CCTV surveillance

The Security Industry Association (SIA) and ISC Security Events announces that the SIA Education@ISC team is seeking quality session proposals for ISC East 2019 and ISC West 2020. Proposals can be submitted for ISC East and West starting Wednesday, May 1. ISC West – North America’s largest security event with an attendance of more than 30,000 – and ISC East – the premier security event in the Northeast, attended by 7,500+ security and public safety professionals – are considered the two U.S. events for the security industry. ISC East 2019 will be held November 20-21 at the Javits Center in New York City, and ISC West 2020 will take place March 17-20 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. Technology-Specific Speakers SIA Education@ISC – the educational conference program within the ISC West and East trade shows – is the top industry resource for vendor-agnostic security and network training, with critical information on the newest technologies and most critical issues and strategies shaping today’s evolving security market. SIA Education@ISC provides attendees with the opportunity to enhance their industry knowledge" “To remain competitive in the security space, professionals must stay current with the latest industry developments and trends and keep up to pace with innovation in technology,” said Elli Voorhees, SIA’s director of education and training. “SIA Education@ISC provides attendees with the opportunity to enhance their industry knowledge and improve competence through hands-on workshops, product training and a wide range of technology-specific speaker presentations.” Security Installing Firms SIA Education@ISC East session content is particularly designed for two groups: systems integrators/security installing firms and security practitioners. The program at ISC West features content from many aspects of the channel, including unmanned systems, video surveillance and business development. All educational sessions must be commercial free; presenters are prohibited from marketing products or services through the sessions. Security experts, technologists, educators and trainers are all encouraged to submit proposals starting May 1.

Visix, Inc. is now shipping the full release of their AxisTV Alert software application for digital signage. This stand-alone alerting platform can be used with any content management solution, including Visix’s own AxisTV Signage Suite, and easily integrates with popular third-party alerting suites like Alertus and Rave Mobile Safety. AxisTV Alert  “We’re excited to launch this new app after beta testing it since December,” says Trey Hicks, chief sales officer for Visix. “Today’s school districts, colleges and even corporate campuses are very serious about on-site safety, and our software is a great addition to their crisis communications toolkit. It’s very gratifying to help organizations keep their people safe.” AxisTV Alert is built around Common Alerting Protocol (CAP) standards, and has been designed for high reliability, scalability and performance. The user interface is streamlined and dedicated to alert functionality, with time-saving workflows to ensure that critical alerts and updates can be sent across a digital signage system in seconds. Clients can use the app to send out emergency alerts, safety notices or important reminders, with multiple messages running on the system at once or a single message overriding all screens for a selected time period. Central Alert Management System The platform combines a central alert management application (AxisTV Alert) with playback software (AxisTV Siren) for an unlimited number of players and can be used with both on-premise and hosted signage systems. AxisTV Alert uses asynchronous and multi-thread processing for high performance while 1) consuming CAP messages from third-party mass notification vendors and 2) rapidly communicating with media players running Siren. AxisTV Alert also provides customization options, letting clients configure standard fields like headline, description, instructions, contact and web link. The software automatically sizes message text to fit the display area on screen, and clients can style their alert messages with choices for font, color, style, background image and more.

Dahua Technology, a video-centric smart IoT solution and service provider, showcases a wide range of competitive product portfolios and smart solutions to top security professionals during the International Security Conference and Expo (ISC West) at booth #14039 from April 10th to 12th. Dahua will also celebrate the fifth anniversary of its USA subsidiary on Wednesday evening, showing strong commitment to the local markets. Running with the theme ‘Empowering through Technology’, the Dahua products and technologies exhibited during ISC West are comprehensive from every aspect covering major surveillance market demands with the most advanced technologies. Competitive Product Portfolios Facial Recognition - Dahua Facial Recognition technology integrates face recognition, blacklist alarm, stranger alarm, VIP recognition, face tracking, face search, metadata search and other functions to offer a series of smart products including the exhibited AI Smart Capture Camera, 4MP Starlight Face Recognition IR Dome AI Network Camera and IVSS series for various scenarios and customer demands. Low - light Technology - Featuring advanced Starlight technology, Dahua starlight+ products are able to provide excellent colorful image and rich details even at night, solving the problem of poor color reproduction of images under low illumination environment with image color reproduction, large aperture, ultra-high sensor, white light and other technologies. Dahua Smart Thermal Series Cameras can be widely used for security monitoring, fire prevention and temperature measurementThermal Technology - Through a new integration of visible-light and thermal-light and a variety of AI-enabled intelligent functions, Dahua Smart Thermal Series Cameras can be widely used for security monitoring, fire prevention and temperature measurement. Combined with the back-end storage NVR and DSS PRO, Dahua Technology can provide an all-in-one system with front-ends, storages, and intelligent analytics to meet the requirements of customers. Smart Tracking - Dahua radar system consists of radar and speed dome camera (PTZ). On the basis of traditional CCTV security system, it combines the accurate target tracking performance of the radar products to provide a complete solution with front-end data acquisition, edge computing and back-end storage for a wide range of applications such as prison perimeter, airport runway, industrial park, energy pipeline and other important protection areas. Wide Area Security - The Dahua Multi-sensor Series Cameras can be used for large scene monitoring, target tracking, simple management and multi-service convergence. The Dahua 4x2MP Multi-sensor Cameras possess ground-breaking flexibility that can simultaneously move each sensor module around the internal track for a 180-, 270-, or 360-degree panorama, minimizing blind spots for an improved situational awareness, which is ideal for parking lots, supermarkets and intersections, etc. HDCVI 5.0 - The recently launched Dahua HDCVI 5.0 brings five core values: Perimeter Protection, Face Recognition, Metadata Search, Active Deterrence and Starlight & Full Color. Perimeter protection can identify humans and vehicles while filtering less important objects, face recognition let authorized persons to pass freely and can do immediate action to strangers, with the latest AI technology we make video surveillance more efficient and easy to use. AI-enabled Intelligent Solutions Featuring the above technologies, Dahua Technology also presented integrated solutions for a variety of vertical markets at the Expo. Intelligent Retail Solution - Dahua Smart Retail Solution applies video intelligence technology to specific retail business scenarios. According to the scenarios of large chain supermarkets, we have developed five smart application scenarios including smart entrance and exit, shelf advertising, cashier loss prevention, operation analysis and remote shop patrol to help retailers optimize store layout and product display, improve storage efficiency as well as attract traffic flow. Intelligent Logistics Solution - Dahua Intelligent Logistics Solution takes Dahua video technology as the cornerstone, combine intelligent analysis technology, machine vision technology, big data technology, etc. to further divide into five sub-solutions including machine vision DWS solution, video tracking solution, vehicle entrance solution, park surveillance solution and logistics vehicle solution for different application scenarios. Intelligent Residential Solution - Dahua Intelligent Residential Solution provides an integrated and economic solution with multi-level protection including personal entrance, vehicle entrance, public area, unit security, home protection and control center to make people’s life more convenient, safer and smarter while improving operation efficient and saving energy for property owners. Intelligent Critical Infrastructure Solution - Dahua Intelligent Critical Infrastructure Solution offers an end-to-end solution featuring perimeter protection, thermal measurement, access control, video surveillance and auto-tracking system for electric power stations, oil and gas industries to ensure the safety of their daily operations, timely detection of terrorist threats and fire, quickly and easily viewing station status. Intelligent Education Solution - Dahua Intelligent Education Solution brings a new concept of pre-warning for campus administrators. The solution incorporates important scenario applications empowered by AI technology such as perimeter, entrance, public area, building and classroom to realize threat prediction, effective management of people and vehicles, establishing a secured and smart system for students and teachers while improving operation efficiency. Reliable security solutions Dahua Technology empowers our dealers and integrators to stay at the top of their field by providing the latest security solutions to their end-users" Empowering signifies Dahua Technology’s dedication to promoting customer satisfaction and partner development. While market demands are constantly evolving, Dahua Technology’s offering is also evolving to meet current and future needs, giving partners and end-users the assurance that they’ve selected competitive and reliable security solutions on the market. “Dahua Technology empowers our dealers and integrators to stay at the top of their field by providing the latest security solutions to their end-users,” Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA, explained. “In addition, the resources we make available to our dealers ensure that they are up-to-speed on their knowledge of our technology and fully trained on the products.” To further address Dahua Technology’s social commitment locally, a group of the staff from Dahua Technology USA will participate in The Security 5KRun / 2K Walk organized by charity group Mission 500 on the morning of April 11th. With a mission of ‘Enabling a Safer Society and Smarter Living’, Dahua Technology will continue to focus on ‘Innovation, Quality, and Service’, to serve partners and customers around the world.

Identiv, Inc. announces that it will present its recently expanded Internet of Things (IoT) product portfolio at ISC West 2019, encompassing a wide range of physical and logical access control, video and data analytics, door readers, identity cards, visitor management, mobile security, telephone entry, and radio-frequency identification (RFID) and near-field communication (NFC) solutions for physical and IT-secured businesses. Identiv will be showcasing demos of its complete portfolio of high-performance IoT solutions for government, banking, healthcare, critical infrastructure, retail, and other industries at ISC West 2019, booth L13. Newly Acquired And Developed Solutions The company will have some of its newly acquired and developed solutions on display, including: Enterphone integrates with Freedom and Liberty and will be introduced to the U.S. market for the first time at ISC West Web/Cloud and IoT-Based Architecture - Newly acquired Freedom and Liberty Access Control product lines provide cloud-based, frictionless, cyber-secure access control. Freedom’s software-defined platform and new mobile app enable IoT-driven access control for enterprises and governments. Liberty provides an entry-level, web-based scalable solution for small-to-medium businesses (SMBs). Video and Data Analytics - 3VR by Identiv’s video intelligence solutions provide a single platform for real-time security, analytics, and consumer insights, allowing organizations to protect their employees, customers, and assets, as well as enhance store operations and shopping experiences. 3VR is now fully integrated with Hirsch Velocity. Mobile Security - Thursby by Identiv software solutions provide strong government-grade security for government agency, enterprise, and personal mobility, supporting bring-your-own-device (BYOD) and two-factor authentication (2FA) on mobile devices. Access Control - Identiv’s new Hirsch Mx-1-ME (Metal Enclosure) Controller manages a single fully supervised door for controlled entry and exit at the edge and is protected by a metal enclosure with battery backup and power supply. Phone Entry - Over two million tenants in 35,000 installations within residential and mixed-use properties depend on the Enterphone by Identiv telephone entry system for secure visitor access. Enterphone integrates with Freedom and Liberty and will be introduced to the U.S. market for the first time at ISC West. Secure IoT Tags - Identiv’s high-frequency (HF) and ultra high-frequency (UHF) transponders bring smart identities and security to the IoT, digitising and enabling high-growth applications, like medical devices, athletic apparel, and pharmaceuticals. Identiv’s new Tamper Detection NTAG 424 DNA Tag strengthens IoT security for anti-counterfeiting, document authentication, supply chain traceability, data access, and customer engagement. Physical Security Industry This year, join Mark Allen, General Manager, Physical Access Systems at Identiv, Mark Duato, Executive Vice President of Aftermarket Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Door Security Solutions (DSS), and Joe White, President at A-1 Lock, as they present “In Between the Lock and Controller: Why Wireless Locks Are Changing the Game in Access Control” during ISC West on 11th April, 2019, 11:00 AM – 12 PM (IST). The International Security Conference and Exposition — also known as ISC West — is the largest event in the U.S. for the physical security industry, covering access control, alarms and monitoring, biometrics, IP security, video surveillance/CCTV, networked security products, and more.

At ISC West, Bosch will showcase how its offerings deliver value to integrators and end users by enhancing security, improving efficiency, and solving common challenges. Visitors to the booth will see intelligent solutions for vertical markets and new products and services that make systems easier to install and manage. “Gaining efficiency, reducing costs, and increasing profits are challenges for integrators and end users alike," said Brian Wiser, President of Bosch Security and Safety Systems, North America. "With technology that is faster to install and easier to integrate, and services that simplify system management, we're helping integrators serve more customers in less time. Seamless integration and built-in intelligence also combine to empower integrators to create smart, customized solutions that substantially improve security and offer clear business advantages beyond security. As a result, there is significant value for integrators and end users that choose Bosch for their security, safety, and communications needs." Wireless Remote Commissioning At ISC West, Bosch will launch a new fixed dome camera series with wireless remote commissioning capabilities At ISC West, Bosch will launch a new fixed dome camera series with wireless remote commissioning capabilities that reduce installation and set-up time by up to 75 percent. The FLEXIDOME IP starlight 8000i cameras offer an innovative product concept that enables set-up in only three convenient steps: installing the mounting bracket, connecting the cables, and attaching the camera module. Innovative wireless remote commissioning enables installers to work smarter. Currently, to reach cameras, technicians must repeatedly climb ladders, or a lift needs to be rented. With this new camera series, commissioning can be done wirelessly or remotely with no need for ladders or lifts. A tablet or smartphone with the Bosch Project Assistant app can be used to adjust the pan, tilt, roll, and zoom to set the required field of view without touching the camera or lens. If any changes are required post-installation – to accommodate a different store layout or high-risk area – this can be done remotely to save time, effort, and resources. i Series Intelligent IP Cameras Bosch’s portfolio of intelligent ‘i’ Series cameras featuring built-in video analytics is also expanding. In addition to the existing IP 4000i, 5000i, 6000i, 7000i, 9000i and new FLEXIDOME IP starlight 8000i cameras, Bosch will preview MIC IP starlight and MIC IP ultra 7100i cameras. These rugged cameras are made with anti-corrosive metal and can function at temperatures ranging from -40 to +140 degrees Fahrenheit. The MIC IP ultra 7100i delivers 4K ultra HD resolution for mission critical applications, such as city and highway surveillance, making them ideal for monitoring highways, bridges, ports, perimeters, and more. A new firmware release for the IP 7000i, 8000i and 9000i cameras will also introduce Camera Trainer functionality to "i" Series cameras with on-board Intelligent Video Analytics. Camera Trainer brings machine learning to Bosch IP cameras, enabling integrators to tailor them to detect the objects and situations that matter most. The ability to identify user-defined objects and situations can be combined with the existing alarm rules and object filters of Intelligent Video Analytics for even more flexibility and accuracy. It substantially improves the level of security for people and property and opens up new possibilities for customized applications. For example, it could be used to separate vehicles clustered in front of traffic lights or to determine how long a vehicle has been parked in a bay. With Camera Trainer, video cameras can be taught to recognize and detect stationary objects or certain situations instead of being triggered by motion alone. Installer Services Portal Bosch will also preview an improved Installer Services Portal to help dealers and integrators better manage security devices, services, and invoices Bosch will also preview an improved Installer Services Portal to help dealers and integrators better manage security devices, services, and invoices. The mobile-ready site offers single sign-on for secure and easy access to Bosch communication services, including cellular data plans for control panel communications and cloud connectivity for remote programming and end user app connectivity. With the portal, dealers and integrators gain enhanced reporting for service billing by device, secure online invoice payment capabilities, and the ability to customize access to technical or billing information by assigning employee roles within an account. In addition, a new Installer Services Portal companion app will make it easier for dealers and integrators to add devices to their portal accounts by simply scanning a product's QR code with the app. Bosch Security Control Panels ISC West attendees will also learn how Bosch security control panels, video systems and analytics, access control, and communications technology work together to deliver increased security, efficient monitoring and control, automated audio announcements, and more. To demonstrate the full power of these solutions, Bosch will simulate a retail store within its booth where visitors can experience how integrated solutions improve overall safety and security, reduce shrink, and help retailers improve merchandising and operations. For example, visitors can see how pressing a cashier station panic button connected to the Bosch G Series Control Panel will display an alarm and video in the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS) as well as trigger the Telex Radio Dispatch system (IP-224) to issue an announcement on store personnel’s two-way radios. In addition, attendees can flip a switch to simulate a fire and experience how the AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 camera uses video-based fire detection to quickly detect a fire before it spreads, while notifying store personnel. Parking Lot Video Monitoring Attendees will also learn how to improve management of outdoor areas, such as parking lots and loading docks, and to identify high-risk situations Attendees will also learn how to improve management of outdoor areas, such as parking lots and loading docks, and to identify high-risk situations like loitering using security and communications technology. For example, they will see how a camera can be used as a sensor to detect a delivery truck approaching a loading dock bay. The camera can trigger the warehouse's Bosch public address system to issue an audio notification that sends staff to a specific bay to receive the delivery. If the dock door is left open, the Bosch G Series Control Panel will issue an alarm and trigger a different audio notification to prompt staff to close the door. Bosch loudspeakers installed throughout the store, outdoor area, and booth can be used for both announcements and background music. Designed to work together, Bosch systems make it easier for integrators to implement customized solutions that provide significant benefits for their customers. Integrated systems are possible whether customers choose a complete Bosch solution or use software from other providers. Bosch products are compatible with solutions from a range of industry partners.

Dahua Technology, global video surveillance solutions provider, is celebrating its fifth year of local operation in the North American market. Established in Irvine in 2014, the North America office has grown from one employee — President and CEO of Dahua Technology USA, Tim Wang — to more than 100 employees in the span of five years. Today, the Dahua Technology USA team includes sales representatives and technical consultants spread throughout every region of the United States and Canada. The company attributes its success, in part, to its commitment to empowering its customers. As such, “Empowering through Technology” is Dahua Technology’s theme at this year’s ISC West show, April 10-12, in Las Vegas. “Dahua Technology empowers our dealers and integrators to stay at the top of their field by providing the latest security solutions to their end-users,” Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA, explained. “In addition, the resources we make available to our dealers ensure that they are up-to-speed on their knowledge of our technology and fully trained on the products.” Learn Dahua Online Training Platform  These resources include Learn Dahua, an online platform available to Dahua Technology USA’s registered dealer partners, which offers video tutorials and courses on Dahua technology. Dealer partners also benefit from monthly webinars. The DahuaWiki is an extensive public resource that includes side-by-side product comparisons, manuals, how-tos, live camera demos, software, and firmware. It has received seven million hits since its launch, and currently averages approximately 16,000 hits a day. Dahua Technology was the first company to introduce penta-brid technology in its digital video recorders Dahua Technology’s advanced technology is the fruit of more than 50% of the research and development engineers at company headquarters. Dahua Technology is known for its proprietary video compression codec, Smart H.265+, as well as its cutting-edge Starlight technology. Multi-Flex Panoramic Cameras Dahua Technology was the first company to introduce penta-brid technology in its digital video recorders, allowing the five most common transmission formats to integrate into one system. The latest offerings include the new Multi-Flex panoramic camera, Night Color technology for detailed, full-color images in near-complete darkness, and Extended Power over Ethernet (ePoE) technology, which is compatible with both coaxial and IP cabling. All of these products and more will be on display at booth 14039 at ISC West. “Dahua Technology’s forward-thinking approach keeps us at the leading edge of video surveillance technology, which in turn allows our dealers to sell and install our products with confidence,” said Wayne Hurd, VP of Sales at Dahua Technology USA. “Our technology is constantly evolving to meet current and future needs, giving dealers and end-users peace of mind that they’ve selected the most advanced security solution on the market.”

For those of you old enough to remember, video matrix switchers were once the heyday of surveillance camera control. These cumbersome antiques were at the heart of every major video surveillance system (video surveillance at the time) in premier gaming properties, government installations and corporate industrial complexes. They required more physical labor to construct and configure than perhaps the pyramids – maybe not – but you get the picture. And then digital video made its way in to the market and everything changed, transforming the physical demands for camera control and management from a hardware-centric to a software driven process. We’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely There’s no doubt that this migration also presented significant challenges as many security professionals often struggled with all things IT and software programming being one of the industry’s soft spots. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way in a few short years, and the borders that once defined IT and security continue to diminish, if not disappear completely. However, the complexities of today’s VMS functionality can be intimidating for anyone tasked with installing one of these systems given all of the user-defined options available from the simplest camera sequencing and bandwidth allocations to mobile management and enterprise level integration. This is where truly advanced VMS solutions need to shine on both the operations and the design/build sides of the equation. Smart VMS Design There are more solutions products labelled “VMS solutions” out there than ever before. The issue is the fact that many of these “solutions” really don’t fall into the category of a true VMS by today’s standards but offer basic camera and NVR control. No doubt that there is a place for such software programs in the market. However, VMS solutions from the likes of OnSSI and other industry-leading companies offer distinct and superior management and control capabilities for demanding security and business intelligence applications. Perhaps of equal importance, these top-tier VMS solutions incorporate provisions for installers, so they have a clear and easier implementation path. OnSSI offers VMS solutions with smart camera drivers Here are seven attributes that can assist with the design and implementation of an advanced VMS solution: 1) Open Architecture Platform We need the ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth  The ability to easily integrate with other systems and scale for future developments and physical system growth is largely dependent on a systems platform architecture. Here’s where VMS solutions with open architecture provide a distinct advantage. Open-architecture solutions expand functionality by facilitating greater integration between multiple systems and components. This not only makes VMS solutions with open architecture easier to implement, it makes them extremely cost-efficient by eliminating the need for proprietary solutions. Open architecture systems also provide adherence to industry standards such as ONVIF and PSIA, as well as compression formats such as H.265 and MJPEG, and help ensure system integration and support of an extensive range of manufacturers’ cameras and off-the-shelf hardware. Be wary of VMS solutions with limited camera manufacturer support. 2) Simple Licensing Processes And Pricing Camera licenses and pricing is always a touchy subject, as any misunderstanding of a specific VMS solutions’ licensing terms can prove to be costly after the fact. And it often seems that some VMS suppliers have gone to great lengths to complicate the process as to obscure actual Total Cost of Ownership (TCO). Perhaps the most direct, simple and straightforward camera licensing and pricing method is to have one license per IP address used by each camera/encoder on multi-channel devices. These should be perpetual licenses with no required annual fees or subscriptions. Additionally, the licensing agreement should be all inclusive without added fees for multiple clients, failover servers, active directory support, I/O devices, redundant management servers, technical support or security patches and updates. 3) Mixing And Matching Camera License Types The ability to mix and match different camera license types within the same system helps facilitate a seamless and simple migration of new and pre-existing systems with minimal downtime or interruption in operation. The ability to mix and match camera licenses not only saves valuable design and installation time, it can provide considerable savings when integrating large, multi-tenant systems. Mix and match capabilities also allow system designers to apply specific feature sets to specific groups of cameras to best leverage functionality and budgets, as well as providing the flexibility to implement an on-site, virtual, or cloud-based VMS solution, without any additional cost. 4) Auto Camera Detection And Configuration Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements Another VMS set-up feature that eases the install process is the ability to forego device registrations or MAC address requirements. This functionality allows installers to instantly locate cameras on the network and configure them centrally so they can easily replace older cameras while seamlessly retaining video recorded from them. The auto detection capability should also include the ability to detect and import CSV files, which can then be stored and used to configure camera templates for future camera installation profiles. 5) Smart Camera Driver Technology VMS solutions with smart camera drivers offer valuable assistance during system implementation, and any time new cameras are added to the network or replace older models. Manufacturer-specific smart camera drivers expand the range of model-specific static drivers. Instead of storing the device’s information (codecs, resolutions, frame rates, etc.) statically, a VMS with smart camera drivers queries devices for their capabilities using the manufacturers’ proprietary protocol. All that is required for configuration is that the camera is available on the network. Smart camera drivers eliminate the need to wait for model-specific drivers or installation of driver packs, allowing for newly released cameras to be used immediately. Network security is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers  6) Importance Of Network Security Network Security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today Network security is perhaps the greatest challenge faced by industry professionals today. This is an area where leading VMS suppliers like OnSSI have ramped up development efforts to stay ahead of hackers. New security developments to look for include TLS 1.2 encryption protocols for camera-to-server communications (SSL 3.0 supported for older cameras), as well as server-to-server communications. Additional safeguards to consider include: randomized video databases with no camera identification information to secure recorded data; support for Active Directory authentication; AES encryption between servers and clients; and AES encrypted exporting. 7) Automatic Updates Regardless of the supplier you select for your VMS solution, they should be consistently providing new updates and security patches on a frequent if not regular basis. Keeping up with these updates can be a burden and are often overlooked leading to system failures and breeches. Advanced VMS solutions now feature automatic update service checks on a system-wide basis, eliminating the need to manually update individual servers and devices. This ensures that your VMS system always has the latest drivers, fixes and updates which assures overall security while reducing TCO. So next time you’re getting a demo of the latest and greatest VMS solution, remember to ask what it offers in terms of design and implementation tools. Half the battle with new technologies is getting them installed and working properly. Without the right tools to accomplish these critical first steps, all the functionality in the world will do you little good.

In my coverage of China Tariffs impacting the security industry over four recent articles, products on the tariff schedules routinely integrated into security solutions included burglar and fire alarm control and transmission panels, video surveillance lenses, HDTV cameras used for broadcast use cases and fiber optic media converters. The general ‘callout’ of ADP (Automatic Data Processing) devices and peripherals technically includes servers, workstations and microcomputers, all of which are commonly used to support security solutions. The underperformance, from June 15 to August 24, of U.S. stocks with high revenue-exposure to China, and that of Chinese stocks with high revenue-exposure to the United States was significant and almost identical at 3.2%, significant losses to some investors already involved in security industry M&A activity. Significant Public Safety Facial Recognition (FR) vendors leveraging AI expanded their market focus to retail and public safety While it was not apparent that practitioners’ security program budgets kept pace with the growth of the more popular solution providers like video surveillance and cyber security, the ICT industries supporting the security economy continued to expand, especially in wireless and wired infrastructure, including preparations for 5G wireless rollouts. These omnipresent technologies drove significant public safety, smart city and public venue projects in 2018. Facial Recognition (FR) vendors leveraging AI expanded their market focus to retail and public safety. In 2018, virtually every public presentation, webinar and published Q&A on social media monitoring and facial recognition technologies I worked on, involved significant pushback from privacy advocates, almost to the point of alarmism. Massive Risk Reduction Several solution providers in these areas have made significant strides on data protection, accuracy, powered by AI and documented crime reduction cases; however, this real news is quickly shadowed by privacy advocates, seemingly ignoring massive risk reduction, especially in the case of active assailants and gang-related crime. Will FR become mainstream? The cautious security industry may take a cue from the maverick retail industry, sports venue and VIP verification solution providers that grew in 2018. 2019 trends: presupposition or repudiation; winners and losers. Chinese tariffs have had a huge impact on the security industry, which can be seen from changes to U.S and Chinese stocks  Although technology adoption forecasting is inexact, there are definitive opportunities in the security industry born on necessity. With the widespread problem of false alarm transmission and inability for first responders to ‘be everywhere,’ developers of solutions that provide automated verification and alternative security incident detection are expected to become mainstream. Promising Detection Systems The use of AI, NLP, LiDAR, UAS (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles aka drones) with surveillance and thermal imaging will grow, mostly due to higher acceptance in other industries like autonomous vehicles, rail safety, terrain and post devastation mapping/rescue. However, legacy ‘listing’ or certification organizations will be forced to make an important decision for their own survival: work toward integrating these promising detection systems into acceptance by insurance, licensing and standards development organizations. 2019’s ‘true’ Industrial Philanthropists will be needed to fund early warning tech for firefighters and the presence of active assailants 2019’s ‘true’ industrial philanthropists will be needed to fund early warning tech for firefighters and the presence of active assailants. For these use cases, 5G infrastructure rollouts, FR acceptance, lower cost perimeter detection and long range object and fire recognition by LiDAR and Thermal imaging will all be watched closely by investors. Should public agencies and philanthropical solution providers in the security industry cross paths, we may just yet see a successful, lifesaving impact. Cyber Risk Profile The ‘Digital twin’ refers to a digital replica of physical assets (physical twin), processes, people, places, systems and devices that can be used for various purposes. Your ‘Security Digital Twin’ has a similar physical and cyber risk profile, either through common threats, similar assets or both. Good news: managing your risk, protecting assets and securing your facilities in 2019 will get easier as security digital twin profiles will grow in maturity, while keeping their data sources private. This will be accelerated by the maturity of AI-based, auto-generated visualizations and image recognition, that happens to also drive the FR solutions. The 5G wireless infrastructure market is emerging as far more of a quantum leap in connectivity, like ‘wireless fiber optics’ performance, than an upgrade to 4G LTE. The 5G infrastructure market will be worth $2.86 billion by 2020 and $33.72 billion by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50.9%. Intelligent Applications The explosion of ingested voice, video, and meta-data, the interconnectivity of devices, people and places, and the integration of intelligent applications into expanding ecosystems all require faster communications. To be more accurate, 5G rollouts will accelerate in 2019; however, current project funding will include and be impacted by future enterprise security connectivity: 5G and FWA (Fixed Wireless Access). 5G rollouts will accelerate in 2019; however, current project funding will include and be impacted by future enterprise security connectivity Quite simply put, larger solution providers are gently coaxing practitioners into seemingly ‘open systems;’ the negative discovery during an M&A process, audit or integration with a smart city’s public/private partnerships will continue to be revealed, and related industries will force reform. Autonomous things will be enabled by AI and image recognition. With few affordable rollouts of security robots and outdoor unmanned ground vehicles (UGV) that leveraged platforms popular with research and even NASA, the autonomous security robot was mostly MIA from a security practitioner’s program in 2018. Perimeter Intrusion Detection One platform was even accused of intimidating homeless people in a public place, at a major city. Industries mutually beneficial are often unaware of each other; this will change gradually: one major domestic airport is currently evaluating a UGV platform performing perimeter intrusion detection, runway weather conditions and potential aircraft taxiing dangers. The platform is being used largely in transportation research, yet offers significant opportunities to the security industry. Research firm Gartner estimates that 70% of today’s technology products and services can be enhanced with ‘multi-experience’-based VR/AR/MR The ‘immersive experience’ of virtually any security or threat detection is a twist on virtual/augmented/mixed reality (VR/AR/MR) with additional sensory features. Although VR/AR/MR is well underway in other industries, there are several companies with solutions like VR-based active assailant training that could provide a fighting chance for practitioners, employees, visitors, faculty and children. Research firm Gartner estimates that 70% of today’s technology products and services can be enhanced with ‘multi-experience’-based VR/AR/MR. Security Ecosystem Members Not necessarily MIA, but of special mention is the need of security and safety practitioners to prioritize communications systems over ‘nice to have’ expansive video surveillance systems for mass casualty threats. This will eventually improve with 5G for Enterprise solution rollouts. At the past GSX and upcoming CES Technology trade shows, a new roundup of technologies is discovered: a wider diversity of protection promise to save ASIS members on their technical security program is realized. With each of the ‘winners,’ (5G, AI, NLP, LiDAR, UAS [Unmanned Aerial Vehicles aka drones], thermal imaging, digital security twins and smart-city-friendly technologies) it is both exciting and challenging work for both security practitioners and solution providers. All things equal and with the necessary technology acceptance testing processes, this is a truly great time for security ecosystem members.

The use of facial recognition has become a highly debated topic recently, and has increasingly and misleadingly been criticized by some for being an unethical tool used to spy on the public. The reason for such criticism is however largely due to lack of information and regulation around the technology. Used proportionately and responsibly, facial recognition can and should be a force for good. It has the ability to do a lot more to increase security in the future – from street crime to airport security, all the way through to helping those battling addiction, the technology can take security and operations to new heights. These systems can memorize the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes The Rise In Knife Crime Knife crime has dominated the headlines in the UK throughout the year. Recent statistics show the number of people being admitted to emergency care due to attacks by a sharp object to be up by nearly 40 per cent from two years ago, while the number of children under the age of 18 being admitted to hospitals with stab wounds is up by 86 per cent in only four years. This recent surge in knife crime has put police forces under immense pressure, and the intelligent use of facial recognition has a role to play in enabling more informed stop & search interventions. Currently UK police can stop and search an individual they suspect to be carrying drugs or weapons or both, or they can stop and search a person in a location where there have been or are considered likely to be “incidents involving serious violence.” In both cases they must do so with access to limited information, leaving themselves open to accusations of bias or discrimination. Knife crime dominated the headlines in the UK throughout 2018 Police Systems Benefiting Crime Investigations This is where facial recognition can offer up additional intelligence. These systems can memorize the faces of persons of interest, networks of gang members, wanted criminals and those suspected of involvement in serious violent crimes. Furthermore, these systems don’t need prior personal engagement to recognize an individual and see only data, not gender, age or race. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. The technology doesn’t take the decision away from the human police officer. However, it does bring greater transparency and context to the decision-making process of whether a stop and search intervention is justified. Similarly, the advanced technology can recognize and match an individual seen on a CCTV camera at a crime scene to someone the police encounters on the streets some time later, justifying a stop and search on that individual. Its ability to check in real time if a person is on a criminal watchlist adds an extra layer to the decision-making process prior to conducting a stop and search, lowering the likelihood of discrimination. Facial recognition thus helps eliminate both weapons and criminals off the streets and potentially prevent crimes before they have a chance to take place. Gambling Addiction And How Facial Recognition Can Help There are an estimated 593,000 people in the UK currently battling a gambling problem, making it a serious public health issue in the country. Having understood the gravity of the issue, the UK gambling commission have set limits and advice in place to help those suffering this addiction; yet as with all addictions, gambling is a tough habit to beat. In order to put effective limitations in place and make a real difference, the gambling commission needs the right technology to protect those most vulnerable in the industry.   Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers Facial recognition technology is able to keep track of customers and thus help gambling companies in protecting their customers to a higher degree. Monitoring those entering and moving around gambling areas is an extremely difficult task for human staff to do alone, especially in large crowded areas such as casinos. Facial recognition technology installed around the premises would be able to help the company and the staff to identify people who have registered as gambling addicts, and keep record of their day’s play in order to inform staff if and when it was time for them to stop. It would also be able to ensure effective self-exclusion procedures, by identifying a self-excluded individual via CCTV as soon as they entered the venue to then allow security staff to respectfully escort them out. Utilizing Facial Recognition At Airport Security Facial recognition has by now become a normal sight at many airports around the world. Several people today hold a so-called biometric passport, which allows them to skip the normally longer queues and instead walk through an automated ePassport control to proceed to the gate faster without having to deal with control officers. Facial recognition used in this way has managed to significantly cut waiting times at the passport control, but it also has the ability to enhance security in and around airports. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces Earlier this year, facial recognition technology managed to catch an imposter trying to enter the US at the Washington Dulles Airport. The false passport may have been uncaught by the human eye, yet due to the accuracy of the facial recognition technology it managed to help officers catch the imposter and bring him to justice. Facial recognition thus allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye. Facial recognition uses algorithms to match physical characteristics against photos and videos of people's faces, which have been collected from visas, passports and other sources.   Facial recognition allows officers to identify an individual faster and more accurately than the human eye At airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-inWhile some critics may worry about issues of privacy related to the technology, at airports the use of facial recognition has proved to both enhance security as well as speed up processes such as check-in and, in the future, even boarding proceedings.  If used correctly and proportionately, facial recognition can help safeguard the public and improve national security on several fronts. While the many benefits of facial recognition are evident, the lack of regulation and understanding of the technology has led to misconception around how it works and what it is used for. Facial recognition technology can match faces in crowded public places against criminal watch lists, and register faces that match with those on criminal watch lists – while ignoring everyone else.

Virtualization offers multiple benefits to video surveillance systems, but the technology has been slow to adapt to the needs of video. However, the tide is turning. At ISC West, BCDVideo introduced a hyperconverged infrastructure tailored to video surveillance (HCI-VS) that answers the demand for higher and more efficient operating performance while also lowering the total cost of ownership for the integrator and end user. Hyperconverged Infrastructure Solution “ISC West attendees were able to get their hands on our hyperconverged solution and immediately see how easy it is to use and the benefit of adding virtual machines,” says BCDVideo’s Chief Technology Officer Tom Larson. Security integrators were impressed that BCDVideo continues to adapt technologies" Virtualization was just one of the innovations in BCDVideo’s demo room. Many integrators and end users found their way to the conference room, located not far from the exhibition hall, and BCDVideo was also featured at partners’ booths on the show floor. “Security integrators were impressed that BCDVideo continues to adapt technologies to the video surveillance space,” says Larson. “BCDVideo ‘gets’ them, but often IT does not. The HCI solution is purpose-built for video, and it works.” Server, Storage And Networking BCDVideo’s HCI-VS is a virtualized, video-optimized and highly available infrastructure. It combines the server, storage and networking into one platform. Powered by Scale Computing’s HC3 software, BCDVideo’s HCI is a scalable, node/cluster-based infrastructure that enables integrators to virtualize their physical security appliances and software, meaning fewer devices need to be deployed and maintained. Physical security integrators can create an infrastructure that provides high availability to the VMS" “More importantly, our HCI makes it easier than ever before both to quickly create and deploy virtual machines, and to manage video surveillance infrastructure,” says Larson. Some of the unique needs that HCI-VS serves are those of multi-faceted projects involving video recording, access control, building management, etc. With HCI-VS, separate appliances are not needed for each of these tasks, which enables better use of hardware, reduces overall rack space and power/cooling costs. Essentially, this solution eliminates the “pizza box” model and serves the need in the marketplace where always-on video and high availability are necessary, and especially in situations where loss of video data cannot be tolerated, says Larson. Simplified graphical user interface (GUI) makes it easy for integrators to implement systems that use hyperconverged technology Tolerant To Hardware Failure “By leveraging the concepts of hyperconvergence, physical security integrators can create an infrastructure that provides high availability to the video management system,” he says. “When components within a video management system are tolerant to hardware failure, it results in less loss of data and continual access to the data from the failed component. You always have access to the video data even if the hard drive fails.” Defining Virtualization Virtualization is the act of creating virtual copies of physical resources, including, but not limited to, compute, memory, storage, and network resources. This is achieved by employing software to manage all physical resources, known as a hypervisor. As servers become more powerful, the discrepancy between software and hardware capabilities result in inefficient use of resources. “By partitioning the hardware resources into smaller virtual environments, we can create multiple virtualized servers that share a common set of resources,” says Larson. “By sharing this common set of resources, the virtualized servers utilize the resources more efficiently with less waste.” Integrators and end users flocked to BCDVideo's demo room at ISC West to try out the new hyperconverged solution Education And Physical Security Learning about the benefits of why to virtualize and applications will be a first step” A challenge to greater adoption of virtualization in the physical security industry is education. “Some security integrators will need to step out of their comfort zone,” says Larson. “Virtualization for video has been slow to adapt, and other solutions are complicated. IT technology applications traditionally have not worked in the space either. Learning about the benefits of why to virtualize and applications will be a first step.” HCI-VS In New Verticals While HCI-VS is vertical-market-agnostic, the solution is suitable for school districts looking to consolidate their hardware, for hospitals and the healthcare industry in general, for the rapidly growing cannabis industry, any mass transit system, as well as for Fortune 1000 companies, to name a few. “Our virtualized solution especially appeals to these verticals because of the number of cameras, the need for 24/7/365 video recording and extensive data retention requirements, and where loss of video data cannot be afforded,” says Larson. Purpose-Built Solutions BCDVideo’s HCI-VS is the latest example of products BCDVideo is creating for the physical security industry. “We purpose-build and engineer our solutions specifically for video surveillance with the ability to scale-out as needed,” says Kelly Kellen, BCDVideo’s Director of Marketing. “We engineer new products to address problems in the marketplace. Our CTO is really looking at the market and studying the security integrator’s pain points. Then we engineer solutions to best serve them.”

Simultaneous suicide bombings at several churches and hotels in Sri Lanka on April 21 were of a scale, sophistication and level of coordination that hasn’t been seen since 9/11. Nine suicide bombers targeted three churches and three hotels on Easter morning, and the resulting casualties numbered 359 dead, including 45 children, and about 500 injured. The complexity of the attacks suggests the bombers received help from an outside organization, likely the Islamic State (IS). Sadly, security warnings from Indian intelligence officials, which might have helped to prevent or minimize the attacks, were ignored by Sri Lanka security weeks earlier. In the wake of the massacre, two of Sri Lanka’s top security officials were asked to resign, and Sri Lanka’s president promised to completely restructure state security. Contradiction To The Terrorism Report The twin calamities provide a dramatic counterpoint to an observed global decrease in terrorist attacksA motivation for the Sri Lanka tragedy is thought to be the March 15 shootings at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, where 50 people were killed and 50 more were injured. A 28-year-old Australian white supremacist was arrested and charged with murder. Taken together, the twin calamities provide a dramatic counterpoint to an observed global decrease in terrorist attacks, as documented in a recent report. The suicide bombers in Sri Lanka were eight men and one woman, most of them well-educated and coming from the middle or upper class. One was the leader of National Thowheeth Jamaath, the homegrown militant Islamist group the government has blamed with carrying out the attacks. There is also evidence to corroborate a claim of responsibility by IS. Some 60 people have been arrested in the investigation. Even days later, police continued to find explosives and said there was still danger. Multiple Attacks One explosion on Easter morning occurred at St. Sebastian’s Church in Negombo, 20 miles north of Colombo, where more than 100 were killed. Another bomb killed 28 people at the Zion Church in Batticaloa, and an unknown number died at St. Anthony’s Shrine, a Roman Catholic church in Colombo. The three hotels that were attacked were all in Colombo – the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury The three hotels that were attacked were all in Colombo – the Shangri-La, the Cinnamon Grand and the Kingsbury. Two more explosions happened Sunday afternoon, one at a small guest house and another at the suspects’ safe house, where three officers were killed. Security at houses of worship has been a high-profile concern in the United States in recent years following incidents such as an attack at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in downtown Charleston in 2015 that killed nine people. Just last October, 11 people were killed and six others injured in a shooting at a synagogue in Pittsburgh. Hardening Security At Churches “It’s no longer enough to pray for a safe and secure environment,” commented Patrick Fiel of PVF Security Consulting in an Expert Panel Roundtable discussion. “Churches are soft targets. Clergy and parishioners will need to work closely with security consultants and local law enforcement to harden their facilities.” Access control, CCTV solutions and mass notification systems are all helpful and can be placed unobtrusively so as not to interfere with aesthetics of the church, Fiel adds. The scale and scope of the bombings in Sri Lanka provide a wakeup call to the global likelihood of terrorist attacksIt doesn’t appear technology would have made much difference in the case of the Sri Lanka attacks, although awareness and vigilance can have an impact. At Zion Church in Batticaloa, for example, a bomber was stopped by pastors from entering the congregation area where some 500 people gathered. Because of their suspicions, the bomb was instead detonated in a courtyard where children were eating breakfast; 28 people died. The scale and scope of the bombings in Sri Lanka provide a dramatic wakeup call to the continuing global likelihood of terrorist attacks. The last territory of the Islamic State in Syria fell in March, but IS and its ideology live on, and continue to be a global terrorism threat. And that’s just one among many possible sources of terrorism worldwide. Hopefully, the recent incidents do not foreshadow more attacks that are even more deadly.

Safety and Security Things GmbH (SAST) will be both a first-time exhibitor at ISC West and also feature a larger booth – 1,800 square feet. The Bosch startup is looking to make a big splash in its first-time appearance at the largest security trade show in the United States. The International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC West) will be held April 10-12 at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas. Founded in September 2018 and based in Munich, Germany, SAST is building a new Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem for the security and safety industry, including an app store, an open and secure camera operating system, a software developer environment, and a portal for providing knowledge and functionalities tailored to integrators. SAST’s Open IoT Platform The open IoT platform is based on an open standardized operating system for video security cameras The open IoT platform is based on an open standardized operating system for video security cameras that creates a common basis for innovation and growth for the security industry. Apps built on SAST will enable airports, restaurants, stadiums and other facilities to transform security cameras into smart devices. The first partners are already developing apps based on the SAST ecosystem. “We will bring all the partners of our platform together and will showcase the first applications already realised on the platform,” says Nikolas Mangold-Takao, SAST Vice President of Marketing and Product Management. “In order to showcase this effectively at ISC West, we will create a space to demonstrate solutions effectively. At the same time, we are using the booth as our meeting space and will create a collaborative environment for our partners and all participants.” IoT And Access Control  “We want to ensure that all visitors of our booth (No. 10073) are getting to see first-hand solutions which are already realised based on first apps and cameras using our Operating System,” he adds. “We also want to demonstrate the benefits of the SAST platform for solution developers, integrators and manufacturers.” SAST is about bringing different players from the industry together in order to deliver better solutions" SAST will be looking for measurable results at ISC West. “On the one hand, we measure results by hard facts, such as the number of new partners who will join us and how satisfied our current ones are with the output,” says Mangold-Takao. “On the other hand, direct feedback from visitors at the booth, especially professionals from our industry and end-customers, is also extremely important to us, and we will measure it. SAST is about bringing different players from the industry together in order to deliver better solutions.” Openpath Access Solution Another new exhibitor with a relatively large booth is Openpath, whose booth (No. 23051) will be 1,200 square feet. Openpath Access combines cloud-based software and sleek hardware with an app to enable hands-free access to an office using a smartphone that doesn’t need to leave your pocket.  Although large for first-time exhibitors, the Openpath and SAST booths fall squarely in the “medium range” of overall exhibit sizes at ISC West – larger than the smallest 100-square-feet exhibits typical for many first-time exhibitors, but still smaller than the largest booths such as Hanwha Techwin America (5,500 square feet). In addition to the new exhibitors on the main show floor, the Emerging Technology Zone, located in the Venetian Ballroom, will welcome new startups in the security marketplace.

The American University of the Middle East (AUM) in Egaila is the largest private university in Kuwait. Its extensive campus is spread over 261,190 square meters of beautiful grounds, including academic buildings, technical labs, AUM library, AUM Sports Center, outdoor sports playgrounds including a FIFA certified football field, AUM Opera House, AUM Conference Center, parking areas, administrative and service areas. The American College of the Middle East (ACM) is also hosted within the campus. With sizeable grounds and multiple institutes of learning operating on site, AUM’s access control requirements were complex. The popularity of the campus with not only AUM students but also Kuwaiti youth in general meant AUM needed to ensure the right access was provided to the right people at multiple points on campus. AUM’s Director of IT highlights the challenge the administration faced in efficiently identifying, authenticating and providing access for more than 800 employees and over 10,000 students. “The campus needed to be secure, but at the same time easy to use, causing no inconvenience to students and staff.” Gallagher Command Center AUM needed a dynamic solution that met their access control requirements AUM needed a dynamic solution that met their access control requirements, could integrate with their core enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution, and was scalable to accommodate future growth. Gallagher’s access control solution, featuring Gallagher Command Center and a range of integrations, was selected as the university’s preferred choice, meeting its requirements in the best possible way. MIFARE contactless smart cards Student and staff ID cards became part of the access control system with MIFARE contactless smart cards provided to students, faculty and staff. Turnstiles installed at the entrances to AUM and intelligent integrations with existing systems provided total control of movement within the campus. AUM uses learning software and automated systems widely across its campus. Extensive integration with the Gallagher solution has significantly reduced operational costs, creating efficiencies for staff and students and enhancing the overall security system. “Gallagher gives us the best option to fulfill our requirements, with a total solution,” says the university’s Director of IT. Integration with CCTV system Exam control rooms at AUM need to be fully secure. Command Center integrates with the CCTV system to ensure that when movement is detected, or someone tries to open the door, the CCTV is triggered, and a photo attached to the security report. Within the campus, access permissions need to be well defined for different groups. Access to the gymnasium, library and sports center is defined by male and female, staff and students. Command Center allows AUM to define these access controls in the directory, ensuring they happen automatically. Fully automated access control Fully automated access control gives us confidence in the system" “Fully automated access control gives us confidence in the system,” says the university’s Director of IT. “We don’t have to worry about it.” The reporting capabilities of Command Center provide AUM with greater control and audit information. The university is governed by a council, that regularly conducts audits. “The Gallagher solution helps us easily produce daily reports to meet those reporting requirements. It’s a fantastic solution, no doubt." The integrated booking system in the library controls access to study rooms, giving entry only to those who are included in the room booking. Staff and students no longer have to manage who is in the rooms, allowing them to get on with their work and study. The university’s Director of IT says in the past, monitoring and reviewing this information would take a person two or three days. “With this small integration from Gallagher, turnaround time has improved to within half a day for the same task.” Restricted access He adds, “Campus access for dismissed students has been prevented. Their access is automatically restricted by the admin department. Student’s whose access has been prevented can visit the admin department to rectify their enrollment status. The integration with the Gallagher solution is amazing. Our operational costs have been reduced wherever it is used.” With new construction underway and increasing popularity with students, AUM is a growing university. The Gallagher solution is growing alongside it, providing regular updates and new innovations. “Gallagher often contacts us about new initiatives and things they are introducing,” says AUM’s Director of IT. “We will implement them, because of the success of the current solution. We try at every point to take full advantage of the features offered to keep reducing operational costs. From an industry perspective, it’s a beautiful solution.”

Located in the buzzing heart of England’s capital city, University College London is one of the top ranking establishments for higher education in the world. Founded in 1826, London’s first university institution, the College now has an estimated 28,600 enrolled students and 14,600 members of staff. Including agency staff, academic associates, and other visitors, UCL currently has a system of over 48,000 valid cardholders. Based primarily in the Bloomsbury area, UCL’s main campus is situated on Gower Street and includes departments such as biology, chemistry, economics, engineering, geography, history, languages, mathematics, philosophy, politics, physics, architecture and the Slade School of Fine Art, as well as the preclinical facilities of the UCL Medical School and the London Centre for Nanotechnology. Electronic access control UCL has been used as a location for a number of high profile film and television productions While the UCL Cancer Institute and Faculty of Laws are also nearby, notable College buildings include the original Wilkins Building and Gower Street’s Cruciform Building, previously home to University College Hospital. The University has further sites based elsewhere in and around London, such as the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, the UCL Institute of Orthopaedics and Musculoskeletal Science, The Royal Free Hospital Medical School, and also the UK’s largest university-based space research group, the Mullard Space Science Laboratory, and UCL’s own astronomical observatory at Mill Hill. Due to its position within London and the historical nature of its buildings, UCL has been used as a location for a number of high profile film and television productions, including Gladiator, The Mummy Returns, The Dark Knight and Inception. The sheer scale of the University’s operations, with thousands of occupants fluctuating between its numerous facilities, has dictated the need for a comprehensive electronic access control security system – one which has evolved over many years. Physical locking controls UCL’s Security Systems Manager, Mike Dawe explains that while adhering to the University’s culture of ‘general openness’ on campus, Gallagher systems have been introduced as “a progressive response to the need for more security control on site.” Security throughout the University is managed by the Security Department of the Estates Division, which has responsibility for all the physical locking controls and electronic systems, as well as the provision of the security guarding service. By and large an open campus, a number of university buildings are free to visitors from the general public, while others are controlled by turnstiles accessible by valid cardholders only. Many other research areas are available only to those with specific security passes. Gallagher’s systems have been in place with the University since 1993 and were originally chosen for the Gallagher Commander Hardware’s ability to communicate effectively over long distances between buildings. Key industry challenges Following were the key industry challenges involved: Ensuring appropriate access to students/staff onsite Implementation of lockdown and evacuation procedures Controlling access to key University areas Protecting University property Providing unobtrusive but robust security Control and management of multiple systems Visitor time and access management Central records systems Full data integration was achieved in 2006 when the system was linked to UCL’s central HR Recognized by Mike as the ‘next important direction for the University’, the subsequent introduction of the Gallagher Access Control system (formally Cardax FT) in 2003 enabled Gallagher’s main security system to be integrated with UCL’s other data systems. Additionally, Mike highlights how “Gallagher’s ‘building blocks’ approach to programming the software also provided greater flexibility when using the system, while the network infrastructure enabled us to move away from our own discrete wiring.” Full data integration was achieved in 2006 when the system was linked to UCL’s central HR, student records and visitor records databases. Combining the regular ID card with a single access control card then followed, and validity is kept fully updated by the University’s central records systems. Currently the University has 101 buildings on the Gallagher system, which controls 939 doors, 32 turnstiles and 15 lifts. General perimeter control Typically, Gallagher security is used for the general perimeter control of the buildings, such as those with both turnstile access and a reception at the entrance, as well as additional control within College buildings to divide public and semi-public areas from departmental spaces. Gallagher systems also control UCL’s top security areas such as high risk research space and data centers. Describing UCL’s security operation, Mike explains how the Gallagher solution has been integrated with the inhouse HR, student and visitor records systems and filters duplications to ensure a single identity. This information is then fed through the Gallagher system to update cardholder records using an ‘import/export’ function. The Gallagher technology is also used to automatically send barcode information to the Library systems and update the student records system with student photos. Scheduled email notification reports are also sent regularly which, according to Mike, “has proved very useful for UCL’s high value areas.” Security operations team We routinely use reports and produce these in response to departmental concerns and requests" “We routinely use reports and produce these in response to departmental concerns and requests”, he explains. “Typically this is done by the security operations team, which analyses the information, along with CCTV data to investigate suspected crimes.” UCL is planning to integrate the Gallagher Security system with its existing CCTV system and will use this, in addition to the new Command Centre Premier client, to improve the provision of site information to the Security Control room staff. The University is also currently developing its import/ export process to automatically provide access levels based on person-type information, such as department, course etc. Gallagher would like to thank Mike Dawe, UCL’s Security Systems Manager, for his support with the production of this site profile. We would also like to acknowledge the support of our security partner, Reach Active Limited who has contributed significantly to the successful implementation of the Gallagher system at University College London.

The high-performance Predator Ultra HD PTZ video surveillance camera from UK CCTV manufacturer, 360 Vision Technology, has entered service at the National Coastwatch Institution’s (NCI) Felixstowe lookout station, to help protect lives along the coastline of the River Deben estuary. Felixstowe Coastwatch is a charity funded, volunteer-based organization with over 50 highly trained volunteers available to man lookout shifts. It’s also part of the NCI, a voluntary organization established in 1994 to restore a visual watch along UK shores, after many small Coastguard stations had been closed. Maritime navigation Felixstowe Coastwatch took over operations at the Lookout in April 1996 Under Felixstowe Coastwatch’s territory is the Deben estuary, whose treacherous shifting shingle banks and bar can present quite a challenge for maritime navigation, as Ian Clarke of Felixstowe Coastwatch explains: “Half of all call outs from the RNLI Harwich Lifeboat Station during 2016/17 were to attend incidents in this area, so it was clear that additional observation of the area would be beneficial and help to make it safer.” Felixstowe Coastwatch’s Lookout is built on top of Martello Tower ‘P’, one of the famous ‘Martello Towers’, built in the early 1800s as a defense against a possible invasion by Napoleon. The first lookout was originally built by HM Coastguard (replaced in 1979 by the current structure), who operated the Lookout until 1994. Felixstowe Coastwatch took over operations at the Lookout in April 1996. Experiencing CCTV cameras “Originally, the first idea to tackle the maritime issues at the River Deben estuary was to build an additional lookout tower,” says Ian. “That would have been a prohibitively costly exercise for a charity-based organization. However, after a visit to the NCI Station at Portland Bill, I was inspired by the use of CCTV there and interested to establish if video surveillance could be deployed to monitor the remote Deben estuary from our existing lookout station.” “The first task was to experience CCTV cameras in action, so we visited the Port of Felixstowe, the Felixstowe Town CCTV system and the Great Yarmouth Port Authority, where we saw the 360 Vision Predator in action. Impressed by the quality of its images, I contacted 360 Vision Technology for a demonstration, at which we were able to record video from the proposed location of the camera mast.” Comprehensive business case 360 Vision Technology had just launched their Predator equipped with a 40x optical zoom" “After the demonstration of the camera’s capability, I was able to prepare a detailed report to our trustees, setting out a comprehensive business case as to why a CCTV camera would offer the best solution to the issues we were facing at the mouth of the River Deben. I was able to use the recorded footage of the demonstration to produce a video highlighting the impressive capability of the imaging technology.” From Ian’s report, approval of the project was granted and the 360 Vision Predator Ultra HD was installed by STC Solutions Ltd, after funds were raised from council-allocated budget and fundraising events organized by Felixstowe Coastwatch volunteers. “When we placed the order, 360 Vision Technology had just launched their Predator equipped with a 40x optical zoom,” Ian continues. Wireless transmission solution “This was an important factor for us, as the entrance to the River Deben is expansive, and identifying vessels and individuals there would be greatly assisted by the optical zoom of the 360 Vision Predator camera.” With no line of sight from the camera to the lookout tower, an innovative wireless transmission solution was employed, using a belfry tower at a midway point in Felixstowe, where the signal is relayed to enable control and recording of the high definition images back at the lookout station. “Now operators can view superb live images of the River Deben, to confirm the identity, position and situation of vessels in the mouth of the river and if necessary, contact HM Coastguard if we observe any problems,” Ian explains. Seamless ONVIF integration Thanks to the broad integration capability of 360 Vision’s Predator Ultra HD, all surveillance video is archived for retrospective investigation, and controlled via a QVIS Viper NVR recorder. In addition, seamless ONVIF integration into Cambridge Pixel’s ‘RadarWatch’, a flexible client display application for radar display and target tracking, allows Felixstowe Coastwatch’s operators to set up virtual tripwire lines across dangerous areas of the river and shallow waters close to the main shipping channel. The trip alarms instantly alert operators and provide immediate verification of a vessel’s precise location Once crossed by a vessel, the trip alarms instantly alert operators and provide immediate verification of a vessel’s precise location, along with high-definition visual verification from the Predator camera. Also displayed as an overlay on screen, via the Predator Ultra camera and Cambridge Pixel technology integration, is Automatic Identification System (AIS) ship transponder information for each vessel, including a compass bearing supplied by the Predator camera’s head, which indicates which way the camera is pointing. Innovative installation “This means we can instantly identify and position any specific vessel we’re seeing with the camera,” says Ian. “We can also view the banks of the river and its beaches, to ensure that no members of the public are in danger.” Taking advantage of 360 Vision Technology’s any color and any finish design offer, the Predator Ultra camera was supplied in a Marine Grade white paint finish, and along with its powerful 40x zoom lens, is equipped with a ½” Ultra camera module to ensure maximum imaging performance, even in low-light conditions. This innovative installation has been so successful that Felixstowe Coastwatch are currently looking at other areas of the coastline where high-definition 360 Vision Predator Ultra HD cameras could assist with their daily operations, to protect the public and maritime traffic.

AMG Systems has been commissioned to help digitise the traffic monitoring system for newly-extended hard shoulder bus lanes on Belfast’s main motorways, to make it more efficient, secure and reliable. A new IP-based CCTV system was being installed as part of the extension project, so the underlying fiber network needed to be upgraded in order to handle the high-grade images being transmitted back to the city’s Traffic Information and Control Center (TICC). The upgrade helps to enhance passenger journeys by improving the quality of real-time information sent to traffic management teams. AMG – Juniper Networks partnership AMG, working with Juniper Networks, a leader in secure, AI-driven networks, brought the IP-driven CCTV project together across numerous government agencies and private construction contractors to create a cost-efficient, robust solution for Belfast’s M1 and M2 motorways. The Northern Ireland Department for Infrastructure (DfI) awarded a tender to Graham Construction to work on the extension of hard shoulder bus lanes along the M1 and M2 motorways, intended to improve journey times and service reliability for bus passengers without affecting general traffic flows. The scheme was designed by DfI consultants Aecom, who also carried out site supervision and project manager roles during construction. The work included the provision of new and upgraded Pan Tilt Zoom IP-based CCTV cameras for traffic monitoring purposes by the Traffic Information and Control Center (TICC) in Belfast. Hikvision PTZ IP video camerasGraham used Hikvision PTZ IP video cameras – installed by Chubb – for traffic monitoring Graham used Hikvision PTZ IP video cameras – installed by Chubb – for traffic monitoring. But connecting them to the Pelco system in use at TICC was not as straightforward as it at first seemed, which is where AMG Systems and Juniper Networks came in. “On each of the two motorways, the existing fiber network had only two spare fibres, so all the images had to be combined onto the two, allowing for a resilient ring,” consultant Jo Hopkins of Highways Consulting says, “meaning that if one fiber broke, the other would be able to transmit all the images. The existing cameras on the network were analog, but we took the opportunity to install digital cameras. This reduces the number of times the images are sampled and converted from analog to digital and back again, which improves the quality of the image.” Connecting IP cameras to Fiber Network Hopkins worked with Graham on the project, and said AMG was asked to provide a reliable, cost-effective means of connecting new cameras onto the existing fiber network, bringing the images back to the Traffic Control Center in Belfast. “The task itself was straightforward, but the integration into an existing live system made the project more complex,” she said. Hopkins and AMG Systems Business Development Director Sara Fisher worked to address the network challenge, which included upgrading from analog to IP cameras for the first time on the Belfast motorways. AMG switches The network design utilizes nine AMG switches on the M1 fibres and 15 switches for the M2 The network design utilizes nine AMG switches on the M1 fibers and 15 switches for the M2. At the TICC control room, there are a further four AMG switches which allow the IP cameras to connect to the existing Pelco monitoring equipment. Fisher explains that the control room network connection was further complicated as the TICC’s existing system called for the use of multi-casting and VLANs, and an existing firewall also had to be factored in. “The most appropriate interface in this case was Layer 3 POE switches from our partner Juniper Networks,” she said. IP video surveillance A DfI TICC representative said: “The joint network design by AMG and Juniper Networks has met the challenge presented to them in upgrading our hard shoulder bus lane cameras from purely analog to IP and has provided a resilient network, intended specifically for the task. AMG’s post-sales service and advice has also proved extremely helpful.”

Two years ago, LABS opened up its new co-working facilities in Camden Market and has a number of locations centered around this iconic area of London. LABS isn’t just popping up in random locations but creating a co-working ecosystem of interconnected buildings and communities. Many companies who hire space are high tech, therefore they expect the facilities they work in to include the latest technology. The challenge LABS faced when developing a co-working environment was to offer a safe and secure working environment that is easy to use by both the clients and staff and uses the latest technology features and provides flexibility and future proofing. Gallagher Command Center The Gallagher solution was specified for the project because of the central hub it provides The Gallagher solution was specified for the project because of the central hub it provides as well as its ability to integrate with a number of products, such as visitor management software (VMS) and CCTV. The Gallagher Channel Partner was able to offer a tailored security package that ensured LABS premises are safely monitored, guaranteeing smooth day-to-day operation. The buildings are managed by Community Managers, whose role is to understand all the companies and people who work within the LABS buildings. With this understanding the managers can bring the community together and help create beneficial relationships. Community Manager at Camden, Fran, is able to use Gallagher Command Center for a number of tasks such as monitoring who enters the building including visitors, checking which meeting rooms are reserved, what hospitality is required etc. Bluepoint Real-Time Access Management LABS also use Bluepoint Real-Time Access Management (RAM), which integrates with the Gallagher Visitor Management system to create and modify cardholders and groups. Commands sent from the integration provide muster functionality and enables Community Managers, like Fran, full visitor and staff journey awareness. In order to attract new clients, the building runs open events and also allows people to book a tour. Guests will receive a QR code on their mobile phone so they can enter the building. Fran will receive a notification to say her guest has arrived so she can meet them and show them round. People within the building can also use the same functionality for visitors. Mobile access control Leases can be short, medium or long term and range from the occupation of offices to desks Everyone who works within a LABS building has access to an app so they can book meeting rooms seamlessly, find talent, swap skills, and engage with the community. This is the customer facing tool which links to Command Center to ensure when someone books a room the relevant people are notified, and the system is updated. Leases can be short, medium or long term and range from the occupation of offices to desks. This means there are lots of leases starting and ending at different times making it difficult to keep track. By integrating with Command Center access can be instantly revoked should a lease lapse, saving Community Managers time by not having to manually deny access.

New Covent Garden Market is a London icon with a history dating back to medieval days. Now the largest wholesale market in the UK, it has been feeding and flowering London every day for over 40 years. Brand New Covent Garden Market is the next evolution of the market, transforming the site into a 46,500m2 better, modern trading space during a phased build between 2015-2021. As a place of significance in a highly sought-after central London location, with hundreds of food and flower traders, suppliers and customers operating in the early hours every day, Brand New Covent Garden Market required an access control system that offered more than just granting door access. Gallagher access control solution Having successfully used a Gallagher access control solution for over 20 years in New Covent Garden Market, the decision to stay with Gallagher to meet the unique requirements of the new development was simple. New Covent Garden Market has worked with a Gallagher certified channel partner for a number of years, so facilities manager Jo Breare said they trusted their advice when deciding which access control system to go with. “The Gallagher card reader system has always worked for us,” says Jo. “With the developments in Command Centre, including the ability to customize features such as reporting, and integrating with CCTV and Nedap Transit Readers, we knew we had a system that suited our requirements. There were also fewer problems as we moved to the new site because staff and card users already understood how the system worked, causing minimum disruption.” Integration between Gallagher’s access control solution and Nedap technology has provided great benefit to the market Integration with Nedap technology Integration between Gallagher’s access control solution and Nedap technology has provided great benefit to the market. Each trader pays an annual fee to trade and enter the market. They are then given a tag so when they drive into the car park the market knows who does and doesn’t have access. Parking without a permit is very costly at £200 for 24 hours, so permits are an important part of the traders’ membership. During renewal time at the end of October each year, Gallagher Command Centre makes it easy to produce a report detailing the permit holders, which is then used as the basis for a mail merge to email renewal notifications to all traders. “Permits are one of the biggest sources of vehicle site management information and control for the market,” said Jo. He adds, “The renewal period could be a busy and stressful time, but the reporting function in Command Centre makes it quick and simple for all involved.” Groups have been created to allow access to different parking areas. Flower traders and suppliers park in their designated car park, while food traders and suppliers only have access to their designated car park. Parking lot access control Several customizations have also been created to support the unique operating environment of the market. Zone counting of underground parking spaces hired to local companies mean if an allocation is full, anyone trying to badge in from that company will not be granted access. A report on vehicle sizes to map car park sizes was also created and although this was not implemented, the data can be captured if needed in future. Traders contact the New Covent Garden Market Authority to revoke access for former employees and check if they have accessed the car park since leaving. They can also check if anyone is parking out of hours. This information can be easily pulled from Gallagher Command Centre and put into a simple report, saving time and providing value for traders. FLIR CCTV system The CCTV footage will be shown in the Command Centre workspace, keeping all security and access control in one place. When planning Brand New Covent Garden Market, the commercially-savvy organization designed the New Covent Garden Market Authority’s office area to include office space available for rent. With a Gallagher access control solution in place, tenants will be able to easily enter their offices, manage users and grant parking access, with the peace of mind that their office is safe and secure. The next stage of the project is to connect Gallagher Command Centre with Flir CCTV, which is a well-established integration. The CCTV footage will be shown in the Command Centre workspace, keeping all security and access control in one easy to manage place. “The Gallagher system has provided us with everything we need and more,” says Jo. “It sees the most use during renewal times but on a day to day basis the system works happily in the background.”

Physical security technologies operate successfully in many different markets, but in which markets do they fall short? Physical security is a difficult challenge that can sometime defy the best efforts of manufacturers, integrators and end users. This is especially the case in some of the more problematic markets and applications where even the best technology has to offer may not be good enough, or could it be that the best technology has not been adequately applied? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable to reflect on instances when the industry may fall short: Which segments of the physical security industry are most under-served and why?

In the simplest terms, video systems capture and record video. But supporting these basic operations are a growing number of other functions that expand usefulness and the ability to interact with related elements in a larger system. As video system functionality expands, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most important function of a video surveillance system and why?

There is no expectation of privacy in a public space. That’s the premise on which most video surveillance applications are justified. But new concerns about privacy, specifically the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in Europe, are changing expectations. And what if a camera must be positioned where a private area happens to be within its range? Fortunately, there are technology approaches to solving these dilemmas, as our Expert Panelists explain. We asked: What new technologies are helping video systems overcome concerns about privacy?