Access Controllers

TrackTik Software, the cloud-based security workforce management solution based in Montreal, Quebec, recently announced the issuance of Canadian Patent 2799170, which relates to the System and Method for Monitoring an Area Using NFC Tags. Simon Ferragne, TrackTik founder and CEO, originally filed the patent 8 years ago in 2012—a time when using smartphones by security personnel was rare. The technology was disruptive and innovative and this patent is now being used by security guards around the world, so its recent issuance validates that tremendous achievement. Technological advancements “From its inception, I knew NFC would play a transformational role in the evolution of guard tour systems in the security industry. The adoption of NFC and smartphones metamorphosed the way security firms deliver their services and increase their value proposition. But this is just the beginning as recent technological advancements in machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data analytics will continue to change the industry,” says Simon Ferragne. About the patent TrackTik Software was granted the patent for technology whereby a mobile device scans NFC tags and sends that data to a remote server in real time. The data may include the ID of the tag being scanned, the timestamp and/or position of the device at the time of scanning, and the ID of the employee performing the scanning. The server detects the ID of the NFC tag from the data received from the mobile device, and performs the functions associated with the NFC tag.

Open Options, a provider of innovative access control solutions, announced the launch of ACT ID, a new cloud-based mobile credential app that enables organizations to utilize smartphones with existing WaveLynx multi-technology readers for secure access to doors in office buildings, government facilities, healthcare institutions, schools, residences and a growing variety of enterprises. Mobile credentials ACT ID is integrated into Open Options’ flagship software, DNA Fusion, providing a user-friendly experience with the digital security and convenience of mobile credentials. “Companies are increasingly wanting to transition from traditional physical credentials to mobile credentials with the same or better level of security”, says Chuck O’Leary, President of Open Options. “The ACT ID app is a perfect solution as it allows users of DNA Fusion software, paired with WaveLynx multi technology readers, to easily upgrade to mobile technology with little effort. Many people already carry smart and mobile devices as a part of their working lives, and by moving to a mobile ecosystem, organizations can better position themselves to take advantage of built-in technologies such as biometrics, multi-factor authentication, and geo fencing without adding expensive hardware.” Flexible and affordable solution ACT ID works seamlessly with WaveLynx Ethos Wiegnd/OSDP readers for a touchless experience in which users hold their phone close to the reader and open a door. The application does not require any subscriptions or fees, making it an extremely flexible and affordable solution that allows organizations to transition to mobile access at their own pace. The mobile application supports NFC for Android and BLE for iOS and provides complete user privacy as all data is stored in a separate secure element. Its simplistic design and ease-of-use eliminates the need for manual verification, as ACT ID communicates securely with DNA Fusion by syncing data daily for authentication and verification of ID.

HID Global, a globally renowned company in trusted identity solutions, has announced that it has expanded its HID SOMA chip operating system (COS) family with the addition of SOMA c016 on NXP Semiconductors' new SmartMX3 microcontroller. HID is the industry’s first to certify a native COS on NXP’s newest generation SmartMX3 platform to Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 5+ (EAL5+). SOMA c016 integration with SmartMX3 “This accomplishment is in-line with our commitment to proposing our renowned SOMA technologies with an extended array of leading hardware platforms from which our customers can choose,” stated Manuel Deloche, Vice President of Product Management, Product Marketing & Software Engineering, Citizen Identity with HID Global. Manuel adds, “We are also proud to be the first ID solution provider to port and certify the SOMA COS on the newest P71 microcontroller, for which NXP provided excellent support.” HID SOMA chip operating system We are pleased that HID has certified their HID SOMA COS operating system on NXP's SmartMX3 platform" With a 15-year track record serving the specific needs of secure electronic documents, the HID SOMA chip operating system family has been used in some of the world’s most successful citizen identification programs since 2005, from ICAO eMRTD to digital signature applications, and has repeatedly been a top performer at various international interoperability tests. “We are pleased that HID has certified their HID SOMA COS operating system on NXP's SmartMX3 platform. The successful collaboration between NXP and HID reflects both companies’ commitment to providing secure e-government solutions,” said Pierre Rouillac, Marketing Director of Secure Identification at NXP Semiconductors. Integration with HID Integrale e-Document issuance suite Pierre adds, “This certification also establishes that the combination of our NXP P71D321 security controller and the HID SOMA COS has successfully passed the rigorous common criteria security testing.” The HID SOMA COS line-up notably integrates with HID Integrale e-Document issuance and lifecycle management suite tailored for ICAO e-Passports, multi-application national ID cards, resident permits and driver’s licenses.

Vanderbilt, a renowned provider of state-of-the-art video, access control and intrusion security systems, announced the introduction of Vanderbilt Mobile ACT ID, featuring zero-touch, cloud-issued credentials for seamless integration into its access control solutions. The result is the ability to easily issue new credentials, as well as instantly grant and restrict access for office buildings, government facilities, healthcare institutions, schools, residences and a growing variety of enterprises. Powered by WaveLynx Technologies, Vanderbilt Mobile ID communicates directly to each platform for authentication to help streamline access across the Vanderbilt U.S. platforms, including lite blue, bright blue, ACT365 and Vanderbilt Security Management System (SMS). The free credentials are supported on NFC for Android and Bluetooth Low Energy for iOS, and features fully authenticated issuance from a secure cloud credential authority. Access control system The application does not require any subscriptions or fees, making it an extremely flexible and affordable solution that allows organizations to transition to mobile access at their own pace. “The addition of cellphone credential functionality is critical in today’s threat landscape as more users demand touch-free flexibility and a streamlined approach to visitor management and access control,” said Lynn Wood, Product Portfolio Manager, Vanderbilt. “Now, more than ever, we’re seeing demand for technology that is easy to use, simple to navigate and offers the added benefit of mobility for users. Vanderbilt Mobile ID brings all of this to customers at no additional cost.”

Bitglass, the Total Cloud Security Company, has received full scores across all nine criteria in KuppingerCole’s Market Compass on Cloud Access Security Brokers (CASBs). The report covers vendors with offerings that address the challenges of security and compliance when using cloud services. This is the fourth time KuppingerCole has included Bitglass in its CASB Compass, demonstrating the company’s strong and consistent market validation. The criteria against which participants are reviewed include security, interoperability, usability, deployment, discovery, access control, data protection, compliance, and posture management. In addition to securing top marks for the above criteria, Bitglass’ CASB was selected as the solution “Featured for Innovation,” highlighting Bitglass for pushing the cloud security space forward with its advanced technologies. Agentless reverse proxy One major problem with the deployment of CASB is the need to install agents on devices or as part of a forward proxy" Specifically, the report focused on the uniqueness of its agentless reverse proxy. Powered by patented AJAX-VM technology, which ensures performance and uptime as applications are updated, Bitglass’ reverse proxy delivers agentless, real-time protection for any app accessed by any device - including personal devices. Additionally, the Market Compass highlights Bitglass’ SmartEdge Secure Web Gateway (SWG). As the world’s only on-device SWG, it decrypts and inspects traffic locally via a SmartEdge agent on each device, forgoing the need for on-premises appliances, VPNs, cloud proxies, and network hops. Real-Time data “One major problem with the deployment of CASB is the need to install agents on devices or as part of a forward proxy,” says KuppingerCole analyst and author of the report Mike Small. “The Bitglass solution leverages patent pending AJAX-VM agentless reverse proxy capabilities. This enables the Bitglass solution to provide support to any application with real-time data and threat protection, identity, and visibility.”

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi is pleased to announce the appointment of Zara Taylor as Marketing Manager. Zara, who is based at the company’s global headquarters in Poole, Dorset, is overseeing the company’s ongoing and rapidly expanding digital and marketing strategies. TDSi’s Managing Director, John Davies commented, “We’re excited at the prospect of seeing Zara’s skills being put to work, as we take our marketing activity to the next level with a good dose of Millennial thinking and knowhow. Zara’s knowledge of the digital and social landscape will add fresh impetus to our marketing drive, as we bring new products out of our development pipeline and augment our sales channel strategies, both at home and abroad. I know that Zara will have a positive impact on our activities, and I’m delighted she’s now a part of the team.” Marketing industry experience Zara has worked in the marketing industry for three years for a variety of different industries Having graduated from the University of Northampton in 2017 with a First-Class BA in Fashion Marketing, Zara has worked in the marketing industry for three years for a variety of different industries including: hospitality, automotive, fashion, and now security. Commenting on her appointment, Zara stated, “I am very excited to be leading TDSi’s continued vanguard into the digital world, which is a vital part of the security industry’s continued growth and evolution. Security needs are universal across all industries and our customers and potential customers operate across all vertical sectors, so it is vital that we continue to deliver relevant and exciting messaging to all these audiences through all digital channels.” Embracing digital channels Zara adds, “We have many exciting developments taking place at TDSi which we will be unveiling over the coming months and into 2021, and I look forward to being a key part of this. As we all settle into the new normal, TDSi will be further embracing digital channels, as well as meeting our customers and partners at UK and International events, to showcase our solutions for an ever-evolving security world.” Alongside her marketing career, Zara likes to stay active and regularly plays netball (social distancing rules permitting!) and is currently training for a planned ultra-marathon in 2021. “It will be 100km, and I sometimes think I must be mad! But setting yourself exciting goals, working through any challenges, and achieving them, is just as important in your life as it is in your career. I am delighted to be part of the TDSi team, which shares this approach to being the best you can be.”

Every building starts with the entrance. A solid enterprise risk mitigation and security strategy include protecting that entrance. Often, risk mitigation strategies protecting the entrance have included high-resolution video surveillance cameras, video management systems, and access control solutions. But that strategy and set of security solutions only tells part of the story. Imagine a security guard who is protecting a facility after hours, when an individual approaches the entrance and seeks to gain access. The security guard can pull up the video surveillance feed and see the individual and his movements, which appear to be suspicious. But he also needs to hear him in order to decide the next decisions and actions. Does he escalate the situation, calling for backup and for first responders’ response, or does he allow the individual access to the building because he works there and is authorized to enter?   Meet high-definition voice What the security guard needs is to be able to hear and to communicate with that individual. All enterprise security systems need three primary components in order to successfully protect the entrance and to mitigate risk – access control, video surveillance, and the ability to hear and communicate. Each component plays an integral role in supporting a unified security system, and without all three, the security system is not complete. Access control can be thought of as the brains of a security system by holding data and permissions. It serves as the arms and hands of the system; it can either keep someone out or invite them in. IP video allows a security team to remotely position a set of eyes anywhere an IP camera can be placed on a network. With a video management system, security teams can see what is happening and decide how to respond. However, with remote viewing, the event may be over by the time security physically responds.  Audio adds interactivity That three-component enterprise security system – comprising IP video, access control, and high-definition voice working together mitigates risks and provides value. It also means that security is interactive. Security teams talk and listen to the person that’s seen on a video surveillance system, no matter where the location or how remote. If the person is lost or simply needs assistance, security personnel can talk to them and provide direction and reassurance. Even more, in an emergency, an interactive solution becomes a critical life-saving tool, as it provides data that can be shared between security, police, emergency services, and more. Audio can also detect voices, noises, breaking glass, or other sounds that are not within direct view of a video camera. An interactive security system creates an informed response, by providing real-time situation awareness management. Post-event, it supports forensics and investigations to mitigate future security incidents.  Audio and COVID-19 We are living in extraordinary times. As businesses begin to reopen and stay open, they are looking for any tools that can help them overcome the enormous challenges they face. In buildings and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new security perimeter, one that demands contactless access with entry and exit, and that has also created a new duty of care for security professionals. Now more than ever is the need to interact and communicate with individuals moving in and out of doors and spaces without physical intervention. Intelligent communications, integrated with contactless access control, can help a business to comply with pandemic safety guidelines and ultimately, reopen for business and stay open.  COVID-19 has also increased the need for clean-room isolation and quarantine spaces, sometimes in areas not originally intended for that use, where risk of infection is high, and equipment must be easily disinfected between patients. Here, purpose-built cleanroom intercoms, providing clear touchless communications despite the noisy environment, have emerged as critical tools for enabling patient care while reducing the need to enter the contaminated space. For example, voice communication can enable hospital staff to verify identity and to communicate with patients without entering the isolated and infectious environment, which can save on personal protective equipment (PPE) and reduce the amount of exposure to the virus. In non-emergency healthcare facilities, such as medical centers, voice can effectively relay information to building occupants and visitors for screening purposes. Visitors can be seen and heard. For example, a patient who seeks access to a medical center for an appointment can hear important instructions from a nurse via the intercom solution. Seeing the person that you talk to is one thing but hearing them conveys a much better sense of closeness, making it possible to maintain a high level of security and customer service.  The whole story Today’s security systems should no longer simply involve video surveillance cameras generating feedback and images to a security guard. Instead, a new ecosystem for enterprise security and risk mitigation has emerged, and it’s one that involves video surveillance, access control, and high-definition voice. That ecosystem can ensure well-rounded and responsive information management and security platform, all communicating with each other and offering actionable insight into risks and potential physical breaches. Audio is the new value hub of the connected and intelligent school, campus, building, correctional facility, and more. Simply put, a silent security system cannot be an effective security system. In every situation, it is crucial for all security professionals to mitigate risk, no matter what they are protecting. This emphasizes the need to hear, be heard, and be understood in virtually any environment.  

Blind spots in surveillance coverage, incompatible video and access control systems, lack of adequate perimeter measures—these are common issues that facility directors must address with their security teams. At the end of the day, facility executives need technology that accomplish more with less—that expand situational awareness, overall system functionality, and real-time response capabilities while generating cost-savings. By leveraging technology like thermal imaging, this is possible. Security directors who want to improve facility management—specifically 24/7 monitoring for heightened security and elevated skin temperature frontline screening for entry control—should consider incorporating thermal cameras into their next security upgrade or new installation project.  Levelling up your security with thermal By using thermal security cameras, facility directors can better protect their property and tenants from external threats. Backed by decades of successful deployment in the government and defense sector for reconnaissance, thermal imaging is a trusted technology. New innovations have expanded the use cases for thermal cameras and made them widely available to commercial and industrial facilities. Today, corporate offices, manufacturing plants and healthcare campuses all use thermal cameras as a core component of their security strategy. All use thermal cameras as a core component of their security strategy Thermal security cameras perform in adverse conditions where standard surveillance cameras cannot. Visual cameras require a light source, and thus, additional infrastructure, to produce an image. If there’s no light, there’s no video. Because thermal cameras measure infrared radiation, or heat, they do not need illumination to produce imagery. In fact, thermal cameras can see in total darkness as well as in rain, smoke, and light fog. They truly enable 24/7 surveillance. Enhancing video analytics Further, thermal cameras yield high-contrast imagery, which not only enhances video analytics performance, but also situational awareness. For example, a security operator viewing a thermal camera feed can easily spot a trespasser attempting to camouflage in the foliage at night by alerting the operator of body heat on premise. Thermal cameras also enable alarm validation. While motion sensors, laser detectors and fiber optic cables need another technology to visually verify the alert, thermal cameras already provide this function. With onboard analytics, thermal cameras detect objects, classify whether it’s a human, animal or vehicle, and provide video clips for remote operators to assess the alert. Consequently, thermal cameras minimise unnecessary dispatch of guards or police for false positives, saving valuable time, money and resource for facilities. In the event of a true alarm, thermal cameras enable superior suspect tracking. Upon receiving an intrusion alert, a long-range pan-tilt thermal camera can widely monitor the area and scan the property. The camera can then follow the movements of an intruder, and if equipped with both thermal and optical sensors, provide both thermal and color video of the person. With this data, a security officer can ascertain the threat level and determine whether the person is an employee who forgot their ID or an unauthorised person trespassing on private property. It is important to note that thermal cameras cannot detect a specific individual or their personal information, rather they classify whether the object is a human and then further analysis is required through of the use of visual cameras for identification.  For these reasons, facility directors, especially those managing large campuses or properties, should consider deploying thermal cameras to maximize their intrusion detection capabilities for stronger overall security. Thermal cameras maximize intrusion detection capabilities Streamlining entry control with temperature screening Facility executives can also improve their access and entry control security procedures by using radiometric thermal cameras for temperature screening. COVID-19, classified as a global pandemic in March 2020, has permanently changed how facility directors build security and environmental, health and safety (EHS) plans. Now, facility directors are prioritising protocols and technologies that minimise both the risk of exposure as well as the spread of infectious diseases among employees, visitors and contractors. Temperature checks have become one of the most widely adopted as a key component of frontline screening practices across facilities. In fact, General Motors plants and the Pentagon Visiting Center are notable examples of critical facilities deploying radiometric thermal cameras for skin temperature screening.  Radiometric thermal cameras for skin temperature screenings allow for a non-contact, frontline diagnostic tool that enables high throughput. These thermal cameras specifically measure skin surface temperature at the inner corner of the eye, the region medially adjacent to the inner canthus, which is known to be the best measurement spot. The most reliable thermal cameras yield accuracies of ±0.3°C (0.5°F) over a temperature measurement range of 15°C to 45°C (59°F to 113°F).  Available in a handheld, tripod-mounted or fixed-mount form factor, elevated skin temperature thermal cameras are deployed inside entryways, immediately screening people as they walk into the facility. These cameras scan a person up to one to two meters (or three to six feet) away. Premium thermal cameras can scan individuals in two seconds or less. Premium thermal cameras can scan individuals in two seconds or less Thermal cameras are intended for use as an adjunct to clinical procedures in the screening of skin surface temperature. Upon detection of an elevated skin temperature, a person must then undergo a secondary screening where a medical device can determine whether the person has an actual fever or should partake in virus specific testing. By implementing these screening procedures, facility directors ensure a faster, non-invasive method to quickly detect possible signs of infection before an individual enters a populous area. This minimizes the risk of communal spread of viruses among employees in the workplace, which ultimately increases workforce health, safety and peace of mind. Today, a total security solution designed to detect both physical threats as well as environmental and health hazards is one that includes thermal cameras for elevated skin temperature screening. Facility managers can strengthen their risk management plans by proactively expanding their security systems to include these solutions. Many physical security solutions are already in place at key entry points as well as additional checkpoints, such as indoor surveillance cameras, visitor management and access control. Implementing screening stations with specific radiometric thermal cameras is a logical integration at these locations. Choosing the right solution for your facility While thermal cameras for perimeter protection and elevated skin temperature screening are valuable components to the overall security system, facility directors need to know that not all thermal is created equal. Thermal cameras need to be carefully researched and evaluated before deployment. Here are a few best practices for choosing the right thermal camera for your facility and application. Define your application: A thermal camera made for long-range perimeter monitoring functions differently than a thermal camera built for elevated skin temperature screening. Make sure to choose a camera designed for your specific use case. Know the distinguishing characteristics: Be aware of which technological features separate high-performing cameras from low-end options. For perimeter thermal cameras, resolution, detection range and integration capabilities matter. For elevated skin temperature screening cameras, resolution, sensitivity, accuracy and stability are critical. Check for certifications: Select a thermal camera with proven interoperability. Consider one that is ONVIF-compliant to ensure integration with the overall security system and chosen video management software. Additionally, for elevated skin temperature cameras, consider one that has a 510(k) filing (K033967) with the U.S. Federal and Drug Administration as well as one that supports other screening standards such as ISO/TR 13154:2017 and IEC 80601-2-59:2017. Work with experienced partners: Work with a system integrator who is knowledgeable in thermal. Choose thermal cameras from manufacturers with a solid track record of success for both security and elevated skin temperature screening deployments. Leverage guidebooks, site planning tools and online trainings that these experienced manufacturers have to offer to maximize performance.

A recent survey compared how employees, tenants, property owners and managers, and developers feel about returning to the workplace, and what would make them feel safer. Among the responses from employees and tenants, 63% don’t feel comfortable returning to work, and cited their own health and safety, as well as the safety of their loved ones, as the main cause for concern. However, 73% of business owners said they plan on reopening as soon as possible, within 2-4 weeks. How can we fix the disconnect, and ensure that property owners are creating safer, healthier workspaces for returning tenants?  With the right tools and strategies in place, businesses can return to work with confidence. As it turns out, decision makers are prepared to budget for safety precautions as well; whether it’s providing PPE for employees, or upgrading building systems, 51% of owners are increasing their security and safety spend in response to the pandemic. Innovative technology is helping businesses find ways to accommodate new health guidelines, as well as give tenants peace of mind as they return to the workplace.  Tenant and employee concerns 79% of people saying they’d be more willing to return to work with reduced occupancy In addressing top tenant and employee concerns, many businesses are pivoting to staggered work schedules. This is a good starting point for accommodating the CDC workplace guidelines for social distancing, as it helps minimize the number of people in the building. In fact, social distancing was the top-requested safety update requested by employees and tenants, with 79% of people saying they’d be more willing to return to work with reduced occupancy.  However, with 80% of businesses maintaining or decreasing their current building size, minimizing the number of people at work can be challenging, especially if you’re managing your facility remotely. Occupancy management tools, such as density counters, people sensors, and presence reporting data, can help administrators track who is at the building and when. Plus, with more data at your disposal, you can make informed decisions about space utilization throughout the building, whether to reopen amenities like gyms and cafeterias, and adjust work schedules to accommodate capacity thresholds. To further streamline the process, you can enforce capacity thresholds by connecting occupancy tools to your access control system. Associating work schedules with access credentials ensures that only those scheduled for the day will be able to enter the space. Accessing the workplace Which brings us to the next piece of the return-to-work puzzle: how people are accessing the workplace. “The reality is that people don’t want to touch things anymore; it’s just too stressful,” says Openpath President James Segil, “Removing the communal touch points is key to making people feel safer, which is why you’ll see so many tech companies pivoting to touchless capabilities.” And yet, only 25% of decision makers have implemented touchless solutions. Mobile credentials were already growing in popularity for their convenience and ease of use prior to the pandemic. In fact, 62% of survey respondents would prefer to use their phone to enter the workplace. Now, touchless access control options can also eliminate the need to touch a common reader or door handle. Plus, with a cloud-based access control solution, all those mobile credentials are managed remotely, which helps accommodate a remote workforce and eliminates the need to meet in person to issue a badge. When even opening the front door induces anxiety, touchless access makes it one less thing to worry about.  Healthcare questionnaires In addition to limiting who has access to the building, many businesses are now requiring employees and visitors to complete health questionnaires prior to coming into the workplace. Take the burden off your administrative staff by using tenant and visitor platforms like Envoy Protect, which offer digital access requests, check-in, and amenity reservations. Using a mobile platform to create, distribute, and manage health questionnaires is a smart way to streamline your operations, plus it gives you more visibility into who is in your building and when. 45% of commercial landlords and business owners admit security is one of the biggest challenges During the pandemic, 45% of commercial landlords and business owners admit security is one of the biggest challenges they’re facing. Approach technology updates with a smart strategy to maximize the safety and security benefits: start with the most impactful areas first, such as the front door. A mobile access control solution like Openpath that offers built-in occupancy tracking capabilities can help automate and enforce social distancing measures while still ensuring the security of your space. As a best practice, open systems allow for seamless integrations to strengthen your security. For example, integrating Cisco Meraki’s video surveillance platform with access control enables remote security management by associating real-time footage with access events.  Prioritising safety and security is key to addressing the concerns of returning tenants and employees as workplaces reopen. Because business owners are faced with tough decisions on which updates will prove to be sound investments, it’s important to consider technology that does more than solve immediate problems. Future-proof systems enable safer reopening now, and are also primed to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Integrated proptech tools are allowing businesses to make smarter decisions and create safer, healthier workspaces for the post-pandemic world.

John Wiegand died in 1986, but the communications protocol that bears his name is still alive and well, connecting access control readers to controllers using two wires – one to transmit “zeros” and the other to transmit “ones.” The Wiegand protocol persists despite its limitations, including one-way communication, lack of encryption, and inability to manage the readers in a system centrally. In a Wiegand system, a controller provides no acknowledgement that data has been received. Systems that still use the Wiegand protocol are performing below accepted industry standards and are vulnerable to over-the-counter exploits. A session at ISC West’s Virtual Event highlighted a replacement technology that solves those problems and expands the security, flexibility and functionality of systems. The technology is called OSDP (Open Supervised Device Protocol), which is now a standard managed by the Security Industry Association (SIA) and designated as an international standard by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC 60839-11-5).   Aligning three components OSDP requires alignment of three critical components – the access control system, readers and controllers. The access control system, readers and controllers OSDP is an RS-485 protocol used to pass card format data from the reader to the controller. Like the Wiegand protocol, it uses two wires, but in this case one wire transmits data and the other receives data. Installation is simplified because no system needs more than four wires – two for OSDP communication and two more for power. In contrast, using Wiegand, additional wires are needed to add other capabilities – up to 8 or more wires in all. OSDP cable runs can extend up to 4,000 ft (compared to 500 feet for Wiegand). Resolving problems Therefore, unlike Wiegand, OSDP sends information in both directions and provides “supervision” of the readers. If there is a problem with a reader, such as a reader communication error or disconnect, that notification is sent back to the access control management system. OSDP also supports encryption for greater security, in effect enabling end-to-end encryption for a host system, controller, I/O modules, readers and credentials. That notification is sent back to the access control management system OSDP also provides additional capabilities, such as control of a reader’s LED and buzzer as well as sending text notifications and messages to compatible displays. Integrators and/or end users can also push configuration and firmware updates to readers all at once. Because OSDP is “open,” there are more third-party integrations and standardizations. OSDP is particularly valuable for U.S. government applications because it meets federal access control requirements such as PKI for FICAM. Wiring requirements Best practice dictates rewiring a project using RS-485 cabling. Specific wiring requirements are needed for OSDP, including 24 gauge (AWG) stranded cables that are a shielded twisted pair with 120 Ohm impedance and overall lower capacitance. However, especially for shorter cable runs, existing wire from Wiegand installations can sometimes suffice, say if it is a cable run of less than 100 ft. Installers should prove their competency before being deployed to an outside installation “Installation of OSDP is not hard, just different than field technicians are used to deploying,” said Tony Diodato of Cypress Integration Solutions, one of the ISC West presenters. Therefore, training of technicians is paramount, and installers should prove their competency before being deployed to an outside installation in order to avoid problems. Integrators or installing teams should have a “lab” setup to thoroughly familiarise themselves with installation to ensure successful deployments.   Various in-line devices are available to help transition existing Wiegand applications to OSDP, even if one component or other does not support OSDP. For example, data converters enable installation of an OSDP reader with a legacy Wiegand control panel. Replacing existing devices in legacy Wiegand systems with OSDP devices and using data converters can provide some benefits of OSDP without requiring a full “rip-and-replace” installation.

Can a smart card be used securely for multiple applications (and among multiple companies)? End users are demanding such interoperability, and they also want openness to switch out their access control systems in the future without being “locked in” to one vendor. Those are the goals of the LEAF Identity consortium, a collection of companies that can share encrypted access codes for numerous applications to enable MIFARE DESFire EV2 chip cards to be used across multiple vendors. Smart card systems - more secure Almost everyone in the industry now knows that low-frequency (125 kHz) “prox” cards are not secure; in fact, low-cost cloning equipment is readily and inexpensively available. As the industry transitions to encrypted cards, challenges of interoperability persist. Keeping smart card systems more secure are encrypted “keys” – strings of 32 alphanumeric characters encoded onto the card chips. Information is exchanged via radio frequency (RF) in a challenge-response interaction when a card is presented to a reader. The most recent EV2 card enables one encrypted key to be used for up to 16 devices (and among a variety of manufacturers). LEAF consortium enables encryption sharing using protocols that ensure each manufacturer’s systems can interface with a card chip in the same way. Specifically, each card has a “shared data structure,” which means that the location of information is arranged on a card chip in a predictable and consistent manner. Member companies adhere to that structure in order to be interoperable using a single credential. There are no license fees or intellectual property rights involved.  Secret key The approach involves a LEAF Custom Cryptographic (Cc), a “secret” key owned by the end user but managed by a third party. “When we present these concepts to integrators, they realize that, first, they need to get their clients to pay attention to the risks around proximity cards and to migrate to encrypted card technology,” says Laurie Aaron, Executive Vice President, WaveLynx Technologies Corp. “Then we explain the benefits of custom-owned keys and of the LEAF data structure. Then integrators can differentiate themselves by selling the value of the end user staying in control and having unlimited interoperability.” Access control manufacturer WaveLynx is implementing the LEAF concept, which is the brainchild of CEO Hugo Wendling, who saw the advantages of leveraging the ability of an EV2 chip card to authenticate access to multiple applications. Key management service WaveLynx set up the specification, maintains the website, and is involved when a manufacturer wants to become LEAF-enabled. They provide a key management service (for life) to end users based on LEAF capabilities. End users “own” the keys and can ask to share them with any other manufacturer. Sharing a key involves two key custodians (engineers), each of whom only has access to half of the encrypted key in order to keep it secure. Combining capabilities The LEAF consortium provides a way for smaller manufacturers to work together to increase their market share without putting anyone’s intellectual property at risk. Working together, smaller manufacturers can assemble systems to compete more effectively with larger manufacturers. In effect, they combine their capabilities rather than compete. LEAF Consortium partners include Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, Brivo, Eline by DIRAK, Linxens, RFIDeas, and Telaeris. Biometric partners include Idemia and IrisID. Biometric devices may either store their biometric on the card or on a central database and access it through the badge number. The LEAF standard continues to evolve in terms of where a biometric template is stored on the chip. Although the standard does not currently offer mobile credentials, mobile functionality will be available by the second quarter of 2021 (or sooner).

If one employee stands less than six feet away from another employee, a fob attached to a lanyard around his or her neck emits an auditory beep – an immediate reminder to observe social distancing. If an employee were to be diagnosed with COVID-19, a cloud-based database provides a record of who at the company the sick employee had contact with. These capabilities of HID Location Services ensure social distancing and provide contact tracing to enable companies to return to work safely. They have been deployed in a pilot program at HID Global’s Corporate Headquarters in Austin, Texas. Social distancing using a BLE beacon To ensure social distancing, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon is emitted from an employee’s fob (or from a badge that has the same functionality). The beacon communicates peer-to-peer with a beacon emitted by another employee’s fob or badge to alert if the location of the two employees is less than six feet apart. To ensure social distancing, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon is emitted from an employee’s fob For contact tracing, the beacons communicate via a nearby “reader” (a BluFi BLE-to-Wi-Fi gateway) to the Bluzone cloud-based software-as-a-service. The building area covered by each reader constitutes a “zone,” and the system records when two beacons are signaling from the same zone, which indicates contact between employees. In effect, the system records – historically and forensically – who was near whom (and for how long) using the zone-based approach. “In the workplace, we provide organizations with visibility into the location of their workforce,” says Mark Robinton, Vice President, IoT Services Business Unit at HID Global. Pilot program spans variety of environments By documenting where a sick individual moved in the building, the system also can guide any need to close off a certain area for deep cleaning. Instead of quarantining a whole building, a company could quarantine a small subset of employees who were likely exposed. Importantly, the system only reports data, while management makes the actual decisions about how to respond. The site of the pilot program is the 250,000-square-foot HID Global facility in Austin, which includes a variety of environments, including manufacturing areas, an executive suite, cubicles, a training area, a cafeteria, and lobbies. This spectrum of use cases enables the pilot program to evaluate how the system works in various scenarios. The building in Austin has two floors, plenty of natural lighting and emphasises sustainability in its design. HID Location Services ensure social distancing and provide contact tracing Pilot starts small and expands For the pilot program, 80 readers were installed in a wide area in the facility, including a variety of environments. Initially 30 badges and 30 fobs, all BLE-enabled, were issued to employees. If a badge identifies another nearby beacon (suggesting a social distancing failure), it emits a blinking LED light, which can be seen by the offending co-worker. The fobs emit an audible beep, which employees have overwhelmingly said they prefer. Observers overseeing the pilot program have documented employee reaction and comments. It emits a blinking LED light, which can be seen by the offending co-worker There were challenges in setting up the pilot program remotely to ensure fewer employees were on site during the pandemic. The equipment was provisioned in Florida and then shipped to the Austin location. Fine-tuning was required to adjust the signal strength of the BLE beacons. The badges were initially more powerful, but the strength was dialed back to be comparable to the fobs and within the six-foot social distancing range. Signal strength is also a variable in diverse environments – the 2.4 Ghz signal tends to reflect easily off metal, so adjustments in signal strength are needed in a factory setting, for example, versus a collection of cubicles.   “This facility is large enough and diverse enough that it provides great test results and quality data to analyze,” says Dean Young, Physical Security Manager at HID Global. “Our employees are eager to be part of the pilot to demonstrate that we use the technologies we provide to our customers, and they want to help us stay in compliance with social distancing and contact tracing.” Ensuring privacy while protecting employees HID Global’s headquarters had approximately 425 employees before the coronavirus pandemic lowered the number drastically to include only essential workers. As more people return to work, additional fobs and badges are being issued to expand the scope of the pilot program. The program is also incorporating contact tracing of suppliers and others who visit the facility. Except when triggered by contact among employees, locations are not recorded. Each employee’s location is always available in real-time (e.g. in case of an emergency), but they are not “tracked.” Through BluFi placement and geofence capabilities, the system closes off private areas where location should not be monitored, such as a rest room. Geofencing also identifies when employees enter and/or exit the area covered by the pilot program. Although each beacon is associated with an employee, the employee’s identity is not part of the data stored in the cloud, so there are no privacy concerns. Data is completely anonymized, and no personally identifiable information (PII) is stored in Bluzone. Other computer systems in a company, such as a human resources (HR) program, can privately and securely store the identities associated with each beacon.   Other applications for HID location services In addition to social distancing and contact tracing applications, HID Location Services offer other use cases ranging from asset tracking and employee safety/security to location analytics. For example, the system can analyze room usage for better building management and operational efficiency. It can also quickly find people in emergency situations. These use cases ensure continued value for a system even after concerns about social distancing and contact tracing have faded. The system can analyze room usage for better building management and operational efficiency Another big selling point is the ability of a company to be better prepared in case of a future pandemic, or a second wave of this one, says Robinton. The HID Location Services social distancing and contact tracing applications will be available at the end of Q3 and will be rolled out through HID Global’s existing integrator channel. Vertical markets likely to embrace the technology include healthcare, where hospitals need to track patients as they come in and to know which other patients or staff they may have been exposed to. The financial sector is another likely market, as is manufacturing, which is looking to avoid the prospect of shutting down an entire plant. It’s better to address the three or four people who were near a sick employee than to shut down the plant. In the hospitality industry, fobs can be used to signal duress by the housekeeping staff.

Security and surveillance systems have become a vital component of a casino management system enabling gaming club operators to monitor and manage security threats in real time. Apart from the original purpose of security measures, it helps raising concerns over card counting, advantage playing, and various other suspicious or prohibited activities. However, a typical casino atmosphere often involves great complexity in its environmental lighting, leading to high noise level in captured video images. Challenges: Inadequate lighting in casino making it difficult for cameras to distinguish colors and movement, resulting in blurry images. Lack of advanced video analytic functions in traditional surveillance systems presents difficulties to an effective monitoring process, with high labor cost needed for scanning live views and recorded footages manually. Access control system Different casino areas require different solutions to fulfill its demand. At gaming tables, it’s critical to capture the subtle movements of each players and dealers. Cameras with higher FPS, 3D DNR and super low lux image sensor gives a neater and brighter image under dim lighting, while 2-way audio provides additional audio information. Casino operations involve a multitude of monetary transactions in critical areas including cages, vaults and offices where cash, chips, and other valuables are circulated. An access control system integrated with facial recognition functions helps operators in strengthening the security level. Exceptional customer experience is the key to good customer loyalty. Facial recognition system Video analytics allows operators to filter videos recording smartly with object attributes With ANPR (Automated Number Plate Recognition) and facial recognition embedded into the management system of carparks and VIP lounges, customer entry and exit can be streamlined minimal interruptions. A modern video surveillance system complemented by top notch IP cameras can improve and simplify the entire operation. Modern video management software possesses features that are not offered by traditional systems. Video analytics such as human object detection allows operators to filter videos recording smartly with object attributes, e.g. colors of customer clothes. The architecture of modern video management provides scalability to accommodate the growing amount of video sources during business expansion. Standardized protocol offers higher interoperability in terms of 3rd party system integration with access control or alarm system. Cameras for centralized management Thanks to the internet, control center is now able to receive and group videos from dispersed cameras for a centralized management. The operators could access to the live views of different casino affiliates and receive real-time notification on cellphone devices when specific events are in action.

Empire House, the luxury business members' club due to launch in West Yorkshire in a few weeks, has invested a five-figure sum in state-of-the-art, automated security systems to create a slick customer experience, intensify site security and help protect clients from COVID-19. In readiness for opening in a few weeks’ time, the Slaithwaite-based business center – which will incorporate offices, a ‘lounge’ area with stocked bar and corporate and event facilities – is set to attract businesspeople from all over West Yorkshire and offer 24-hour access to tenants. CCTV and intruder system Recognizing a need to heighten client experience and reduce the manpower required, Empire House has invested in CCTV, access control, fire and intruder alarm support from Huddersfield-based specialists, Centurion Fire & Security Ltd. The automated system has been designed to make the management of the building simple. The access control, which can screen visitors via a camera, also offers the option of COVID-19 functionality Able to be programmed to allow and deny access around the building, the system ensures that no unauthorized individuals can gain entry. It is wholly integrated with the CCTV and intruder system, permitting ‘triggers’ and push-notifications to key holders when an area has been ‘breached’. The access control, which can screen visitors via a camera, also offers the option of COVID-19 functionality, allowing or denying entry based on whether they are wearing a mask or not. Manned onsite teams Amy Byram is the founder of Empire House. Commenting on the investment, she said: “We wanted to provide the utmost security for our clients, whilst ensuring that their experience is slick and uninterrupted – the last thing that people want is to feel that their privacy is being intruded, and we have got that balance just right.” “I am impressed with the functionality of the software, which will allow the management team to ensure security is maximal at all times, without the costly need for manned onsite teams. We can lock and unlock doors directly from an app, whilst enabling us to mark people as safe or missing in an emergency. We hope our clients will be as equally as impressed by the technology as we are.”

The Headquarters Business Park developed by Adeem Al-Watania is a 52 story office building located on the coast site of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. When completed in 2012, it became the tallest building in Jeddah and is served by a large 11-story parking garage. Nedap’s Long-Range Identification solutions provide seamless vehicle access to employees and long-term tenants. The devices were successful installed and integrated with Lenel access control system OnGuard by Idex Services. The Headquarters Business Park Tower This tallest skyscraper, towering above Jeddah’s North Corniche and with a unique “Sail of a dhow” design, is an iconic structure in the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia. The iconic business park consists of offices, clinics, restaurants, entertainment facilities and a luxurious hotel. It has three main sections, the West tower housing 52 floors, East tower housing a luxurious hotel with 16 floors and a mid-section with 11 story parking facility comprising of 2.000 parking spots which connects the West and East towers. Need for hands-free vehicle access Multiple entry and exit points to the vehicle parking facility had to be provided with an automated system With the exemplary design of the tower, there was a need for an all-in-one innovative vehicle and driver access control solution which can provide seamless integration with best performance which is in line with the state-of-art services to tenants in one of the most sophisticated buildings in Jeddah. Multiple entry and exit points to the vehicle parking facility had to be provided with an automated system, for convenient, hands-free access to authorized vehicles of office employees and long-term tenants.  An efficient solution was identified, with a combination of Automatic Number Plate Recognition and Long-Range RFID (Radiofrequency Identification for Automatic Vehicle Identification). Touchless vehicle access to employees Nedap’s uPASS Reach, based on passive UHF technology read-range up to 5 meters in combination with UHF Windshield tags Nedap’s uPASS Reach, based on passive UHF technology read-range up to 5 meters in combination with UHF Windshield tags is used to provide convenient vehicle access to employees. UHF Tags, which are thin, flexible, tamper resistant and maintenance free are assigned to vehicles of employees who work in the 256 office units. When the registered vehicle with UHF tag installed approaches the long-range UHF RFID reader installed near the barrier, the vehicle is automatically identified and access is granted for authorized vehicles to the parking facility. Parking access to tenants based on LPR Nedap’s ANPR series – License plate recognition camera with an accurate read-range at several metres The iconic tower with sea-view includes a luxurious hotel and it is observed that tenants stay for a longer duration or prefer coming back on regular basis. To provide a seamless experience to tenants and ensure smooth flow of vehicles and drivers into the parking facility, there was a need for a solution which could grant tenant vehicles access temporarily or incidentally. Nedap’s ANPR series – License plate recognition camera with an accurate read-range at several metres – ensures tenant number plates are registered and required access rights can be easily granted in the backend application. Securing the 11 floor parking facility With the parking facility being the main entry point to both the West and East tower, it was very necessary to meet high-security standards and control the flow of vehicles. The proposed solution required to have seamless integration with the existing Lenel access control system OnGuard. The open architecture of Lenel and Nedap supporting variety of industry-standard communication interfaces, enabled seamless integration and successful implementation of the products by Idex services. Customized reports with the required log were easily accessible after the successful integration.

WLS has been able to demonstrate the full extent of its product knowledge and technical expertise by providing The Hudson office building with a comprehensive range of electronic safety and security systems which include Access Control, CCTV, fire and intruder detection and Disabled Refuge Alarm (DDA), as well as intercom and an Integrated Reception System (IRS). With approximately 23,000 Sq. ft. of office accommodation spread over 5 floors, and located approximately one minute’s walk from Vauxhall Station, The Hudson is a decommissioned government building which has been transformed into a twenty-first century workplace. Solution The systems installed by WLS at The Hudson include the following solutions: A full L2 fire alarm system incorporating Apollo fire detection sensors integrated with an Advanced MXPro5 control panel. Baldwin Boxall Disabled Refuge Alarm (DDA). BPT intercom which allows visitors to communicate with reception personnel to gain entry to the building. Dahua CCTV which is helping protect the building and its tenants from anti-social behavior and theft! Paxton access control which, in addition to restricting access to private areas, is also able to provide real-time reports for fire and security purposes as to who is inside the building. Texecom intruder detection to protect the building out of office hours. Triax Integrated Reception System (IRS). Integration WLS has implemented various integrations to enable the client to achieve maximum benefit from the respective systems’ functionality. The fire alarm system, for example, has been integrated with the access control system and this allows all doors to be automatically unlocked in the event of fire to ensure no one is trapped inside the building. To avoid nuisance alarms, the fire system has also been integrated with the DDA system, so that the latter will only be activated when there is a fire alarm event. Two-way interaction Two-way interaction between the access control and intercom systems provides smooth, seamless use of the doors WLS has also integrated the fire alarm system with various building services such as the lifts, air conditioning, bathroom vents and the mechanical control panels, to help facilitate an extensive cause and effect strategy. Two-way interaction between the access control and intercom systems provides smooth, seamless use of the doors no matter which of the two systems is used to gain entry, while thanks to the integration of the access control and intruder alarm systems, unauthorized users are prevented from entering the building unless the intruder alarm is unset. Success The contract to implement the turnkey electronic security project was awarded to WLS by electrical and mechanical specialists, Sapphire Mechanical UK Ltd. “Having previously worked with WLS on 14 other projects, we were pleased they were able to submit a competitive proposal for The Hudson and that we were able to once again work in partnership to provide an integrated solution which meets the client’s demanding requirements,” said Nick Power, Commercial Director of Sapphire Mechanical. Electronic security solutions “The rapport we have established with the WLS pre-sales and technical teams has helped ensure there has been good communication throughout every stage of the project and as a result, it was completed on time and without any snags.” “A twenty-first century workplace should have electronic security solutions which are robust, reliable and easy to use, whilst collectively creating a totally safe and secure environment for visitors and those who work within it. I am pleased to report that in this respect WLS has exceeded the client’s expectations.”

At the Inholland University of Applied Sciences, a rolling project to upgrade access control at all locations has been ongoing for several years. Typical of any large educational setting, the tension between remaining open and accessible on the one hand — and securing people, equipment and data on the other — is a critical factor. More than 500 Aperio wireless door locking devices have now been deployed at 7 separate Inholland campus sites. These battery-powered locks provide tested and trusted protection for the university’s most important areas and rooms, including offices and exam storage spaces. Aperio devices fit all kinds of interior openings, including wooden and glass doors, as well as fire doors. Aperio cylinders, escutcheons, handles and security locks have in-built RFID readers for installer and user convenience. Integration with Nedap AEOS access control system All Inholland’s new Aperio devices are fully and seamlessly integrated with the university’s Nedap AEOS access control system. A single credential allows users to unlock all authorized openings managed by the AEOS system — whether wired or Aperio-protected doors. Because Aperio locking devices are wireless, they were installed and initiated quickly — without disruption to Inholland buildings or their students’ working day. And choosing Aperio saved more than just time. A recent ASSA ABLOY benchmarking study finds installer labor costs are over 80% lower for wireless versus wired locks. The ongoing cost of running battery-operated wireless locks is also much lower than for equivalent wired electronic locks, which require an “always on” connection to mains electricity to maintain secure status. In addition, choosing Aperio gives Inholland the ability to roll out enhancements over time, as needs, budgets and priorities evolved. Aperio devices can be added and integrated gradually, with no need to replace existing systems. Inholland’s investment remains totally future-proofed. Programmable RFID credential Fitting Aperio wireless escutcheons and locks to critical doors ensures university staff, students, visitors and confidential information are safe without impacting site accessibility. Authorized users open relevant secure doors conveniently with a programmable RFID credential. Aperio’s inherent flexibility makes it easy to adjust any space’s level of protection at any time. So, locking status is regularly reconfigured as needs and usage evolves around the multi-site campus and university facilities. Smart building systems Based on their experience to date with Aperio, Inholland are already planning for the future. A new university in Amsterdam will become a smart building and will require access control able to integrate with smart building systems. Aperio is built on an open platform, designed for interoperability, so this is a natural fit. Inholland will enter pilot stage for their new smart building soon. “I am very satisfied with the implementation and operation of the Aperio solution and I have every confidence in ASSA ABLOY as a manufacturer,” concludes Frans Bruggeman, Facility Services Consultant at Inholland.

Slovakian integrator RYS, recently deployed a system that provides a textbook example of how RFID access control can concretely improve people’s lives every day. Before automatic access control was introduced there, a Bratislava apartment building, known as ‘The Pentagon’, had suffered a reputation as a place to avoid. Drug dealers, vandals, and a similar criminal element were a chronic presence, leaving residents constantly feeling unsafe in their own homes. Idesco customer RYS was contracted to design and deploy an RFID access control system to better guarantee safety and enhance the residents quality of life. Access control readers The system even restricts access to the building’s waste bins, ensuring their use only by its RFID tag-holding residents With over 30 years specialized experience in residential building access control, Rys designed a solution and chose Idesco to supply the over 100 readers to be deployed. Today, those 7 C 2.0 and 8 CD 2.0 readers control both first floor access and section/hallway entrances on each floor. Elevator readers restrict residents’ access to their own floors. The system even restricts access to the building’s waste bins, ensuring their used only by its RFID tag-holding residents. Simultaneously, the entire system collects real time data about access events, including unclosed doors or unauthorized access attempts, to help strengthen prevention and control. Due to the building’s history of vandalism, Rys recognized the importance of choosing readers capable of withstanding malicious impacts, not merely high IP67 protection from moisture, dust and dirt, but Idesco’s high, IK-09/10 impact durability (10-20 joules). Better tampering protection Marcela Benuskova, RYS assistant project manager, comments that Idesco’s optical tamper proved better than many other readers whose manufacturers rely on mechanical tampers. Whereas alarms should be sent whenever a reader is intentionally mishandled, mechanical tampers trigger false alarms more often than those cued optically. Marcela continues, “Idesco’s team is so nice to work with; they always respond fast, with a friendly, professional and positive attitude. Any technical question or problem gets looked at, given proper thought and action. They have always been open to, and repeatedly implemented, product changes we asked for. For example, they provided a special 8 CD 2.0 Compact reader module for our door phone, and customized orange lenses for our Basic readers. Product deliveries have always been timely and in proper condition. In short, Idesco has been a very reliable supplier for us, with great customer support. Additionally, their high quality, modern readers offer unique features such as RS232 connections, optical tampers, great security, all in addition to their high IK and IP ratings”, maintains Rys’ Marcela Benuskova. Engineering for future needs “They not only use the most modern technology but engineer for future needs. This lets us design new features in our access control systems. Despite their readers’ durability and reliability, they still look fresh and modern while still having the latest security features. This is exactly what we want from readers upon which we will build our systems. Even better, their stable pricing policy and frame order option greatly supports our own planning and product marketing cycles”, Marcela explains. She closes, “The technical solutions Idesco and Rys implemented, combined with the efforts of an excellent crisis management team, triggered almost unbelievable changes inside that apartment building. Our access control not only strengthened crime prevention immediately, but also empowered law enforcement in discouraging unwanted or illegal activity. As that building’s security increased, the market value of individual flats began trending upward. Today, the building’s residents feel more safe; they have actually started thinking positively about their community’s future.”

School shootings are a high-profile reminder of the need for the highest levels of security at our schools and education facilities. Increasingly, a remedy to boost the security at schools is to use more technology. However, no technology is a panacea, and ongoing violence and other threats at our schools suggest some level of failure. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How have security solutions failed our schools and what is the solution?

New software developments have dominated technology innovation in the physical security industry for years, making more things possible to the benefit of integrators and end users. However, hardware is another important piece of the puzzle. No matter how great your software, the system doesn’t perform unless the hardware works too. In our enthusiasm over software developments, let’s not overlook the latest in the hardware world. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How do hardware improvements drive better physical security?

A shift toward touchless devices during the coronavirus pandemic has been a boon to the biometrics sector. Another factor in the recent increase in use of biometrics is lower prices, which are a symptom of a maturing market and of new technology capabilities. Increasingly, integration of biometrics with access control and other security systems is expanding use cases and sales numbers. For additional insights, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new trends and opportunities with biometrics (facial, fingerprint, iris and/or voice)?