture can capture more available light and the maximum light energy that the sensor can receive is increased by 2 times. Success Case: Schwarze Berge Wildlife Park Located in Rosengarten Germany, the Schwarze Berge (Black Mountains) Wildlife Park covers an area of about 50 hectares. It is home to nearly a thousand of animals from approximately 100 species grazing in Europe. The administration of the park was looking for a comprehensive camera system that can perform many tasks. “We chose Dahua because it customized a complete solution to meet all our needs,” says Arne Vaubel, Managing Director of the Schwarze Berge (Black Mountains) Wildlife Park. Full-color and thermal imaging In this project, a full series of innovative cameras equipped with key technologies" “In this project, a full series of innovative cameras equipped with key technologies, such as Full-color and thermal imaging are adopted." "We are glad to see that through our cameras, the park can monitor the living environment and health status of wild animals at any moment without disturbing them, which also helps the park realize efficient operation and management,” explains Kai Wockenfuß, Pre-Sales Support Technical Engineer of Dahua Technology GmbH. Fixed-focal Warm LED Bullet WizMind Network Camera One notable Dahua camera deployed in the park is the 8MP Full-color Fixed-focal Warm LED Bullet WizMind Network Camera. It is equipped with a high-performance sensor and large aperture lens, enabling it to capture clear color images when it’s dark or during the night. With its photosensitivity technology, the camera can capture more available light and display more colorful footage of the monitored scene, providing 24/7 monitoring of the wildlife in the park. The future of Dahua Full-color technology With the success of Dahua Full-color in the market, what does the future holds for this amazing technology? For starters, minimizing white light pollution is at the top of the list. Some cameras with full-color capabilities in the market still use white light, which can affect the human eye and cause severe light pollution in the monitored scene. Touchless Full-color cameras are one solution that Dahua has been exploring through its multi-spectrum algorithm. The Dahua Multi Spectrum Fusion technology extracts the details and brightness of the visible spectrum and infrared spectrum to make the fusion brightness close to the visible light brightness, which then enables the camera to provide better images. AI integration Another aspect that Dahua is focusing on is the deeper integration of Full-color with AI Another aspect that Dahua is focusing on is the deeper integration of Full-color with AI. Full-color technology is continuously being upgraded, and with that comes more intelligent solutions that can realize clear HD images at night, like it is during day time. The TiOC, for example, combines Full-color, AI, and Active Deterrence (warning lights and siren) into one comprehensive solution, realizing a closed-loop system that involves early warning, active deterrence, and backtracking. It has been recognized by many authoritative organizations in the industry and even received distinctive awards. Intelligent analysis and computing What’s more, the constant development of this technology can enable Full-color imaging to be directly applied to intelligent analysis and computing. It will become a mainstream technology that everyone can avail and use to optimize their scenarios, which is in line with Dahua’s mission of “Enabling a safer society, and smarter living.”

More than one million electric vehicles are registered in the U.S.—and they all have to plug in somewhere. As EV charging stations pop up across the country, one of the chief questions will be how charging station users are identified, authenticated, and connected with membership or payment systems. Radio-frequency identification cards and tokens and smartphone authentication apps have emerged as two viable options for EV charging authentication. Which is best? It may depend on the user base they plan to serve. User authentication for EV charging Most electric vehicle owners have a spot to plug in while at home, either in their own garage or carport or in a designated charging spot in a tenant parking garage. But electric vehicles also need spots to charge while owners are out and about. The EV charging market is broadly divided into two tiers: Level 2 charging stations, which operate at 208-240 V and use AC power. These stations will add 20-25 miles of range in about an hour of charging. The U.S. Department of Transportation listed more than 22,800 public Level 2 EV charging stations across the nation as of mid-2020. They are commonly found in public parking lots and garages, hotels, grocery stores, malls, and other commercial areas. They may also be installed in private parking garages and business parking lots for use by tenants, employees or fleet drivers. Collecting membership data Direct Current Fast Chargers (DCFS) are designed to charge an EV battery to about 80% in 20-30 minutes. There are currently about 15,000 DCFC stations across the U.S., but their numbers are expected to explode as more people start taking EVs on longer road trips. They are commonly found along major interstate highways. As the market evolves, user authentication requirements for EV charging stations are likely to vary by type, location, and user base. Some commercial locations may provide Level 2 EV charging as a free amenity to shoppers, guests or employees. If there is no charge for the service, there may be no need to authenticate users at all— people can simply park and plug at any available spot. However, there may be a benefit to collecting membership data (e.g., shopper reward club). Private charging stations Public, for-profit EV charging stations, like gas stations, need a method to collect payment for their services. In some cases (especially at roadside DCFS stations), users may simply pay for the minutes used with a credit card—just like at the gas station pump. However, many EV charging station users are already accustomed to identifying themselves with an RFID membership card or a smartphone app. Charging networks like ChargePoint and Blink enable members to access any EV charging station within their networks with a card or smartphone app, which connects to their membership, account, and payment information. Private charging stations—such as those offered to tenants, employees or fleet drivers—may not require payment but need to ensure that only authorized drivers are accessing power and taking up valuable parking spots. An RFID card or smartphone app can be used to identify authorized drivers and track charging behaviors. Moving forward, many EV charging stations may find that they need a mix of options for users, including membership cards, smartphone apps, and a credit card payment option for out-of-network drivers. Choosing between RFID and smartphone apps In the long run, the answer may be ‘both.’ RFID cards are economical and easy to issue When user identification and authentication are desirable, which is the better option: RFID cards or smartphone authentication? Both have their uses in the EV charging market. In the long run, the answer may be ‘both.’ RFID cards are economical and easy to issue. And for some users bases, they may not have to issue a new card at all—they can take advantage of an RFID card they already carry. In many cases, it is possible to leverage existing employee IDs and membership cards for access to privately controlled EV charging stations. RFID membership cards may be a good bet for: Fleet drivers who already carry an RFID card for vehicle access. Employee parking lots and garages where people already use a card for entry. EV charging parking spots at gyms or other locations where users want to limit charging access to active members. EV charging stations Most consumers would prefer not to have to carry a physical membership card for every retail outlet On the other hand, public charging stations may find that consumers would prefer to use a smartphone app rather than receive another membership card to carry in a physical wallet. Many consumers prefer to carry only their phone and one or two essential cards (such as a driver’s license and a single credit or debit card). As more retailers enable consumers to pay via a digital wallet app on their smartphones, some don’t even carry a physical credit card anymore. Most consumers would prefer not to have to carry a physical membership card for every retail outlet they visit—and that includes EV charging stations. Smartphone apps for user authentication are simple to set up and highly secure. Instead of RFID, they typically use either Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) or Near-field Communication (NFC) protocols. Public charging stations For the user, the experience is almost identical to RFID authentication, except they wave a smartphone over the reader instead of a card. Apps have other user benefits, too. A custom app for EV charging can be configured to help users locate or reserve charging stations, check their balance and usage history, and change their payment options right on their phone. These features make smartphone authentication ideal for consumers These features make smartphone authentication ideal for consumers accessing a network of public charging stations. However, EV charging network managers should keep in mind that some users may still want a physical membership card. Smartphone-Based authentication There are still some user populations, such as older consumers and those from lower income brackets, where smartphone ownership is not ubiquitous. If users are primarily using EV charging for a fleet vehicle, they may not want to download an application for work on their personal cell phone. Other users may find smartphone apps confusing or simply prefer to have a card for other reasons. The answer for both public EV charging networks and private charging station owners is to have an RFID reader that is capable of both card-based and smartphone-based authentication. This will provide maximum flexibility as user preferences change. Finding the right RFID reader for EV charging The ELATEC TWN4 MultiTech family of readers is ideal for authentication at EV charging stations The best RFID reader for EV charging is one that is flexible enough to meet the needs of all user populations and evolve as requirements change. The ELATEC TWN4 MultiTech family of readers is ideal for authentication at EV charging stations. The readers support 60+ RFID transponder technologies along with BLE and NFC smartphone authentication. This means that one reader can support all common technologies already in use across the entire user base—both nationally and internationally. This capability becomes important for applications where users want to enable drivers to use an existing RFID card (such as their employee or fleet ID card or an access card for a tenant parking garage) for access to charging locations. It also provides more flexibility as technologies or preferences change in the future. Supporting advanced encryption TWN4 MultiTech supports advanced encryption and security configurations for highly secure transactions between the card or smartphone and the reader. This is important for EV charging applications tied to payment or employee/driver identification. ELATEC readers are mobile-ready. The ELATEC Mobile Badge BLE NFC App offers simple and effective components for building or extending a mobile application for EV charging networks. Non-managed mobile credentialing using the ELATEC app is free. TWN4 MultiTech readers also work with multiple existing third-party managed credential systems, such as KleverKey, Safetrust, and Transact. The TWN4 MultiTech is easy to customize with the powerful Software Development Kit (DevPack) and App Blaster and Director utilities. Readers can be easily configured to support custom functionality (such as LED light flashing sequences or sounds for user feedback) and integration with backend software for easier member management. The DevPack tools make the TWN4 family the most powerful, versatile, and sustainable readers on the market. Hardware communication interfaces As electric vehicles move from niche to mainstream, EV charging infrastructure will need to grow and evolve to accommodate millions more drivers—both in the consumer market and in commercial fleets. With TWN4 MultiTech, EV charging station managers will be ready. Interested in learning more about technical considerations for RFID? Download 11 Considerations for Embedded System RFID Readers for additional advice, including operating power and consumption requirements, antenna placement, hardware communication interfaces, and more.

Mul-T-Lock has worked closely with K.B.O Fire & Security to upgrade the security at Guildford College, in the United Kingdom (UK), creating a dedicated master key suite for the ultimate peace of mind of staff, pupils and visitors. Guildford College is the largest further and highest education college in the Surrey area, with approximately 3000 students and offers courses at all levels. Success rates are higher than national benchmarks with many students operating with the local community on a regular basis. Control and secure access for Guildford College K.B.O Fire & Security offered a number of innovative ideas to ensure complete security Controlled and secure access is a high priority for the Estates and Facilities team, who sought the advice of K.B.O Fire & Security to undertake a comprehensive security overview. K.B.O Fire & Security offered a number of innovative ideas to ensure complete security and a smooth operating system throughout the college site. Mul-T-Lock’s high security MTL400 patent protected solution The resulting master key suite was designed and installed using Mul-T-Lock’s high security MTL400 patent protected solution, which combines advanced technologies with enhanced key copy control and maximum resistance to all forms of lock manipulation. Sandra Searle, the Facilities Customer Services Manager at Guildford College, said “The college is committed to offering staff and students a vibrant, happy and nurturing learning environment. So that we can do this as safely as possible, we ensure the security systems, right from the entrance to the college and throughout the site, are all maintained to a high level.” Bespoke Mul-T-Lock master key suite system Sandra Searle adds, “K.B.O Fire & Security worked with us to produce a bespoke Mul-T-Lock master key suite that could enable total key management control. We are particularly impressed with the advanced protection capability as it means as a team, we can maintain a single key to open all doors as required and maintain differential access to rooms between staff, visitors and students.” With up to 90 cylinders installed in a scalable design, the master key suite system was installed quickly and efficiently, in order to ensure minimal disruption to learning timetables. Offering flexibility in access control With Guildford College, we like to consider ourselves as part of this team" Lance Harding of K.B.O Fire & Security stated, “With Guildford College, we like to consider ourselves as part of this team, where we can really understand the bespoke requirements. The benefit of working in this way is allowing for the flexibility of access, including accounting for the large number of part- and full-time students, alongside the wider community, who all use the facilities.” Lance Harding adds, “Here a master key system was the best choice and using Mul-T-Lock enabled total patented key control to keep the college, and all who attend safe and secure.” Mul-T-Lock and K.B.O Fire & Security partnership Tom Hyslop, the Regional Sales Manager at Mul-T-Lock, concluded by stating “By working with the college and K.B.O Fire & Security early in the specification process, the right level of protection could be designed into the master key suite, choosing MTL400 to make sure staff and students can work and learn in a safe and secure environment.” Tom Hyslop adds, “It also meant installation could be planned carefully around learning timetables. And now, staff can focus and maintain their high standards for the benefit of all who attend with total peace of mind security.”

With 400 helicopters deployed for different types of missions, 70 naval systems in use, as well as military and civil aircraft, air traffic control radar, and space solutions, Leonardo confirms its commitment to Latin America by showcasing its latest-generation multi-domain capabilities and technologies at the FIDAE international exhibition in Chile. Leonardo will participate in the FIDAE exhibition in South America, which takes place in Santiago, Chile from 5 to 10 April. The company will display technologies and solutions developed to meet the needs of governments, institutions, armed forces, and civil operators in the aeronautic, electronics, helicopter, and space sectors. Leonardo presents advanced solutions in the fixed-wing field M-346FA aircraft is already delivered to the first international customer. In the fixed-wing field, Leonardo is presenting the Fighter Attack version of the M-346 and the M-345 Dual Role, which, in addition to being ideal and technologically advanced solutions for training future pilots, also perform a wide range of missions at a lower cost than frontline fighters. In particular, the new operational version of the M-346FA aircraft, already delivered to the first international customer, has all the characteristics of the trainer variant and, through the integration of latest generation equipment and sensors, also becomes an effective light attack aircraft. Leonardo underlining its role as a leader in the helicopter sector FIDAE will also showcase the C-27J Spartan multi-role transport aircraft, already selected by the Peruvian and Mexican Air Forces and used to support those countries’ citizens. Leonardo underlines its role as a leader in the helicopter sector with a complete range of platforms deployed in more than 150 countries worldwide to meet the most complex military and civil requirements. The AW119T helicopter (VFR and IFR) trainer is the only single-engine helicopter in the world fully certified to operate according to instrument flight rules, while the AW139Mmulti-role helicopter is capable of carrying out a wide variety of security and defense missions. Uncrewed solutions of Leonardo The modular avionics system ATOS is able to manage a wide spectrum of sensors on an aircraft In addition to fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, Leonardo will also be at FIDAE with its uncrewed solutions. These include the Falco EVO, which can conduct a wide spectrum of missions on land and at sea, thanks to its innovative sensors and complete solutions for intelligence and surveillance, alongside flexible mission systems. The modular avionics system ATOS (Airborne Tactical Observation and Surveillance) is able to manage a wide spectrum of sensors on an aircraft, combining in real-time the information received about the complete tactical situation, enhancing situational awareness to accelerate and optimize decision-making. Leonardo's contribution to the electronic warfare segment  Among key technologies in the field of defense electronics, developed to provide high levels of security in complex environments, Leonardo is presenting the Long Range RAT-31 DL / M digital radar with AESA antenna – an effective mobile system that can detect fast-moving targets, such as ballistic missiles. Leonardo presents RAT-31 DL / M digital radar with AESA antenna – an effective mobile system. In the Electronic Warfare segment, the Electronic Support Measures (ESM) system SAGE is a device that analyses the electromagnetic spectrum across the land, sea, and air domains to map the sources of active emissions. It uses highly accurate Direction Finding (DF) antennas to identify the positions of targets. Meanwhile, among the latest generation of protection for defense, transport, and special mission aircraft, the BriteCloud countermeasure has been conceived by Leonardo to provide state-of-the-art protection against radar-guided missiles. Leonardo is established as one of the major global players Also being highlighted at the event are the company's solutions for air traffic control, designed to meet the most stringent international standards. More than 200 airports, 110 worldwide are equipped with Leonardo's radar, control centers, and ATC technologies. Leonardo brings air traffic control solutions, designed to meet the most stringent international standards.Technologies focused on multi-domain interoperability, specifically in the Cyber & Security field, will also be presented – an area where Leonardo is established as one of the major global players in the supply of complete and integrated solutions. Thanks to its range of products and solutions for physical and cybernetic security, Leonardo's technologies cover a wide spectrum of activities, from cyber security through to services for the secure digitalization of processes, infrastructure, and applications.  The technologies also span professional communications, advanced command and control centers, all the way up to technologies for the development of smart and sustainable cities. education and training of cyber security Leonardo's commitment is to design the future using integrated platforms, such as X-2030, to ensure safety, protection, and efficient decision-making by fusing data from various sources and sensors to monitor areas of interest, such as archeological sites or critical areas. Alongside these technologies, Leonardo has developed solutions for the education and training of cyber security operators in the defense and civil sectors so that they are fully equipped to respond to new cyber threats. In Latin America, the Telespazio joint venture (67% Leonardo, 33% Thales), offers satellite services in the fields of telecommunications, geoinformation, and navigation, strengthened by the presence of space centers across the geography.

Bosch has equipped the new Chinese mega-airport Chengdu Tianfu International with video security, a PA and voice alarm system, and a conferencing solution, ensuring safety and security for passengers and airport staff as well as enhancing comfort and ease-of-use for travelers. Chengdu Tianfu International, in Sichuan province, serves China’s quickly booming ‘garden’ megacity, an emerging hub for commerce, culture, and finance – with the new airport pegged to be the third-busiest for airport traffic following Beijing and Shanghai. Customized audio and video The installation of the audio and video technology was customized for the unique architectural requirements of the airport complex, which opened this June, including two terminal buildings that reference the ancient Golden Sun Bird totem unearthed in 2001 from Chengdu City’s Jinsha Ruins. Due to the unique design of the terminal buildings, ‘standard’ security cameras were not appropriate for installation as the ceilings were far too high for traditional solutions. Placing regular cameras on this ceiling would drastically reduce the quality of their image feed and produce a poor viewing angle. Each panoramic camera can monitor a semi-circle area with a radius of 25 meters, a detection range of 25 meters in distance Flexidome panoramic cameras Instead, Bosch Flexidome panoramic cameras were integrated into the interior design of the building and were either installed on walls or concealed within information boards. Each panoramic camera can monitor a semi-circle area with a radius of 25 meters, a detection range of 25 meters in distance, and a 180-degree viewing angle. This allowed the airport to install far fewer cameras, cutting the total number down by 75% from 4,000 standard cameras for a typical project of this scale to 1,000 panoramic cameras – thus saving costs on the cameras as well as on wiring and installation. Uses single lens, 4K-resolution Dinion IP cameras Additionally, competitors’ panoramic cameras usually use four lenses, reducing the image quality. Bosch Flexidome cameras, however, use just one lens – improving brightness, color, and clarity. The precision tracking capabilities and high-quality video stream of the cameras ultimately free up human resources for the airport and allow incidents or events to be followed without additional staff on the ground. In the flight area, the airport deployed four 4K-resolution Dinion IP cameras to monitor the runway. As this area of the airport is very long, stitching software is used to combine the images of these four cameras into one complete image, covering the entire runway and allowing Chengdu Tianfu to monitor the whole take-off and landing process. Seamless customer experience with superior acoustics The design team ran an acoustic simulation to ascertain how many loudspeakers were needed As the interiors of the terminal buildings feature many glass surfaces, which cause sound reflections, Chengdu Tianfu needed to determine how to deliver a high level of speech intelligibility with minimal distortion, no matter where the passengers were located. The design team ran acoustic simulation software to ascertain how many loudspeakers were needed for the terminal areas as well as the placement of the arrays. Bosch Praesideo system For flight announcements as well as voice alarm and evacuation more than 9,000 loudspeakers were installed, covering 700 broadcasting zones and integrated via a Bosch Praesideo system, assuring passengers can hear announcements in all parts of the terminal. Additionally, announcements can be broadcast with accuracy to passengers traveling through other areas of the airport complex, such as the adjoining hotel. Dicentis wireless conferencing system Bosch also provided the Dicentis Wireless Conferencing System for the adjoining supporting airport offices. Meanwhile, the Praesensa public address and voice alarm system deployed at the airport hotel is integrated with the rest of the site, so passengers staying at the hotel can be alerted to ongoing events in the airport. Due to these integrated sound and video systems, the airport can guarantee security and safety for passengers while also providing a seamless experience for customers and staff.

Scenario: One needs to install a camera in the lobby of a building to capture the entrance area. Problem: The area has a lot of windows which overexposes the image, making it difficult to capture the people coming in and out of the premises. Solution: A security camera with a good Wide Dynamic Range (WDR). What WDR does? Dynamic range refers to the ratio between the largest and smallest measurable quantities of something. In the case of video surveillance, the dynamic range measures the ratio between the lightest and darkest elements of the image. WDR technology is great for high contrast scenes, balancing the brightness and shaded areas simultaneously so an image neither appears blown out or too dark. IHS defines WDR at 60 dB or greater, though it’s not uncommon to see WDR cameras with capabilities of 120 dB or more Decibels (dB) are the value with which dynamic range is measured. IHS defines WDR at 60 dB or greater, though it’s not uncommon to see WDR cameras with capabilities of 120 dB or more. However, keep in mind that each manufacturer has its own method of determining a camera’s dB. Therefore, when comparing product datasheets, it is possible that a camera with a lower ratio outperforms a competitor with a higher dB ratio. How WDR works? Security cameras with WDR technology (e.g. Dahua HDCVI 6.0 PLUS) are using either Digital WDR (DWDR) or True WDR. True WDR uses image sensors and a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) to provide even illumination to all areas of an image. A True WDR-enabled video surveillance camera has sensors that take two scans of each video frame. The first, at low speed (to capture more light), shows the image in normal light conditions. The second scan is taken at high speed to capture less light overall and get an image with strong light in the background. The DSP combines the two scans to form a single, balanced, well-illuminated image. DWDR uses algorithms instead of sensors to digitally brighten too-dark areas and dim too-bright areas. DWDR relies on the DSP chip instead of the image sensor to provide WDR. It adjusts each individual pixel of the image and calculates exposure accordingly. This technique has some limitations: the intense manipulation of pixels leads to the overall image being grainier. On the other hand, DWDR doesn’t need costly image sensors, so DWDR can be a more economical option when WDR is a necessity. When one doesn’t have WDR? Backlight Compensation (BLC) brightens the image so one can see darker details better There are two options for improving the exposure of an image without using WDR. In a high-contrast scene with heavy, broad, backlighting, the camera will adjust to the average illumination, which will darken the image. If no WDR is available, Backlight Compensation (BLC) brightens the image so one can see darker details better. BLC is a legacy technique that uses DSPs to increase the level of exposure for the entire image. Rather than balancing brightness on overexposed and underexposed areas of an image like WDR does, it brightens the entire image. Highlight Compensation (HLC) is a technology where image sensors detect strong light within the image and reduce exposure on those areas to enhance the overall image quality. In a dimly lit scene with bright lighting caused by hot spots (e.g. headlights, street lights), the overall image may become too dark. If no WDR is available, use HLC. The camera automatically suppresses bright light sources, allowing proper exposure of adjacent areas. Conclusion Regardless of the dB value specified, image results will vary depending on the complexity and amount of movement in a scene. To determine the best camera for an application, it is always best to test that it meets the needs and expectations of the customer.

Changing customer needs can make specifying an alarm system that will continue to deliver in the long term a challenge. However, the latest modular alarm solutions provide the opportunity to build a more individualized system from the outset, as well as offering the ability to up-scale in the future without causing disruption. Martin Wilson, North EMEA Regional Director at Resideo, looks at how alarm specialists can use this style of solution to both benefit customers and build their own business opportunities. Holistic sense of home security An alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place In a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken by Resideo, the results revealed that, although deterring burglary was still a top priority, consumers were moving to a more holistic sense of home security, wanting to bring convenience, and property and life safety, into the mix.  Indeed, an alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place. The latest modular alarm systems offer the flexibility to create a scalable security and life safety platform for homes and small businesses, as well as giving installers the ability to suggest future update options that can be added as and when budget or requirement allows. Valuable up-scales Finding an alarm that can be scaled over time has the obvious business benefit of ensuring it is easy to revisit and add to as customers naturally expand their existing security. With many modular designs connected via WiFi, this not only means installers can opt for the right mix of sensor options from the get-go but also that any additions can be connected to the panel and system with ease. Many control hubs have winning features in their own right. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo, for instance, has an intuitive touchscreen, easy-to-read, full-color display to reduce false alarms, plus a built-in camera, speaker and microphone, intuitive icons, and even five-day weather alerts. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo has an intuitive touchscreen Natural up-scale opportunities For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition For the installer, it has a plug-in power connection, trouble-shooting videos, and end-user-replaceable batteries to reduce unnecessary callouts. However, to build a scalable system, this needs to be coupled with the right, flexible solutions to tackle customer concerns. Taking the time to find out what is important to the end user is vital here and can lead to natural up-scale opportunities. For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition. Similarly, a panic button and even medical transmitters may be of benefit to others. All this, as well as other options, such as glass break detectors, door and window sensors, and indoor and outdoor MotionViewers™, are available within the ProSeries range, and can be updated or added to an installation as needed or as a property grows with minimum disruption.  Adding life safety The ability to propose an alarm system that can bring together alerts for different threats – for both the home and life – under one platform, also has real appeal. Indeed, in a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken on behalf of Resideo, a system’s ability to alert to the dangers presented by fire and CO was mentioned as an important part of the decision-making process by 41% of participants. For many, this increased awareness may stem from the many regulation updates regarding smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that took place in 2022. In Scotland, for instance, carbon monoxide detectors were required to be fitted in any room with a carbon-fueled appliance in all homes, rented or owned. Social housing properties In England, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties In England, from the 1st of October 2002, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties, with carbon monoxide alarms now mandatory in the private rented sector. Wales followed suit in December for rented accommodation.  The new guidance for England and Wales requires at least one smoke alarm to be installed on each storey of a property, to help alert to domestic fires more quickly, ensuring a quicker evacuation and reduced risk of fatality. For professionals, systems such as ProSeries, can be connected to a series of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, in a ‘one-go-all-go’ setup that means the alarm will go off if one of these threats are identified.  Smart and connected benefits The total Connect 2.0 app gives ProSeries end-users the ability to view and control the security platform remotely. The Resideo Pro app currently gives installers the ability to view the system and connect to the central monitoring system. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Zwave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices There are also extra benefits for alarm professionals too. The AlarmNet 360™platform on which ProSeries is configured gives greater insight to improve business operations, increase efficiency and deliver insights on accounts to identify additional upsell opportunities and ongoing services. Providing the ability to remotely diagnose brings valuable time-saving options and avoids unnecessary callouts. It also means the ProSeries panel and peripherals programming can be accessed anytime, anywhere, using the cloud, allowing ease of programming, troubleshooting and account management on the go. Needs and future possibilities Changing a complete alarm system to apply new functions is never going to feature highly with the end user, nor does it work where longevity and sustainability is concerned. Having the ability to build a modular system and add to this as needed, whether this is at a property or a small business, provides benefits for both customers and professionals when it comes to meeting immediate needs and future possibilities. Add connectivity and remote access to this and you have a platform that can help streamline business operations, putting professionals more in touch with customers, and helping to spot future opportunities.

The adoption of innovative and interconnected door hardware systems can help overcome the challenges associated with building security, explains Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. The security of our built environment and the safety of its people is paramount throughout a building’s lifecycle. While these elements remain a primary focus at each touchpoint of a construction project, today’s design teams are sooner adopting modern access control systems to address this age-old challenge, but why? Modern access control Where systems were once rudimentary, modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design, unlocking various benefits for its many users in the process. The Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced building security as we know it, and as technology continues to advance, more options enter the market. Following more than a decade of innovation and integration, the access control market is projected to grow year on year, from £7.8 billion in 2023 to £11.8 billion by 2028. Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements  Modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements during this period, and decision makers and design teams alike can now choose from a versatile selection of options. Some door hardware products now utilize smart locks, cloud control and even biometrics for example, and most recently, there’s been a substantial change to the way access control systems operate, with focus moving towards end users and ease of use. Modern access control has evolved into a revolutionary factor of building design Smart door hardware From an operational perspective, interconnected access control systems gift users with an intuitive network that improves building security through the use of real-time status updates, while also providing them with the ability to grant instant access approval and denial at the touch of a button. Often, users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone, which has led to improved flexibility and efficiency in most environments - whether at home or in a public access property. The security benefits also become clear when compared to the alternative of physical keys. If a traditional key is lost or stolen, the security of a building becomes at risk until it is found or replaced. Intuitive access control systems are designed to build upon the traditional lock and key methods. By seamlessly integrating smart door hardware into both new and retrofit projects, users can manage access points and improve security across the building - without stifling ease of access, stunting future scalability or unsettling the aesthetics. Users can operate their building’s various access points through their mobile phone Access control system The PSIA standard is one of the widely recognized and respected standards for access control products As many adopt Wi-Fi infrastructures, NFC technology and cloud services into their buildings, decision makers must also consider the need for better standards. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, performance and functionality, it can also introduce new risks which must be mitigated by adhering to both localised and international standards, such as ISO 27001 for example.  The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) standard is one of the widely recognized and respected standards for access control products and provides comprehensive requirements for systems by focusing on interoperability, scalability, and functionality. While the introduction of IoT may advance security, it can also introduce new risks Providing comprehensive requirements This standard ensures that access control products from different manufacturers can seamlessly integrate and communicate with each other, allowing for greater flexibility and choice when designing a complete access control system. After all, a one size fits all access control solution simply doesn’t exist and decision makers would be remiss in not selecting a product that aligns with their building’s needs while meeting the required standards.

In the early stages of childhood education, kindergarten imparts foundational principles that shape future behavior. Today, you can think about cloud computing in a similar manner: it has become a fundamental element in the architecture of modern technology. The cloud now plays a critical role in digital interaction, security, and infrastructure development. Far from being just another tool, the cloud is a cornerstone, providing essential support for the intricate network that supports today's digital ecosystem. Vomplex digital systems Much as kindergarten lessons lay the groundwork for cognitive development, the cloud offers base capabilities that are vital for constructing and operating complex digital systems. Recent advancements in cloud-based security — particularly in access control and video surveillance — emphasize the importance of cloud computing. It has been instrumental in unifying fragmented security systems, similar to how basic social principles taught in kindergarten help diverse children come together as a unit. The role of cloud computing in our technological world is multifaceted and continuously growing The role of cloud computing in our technological world is multifaceted and continuously growing. It has evolved into a space where innovation is cultivated and security commitments are maintained with vigilance. The fusion of artificial intelligence and analytics into cloud services signifies a concerted effort toward a future that is more cohesive, intelligent, and secure. Significant technological progress As we delve deeper into this topic, it will become evident that cloud computing, like the pivotal lessons of kindergarten, is indispensable. It quietly enables significant technological progress, mirroring the foundational principles taught in our formative years in both its essential nature and its growing influence. Play Fair: Technological Developments in Cloud-Based Security The past year has been a period of significant innovation in cloud-based access control and video surveillance. Cloud computing has evolved into a robust platform that fosters the creation of integrated security systems. These systems consolidate access control and video surveillance into a unified experience, demonstrating the cloud's potential to seamlessly combine disparate systems. Substantial industry progression The advent of edge computing has boosted bandwidth efficiency and accelerated data processing The incorporation of artificial intelligence and analytics into cloud services marks a substantial industry progression. This development provides businesses with advanced tools for in-depth analysis and intelligent decision-making, enabling them to not only gather comprehensive insights but also strengthen their security measures. The cloud has eased the transition to new technologies and emphasized a commitment to cybersecurity, with encryption protecting data integrity in transit and at rest. Simultaneously, the advent of edge computing has boosted bandwidth efficiency and accelerated data processing, highlighting a consistent drive to refine and adapt. The trend of integrating cloud security systems with other business platforms help create unified ecosystems, reflecting a broader narrative of security professionals’ pursuit of progress and enhancement. Potential future disruptions Wash Your Hands: Pandemic-Induced Transformation in Cloud Services As we all know, the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a swift transition to remote operations, with cloud computing forming the backbone. i The urgent need for cloud solutions was apparent as businesses adopted remote collaboration tools, work-from-home policies, and virtual workspaces. This transition increased the demand for cloud services and prompted more adaptable and cost-effective pricing models. Recognizing the critical role of cloud services, organizations enhanced their investment to safeguard  operations against potential future disruptions. The pandemic fundamentally altered the perception and valuation of cloud computing, emphasizing its critical role in sustaining business operations. Scaleable digital infrastructures The growing demand for SaaS has led integrators to create scaleable digital infrastructures Share Everything: Systems Integrators and the Adoption of Cloud Systems integrators have done much to realize the cloud’s potential. The growing demand for Software as a Service (SaaS) has led integrators to create scaleable digital infrastructures tailored to specific business needs.. The use of the cloud for data backup has improved efficiency and increased organizations’ ability to cope with disruptions. Although there has been a gradual shift among integrators toward cloud solutions, effectively marketing and supporting SaaS business models remains a challenge. But the possibility of continuous revenue streams through managed services is promoting broader adoption of cloud technologies. Cloud-based security solutions Live, Learn, Think: Enterprise-Level Cloud Adoption There is an increasing trend among large enterprises to adopt cloud-based security solutions. The shift toward VSaaS indicates a move towards subscription models that offer financial and scalability advantages. This transition is more than a mere operational change. Rather, it represents a commitment to the expansive potential for growth and innovation that the cloud offers. But let’s face it: the ‘cloud’ journey is accompanied by challenges, particularly concerning data security. Providers must deliver robust data protection measures to ensure the success of cloud-based security services, which depends not just on technological progress but also on fostering trust with clients. Addressing cybersecurity concerns The hybrid model offers a balanced solution for businesses looking to merge these two environments Baby Steps: Hybrid Cloud and On-Premises Infrastructure The hybrid model, which combines cloud with on-premises infrastructure, continues to be a strategic choice for many organizations. While the cloud provides flexibility and ease of access, on-premises solutions offer control over data security and comply with regulatory demands. The hybrid model offers a balanced solution for businesses looking to merge these two environments. Be Trustworthy: Cybersecurity Measures and Communication Transparent communication is key in addressing cybersecurity concerns with customers and partners. Companies that are transparent about their security protocols, including encryption and regular updates, build trust. Certifications such as SOC 2 Type II affirm a dedication to security, and proactive educational resources ensure that users are well-informed about best practices. Decision-making processes Cloud computing has become the cornerstone of modern security strategies Look: The Future Outlook for Cloud-Based Security Solutions Looking forward 5-10 years, cloud-based security solutions are expected to become even more central to organizational decision-making processes. The cloud is poised to become the hub for predictive decision-making, using AI algorithms and extensive data to proactively manage security risks. This vision of an intelligent, integrated approach to security, with the cloud enabling swift, collaborative responses to threats, is almost at hand. Cloud computing has become the cornerstone of modern security strategies, moving beyond its initial role as a digital transformation tool. As we look to the future, the cloud is set to redefine security paradigms and anchor a new era of intelligent, predictive security operations.

Security professionals are recognizing the intelligence value of leveraging publicly and commercially available information. This information can now be accessed more effectively from typically hard-to-reach regions. Also, the technological capabilities have matured in our age of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. Intelligence has historically been based on classified data. However, today’s unclassified data, including open-source intelligence (OSINT), is increasingly being used to provide context and queuing for other types of intelligence. Advanced identity intelligence Babel Street is a technology company providing advanced identity intelligence and risk operations using an AI-enabled data-to-knowledge platform to unlock insights from a flood of data. The company provides advanced data analytics and intelligence for the world’s most trusted government and commercial organizations. Experts have predicted that by 2025 over 463 exabytes of data will be generated each day globally The sheer volume of data is growing exponentially. Experts have predicted that by 2025 over 463 exabytes of data will be generated each day globally. Not only are we seeing exponential growth in the volume of data, but there is also disparity in the veracity and the variety of data. This is being compounded by the ‘app economy’ in which data is created in a new format for every app added around the globe. Human language technology “The problem is that the data ‘junk’ and the ‘crown jewels’ are in the same bucket, and government and commercial entities need better and faster ways to extract intelligence from these torrents of data,” says Farid Moussa, VP, Strategy & Public Sector, Babel Street. Prior to joining Babel Street, Farid retired from the National Security Agency (NSA). He has guided video, image, speech, and text analytics (VISTA) and developed an appreciation for human language technology. An elusive source of data is the Dark Web, where every user, by design, is attempting to obfuscate their identity, and bad actors are hiding much better. “This presents a cat and mouse game – the cat must be smarter than the mouse, but the mouse is continually getting smarter,” says Moussa. Intelligence tools for data analysis SIGINT and HUMINT – while both vital – are also the most expensive forms of intelligence There are several intelligence tools for analyzing data. One of them is signals intelligence (SIGINT), which refers to electronic transmissions collected by ships, planes, ground sites, or satellites. Another is human intelligence (HUMINT), which is collected in a human-to-human fashion. Open-source intelligence (OSINT) is obtained by searching on topics or entities of interest that are publicly available on the Internet at large. Today, these various categories are often done in ‘silos of excellence.’  However, the best practice is using all forms together in a holistic fashion. SIGINT and HUMINT – while both vital – are also the most expensive forms of intelligence, while OSINT, which is growing in importance, is most cost-effective. All are vital forms of intelligence; OSINT is complementary and crucial to holistic intelligence practices. Holistic intelligence practices When it comes to physical security of people and places, OSINT has become a critical source of actionable information. Security directors leverage Publicly Available Information (PAI) to safeguard against threats to individuals, property, travel routes, and event sites. By monitoring PAI, security teams can detect and respond to potential dangers, including during and after events where thorough preparation is vital. Online information can contain warning signs of impending threats. It informs security professionals in uncovering digital traces, confirming intentions, and addressing risks across language barriers, ensuring proactive risk management for the protection of people and property. Role of Natural Language Processing (NLP) The Internet and social media were mostly English language by default, but that has changed exponentially Natural Language Processing (NLP) is a crucial capability that has evolved to recognize the richness and variety of words and names in multiple languages and scripts, and their use across cultures. Using machine learning and linguistics algorithms, the technology simultaneously considers numerous types of name variations. At one time, the Internet and social media were mostly English language by default, but that has changed exponentially.  Babel Street’s world-class entity matching technology measures over 100 features to calculate the similarity of entities across multiple languages. Despite advances in data management and the cloud, there are still multiple challenges and complexities with integration of these data elements. Challenges include spelling variances/phonetics, language translation issues, criminal evasion, human error upon input, typos, etc. Accessing data from a scattered landscape While there have been advancements in cloud technologies, agencies utilizing open-source data are typically working within a highly scattered data landscape and must use a wide array of tools to get at the relevant pieces. This fragmentation makes it difficult to run analytics and apply AI and machine learning at scale in order to derive actionable insights.  Unstructured and relationship data are visualised through advanced link analysis As with many disciplines, artificial intelligence (AI) is changing the game when it comes to intelligence. NLP and AI algorithms are employed to enhance datasets for greater quality, usability, and completeness. Unstructured and relationship data are visualized through advanced link analysis, geographic heat maps, influential entity carousels, topic clouds, and patterns by time and day. Geographic heat maps The advanced algorithms accurately score and prioritize critical entities within the relationship network while providing the citations from which an AI/ML-based decision was made. “With the democratization of AI, the world is becoming flat,” says Moussa. “Just like the most prosperous countries, even the poorest countries have the most advanced capabilities to do damage. Third-world economies often present a scenario where the financial gain of nefarious schemes and low-to-no regulation combine to incentivize bad actors.” The Challenges of Name Matching Identity has been an ongoing challenge for intelligence analysis due to the vast complexity of linguistics, spelling and cultural variances, human error, as well as human evasion. Technology and data science approaches are maturing, however machine translation can still struggle with meaning. The best-of-breed natural language processing capabilities run against the data while it still is in its native language. This minimizes the occurrence of analytic errors caused by inaccurate machine translations. This minimizes the occurrence of analytic errors caused by inaccurate machine translations It’s tempting to think that name matching is like doing a keyword search. The complexity of language makes it more challenging. New names are constantly created, with multiple spellings and no set of rules to encompass how names are formed. They are variable across languages, scripts, cultures, and ethnicities. Culturally specific nicknames and aliases add to the complexity. Replacing human involvement The investigation of the Boston Marathon Bombing in 2013 spotlighted an example of the significance of intelligence analysis. Even though the FBI had issued a detain alert for Tamerlan Tsarnaev back in 2011, Tsarnaev managed to travel to Russia in January 2012; and in July 2012, he returned to Boston. He was not detained on either occasion because there were too many names on the lists, and Tsarnaev’s last name had been spelled differently from the way it was on travel documents, thus enabling him to get through security. With the Internet, social media, and the dark web, there’s been an exponential increase in public communications in various languages, adding significantly to the amount of analysis required to keep societies safe. Name matching, using AI, analyses multiple contextual data points across languages to arrive at matches. Name matching, using AI, analyzes multiple contextual data points across languages to arrive at matches A common misconception is that this technology will replace human intelligence. “It’s more accurate to recognize its role as a force-multiplier, allowing humans to focus on the on the harder problems and/or vetting the results of AI,” says Moussa. “The technology can efficiently analyze massive volumes of data and distill it into actionable information in a timely manner. It augments human capabilities, enabling analysis at speed and scale beyond human capacity, without replacing human involvement.” Commercial Technology to the rescue “When it comes to threat and identity intelligence, we face a risk-confidence gap, underscored by the challenge of integrating traditional tactics with the modern digital landscape,” adds Moussa. “We cannot ‘hire’ our way out of this problem. Instead, it is imperative that we adopt technology to scale our efforts and free humans to solve the harder problems that machines cannot solve yet.” The public sector loves to build things, but there are time-to-value and return-on-investment considerations to the ‘build or buy’ decision. When commercial technology can be leveraged by government, it frees resources up to work on problems that the commercial world hasn’t yet figured out, says Moussa. “The public and private sectors need to come together – one team, one nation, working together with mutual trust and collaboration,” he says.

Already a strong player, particularly in New Zealand and Australia, Gallagher is still climbing in the U.S. market, which it sees as a big opportunity to invest in the company. Active in the United States for 10 years, Gallagher undertook a more aggressive growth strategy about five years ago. There are 52 employees in Gallagher’s U.S. security business, and about half the workforce has been hired in the last couple of years. They have grown from three sales territories to 16, operated by a full sales and engineering staff. Culture of innovation sets As it happens, Gallagher’s U.S. headquarters is located a short drive from my home office in the wider vicinity of Atlanta. I missed seeing them at GSX in Dallas, so we scheduled an in-person visit to catch up on their company. Gallagher’s strong culture of innovation sets them apart, as does their “people-first” commitment, says Scott Elliott, Gallagher’s Executive Vice-President, The Americas. “We have intentionally recruited for a diversity of thought that drives the business,” says Elliott. “We are a people business.” Melissa Vidakovic, Director of Marketing, Americas; and Scott Elliott, Executive VP, Americas, at Gallagher Security's office in Canton, GA. Unified approach An advantage Gallagher has in the market is total ownership of their supply chain; it manufactures each of the hundreds of products used across their solutions, from plastic components to readers to controllers to their own software systems.  Among other advantages, the unified approach enables tighter control from a hardening and cybersecurity perspective, enabling them to minimize any threat vectors or vulnerabilities. The strategy also avoids dependence on third-party suppliers, which was a huge advantage during recent supply chain disruptions. While competitors struggled with availability issues related to third-party manufacturers, Gallagher’s supply was uninterrupted. Gallagher’s commitment Gallagher uses the same norms as the nation and subjects its effects to inner and outer penetration As a manufacturer serving a broad spectrum of markets, it’s Gallagher’s commitment to the high end of the market (e.g., high-security applications), where the company incorporates core tenets such as authentication and encryption. Gallagher uses some of the same standards as the government and subjects its products to internal and external penetration testing. These core strengths are also integral to Gallagher’s complete product line. “If it’s good enough for a high-level customer, it’s good enough for Mr. Business Owner,” says Elliott. The New Zealand company was founded in 1938 and was the first company to commercialize the electric fence, which it still uses for its agriculture business sector, separate from the security business. Gallagher entered the access control business 35 years ago in 1988 when a product used to restrict access to fuel pumps evolved into broader access control. Gallagher platform In the intervening years, the product has grown into a unified platform that incorporates access control, intrusion detection, and perimeter detection in a single ecosystem. “The platform is all-encompassing,” says Elliott. “No other platform does all three.” Augmenting access control, intrusion, and perimeter protection, there are other applications available in the Gallagher platform, such as workforce management, health and safety functions, and a spectrum of features useful to a wider stakeholder community. Fatigue management applications For example, Gallagher can implement routine randomized checks to proactively mitigate potential risks such as drug or alcohol abuse, thus ensuring workers are fit to work, to operate various machinery and that they do not pose a threat to fellow employees or the company.  “Fatigue management” applications can monitor the use of equipment to avoid repetitive injuries or manage how long an employee works at a job site, requiring a worker to swipe or tap a card to a reader mounted on a machine to monitor and limit the time they operate that machine. Mobile mustering provides location and identification of evacuees in case of an emergency. Impact of digital transformation Gallagher’s “Better Ways of Working” concept zeroes in on the impact of digital transformation Gallagher is also embracing the “digital transformation” of the industry. Security companies must adapt to a more agile workforce and shifting processes, says Elliott. Gallagher’s “Better Ways of Working” concept zeroes in on the impact of digital transformation on their workforce. They also seek to address the changing workforce, where Gen-Z’ers work side-by-side with tenured, experienced workers, and where creating trust is the best approach to closing the generational gap.  Gallagher also seeks to educate the market on trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, cloud adoption, various service delivery models, and other issues. Industry consolidation Gallagher has more than 1,200 employees; operates in 140 countries, from South America to Canada, Europe to the Asia-Pacific and Australia; and serves almost 16,000 customers. Gallagher is part of New Zealand’s growing technology export sector, which is growing 30% faster than the overall economy and is now the second-largest export sector in New Zealand. In an age of industry consolidation and a market dominated by corporate conglomerates, Gallagher is a privately held organization seeking to be agile and innovative, and to deliver customer value more quickly. Gallagher re-invests about 15% of its profits into research and development. “Our customer service is the primary reason people buy from us,” says Elliott. Security integrators Security integrators quickly appreciate the breadth and strength of the product line Gallagher positions itself as an alternative in a market in the midst of disruption. Brand awareness continues to be a challenge in the United States, and the sales team often hears the question: “Who is Gallagher?” Once the introduction is made, security integrators quickly appreciate the breadth and strength of the product line, says Elliott. “We allow our customers to select among best-of-breed platforms, and [using open systems,] we are not limited by the technology we offer,” says Elliott. “Our value proposition to the integrator channel is our focus on the relationship,” says Elliott. Supporting end users through an authorized, certified channel, Gallagher also emphasizes value, cost-competitiveness, and cybersecurity. “Our partner relationships are built around cultural alignment,” says Elliott. Product innovation perspective What’s ahead for Gallagher and for the industry as a whole? Hard to say, notes Elliott, given the unfolding of unpredictable geopolitical and financial trends.  However, from a product innovation perspective, Gallagher will continue to evolve, balancing a dependence on “cash cow” legacy product lines with investment in leapfrog innovations such as frictionless access control, cloud platforms, and mobile systems. In general, Elliott predicts AI will yield an opportunity to analyze a person’s pattern of behavior and intent, thus enabling a security system to adapt down the road. “With the ability to predict with some degree of certainty what might happen, these capabilities will evolve,” says Elliott.

As the physical security and cybersecurity worlds converge, many industry professionals are finding themselves moving from one realm to the other. Or, more likely, they are embracing both disciplines as integral to the future of security as a whole. One security professional bringing her cybersecurity expertise to the physical security market is Wendy Hoey, Director of Sales, US Sales Leadership, North America, for Milestone Systems. With more than 23 years of experience in cybersecurity, Wendy Hoey now works with a global company dedicated to empowering people, businesses and societies with data-driven video technology. Author's quote Caught up with Wendy Hoey to discuss how the security market can harness innovation “I'm thrilled to be joining the physical security industry at this transformative time when there's such tremendous potential to update legacy systems with pioneering technologies like AI and the Internet of Things,” says Hoey. “I'm energized by the chance to collaborate with colleagues to help transform physical security, enhance predictive capabilities, and realize a shared vision of seamless protection across the digital and physical realms.” Caught up with Wendy Hoey to discuss how the security market can harness innovation to make the world safer and more secure. “The future is bright, and I'm honored to be part of this community,” says Hoey. Q: What can physical security learn from the world of cybersecurity? Hoey: Physical security can learn a great deal from the world of cybersecurity. With the rise of IoT and IP-connected devices, the lines between physical and digital security are blurring. Like cybersecurity, physical security needs to take a proactive approach to protecting core systems and perimeter access points. Understanding potential vulnerabilities and attacks is key. Physical security pros should continuously educate themselves on emerging technologies and threats and stay up to date on best practices. Adopting a customer-centric mindset is also critical. Rather than just selling technologies, physical security providers should focus on understanding clients' unique risks, objectives, and pain points. By taking cues from cybersecurity, the physical security industry can transform itself, innovate, and provide smarter solutions. Q: How is physical security a unique application for IT? How do physical security (and/or video) systems differ from “other” IT systems? Hoey: Physical security has unique challenges compared to traditional IT systems, but also shares some commonalities. At its core, physical security relies on networked hardware like cameras, access control and detectors that must be online and recording effectively at all times. This is like IT infrastructure in that uptime and availability are critical. With the rise of IoT, cyber and physical security are converging. Physical security systems have vulnerabilities that didn't exist before everything became IP-connected. Staying on top of emerging technologies and threats is crucial. At the end of the day, both physical and cyber security share the goal of minimizing organizational risk, and both disciplines must come together and cooperate to optimize security and safety. Q: How can security integrators ensure their workforce (i.e., installers) have the required IT skills to address the needs of the physical security market? Hoey: As security networks converge more deeply with IT infrastructure, integrators must invest in training to ensure their installers have the required skills. Whether pursuing vendor certifications, in-house training programs, or partnerships with IT services firms, integrators must recognize that security solutions require IT fluency. A willingness to upskill installers and keep pace with technological change will prepare integrators to deliver the solutions end users demand in an increasingly connected physical security ecosystem. Q: What is the role of the manufacturer to ease the application of IT technologies to the physical security market? Hoey: The role of the security manufacturer is to simplify and facilitate the application of IT technologies by serving as a trusted advisor and educator. Manufacturers must provide guidance, case studies, and domain expertise to help partners and end users understand the full capabilities of technologies and how they can be leveraged most effectively. Rather than just promoting a specific product, manufacturers should always take an active role in informing the channel and customers on available possibilities, bringing real partnership through tailored advice and solutions. Q: What challenges remain relating to implementing IT technologies in the physical security industry? How will new technologies (e.g., AI) transform the IT environment for physical security now and in the future? Hoey: When implemented thoughtfully, AI has enormous potential to transform physical security by helping security professionals identify anomalies and patterns in data to enable predictive analytics. With the right solutions, AI can act as a force multiplier by monitoring behaviors and giving security teams advance warnings before incidents occur. As AI and other emerging technologies mature, they will bring the industry in line with the most advanced security tools available. The future looks bright for a truly integrated physical and digital security environment with AI pioneering the charge.

Founded in the early 1400s, the University of St Andrews is globally renowned and was recently ranked as the UK’s top university. It occupies around 150 separate buildings in and around the town of Fife, Scotland. Home to the St Andrews Prize for the Environment, it has many teams and departments that have won awards for sustainability, energy efficiency, and environmental action. The University’s vision is to be net zero by 2035. St Andrews will take out all avoidable greenhouse gases it releases into the atmosphere and compensate for emissions that are unavoidable. Committed to sustainability The university has a dedicated Environment Team, its own biomass power plant, and a socially responsible investment policy Challenge Matching access control technology to a university with an award-winning track record in energy efficiency To replace multiple different standalone access control technologies which had been installed at student halls at different times over the years, university accommodation managers sought a more suitable solution. Requirements for the university’s new access control system included: An energy-efficient access solution to match the university’s sustainability ethos. Electronic locks would integrate fully with both the university’s central system and their student ID card. The ability to manage and control the entire system, including doors in multiple buildings, from a single point and in real-time. Solution Aperio battery-powered locks save energy through installation, operation, and beyond Locks are wireless, so can be installed with little energy use and no need for a wired connection The university has installed Aperio wireless locks on around 1,693 student bedrooms. St Andrews takes its environmental footprint very seriously: These battery-powered, wire-free electronic locks are a natural fit for their accommodation. The entire Halls of Residence estate will run Aperio. The locking devices offer significant energy efficiency benefits. Locks are wireless, so can be installed with little energy use and no need for a wired connection to mains electricity. Energy efficiency They consume zero energy when idle and run on standard batteries, consuming little power in operation. Maintenance involves a change of battery every two years (approx.), nothing more. Through an entire life cycle, Aperio combines energy efficiency with cost-effectiveness. Streamlined process Online central management has improved access for all building users. Student ID is combined with a room entry credential, which saves issuing two cards. Staff and maintenance teams can have access rights issued or changed with a couple of clicks in the management system. The whole experience is streamlined. Results How Aperio matches the University of St Andrews’ sustainability ethos Install without drilling Upgrading a door with an Aperio wireless cylinder or escutcheon is simple, with no drilling or door hardware alterations required. Installers do not have to make multiple return journeys. Cut energy consumption Unlike traditional wired electronic locks, Aperio does not need a permanent, energy-hungry connection to mains electricity. A long-lasting standard battery powers all lock electronics. Environmentally conscious manufacturing ASSA ABLOY is committed to reducing its environmental footprint and helping mitigate climate change to meet the needs of future generations. 24/7 monitoring and reporting “Aperio interfaces with our central access control system, which gives us central management and control. We get 24/7 monitoring and reporting when required,” said Pauline Brown, Associate Chief Information Officer at the University of St Andrews.

A manufacturing facility is a tough testing ground for any access control solution. By their nature, premises usually require multiple types of locks, including a range of cylinder types and sizes, as well as padlocks.  They often need locks that work both inside and outdoors. For this reason, many manufacturing plants retain outdated mechanical locking solutions, sacrificing the added control of an electronic solution. Programmable key solution criteria The right programmable key solution offers a flexible, powerful alternative. Key-based access control retains many advantages of mechanical security, notably the range of cylinders that manufacturing facilities need. It supplements this with added convenience for users: Instead of wasting time looking for the right key, or carrying large bunches, a user’s electronic key is programmed to unlock every opening for which they have authorization, doors, and cabinets, indoors or outside. RheinfelsQuellen H. Hövelmann This beverage group has been run by the Hövelmann family since 1905 and is in its fourth generation Headquartered in Duisburg, RheinfelsQuellen H. Hövelmann is a family-owned company with a long history. This beverage group has been run by the Hövelmann family since 1905 and is currently in its fourth generation. Its product range includes nationally distributed brands Sinalco, Aquintéll, and Staatl. Fachingen, as well as others distributed within North Rhine-Westphalia such as Rheinfels Quelle, Römerwall, Burgwall­bronn, Ardey Quelle, Urquell, and Rheinperle. Challenge A company like RheinfelsQuellen is always on the move: New divisions are established, employees relocate or processes change. Suppliers, contractors, and the company’s own 650 personnel come and go. This means that access authorizations must change regularly. At the same time, areas and locations to be protected require different security levels, and access control devices need reliable weather resistance in outdoor areas. All-in-one solution For its Duisburg HQ and other locations around North Rhine–Westphalia, RheinfelsQuellen opted for an eCLIQ key-operated electronic access control system. In addition to administrative buildings, production facilities, and outdoor areas are also secured with around 530 eCLIQ devices. eCLIQ Cylinders offer a high level of protection against tampering and intelligent attacks ASSA ABLOY’s eCLIQ is a fully electronic version of the CLIQ® programmable key access control solution. Cylinders offer a high level of protection against tampering and intelligent attacks. All eCLIQ keys are extremely robust, with a waterproof casing and thus meet the high demands placed on outdoor access control by challenging environmental conditions.  CLIQ Web Manager This key-based access control system is managed independently by the CLIQ Web Manager (CWM), a flexible, easily scalable, cloud-based platform. System data may be accessed at any time, and from any location, via the CWM interface. The software's flexibility makes it especially suited to large access systems and/or for administering multiple locations which are geographically dispersed. “We are very satisfied with eCLIQ and would choose this secure and flexible locking solution time and time again,” says Marcus Schlötels, Project Manager at RheinfelsQuellen H. Hövelmann.

Finland’s Osuuskauppa PeeÄssä retail co-operative, a nationwide S-Group co-operative federation member, has deployed March Networks video surveillance systems across its footprint of 73 retail and service establishments. The co-op boasts 121,000 customer owners in Finland’s Northern Savonia region, whose capital and largest city, Kuopio, is 384 kilometers north of Helsinki. The 73 retail and service locations include three Prisma Hypermarkets, 29 S-Market grocery stores, 15 convenience stores, 15 restaurants, six ABC gas stations, three hotels, a SOKOS department store, and a Kodin Terra hardware store. March Networks video surveillance systems The rollout began in September 2019 and currently includes 85 March Networks recorders, a mix of 8000 Series Hybrid NVRs and 9000 Series IP Recorders, and more than 1,500 March Networks cameras. A new hotel and supermarket currently under construction will bring the camera count close to 2,000. “We used to have several different video surveillance systems and 10 different camera models from six manufacturers,” said Kimmo Keränen, IT Manager for PeeÄssä retail co-operative. “Maintenance was almost impossible and the picture quality in some cases was very poor.” Time management challenge Central management was a key feature for PeeÄssä retail while looking for in its new surveillance system “On top of that, there was no synchronized timekeeping, so one system could be five minutes off and another one could be an hour off. That was a real problem because correct timekeeping is everything when you’re looking for evidence.” For this reason, central management was a key feature PeeÄssä retail co-operative was looking for in its new surveillance system. “A majority of the 19 S-Group regional co-ops were already using March Networks systems, so the decision was easy to make,” said Jan Österlund, ICT Manager with SafeIT, a systems integrator and March Networks Certified Solution Provider serving the S-Group and PeeÄssä accounts. Central monitoring and management With more than 1,000 NVRs and tens of thousands of cameras across the larger S-Group co-ops, central management is a huge timesaver. Österlund can push out firmware upgrades and device settings with a few simple mouse clicks using March Networks Command Enterprise Software. The advanced system management software is ideal for managing large distributed video surveillance architecture. Its health monitoring and mass management capabilities make it easy to look after thousands of recorders and cameras from one central location. “We can schedule upgrades by location type and opening hours to minimize any interference with recording during business hours,” explained Osterlund. Recorders and cameras in use The 8000 and 9000 Series recorders are 32-channel or 64-channel devices with either 20 TB or 40 TB of onboard storage, sufficient to capture 30 days of archived video. The majority of the 1,500 cameras are March Networks SE2 Indoor and Outdoor IR Domes, but SE2 IR MicroBullets, SE2 Pendant PTZ Domes, and legacy analog cameras are also used for specific applications. Searchlight software integration  Searchlight helps organizations gather business intelligence, which can help retailers with customer service S-Group is transitioning to a new point-of-sale system and has plans to integrate it with March Networks’ Searchlight for Retail software, which will allow the co-ops, including PeeÄssä, to identify suspicious transactions and instantly link to the associated video. Searchlight also helps organizations gather business intelligence, which can help retailers with operations, marketing, and customer service. “We are looking forward to acquiring the Brickstream 3D Gen2 sensors for queue management and people counting, and March Networks ME6 IR Domes for AI-powered analytics,” said Keränen. GDPR Compliance The March Networks system in place at PeeÄssä complies with the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which came into effect in 2018 and aims to protect the personal data and privacy of EU citizens. System features like privacy masks, which allow users to block out specific parts of a camera’s field of view, are important for meeting the regulation. “GDPR compliance is one of the reasons why we recommended March Networks,” said Österlund. Video access, training, and monitoring Video is currently monitored by guards in three control rooms, but managers also have access to live and recorded video from their locations. Altogether, approximately 100 PeeÄssä staff have access to the video. “Training everyone to use the system was very easy,” remarked Österlund. “The March Networks system is very user-friendly, so we supplied step-by-step instructions on how to log in, pick a camera, play the video, and export it.” Crime management Video is regularly used to supply evidence for shoplifting and internal fraud investigations Video is regularly used to supply evidence for shoplifting and internal fraud investigations, but the much-improved video quality from the March Networks system was also welcomed by local law enforcement. The Eastern Finland Police Department has mapped the location of PeeÄssä’s publicly facing cameras in the National Police Board’s database of surveillance cameras to help access video for criminal investigation purposes. “Almost every week, we are asked for video from the police department,” said Keränen. Installation, time, and cost savings SafeIT’s experience with the March Networks deployments at other S-Group co-ops helped to streamline the installation at PeeÄssä. “We supplied local integrators with clear guidance on how to set up the cameras and NVRs,” said Österlund. Standardizing on March Networks allows the PeeÄssä co-op to save time and reduce costs for system maintenance. The state-of-the-art video surveillance system is also much easier to use. “We are very satisfied with March Networks,” said Keränen. “It was a big project, but well worth doing.”

As the largest sporting goods company in China, Anta Group has more than 12,000 offline stores in 294 cities across the country, with more than 100,000 employees. Despite its massive scope, Anta can still keep orderly management of its stores, present neat and cohesive displays, and provide excellent shopping experiences to its customers. How do they do it? Let’s check it out. Overview Just like its corporate mission to integrate the sports spirit of "Going beyond oneself" into everyone's daily life, Anta Group also incorporates the sports spirit into its management, operation, and other business aspects. Anta constantly innovates and embraces new technologies, devoting itself to digital intelligence transformation to achieve the intelligent management of its stores and provide customers with a comfortable shopping environment and superb service experience. Digital intelligence operation concept Dahua set up intelligent and hierarchical store management that helps physical shops operate efficiently Dahua developed the new "SERVICE PLUS" digital intelligence operation concept for Anta. With its powerful digital intelligence capability, it significantly helped standardize Anta’s intelligent retail marketing system nationwide, breaking the gap between tens of thousands of physical stores. It set up intelligent and hierarchical store management that helps physical shops operate efficiently and develop rapidly while creating a high-quality shopping experience. Intelligent Transformation: The "Hub" connecting 12,000+ stores Previously, store inspections are done in person. With several stores across the country, this method is undoubtedly costly and time-consuming. With the establishment of a visual store operation management network, all videos of each store are gathered at the headquarters. Multiple management tasks can be completed through remote store inspection and evaluation, providing traceable data results and allowing the headquarters to play a central role in store management. Remote inspection The remote shop inspection enables the headquarters management personnel to quickly grasp the operation status of several stores. When they find problems in the store's sanitation and product placement, they can record the scene in real-time and quickly follow up and deal with the situation in time. This helps ensure a comfortable shopping environment and timely service for customers. Easy store management The Dahua solution enables store managers to check the past on-site operation of the store Moreover, it also allows managers to quickly manage each store without having to travel to the site. The Dahua solution enables store managers to check the past on-site operation of the store, especially in case of an event. The details can be easily traced through video recordings to help customers solve issues promptly. As a result, the Dahua solution has significantly helped Anta Group reduce the management cost of the headquarters by more than 50%. Accurate customer flow statistics  Furthermore, collecting accurate customer flow statistics used to be a challenge for their store management. Through the professional customer flow statistics camera, accurate customer flow data are collected. The management personnel can intuitively view the number of incoming customers in each store at each period, which can help them to reasonably arrange staff schedules and ensure that customers get excellent service even during peak hours. Store promotions can also be strategized by comparing customer flow statistics on regular days with relevant store activities. Establish a smart network of 20+ regions To better manage the Anta stores, management is carried out by divisions and hierarchies. In addition to the unified management of the headquarters, different regions need their management authorization. A region may also have a management structure based on superiors and subordinates, which is often troublesome and complicated. Remote store management Different management roles can easily check the situation of the stores, making business management more targeted The Dahua solution reorganizes and integrates the remote store management authority based on the internal organizational structure of the company to build a remote management "network". While ensuring the parallel supervision of multiple stores, it realizes clear authority distribution of more than ten management roles. Different management roles can easily check the situation of the stores under their jurisdiction, making business management more targeted and more efficient. In addition, when managers find any problems through remote shop inspection, they can directly call the corresponding store staff through the front-end device, and immediately correct the fault found to ensure a high-quality shopping environment at all times. Promote and accelerate business expansion For newly opened stores all over the country, Dahua provided a one-stop scenario-based network and standardized services, which were rapidly replicated by the construction of urban model sites. It offers standardized services for single-scenario, multi-scenario, and even cross-domain businesses. Thousands of upgraded stores can fully utilize the existing network of the store and quickly organize various intelligent devices online through wireless access, providing strong technical support for the rapid expansion of the store. Standardized management  By implementing digital and intelligent management of the headquarters, regional offices, and stores, Dahua helps Anta Group achieve standardized management and operation of their physical stores, providing customers with an excellent shopping experience. Moving forward, Dahua will continue to implement scenario-based solutions, delve deeper into business chain scenarios, and help enterprises develop through digital intelligence transformation.

Being isolated on the edge of wilderness means there’s a need for a video system that’s both reliable and flexible. For that reason, the team at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) since 2009 has relied on video management software (VMS) from Milestone Systems to enhance security, safety, and efficiency. Challenge - Help to keep scaling At the edge of the frontier, Jackson Hole Airport has experienced considerable growth over the years. Significant capital investments in expansions have made new video system integrations possible several times, and Milestone XProtect has supported the airport’s needs along the way. As of 2020, over 220 cameras were in use, and the airport shows no signs of slowing down As of 2020, over 220 cameras were in use, and the airport shows no signs of slowing down. New projects will include building a fuel farm, a car wash and expanded parking facilities. XProtect’s open platform software As the need to increase security continues, XProtect’s open platform software will continue to enable both IT team growth and the seamless integration of new cameras and data storage capabilities. Solution - Integrations are in the fly zone Milestone XProtect Professional Plus and Smart Client Network cameras from Axis Communications and Panasonic Optimised video server hardware from Razberi Integrated video analytics from Agent Vi All video is stored for up to a full year, with most of the system’s 200 cameras set for motion recording, 24/7. Result - Greater situational awareness for higher security The video system has enabled improvements throughout the entire airport. For example, Jackson Hole Airport has to contend with a great deal of plane de-icing for several months each year. This occurs at a distance from the main buildings and, thanks to the video expansion, each airline is now able to monitor the de-icing of their planes. Allowing clients to monitor progress on their own has saved airport staff time and resources. The airport uses the system to closely monitor the security checkpoint, too, capturing video documentation in case of an incident. Baggage areas are also monitored, so it’s possible to investigate lost bags and left-behind items by reviewing video. New 4K, multi-sensor cameras New 4K, multi-sensor cameras support a largely unmanned investigatory system New 4K, multi-sensor cameras support a largely unmanned investigatory system. They capture everything and provide enough data to zoom in after the fact, if needed. Additionally, the team has deployed video analytics from Agent Vi to provide a layer of automated alarms and notifications for flagging abnormal occurrences. Video analytics can detect events, such as travelers moving against the foot traffic flow and crossing into restricted areas. Milestone’s XProtect Smart Client Milestone’s XProtect Smart Client has shifted general situational awareness in the airport, as a new standard for authorising users’ remote access to the surveillance from multiple locations. It provides seamless viewing of live and recorded video, instant control of cameras and connected security devices, and a comprehensive overview of activity. The ongoing use of Milestone Systems’ video management software (VMS) makes it possible to maintain the independence and efficiency of a small team of personnel, thereby delivering maximum security at the base of the Grand Teton Mountains. Situational awareness for the JAC team and their clients Andrew Wells, the IT Manager for the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), said “Situational awareness for our team and our clients allows us to be as secure and efficient as possible with our small team. The flexibility of the open platform VMS allows us to scale our system and add the features we need now and in the future.” Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) lies seven miles north of Jackson, Wyoming, at the base of the Teton Mountains, in USA. It is unique for being entirely within Grand Teton National Park. It is the busiest airport in the US state of Wyoming, with nearly 500,000 in-bound passengers annually. The airport covers over 500 acres and has one runway that supports 11 hard-stands, nine boarding gates and three baggage carousels.

In order to turn its auditorium into a multi-purpose venue, and to improve the general visual experience, Dubai's GEMS Modern Academy replaced their legacy projection system with a massive LED wall from Hikvision. The renovated auditorium has become a popular venue for students, staff, and the community. Challenge: Turning the school auditorium into a multi-purpose performance venue. With the numerous approaches to the entertainment available, and with audiences' surging demand for rich, high-quality content display and immersive sound and video. As a result, venues such as showrooms, studios, auditoriums, and lecture halls are dabbling in a host of new technologies and applications to achieve the ‘wow factor’ audiences are looking for. Visual display systems GEMS Modern Academy is one of these venues. Offering Curriculum to children from kindergarten to grade 12, GEMS is one of the top ten schools in Dubai. Its large auditorium holds 500 seats for school events and can be rented out for private events on weekends. Originally, the auditorium had a large projection screen on the stage to display presentations, images, and videos. However, every element in the environment could take away from the image quality, from sunlight coming in through windows to the whiteness of the screen, the distance from the projector, the age of the system, and more. Offering Curriculum to children from kindergarten to grade 12, GEMS is one of the top ten schools in Dubai Ritesh Dhanak, Head of the IT team at GEMS Modern Academy said, "The projector system was not good enough with the ambient lighting. In order to create a better experience in our auditorium, and to pave the way for it to become a community hub, we need to do a complete upgrade to our live audio, stage lighting and visual display systems.” Remarkably refined images To achieve this, Mr. Dhanak worked with Almoe AV Systems, a renowned distributor and solutions provider of professional audio visual & IT products in the UAE. Almoe helped the school to upgrade the auditorium's touch control systems, matrix switchers, stage lighting, and speaker systems. For the most crucial part of the solution – the visuals – they worked with Hikvision to install a new LED display. The solution: A massive Hikvision LED wall and movable LED side-walls. LED displays offer many advantages, including flexibility and modularity. Therefore, the school decided to install a massive LED screen at a width of 12.48 meters, a height of 4.86 meters, and a pixel pitch of 2.5 mm at the center of the auditorium stage. The massive LED wall is made up of nine pieces of P2.5 Fine Pixel Pitch LED Display Units (DS-D4425FI-CAF). The wall delivers an outstanding color gamut and contrast ratio to create remarkably refined images. Massive center screen The two side-screens are used as backdrops, and can be easily removed when they are not needed For the setup, GEMS Modern Academy preferred to make the two sides of the screen removable to ensure flexibility on the stage, as well as to have multiple videos broadcasted on the screens simultaneously. Four smaller side-screens were designed to be 2 meters wide and 5 meters high, with a pixel pitch of 2.9 mm. They were installed on the two sides of the massive center screen. Each side-wall was composed of four P2.9 Indoor Rental LED Displays (DS-D4429RI-CAF). The two side-screens are used as backdrops, and can be easily removed when they are not needed. The LED walls are managed using Hikvision’s Video Wall Controller (DS-C10S-S11T), which supports up to 3840 x 2160 resolution at 30 Hz from multiple signal sources (VGA, DVI, HDMI, SDI, YpbPr, DP, and HDBaseT). This enables the school faculty to easily manage multiple video and audio inputs and outputs. Excellent visual experience The benefits: Excellent visual experience for audiences makes the auditorium a popular venue for students, staff, and the community. Hikvision's LED wall has vastly improved the visual performance of lectures and events held at the auditorium. With an extremely bright and clear image displayed, the screen loses none of its sharpness, color, or coherence, even when viewed at an angle or when the auditorium is brightly lit. The LED wall provides high-quality visuals, and is perfect for our large auditorium" "The LED wall provides high-quality visuals, and is perfect for our large auditorium," said Mr. Dhanak, adding "Unlike with the old system, we don't have to dim the lights in the auditorium during lectures, presentations, or live performance, and this allows students to take notes, remain more attentive and, for remote viewers joining via web conferencing, see the auditorium clearly." Ambient lighting conditions In the end, the video wall displays excellent visuals, adapts to ambient lighting conditions, and offers unique flexibility with the removable side-walls. As a result, Hikvision's LED display solution has turned the auditorium into a venue that fits all kinds of events. Since the LED screens have been installed, the school has hosted a large number of events at the auditorium, such as school lectures, stage plays, and musical performance. In addition, the venue has also been rented out for many private events such as public presentations and speeches. Impressively, the venue has also been used to host a TED Talk, one of the most popular lecture platforms in the world. Mr. Dhanak concluded, "With a large multi-purpose auditorium providing such excellent visual experience to the audience, events at GEMS Modern Academy are now on a different level and our auditorium is a much sought after event space in the community."

In the complex world of physical security systems, standards can enable disparate systems to be combined to function together as a cohesive whole. Standards help to ensure that all the “pieces” fit together to create a clear, unified picture. More broadly speaking, standards also play a role in ensuring best practices are deployed in a range of security-related situations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?

There is a complex and interdependent relationship between security and productivity. Good security is needed to make productivity possible, but security measures could, in some instances, hinder workplace efficiency. New technologies are enabling security systems to have a more profound and positive impact on productivity by yielding better intelligence to guide the improvement of workplace practices. Multiple systems that work together, rather than separately, improve the productivity of security processes. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can physical security systems contribute to productivity?

Every day, the physical security industry succeeds in applying technologies that make the world a safer place. Manufacturers, integrators, and end users are eager to share their success stories, and their successes can inspire others to implement the same technology solutions. But, occasionally, technology does not live up to expectations and, in fact, fails to perform as promised. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How has the physical security industry failed to meet customer needs?