Iain Stringer

Synectics, a globally renowned company in the design, integration and support of advanced security and surveillance systems, announced that the company has won a new contract with Irish Rail (Iarnród Éireann) to upgrade all InterCity Mark 4 rolling stock on the Dublin to Cork route to an IP-based video surveillance solution, following a competitive bid process.   The IP video security system contract will see Synectics develops and installs an innovative safety-critical IP video surveillance system that enables full connectivity from trains to the control room, there by replacing the existing CCTV approach. Safety-critical IP video surveillance system installation Each eight-coach train set, using Synectics’ T2000 platform, will help utilize a suite of IP 360-degree ‘fish-eye’ cameras Each eight-coach train set, using Synectics’ T2000 platform, will help utilize a suite of IP 360-degree ‘fish-eye’ cameras, in the vestibules and saloon areas, to provide high-quality surveillance information. Installation is expected to commence in September 2021, to be followed by an additional support contract to provide a five-year in-territory maintenance program. IP video security technology Iain Stringer, Managing Director of Synectics, commented “We are delighted that Irish Rail has chosen our IP video security technology, alongside our design, program management and installation capabilities, to upgrade surveillance on one of their premier InterCity routes.” Iain adds, “This win with Irish Rail represents a further step into on-vehicle heavy rail solutions for our Synectics Security business, building on our deep experience across light-rail markets.” Smart technology developments He further stated, “Irish Rail is our second public transport win in Ireland over the last few months and reflects our growing reputation for smart technology developments that meet next generation operator requirements. Our approach is opening up new opportunities for all rail operators to transition their video management capability to the cloud and improve operational effectiveness.”

Synectics Security has appointed one of the industry’s leading project management and planning specialists to join its senior team as Operations Director. With over 20 years of experience in the UK operational and security-focused project delivery, spanning both service provider and client-side roles, Colin Butlin is the first external appointment announced as part of the new-look company. He will be working closely with Synectics Security’s Managing Director, Iain Stringer, and Commercial Director Mark Pennington. The company officially launched recently, following the merger of Synectics Mobile Systems (SMS) and Quadrant Security Group. Pairing both mobile and built-environment expertise, the business works with pioneering technology providers to design and deploy integrated security solutions for customers operating in highly regulated environments across public space, heritage, high security, banking and finance, critical infrastructure, and transportation sectors. Security upgrade works Colin joins Synectics Security from civil engineering giant Kier Plc where, among other responsibilities, he led a multi-million-pound program of security upgrade works for Critical National Infrastructure sites across the UK. With experience spanning industry, utilities, defense, and commercial markets, the 46-year-old operations expert feels he has a lot to offer Synectics Security at such an exciting time for the business. Colin said “I’m privileged to have worked both sides of the fence in terms of managing major security projects. I know, first-hand, what a customer expects, but also how service delivery should be structured, monitored, and managed to ensure those expectations are met in the most efficient and effective way possible.” “At Synectics Security, I have the amazing opportunity to use this experience to ensure new levels of customer satisfaction but also to help shape and steer the business. You don’t often get the chance to join a company recognized as an industry leader – with an expansive customer base and a workforce of field-engineers and managers with almost 400 years’ combined experience – but which also has the agility and innovative spirit of a start-up. That’s a hugely exciting proposition for me.” Customer-driven developments Colin’s deep technical knowledge of security service delivery and project management will see him implement new governance structures and staff training as part of Synectics Security’s ongoing program of customer-driven developments. Managing Director, Iain Stringer, commented “For us, success isn’t just about making sure our customers get an integrated solution which matches their specific business needs. It’s about making sure we always deliver that end-result in the best way possible for all stakeholders involved. Colin’s reputation and experience in this field will prove invaluable in making sure we succeed in this mission and we are delighted to welcome him on board.”

Synectics Mobile Systems (SMS) and Quadrant Security Group (QSG) have merged to form one of the largest independent security integrators operating in the UK - Synectics Security. Combining the on-vehicle expertise of SMS and QSG’s experience in providing electronic security solutions for complex, critical and heavily regulated environments, Synectics Security works with ‘best-of-breed’ technology partners to offer ‘one of the most comprehensive product and service portfolios available’. Powerful combined capability Based out of its Nottingham HQ, the unified business will continue to serve customers in the UK and Ireland operating in Public Space, Heritage, High Security, Banking and Finance, Critical Infrastructure and Transportation sectors. The unified business will continue to serve customers in the UK and Ireland “Pairing decades of experience dealing with the complexities of on-vehicle systems integration together with the expertise and specialist technical qualifications necessary for successful deployment of large-scale security and surveillance solutions – that creates a powerful combined capability”, said Iain Stringer, Managing Director of Synectics Security. “And not just in terms of transportation where there is clear opportunity and alignment of skills.” Expert integration specialists “As we progress towards an ever more connected urban infrastructure, we are ideally positioned to help our customers in all the individual sectors we work in, leverage the opportunities ahead and work more effectively together. How? By offering field-proven, innovative, best-of-breed technologies from our merged wider partner portfolio, a pool of expert integration specialists and technical engineers with over 45 years’ combined experience, and access to a more comprehensive customer support team.” When asked further about some of the new opportunities Synectics Security hopes to deliver for its customers, Iain added: “We have an exciting development around on-vehicle camera monitoring to announce very soon that will have significant implications for both new installs and retrofit on-vehicle projects.” Steering technical development The security integrator is currently conducting an extensive customer insight consultation “We’re also working hard to expand our offering in terms of cloud capabilities, analytics, intelligent software, and AI integration. We know that these are key areas for customers in all the sectors we serve.” To gain an even deeper understanding of customer needs, the security integrator is currently conducting an extensive customer insight consultation. In addition to steering technical development and strategic partnerships, the information generated will be used to enhance and improve the customer experience. Delivering a tailored solution As part of the launch, Synectics Security has also referenced a number of new projects and customers on the horizon. While these cannot be named at present, they include work for a major rail operator linked to COVID-19 requirements, a police force solution, and a large-scale military contract. Commenting on Synectics Security’s continued focus on tailoring solutions to meet these new briefs and the needs of all its customers, Mark Pennington, Commercial Director at Synectics Security, said: “Both businesses always worked to a customer promise of selecting the right innovative technologies to deliver a tailored solution which meets each of their precise needs. That hasn’t changed. But thanks to our pooled resources, expert capabilities, and unified workforce, we’re in a much stronger position to deliver that promise and much more besides.”

The manufacturer Synectics has published a white paper aimed at transport operators on the increasingly urbanized future. With estimates suggesting that 70 percent of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities in three years’ time – the free paper aims to help operators handle and secure urban flows, and implement safety improvements, towards the goal of a Smart Transport Network. Smart Transport Networks The paper – titled ‘Smart Transport Networks: Integration, Interoperability and IoT’ ‒ looks at how evolving surveillance, data management, and edge-device technologies can be used to unify technologies and systems, to create Smart Transport Networks, meet Smart City objectives and deliver connected services to customers. The paper covers making the most of current data, surveillance and safety assets by advising about integrating IP and analog technologies, particularly those responsible for the operation of bus, rail, and light rail transport networks. It illustrates potential customer improvements on a fully connected passenger journey, highlighting where converged technology can play a role such as sending alerts to an individual’s phone if their luggage is unexpectedly moved. Streamline operations Iain Stringer, Divisional Director – Mobile Systems at Synectics said: “Transport is perhaps the most critical of all urban services given the imperative need to maintain the flow of people and goods. As our transport systems get busier, technology frameworks that unify systems and technologies are providing live, 360-degree oversight of journeys, as well as a platform to communicate more effectively with passengers and third-party operators. Not only can this streamline operations by delivering all relevant information at a glance, such as during an incident, but it can also help operators to reduce costs and more efficiently handle information requests from the police and other authorities.” “This white paper explains the practical steps towards systems convergence for those charged with the management of transport or surveillance data.”