Emergency lighting

The Z-Wave Alliance, a global membership organization dedicated to advancing the popular Z-Wave wireless smart home protocol, will host the Z-Wave Pavilion at ISC West 2019 in Las Vegas, with Alliance members introducing and demonstrating their latest Z-Wave solutions. The Z-Wave Alliance offers security dealers and integrators the opportunity to interact with the latest Z-Wave technology in one central location as well as network with manufacturers that are leading the global smart home and IoT security industry. This new Z-Wave module is built on a new ARM-based core and the Silicon Labs Gecko platform Silicon Labs, a provider of silicon, software and solutions for a smarter, more connected world, will also demonstrate the innovative Z-Wave 700 platform, boasting advanced capabilities in every aspect of smart home technology to drive greater interoperability, simple plug and play installs, and the highest levels of security. This new Z-Wave module is built on a new ARM-based core and the Silicon Labs Gecko platform that brings a host of new development tools to make time to market faster. Z-Wave Pavilion Members Include: Danalock will demonstrate how their Danabridge V3 enables remote operation of their newest smart lock, the Danalock V3 and showcase the Danapad V3 wireless access pad and Universal Module V3. Everspring will display their new range of Z-Wave sensors with the Z-Wave S2 Security framework. Leedarson will present their new IoT solutions designed to enhance smart home security, monitoring, lighting and energy, and enable voice activated commands on products that work with Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT. Parakeet will showcase their enterprise solutions for MDU owners and managers to enable centralized remote access control of primary property functions like HVAC monitoring, door locks, garage doors, thermostats and more. SecureNet is presenting their SecureNet platform that simplifies and expands the capabilities of central monitoring stations and alarm dealers to add lifestyle services to their existing alarm transportation offerings. ShenZhen NEO is one of the earliest professional manufacturers of IP Cameras in China, providing indoor wireless IP cameras, wireless outdoor IP cameras, mini PTZ IP cameras, dome IP cameras and outdoor PTZ IP cameras and more. Vision is showcasing their Z-Wave compatible U-Bell alarm, Wall Remote, and Wireless Siren and Strobe that receives activation commands from an alarm system. Showcasing Growing Ecosystem Of Products ISC West remains an important venue to engage with this audience and spread awareness of the benefits of Z-Wave"“In our fifth year at ISC West, the Z-Wave Pavilion continues to be a representation of our leadership in the smart home security market and we look forward to showcasing our growing ecosystem of products for security dealers and integrators,” said Mitchell Klein, executive director of the Z-Wave Alliance. “Integrators are an integral part of this industry’s growth – they talk to consumers on a daily basis and understand the concerns they have around issues like network security and barriers to greater adoption of smart home. "ISC West remains an important venue to engage with this audience and spread awareness of the benefits of Z-Wave and its commitment to security across the market.”

Thailand’s leading business hub for security solutions, Secutech Thailand, is set to return from 28 – 31 October 2019 alongside Thailand Lighting Fair, Thailand Building Fair, and Digital Thailand Big Bang. Under the banner of ‘Smart City Solution Week 2019’, the four fairs together will serve as a one stop shop for smart city professionals to source all of the latest security, building automation, lighting and digital infrastructure solutions. “The Thai government aims to establish 100 smart cities over the next two decades,” said Ms Regina Tsai, the Deputy General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. “Within this context, ‘Smart City Solution Week’ delivers a win-win for Thailand’s smart city stakeholders. The arrangement will not only create visitor synergies amongst the four fairs, but it will also help to build even more momentum for Thailand’s smart city sector.”  Secutech Thailand – Security + AI Ms Tsai said that she expects to see an increase on last year’s visitor numbers during Smart City Solution Week 2019 Secutech Thailand has embraced the smart city concept since the first edition in 2011, and under its new theme of ‘Secutech Thailand – Security + AI – Empowers Sustainable City Development’, the fair will deliver all of the latest AI and IoT security innovations for the smart city sector. The 2018 edition of the fair featured a record 250 exhibitors (2017: 150) and attracted 8,420 visitors to 7,000 sqm of exhibition space.       Ms Tsai said that she expects to see an increase on last year’s visitor numbers during Smart City Solution Week 2019: “Many of the distributors and system integrators that visit Secutech Thailand also have business interests in the lighting, building automation and digital infrastructure sectors. By running Secutech Thailand alongside Thailand lighting Fair, Thailand Building Fair, and Digital Thailand Big Bang, we will create a convenient one-stop sourcing platform that will draw in even more buyers to Secutech Thailand.” Sustainability, The Key Theme At Smart City Week 2019 All four fairs will be held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Center, and in keeping with the modern push towards sustainable living, each fair offers a unique sustainability theme. The Thailand Lighting Fair is set to be held under the theme of ‘IoT + City: A Sustainable and Livable Future’ The Thailand Lighting Fair, for example, is set to be held under the theme of ‘IoT + City: A Sustainable and Livable Future’. Jointly organized by Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd and The ExhibiZ Co., Ltd, the fair is a home for exhibitors to showcase their unique lighting accessories and electronic components; as well as smart and sustainable lighting solutions for cities and commercial environments. Sustainable Solutions Sustainable solutions will also be on display throughout the halls of the Thailand Building Fair. Run by the same organizers as the Thailand Lighting Fair, the show is a regional hub for building automation and electrical engineering solutions which include products that promote energy efficiency and facilitate smart living. Meanwhile, established in 2017, Digital Thailand Big Bang is a B2C platform that receives government backing to promote digital technologies. The fair is organized by the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA) to showcase the ways that big data can be used to transform society and improve urban living standards. Just a few of the solutions that can be found at the fair include city management systems, cloud computing, fintech products, and digital infrastructure such as submarine cables and satellites. Smart Police And Smart Transportation Zones In line with the smart city theme, the 2019 edition of Secutech Thailand will feature four zones, each of which will display products for different smart city sectors. A key element of smart cities – smart transportation, will be served at the ‘Smart Transportation zone’ The ‘Smart Police zone’, will host IoT technologies that assist smart policing, such as real-time crime mapping systems, body-worn cameras, crowd management systems, gunshot detection systems, predictive policing systems and more. Another key element of smart cities – smart transportation, will be served at the ‘Smart Transportation zone’. Here, trade visitors will find smart surveillance systems, vehicle monitoring systems, as well as traffic and security control centers. Safe Factory And Smart Campus Zones Elsewhere, the ‘Safe Factory’ and ‘Smart Campus’ zones will deliver the latest early warning disaster systems, emergency response systems, personal alert applications, and products capable of providing real-time air quality information.  In addition to this, Thailand’s fire safety fraternity will be able to locate all of the latest fire extinguishers, alarms and emergency equipment at the concurrent ‘Fire & Safety Thailand’ event; while three further events: ‘SMALiving’, ‘SMACity Solution’, and ‘Info Security Thailand’, will host all of the latest advances in their related sectors.

iluminar, a specialty security lighting manufacturer, is excited to announce that its CEO, Eddie Reynolds, has been selected to speak on a panel at ISC West 2019, the largest trade show for the security channel in the United States. Taking place April 9-12, 2019, ISC West will welcome over 30,000 security professionals and 1,000 exhibiting companies at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Female-Driven Panel Reynolds will join a female-driven panel at ISC West on April 9 called, “Being a Woman Owned Business Owner in the Security Industry is an Advantage, not a Disadvantage.” The discussion will center around the task of starting a business within the security industry, traditionally seen as male dominated. The panel of female entrepreneurs represent a security supplier, security integrator, security recruitment firm, and a government security contracting consultant. Each woman will share what led her to start her own business as well as best practices for success. “I am honored to speak alongside such exemplary women and discuss information and tools that can empower women to start their own businesses in the security industry,” said iluminar’s CEO Eddie Reynolds. “I hope this panel inspires more women to be self-starters and leaders because a diverse workforce helps the entire industry to thrive." The Panel Will Feature The Following Executives: Maureen Carlo, business development manager at BCDVideo Christine Lanning, president of Integrated Security Technologies Rebecca Bayne, president of Bayne Consulting & Search Inc. Lynn De Seve, president of GSA Schedules Inc. Eddie Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of iluminar Inc.

India’s foremost shop window and business hub for the security industry, Secutech India, is set to return from 25 – 27 April 2019 against a backdrop of rising government investment in smart city projects. Jointly organized by Asian Business Exhibition and Conferences Ltd (ABEC) and Messe Frankfurt Trade Fairs India Pvt. Ltd, the 2019 edition of the fair will introduce a new smart home zone to accommodate India’s growing home automation sector.    Indian Security IndustryOn top of the commercial security and fire safety sectors, home security solutions are also on the rise" The show is set to kick off within the context of a positive outlook for the Indian security industry. Just one of many causes for optimism is the government’s commitment to smart city projects, which include investments totaling USD 7.3 billion in 100 cities across the country. These investments are bolstering the already promising surveillance and access control markets, which are forecast to grow at an impressive CAGR of approximately 10% and 15% until 2021.  “Thanks to positive market conditions and Secutech India’s track record of generating new business within the security industry, over 100 exhibitors have signed up to exhibit at this 8th edition of the fair,” said Ms Regina Tsai, Deputy General Manager, Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd. “On top of the commercial security and fire safety sectors, home security solutions are also on the rise. To meet the sourcing requirements of this growing sector, we are delighted to have added a new ‘smart home zone’ to this year’s show floor. Visitors to the zone will find the very latest home video surveillance systems, alarm systems, access control systems and integrated home networks.” Fire And Safety India In total, trade visitors will have 15,000 sqm of exhibition space to explore during the fair. While the new smart home zone will be of great interest to these visitors, the show’s commercial security suppliers are likely to remain the largest attraction for buyers. Assa Abloy, Avigilon, CP Plus, ESSl, Hikvision and Veracity, are just a few of the well-known brands that will be displaying their latest video surveillance, analytics, biometrics and access control technologies for the commercial security sector during the fair. The show will also welcome the return of the concurrent ‘Fire and Safety India’ event In addition, the show will also welcome the return of the concurrent ‘Fire and Safety India’ event. The event provides coverage to the entire spectrum of fire safety products, including the likes of fire detection and alarm systems, emergency lighting, escape ladders, evacuation equipment and fire protection gear. Strong channel buyer turnout With so many crossover sourcing opportunities on offer between the security, fire safety and smart home sectors, fair organizers are anticipating a strong turn out from channel buyers. At the previous edition, the fair attracted over 18,000 visitors, including builders, developers, system integrators, distributors, consultants and project owners. Thanks to its extensive series of forums and seminars, Secutech India serves as the perfect occasion for industry players to gather the latest market intelligence. This year, fair organisers have collaborated with knowledge partners PwC India and MitKat Advisory to design a program that will tackle the most important issues facing the regional security industry. India's Smart City Projects The panel discussions will focus on the future of India’s smart city projects One of many highlights is the ‘Smart Urban Infrastructure – Monitoring & Surveillance Framework’ panel discussion, which will take place on the first day of the fair. The panel discussions will focus on the future of India’s smart city projects, as well as cyber security, emergency preparedness, and emergency response mechanisms. In addition, the third day of the program will be dedicated solely to the fire and safety sector, with a series of seminars covering safety solutions for India’s densely populated urban areas. A hands-on training experience for fire safety practitioners and corporate professionals will also feature, in the shape of the ‘Fire Safety Volunteer Training’ program. Run by the State of Maharashtra Fire Services, the training will give participants information on different types of fire-fighting equipment and how to use them correctly during fire incidents. Attendees will also learn about fire safety legislation, fire drills, evacuation procedures, fire safety precautions, and the most common causes of fire. Consultant Consortium On top of the fringe events, a number of new business matching programs will be introduced to connect exhibitors with the most appropriate stakeholders. The ‘Consultant Consortium’, for example, is a business matching and networking forum dedicated to connecting exhibitors with mechanical engineering and plumbing consultants, contractors, HVAC consultants, as well as façade and architectural consultants.  

FIREX International, alongside the co-located IFSEC International, Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show, has announced that the Protection & Management series of events will be moving to a new dateline of 19-21 May for the 2020 edition at ExCeL, London. FIREX International 2019 Dates Unchanged  Gerry Dunphy, Exhibition Director, FIREX, explains: “Major business decisions are made at FIREX every year, and the event has been in huge growth in its home in London, as we anticipate seeing for the June 2019 event. Expanding on this, we’re thrilled now to have worked even more closely with the fire safety community and with our venue, ExCeL, to organize the 2020 edition on a May timescale. The customer is at the heart of the much-loved FIREX exhibition, and this will allow exhibitors and visitors alike to maximize this essential time in the buying cycle.” FIREX sees organisations across a host of industries, from construction to government and legislative bodies FIREX welcomes an international audience of installers, integrators, specifiers, distributors and end-users from over 70 countries. In the wake of the number of fire tragedies the community has witnessed on a global scale, the conversation around fire safety has never been more important; FIREX sees organizations across a host of industries, from construction to government and legislative bodies, mark the three days as a key date on their calendars. Fire Protection And Prevention In moving to May 2020, ExCeL also welcomes the Security & Counter Terror, Ambition and Forensics Europe Expos to run alongside FIREX and its neighboring IFSEC, Safety & Health Expo and Facilities Show. With fire prevention and protection playing a major role in developments in the security and safety industry, the move further strengthens FIREX’s position as the industry leader in the life safety conversation. This strategic co-location of events will see 38,000 professionals working across fire and security come together at ExCeL London. Exhibiting companies will have access to the entire end-to-end fire protection supply chain under one roof, with visitors able to source products and technology from an unrivalled showcase of solutions. This year’s FIREX International will keep its June dateline from 18–20 June 2019. 

How does France organize its rescue services? What does civil defense look like in Italy? And what are the techniques and tactics used by American firefighters to combat forest fires? The answers to these and other questions will be provided at the upcoming Interschutz trade fair, which runs from 15 to 20 June 2020 in Hanover, Germany. On three dedicated days of the six-day show, individual countries will be in the spotlight – France on Tuesday, Italy on Wednesday and the United States on Thursday. Security And Fire Safety Trade Fair  "As a globally renowned and massive trade fair for fire brigades, rescue services, civil protection and safety/security, Interschutz is the perfect place to think outside the box and learn from the experiences of others," says Martin Folkerts, Interschutz project manager for the Deutsche Messe team. "The challenges for rescuers around the world are similar. Our Partner Country Days are dedicated to promoting international networking and reaffirming a cross-border sense of community." High-ranking visitor delegations from the respective featured nations are expected to attend the 2020 Partner Country Days. In addition, special activities are planned at group pavilions from the German federal states as well as on the open-air demonstration site. The three countries will also play an important role at Interschutz conferences and forums. Trade fair attendees will be informed about all the various activities on all the different Interschutz channels. And the trade fair catering service will also have a special culinary focus on each of the Partner Country Days. Global Security Companies To Participate At Interschutz, companies from around the globe will showcase their vehicles, equipment and technologies for protection and rescue services in a quest to conquer new markets. Visitors from Germany and abroad will find new ideas and technological innovations at Interschutz, where they can share their experience with others and generate new leads. In 2015, some 800 out of approximately 1500 exhibitors came from abroad, with visitor attendance of more than 21,000 stemming from outside Germany. And international journalists also showed keen interest in Interschutz, with more than 200 foreign journalists having made the trip to the Hannover Exhibition Center in 2015.

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.”

Senstar, a global provider of perimeter intrusion detection systems and video management software, is pleased to announce its Senstar LM100 hybrid perimeter intrusion detection and intelligent lighting system is helping to prevent theft at AIM Marine, a boat and motor sales and repair shop near Ottawa, Canada. Perimeter Intrusion Detection After two thefts from the storage yard, Aim Marine owner David Scott looked to add a layer of security to his 235 m (771 ft) perimeter fence. “My initial impression was that these systems were cost-prohibitive for a business of my size,” Mr. Scott said. But after doing some research, he learned Senstar has simple and affordable options for small sites, including the Senstar LM100, which combines two key security features – lighting and perimeter intrusion detection. “The Senstar LM100 luminaires provide high quality, direct illumination along the fence line – deterring intruders and providing targeted illumination for video surveillance systems, all while monitoring the perimeter to detect any attempt to cut, climb or lift the fence fabric,” said Senstar Product Manager Todd Brisebois. Monitoring Perimeter “Fully programmable, the luminaires provide general security lighting and can inform intruders that you know where they are by flashing the light. The Senstar LM100 also minimizes light pollution and is energy efficient.” Following the thefts, Aim Marine was subjected to high repair costs and insurance deductible increases. With the LM100 now on the fence, no repairs are needed and insurance deductibles have been cut in half. The system has practically paid for itself. Since the Senstar LM100 was installed in spring 2018, there have been no attempted thefts at Aim Marine, and Mr. Scott is convinced having the LM100 lighting his fence has been key in deterring intruders. “Absolutely the LM100’s got something to do with it,” Mr. Scott said.

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.

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?