Emergency lighting

DITEK, the provider of surge protection solutions is featuring state-of-the-art technology at ISC West 2021, July 19-21 in Las Vegas. DITEK surge protectors are the first line of defense against power surges and spikes caused by lightning or other sources. DITEK solutions protect critical electrical systems—from fire alarms to video surveillance—by safely diverting excess voltage to the ground, avoiding costly repairs and downtime. DITEK’s vast array of solutions gives system designers, engineers, and installers peace of mind that equipment will remain safe from the damaging effects of power surges and spikes in voltage. Critical electronic equipment "Surge protection is the most vital and affordable way to safeguard critical electronic equipment and avoid downtime," said Jason Klein, National Sales Manager, DITEK. "Having a security or fire alarm system fail without warning is costly and dangerous. Our wide range of solutions ensures critical systems remain up and running at all times." DITEK's DTK-120X12 combines protection for 120V system power with protection Total Surge Solution for Fire Alarm Systems – DITEK's DTK-120X12 combines protection for 120V system power with protection for up to 12 low voltage circuits, eliminating unnecessary damage caused by power surges and spikes. This unique and compact new combination simplifies the implementation of comprehensive surge protection for fire alarm systems while providing remote monitoring of surge protection status using dry contacts. The convenient, modular plug-in design simplifies the installation of surge protection modules and allows for easy replacement when needed. Complete system protection The combination of complete system protection along with high-quality construction and field-replaceable modules makes this new offering a perfect fit for protecting fire alarm systems and control panels. Expanded Versa-Module, Low Voltage Surge Protection – DITEK’s new modular surge protection solution provides tailored multi-voltage protection for all varieties of low-voltage electronic systems. The DTK-VM2 enclosures offer 4, 8, and 24 channel options that accept a wide array of rapid-replacement modules designed to protect any combination of signaling, data, and low voltage power circuits from 5V up to 130V. All of the enclosures in this series accept any combination of modules equipped with either RJ45 or screw terminal connections, and all feature single-point grounding for simple and fast installation and service. Comprehensive surge protection This unique and compact new solution simplifies the implementation of comprehensive surge protection This unique and compact new solution simplifies the implementation of comprehensive surge protection for all kinds of critical electronic systems, including surveillance, access control, fire, fuel dispensing, point-of-sale, communications, industrial controls, audio, and more. The versatility of the new DTK-VM2 series enables installers to provide the ideal electrical surge protection for every part of a system. UPS Products – DITEK's online, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) offer reliable surge protection and double conversion technology that enables equipment to withstand the harshest power quality conditions, such as surges, spikes, brownouts, and total power loss. This compact and economical UPS series is available in 1kVA - 3kVA models, and offers rack or tower configuration. They also feature USB and Ethernet interfaces as well as an intuitive LCD display. Industrial network switches DITEK’s UPS products provide cost-effective and reliable performance for network servers, back-office computers, point-of-sale devices, and similar mission-critical equipment. Network Switches, Injectors, and Extenders – In addition to DITEK's surge protection division, DITEK Networks supplies IT professionals and security integrators with advanced networking hardware— including PoE+ network switches, extenders, and injectors; as well as Gigabit PoE+ industrial network switches designed for harsh industrial environments. All switches are able to use existing network cables and feature Green Ethernet power-saving technology that deactivates unused ports and adjusts power levels. This new line gives IT professionals and security integrators a new choice for cost-efficient, easy-to-install powered networks.

Security and commercial real estate companies have long searched for solutions to safely monitor private areas where cameras, as well as other technologies, cannot be used. This includes conference rooms, bathrooms, sensitive intellectual property areas, and many others. Competitive people counters have notorious accuracy weaknesses which is why Orion Entrance Control, Inc. sought out a better solution featuring radar because it identifies presence detection through micro movements such as heart rate and breathing. Improving customer experience Additionally, increases in employees working remotely means businesses need to re-evaluate traditional office space needs. Constellation™ provides data analytics in real-time and historical statistics for companies to make data driven decisions. Their occupancy sensors feature customizable alerts which uncover when certain areas should be cleaned due to usage, which conference rooms are empty, create energy sustainability saving opportunities when connected to lighting/HVAC systems, as well as which virtual office desks are available as more people work within flexible office spaces. Retailers see significant benefits as the real-time data can be an indicator of where additional staff should be deployed, when restrooms should be cleaned or may need toilet paper replaced, and improve customer experience by more effectively and efficiently allocating staff based on live data. Remote health monitoring Historic foot traffic patterns can provide insights into marketing effectiveness Historic foot traffic patterns can provide insights into marketing effectiveness. In fact, the ability to combine foot traffic, dwell time, sales transactions, and other metrics means retail businesses can effectively use Constellation™ to create a formula to analyze the value of various marketing tactics down to a conversion level. Powerful, actionable data. Remote health monitoring is a critical need when it comes to telehealth and patient care because people struggle with a variety of health ailments. Constellation™ features patented Xandar Kardian technology. Xandar Kardian is the world’s first and only commercially available FDA 510(k) cleared Class II medical device for non-invasive contact-free monitoring of motion, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and even presence detection of a patient using radar technology. Entrance control systems Xandar Kardian is cleared for use in general hospitals, nursing homes (all categories including SNF, AL, IL, AAL, Memory Care) and also in residential homes for home health monitoring (qualifies for CPT CODE 99454, Medicare/Medicaid Reimbursement). Orion Entrance Control, Inc. is excited to be participating at ISC West 2021. As one of the pioneers in turnstile and advanced entrance control systems, they believe that the new sensor technology offerings create the most comprehensive, converged systems to maximize safety, security, and operational controls. From the entrance to the back office, Orion Entrance Control, Inc. has brought intelligent and effective technologies to help drive greater data and metrics to maximize business efficiencies and a higher level of safety and security practices. Orion Entrance Control, Inc. looks forward to seeing visitors at their booth to learn more about 100% private Constellation™ and discussing the future of the converged technology experience.

Amulet, the specialist security arm of The Churchill Group, launches a new Temp & Vacant service. The nationwide service will provide 24/7, 365 security solutions and has been launched to support businesses that have temporary and vacant properties – an existing problem that has been exacerbated by the pandemic. When the first work from home order was given in March 2020, thousands of properties became vacant overnight. Last June commercial office space had a vacancy rate of 4.5 percent, and a center for London report found that one in seven shops were unoccupied at the end of 2020. Vacant property security These figures may fluctuate as restrictions ease, but it’s highly likely with a new way of work that many properties that were formerly occupied will remain vacant or only be used on a temporary basis. Amulet’s new service will address the security challenges posed by temporarily occupied and vacant space. Some of the key risks are vandalism, burglary, and fires. The range of Amulet solutions includes: On-site security provided by highly trained professionals Canine services for an additional layer of security and strong visual deterrent Mobile patrol visits for random checks and rapid response Vacant property security and inspections Perimeter protection, such as emergency fencing and razor wire Standalone video verification alarm systems that don’t require a power supply Rapid deployment CCTV solutions Temporary fire alarm systems Steel doors and screens for secure boarding Anti-loitering sound devices to prevent loitering Emergency lighting Security landscaping Eviction support The entire range of solutions can be provided on a short-term or ad hoc basis, at any location Amulet will also offer emergency deep cleaning and pest control for when a vacant property needs to be reoccupied at short notice. The entire range of solutions can be provided on a short-term or ad hoc basis, at any location, and can integrate seamlessly with client timescales. Intelligent monitoring and reporting The service will be backed by Amulet’s Command, Control and Intelligence Center (CCIC). Key features of the CCIC include intelligent monitoring and reporting, a 24/7 major incident response capability, lone worker protection, and twin-layer backup resilience. A holistic solution like this is why Amulet is one of the UK’s most highly regarded security providers. Darren Read, Managing Director at Amulet, said: “Temporarily occupied and vacant buildings present a different set of security challenges to a typical building. We have created a service that addresses those challenges, is flexible, and can be rolled out at very short notice. We’re confident that our range of solutions will meet the needs of the market and are excited to launch this comprehensive new service.’’

Senstar, a provider of perimeter intrusion detection and video management solutions, announces it has received LenelS2 factory certification as part of its long-standing membership in the LenelS2 OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP). Senstar’s wide array of perimeter intrusion detection sensors including FlexZone®, FiberPatrol®, OmniTrax®, the Senstar LM100™, and UltraWave® now integrate to OnGuard 7.6 and OnGuard 8.0. Senstar’s integration to OnGuard provides two-way communications, with OnGuard receiving alarm and status information from Senstar sensors and enabling the control of sensor controls such as relays, Senstar LM100 lighting levels, and self-test initiation. Intrusion panel inputs Based on the received zone and equipment alarms, the full range of OnGuard security responses can be initiated, including commanding camera actions and providing visual and audio alerts. This ongoing partnership with LenelS2 allows us to better serve the market" “The interface creates a system that can be deployed with no risk of software incompatibilities arising during site commissioning. It scales to cover systems of any size and reduces equipment costs by eliminating the need for relay output modules and associated intrusion panel inputs,” said Senstar Product Manager, Stewart Dewar. “This ongoing partnership with LenelS2 allows us to better serve the market by providing customers with options to create a security solution that is readily supportable, easily expandable, and cost-effective.” Sensor configuration tools The interface is implemented with a software gateway to Senstar’s Network Manager software. The Network Manager communicates directly with Senstar sensors and provides a common IP interface for use by Security Management Systems (SMS) or Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) systems. It also provides an access point through which sensor configuration tools can remotely access individual sensors. Running on the Windows® operating system, the gateway and Network Manager can reside on the same PC as the OnGuard communications server or on a dedicated PC. Network Manager connects to the networked sensors via either Ethernet or serially over Senstar’s Silver Network (EIA-422 or fiber).

SALTO Systems is delighted to announce the promotion of Beth Kahwajy Zdrojewski to North America Vertical Business Leader-Hospitality. Prior to taking on this new role, Zdrojewski served as SALTO National Account Manager for Hospitality. "I'm excited to move into this new role with SALTO. As the hospitality vertical team leader, I'll focus on business development and integrations in conjunction with our hardware solutions for the variety of hospitality properties found throughout North America. I look forward to the new challenge as well as adding new business and partners for continued growth,” said Zdrojewski. Electronic access control SALTO North America Director of Marketing and Vertical Business Steve Burk said the hospitality industry is an important vertical for electronic access control as they continue to leverage added security, operational efficiencies, and guest satisfaction. Steve Burk said the hospitality industry is an important vertical for electronic access control “The hospitality vertical understands more each day how, in addition to improving physical security, access control can help them enrich guest experiences while also improving operational efficiencies. Contactless check-in, mobile solutions, integrations such as with HVAC and room lighting and the like are really driving increased interest in electronic locking solutions,” said Burk. Driving improved operations “Beth has exceptional knowledge of how SALTO hardware and software solutions can improve the guest experience and drive improved operations and we are excited that she is leading these efforts for SALTO North America.” Prior to joining SALTO, Zdrojewski served as Manager of Strategic Accounts for Current powered by GE and has also been a Strategic Accounts Manager and Lighting Sales Representative for GE Lighting. She also has experience as a Senior Design Consultant with California Closets and a Marketing Associate for SYSCO.

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competence, announces the launch of its brand-new webcam products to the global market. The product family currently comprises four different series – Ultra, Pro, Live, and Value – designed for various scenarios and user groups, and with bespoke feature sets. According to industry analyst firms, the global live streaming market is expected to continue growing significantly in the coming years. The increase in video streaming among citizens and businesses in all verticals is reported as the main driver for market growth, with content creators diversifying their material and activities, and connecting with audiences in new ways. Immersive video conferencing In addition, complete and partial lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis also positively impacted the live streaming industry. To provide immersive video conferencing and streaming experiences, users need webcams that deliver high-resolution imaging and excellent-quality sound in a range of scenarios. Hikvision has designed and developed its new webcam range to meet this need. The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing. The highlight of this series is its PTZ control capability, which offers 5x optical zoom capabilities. This means that users can see meeting presentations or discussions without straining their eyes. Additionally, PTZ control allows users to pan across 330°, helping them adjust their viewing angle easily, without missing a thing. Webcams for remote conferencing Hikvision’s new webcam range also includes Pro webcams for remote conferencing. These are ideal for business professionals, offering an outstanding, immersive sound and video experience, with a sleek design and an elegant, anodized finish. Pro webcams offer an Auto Focus feature and built-in dual-microphone, ensuring that audio and video is always crystal clear during presentations, conferences, or group discussions. The cube-shaped Hikvision Live series of webcams is designed for live streaming, eCommerce, and gaming applications. If a product is being presented in a live program, for example, the webcam view can be changed – both horizontally and vertically – thanks to magnetic mountings on all four sides of the casing. Online education applications The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms These webcams also offer Sharp Auto Focus, which ensures that images of people and objects are sharp and clear at all times. Importantly, the webcams’ ‘touchable supplemental LED light’ feature enables users to adjust brightness in accordance with the surrounding environment. The Hikvision Value series is their range of entry level webcams. These have a compact design, making them perfect for online education applications that connect school teachers and students. The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms to reduce noise and improve sound quality. Its wide-angle lens provides maximum coverage, with no image distortion. This is particularly useful for teachers giving lessons in a classroom, where both the teacher and the blackboard, or wall-mounted screen, can be viewed clearly in a single frame. Third-Party conferencing platforms All Hikvision webcams are driver-free, offering ‘plug-and-play’ installation via a standard USB interface. This allows users to begin conferencing or streaming in seconds. All Hikvision webcams can also be flexibly mounted on users’ equipment, on tables, laptops, monitors, or tripods. Importantly, Hikvision webcams are equipped with dedicated PC-based client software, called HIKIN. Users can use this software for video previews, and to configure image and sound parameters. Notably, the webcams can be used with all the third-party conferencing platforms with video parameters configured using a simple drop-down menu. All Hikvision webcams are delivered with a standard 2-year warranty, giving end-users reliability and peace of mind.

Johnson Controls recently unveiled the findings of its 2018 Energy Efficiency Indicator (EEI) survey that examined the current and planned investments and key drivers to improve energy efficiency and building systems integration in facilities. Systems integration was identified as one of the top technologies expected to have the biggest impact on the implementation in smart buildings over the next five years, with respondents planning to invest in security, fire and life-safety integrations more so than any other systems integration in the next year. As advanced, connected technologies drive the evolution of smart buildings, security and safety technologies are at the center of more intelligent strategies as they attribute to overall building operations and efficiencies. SecurityInformed.com spoke with Johnson Controls, Building Solutions, North America, VP of Marketing, Hank Monaco, and Senior National Director of Municipal Infrastructure and Smart Cities, Lisa Brown, about the results of the study, smart technology investments and the benefits of a holistic building strategy that integrates security and fire and life-safety systems with core building systems. Q: What is the most striking result from the survey, and what does it mean in the context of a building’s safety and security systems? The results show an increased understanding about the value of integrating safety and security systems with other building systems Hank Monaco: Investment in building system integration increased 23 percent in 2019 compared to 2018, the largest increase of any measure in the survey. When respondents were asked more specifically what systems they we planning to invest in over the next year, fire and life safety integration (61%) and security system integration (58%) were the top two priorities for organizations. The results show an increased understanding about the value of integrating safety and security systems with other building systems to improve overall operations and bolster capabilities beyond the intended function of an individual system. Q: The survey covers integration of fire, life safety and security systems as part of "smart building" systems. How do smarter buildings increase the effectiveness of security and life safety systems? Hank Monaco: A true “smart building” integrates all building systems – security, fire and life-safety, HVAC, lighting etc. – to create a connected, digital infrastructure that enables individual technologies to be more intelligent and perform more advanced functions beyond what they can do on their own. For example, when sensors and video surveillance are integrated with lighting systems, if abnormal activity is detected on the building premise, key stakeholders can be automatically alerted to increase emergency response time. With integrated video surveillance, they also gain the ability to access surveillance footage remotely to assess the situation. When sensors and video surveillance are integrated with lighting systems abnormal activity on the premise can automatically be detected Q: How can integrated security and life safety systems contribute to greater energy efficiency in a smart building environment? Hank Monaco: Security, fire and life-safety systems can help to inform other building systems about how a facility is used, high-trafficked areas and the flow of occupants within a building. Integrated building solutions produce a myriad of data that can be leveraged to increase operational efficiencies. From an energy efficiency standpoint, actionable insights are particularly useful for areas that are not frequently occupied or off-peak hours as you wouldn’t want to heat or cool an entire building for just one person coming in on the weekend. When video surveillance is integrated with HVAC and lighting systems, it can monitor occupancy in a room or hallway. The video analytics can then control the dimming of lights and the temperature depending on occupant levels in a specific vicinity. Similarly, when access control systems are integrated with these same systems, once a card is presented to the reader, it can signal the lights or HVAC system to turn on. In this example, systems integration can ultimately help enable energy savings in the long run. Security and life safety systems contribute to help enable greater energy efficiency and energy savings in the long run Q: What other benefits of integration are there (beyond the core security and life safety functions)? Hank Monaco: Beyond increased security, fire and life-safety functions, the benefits of systems integration include: Increased data and analytics to garner a holistic, streamlined understanding of how systems function and how to improve productivity Ability to track usage to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs Enhanced occupant experience and comfort Increased productivity and workflow to support business objectives Smart-ready, connected environment that can support future technology advancements Q: What lesson or action point should a building owner/operator take from the survey? How can the owner of an existing building leverage the benefits of the smart building environment incrementally and absent a complete overhaul? Lisa Brown: Johnson Controls Energy Efficiency Indicator found that 77% of organizations plan to make investments in energy efficiency and smarter building technology this year. This percentage demonstrates an increased understanding of the benefits of smart buildings and highlights the proactive efforts building owners are taking to adopt advanced technologies. There is an increased understanding that buildings operate more effectively when different building systems are connected As smart buildings continue to evolve, more facilities are beginning to explore opportunities to advance their own spaces. A complete overhaul of legacy systems is not necessary as small investments today can help position a facility to more easily adopt technologies at scale in the future. As a first step, it’s important for building owners to conduct an assessment and establish a strategy that defines a comprehensive set of requirements and prioritizes use-cases and implementations. From there, incremental investments and updates can be made over a realistic timeline. Q: What is the ROI of smart buildings? Lisa Brown: As demonstrated by our survey, there is an increased understanding that buildings operate more effectively when different building systems are connected. The advanced analytics and more streamlined data that is gathered through systems integration can provide the building-performance metrics to help better understand the return on investment (ROI) of the building systems. This data is used to better understand the environment and make assessments and improvements overtime to increase efficiencies. Moreover, analytics and data provide valuable insights into where action is needed and what type of return can be expected from key investments.

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 coronavirus pandemic had a monumental impact on all aspects of the business world, including the security industry. However, amid the gloom and doom, many security professionals also saw opportunity: New ways the industry’s products could be applied to address the challenges of coping with the virus. This article will review some of those opportunities, based on our reporting throughout the year and including links back to the original articles. During and after the pandemic, security systems are an important asset when it comes to helping to keep occupants and buildings safe as employees return to work. For example, video analytics can provide insight into how spaces have previously been used and can help to predict where and when occupants encounter each other or congregate. Role of thermal cameras These foot-traffic patterns can inform settings for a variety of devices - like ventilation and temperature controls - and even help owners create social distancing plans and monitor personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance. Thermal surveillance, a mainstay of traditional physical security and outdoor perimeter detection, began being deployed early in the pandemic to quickly scan employees, contractors and visitors as part of a first line of defense to detect COVID-19 symptoms. These systems provide flexibility and can offer integrations with multiple VMS platforms and access control devices These systems provide flexibility and can offer integrations with multiple VMS platforms and access control devices. Thermal cameras can be a tool for detecting fever, but any use of the technology for this purpose is full of qualifications and caveats. Importantly, how the camera system is configured makes all the difference in whether temperature readings are accurate, and the downside of inaccurate readings is obvious - and potentially deadly. Temperature detection systems FDA guidelines limit how the cameras are used, not to mention guidance from other regulatory/government bodies such as the CDC. One of our Expert Roundtable panelists compares the market to a “wild west scenario,” and almost all the panelists are clear about how customers should approach the market: Buyer beware. There are many companies jumping into selling temperature detection systems to the state, local governments, hospitals, airports and local businesses, but do they know how to drive one? Anyone can get behind a car and drive it into a wall by accident. The same can happen with a temperature detection system. Customers need to know what questions to ask to ensure they maximize the accuracy of body temperature detection systems. Rise of contactless Spread of the novel coronavirus has jolted awareness of hygiene as it relates to touching surfaces such as keypads. No longer in favor are contact-based modalities including use of personal identification numbers (PINs) and keypads, and the shift has been sudden and long-term. Both customers and manufacturers were taken by surprise by this aspect of the virus’s impact and are therefore scrambling for solutions. Immediate impact of the change includes suspension of time and attendance systems that are touch-based Immediate impact of the change includes suspension of time and attendance systems that are touch-based. Some two-factor authentication systems are being downgraded to RFID-only, abandoning the keypad and/or biometric components that contributed to higher security, but are now unacceptable because they involve touching. "Users do not want to touch anything anymore,” says Alex Zarrabi, President of Touchless Biometrics Systems (TBS). Facial recognition system Another contactless system that benefits from concerns about spread of COVID-19 is facial recognition. New advancement in software, specifically in the areas of algorithms, neural networks and deep learning and/or artificial intelligence (AI), have all dramatically improved both the performance and accuracy of facial recognition systems, further expanding its use for an increasing number of applications. A low-tech solution - the face mask - became a leading preventative measure during the pandemic. But, a high-tech solution is necessary to ensure that everyone is wearing them. Cameras powered by artificial intelligence can now identify whether or not people entering a facility are wearing facemasks and help enforce adherence to mask mandates. This technology is proving to be a cost-effective solution that reduces risks of confrontations over masks policies and gives managers the data they need to document regulatory compliance and reduce liability. Smart video analytics Other technology approaches, including artificial intelligence (AI), were also brought to bear during the pandemic. The German data analytics powerhouse G2K, for example, has developed a Corona Detection and Containment System (CDCS) that is ready for immediate use in record time. Detection takes place in combination with AI-supported data analysis to specifically identify virus hotspots and distribution routes, as well as to identify other potentially infected persons. One specific AI application fuels the reopening of the world and successfully keeps the spread of the virus abated One specific AI application fuels the reopening of the world and successfully keeps the spread of the virus abated. A “collaborative security” application includes a synthesis of smart video analytics, facial recognition, object identification/detection, and thermal cameras that can support the reopening of businesses globally when installed within those facilities frequented by customers. Enforcing social distancing Several applications have been successful to date and will increase in usability in the foreseeable future, creating “smart cities” working together towards a safer, more secure world. The site of one pilot program is the 250,000-square-foot HID Global facility in Austin. For the pilot program, 80 HID Location Services readers were installed in a wide area in the facility, including a variety of environments. Initially 30 badges and 30 fobs, all BLE-enabled, were issued to employees. If a badge identifies another nearby beacon (suggesting a social distancing failure), it emits a blinking LED light, which can be seen by the offending co-worker. To ensure social distancing, a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacon is emitted from an employee’s fob (or from a badge that has the same functionality). The beacon communicates peer-to-peer with a beacon emitted by another employee’s fob or badge to alert if the location of the two employees is less than six feet apart. For contact tracing, the beacons communicate via a nearby “reader” (a BluFi BLE-to-Wi-Fi gateway) to the Bluzone cloud-based software-as-a-service. COVID-19 White Papers In addition, we published several White Papers in 2020 that addressed various aspects of the coronavirus pandemic. They included: The top five security lessons learned that apply across all industries navigating COVID-19. Using video analytics to keep staff, visitors and customers safe by enforcing social distancing. How antimicrobial treatment on door handles and levers can reduce disease spread. How companies can put in extra precautions that will continue to grow and adapt with their environment over the long-term. Determining the practicalities and capabilities of today's thermal cameras to accurately detect body temperature.

Intelligent solutions, such as those derived from artificial intelligence, help critical infrastructure organizations make sense of vast amounts of data. These integrated applications, such as advanced video analytics and facial recognition, can automatically pinpoint potential breaches and significant events, and send alerts to the appropriate personnel, departments, and agencies. These solutions can be powerful in unifying disparate command center technologies, fusing critical data input from emergency calls and responder activity to enhance situational awareness. Electrical substations are particularly vulnerable (and in need of extra security) due to their role in power distribution and the nature of their equipment. The challenge power utilities worldwide are facing is finding an affordable solution, which can help detect, deter and facilitate an informed response to a substation security event. Data capture form to appear here! U.S. regulations In the United States, this need is furthered by the physical security mandate CIP-014 issued by the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), calling for identification of security issues, vulnerability assessments and deployment of appropriate processes and systems to address. CIP-014 identification of security issues, vulnerability assessments and deployment of appropriate processes and systems to address CIP-104 specifically calls for implemented security plans that include measures to deter, detect, delay, assess, communicate, coordinate and respond to potential physical threats and vulnerabilities. Manufacturers of video and other systems are designing products to serve the critical infrastructure market. For example, Dahua Technology offers explosion-proof cameras with a combination of rugged reliability and superior optics that is a fit for surveillance of explosive and corrosive environments, including chemical plants, refineries, and other facilities in the oil and gas industry. This explosion-proof series of cameras are housed in enclosures that are certified to the ATEX and IECEx standards for equipment in explosive atmospheres. Each explosion-proof camera features Dahua’s Starlight technology for ultra low-light sensitivity and high-definition sensors that deliver clear images in real-time. They are IP68-rated to prevent water and dust ingress. Each explosion-proof camera features Dahua’s Starlight technology for ultra low-light sensitivity and high-definition sensors that deliver clear images in real-time Video footage in extreme temperatures Another manufacturer, Videotec, offers a range of cameras and housings that provide video footage regardless of aggressive external factors, such as ice cold, scorching heat, desert sand, the force of sea or wind, total darkness, pollution, corrosion and even explosive agents. SightSensor thermal systems enable a utility to detect and respond to substation security incidents across multiple sitesSightLogix smart thermal camera systems have been deployed to protect substations for electric utilities and other critical infrastructure facilities. SightSensor thermal systems enable a utility to detect and respond to substation security incidents across multiple sites, ranging from copper theft to vandalism while also meeting regulatory compliance. At each substation facility, Thermal SightSensors are positioned along the perimeter, and are paired with a high-resolution pan-tilt-zoom camera for alarm assessment. When a Thermal SightSensor detects an intruder, the target’s location information is sent over the network to a SightTracker PTZ controller, which automatically zooms and steers PTZ cameras to follow the intruder. The target’s location is also displayed on a topology site map to provide real-time situational awareness. Alarms are sent to the utility’s 24-hour security operations center, which will contact law enforcement in real time when unauthorized intrusions are detected. Integrated intrusion detection and lighting systems The Senstar LM100 hybrid perimeter intrusion detection and intelligent lighting system is simplifying security at one U.S. electrical utility company. For years, the utility company had integrated its perimeter intrusion detection and lighting systems. The company has now installed the Senstar LM100 which provides detection and lighting in one product and saves them over $80,000 per site. The savings are a result of the reduction of electrical requirements, conduit, grounding, and associated labor, as well as the removal of certain equipment from project scope that are required for the two-system integration. The Senstar LM100’s perimeter LED-based lighting acts as an initial deterrent. If an intruder persists and an attempt to cut, climb or otherwise break through the fence is detected, the closest luminaire begins to strobe, and an alert is sent via a security management system. The intruder knows immediately they have been detected and that their exact location is known by security and others in the vicinity.

Video surveillance cannot address all the security challenges in education, but it is a valuable tool and among the least obtrusive options available. And the list of security challenges that video can address grows every day. Video systems can provide real-time monitoring of school premises and facilitate rapid response to incidents. New advances such as video analytics are currently underutilized in the education arena. Historically, video has been used as a forensic tool in the education market, providing critical information about an incident after the fact. But that generalization is changing. Today, networking enables video images to be shared throughout a school system, traveling over existing networks, empowering a more centralized security management structure, and making video more valuable. In particular, higher education institutions are more likely to view live video, given the larger campuses, greater number of buildings, and more public areas where staff and students congregate. Challenges For Securing A School Environment Multiple challenges in the education market for security goods and services (from a video perspective) include wide open spaces that make securing schools with video surveillance cameras difficult since the vast amount of coverage required can be cost-prohibitive. Second, state and federal regulations must be taken into account and balanced with the need to protect student privacy. Panoramic cameras are one tool to address challenges, as a single 360-degree camera can replace between 4 and 5 PTZ cameras Finally, schools and colleges face dwindling budgets, which means security solutions must deliver more coverage and functionality, while also being cost-effective to deploy. Panoramic cameras are one tool to address these challenges, as a single 360-degree camera can replace between four and five traditional pan-tilt-zoom cameras, resulting in fewer cameras and more coverage – all at a lower cost for hardware and licensing. Data capture form to appear here! Intelligent Cameras With Video Analytics Video surveillance with video analytics can be deployed to monitor areas at certain times of day. For example, once school starts, there shouldn’t be a lot of activity in the parking lot or in particular areas around the school. For these situations, intelligent cameras with video analytics can be used to detect activity in those areas of interest to alert school security that something may need their attention. Radar detection is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area. ACC 6 video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology provides advanced video analytics search The goal in a potentially dangerous situation is to speed up response times. The faster you’re able to detect something using technology, the faster you’re able to respond. Therefore, being able to identify something happening in a parking lot and alert school resource officers could provide 30 seconds or a minute head start for response, which can get the school into a lockdown situation and get first responders on site more quickly. Video Cameras With Low-Light Capability It’s been shown that using lighting at night can deter crime. However, it can be expensive to keep a building and grounds illuminated all night, every night. To mitigate these concerns and potential costs, there are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability that allows them to see in near-dark or in some cases complete darkness. This allows a school to save money by turning lights off while achieving a level of surveillance performance similar to daytime deployments. There are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability to see in near-dark or complete darkness Facing above-average student incident rates and student disciplinary concerns at some schools, a school system in the United States sought to upgrade its video surveillance system to allow better local and remote monitoring in important areas. Avigilon high-definition cameras with self-learning video analytics and access control solutions were installed in 101 schools, and ACC 6 video management software with Avigilon Appearance Search technology provides advanced video analytics search. A deep learning artificial intelligence search engine can sort through hours of footage and allow operators to click on a button and search for all instances of a person or vehicle across all cameras on a site, quickly and efficiently.

The Kalyani Group had promoted Kalyani Wheels as a part of its diversification plan. Kalyani Wheels then had a technical collaboration with Lemmerz Werke, Germany. Subsequently, Lemmerz Werke became a joint venture partner and the new company was christened as Kalyani Lemmerz Ltd (KLL). The company manufactures Wheel Rims for utility vehicles, light and heavy commercial vehicles and tractors. Wheel rim technology Lemmerz is a pioneer in wheel rim technology and supplies to automotive manufacturers. KLL manufacturers wheel rims using the flat stock, cold pressing and flow forming method pioneered by the Lemmerz Group. This process gives Kalyani Lemmerz a competitive edge over other wheel rim manufacturers. The HR team was also spending time on providing ad-hoc reports post payroll KLL's HR department was responsible was processing its payroll. The HR team desired to focus on labor law issues. Also running a payroll in-house came with the risks of information and data leakage resulting in compromising the confidentiality of data. The HR team was also spending time on providing ad-hoc reports post payroll. KLL approached TopSource Worldwide to provide a comprehensive payroll solution that needed to be delivered on time, accurately and be able to respond to their growing needs. Comprehensive payroll solution TopSource Worldwide provided an end-to-end payroll service that freed up HR to continue to focus on HR related activities. Special reports were developed as part of the automation initiatives to produce Bonus Calculation, CTC summary, LIC reconciliations and Trust PF contributions. Timelines (including working on Sundays if required) are being followed by TopSource Worldwide to deliver the service. KLL has to no longer spend time on administrative work and queries related to payroll. The HR team is able to focus on core HR issues and industrial relations. They have eliminated the risk of issues caused due to employee dissatisfaction if HR issues are not handled in a timely manner. They also have the added benefit of a flexible service provider to meet their adhoc reporting requirements.

Compania Naţională de Căi Ferate ‘CFR’ - SA, the state railway carrier of Romania, has invested in an integrated security and safety solution from Johnson Controls, to protect passengers traveling on a new railway link, connecting the Otopeni Henri Coandă International Airport to Bucharest Nord main railway station, in Bucharest, Romania. Securing Bucharest’s new rail link The 2.95 km rail link, which was planned to facilitate the large number of fans traveling from the international airport to attend the Bucharest-hosted EURO 2020 football matches and was completed in just 14 months, from the design stage, at a cost of approximately 120 million Euros, is now being increasingly used by business travelers and tourists, who wish to visit the city of Bucharest. The contract to design and execute the entire project was won, as part of a competitiveness tender process, by the Arcada – ISPCF – DB Engineering consortium. Alfred Net, a systems integrator that specializes in designing and implementing turnkey security, telecommunications and network solutions, was subsequently tasked to provide the new railway terminal’s safety and security systems, as well as the passenger communications and information systems. Need for a sophisticated security solution We were very pleased to have the opportunity to use our experience of providing sophisticated solutions" “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to use our experience of providing sophisticated solutions for complex and mission critical applications, in order to contribute to the success of this important project,” said Alex Vladutoiu, the Managing Director & Solutions Architect at Alfred Net. Alex Vladutoiu said, “With the new link terminating within the airport, we immediately realized that any security and safety solution that we recommended to the consortium would need to meet the demanding requirements of airport security, as well as railway- related EU regulations and directives.” Deep integration of security components He adds, “This meant that as well as being robust, ultra-reliable and cyber secure, the various component parts of the solution would need to be deeply integrated with each other, so as to provide control room operators with a high level of situational awareness, which would enable them to react quickly and effectively to any incidents.” Alex Vladutoiu further said, “With this in mind, our previous experience led us to recommend that all the security and safety products should be single sourced from the Johnson Controls’ access control, fire, intrusion and video surveillance brands, which come under its Tyco umbrella. Simply put, we knew these various brands could collectively provide us with everything needed to put together an effective solution for this project.” He adds, “Importantly, we were confident that the various products, which to a large extent are ‘plug & play’, could be easily integrated without the time-consuming process of developing new drivers and interfaces.” Tyco victor security management platform The Alfred Net design team specified the Tyco victor security management platform  The Alfred Net design team specified the Tyco victor security management platform, to be at the heart of the safety and security solution. In addition to helping control room operators manage and monitor the images, captured by Tyco Illustra high-definition IP network cameras, victor’s graphical user interface (GUI) alerts operators in real time, as to any fire or intrusion events, as well as any access control activity. The design of the security and safety solution was based on a rigorous Risk Assessment Report, which took into account the worst case scenarios, in terms of the threat to the safety of passengers, disruption and the protection of assets. Unified security solution “By providing a unified solution, which can manage the combined data captured by the intrusion detection, access control, fire detection and video surveillance systems, victor offers authorized users with all the information they need, to monitor and strictly control the movement of passengers.” The products include: Video Surveillance & AI Analytics: In addition to the Tyco Illustra cameras and VideoEdge video recorders, which have been deployed to monitor the railway terminal proximity, mission critical machinery, platforms and areas open to the public, control room operators are also able to take advantage of video analytics, in order to help them quickly detect any suspicious activity or danger. Tripwire detection, for example, can generate an alert, if a passenger oversteps a platform’s safety line, while people counting analytics can alert security personnel to overcrowding. It can also be used by operations personnel to help them make best use of human resources, by having a greater understanding of which parts of the station are busy, at different times of the day. Access Control: A CEM Systems AC2000 access control software platform, together with eDCM350 OSDP protocol IP door controllers, are supporting smart card readers and encrypted cards, to limit access to sensitive areas throughout the railway station, such as communications, signaling, staff and locker rooms. As a highly scalable solution, AC2000 enabled Alfred Net to implement access control throughout expansive areas of the railway. By utilizing RS485 serial communications with strong AES 128 encryption between the eDCM 350 intelligent door controllers, the OSDP readers and the smart cards, the railways is protected against the threat of controller signal cloning, as well as the threat of personnel card cloning. Fire Detection: Zettler Profile Flexible addressable panels, flame detectors and smoke sensors have been installed throughout the station terminal, to ensure mandatory compliance with EU fire regulations. Integration with the station’s PAVA system means that pre-recorded announcements are automatically broadcast, when a fire-related event occurs. Intrusion Detection: A DSC PowerSeries Neo intrusion system is providing protection for areas, which may be left unattended, such as cash handling areas, with integrated panic buttons to ensure there is a rapid reaction to any intrusion alarm. Johnson Controls and Alfred Net partnership Alfred Net worked closely with the Johnson Controls’ pre-sales team, in order to ensure the best products were specified for each location and application, and the comprehensive security and safety solution was installed, alongside the station’s iPIS communications and information software. Alex Vladutoiu said, “This was without doubt the most complex project that the client has been involved with and reflects its determination to invest in the latest technology, to ensure maximum operational efficiency and to protect its passengers and assets.” Video analytics and flame detection This has resulted in diverse solutions, such as video analytics and flame detection" He adds, “This has resulted in diverse solutions, such as video analytics and flame detection, based on video technology interacting with laser detection, RGB LED displays, digital signage, Text-to-Speech and many other state-of-the-art technologies, to deliver a highly effective total solution.” Since December 2020, when the new rail link became operational, the highly complex and integrated security and safety solution from Johnson Controls has been playing a key role, in ensuring the smooth operation of the train station and the running of 72 trains per day, (36 pairs), which arrive and depart every 20 minutes, both from and to the airport. Tyco suite of security products Alex Vladutoiu, Managing Director and Solutions Architect at Alfred Net, concludes “As a solution architect, Tyco is indeed my preferred security provider for integrated projects. As a unified solution, the Tyco suite of products are almost ‘plug and play’ and give you everything you need to build-up an integrated system, without spending additional time or money on developing other interfaces. He concludes, “We were delighted to have designed and implemented the new Otopeni Airport Railway Terminal project in less than one year and we look forward to our continued partnership with Tyco.”

A host of industry-pioneering fire protection solutions from UK manufacturer, Advanced, have been installed to protect approximately 140,000 sq ft of Grade A office space at Westferry House, Canary Wharf. As a cornerstone office building situated at the western gateway to Europe’s largest and most successful business district, Westferry House consists of 11 storeys, complete with its retail promenade on the ground floor. At the core of the active fire protection for the building are six Advanced MxPro 5 fire alarm control panels installed alongside Apollo Soteria multi-sensors. Installing custom-made fire panel Responsible for all aspects of the installation, as well as the future maintenance of the system, are Advanced partners, Pacific Security Systems Ltd. The Kent-based fire and security specialists installed the MxPro 5 fire panels alongside Advanced’s remote-control terminal and repeater panel, TouchControl, to provide a discreet and aesthetically pleasing means of viewing the fire system in the building’s recently refurbished reception area. Advanced’s team was commissioned by Pacific Security Systems to design and manufacture a custom-built annunciator panel Advanced’s AdSpecials team was also commissioned by Pacific Security Systems to design and manufacture a custom-built annunciator panel to control the pressurization and extraction fans and dampers on all floors of the building. The annunciator also integrates with the building’s VA/PA system to provide manual control of messages on all floors. Reliable and user-friendly solutions Kirk Short, Director at Pacific Security Systems, said, “As long-time installers of Advanced with many successful projects, large and small, under our belts, we know its solutions are both reliable and user friendly. The bespoke equipment we required for the fire system upgrade at Westferry House is of an excellent standard, and we found the AdSpecials team very easy to work with throughout the entire design process.” Advanced’s AdSpecials team works with customers requiring bespoke fire panels to design and manufacture unique fire system solutions, whatever the installation challenge. Versatile TouchControl solution Amanda Hope, UK Fire Business Development Manager at Advanced, said, “Canary Wharf attracts some of the World’s most respected and successful companies, and it was fantastic to learn that our solutions have been installed in such a prestigious commercial office space.” “Westferry House is just a stone’s throw from the Landmark Pinnacle – the UK’s tallest residential building – another iconic site protected by Advanced’s MxPro 5 panels. Westferry House is also a fantastic example of where our TouchControl solution comes into its own, providing additional monitoring and control in a sleek and versatile format that complements the building’s stylish reception space.” Touchscreen repeater TouchControl is a high-resolution touchscreen repeater that makes it easy to check fire system status via interactive mapsTouchControl is the low-profile, high-resolution touchscreen repeater that makes it easy to check fire system status via interactive maps and zone plans while harmonizing with a wide range of interiors. When in standby, it can be used to display branding, advertisements, and information, but will instantly revert to fire operation when a fire condition occurs. Advanced, owned by FTSE 100 Company Halma PLC, protects a wide range of prestigious and high-profile sites across the globe – from London’s Shard to Abu Dhabi International Airport and the Hong Kong – Zhuhai – Macau Bridge Fire protection solutions   Advanced is a world pioneer in the development and manufacture of fire protection solutions. Advanced’s reputation for performance, quality, and ease of use see its products specified in locations around the world, from single-panel installations to large, multi-site networks. Advanced’s products include complete fire detection systems, multi-protocol fire panels, extinguishing control, fire paging, false alarm management, and reduction systems as well as emergency lighting. Halma is a global group of life-saving technology companies with a clear purpose to grow a safer, cleaner, healthier future for everyone, every day.

IDIS end-to-end video is protecting a new, purpose-built visitor center at Canterbury Cathedral, part of a $34 million renovation project transforming one of the UK’s most important UNESCO Heritage sites. The seven-year program, preserving and safeguarding the fifteen-centuries-old masterpiece of English Gothic architecture – and mother church of the worldwide Anglican communion - includes the addition of a new, purpose-built welcome center for visitors. The center, housing retail facilities, a viewing gallery, and community studio exhibition space, is protected with a best-in-class video solution which combines discrete monitoring with high-performance image capture. Real time monitoring Specialist systems integrator Hall & Kay Security Engineering was tasked with delivering a solution that would be affordable, easy-to-use, and allow for comprehensive real time monitoring, while ensuring reliable recording without data loss. And because this was part of a much wider project, the video technology also had to be fast and easy to install – essential for avoiding project overruns in this complex, multidisciplinary construction environment, and preventing any delays to the new welcome center’s opening. This IDIS Korean-made tech also gives Canterbury assurance of trusted manufacturing origin Based on previous experience, Hall & Kay had no hesitation recommending IDIS end-to-end tech, incorporating cameras, recorders VMS, and essential peripherals. This IDIS Korean-made tech also gives Canterbury assurance of trusted manufacturing origin and high-level cybersecurity protection, with its inherent, multi-layered encryptions and proprietary protocols to safeguard sensitive video data. Variable lighting conditions To give high-definition video coverage of the Welcome Center’s entrances, retail area and exhibition spaces, Hall & Kay installed IDIS Full HD DC-4223WRX IR dome cameras. These vandal-resistant models come equipped with varifocal lenses, true WDR and IR LED to deliver crisp, clear images even in challenging and variable lighting conditions. They connect to three 16-channel DD-1216 NVRs to handle recording and deliver 480ips live view with no visible latency. Easy plug-and-play allowed for seamless and rapid connectivity and mutual two-factor authentication of devices streamlined cybersecurity measures, the cornerstone of IDIS DirectIP® solutions. Specific user permissions The IDIS cameras, NVRs and VMS discretely blend with the center’s architecture The license-free IDIS Center VMS gives the cathedral Constable and his security team complete visual awareness and easy control tools for efficient management, plus the ability to configure specific user permissions to give senior staff and system administrators timely access to video footage. The IDIS cameras, NVRs and VMS discretely blend with the center’s architecture without detracting from the visitor experience, while providing effective real-time monitoring. “The solution is now protecting property, enhancing safety for visitors and staff, and providing a complete record of events at one of the UK’s busiest and most important heritage sites,” says David Stokes, Divisional Director, Hall & Kay Security Engineering. Compelling business case “The IDIS end-to-end solution allowed us to present this important customer with a compelling business case, with no up-front or ongoing licensing fees, extended warranties and a low total cost of ownership. The solution is also highly flexible and scalable, thanks to long-term hardware support and forward- and backward-compatibility, which future-proofs the cathedra’s investment.” “The choice of IDIS video for this most sensitive of sites is testament to the reliability, quality and cybersecurity of our Korean-made tech,” adds Jamie Barnfield, Senior Sales Director, IDIS Europe. “This is just one of many projects we are working on with Hall & Kay in-line with the IDIS philosophy of building sustainable strategic partnerships with integrators and end user customers.”

The Highway Patrol Vehicles are customized, fully equipped, robust vehicles, outfitted with specialized surveillance, communication & monitoring equipment for emergency response on highways. These first responder vehicles are designed for patrolling and preventing crime on highways. The Highway Patrol Vehicles (HPV) provide an enhanced sense of safety and security to highway commuters by ensuring smooth traffic flow and managing any impediments due to accidents or other crimes. This case study showcases Mistral’s expertise in design, integration, and commissioning of advanced highway patrol vehicles, that feature sophisticated monitoring, control, and communication systems. Modern highway surveillance The Highway Patrol Vehicles are designed for Karnataka State Police who were keen on inducting these patrol vehicles with modern highway surveillance and monitoring systems to their fleet. The Karnataka State Police under the directive of the Hon’ble Supreme Court had approached the industry for solutions to enhance road safety and reduce accidents on the highway. Mistral was awarded the contract to design and integrate a modern surveillance system Mistral was awarded the contract to design and integrate a modern surveillance system into an SUV platform for 24×7 patrolling of highways and smooth traffic management. These Highway Patrol Vehicles had to have the below-mentioned equipment to ensure that traffic discipline is maintained, and valuable lives are saved in case of any emergencies. Requirements of the customer for the Highway Patrol Vehicles included: Public address system Search/emergency light Pan-tilt zoom surveillance cameras Network video recorders and communication console Central monitoring station Alcohol breath analyzers UPS power supply GPS tracking & 4G based video transmission Rescue tools – crowbar, axe, snatchstrap Special-Purpose equipment Mistral designed and integrated Highway Patrol Vehicles with special-purpose equipment Mistral designed and integrated Highway Patrol Vehicles with special-purpose equipment and custom-made components such as PTZ surveillance camera, Top-Bar LED light, Pan-Tilt searchlights, etc. for patrolling and monitoring the traffic on Highways. The Highway Patrol Vehicle was based on a newly launched Toyota Innova CRYSTA which was supplied by the Karnataka State Police Department. Below listed are the details of equipment integrated into the Highway Patrol Vehicles: Custom-designed PTZ camera – A 30X Pan-Tilt-Zoom Surveillance camera to provide a panoramic/long-range view of the traffic, even during critical conditions. It allows remote adjustment of the camera to pan, tilt and zoom into objects with high-resolution video quality. Fixed camera – A 1/2.8″ CMOS, full HD camera is fitted on the rear side of the vehicle. Advanced video analytics (at control rooms) – To enable traffic enforcement, various customer-centric analytics like ANPR, Speed Monitoring, Triple Riding, Helmet detection, etc. have been enabled at the central control room effective traffic and safety management. Monitoring and GPS tracking Real-time positioning Geo-Fencing Tracking of Highway Patrol Vehicles Live video feed monitoring from the central command center, & designating officers through their mobile devices The VMS software provided by Mistral allows the officers to access the CAN data Command & dispatch - An IP-based command & dispatch communication system is provisioned inside the vehicle enabling control room operators to communicate with the police personnel in Highway Patrol Vehicles and vice versa. Statistics & reports - Malfunction, alarm, business & illegal reports, device logs, operation logs. Vehicle CAN data - The VMS software provided by Mistral allows the officers in the command control room to access the CAN data like speed, remote start and stop in case of emergency, fuel level, etc of the vehicle for remote monitoring and decision making. Public addressal and traffic management PA system Expandable reflective traffic delineators / barricades Rescue & emergency response Rescue tools (snatch strap, foldable saw, crowbar) First aid, stretcher Managing traffic violations Breath analyzer Speed gun, ANPR

Boon Edam Inc., a provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announces that NC State University in Raleigh, North Carolina, has installed new turnstiles as part of a major renovation of their D. H. Hill Library. Founded in 1887 as a public, land-grant, research university and part of the University of North Carolina system, NC State is the largest university in the Carolinas. The university is home to two libraries: the D. H. Hill Jr. Library on the North Campus and the James B. Hunt Jr. Library on Centennial Campus. Different common spaces The Hill Library houses over one million volumes of the libraries' total collection and offers a number of different common spaces for work and study. A recent renovation transformed the interior with the addition of an open grand staircase. The stairs connect the second and third floors to the lobby and flood the space with natural light. Two of the new turnstiles are for visitors entering the library, and the other two are dedicated for those exiting As part of this renovation, four Boon Edam Lifeline Speedlane Swing optical turnstiles were added to the Hillsboro Street entrance on the north side of the building. Two of the new turnstiles are for visitors entering the library, and the other two are dedicated for those exiting. The Hill Library is open to the general public during certain hours, with visits limited to the campus community the rest of the time. Exterior swinging doors lock During the day when the library is open to all, the turnstile barriers are kept open for free entry and exit. After general hours, the exterior swinging doors lock and authorized visitors must use their ID badges to unlock the doors and subsequently pass through the turnstiles. The Speedlane Swing turnstiles are known for their ultra-slim, stylish cabinets as well as their user friendly and responsive LED lighting system, which turns on when users approach and shows where to present their badge. The turnstiles offer support to security staff in the library lobby, helping ensure that no unauthorized individuals can access the library during non-public hours. If tailgating occurs, the turnstiles sound an alarm and security staff can respond immediately. Avoiding barrier contact On a typical day during the school semester, the turnstiles process approximately 6,000 to 7,000 students and other visitors. During the summer, this number drops to 400, but during exam time, usage peaks with up to 10,000 people entering the library every day. The campus population had no difficulty adapting to the new turnstiles at the Hill Library The campus population had no difficulty adapting to the new turnstiles at the Hill Library, as there were already turnstiles in place at the Hunt Library. According to Travis Tyo, the Director of Facilities for the Libraries, the new Speedlane Swing turnstiles were an improvement from the older turnstiles, due to their accurate ability to sense tailgating attempts and avoid barrier contact with fast moving users. Implementing another installation The University is already implementing another installation of Speedlane Swings at the south entrance to the Hill Library. The new entry will match the layout of the north entrance, with four turnstile lanes and a security guard on site. A future installation at the Hunt Library is also in the works. Travis says of the installation, “We worked closely with our Security and Applications Technologies departments here on campus; we tested different products and everybody liked the Boon Edam turnstiles and the ability of the company to respond whenever we need them. Ultimately it is much simpler and more efficient to have people badge in than to have a security guard look at IDs as each person enters the library.”

When a fire or other emergency occurs in a building or facility, first responders depend on every available resource to ensure a safe and orderly evacuation and response. One element in any response plan is the facility’s physical security systems, including access control, video surveillance and intrusion detection. How can these systems contribute to an orderly response to a chaotic situation?  We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of security systems in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuation?

Public spaces provide soft targets and are often the sites of terrorist or active shooter attacks. Public spaces, by definition, require easy accessibility and unrestricted movement. Given that openness, what security technologies can provide real results? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is technology innovation impacting the security of public spaces?

Our Expert Panel is an opinionated group on a wide variety of topics, and we are dedicated to providing a useful and flexible forum to share those opinions. This week, our panelists address a range of opinions about several self-selected topics, culled from the large number of Expert Panelist responses we have collected in the last year. In this Expert Panel Roundtable article, we will share these varied and insightful responses to ensure they are not lost to posterity!