An intelligent network of 20 Axis EN fire panels from fire and life safety systems manufacturer, Advanced, have been installed at HaDo Centrosa Garden in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. HaDo Centrosa Garden is a 70,000 sq. m development of eight 30-story luxury residential towers and 115 townhouses, located in the heart of Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City. The upscale condominium complex’s facilities will include a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, fitness center, rooftop gardens, a park, school, library and commercial center. System with high-speed networking capabilities Vietsafe and KP Technology were confident in Axis EN’s ability to deliver the seamless networking needed A key requirement for this large-scale complex was a system with high-speed networking capabilities, to enable instantaneous sharing of communications between panels. To meet this need, fire protection companies Vietsafe and KP Technology chose 20 Advanced Axis EN fire alarm control panels, alongside 3,000 addressable devices, for installation in the eight residential towers. With many successful installations of Advanced products undertaken by both companies, Vietsafe and KP Technology were confident in Axis EN’s ability to deliver the seamless networking needed, while its ease of installation, testing, commissioning and operation would ensure minimal issues once the panels were on site. Axis EN fire alarm control panels installed Le Manh Dung, Director of Vietsafe, said “An Axis EN fire system was the clear choice for a project of this nature. Advanced is well respected in the fire industry, and its solutions are straightforward in terms of installation and operation, thanks to features such as built-in isolators for sequence addressing, which considerably reduces installation time.” Axis EN is EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 approved and its panels can be used in single-loop, single-panel format or easily configured into high-speed, multi-loop networks of up to 200 nodes covering huge areas. Advanced’s reputation for ease of installation and configuration, as well as its wide peripheral range make its products customizable to almost any application. False alarm management and reduction Pham Thanh Phong, Director of KP Technology, said “As a key partner to KP Technology, Advanced is a fire system supplier we can trust, to deliver high-performing, high-quality solutions that are easy to install and to use. Features such as Axis EN’s false alarm management and reduction capabilities are extremely useful in high-rise residential sites, such as HaDo Centrosa Garden.” Pham Thanh Phong adds, “Repeated false alarms are not only intrusive, they can also lead to complacency and delayed reactions to real fire alarms. Having the ability to refine and configure protection so specifically, and according to the requirements of specific areas within a building, helps to keep unwanted alarms to a minimum and reduces disruption and risk for residents.” AlarmCalm software and MxPro 5 fire system AlarmCalm software comes as standard with any Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire system AlarmCalm software comes as standard with any Axis EN and MxPro 5 fire system, taking advantage of Advanced’s high-speed robust panels and networks to offer a best-in-class solution for managing verification and investigation delays to outputs. It allows the false alarm management strategy for a site to be refined precisely and to take account of occupants’ needs and area usage. It also includes the optional AlarmCalm button, a loop device that allows residents or trained staff to indicate whether they believe a signal in their area is due to a false alarm. Axis EN fire system Tin Le Than, Advanced’s Sales and Business Development Manager for South East Asia, said “As a modern, vibrant complex for thousands of people living and working in the center of Ho Chi Minh, the fire protection for the HaDo Centrosa Garden development is a key priority.” Tin Le Than adds, “As an industry-renowned solution, the Axis EN fire system will deliver complete peace of mind to the building owners and residents of the complex. I am pleased to have been able to support our fantastic partners at Vietsafe and KP Technology with the equipment needed to fulfill their requirements.” Global projects Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 Company, Halma PLC, protects a wide range of sites across South East Asia including the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, University of Macau and Hong Kong Central Library. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

HID Global, a front-runner in trusted identity solutions, announced that Bay State College safely brought its students back to its campuses in Boston and Taunton, Massachusetts using a digitized contact tracing solution that includes HID Bluetooth BEEKs™ Beacons to provide real-time location services. The HID® Bluetooth beacon is in the form of a simple badge holder that is used to carry existing ID badges for students, faculty, staff, and guests. The beacons are part of a robust solution that makes it possible to quickly and easily perform contact tracing, removing the manual and time-consuming effort to identify who has been in contact with whom on campus. Resuming in-person class “Contact tracing is a key component for safely operating our campuses and considered by health departments to be one of the most important efforts to help slow the spread of COVID-19,” said Jeffrey E. Myers, Chief Information Officer with Bay State College. “HID BEEKS beacons are carried by each person on campus as part of our solution that enabled us to safely resume in-person classes and keep our campus operational should isolated parts of our community find themselves infected.” Maintaining logs Information from the beacons enables college administrators to comply with state and local occupancy mandates The HID BEEKS Bluetooth Low-Energy (BLE) beacons provide the starting data that Bay State’s contact tracing solution uses to calculate the time, place, and proximity of faculty, staff, and students while on the college’s two campuses. The information from the beacons enables college administrators to comply with state and local occupancy mandates and, when needed, rapidly respond to cases. Logs are maintained only for the 14-day period required for contact tracing, and the university has adopted strict privacy policy guidelines for data use and access. Contact tracing “We are very pleased that Bay State College has used HID BEEKs Beacons to help streamline and accelerate the often-daunting task of contact tracing,” said Mark Robinton, Vice President of IoT Services at HID Global. “In addition to creating a completely digitized approach to this process, HID’s offering is part of a broader platform that provides smart building and optimization capabilities that extend well beyond today’s pressing need to stem the spread of COVID-19.”

Hikvision launched newly updated HikCentral Professional 2.0 security software (“HCP 2.0”), which blends feeds from multiple systems onto a single platform. HCP 2.0 can be configured to link video security devices, alarm and access control systems, and more, including third-party systems through the OpenAPI – for easy centralized management of a variety of security and business applications. Frank Zhang, President of Hikvision’s International Product and Solution Center, said, “This is an important release for us, and a significant leap forward in our security management software offerings. HikCentral Professional 2.0 will help our customers manage a variety of activities seamlessly on one platform. We’re excited to see the value it delivers.” Nine key applications HikCentral Professional 2.0 integrates multiple business and security systems with nine key applications, making it valuable to a wide variety of common security and business scenarios seen in buildings, factories, stores, apartments, and the like. Among them, video cameras and security alarms are integrated into the platform to deliver fluid live viewing and timely alarm notifications. Streamline entrance management Furthermore, access control can be included to assign a variety of access permissions using multiple methods including facial recognition, ID cards, fingerprints, QR codes, and more. HCP 2.0 also allows various personnel such as HR managers to set flexible attendance rules, including schedules for shift work while delivering full reporting facilities. Additionally, site managers can also employ vehicle management and visitor management applications to streamline entrance management as well as on-site parking. Intelligent analysis and reporting Users can further rely on HCP 2.0 with intelligent analysis and reporting – an application that collects data and transforms it into easy-to-understand reports and dashboards. This includes flow status, people density, and more. HCP 2.0’s system application visualizes alarm and device notifications for targeted action in unusual events For systems management teams, HCP 2.0’s system maintenance application visualizes alarm and device notifications, as well as the full network and device topology for rapid, targeted action in unusual events. Digital signage systems Last but not least, HCP 2.0 lets users deploy digital signage systems to display advertisements and announcements. The software comes with eight pre-installed templates for users to present content optimally. This can be crowd numbers and temperature status in a supermarket scenario, for example. Greater operational efficiency With HCP 2.0, users will flexibly unite applications and build a tailored system to match their security and business needs. The unified approach not only creates greater situational awareness of their security environment but also reduces real day-to-day management resources previously required by disparate systems. For example, users can integrate visitor management with vehicle management to enhance daily operational efficiency for building facilities. Facility managers can register visitor information into the HCP 2.0 system, and – by linking to an ANPR system – can set visitors to be automatically permitted into on-site parking. Similarly, the system can also pre-authorize visitor access to specific areas of an organization’s premises. Personalized user experience HikCentral Professional 2.0 can be tailored to deliver specific information to assigned users HikCentral Professional 2.0 can be tailored to deliver specific information to assigned users. The system comes with three pre-configured roles: “system installation and management,” “security control and management,” and “attendance management.” In this way, HR staff can customize their feed to show employee attendance status, for example, while management staff can monitor the security of the facilities. There is also one custom role, which can be tailored to specific needs. Perhaps most importantly, HikCentral Professional 2.0 features an improved user interface. Users can customize the control panel to suit their viewing preferences, simply dragging and dropping key video and device feeds into the dashboard, adjusting where they sit and how they look. Dynamic and intuitive user interface HCP 2.0 also incorporates multiple visualized dashboards that display key security and business insights generated from various applications, facilitating decision-making processes with more accuracy and efficiency. What’s more, users apply 3D E-maps that vividly demonstrate device monitoring statuses in different locations, and manage instant alerts interactively by clicking and watching associated live videos and other integrated system information. Easy setup and maintenance HCP 2.0 is easy to deploy and quick to set up for a multitude of projects with single applications HikCentral Professional 2.0 is easy to deploy and quick to set up for a multitude of projects with single applications. Customers with minimum system requirements of Intel i3-CPU and 8 GB RAM can get up and running with a one-click installation procedure that makes HCP 2.0 setup a breeze. Operations guidance wizards are conspicuously displayed to support users in configuring key applications. In addition, the visualized health monitoring dashboards enable more focused and efficient IT maintenance.

Display solutions play a key role in SOCs in providing the screens needed for individuals and teams to visualize and share the multiple data sources needed in an SOC today. Security Operation Center (SOC) Every SOC has multiple sources and inputs, both physical and virtual, all of which provide numerous data points to operators, in order to provide the highest levels of physical and cyber security, including surveillance camera feeds, access control and alarm systems for physical security, as well as dashboards and web apps for cyber security applications. Today’s advancements in technology and computing power not only have increasingly made security systems much more scalable, by adding hundreds, if not thousands, of more data points to an SOC, but the rate at which the data comes in has significantly increased as well. Accurate monitoring and surveillance This has made monitoring and surveillance much more accurate and effective, but also more challenging for operators, as they can’t realistically monitor the hundreds, even thousands of cameras, dashboards, calls, etc. in a reactive manner. Lacking situational awareness is often one of the primary factors in poor decision making In order for operators in SOC’s to be able to mitigate incidents in a less reactive way and take meaningful action, streamlined actionable data is needed. This is what will ensure operators in SOC truly have situational awareness. Situational awareness is a key foundation of effective decision making. In its simplest form, ‘It is knowing what is going on’. Lacking situational awareness is often one of the primary factors in poor decision making and in accidents attributed to human error. Achieving ‘true’ situational awareness Situational awareness isn’t just what has already happened, but what is likely to happen next and to achieve ‘true’ situational awareness, a combination of actionable data and the ability to deliver that information or data to the right people, at the right time. This is where visualization platforms (known as visual networking platforms) that provide both the situational real estate, as well as support for computer vision and AI, can help SOCs achieve true situational awareness Role of computer vision and AI technologies Proactive situational awareness is when the data coming into the SOC is analyzed in real time and then, brought forward to operators who are decision makers and key stakeholders in near real time for actionable visualization. Computer vision is a field of Artificial Intelligence that trains computers to interpret and understand digital images and videos. It is a way to automate tasks that the human visual system can also carry out, the automatic extraction, analysis and understanding of useful information from a single image or a sequence of images. There are numerous potential value adds that computer vision can provide to operation centers of different kinds. Here are some examples: Face Recognition: Face detection algorithms can be applied to filter and identify an individual. Biometric Systems: AI can be applied to biometric descriptions such as fingerprint, iris, and face matching. Surveillance: Computer vision supports IoT cameras used to monitor activities and movements of just about any kind that might be related to security and safety, whether that's on the job safety or physical security. Smart Cities: AI and computer vision can be used to improve mobility through quantitative, objective and automated management of resource use (car parks, roads, public squares, etc.) based on the analysis of CCTV data. Event Recognition: Improve the visualization and the decision-making process of human operators or existing video surveillance solutions, by integrating real-time video data analysis algorithms to understand the content of the filmed scene and to extract the relevant information from it. Monitoring: Responding to specific tasks in terms of continuous monitoring and surveillance in many different application frameworks: improved management of logistics in storage warehouses, counting of people during event gatherings, monitoring of subway stations, coastal areas, etc. Computer Vision applications When considering a Computer Vision application, it’s important to ensure that the rest of the infrastructure in the Operation Center, for example the solution that drives the displays and video walls, will connect and work well with the computer vision application. The best way to do this of course is to use a software-driven approach to displaying information and data, rather than a traditional AV hardware approach, which may present incompatibilities. Software-defined and open technology solutions Software-defined and open technology solutions provide a wider support for any type of application the SOC may need Software-defined and open technology solutions provide a wider support for any type of application the SOC may need, including computer vision. In the modern world, with everything going digital, all security services and applications have become networked, and as such, they belong to IT. AV applications and services have increasingly become an integral part of an organization’s IT infrastructure. Software-defined approach to AV IT teams responsible for data protection are more in favor of a software-defined approach to AV that allow virtualised, open technologies as opposed to traditional hardware-based solutions. Software’s flexibility allows for more efficient refreshment cycles, expansions and upgrades. The rise of AV-over-IP technologies have enabled IT teams in SOC’s to effectively integrate AV solutions into their existing stack, greatly reducing overhead costs, when it comes to technology investments, staff training, maintenance, and even physical infrastructure. AV-over-IP software platforms Moreover, with AV-over-IP, software-defined AV platforms, IT teams can more easily integrate AI and Computer Vision applications within the SOC, and have better control of the data coming in, while achieving true situational awareness. Situational awareness is all about actionable data delivered to the right people, at the right time, in order to address security incidents and challenges. Situational awareness is all about actionable data delivered to the right people Often, the people who need to know about security risks or breaches are not physically present in the operation centers, so having the data and information locked up within the four walls of the SOC does not provide true situational awareness. hyper-scalable visual platforms Instead there is a need to be able to deliver the video stream, the dashboard of the data and information to any screen anywhere, at any time — including desktops, tablets phones — for the right people to see, whether that is an executive in a different office or working from home, or security guards walking the halls or streets. New technologies are continuing to extend the reach and the benefits of security operation centers. However, interoperability plays a key role in bringing together AI, machine learning and computer vision technologies, in order to ensure data is turned into actionable data, which is delivered to the right people to provide ‘true’ situational awareness. Software-defined, AV-over-IP platforms are the perfect medium to facilitate this for any organizations with physical and cyber security needs.

HID Global, a front-runner in trusted identity solutions, announced that the American School of Guatemala has selected its Seos credential technology to modernize its physical access system. The solution significantly improves campus security and traffic efficiency for students and parents and enables staff to easily issue and manage access credentials. “We’ve significantly improved the management of vehicle traffic by reducing the time it takes parents to access the parking lot. We’ve been able to improve evacuation and emergency processes for our students and staff,” said a spokesperson for the Security Office, American School of Guatemala. “And, best of all, we have an automated system to manage the entry and exit times of our employees to know where everyone is located on our large campus.” Seos smart cards The American School of Guatemala is a private K-12 college preparatory school in Guatemala City, Guatemala. The school partnered with local security integrator Grupo RQM and HID to replace its legacy system, which consisted of written documentation and fingerprint logs. HID readers installed at pedestrian and vehicle access points and 1,500 Seos smart cards issued to students The new system includes HID readers installed at pedestrian and vehicle access points and 1,500 Seos smart cards issued to students, parents, and staff. In addition to automating and streamlining access to the school’s buildings, the solution has led to a reduction in the average student drop-off time from 40 to 18 minutes. The school also launched a pilot with HID Mobile Access to allow secure access to the school’s parking lot via mobile IDs stored on smart phones. To gain entry, users simply drive up and hold their mobile phone to a reader—an important feature since most students travel in bulletproof armored vehicles that lack the ability to lower windows. Robust solution “The American School of Guatemala’s access control system has all the hallmarks of HID’s industry-leading security and authentication solutions,” said Harm Radstaak, Senior Vice President and Head of Physical Access Control Solutions with HID Global. “From flexibility and security to ease-of-use, HID’s unique combination of forward-looking technology and intuitive design helps create a robust solution that fortifies the school’s campuses and elevates the user experience.” Due to the successful deployment, school officials plan to replace its traditional key system with Seos smart cards for additional use cases, such as the library and student payment services.

HID Global, a pioneer in trusted identity solutions announced that qiiosk Ltd. uses its HID NFC Tags to meet skyrocketing demand from restaurants and diners for its product Menu Tile, to give a completely contact-free dining experience. HID NFC Tags With HID NFC Tags, qiiosk was able to respond quickly to the demand for solutions capable of addressing the “new normal” of contactless dining, takeout, and delivery. The company’s enhanced solutions enable restaurant-goers to securely access current menus, place orders, and submit payment simply by scanning a QR code or tapping an embedded NFC tag with an NFC-enabled smartphone or tablet. End-user experience High-quality HID NFC Tags facilitate end-user interactions with qiiosk’s products, providing restaurants and other hospitality venues with robust hardware and best-in-class software for touch-free ordering and payment. High-quality HID NFC Tags facilitate robust hardware and best-in-class software for touch-free ordering and payment “HID NFC Tags now solidly underpin our Menu Tile product and others in development,” said Justin Clark, Director at qiiosk. “We chose the solution due to our experience and confidence in the tags after significant and fierce field trials. We are confident in HID products and use them not only within our organization, but also in organizations we support.” “Fire-and-forget” solution Of particular importance to the Menu, Tile product was the adhesive quality, read rate, and ruggedness of HID NFC Tags, which allowed the company to equip its customers with a “fire-and-forget” solution to address rapidly evolving regulations in the hospitality sector due to the COVID-19 pandemic and increased attention on food allergen issues. Cost-effective With HID NFC Tags, qiiosk was able to quickly upgrade their physical product and produce enough tiles to supply customers. This positioned the company to maintain its high growth by delivering a high-quality product capable of enduring the harsh conditions of bars and restaurants—leading to cost savings and reliability. Touch-free opportunities “We are pleased that qiiosk has leveraged the power of HID NFC Tags to deliver an improved product that provides exceptional results during a time of high demand and great uncertainty,” said Jean Miguel Robadey, Vice President of Industrial Smart Components, Identification Technologies with HID Global.  “By integrating HID NFC Tags into its solutions, qiiosk was able to deliver to its customers more touch-free opportunities and the ability to immediately communicate menu changes and even possible COVID-19 exposures to protect their staff and diners.”

AMAG announces the release of Symmetry CompleteView VMS v5.5. This includes a variety of quality and stability improvements, minor features, and minor updates to the user experience. Import and export camera configurations With Symmetry CompleteView v5.5, one can import and export camera configuration with a CSV file. This capability is backward compatible with 4.x exports and can be used to easily backup, restore, move, or analyze the cameras in a system. It can also export server configuration into a CSV file. This can be useful in validating deployments and can serve as a project sign-off deliverable. ​​Notes feature Administrators can now add a short note to various entities in CompleteView, including servers, cameras, users, views, and more. Much like a Post-it Note, this handy feature makes it easy to remember and communicate changes or custom configurations, especially when working with other administrators. ​​​​​Stability & quality improvements Symmetry CompleteView v5.5 includes a number of stability and quality improvements, such as: Better support for camera-based motion and analytics Increased retention capacity Ability to open and use multiple instances of the client

Two renowned systems integrators have improved their ability to more effectively specify and design advanced physical security systems, using the dedicated tool, AXIS Site Designer. AXIS Site Designer AXIS Site Designer is a unique and free web application from Axis Communications, a market renowned company in network video solutions, which makes the specification and design of complex security systems quicker and easier. Having recently deployed the solution, two of Axis partners, Southern Fire & Security Ltd. and Acctive Systems, have been able to evidence a more sophisticated process and have won clients as a result. Security devices and sensors As physical security technology continues to advance, in order to keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape, coupled with more security devices and sensors being added to IT networks, the task of specifying such systems has become more complex. The principal challenges for those working in the industry are to be able to properly illustrate to buyers the capabilities of such devices and also to demonstrate how they can work together to secure a site. This web application holds the solution. Powerful and versatile design tool AXIS Site Designer revolutionizes the specification and design process AXIS Site Designer revolutionizes the specification and design process, by allowing an entire solution to be mapped out to the finest detail. The powerful and highly versatile tool removes any guesswork or element of trial and error, making it easy to create the right system to fit the exact operational requirements and needs of a prospect or client. The application even allows floor plans of the target site to be added, and virtual placement of cameras and devices enables viewing of the coverage they will provide, once installed. Partner with Southern Fire & Security and Acctive Systems Sean Mcnaboe, Axis Communications’ Key Account Manager, explains “The benefits of AXIS Site Designer are numerous. It helps streamline design workflow, simplify demos of security products and accessories, and even generate quotations and change items in a bill of materials within minutes.” Sean Mcnaboe adds, “Axis has been working closely with two partners, Southern Fire & Security and Acctive Systems, to help them drive their businesses forward while meeting, and often exceeding, the evolving requirements of customers.” Security and surveillance systems specification Southern Fire & Security has recently taken on the specification of security and surveillance systems for several high value properties around the London area, so being able to accurately specify dedicated solutions is critical to secure ongoing business. Acctive Systems, a renowned integrator of electronic security systems, needed a method of specifying security systems that would allow it to demonstrate an entire setup and its component parts via digital means. Efficient designing of surveillance systems AXIS Site Designer is an empowering leap forward in the design of surveillance systems Steve Wilson, Director at Southern Fire & Security, explains “Being able to make only basic recommendations around the use of appropriate technologies has been a key challenge for us. It’s very difficult to plan some of the more involved projects in detail, so we desperately needed a way to be able to visualize an entire estate and how a solution would operate.” AXIS Site Designer is an empowering leap forward in the design of surveillance systems, allowing for greater speed and efficiency, and enabling more effective management of any project. Enhancing customer satisfaction High quality designs and other outputs create a level of professionalism that is a major plus point when vying for business, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and pointing towards greater revenue prospects. Gerry Numa, the Chief Technical Officer (CTO) of Acctive Systems, said “AXIS Site Designer delivers everything we anticipated, and more, setting us ahead of our competitors when it comes to slick, professional looking project design. I would encourage other businesses to reach out to Axis to find out how the application can benefit them too.”

Since 2016, the cannabis industry has advanced quickly and so has the company. They’ve become a world pioneer in the research and development of plant genetics, specializing in cannabinoid extracts. With this in mind, a security solution was required to detect, deter, and defend the three sites in which Rua Bioscience operates within New Zealand. Integrated security solution “When the medicinal cannabis regulations were released in December 2019, we needed a security system in place that would not only meet these regulations but also limit access and keep staff safe,” said Paul Naske, Chief Operations Officer at Rua Bioscience. Naske continued, “When we built the sites to cultivate medicinal cannabis, there were no defined standards for such sites. We looked at what other sites across the world had done and so we chose to learn from those." "We worked with Aotea Security to develop an integrated security solution that included a monitored pulse fence, access control, and CCTV, which provides a high-security environment for what we require. The Gallagher system was the best option for us because it can provide all this and more.” Multi-site access A security system that would not only meet the regulations but also limit access and keep staff safe With two sites used for the growing and cultivation of cannabis plants and one head office, Rua Bioscience required multi-site access. Naske said, “In the future, we will increase employee numbers and employ contractors, and so access to zones will be more prominent along with access to multiple sites. We are also investigating the requirement for personal duress because of the nature of the work we do here.” Rua Bioscience has huge growth plans and is working towards the manufacture of GMP-certified, quality-assured medicinal cannabis as Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients and products, for domestic and global customers. The flexibility of the Gallagher system is key as the business evolves.

Stark Property’s shared working environment sees about 150 people from 40 different companies co-working across their Panama properties. Stark Property sought to overcome the challenges of a shared working space by fostering a sense of community within the Panama buildings, streamlining processes, and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all. Panama app Stark Property worked with digital technology developers, Dynamo6, to develop the Panama app. Easy to operate, the app integrates Gallagher access control with other building functionality, including news, feeds, Wi-Fi access, and the ability to submit maintenance requests and book shared meeting rooms. Utilizing Gallagher’s Mobile Connect SDK, Dynamo6 was able to incorporate the functionality of Gallagher Mobile Connect into the Panama app, offering a one-stop shop for all things building-related. The app utilizes Bluetooth® or NFC on users’ phones to gain access via Gallagher T-Series Readers Simplified access control Integrated access control creates a simple, easy access experience for app users while establishing a safe and secure working environment. Through Gallagher Command Center, Stark Property can keep track of who is coming and going, while ensuring anyone entering the building is authorized to be there. Utilizing users’ cellphones to host access credentials means no time wasted replacing or issuing temporary cards for visitors Utilizing users’ cellphones to host access credentials means there’s no time wasted replacing lost or stolen access cards or issuing temporary cards for visitors. “People will lose an access tag, but not many people lose their phones,” says Matt Stark, Director of Stark Property. Effective communication In a co-working environment, it can be difficult to ensure important information, such as planned building maintenance or fire alarm testing, is shared with everyone in a timely manner. The Panama app mitigates this with a newsfeed on the app home screen, notifying tenants of any important information. Integrating the newsfeed with access control functionality ensures tenants stay up to date, with important information displaying prominently whenever they open the app to unlock a door. This simple but efficient method of communicating helps Stark Property adhere to their health and safety requirements by ensuring tenants are aware of any building-related issues that may arise. Efficient property management In shared working spaces, reporting building maintenance issues can be problematic, especially if there are just one or two main people from each group in contact with property managers. The Panama app offers tenants the ability to submit maintenance requests directly. By entering details of the issue, along with the capability to attach photos, requests can be reported directly to Stark Property by anyone working on site. Matt hopes this functionality will lead to Stark Property having the best-maintained buildings in town. “Often, it’s the small stuff that goes unnoticed by maintenance staff – cracks, dents, breakages. Now tenants can keep an eye out for any issues and report these to us directly. It has helped us to streamline our processes and keep on top of any issues.” Shared building resources are also managed through the app, with the ability to book meeting rooms and connect to the Wi-Fi. The future of shared spaces The app utilizes cloud technology to deliver an app that can be customized to the building space and facilities Currently, the app is only in use across the Panama properties but there are plans to roll it out across other Stark Property sites in the future. “The app is still pretty new to us,” says Matt. “We’re still learning from it and looking to see what other services we can add to it, but overall it has saved us time, made lives easier, and allows us to keep progressing as a property group by delivering better, more efficient spaces.” Using cloud technologies Igor Matich, Founder and Executive Director from Dynamo6 said, “The app utilizes cloud technology to deliver an app that can be customized to the building space and facilities. Everyone pretty much has a cellphone on them." "Connecting access to cellphones makes it easier for people to enter the building and the experience is more unique. It delivers a premium experience. Moreover, you’re more likely to remember your phone than an access card.” Igor continues, “The advantage of integrated access and the property app, particularly in a shared environment like this, is the community feel it creates. It helps foster a sense of community among tenants. We’re excited about the additional services the app brings, such as meeting room bookings, and other future developments.” Mobile Connect SDK The Mobile Connect SDK enables developers to incorporate the functionality of Gallagher Mobile Connect into a third-party app. In addition to access control, Mobile Connect includes the capability to receive push notifications on a cellphone device directly from Command Center, arm or disarm buildings, and control lighting and HVAC from the cellphone device.

The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company manufactures markets and sells specialized dairy ingredients and food products, 90% of which are exported around the world. Tatua’s security system was recently upgraded to ensure world-class access control and boundary security that enhanced Tatua’s globally recognized food safety and quality program. This upgrade has provided additional assurances for customers who purchase the company’s food and ingredient products. Layered security solution At its manufacturing site at Tatuanui, near Morrinsville in New Zealand’s dairying region, Tatua invested in a layered security solution, protecting the site from the outside in. The Gallagher monitored pulse fence acts to deter and defend against would-be intruders. Inside the facility, a range of access control products are used to ensure people entering the facility are who they should be, and have current Health & Safety site induction competencies. This allows them authorization to work on-site and, if required, in specific production areas. Tatua operates 24/7 and has 370 employees, over 1300 inducted contractors, and numerous trucks and milk tankers accessing the site daily. It is crucial the access control system can perform several functions to ensure the site is safe and secure. Integrated security The Gallagher system can integrate with multiple security products from CCTV to biometric readers Integration was a key factor when choosing a Gallagher system. Projects Engineer, Grant Webb, said, “We have multiple areas which need specific security requirements. As the Gallagher system can integrate with multiple security products ranging from CCTV to biometric readers, it ensures the right people have the right access to specific areas on site.” Fingerprint recognition Morpho fingerprint readers provide primary access onto the site and into buildings. As there are so many people on-site, and because contractors can change on a regular basis, fingerprint readers eliminate the need for access cards, which saves both time and money. It also reduces the need for anyone entering production areas to carry an access card, which is a potential source of product contamination. License plate recognition Milestone License Plate Recognition (LPR) is used at the three entrance gates to the tanker bay. Details of the tankers delivering milk and chemicals to the site are loaded into the CCTV system interface. This links to the Gallagher Command Center, so when a tanker arrives at a gate, the LPR system identifies the pre-registered license plate. This feeds back to Command Center and grants access to approved vehicles. “There are over 60 tankers registered, that previously had key fobs that would go missing with no record of who held the fob,” says Webb. “LPR makes the delivery of milk and chemicals more efficient and has eliminated the need for swipe card readers and mounting posts that would traditionally be required to gain entry to this area.” Command center The milk testing system in the tanker bay has been integrated into Command Center. The hoses in the bay are always locked. When a tanker arrives, the driver first completes an inhibitory substance test on a load of milk. If the milk test is clear, the Gallagher system releases the locks on the milk inlet hoses via integration with the site’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system, programmable logic controller (PLC), and milk testing system. If the test is positive, an external alarm is raised within the SCADA system, and the hoses remain locked so milk can’t be delivered. This mitigates milk contamination and improves product safety. PLC system integration The integration with the PLC system has allowed the Command Center lockdown feature to be enabled within the tanker bay Further integration with the site PLC system has allowed the Command Center lockdown feature to be enabled within the tanker bay. So, when clean-in-place (CIP) cleaning is active, the area is automatically placed into lockdown. This excludes trucks and personnel from entering the area when dangerous chemicals and hot water are being used. Window button integration Forklift entry into warehouses is access controlled via Nedap Window Button integration with Command Center. The Nedap system provides a long-range vehicle identification tag for secure vehicle access to major airlocks into manufacturing plants, where forklifts deliver raw goods and ingredients. This system ensures that only authorized forklift drivers can open the airlock. The doors on either side of the airlocks are controlled via interlock door rules created in Command Center. The interlock rules only allow one door to be open at a time, thereby maintaining the integrity of the hygiene zone of the manufacturing plant. Both of these systems help mitigate product safety risks on site. Simplifying security processes Department employees also find the personal data fields important for recording health and safety qualifications, such as working at heights. When a contractor arrives, staff can check the contractor has the right qualifications to work in the area they are entering. Contractor management  When the site induction competency is due to expire, the contractor receives an SMS notification. Their supervisor will also receive an email. Another feature of the Gallagher system that Tatua uses is the reporting function. This is used as part of the company’s ongoing contractor management. The use of a QR code for preregistered visits and visitor passes makes the sign in and sign out process very quick and simple A separate report is sent to each company with an inducted employee, to advise contractor managers/ supervisors on the induction status of their employees, which are emailed out on a monthly basis. This ensures the contracting companies have people with authorized access to the site and allows them to schedule their own re-inductions when required. Reporting is also used to check activity at the monitored pulse fence. Visitor management A visitor management kiosk is located at the main reception for all visitor registrations. It requires all visitors to read and accept Tatua’s terms and conditions of entry, including Health and Safety rules before a visitor pass is issued. Once signed in, the Tatua host receives an automatic SMS and email notification of their visitor’s arrival. “The use of a QR code for preregistered visits and visitor passes makes the sign in and sign out process very quick and simple,” says Webb. Multiple levels of security Webb concludes, “Our security solution from Gallagher offers so much more than access control. Integration is key to ensuring we add multiple levels of security in areas such as delivery and dispatch, milk collection, and more. This ensures the site runs smoothly, minimizing health and safety risks to employees and contractors, and maintaining quality and product safety standards.”

DigiCert, Inc., a provider of TLS/SSL, IoT, and other PKI solutions, announced the DigiCert Smart Seal, a new dynamic site seal that gives website visitors confidence that their information is secure on the web. Real-time security turn signals enabled through various micro-interactions alert visitors that the seal is actively present on the page, the site has been validated, and the site is protected by an active certificate from the world’s most trusted certificate authority. DigiCert verified site When site visitors roll over the DigiCert Smart Seal, they see the company’s logo, which has been verified by DigiCert. They also view usable information about the site's security delivered right to the seal, so users do not have to leave the page to verify a site's legitimate identity.  “HTTPS has changed in recent years, and consumers can no longer rely on just looking for the lock, they need to look beyond the lock for assurance and trust that they are visiting the legitimate website,” said DigiCert Senior Director of Business Development Dean Coclin.  “The DigiCert Smart Seal takes site seals into a modern era in a way that helps organizations demonstrate that they take security seriously, and that gives their end-customers peace of mind.” Active role in safeguarding DigiCert Smart Seal is the first seal to visually display the site owner’s brand via a verified brand logo The DigiCert Smart Seal is the first seal to visually display the site owner’s brand via a verified brand logo. It also is the first to bring information previously trapped inside the digital certificate and provide it in terms that users can understand. The DigiCert Smart Seal enables consumers to take an active role in safeguarding their online activity, providing: A detailed splash page that helps reassure consumers of site security practices and presents them in consumer-friendly terms. Additional website security features that are active, such as blocklist checks, Certificate Transparency (CT) log monitoring, and vulnerability assessment scans, all accessible with just one click. PCI compliance status when a customer is using a DigiCert Secure Site Pro certificate. Confirmation that the site has been checked against more than 70 blocklists for malware. Instill real-time confidence Trust is fundamental for online transactions, and consumers need assurance that sites are secure and authentic. Traditional trust seals are subject to spoofing, lapses, or general misuse that can undermine trust. With browser UI trust turn signals shifting, the DigiCert Smart Seal is an innovative way for enterprises to instill real-time confidence in users that their site identity is verified, their certificate is up-to-date and the site is reliable. Against web spoofing and fraud The DigiCert Smart Seal provides a powerful trust indicator that brands can control for their customers A 2020 study by DigiCert found that 71% of consumers look for security seals before proceeding with transactions. Another study from Crazyegg found that sites that display site seals or trust marks perform 48% better than sites that don’t, thus increasing conversion rates and ROI. Continued Coclin, “With the web now enforcing HTTPS by default and cybercriminals using TLS certificates, users need additional ways to protect themselves online. The DigiCert Smart Seal may not prevent all web spoofing and fraud, but it’s an important step forward in providing a powerful trust indicator that brands can control for their customers.” Smart and secure  The DigiCert Smart Seal is available now as part of DigiCert Secure Site and DigiCert Secure Site Pro certificates and early adopters are already expressing positive feedback. “Brand indicators and trust are really important for Italian web users, and the DigiCert Smart Seal indicates to visitors that our site is legitimate and secure,” said Riccardo Cazzola, CEO, Trust Italia. “We are committed to using the best solutions in the market and providing trusted services for some of Italy’s largest enterprises, which is why we use DigiCert and their innovative offerings.” TLS certified "Among continued web-based attacks, website visitors are looking for signs of trust that the site they are visiting is legitimate and secure," said Jindrich Zechmeister, Director of IT Security, ZONER software. "The DigiCert Smart Seal is a great step toward restoring this trust, giving website operators a dynamic indicator of their identity, displaying a verified logo and essential information about the status of their TLS certificates and other site security measures." Brand recognition and trust “We want to build trust, and our customers recognize our trademark, so when they visit our webpage, we want them to feel safe,” said Marcus Wessberg, Head of IT, Ports Group. “Certificates offer so much more than crypto: it’s all about identity, brand recognition, and trust." "The DigiCert Site Seal provides that brand recognition and trust for our site visitors.” Interested customers can learn more about how the DigiCert Smart Seal can empower their business by contacting their account manager or visiting the company website.

Simple IoT systems can streamline everyday operations delivering real savings to companies and benefits to end-users. This is exactly what Axis partner SmartNet has achieved deploying its IoT platform for managing operations and security at Caruso Place Boutique & Wellness Suites in Naples, Italy. Internet of Things (IoT)  Caruso Place Boutique and Wellness Suites, located in the heart of Naples, is the perfect choice for travelers looking to mix Neapolitan style and culture with luxurious modern relaxation. Located next to historic the Galleria Umberto shopping gallery and the Royal Theater of Saint Charles opera house, this independent luxury hotel offers its guests a stylish and charming atmosphere by using Internet of Things (IoT) technology to deliver superior guest services as well as streamline its own hotel administration costs. A luxury design for classic and modern tastes Modern convenience was one of the key requirements for the owners of what would become Caruso Place Boutique & Wellness Suites. The management wanted guests to have clear connections to the history and music surrounding this area of Naples – hence the hotel’s name, which is a tribute to the great Neapolitan tenor Enrico Caruso. Another, equally important priority was to provide superior convenience, services, and experiences to the guests. These objectives set their overall requirements framework. “We wanted to see if we could use technology to provide guests with smooth, comfortable services,” said Manuela Cicala, Hotel Manager at Caruso Place. “We chose Smartnet to put together the components and manage the IoT system.” Guest booking and check-in without staff Easy booking, convenient access control, secure video surveillance, and efficient hotel administration: all in one IoT system. That was the focus for Smartnet Srl, an Axis partner. One IoT system connects all the hotel management software with access control and video surveillance devices “We provided one IoT system to connect all their existing hotel management software with VoIP phones, access control, and video surveillance devices,” says Marco Pirone, Managing Director of SmartNet. “It handles everything: online guest booking with the immediate and secure provision of access control codes that grant guests access into the hotel and their individual rooms.” Using security and building access The SmartNet ConsolONE platform unites the hotel’s reservation and booking functions with hotel security and building access control. It all starts with integration to the Hotel4 hotel software from Ericsoft, which enables dynamic association of access codes for guest room doors as well as their automatic removal at the end of the room’s reservation period. PIN codes = No waiting time Customers booking online immediately receive their own Personal Identification Number (PIN) code for their room sent to them via email or SMS. This code is all they need to access their room during their stay, at any time – which means that there is no need for physical keys or plastic cards, which can be easily lost or stolen. Due to this system guests don’t have to wait in line anymore to do their check-in. “The use of a key or electronic badge at the hotel is now an old concept for the opening of rooms. In a world more and more based on new technologies, it seemed appropriate to give an additional service to our customers,” declares owner Cicala. Camera-based intercom devices ConsolONE is integrated with camera-based intercom devices  Further, ConsolONE is integrated with camera-based intercom devices — which provide audio/visual two-way communication and control. Everything is managed entirely over IP by either the hotel staff or remotely by SmartNet. Open IoT and IP technologies Through the installation of an open IoT platform, open IP-based technologies, and open standards, IP-based technology has enabled Caruso Place Boutique & Wellness Suites to reduce maintenance requirements by using a system that can be remotely controlled. “The open standard of Axis’ solutions allowed us to build a system that is functional, yet at the same time simple,” Pirone explains. “The solution was also appreciated by the suppliers of the hotel software, who were quite impressed with the system’s simplicity of integration, underlining that prior to this they had never been involved with such sophisticated and advanced systems.” Providing efficient services For Cicala it is simple: “Technology helps us provide more personal, efficient services to our guests – and keep our hotel and our guests safe and secure. This technology not only reduces our administration time and costs. It means we can focus on providing high-quality services to our guests.”

Bamburi Cement, based in Kenya, is the largest manufacturer of cement in Eastern Africa, producing around 5,000 tonnes of it every day. Its operations are vast, with two mega plants located in Mombasa and Athi river that run 24/7. Each plant fills 300 trucks with cement on an average day, creating a formidable logistical operation. Anyone who has used cement to mix concrete knows the importance of having the correct ratio of water, cement, and sand - too much water, and one is left with an unmanageable mess… too much sand and it grinds to a halt. Highly skilled workforce Providing security at these vast sites presents a similar challenge - too much interference and operations seize up... too little oversight and the risks from theft and organized crime increase. Nicholas Mbithi, Contract Manager, in Kenya tells them how G4S has got its ratios just right. Here in Kenya G4s is one of the fastest growing economies in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a dynamic private sector, highly skilled workforce and youthful population. New infrastructure and construction is in high demand, but none of it would be possible without access to a material everyone takes for granted - cement. Manned guarding services Prior to the partnership, truck inspection reports were filled in manually with pen and paper Bamburi Cement had a challenge for G4S - to improve the level of security at its sites without impacting on the high intensity of its operations. How could they ensure 300 trucks a day were being loaded correctly without causing a backlog? And how could they eliminate the risks posed by criminal elements that were targeting the sector? The answer was technology and its seamless integration with the manned guarding services and customer operations. Prior to the partnership, truck inspection reports were filled in manually with pen and paper, which meant any discrepancies were not easy to resolve, and the data was open to manipulation. The order forms filled in by truck drivers were also pen and paper, which meant they were often misplaced, or the release time was deliberately altered so they could jump the queue. Technology-Led solutions “Introducing technology-led solutions not only made the customer’s operations smoother, but it also made them more transparent and traceable,” said Nicholas Mbithi, G4S contract manager working with Bamburi Cement. All the security officers on site carry an electronic device to track their observations, and inspection reports are completed on the devices, creating a fully automated reporting system for the customer. All the security officers on site carry an electronic device to track their observations The installation of surveillance cameras in the cement loading areas has allowed the CCTV operators to monitor the loading and sealing process, from a safe distance on site. They can ensure that each truck is loaded as assigned, with the right volume of material. Having this oversight of a key part of the customers operation has significantly reduced their exposure to disputes and theft through collusion. Detecting suspicious movements Another area G4S has had a tangible impact is with the protection of site perimeters. Due to the abundance of raw materials on site, it was a frequent target for thefts. Through improved reinforcement of electric fences and the installation of motion sensors, they are able to detect any suspicious movements and assign a patroller to immediately investigate. As well as physical security measures, they have assisted Bamburi with securing their data too. They are closely monitoring their firewall performance, and access to their server room is remotely controlled by us to prevent unauthorized intrusions. An access control biometric system was introduced to identify all staff on site, and assist with monitoring working hours and overtime. Their role at Bamburi has moved beyond being a security provider to being a trusted advisor.

Adani Group is a multi-national conglomerate headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India and has a diversified portfolio of businesses, including resources, logistics, energy sectors and agriculture business. Adani Group is the largest port developer and operator in India, with Mundra being the country's largest commercial port. With multiple ports, branches, manufacturing units and corporate offices at various locations, Adani Group is one of the largest business units. In all, this business group has 15,000+ employees and 50,000+ workers (with 900+ third-party contractors), who are involved in the incorporation of various work orders across 25+ business units. Managing staff attendance and diverse shifts Adani Group is widely engaged in multiple business units and ports with 50,000+ workers under 900+ contractors, employed at various locations. Maintaining and managing entire attendance, diverse shifts and leave policies for the various locations, and numerous workers at a central place was critical for them. Moreover, task allotment to workers based on its requirements, skills under a contractor and its verification against the respective contractor's report were tedious tasks for the management. To provide approved and appropriate induction of each worker at a defined level, monitor the progress status of each work order and its segregation based on reports were quite challenging. Report generation to eliminate the fraudulent and erroneous payment of wages at contractors' end had been the need of the hour. Moreover, their requirement of timely and error-free payroll processing was arisen to improve overall productivity. COSEC Contract Workers Management  COSEC Contract Workers Management offers centralized attendance management solution for various branches After comprehensive discussion regarding problems and requirements, Matrix offered COSEC Contract Workers Management solution for their 50,000+ workers, who have been employed under 900+ contractors, spread across four locations in India. COSEC Contract Workers Management offers centralized attendance management solution for various branches, spread across multiple locations, which automates all processes, right from recording entries and exits up to processing salaries. Enrolment of the worker credentials COSEC Contract Workers Management facilitates enrolment of the worker credentials, along with a photograph, documents, and induction details. It helps contractors to manage workers efficiently, using contractors' self-service portal. The solution provides multiple connectivity possibilities via Ethernet, Wi-Fi and mobile broadband. It eases the tracking of work order progress. It offers seamless integration with SAP using the database to database linking and offers the feature of real-time notifications, in cases of exceptional situations via email and SMS. Results: Enhanced security with effective worker's enrollment process abiding by various induction levels. Increase in productivity of admin by 20%. Easy decision making due to the generation of customized reports. Smooth and effective monitoring of work orders. Improved security with centralized control and monitoring - Reduced time spent by the security department. Error-free man hours' computation for quick & effective wages' calculation. Minimized manual interventions.   Matrix products and solutions Offered: COSEC CENTRA LE - Application Software Platform expandable up to one million users. COSEC LE CWM - Contract Workers Management Module for COSEC CENTRA LE. COSEC DOOR FOW - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Door Controller with Wi-Fi connectivity. COSEC PATH DCFM - Fingerprint, Mifare Card and NFC-based Door Controller. COSEC VEGA FAX - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Premium Door Controller with Touch Sense LCD, IP65, Wi-Fi, PoE. COSEC DOOR FOP - Fingerprint and RF Card-based Premium Door Controller with LCD and Keypad.