Emergency lighting

Viking Electronics Inc. announces the release of its brand new 2019 Product Catalog which celebrates Viking’s 50 year legacy. The catalog features hundreds of products and introduces many new innovations, as well as Viking’s core products – such as emergency phones, door entry systems, paging amplifiers, mass notification systems, hot line phones, and more. The catalog is not just a simple product guide; it offers countless ideas and custom solutions for ‘Access Control’ to ‘Zone Paging’ and everything in between. “So many people rely on the Viking catalog every day because there’s an economical solution on every page.” – Mike Busby, Marketing and Sales Manager for Viking Electronics Inc. Unique Features For 50 years Viking has been bringing you the industry technology of today and the ‘tough as nails’ craftsmanship of the past. Viking products are made in the USA and they stand behind their products with a 2 year limited warranty, as well as free lifetime product support. Viking Electronics designs and manufactures over 500 communication and security products, including VoIP and analog emergency phones, entry systems, paging interfaces, paging amplifiers, mass notification systems, hot line products, and enclosures. Many Viking products are designed to fix or add unique features to telephone or security applications, keeping costs down while maintaining ease of use. All Viking products are designed, manufactured, and supported in the USA, and are backed by a two year limited warranty.

The Middle East is proving to be a hot bed of business for global suppliers of security, safety, and fire protection, with the world’s top industry players all set to converge at Intersec 2019 in Dubai to drive more double digit growth. From video surveillance technologies with Artificial Intelligence and deep learning capabilities, to cloud-based access control solutions and flame retardant protective clothing, Intersec 2019 will shine the spotlight on game changing solutions solving challenges faced by professionals spanning sectors from banking and retail, to infrastructure and energy. Top Surveillance Technology The 21st edition takes place from 20-22 January 2019, with more than 1,300 exhibitors from 60 countries spanning 50,000sqm of space at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. Korean company IDIS, one of the world’s top surveillance technology manufacturers, is a regular Intersec exhibitor that’s hitting double digit year-on-year sales growth in the Middle East, a position that it largely attributes to contacts made at the annual three-day event. Many of our system integration partnerships resulted from engagement and introductions made at Intersec" “Many of our system integration partnerships resulted from engagement and introductions made at Intersec and we can track this back since our first appearance at the show in 2014,” said Harry Kwon, General Manager of IDIS Middle East and Africa. Commercial Organizations “These include Almajal G4S in KSA, Almoayyed in Bahrain and EMS in Egypt to name but a few. The result is an extensive and broad range of successful deployments of IDIS technology across government, education, retail, banking and many other commercial organizations.” “We’re hitting double digit sales growth year-on-year and continuing to increase our market share and geographical reach by expanding our sales channels,” added Kwon. Kwon said IDIS will look to up the ante with a series of new product launches later this month at Intersec 2019, including the latest iteration of its IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) Engine: “IDLA has opened a new door to the future of video analytics with ground-breaking 96 percent accuracy combined with a 200ips speed.” Fisheye Advancements What’s more at Intersec we’ll launch the DV-2116, AI in the Box, which is a cost-effective, pre-built device with the graphical and processing power" “What’s more at Intersec we’ll launch the DV-2116, AI in the Box, which is a cost-effective, pre-built device with the graphical and processing power to quickly and easily transform existing surveillance into a powerful AI solution.” he said. “Also on show will be our latest fisheye advancements, which include improved peripheral resolution through an upgraded Panomorph lens on the 12MP model and a new 5MP compact model perfect for smaller applications and installation in confined spaces.” Intersec 2019 covers the seven sections of Commercial Security; Fire & Rescue; Perimeter & Physical Security; Safety & Health; Homeland Security & Policing; Information Security; and Smart Home & Building Automation. Protective Clothing ULTITEC is one of more than 150 exhibitors in the Safety & Health section, and will showcase its extensive range of protective clothing used by professionals in the oil & gas, aviation, construction and automotive industries. Jason Lin, ULTITEC’s General Manager, said its range of technical textiles are widely used by global conglomerates and local companies alike such as Qatar Gas, Shell, ExxonMobil, and ADNOC (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company). “At Intersec, we’ll focus on chemical and liquid jet resistant protective clothing such as the ULTITEC 5000 and ULTITEC 4000 which recently won the tender to be applied in PETRONAS Malaysia, one of the world’s largest and most forward-looking oil and gas producers,” said Lin. Excessive Heat Environments Our unique fabric technology of microporous film provides breathability and is perfectly suitable for excessive heat environments" “Our unique fabric technology of microporous film provides breathability and is perfectly suitable for excessive heat environments in the Middle East. It prevents occupational heat exposure as the microporous size is smaller than a water drop and larger than moisture vapor, offering exceptional comfort without compromising superior protection.” Elsewhere Matrix Comsec from India is one of more than 50 exhibitors at Intersec’s Information Security section that will look to capitalize on opportunities in a Middle East cyber security market that’s estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 11 percent from 2018-2024. According to analysts 6Wresearch, revenues from the Middle East information security market will reach US$2.7 billion in 2024, compared to US$1.4 billion in 2018. High-End Solutions With the cloud playing an increasingly important role in the storage and processing of important data, Abhay Joshi, Global Sales Head at Matrix Comsec, said Middle East organizations are taking measures to adopt high-end solutions that prevent unauthorized access and cyber-breaches.  “Organizational data is the most important resource that companies have, so firms are opting for secure cloud-based solutions,” said Joshi. “At Intersec 2019, we’ll launch our cloud based Time-Attendance and Access Control solution COSEC VYOM.” “Up until now, Matrix offered on premise solutions, but now customers will have the choice of deploying the solution either on the cloud or on premises. We’ll also launch our mobile based COSEC APTA Face Recognition Technology. This might be helpful for corporates and manufacturing sectors whereby normal biometric technology fails to operate,” added Joshi. Commercial Security Providers Commercial Security will be the largest section on the exhibition floor, with more than 450 exhibitors, including two-thirds of the world’s top 50 commercial security providers. Fire & Rescue is the next largest section, with more than 400 exhibitors, followed by Safety & Health (150 exhibitors) Homeland Security & Policing (100 exhibitors); Perimeter and Physical Security (100 exhibitors), and Information Security (50). The one-day Intersec Fire Conference on 21st January will provide insights into the changing global trends in fire protection A revamped conference line-up will be spearheaded by the Intersec Future Security Summit, raising key issues on Artificial Intelligence, security integration, emergency preparedness and response, data protection, and the Internet of Things. The one-day Intersec Fire Conference on 21st January will provide insights into the changing global trends in fire protection and its implications on the Middle East, while Dubai’s Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA) Forum will also return with the latest updates in security law and industry regulations in Dubai. Popular Features Returning popular features to Intersec 2019 include the Drone Zone, an Outdoor Demo Area, a Smart Home Pavilion and the Safety Design in Buildings Pavilion. More than 150 exhibitors will also participate for the first time, while Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Italy, Korea, Pakistan, Singapore, Taiwan, UK, and the USA comprise the 14 country pavilions. Intersec is organized by Messe Frankfurt Middle East and held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Official supporters include the Dubai Police, Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Police Academy, Dubai Municipality, and the Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA).

With more than 50 percent of U.S. households projected to use smart home technology by 2023, Interlogix, a provider of security and life safety solutions, is ready with an array of security platforms that support smart devices and links to top interactive service providers. Interlogix is a part of Carrier, a provider of innovative HVAC, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies. “We’re uniquely positioned to meet the demands of the smart home segment that’s expected to nearly double over five years,” said Michael Chiavacci, general manager, Interlogix, North America. “Our flexible, integrated hardware platforms offer a variety of connected, smart devices that seamlessly integrate to proven service providers.” Enhance Lifestyle Convenience Interlogix has reinvested in its UL-listed, professional-grade, security panel lineup and added two touchscreen controls. In addition, it is providing access to more device integrations – such as sensors, lights, locks, thermostats and garage door controls, video doorbell cameras and voice-controlled digital devices, among others. Homeowners can design a smart home system to meet their needs today, with the peace-of-mind that they can easily expand functionality" All of these systems can be managed or monitored via a single smart home app. For example, new devices such as the Interlogix Command Button, enhance lifestyle convenience by wirelessly triggering up to three different, simultaneous automations within the home. “Our range of platform and service solutions make Interlogix a smart choice,” said Chiavacci. “Homeowners can design a smart home system to meet their needs today, with the peace-of-mind that they can easily expand functionality if their needs grow and change.” Encrypted Wireless Communication Interlogix solutions are professionally installed and configured through a nationwide network of security and smart home dealers to ensure each home has a customized solution that fits each homeowner’s needs. Many of these solutions will be displayed at the 2019 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Booth visitors can preview a new line of door and window sensors, key fobs and pet-motion detectors that provide encrypted wireless communication between devices and select control panels. See many of the Interlogix solutions for home security and automation on display at the Pepcom Digital Experience, Jan. 7 in the Mirage Hotel and Jan. 8-11 in booth #40531 at the 2019 CES in Las Vegas.

GNM Hough Inc., a systems integrator and dealer in South Florida specializing in commercial electronic security systems, has selected Vigitron, Inc. as their network supplier. Gina Hough, GNM Hough Inc.’s President commented, “In the past, we’ve installed many different types of network equipment from different manufacturers, only to have on-going service and performance issues.” Cost-Effective Solutions “When we standardized our offering with the Vigitron product line, we began to see a significant drop off in service calls and an increase with customer satisfaction due to the performance and stability of the surveillance systems we’ve installed. As we move forward trying to capture more of the aging analog camera market, we know that we have the best total solution from our partners at Vigitron with their innovative products and solutions.” Neil Heller, Vigitron’s Vice President noted, “As the only full product supplier of network equipment, we value our relationship with GNM Hough Inc. Backed by extensive inter-operational testing of major camera, access control, and security lighting, we work with dealers to assure the most reliable and cost-effective solutions. Our main goal is to reduce the potential for expensive and time consuming after sales service calls and system down time. We are pleased to offer our Design Center Services, staffed by trained network engineers with no cost or obligation.”

ADT Inc., global provider of monitored security and interactive home and business automation solutions in the United States and Canada, and West Corporation (“West”), a global provider of technology-enabled services, has announced that they have entered into an agreement to enhance customer experiences with 911 emergency communications. Through this arrangement, ADT will use West’s Emergency Response Link (ERL) to help ensure homes and businesses monitored by ADT benefit from the most accurate location data available so that the correct response teams are deployed even faster. Emergency Response Link (ERL) Integrating accurate jurisdiction data into ADT systems is critical for timely and accurate alarm response ERL is a fully-managed, automated platform that uses location intelligence to identify the appropriate jurisdiction for a specific location based upon an address or geographic coordinates. This information enables ADT’s professional monitoring personnel to more quickly engage the correct local fire, police or medical response teams. Integrating accurate jurisdiction data into ADT systems is critical for timely and accurate alarm response because jurisdictional boundaries for fire, police and medical response are constantly changing. “For ADT, the safety and security of our customers is personal,” said Don Young, Chief Information Officer and EVP, Field Operations at ADT. “Given West’s long-standing reputation as a leader in the public safety space, its ERL platform is a natural choice to help ensure we are engaging the appropriate emergency teams and minimizing response times in the case of an alarm. West’s data offers advanced capabilities by mapping customers to emergency responders by location in ways that most alarm companies cannot do in-house. Using ERL enables ADT to shift our resources from maintaining an internal database of this information to what matters most – providing the enhanced monitoring services our customers rely on to help keep them safe.” Data And Security The integration of ERL marks the first of several planned collaborations between ADT and West to enrich ADT’s monitoring services “We know that in emergency situations, response time matters and every second counts, so our solutions are designed to improve the speed and accuracy of data delivery that supports public safety,” said Ron Beaumont, President of West Safety Services. He further added, “As part of West’s continued focus on utilizing our market-leading public safety capabilities for new applications and markets, we are delighted to work with the leading monitoring security provider who shares our focus on safety. ADT will be able to provide enhanced levels of service and compliance by tapping into West’s data and technology.” West rigorously researches, audits, verifies and manages Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) contact data based on the most current jurisdictional boundaries. West’s resulting expertise is then seamlessly integrated into the alarm provider’s internal systems, helping them route every emergency alarm to the appropriate emergency teams with speed and confidence. ADT Monitoring Services The integration of ERL marks the first of several planned collaborations between ADT and West to enrich ADT’s monitoring services by leveraging the power of West’s technology and data quality.

Senstar, global perimeter intrusion detection and video management solutions provider, is pleased to announce its Senstar LM100 hybrid perimeter intrusion detection and intelligent lighting system has received the Fixture Seal of Approval (FSA) from the International Dark Skies Association (IDA). IDA is the recognized authority on light pollution. Its mission is to preserve and protect the nighttime environment and the heritage of dark skies through environmentally responsible outdoor lighting. To help accomplish this, IDA developed the FSA program to provide objective, third-party certification for lighting that minimizes glare, reduces light trespass and doesn’t pollute the night sky. Hybrid Perimeter Intrusion Detection System The Senstar LM100 combines two key security functions in one cutting-edge product, acting as a powerful deterrent against intruders by detecting and illuminating them at the fence line. Its engineered lighting is environmentally friendly (its power-efficient LED technology uses 95% less power than traditional security lighting systems) and is specially-designed to minimize light pollution. “The minimized light pollution of the LM100 makes it ideal for deployment in urban and residential environments where legislation is changing, and general environmental awareness continues to grow,” said Product Manager Todd Brisebois. “Senstar takes pride in developing high quality products that take into consideration environmental impact and receiving the FSA is testament to our commitment to environmental preservation. Thank you to the IDA for this approval.”

As the world continues to become more connected, it’s becoming increasingly important to adjust security and safety procedures in the workplace. But today’s ever-evolving office environment can present unique safety and preparedness challenges. No two businesses are exactly alike, with some located in numerous buildings or spread out across campuses, while others have employees that frequently journey from different locations, work remotely or travel internationally. With this shifting environment, Rave Mobile Safety’s recent Workplace Safety and Preparedness survey asked over 500 full-time employees in various industries across the United States about their views on safety at work and emergency preparedness. Preferred Safety Measures Only 57 percent of respondents indicated that their workplace currently had preparedness drills in place for critical situationsThe survey looked at how employees and companies respond to various workplace emergencies: workplace violence, active shooter, medical emergency, fire, hazmat incidents, weather events and cyberattacks/system outages. Respondents provided insight on the current state of safety in their workplace, as well as how they want to be contacted when an emergency occurs. Though opinions on the preferred safety measures differed between generations and also between on-site and offsite workers, one fact remains consistent: there is much to be done to instill a better sense of safety in the workplace. While the findings show that employees feel safe in their workplace, only 57 percent of respondents indicated that their workplace currently had preparedness drills in place for critical situations. Quick Thinking Of the plans currently in place, excluding fire, 57 percent of the other major emergency plans were rarely or never tested. With so few drills in place, employees are left not knowing the best ways to respond to emergencies like weather events or hazmat incidents or if their employer recommends a certain response to situations like medical emergencies. Testing these plans is essential so that all employees, whether they are new to the company or not Even if plans are in place to begin with, not ensuring your employees understand and are comfortable with how to react to certain situations, can put the organization in harm’s way. Testing these plans is essential so that all employees, whether they are new to the company or not, have the appropriate response top of mind and their actions become second nature during a situation that will likely require quick thinking. Workplace Violence Instilling regular practices will only further ensure that responses will happen seamlessly, regardless of the emergency. Beyond the general awareness of drills and practices, most surprising in the responses was the fact that 34 percent of female respondents were unaware of workplace violence emergency plans. This is particularly shocking because workplace violence is the second leading cause of death for women in the workplace, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This shows an obvious lack of preparedness from organizations. It’s immensely important that employees to understand the relevant dangers of the workplace, especially when alternative could have a fatal result. The differences between baby boomers and millennials in the workplace is a common barometer showing how the workplace is continuing to change. Emergency Plans Workplace violence is the second leading cause of death for women in the workplace, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labour StatisticsWhat may have worked for previous generations must be reworked and adjusted so every generation is made aware of and understands the plans and procedures in place. These changes can help make workplace safety plans fresh and continuously relevant. With that in mind, millennials currently represent the largest segment of employees unaware of emergency plans for major workplace emergencies. 38 percent of this age group are unaware of existing emergency plans, compared to just a 28 percent average of employees over the age of 35. This could be associated with the fact that some organizations are not communicating plans with newer employees or even that organizations that employ a significant number of millennials might not have plans in place at all. Affecting Everyday Work If the newest generation is unaware of these plans, then it is only a matter of time before Generation Z enters the workforce and is in even worse position when it comes to emergency awareness. The survey results showed that on average, workplaces use two methods of communication for emergencies Feeling safe and secure at work should not be something that workers need to focus on, however more than a quarter of respondents that work remotely said that worrying about safety is exactly what is affecting their everyday work. With that in mind, it’s even more concerning to see that there seems to be a clear divide between current methods and preferred methods of communication during an emergency. The survey results showed that on average, workplaces use two methods of communication for emergencies, with the top two being intercom system announcement/building alarm (27 percent) and email (22 percent). Mass Text Messages At first, these methods seem to cover both remote and in-office employees, but survey results actually showed that both groups preferred and would be better reached during other methods. While email is the second most common emergency method currently in place by organizations, it actually ranks as the fourth most preferred method at a mere 11 percent. Even with a clear preference towards communication via mass text messages by respondents (39 percent of remote workers prefer this method), less than 20 percent of companies actually take advantage of this technology. This clear disconnect shows that organizations must find what works best for their employees instead of using methods that were previously established or that are just currently being used. Preparedness Plans What remains important for organizations, regardless of size or industry, is to keep emergency preparedness plans ever evolving Communication can not only be essential to alert employees to everyday situations, like office closures, but it is also imperative in preventing emergencies to escalate when they do occur. Although this survey discusses the current state of safety in the workplace, it’s that the disconnect between employee perceptions and employer polices that’s the most concerning. Companies need to take steps to understand how their employees would like to be reached during an emergency, as well as how employees would also like to reach out to management to report their own concerns. What remains important for organizations, regardless of size or industry, is to keep emergency preparedness plans ever evolving and well communicated, so your employees are confident in the emergency plans in place. By proactively planning and practicing for emergency events through table top exercises and drills, employers can demonstrate their commitment to employee safety and preparedness and build employee confidence.

With increased demands being placed on safety and security globally, and supported by advancements in IP cameras and 360-degree camera technology, the video surveillance industry is growing steadily. Market research indicates that this worldwide industry is expected to reach an estimated $39.3 billion in revenue by 2023, driven by a CAGR of 9.3 percent from 2018 to 2023. Video surveillance is not just about capturing footage (to review an event or incident when it occurs), but also about data analysis delivering actionable insights that can improve operational efficiencies, better understand customer buying behaviors, or simply just provide added value and intelligence. Growth of Ultra-HD Surveillance To ensure that the quality of the data is good enough to extract the details required to drive these insights, surveillance cameras are technologically evolving as well, not only with expanded capabilities surrounding optical zoom and motion range,4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021 but also relating to improvements in signal-to-noise (S2N) ratios, light sensitivities (and the minimum illumination needed to produce usable images), wide dynamic ranges (WDR) for varying foreground and background illumination requirements, and of course, higher quality resolutions. As such, 4K Ultra HD-compliant networked cameras are expected to grow from 0.4 percent shipped in 2017, to 28 percent in 2021, representing an astonishing 170 percent growth per year, and will require three to six times the storage space of 1080p video dependent on the compression technology used. Surveillance cameras are typically connected to a networked video recorder (NVR) that acts as a gateway or local server, collecting data from the cameras and running video management software (VMS), as well as analytics. Capturing this data is dependent on the communications path between individual cameras and the NVR. If this connection is lost, whether intentional, unintentional, or a simple malfunction, surveillance video will no longer be captured and the system will cease operations. Therefore, it has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism. Despite lost connectivity to the NVR, the camera can still record and capture raw footage locally until the network is restored, which in itself, could take a long time depending on maintenance staff or equipment availability, weather conditions, or other unplanned issues. Since microSD cards play a critical role as a failsafe mechanism to ensure service availability, it is important to choose the right card for capturing video footage.  It has become common to use microSD cards in surveillance cameras as a failsafe mechanism if an NVR breaks Key Characteristics Of microSDs There are many different microSD cards to choose from for video capture at the network’s edge, and they range from industrial grade capabilities to commercial or retail grade, and everything in-between. To help make some of these uncertainties a little more certain, here are the key microSD card characteristics for video camera capture. Designed For Surveillance As the market enjoys steady growth, storage vendors want to participate and have done so with a number of repurposed, repackaged, remarketed microSD cards targeted for video surveillance but with not much robustness, performance or capabilities specific to the application. Adding the absence of mean-time between failure (MTBF) specifications to the equation, microSD card reliability is typically a perceived measurement -- measured in hours of operation and relatively vague and hidden under metrics associated with the camera’s resolution and compression ratio. Therefore, when selecting a microSD card for surveillance cams at the edge, the choice should include a vendor that is trusted, has experience and a proven storage portfolio in video surveillance, and in microSD card technologies. Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites possible before the card can no longer store data correctly  High Endurance Endurance, as it relates to microSD cards, represents the number of rewrites (program/erase cycles) that are possible before the card can no longer store data correctly. The rewrite operation is cyclical whereby a new stream of footage replaces older content by writing over it until the card is full, and the cycle repeats. The higher the endurance, the longer the card will perform before it needs to be replaced. Endurance is also referred to in terabytes written (TBW) or by the number of hours that the card can record continuously (while overwriting data) before a failure will occur. Health Monitoring Health monitoring is a desired capability that not many microSD cards currently support and enables the host system to check when the endurance levels of a card are low and needs to be replaced. Having a card that supports this capability enables system integrators and operators with the ability to perform preemptive maintenance that will help to reduce system failures, as well as associated maintenance costs. Performance To capture continuous streams of raw footage, microSD cards within surveillance cams perform write operations about seventy to ninety percent of the time, whereas reading captured footage is performed about ten to thirty percent. The difference in read/write performance is dependent on whether the card is used in an artificial intelligent (AI) capable camera, or a standard one.   microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius Finding a card that is write-friendly, and can provide enough bandwidth to properly capture streamed data, and is cost-effective, requires one that falls between fast industrial card capabilities and slower commercial ones. Bandwidth in the range of 50 MB/sec for writes and 80 MB/sec for reads are typical and sufficient for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras. Temperature Ranges Lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments As microSD cards must be designed for continuous operation in extreme weather conditions and a variety of climates, whether located indoors or out, support for various temperature ranges are another consideration. Given the wide spectrum of temperatures required by the camera makers, microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras should support temperature ranges from -25 degrees Celsius to 85 degrees Celsius, or in extreme cases, as low as -40 degrees Celsius. Capacity Selecting the right-sized capacity is also very important as there needs to be a minimum level to ensure that there is enough room to hold footage for a number of days or weeks before it is overwritten or the connectivity to the NVR is restored. Though 64GB is considered the capacity sweet spot for microSD cards deployed within surveillance cameras today, lower capacity support of 32GB can provide room to attract the smaller or entry-level video surveillance deployments. In the future, even higher capacities will be important for specific use cases and will potentially become standard capacities as the market evolves. When choosing the right storage microSD card to implement into your video surveillance system, make sure the card is designed specifically for the application – does it include the right levels of endurance and performance to capture continuous streams – can it withstand environmental challenges and wide temperature extremes – will it enable preventative and preemptive maintenance to provide years of service? It is critical for the surveillance system to be able to collect video footage whether the camera is connected to an NVR or is a standalone camera as collecting footage at the base of the surveillance system is the most crucial point of failure. As such, failsafe mechanisms are required to keep the camera recording until the network is restored.

The Internet of Things (IoT) is having a significant and ever-changing impact on the way we view video security. Today, cameras are expected to be so much more than devices with which to simply capture images; they need to be far smarter than that. These future-facing cameras are becoming an integral part of the vast digital connectivity infrastructure, delivering a parallel performance as intelligent sensors with the ability to extract the kind of invaluable data that helps businesses make improvements in the area of video security, and beyond. However, as the list of possibilities grows, so too does the risk of unauthorized access by cybercriminals. We should all be aware that a single weak link in a communications infrastructure can give hackers access to sensitive data. That’s the bad news. Safeguarding Data And Utilizing Deep Learning The good news is cybercrime can be avoided by employing a data security system that’s completely effective from end-to-end. One technological advancement that the trend-spotters are predicting will become part of the video security vocabulary is ‘deep learning’ Once this level of safeguarding is in place you can begin to confidently explore the technologies and trends happening now, and those on the horizon. So, what will be having an influence on surveillance in 2018? Well, according to IHS Markit, one technological advancement that the trend-spotters are predicting will become part of the video security vocabulary is ‘deep learning’, which uses algorithms to produce multiple layers of information from the same piece of data, therefore emulating the way the human brain absorbs innumerable details every second. In Europe, GDPR compliance will also be a big talking point as new principles for video surveillance data collection, use limitation, security safeguards, individual participation and accountability are introduced. And, as the popularity – and misuse – of drones continues to rise, the recent developments in drone detection technology will be particularly welcomed by those whose primary concern relates to large areas, such as airport perimeter security. The Future Of 'Smart' Video Analytics An important feature of today’s intelligent cameras is the ability to provide smart video analytics. The Bosch ‘i’ series, for example, offers a choice of formats – Essential Video Analytics and Intelligent Video Analytics. Essential Video Analytics is geared toward regular applications such as small and medium businesses looking to support business intelligence (e.g. inter-network data transfer), large retail stores and commercial buildings for advanced intrusion detection, enforcing health and safety regulations (no-parking zones or detecting blocked emergency exits) and analyzing consumer behavior. The camera-based, real-time processing can also be used to detect discarded objects, issue loitering alarms and detect people or objects entering a pre-defined field. Intelligent Video Analytics provides additional capabilities. It is designed for demanding environments and mission-critical applications, such as the perimeter protection of airports, critical infrastructures and government buildings, border patrol, ship-tracking and traffic-monitoring (e.g. wrong-way detection, traffic-counts and monitoring roadsides for parked cars: all vital video security solutions). An important feature of today’s intelligent cameras is the ability to provide smart video analytics Intelligent Video Analytics can also differentiate between genuine security events and known false triggers, such as challenging environments created by snow, wind (moving trees), rain, hail, and water reflections. For more expansive areas, like an airport perimeter fence, the system has the range and capability to provide analysis over large distances. And, if a moving camera is employed, it is also possible to capture data on objects in transit when used in conjunction with the Intelligent Tracking feature. For roadside use, Intelligent Video Analytics systems, such as the Bosch MIC IP range, are resistant to vibrations and can still operate in extreme weather conditions, continuing to detect objects in heavy rain or snow.  Evolving Cameras Past Surveillance It’s becoming ever clearer that the IoT is transforming the security camera from a device that simply captures images, into an intelligent sensor that plays an integral role in gathering the kind of vital business data that can be used to improve commercial operations in areas beyond security. For example, cities are transitioning into smart cities. The capabilities of an intelligent camera extend to the interaction and sharing of information with other devices (only those you have appointed) With intelligent video security cameras at the core of an urban infrastructure smart data can be collected to optimize energy consumption via smart city lighting that responds to crowd detection and movement. Cameras can also be used to improve public transport by monitoring punctuality and traffic flow based on queue lengths, with the ability to control traffic lights an option should a situation require it. As the urban sprawl continues and this infrastructure grows, the need for more knowledge of its use becomes more essential, necessitating the monitoring technology developed for use by human operators to evolve into smart sensing technology, that no longer just provides video feeds, but also uses intelligent analytics and sophisticated support systems. These systems filter out irrelevant sensor data and present only meaningful events, complete with all relevant contextual data to operators to aid their decision-making. Expanding The Video Security Camera Network Today, video analytics technology has tangible benefits for human operator surveillance, and delivers KPIs that are highly relevant to transport operators, planners and city authorities. As an existing infrastructure, a video security camera network can be improved and expanded by installing additional applications rather than replaced. From a business perspective, that means greater value from a limited investment. Thereafter, the capabilities of an intelligent camera extend to the interaction and sharing of information with other devices (only those you have appointed), image and data interpretation, and the ability to perform a variety of tasks independently to optimize both your safety and business requirements. The fact is, cameras see more than sensors. Sounds obvious, but a conventional sensor will only trigger an alarm when movement is detected, whereas a camera can also provide the associated image and information like object direction, size, color, speed or type, and use time stamps to provide historical information regarding a specific location or event. Based on this evidence, the video security camera of today is more than ready for the challenges of tomorrow.

Security is more-than-ever linked to consumer electronics, especially in the residential/smart home market. CES 2018 in Las Vegas is therefore brimming with news that will have a direct impact on the security market, today and especially looking into the future. Products for the future of security   CES is a giant trade show for consumer electronics with 2.75 million net square feet of exhibitor space and featuring more than 3,900 exhibitors, including 900 startups - in contrast, ISC West has some 1,000 exhibitors. During the week-long show welcoming 170,000-plus attendees from 150 countries, more than 20,000 new products are being launched. The products incorporate ingredient technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G that will also be familiar elements as the future of the security industry unfolds. Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES, and many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. Key Security Technologies At CES 2018 Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES. For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? At CES, Johnson Controls is announcing support for Apple HomeKit now offered in their DSC iotega wireless security and automation solution. Consumers can manage both their security system and also other home automation abilities using Apple’s Home app, or Siri on their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Interlogix is announcing new features and components of its UltraSync SmartHome system, including hands-free voice control, high-definition cameras, an LTE cellular module and soon-to-be-released doorbell camera. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined Developments In Crime Awareness ADT has a high profile at CES, including the launch of its ADT Go mobile app, equipped with 24/7 emergency response from ADT’s live monitoring agents and backed by Life360’s location technology, providing emergency response, family connectivity, safety assistance and crime awareness.  ADT is also unveiling a video doorbell and expanding its monitoring to cybersecurity. IC Realtime is introducing Ella, a cloud-based deep-learning search engine that augments surveillance systems with natural language search capabilities across recorded video footage. Ella enables any surveillance or security cameras to recognise objects, colours, people, vehicles and animals. Ella was designed using the technology backbone of Camio, a startup founded by ex-Googlers who designed a simpler way to apply searching to streaming video feeds. It’s a “Google for video:” Users can type in queries such as “white truck” to find every relevant video clip. Smarter homes and smarter computers Do-it-yourself smart home security company Abode Systems announces iota, an all-in-one system giving customers more freedom and flexibility to build out and monitor their smart home. The new form factor has a built-in full-HD resolution camera enabling customers to see and hear what’s going on in their home 24/7 while a built-in gateway supports hundreds of devices to make homes more convenient, safer and more secure. There is also support for Apple HomeKit. Highly programmable and high-performance platforms will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market  The Z-Wave Alliance will host 30-plus leading smart home brands in the Z-Wave pavilion at CES. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience. Sigma Designs unveils its 700-Series Z-Wave platform, including numerous performance and technology enhancements in energy-efficiency and RF performance. Personal protection in attendance Self-defence product company SABRE will debut a combination pepper spray with dual sound-effect personal alarm that “alternates between the traditional wailing sound and a primal scream, while a strobe blinks 19 times per second to disorient assailants.” SABRE’s Modern Fake Security Camera includes “sleek, realistic design to deter would-be thieves.” Chip maker Ambarella is introducing the CV1 4K Stereovision Processor with CFflow Computer Vision Architecture. The chip combines environmental perception with advances in deep neural network processing for a variety of applications, including video security cameras and fully autonomous drones. At CES, applications will focus on automotive uses, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), self-driving, electronic mirror and surround view systems. The highly programmable and high-performance platform will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience Extending home security and efficiency  The Ring whole-house security ecosystem creates a “Ring of Security” around homes and neighbourhoods. Products include “Stick Up” indoor/outdoor security cameras, integrated LED lighting, a “Ring Alarm” integrated bundle for $199 including a base station, keypad, contact sensor, and Z-Wave extender. “Ring Protect Plans” include 24/7 professional monitoring. The “Streety” phone app, from Vivint Smart Home, extends home security into the neighbourhood. Streety makes it easy for neighbours to monitor neighbourhood activity through a network of shared residential cameras. They can keep an eye on kids, cars and property through live video feeds and use recorded video clips to investigate incidents. A new device making its debut at CES is the Walker “commercialised biped robot,” from UBTECH Robotics, which provides a complete home butler service and is designed to ease the day-to-day operations of a busy home or office. The varied of functions includes video surveillance monitoring, security patrol monitoring, motion detection and “instant alarm,” as well as dancing and playing games with children. The company says Walker will “bridge the gap between technologies that were once only available in scientific research institutions and everyday people.”

The Polizei Bayern successfully opened its first operations centre in mid-September at its Police Headquarters in Central Franconia in Nuremberg. At the heart of the communication system was the Frequentis 3020 LifeX platform including digital radio connections and the newly developed AudioHub. The headquarters in Nuremberg is the second largest operations centre in the German state of Bavaria. It comprises 21 operator working positions that receive and process between 800 and 1,200 police calls per day. In the event of an emergency, an additional 13 operator working positions can be activated. Dispatch Calls Successfully Within the first week of operation the system was put to the test during a storm which led to over 900 emergency calls in the space of seven hours Within the first week of operation the system was put to the test during a storm which led to over 900 emergency calls in the space of seven hours. The system proved its stability and operators were able to dispatch calls successfully without issue.  "The professionalism of Frequentis during the preparation, implementation and follow-up commissioning of the system gave us confidence in their abilities. All of the aspects important to us as customers were immediately considered and processed by the Frequentis team. Above all, the usability of the system was well received by the operators.", said Anton Beierweck, Head of State-wide IT Procedures at the Police Headquarters Upper Bavaria South. Provides Highest Protection LifeX was first deployed for Bavarian Police Force in 2015, ahead of the G7 summit. The system was adapted to the needs of the event which required 18,000 emergency services personal to protect government leaders and control demonstrations. The police headquarters of Mittelfranken is the pilot for the rollout of nine additional control rooms in Bavaria through October 2020 "What has been clear from the start of the project is the willingness of the Polizei Bayern to innovate. We are very proud to have met their high requirements in terms of technology and services and appreciate the professional cooperation with the organization who provides the highest protection and security in Bavaria.", Robert Nitsch, Frequentis Vice President Public Safety. The police headquarters of Mittelfranken is the pilot for the rollout of nine additional control rooms in Bavaria through October 2020. Two more operational centres are planned to be brought on line before the end of 2018.

Nestled on the banks of the river Thames, Kew Gardens in southwest London is home to the most diverse collection of living plants anywhere in the world. At 330 acres in size, it’s London’s largest UNESCO world heritage site, and has a history stretching back more than 250 years. The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, attracts more than 1.6 million visitors every year, coming to see the 30,000 different kinds of plants, and to visit the Herbarium, which has over seven million preserved plant specimens. As an internationally important botanical research and educational institution, Kew’s library contains more than three quarters of a million books, along with more than 175,000 prints and drawings of plant life. 24/7 Video Surveillance Coverage A need was identified to upgrade the existing legacy analog CCTV system to one capable of transmitting and recording in true HD Kew Gardens hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year, including festivals, concerts and art exhibitions, as well as learning experiences for all ages and interests, in addition to the garden attractions. The site is accessible via London Underground, Overground, buses and river services in summer, and the public can enter via four separate gates: the Elizabeth Gate, the Brentford Gate, Victoria Gate and the Lion Gate. There are also a number of other access gates to the gardens which are not open to the public. Because of the sheer volume of visitors and the multitude of public and trade entrances to Kew Gardens, the site requires around the clock video surveillance coverage, seven days a week. Analog To IP CCTV System Kew’s CCTV control room operations team works to monitor the safety and security of the park, but a need was identified to upgrade the existing legacy analog CCTV system to one capable of transmitting and recording in true High Definition. Security specialist firm The ITS Group was called in to help. The ITS Group is comprised of ITS Fire and Security, ITS Electrical, ITS Fire Training and ITS Building Services. The company has 20 years of experience within the fire and security industry, and provides CCTV, intruder alarms, barrier gates, security lighting, panic alarms, access control, and door and video entry, alongside a swathe of other services. The results were achieved in the process of implementing a Hikvision IP HD video surveillance system ITS Group Director Tim Dyer said the Kew project required upgrading equipment in the Gardens’ security control room and providing site-wide cameras which can be used to view all entrances for both public and trade, as well as various strategic locations throughout the Gardens. Challenges In Installing Surveillance System The massive 330-acre site is a huge area to monitor in itself, and Tim Dyer says the very public nature of the Gardens and its operations meant the actual video system installation posed some security continuity challenges. “Because the control room needed to be in operation 24/7, close co-ordination was required between ITS and the security team on-site,” he says. “We needed to maintain the CCTV in line with the changing site requirements on a daily basis. This, coupled with access issues and working in a public environment, was very challenging, and the fact that we were able to achieve such good results is testament to the close co-ordination between the site team and Kew security.” Those results were achieved in the process of implementing a Hikvision IP High Definition video surveillance system, which included new 43-inch and 22-inch HD monitors for the control room, along with new touchscreen network keyboards and joysticks. HD Images In Low Light When there’s no light at all, the Darkfighter cameras switch to IR mode and record black and white images at 0 LuxControl room operators monitor images from a number of different Hikvision cameras. These include an initial 48 DarkfighterX network speed domes, which provide color HD images in light levels as low as 0.001 Lux. That’s pretty dark. And when it gets darker still, they provide black and white images in light levels down to 0.0001 Lux. When there’s no light at all, the Darkfighter cameras switch to IR mode and record black and white images at 0 Lux. In addition, they offer 25x zoom capabilities and Deep Learning-powered target classification for automatic tracking and perimeter protection. They’re complemented by 29 Darkfighter 2 megapixel motorized varifocal lens cameras, 21 ultra-low light smart bullet cameras, and six low light smart cameras. Images are recorded to Hikvision 16-channel Turbo HD digital video recorders which support analog, HD-TVI, and IP cameras, H.264, H.264+ and dual-stream compression, and can output at up to 4K resolution. Improved Picture Quality The Gardens now have a full HD system which can be expanded with additional cameras in the future"The resulting system is not only powerful and effective in the short-term but is purposefully planned to incorporate forthcoming changes. “The Gardens now have a full HD system which can be expanded with additional cameras in the future,” Tim Dyer says. “It allows them to take advantage of technology advances and newly developed functionality on any cameras or devices they add to the system in future.” Tim Dyer says the Hikvision system has revolutionised Kew’s video picture quality and functionality. “Making the change from an old analog system to installing a new Hikvision IP system has transformed the Gardens’ picture quality, both during the day and at night,” he says. “The zoom facility is amazing and precise, and the reliability of them is second to none, making the work of the control room operatives a much easier role.” The HD surveillance system has been received exceptionally well by those whose opinion matters most: the security team at Kew Gardens. John Deer, Head of Security, said: “I am delighted with the installation of Hikvision cameras at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. They are of the highest quality, which has enhanced the overall security across the 330-acre site.”

Videowall technology supplied by Ultimate Visual Solutions (UVS) is at the heart of a new security control room at iNTU Trafford Center. High-End Videowall Technology The new facility helps ensure 30 million annual visitors have a safe and enjoyable time at what is the single best-known and most iconic retail and leisure destination in the UK. Burnley-based UVS, formerly eyevis UK, provides video wall displays and audio-visual solutions to a range of clients across the UK. UVS Full HD Videowall As part of the new state-of-the-art facility, UVS installed a 7.2m wide by 2.7m high videowall As part of the new state-of-the-art facility, UVS installed a 7.2m wide by 2.7m high videowall, made up of 24 eyevis 55-inch XSN extremely narrow bezel LCD screens with Full HD resolution. The displays offer 1920 × 1080 pixels, direct-LED backlight technology, a mechanical bezel width of only 3.5 mm between two displays and a brightness of 500 cd/m2. The installation also includes a control room meeting space featuring a videowall made up of four eyevis 46-inch XSN screens with 3.5mm bezel. Netpix 4900 Videowall Controller Both videowalls connect to a Netpix 4900 videowall controller configured for multiple analogue video feeds, IP video feeds, graphic PC data and web browsers. iNTU security staff, who monitor the center and liaise with visitors, will be able to send live videos from their tablets directly back to the video wall to share incident video with security staff. Video Monitoring And Visitor Management iNTU Trafford Center is a retail and leisure destination and it is important that the control room has the latest videowall technology" UVS managing director Steve Murphy said: “iNTU Trafford Center is a retail and leisure destination enjoyed by millions of people each year and it is important that the control room has the latest videowall technology.” He adds, “We are delighted to have been involved in such a prestigious and important project.” Lee Barlow, Security Manager, iNTU Trafford Center said “The security and safety of our customers, retailers and staff is our number one priority so having a control room that allows us to keep them safe is really important. The new videowall and meeting room screens allows us to do just that and we are really happy with them.” New Control Room With Videowall The new control room was designed and refurbished by Intech Solutions, which specialize in technical and control room furniture including full control room fit-outs in the UK and worldwide. UVS also worked to deliver the videowall with its security integrator partner, Nottinghamshire-based Quadrant Security Group.

On September 2, torrential rain caused mountain flood and massive landslide swept Mengdong Town of Yunnan province in southwestern China. Local transportation, electricity and communications network were disrupted. At 9:00PM, in order to reinforce local rescue forces, Yunnan Provincial Fire Brigade dispatched 24 vehicles and 130 firefighters, who later experienced serious challenges in communications in areas where intermittent voice call and short messages in cellular service was available only on heights. Hytera swung into action immediately after being notified about the firefighting department’s emergency communications requirements. Hytera iMesh Broadband Network Solution A Hytera technical team brought the latest emergency communications equipment with them and joined the firefighters onsite. The team quickly set up an ad hoc wireless network with Hytera iMesh broadband networking solution. This broadband network has been facilitating real-time audio and video communications and coordination between the onsite forces and the Provincial Fire Brigade command center. Multiple casualties have been reported and more people are missing. The relief effort is ongoing.

The 9th BRICS Summit was successfully held in Xiamen, China from September 3rd-5th, 2017, where leaders of the five member-countries were in attendance. Building on its success in providing a comprehensive security solution for the G20 Hangzhou Summit in 2016, the 9th BRICS Summit was yet another accomplishment for Dahua. The 2017 BRICS Xiamen Summit demanded high-level protection for national leaders from Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. As Xiamen’s city center is located on an island, the security system required comprehensive surveillance of all roads leading into the area, also known as the “Four Bridges and One Tunnel” network.Dahua provided 1723 bullet cameras, 379 PTZ cameras, 226 vehicle checkpoint cameras, 116 Face Recognition cameras, 10 mobile 4G PTZ cameras Protection Through Dahua Technology In addition to roads leading into the city, routes to and from the airport, hotels, and the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center needed to be protected as well. A solution of this proportion would also require an advanced, automated, and centralized system to ensure efficient, coordinated responses. With its cutting-edge IP camera, video cloud, network storage, and transmission technologies, Dahua was up to the task of securing Xiamen and the BRICS venues. In total, Dahua provided 1723 bullet cameras, 379 PTZ cameras, 226 vehicle checkpoint cameras, 116 Face Recognition cameras, 10 mobile 4G PTZ cameras, and many other advanced Dahua products and services used in various areas of the city. The BRICS security command center, administered by the Public Security Department of the Xiamen, was fitted with a Dahua visual emergency dispatch and command system. The center’s large display wall was stitched together with Dahua edgeless HD LED panels, enabling a complete picture of all units under command center control during the meeting, greatly simplifying control and responses. The security system surrounding the Xiamen International Conference & Exhibition Center as well as the visual emergency dispatch and command system in the security command center both adopted a full range of Dahua video surveillance and display solutions. Dahua employed advanced technologies such as intelligent analysis and big data, to increase the efficiency of emergency command and management capabilities Live Video Security On The Road A customized Dahua Mobile Solution with GPS positioning and in-vehicle wireless image transmission system was installed on 228 patrol cars and 72 special cars from the Xiamen Public Security Bureau, which was used to clear the way for Summit leaders. This provided the command center with a continuous live overview of all areas while providing support for the handling of various emergencies. Dahua contributed to the security of other key areas including the Xiamen Airport, train station, ferry piers, and police checkpoints In order to secure “Four Bridges and One Tunnel” access points, Dahua employed advanced technologies such as intelligent analysis, big data, and video analytics to significantly increase the efficiency of emergency command and information technology management capabilities, providing uninterrupted HD video surveillance and smart road event monitoring on bridges and tunnels. In addition, Dahua also contributed to the security of other key areas including the Xiamen Airport, train station, ferry piers, and police checkpoints. In surrounding Haicang and Jimei districts, Dahua constructed video surveillance on routes and sites which held key activities in the city, achieving full coverage of places such as guarded routes, main roads, key sites, as well as surrounding areas and regions of elevated risk. Dahua Securing Public Safety Dahua also played a role in safeguarding conference-related affairs such as catering, accommodation, and travel. The hotels in which leaders stayed in and surrounding areas were upgraded to HD systems in a short amount of time, making sure the leaders were secure while they rested during the Summit. The mobile law enforcement surveillance system assisted the Xiamen Market Supervision Commission in guaranteeing the provision of safe food during the Summit. The three day BRICS Summit concluded without a hitch. National leaders and their delegations were able to smoothly move about the city and attend the conference while Dahua products prevented threats through a vast network of smart video technologies. In addition, the large-scale project significantly upgraded Xiamen’s city surveillance system and provided a long-term foundation for not only public security-related operations, but also broader public projects such as the Xiamen Wireless Image Transmission System.

A major redevelopment and construction project is designed to completely modernize New York’s LaGuardia Airport into a world-class transportation hub that will better serve the tens of millions of passengers that use the airport each year. Siemens Building Technologies is working with Skanska Walsh Joint Venture, the design-build contractor for the redevelopment of Central Terminal B, to deploy an intelligent infrastructure solution that includes an integrated building automation and fire/life safety system for the new central terminal complex.The vision for the new terminal includes an enriched passenger experience by reducing delays at the gate Integrated Facility Security The new Terminal B will be far more efficient and safer than its predecessor built in 1964. Siemens’ Desigo CC integrated building management platform will monitor the building automation, allowing for dynamic control of the facility’s systems in order to respond to the changing needs of the terminal’s operations. The Desigo Fire XLS-V fire alarm panel with voice capability will be at the heart of the fire alarm system, operating both in Terminal B and the central plant. “The vision for the new terminal includes an enriched passenger experience by reducing delays at the gate and moving all passengers more safely and efficiently throughout the airport,” says Ted Jadermark, Airport System Manager with Skanska Walsh Joint Venture. “Integrating Siemens building automation and fire safety systems as we construct the new facility gives us the ability to manage and monitor its dynamic daily operations with the increased confidence necessary to protect the comfort and safety of LaGuardia’s passengers.”  Efficient And Safe Travel The new terminal complex will be located closer to the existing Grand Central Parkway, freeing up valuable airport apron space for planes. It will also utilize an island-gate system, which will create nearly two miles of additional taxiways and lead to fewer gate delays and less carbon emissions from idling planes. “We’re extremely proud to play such a key role in modernizing LaGuardia Airport, and in helping create the perfect place to travel efficiently and safely,” says Dave Hopping, President of Siemens Building Technologies North America. Siemens has an extensive footprint as a leading technology partner and financial ally for the New York City metropolitan region, helping shape the city’s infrastructure.

By definition, an edge device is an entry point to a network. In the physical security industry, edge devices are the cameras, sensors, access controllers, readers and other equipment that provide information to the IP networks that drive today’s systems. In the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing refers to an increasing role of edge devices to process data where it is created instead of sending it across a network to a data center or the cloud. In our market, edge computing takes the form of smarter video cameras and other devices that store and/or process data locally. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new “on the edge” of security and video surveillance systems? 

How much does a security system cost? We all know that total costs associated with systems are substantially higher than the “price tag.” There are many elements, tangible and intangible, that contribute to the costs of owning and operating a system. Taking a broad view and finding ways to measure these additional costs enables integrators and users to get the most value from a system at the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO). However, measuring TCO can be easier said than done. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable to share the benefit of their collective expertise on the subject. Specifically, we asked: How should integrators and/or end users measure total cost of ownership (TCO) when quantifying the value of security systems?