Facility security

Sequr, a premier cloud-based mobile access control trusted by customers such as UPS, announced Sequr Access Sync to automate perimeter security for modern buildings and offices. Sequr Access Sync intelligently connects organizations’ physical and cyber security systems to provide highly granular access management while easing administrators’ work. Physical and cyber security have historically been handled separately using different tools. In the cyber arena, everything from the CEO’s email account to the customer database is protected by technology called identity and access management (IAM) software that’s used by practically every modern security-conscious organization. IAM solutions enable highly automated enforcement of access rules for every user, a capability that Sequr Access Sync carries over into the real world to the physical facility. Sequr Access Sync solution Sequr Access Sync can connect to every organization’s IAM deployment thanks to support for all IAM solutions on the market. From there, Sequr draws on the rich security information that an organization’s IAM system contains about every person to intelligently determine how to manage their physical access. Administrators can customize the physical perimeter’s automated behavior using a powerful rules engine with set-it-and-forget-it capabilities. Sequr Access Sync recognizes individuals who require access to the facility or office right after their profile is created Data-driven onboarding Sequr Access Sync recognizes individuals who require access to the facility or office right after their profile is created in the organization’s IAM personnel database as part of the routine onboarding process. Then, Sequr pulls security data from the IAM system including the person’s job role, departmental affiliation, work location and more to determine how to best manage their access. Automated access management Administrators can define set-it-and-forget-it onboarding rules for assigning access. Rules can encompass specific doors, elevators and gates as well specific access schedules. For example, a company might create a rule to assign individuals access to the building entrance, parking lot gate and elevator from 9am to 5pm on work days. Sequr Access Sync can also assign every person access to their specific work area (e.g. if a person’s IAM profile shows they’re part of the marketing department, they would receive access to the marketing department’s door on top of their other credentials.).  Powerful IAM integration Using a facility’s predefined rules, Sequr Access Sync can automatically adapt the physical perimeter to security changes. For example, if a person is promoted from the marketing department to the executive suite, Sequr Access Sync will become aware of the change thanks to the IAM integration and update the access credentials on that person’s mobile device. The Sequr-powered perimeter can intelligently adapt itself to security changes such if a person moves to a new role with expanded facility access Responsive security access The Sequr-powered perimeter can intelligently adapt itself to security changes such if a person moves to a new role with expanded facility access, a different work schedule, or even a different company facility. Access credentials that are no longer needed are immediately removed with no need for manual input. This prevents the build-up of unused credentials and thus avoids the security gaps that can form over time due to human oversights when deprovisioning must be done manually. Physical & cloud-based security “Access control is a fundamental requirement for any organization to achieve security compliance and to pass their regular security audits. Misplaced or stagnant employee access credentials can be dangerous”, said Sequr Chief Technology Officer Mishi Patel. “With Sequr, admins never have to worry about unauthorized access to the office. They can define granular access rules in the cloud that automatically keep the physical perimeter secure and in sync with the organization.” Sequr Access Sync is available immediately with support for all premier IAM solutions on the market including Google G Suite Directory, Microsoft Active Directory, Okta, OneLogin, Auth0, Bitium and Centrify. It expands Sequr’s already extensive lineup of advanced access management capabilities. Sequr provides real-time analytics for access monitoring, anti-passback to prevent the use of mobile credentials by unauthorized users, first-person-in and holiday access rules and more.

The beginning of the school year and upcoming seasonal changes remind us that demand for security systems, like almost everything else, is seasonal to some extent. Making improvements to educational facilities during the summer months – including installation of security systems – is the most obvious example of seasonal demand, but there are others. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which vertical markets for security are impacted by seasonal changes in demand?

If you’re responsible for a medium or large-sized office, it’s more important than ever that you have access to a means of ensuring people’s safety, managing risks and fraud, and protecting property. Any security system that you employ must therefore meet the most demanding commercial requirements of today’s offices, and tomorrow’s. This means thinking beyond a basic intrusion system and specifying a comprehensive solution that integrates smart features like access control, video management and intelligent video analytics. Because only then will you have security you can trust, and detection you can depend on. Reliable Entry Management Access control systems have been developed that guarantee reliable entry management for indoors and outdoors Access control is becoming increasingly important for ensuring the security of office buildings, but as the modern workplace evolves you’re unlikely to find a one-size-fits-all solution. Today, it’s commonplace to control entry to individual rooms or restricted areas and cater to more flexible working hours that extend beyond 9 to 5, so a modern and reliable access control system that exceeds the limitations of standard mechanical locks is indispensable. Access control systems have been developed that guarantee reliable entry management for indoors and outdoors. They use state-of-the-art readers and controllers to restrict access to certain areas, ensuring only authorized individuals can get in. With video cameras located within close proximity you can then monitor and record any unauthorized access attempts. The system can also undertake a people-count to ensure only one person has entered using a single pass. Scalable Hardware Components As previously mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all system, but thanks to the scalability of the hardware components, systems can adapt to changing security requirements. For example, you can install Bosch’s Access Professional Edition (APE) software for small to medium-sized offices, then switch to the more comprehensive Access Engine (ACE) of the Building Integration System (BIS) when your security requirements grow. And, because the hardware stays the same, any adaptations are simple. APE’s ‘permanent open’ functionality allows employees and guests to enter designated areas easily and conveniently The APE software administers up to 512 readers, 10,000 cardholders and 128 cameras, making it suitable for small to medium-sized buildings. With functions like badge enrollment, entrance control monitoring and alarm management with video verification it provides a high level of security and ensures only authorized employees and visitors are able to enter certain rooms and areas. Of course, there will always be situations when, for convenience, you need certain doors to be permanently open, such as events and open days. APE’s ‘permanent open’ functionality allows employees and guests to enter designated areas easily and conveniently. Growing Security Needs You switch to the Bosch Building Integration System (BIS), without having to switch hardware (it stays the same, remember?). This is a software solution that manages subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address or intrusion systems, all on a single platform. It is designed for offices with multiple sites and for large companies with a global presence. Bosch Building Integration System (BIS) manages subsystems like access control, video surveillance, fire alarm, public address or intrusion systems, all on a single platform The BIS Access Engine (ACE) administers up to 10,000 readers and 80 concurrent workplace clients per server, and 200,000 cardholders per AMC. An additional benefit to security officers is the ability to oversee cardholders and authorizations through the central cardholder management functionality and monitor all access events and alarms from every connected site. For consistency, multi-site cardholder information and access authorizations can be created on a central server and replicated across all connected site servers, which means the cardholder information is always up to date and available in every location. Intrusion Alarm Systems Bosch B Series and G Series intrusion control panels can also send personal notifications via text or email Securing all perimeter doors is vital when protecting employees, visitors and intellectual property. Doors are opened and closed countless times during business hours, and when intentionally left open, your office is vulnerable to theft, and the safety of your employees is compromised. For this reason, intrusion control panels have been developed with advanced features to ensure all perimeter doors are properly closed, even when the system is not armed. If a door remains open for a period of time (you can specify anything from one second to 60 minutes), the system can be programmed to automatically take action. For example, it can activate an audible alert at the keypad to give employees time to close the door. Then, if it is still not closed, it will send a report to a monitoring center or a text directly to the office manager, and when integrated with video it can even send an image of the incident to a mobile device. Customized Intrusion Systems What about people who need to access your building outside of working hours, like cleaning crews? Your intruder system allows you to customize the way it operates with a press of a button or swipe of a card. This level of control enables you to disarm specific areas, bypass points and unlock doors for cleaning crews or after-hours staff, whilst keeping server rooms, stock rooms and executive offices safe and secure. Bosch B Series and G Series intrusion control panels can also send personal notifications via text or email. You can program the panel to send you opening, closing, and other event alerts, which means you don’t have to be on-site to keep track of movements in and around your facility. Video Management System A video management system will add a next level of security to your access control system Every office building has different video security requirements depending on the location, size and nature of the business. Some offices may only need basic functions such as recording and playback, whereas others may need full alarm functionalities and access to different sites. A video management system will add a next level of security to your access control system. For example, the video system can provide seamless management of digital video, audio and data across IP networks for small to large office buildings. It is fully integrated and can be scaled according to your specific requirements. The entry-level BVMS Viewer is suitable for small offices that need to access live and archived video from their recording solutions. With forensic search it enables you to access a huge recording database and scan quickly for a specific security event. For larger offices, embellished security functions for the BVMS Professional version can manage up to 2,000 cameras and offers full alarm and event management Full Alarm And Event Management For larger offices, embellished security functions for the BVMS Professional version can manage up to 2,000 cameras and offers full alarm and event management. It’s also resilient enough to remain operative should both Management and Recording Servers fail. Large multi-national companies often need access to video surveillance systems at numerous sites, which is why BVMS Professional allows you to access live and archived video from over 10,000 sites across multiple time zones from a single BVMS server. When integrated with the BVMS Enterprise version multiple BVMS Professional systems can be connected so every office in the network can be viewed from one security center, which provides the opportunity to monitor up to 200,000 cameras, regardless of their location. Essential Video Analytics Video analytics acts as the brain of your security system, using metadata to add sense and structure to any video footage you capture If your strategy is to significantly improve levels of security, video analytics is an essential part of the plan. It acts as the brain of your security system, using metadata to add sense and structure to any video footage you capture. In effect, each video camera in your network becomes smart to the degree that it can understand and interpret what it is seeing. You simply set certain alarm rules, such as when someone approaches a perimeter fence, and video analytics alerts security personnel the moment a rule is breached. Smart analytics have been developed in two formats. Essential Video Analytics is ideal for small and medium-sized commercial buildings and can be used for advanced intrusion detection, such as loitering alarms, and identifying a person or object entering a pre-defined field. It also enables you to instantly retrieve the right footage from hours of stored video, so you can deal with potential threats the moment they happen. Essential Video Analytics also goes beyond security to help you enforce health and safety regulations such as enforcing no parking zones, detecting blocked emergency exits or ensuring no one enters or leaves a building via an emergency exit; all measures that can increase the safety of employees and visitors inside the building. Intelligent Video Analytics Intelligent Video Analytics have the unique capability of analyzing video content over large distances Intelligent Video Analytics have the unique capability of analyzing video content over large distances, which makes it ideally suited to more expansive office grounds or securing a perimeter fence. It can also differentiate between genuine security events and known false triggers such as snow, rain, hail and moving tree branches that can make video data far more difficult to interpret. The final piece in your security jigsaw is an intelligent camera. The latest range of Bosch ’i’ cameras have the image quality, data security measures, and bitrate reduction of <80%. And, video analytics is standard. Be prepared for what can’t be predicted. Although no-one can fully predict what kind of security-related event is around the corner, experience and expertise will help make sure you’re always fully prepared.

Considering how much the modern smartphone has become a common everyday tool and cultural icon, it’s hard to believe it has only been with us for a relatively short space of time. The first Apple iPhone was launched in 2007 and yet in a little over a decade the smartphone has become as essential as our keys or wallet. From its conception as a multi-faceted communications device, it has morphed into something far more integrated in our daily lives. Services such as Apple Pay, Android Pay and PayPal have seen the smartphone become a credible replacement for cash and cash cards, but equally, it is possible to replace access cards and keys as well.Smartphones can easily receive authentication credentials remotely and access can be confirmed or denied instantly The ability to accurately authenticate an individual and the applications this offers for security purposes, is something that the security industry needs to continue to embrace and further promote to our customers. Considerable Advantages Most security professionals understand the potential benefits of using mobile device authentication, with flexibility being the key advantage. Smartphones can easily receive authentication credentials remotely and access can be confirmed or denied instantly. Equally, smartphones already contain many secure options to ensure they are only used by the authorized user – fingerprint and face recognition, as well as pattern authentication and PIN, being prime examples. Unfortunately, there is still a lack of awareness amongst some security operators, customers and the public of these exciting benefits. Potentially there may also be some reluctance, in certain quarters, to trusting a mobile device with physical security. A lack of trust in seemingly ‘unproven’ technology is not unusual, but the security industry needs to demonstrate reliability along with the considerable security and convenience benefits of using it. Trusted Part Of Security Network Many smart devices already securely bind the mobile device with the right person by using 2-factor authenticationMobile device security needs to earn its trust, in much the same way as any other new ground-breaking application. In fairness to the doubters, it’s not hard to imagine how much of a risk a badly protected mobile device could be to any secure network! There are two key obstacles that smartphones need to clear before they can become a trusted part of the security network though. Firstly, that they are secure enough to be trusted as part of a security network, and secondly that they can reliably identify an authorized user in a real-world environment. Many smart devices already securely bind the mobile device with the right person by using 2-factor authentication. For example, this could combine a PIN code with the fingerprint or face of the authorized individual. In areas with particularly high security, you could also implement a wall-mounted biometric reader (fingerprint, facial recognition or iris scan) to add a further level of protection and ensure there is no wrongful use of the mobile device. Security tokens or access cards are typically rigid in their programming, only allowing access to certain areas Security By Location With its many and varied functions, undoubtedly one of the most useful systems on any smartphone is its GPS location tracking. It’s also a perfect tool to assist with security systems interaction.A benefit of using smart device authentication is the cost savings over operating traditional tokens Consider any secure facility – it will feature different levels of access. This can vary from a humble canteen and break-out areas, right through to secured doors around potentially dangerous or highly sensitive areas - such as plant rooms, or even a nuclear facility! Security tokens or access cards are typically rigid in their programming, only allowing access to certain areas. A smartphone, however, can be granted or denied access depending on the location of the request by the individual – GPS literally adds a level of extra intelligence to security. Personal Items Using QR codes seem to be a simple but reliable identity and access control authentication optionMobile devices tend to be guarded and protected with the same concern as your money or your keys. Many of us literally carry our mobile device everywhere with us, so they are relatively unlikely to be misplaced or lost – certainly in comparison to a key card for example. Also, think about how often you use or hold your smartphone – some estimates suggest 2,600 times each day! With that level of interaction, you’ll be aware very quickly if it’s been misplaced, not least because of the inconvenience and cost to replace it. This level of personal connection makes it perfect for use with security systems. Cost Savings Another obvious benefit of using smart device authentication is the cost savings over operating traditional tokens. No more plastic badges, access cards, lanyards, printers and consumables used to administer security. This is something the security industry really needs to shout about! It will come as no surprise to hear that smartphones are exceptionally common too. Figures suggest that in 2015 there were nearly 41m in use in the UK and this is predicted to rise to 54m by 2022. With the UK population being just over 65m, that is a very high percentage of people already carrying this technology. Using a resource that people already have, and which is highly secure, makes unquestionable financial as well as practical sense. GPS location tracking is a perfect tool to assist with security systems interaction Integrated Technology Agreeing on common and shared open protocols has unfortunately been one of the stumbling blocks for the security industry in adapting to a predominantly smartphone authentication approach. NFC (Near Field Communications) technology in mobile phones and smart devices has failed to be the universal success it promised.Not everyone has an iPhone, but it is such an important segment of the market for customers Mobile technology trends have dictated to the systems that use it. Apple’s earlier (Pre iOS 11) decision to restrict the use of NFC to Apple Pay on its devices has had a profound effect on the implementation of NFC in other applications too. Not everyone has an iPhone, but it is such an important segment of the market that other manufacturers are wary of how customers will be able to use any new technology. We have seen a much bigger focus on using Bluetooth Low Energy technology on mobile devices instead. With providers such as HID Global, STid in France and Nedap in the Netherlands now concentrating on developing Bluetooth Low Energy readers and mobile credential applications, this seems like a highly credible alternative. Along with NFC and Bluetooth Low Energy options, there also seems to be a lot of interest in using QR codes as simple but reliable identity and access control authentication. These can easily be displayed on a screen or printed if necessary, giving great flexibility over the type of technology that is used in the future. Upgrading Existing Security Systems There are strong arguments for many businesses to continue using MIFARE+ systems if they suit operations well We are steadily seeing the signs of smartphone authentication replacing the cards and tokens we have been familiar with. However, many consumers still want options rather than to just be railroaded down one path. A business that has invested in cards or tokens will want to use that technology investment fully. The changes will come when readers are updated – this is when security specifiers and installers need to promote the advantages of dual-technology readers, which offer options to include smartphone authentication into the mix. There is still considerable diversity amongst smart devices, the operating systems they use, and the security technology employed by each. Android, Apple iOS and Blackberry devices all vary with regards to the biometric authentication available, so security administrators may need to be flexible on the types of authentication they accept. Interestingly, card technology has also progressed at an astonishing speed too – with MIFARE+ proving to be a highly cost-effective, practical and secure system that can easily be integrated. There are strong arguments for many businesses to continue using these systems if they suit operations well. NFC (Near Field Communications) technology in mobile phones and smart devices has failed to be the universal success it promised Hybrid Systems A hybrid approach may be the best answer for many security operators. This means those who choose to enjoy the benefits in terms of flexibility and convenience of smartphone authentication can do so, whilst those who are more hesitant can continue to use more traditional methods. A hybrid approach may be the best answer for many security operators Larger organizations may find that the swap over is a slower and more gradual process, whilst smaller start-up businesses may prefer to jump to a smartphone-based approach straight away. If security systems are well integrated but modular in their approach, then it becomes much simpler to evolve as time goes on. Embracing The Benefits Using their app-based systems architecture, smartphones are ideally placed to evolve with security systems in the future. There are many benefits for the security industry and our customers, but we need to remember that this move will involve a culture change for many security operators and users. The security industry needs to be mindful and respectful of any anxiety, but also be positive and promote the considerable benefits mobile authentication offers.

Over the past few years, biometrics has rapidly expanded into consumer applications, like the financial market for customer authentication, to payment services and withdrawing cash from ATMs in high-fraud markets. However, its adoption as an additional authentication factor for physical access control systems (PACS) and other enterprise applications, hasn’t been as rapid. But this is changing. Biometrics offers numerous benefits at the door and throughout the enterprise. With the advent of new anti-spoofing capabilities, and its integration into secure trust platforms that protect privacy and support a variety of RFID credential technologies, biometric authentication is poised to deliver a much higher matching speed and better overall performance. This will dramatically improve an organization's security, while enhancing user convenience.Newer solutions are overcoming these security and convenience hurdles to help realise the full potential of biometrics Challenges For Biometric Authentication Biometrics fuses convenience and security while validating “true identity” versus identity that is associated to the possession of an ID card. As an example, biometrics prevents a user from taking someone else’s card and obtaining access to privileged resources. This adds the human element to traditional methods of authentication, strengthening security by combining something the user “is” with something the user “has” or “knows.” According to the firm ABI Research in its May 2018 study, Biometric Technologies and Applications, the total fingerprint sensor shipments for the entire consumer market is “estimated to reach 1.2 billion worldwide for 2018, thus ensuring its market dominance.”It has been far too easy for fraudsters to create a fake fingerprint and present it to a reader Despite the benefits of fingerprint authentication in numerous consumer applications, there have been impediments to its broader adoption in the enterprise. While price has been one big roadblock, there have also historically been other reasons for its slower-than-expected growth. First, many technologies are still vulnerable to spoofs and hacking. It has been far too easy for fraudsters to create a fake fingerprint and present it to a reader. Equally troublesome, older products have not been able to move users through the doors as fast as a simple ID card and reader. In general, all fingerprint capture technologies are not equal among older products, and there can be significant differences in performance.  Developing Technology Performance Newer solutions are overcoming these security and convenience hurdles to help realize the full potential of biometrics. Their development has focused on three key areas: How fingerprint images are captured – if the image can’t be properly captured, the rest of the process fails The implementation of liveness detection to enhance trust – even in the case when the image is properly captured, if it is fake the system cannot be trusted Optimizing performance through a combination of new technology and algorithms, while ensuring interoperability so the performance can be trusted.   The skin is illuminated at different depths to deliver much richer data about the surface and sub-surface features of the fingerprint Optimizing Capture The quality of the captured image is critical, across all types of fingerprints and environments. Many customers choose sensors that use multispectral imaging because it collects information from inside the finger to augment available surface fingerprint data.The skin is illuminated at different depths to deliver much richer data about the surface and sub-surface features of the fingerprint The skin is illuminated at different depths to deliver much richer data about the surface and sub-surface features of the fingerprint. Additionally, the sensor collects data from the finger even if the skin has poor contact with the sensor, because of environmental conditions such as water or finger contamination. Multispectral sensors work for the broadest range of people with normal, wet, dry or damaged fingers, across the widest range of usage conditions – from lotions or grease to sunlight to wet or cold conditions. The sensors also resist damage from harsh cleaning products and contamination from dirt and sunlight. Liveness Detection Liveness detection is the ability to determine that the biometric data captured by the fingerprint reader is from a real living person, not a plastic fake or other artificial copy. An increasingly visible dimension of biometric performance in commercial applications, liveness detection is critical for preserving trust in the integrity of biometrics authentication. At the same time, it must not impede performance or result in excessive false user rejections.While liveness detection optimizes performance, it is also important to ensure that this performance can be trusted The most trusted multispectral imaging fingerprint sensors with liveness detection provide a real-time determination that the biometric captures are genuine and are being presented by the legitimate owner, rather than someone impersonating them. This capability leverages the image-capture approach of using different colors or spectrum of light to measure the surface and subsurface data within a fingerprint. In addition to this optical system, the biometrics sensor features several core components, including an embedded processor that analyses the raw imaging data to ensure that the sample being imaged is a genuine human finger rather than an artificial or spoof material. Advanced machine learning techniques are used so the solution can adapt and respond to new threats and spoofs as they are identified. While liveness detection and the underlying capture technology optimizes performance, it is also important to ensure that this performance can be trusted. This requires adequate testing to ensure interoperability with template matching algorithms. The first requirement for incorporating biometrics into a physical access control solution is a secure trust platform Trusted Performance The top-performing solutions capture usable biometric data on the first attempt for every user. They also speed the process of determining that the biometric data is not a fake, and they quickly perform template matching to reject impostors and match legitimate users.The card/mobile plus finger mode is one of the fastest-growing two-factor authentication use cases for securing access to both physical and digital places To trust this performance, though, the focus must be elsewhere: on interoperability with template-matching algorithms. Extensive interoperability testing must be performed by skilled and independent third parties like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) so that performance data can actually be trusted in all template-matching modes, and not simply a vendor claim. Template Matching Modes Template-on-card and card/mobile + finger modes using “1:1” template-matching profiles authenticates a person’s identity by comparing the person’s captured biometric template with one that is pre-stored in a database. Template-on-device mode for finger-only authentication using “1:N” matching compares the person’s captured biometric template against all stored biometric templates in the system). The card/mobile plus finger mode is one of the fastest-growing two-factor authentication use cases for securing access to both physical and digital places.Cryptography prevents any man-in-the-middle attacks while also protecting the biometric database As an example of how to deliver trusted performance, HID Global uses the top-ranked NIST certified MINEX III minutia algorithm to ensure interoperability with industry-standard fingerprint template databases. This interoperability ensures that today’s systems, which are based on much more powerful hardware than in the past, will perform accurate 1:N identification of a full database in less than a second. Physical Access Control Integration The first requirement for incorporating biometrics into a physical access control solution is a secure trust platform designed to meet the concerns of accessibility and data protection in a connected environment. The platform should leverage credential technology that employs encryption and a software-based infrastructure to secure trusted identities on any form factor for physical access control, access to IT networks and beyond. Cryptography prevents any man-in-the-middle attacks while also protecting the biometric database. This system also must encompass remote management of all readers and users, spanning all onboarding as well as template loading and enrolment activities for supported authentication modes. Beyond the encryption of the data itself, there are now many good alternatives available for building highly secure and well protected systems Other important focus areas include configuration and administration, plus all logs, reports and monitoring.New system architectures and data models have been created to protect personal information and maintain user privacy It should be possible to manage biometric readers as groups or individually over the network, and tools should be available to allow system administrators to manage all configuration settings from time and data to language, security and synchronisation. The system should enable continuous live monitoring of authentication, alerts and system health, and provide a rich set of associated reporting tools. There are also backend implementation decisions to be made, including how a biometric authentication system will be seamlessly integrated into third-party systems. This is another major pain point of biometric technology. To simplify deployment, application programming interfaces (APIs) should be available for direct integration of the biometrics authentication solution with the access control infrastructure. Privacy Considerations Properly implemented, biometrics solutions with liveness detection also protect privacy – if you can’t use a fake finger, then even if you did obtain someone’s fingerprint data, it is meaningless. Strong and updatable liveness protection is critical if biometrics are to eliminate the need to use PINs or passwords.Strong and updatable liveness protection is critical if biometrics are to eliminate the need to use PINs or passwords Biometrics data must be handled like all sensitive and identifying information, and properly architected system designs will always consider and protect against both internal and external threats and attacks. New system architectures and data models have been created to protect personal information and maintain user privacy. Beyond the encryption of the data itself, there are now many good alternatives available for building highly secure and well protected systems, including the use of multi-factor and even multi-modal authentication to maintain security even if some identifying data is compromised. Today’s modern fingerprint authentication solutions are on a fast track to deliver a unique combination of ease of use, availability and convenience and higher security to physical access control systems. With their latest improvements in liveness detection, system architectures, performance and ability to be easily incorporated into access control solutions, they seamlessly combine security and convenience to make them a viable option when accessing a facility, networks and services. These solutions deliver a higher confidence of “who” is being admitted through the building’s front door, where it really matters.

Global and domestic threats have highlighted the need for tighter security across all verticals. One of the technologies that has redefined situational awareness and intrusion detection is thermal imaging. Once a technology exclusively manufactured for the military operations, thermal cameras today are deployed across hundreds of security applications and continue to see strong demand in existing and emerging commercial markets. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain Technology Overview And Early Adoption What distinguishes thermal cameras from optical sensors is their ability to produce images based on infrared energy, or heat, rather than light. By measuring the heat signatures of all objects and capturing minute differences between them, thermal cameras produce clear, sharp video despite unfavorable environmental conditions. With thermal technology, security personnel can see in complete darkness as well as in light fog, smoke and rain. Originally a military developed, commercially qualified technology, the first thermal cameras for military and aircraft use appeared in the 1950s. By the 1960s, the technology had been declassified and the first thermal camera for commercial use was introduced. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s - when FLIR Systems introduced a camera with an uncooled thermal detector - when the technology began to see substantial adoption beyond government defense deployments. Installations At Critical Infrastructure Sites In the 2000s, industrial companies were some of the first adopters of thermal, using the technology for predictive maintenance to monitor overheating and machine malfunctions. In the years following the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001, there was an increase in thermal camera installations across critical infrastructure sites. Stricter security requirements drove the deployment of thermal cameras for perimeter protection, especially in the nuclear power sector. Thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and their sharp images result in higher performing analytics In 2010, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Committee released its 73.55 policy, which states nuclear facilities must “provide continuous surveillance, observation and monitoring” as a means to enhance threat detection and deterrence efforts onsite. Because thermal cameras produce clear video in daylight, low light or no light scenarios and because their sharp images result in higher performing analytics, thermal cameras quickly became the preferred option for nuclear facilities. Likewise, following the 2013 sniper attack on PG&E Corporation’s Metcalf transmission substation, the Federal Energy Regulation Commission introduced the Critical Infrastructure Protection Standard 014 (CIP-014). The policy requires utilities to identify threats to mission critical assets and implement a security system to mitigate those risks. This statute also led to more thermal installations in the utility sector as thermal cameras’ long-range capabilities are ideal for detection of approaching targets beyond the fence line. The demand from both industrial and critical infrastructure entities, as well as other factors, helped drive volume production and price reduction for thermal, making the technology more accessible to the commercial security marketplace. Commercial Applications In recent years, the increasing affordability of thermal cameras along with the introduction of new thermal offerings has opened the door to new commercial applications for the technology. In the past, thermal cameras were designed for applications with enormous perimeters, where the camera needed to detect a human from 700 meters away. Locations like car dealerships, marinas and construction supply facilities can be protected by precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras providing an early warning to security personnel Today, there are thermal cameras specifically designed for short- to mid-range applications. Developed for small to medium enterprises, these thermal cameras ensure property size and security funds are no longer barriers to adoption. Lumber yards, recreation fields and sports arenas are some of the commercial applications now able to implement thermal cameras for 24-hour monitoring and intrusion detection. Affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses Innovation And Advancements Innovation and advancements in the core technology have also spurred growth in thermal camera deployment, providing faster image processing, higher resolution, greater video analytic capabilities and better camera performance. In particular, affordable thermal cameras with onboard analytics have become attractive options for commercial businesses that need outdoor, wide area protection. Car dealerships, marinas and construction supply locations all store valuable merchandise and materials outside. Without protection, these assets are vulnerable to vandalism and theft. However, by providing precise target detection, thermal analytic cameras provide an early warning to security personnel so that they can intervene before a crime is committed. By helping to deter just one incident, the thermal solution delivers a clear ROI. New Market Opportunities Not only are there more thermal cameras in use today than ever before, but there are also more thermal sensors being integrated with other multi-sensor systems, driving the adoption of thermal in new markets. For large perimeter surveillance applications, thermal is repeatedly being integrated with radar and drones to expand situational awareness beyond the point of fixed cameras. Users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment In the commercial market, thermal imagers are combined with optical sensors, analytics and LED illuminators into one solution that integrates with central monitoring station platforms. By bringing these technologies together, users get immediate, accurate alerts of approaching targets and evidentiary class video for target assessment. The result is a lower number of false positives, reducing the total cost of ownership for the solution. These multi-sensor solutions also feature two-way audio capabilities, which enable remote security officers to act as “virtual guards” and speak to intruders in real-time to dissuade them from illegal activity. The introduction of solutions that integrate all these state-of-the-art technologies under one unit reduces the amount of capital and infrastructure needed for deployment. Consequently, more small businesses and alarm monitoring companies can implement advanced perimeter security technologies like thermal sensors, some for the very first time. Thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras Multi-Sensor Thermal Solutions Multi-sensor solutions featuring thermal are quickly gaining traction and opening the door to new business opportunities for the security channel. One of the primary reasons for the strong market interest in these systems is they enable integrators to increase their recurring monthly revenue (RMR). With intense price competition and eroding margins on CCTV equipment, integrators have to rely on RMR to grow their businesses. Offering remote video monitoring services and virtual guarding technologies is one of the best ways to do so.  Additionally, there is a clear demand for it. Central stations are continually looking for new technologies to offer their customers and businesses are interested in economical alternatives to physical guards. In conclusion, thermal cameras have gone from military defense devices to widespread commercial security cameras that are a substantial segment of the outdoor security protection market. From nuclear power plants to construction locations, thermal technology is being implemented to secure sites around the globe.

With a heritage stretching back over 500 years, Gebrüder Weiss is one of Europe’s oldest transport and logistics companies. Based in Vorarlberg, Austria and with more than 7,000 employees in 150 locations around the world, it is also one of the largest. Sony Video Security In Logistics Centers Customers of all sizes trust Gebrüder Weiss to ship their consignments quickly, safely and undamaged to their destination Customers of all sizes trust Gebrüder Weiss to ship their consignments quickly, safely and undamaged to their destination. To guarantee this and make the entire logistics chain traceable, the service provider relies on comprehensive video surveillance in its logistics centers, which is regularly updated to reflect the latest state of the art. Gebrüder Weiss has now expanded its existing monitoring solution at the company’s largest distribution center in Maria Lanzendorf near Vienna that previously featured almost 500 Sony cameras and Milestone's video management software (VMS). This has been supplemented with the addition of 33 Sony SNC-VM772R 4K video security cameras. Sony 4K Cameras The upgrade ensures greater security, comprehensive package tracking and the ability to track any damage. The new Sony 4K cameras are used mainly to monitor reloading from larger trailers into smaller trucks. Their field of view covers the actual transfer area as well as the interior of the trailers and conveyor belts. The SNC-VM772R features a large CMOS sensor with 4K resolution that combines excellent image quality and large depth of field, even in difficult lighting conditions. The camera’s robust design with integrated image stabilization ensures smooth, clear video images despite vibration, dust and exhaust fumes from passing trucks. Video Monitoring The new 4K cameras can track several objects simultaneously with either VGA or Full HD resolution The cameras’ installation ensures that the entire transshipment area is monitored at all times, with no blind spots caused by vehicles or pallets. In addition, the new 4K cameras can track several objects simultaneously with either VGA or Full HD resolution. The SNC-VM772R's 20-megapixel image sensor also enables capture of high-resolution Evidence Shots – still images with greater than 4K resolution that allow even the smallest details to be viewed clearly. For Gebrüder Weiss, the Sony solution is thus an outstanding alternative to multiple PTZ (pan/tilt/zoom) cameras or multi-sensor systems. Installation and integration into the existing environment were carried out by local Sony partner ÖWD Österreichischer Wachdienst Security & Services. With 2,800 employees, ÖWD is one of the largest security companies in Austria and maintains 24/7 technical teams in all Austrian states. "Since it opened in 2006 we have been using Sony cameras at our terminal in Maria Lanzendorf, which is our largest in the world" says Werner Drnec, Operations Manager at Gebrüder Weiss, Maria Lanzendorf. "Both the image quality and reliability – with failure rates close to zero – have always exceeded our expectations, and even in the current project they proved themselves in a direct comparison. Our confidence in the Sony brand plus easy, seamless integration into our existing environment added to this."

Fuller, Smith & Turner plc (Fuller’s) is an independent family-owned regional brewer and premium pub operator, founded in 1845 in Chiswick, West London. It is based at the historic Griffin Brewery in Chiswick, where brewing has taken place continuously since 1654. Fuller’s is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Renowned as the home of such famed ales as the iconic London Pride, Frontier Lager, ESB and 1845, Fuller’s produces a variety of cask and craft keg beers supported by a changing seasonal range. The company owns Cornish Orchards, a craft cider maker producing a range of award-winning ciders and premium soft drinks, and Nectar Imports, a wholesale drinks business. In February 2018, Fuller’s also acquired Dark Star Brewing, a craft cask brewer based in Sussex. Hikvision-Maxtag Video Security System With such a wide range of locations, Fuller’s decided that the time had come to upgrade and synergise its security surveillance systems Fuller's also owns and operates over 380 pubs, inns and hotels across the South of England. These include more than 200 Fuller’s managed pubs and hotels, and over 170 tenanted pubs, with the accommodation on offer consisting of in excess of 780 boutique rooms. The Fuller’s pub estate stretches from Brighton to Birmingham and from Bristol to the Greenwich Peninsula. With such a wide range of locations, Fuller’s decided that the time had come to upgrade and synergize its security surveillance systems. In place across those facilities were a diverse range of analog equipment from a myriad of manufacturers. In most cases these legacy systems were offering poor, low resolution images and no remote access to onsite video. “The systems had been installed in an ad hoc fashion, and in some instances needed upgrading as they were no longer really fit for purpose,” says Glynn Gordon, managing director of retail security systems experts Maxtag, who were called in by Fuller’s to address the security issue. IP Camera Technology “Fuller’s wanted to unify all of its locations within the estate over time,” he says. “The aim was to bring everything onto one platform, while having an upgrade path for new and refurbished sites going forward, utilizing IP camera technology.” A key consideration in the project was that while there was no doubt the existing equipment would need to be upgraded, the costs of re-cabling each site looked prohibitive – not to mention difficult to achieve in practice, given the way many of the buildings were constructed. To overcome the challenges posed by this cabling conundrum, Maxtag proposed supplying and installing Hikvision Turbo HD systems to those Fuller’s sites where an upgrade was required for the cameras, the recorder, or both. “This would allow the group to record 1080p HD images utilizing the existing cabling,” Gordon says. Turbo 5.0 AI-Powered Tech Since 2013, Hikvision’s Turbo HD range of products has brought high definition clarity to analog surveillance systems Since 2013, Hikvision’s Turbo HD range of products has brought high definition clarity to analog surveillance systems. The Turbo products make the very most of legacy cabling, delivering innovations including ultra-low light recording and super-efficient bandwidth and storage usage. The very latest iteration of the Turbo HD range, Turbo 5.0, incorporates Artificial Intelligence-powered technology to boost color performance even in the lowest light conditions, and to automatically detect, identify and extract relevant images from vast video datasets, saving time and resources. For the Fuller’s project, Maxtag would be using a variety of Turbo cameras, and initially utilizing the Turbo DS-7316 digital video recorders, which provide 16-channel HD recording and storage, and support analog, HD-TVI, and IP cameras, a key requirement of the extensive ongoing project. Turbo DS-7316 DVRs Maxtag’s plan was that the cameras and recorders could be upgraded in stages. “As and when cameras or recorders failed or were beyond economical repair they could be swapped out,” Gordon says. “The recorders could also be networked to HQ for remote access when recording evidence for the police if an incident occurred.” While the Turbo equipment would go into the existing sites, any new or refurbished Fuller’s pubs and hotels would have Hikvision IP cameras and NVRs installed, capable of recording images at 3 or 4-megapixel HD quality, and all networked for remote access. Hikvision NVRs The Hikvision network video recorders are both 16 and 32-channel models and are capable of connecting to 160Mbps of incoming bandwidth “The beauty would be that both the Turbo HD and the IP systems would have the same familiar operating systems across the group,” Gordon says,” which makes it very easy for managers and staff to quickly familiarize themselves and operate as required.” The Hikvision network video recorders are both 16 and 32-channel models and are capable of connecting to 160Mbps of incoming bandwidth. Maxtag’s plan was agreed upon and put into place, and as a result Fuller’s has now converted more than 85 pubs and hotels over the last 18 months using a combination of Turbo and IP systems. Hikvision IP Video Surveillance Solution “The clarity of images has vastly improved and on a few occasions has been instrumental in helping the police with evidence when incidents have occurred predominantly outside the premises,” Gordon says. “The group now has a planned migration path going forward and takes advantage of the latest Hikvision developments as they are released. That means they’re on top of the benefits of the newest technology without the need to begin the whole upgrade process again.” The ongoing project has been warmly welcomed by Fuller’s. Oliver Boardman, Head of Digital & IT Operations, said: “We have been very pleased with the progress that we have made with Hikvision and Maxtag over the last 18 months. We have an increasingly standardized estate with regards to CCTV, which is helping to reduce faults and improve the service that we can provide to our pubs. With the need to protect privacy becoming more critical, we expect centralized management to become increasingly important.”

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used in the United States and internationally, announces that the longest operating and only remaining studio in Hollywood has implemented Delta Scientific's bollards and beam barricades to keep visitors and staff free from harm of terrorists and errant drivers. The 100 year-old facility features 30 stages throughout Paramount Studios' 65-acre complex. Perimeter Security Group installed the high security equipment at five different locations. Aesthetically Pleasing Solution We reviewed their facilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards""Paramount Studios asked us to create an aesthetically pleasing solution that would stop unauthorized vehicle entry at these five places but would still let production vehicles through when needed," reports Troy Blood, senior physical security professional at Perimeter Security Group. "With all the news of terrorists using vehicles as weapons against people, Paramount Studios recognized that they, too, could be a high profile target. We reviewed their facilities and vulnerabilities and recommended a combination of Delta's TT212 beam barricade and DSC800 high security bollards. Paramount wanted the job done quickly and at night so we wouldn't disturb tourists or shoots." Standard Traffic Controls The high-strength wire rope of the sturdy TT212 beam barricade will stop a large or fast-moving vehicle weighing 6,000 pounds at 40 mph (2722 kg at 64 kph). The beam is raised to let the passage of authorized vehicles through and, then, lowered to protect cars or trucks from entering. The TT212 beam barricades are very popular and seen at many nations' embassies throughout the world. Manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered"They are also selected for government facilities, restricted or reserved parking areas, impound yards, freight terminals, shipping and receiving docks, storage and warehouse entrances, arms depots and other places where standard traffic controls or gates are not capable of resisting such high crash forces or vandalism.         Manually-Operated Bollards Paramount Studios also selected Delta's stylish manually operated DSC800 crash rated bollards for those areas in which vehicle passages are infrequent. The DSC800 will stop a 15,000 pound vehicle at 30 mph (6804 kg at 48 kph). They specified a model with classy cast aluminum decorative sleeves, which slip right over the crash tube. If ever damaged, Paramount will simply slip off the old and slip on the new sleeve. "Versus hydraulic or pneumatic operation, manually-operated bollards were especially cost effective for this application because they were used in locations were they would seldom be lowered. As a result, this expedited installation because there were no motors or power to contend with and also eliminated the need to work with any additional trades, such as electrical. All we needed to do was to make the barriers plumb."

As prime targets for criminals, banks have always faced major security challenges. But today, when banks are pressed to increase revenues, improve operational efficiency, and mitigate risk, defending against security threats is increasingly expensive. Two key drivers in the banking sector are customer trust and operational efficiency. Both are significantly strengthened by a quality integrated ‘smart’ banking security solution. Smart Banking Security Solution A robust security strategy is of the highest priority and is usually embedded within the bank’s Risk Management Plan. This enables banks to manage operational risk and compliance demands. The modern approach to bank security design incorporates IT, Channel Management and Identity and Access Management systems into one solution. At the heart of Vanderbilt, systems are compliance with some of the highest industry and regulatory standards. These systems impact all bank functions and help deliver greater trust, operational efficiencies, and excellent customer experience. Vanderbilt Video Surveillance Vanderbilt can provide live video surveillance that continuously monitors and provides quality images should a suspicious event need to be investigated In the bank’s self-service area, Vanderbilt can provide live video surveillance that continuously monitors and provides quality images should a suspicious event need to be investigated. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt’s Seismic detectors protect ATM's 24/7. These detectors give immediate and reliable alerts of attacks on the enclosure, but unlike other detectors, do not register false alarms triggered by passing traffic or the vibrations of the ATM itself. Seismic Detectors And Interlocking Electronic security measures are also used in other banking situations – for example, when a customer claims he tried to withdraw cash from an ATM and was issued a receipt, but no cash – the bank can check with a specialized data department to ascertain whether the money was deducted from the customer’s account. When a staff member unlocks the vault, the door to the secured area simultaneously locks Unique codes grant workers who fill ATMs access to secured areas and the ability to unlock ATM's. The worker's code over-rides any ‘delayed unlock function,' so he can immediately access the ATM and fill it. There are set time limits for the work to be done. The ATM buzzes for a pre-determined time before the machine is due to auto-lock. If the worker needs more time, he can delay this. Once the job is done – the ATM automatically locks. Another example of bank security involves interlocking. When a staff member unlocks the vault, the door to the secured area simultaneously locks. This prevents anyone else from gaining entry until the vault is once again locked. This ensures the safety of staff members and the security of vault contents. Electronic Security There are many layers of electronic security protecting the bank. If the manager arrives early, he uses his card to gain access to the branch office and a PIN to disarm the alarm. His code disables the office and secure area, but the ATM's, vaults and safe deposit boxes remain armed. A Central Monitoring Station is alerted to the early entry. They need to know whether the entry is routine or under duress. The monitoring station views the manager on live video as he executes a pre-determined security procedure and until he hits an ‘All is OK' button. If there is a problem – the manager can send a silent ‘Duress Alarm' rather than the ‘All is OK.' The Monitoring Station can listen in – and if necessary can call the police. Security in banking is an essential issue. It requires thoughtful attention and procedure while allowing room for agility, adaptability, and dependability – flagship traits of the Vanderbilt brand. Banks wish to operate in an open and friendly layout while ultimately safeguarding their customers, staff, and assets. Vanderbilt's solutions respond to these expectations and enable active safeguarding foundations to be laid.

HID Global, a worldwide provider in trusted identity solutions, announced that 85-year-old fire protection provider RAEL Automatic Sprinkler Company and integrator Automated Decision have deployed HID Trusted Tag Services at one of Manhattan’s most iconic skyscrapers. The combined solutions help secure, digitize, automate and streamline inspection and maintenance of the building’s massive fire and safety sprinkler system. "HID Trusted Tag Services are a real competitive differentiator for us when we bid for projects now," said David Israel, President, RAEL Automatic Sprinkler Company. "We plan to deploy it in other noteworthy buildings and we’re exploring using it for other mission-critical equipment we inspect and repair as well." The RAEL solution incorporates HID Trusted Tag Services into Automated Decisions’ work order management system and mobile inspection app HID Trusted Tag Services HID Trusted Tag Services empower robust Internet of Things (IoT) applications by attaching unique and trusted identities to virtually any object that can be read by mobile devices. Smartphones and other devices can then be used for innovative use cases, without compromising the privacy of end users. The RAEL solution incorporates HID Trusted Tag Services into Automated Decisions’ work order management system and mobile inspection app. The deployment includes HID’s trusted and tamper-evident NFC tag using dual NFC and QR code technology; unique cryptographic authentication and a unique QR code placed on every component of the RAEL sprinklers. After authenticating to HID’s cloud authentication service, RAEL technicians move through the building, tapping each applied tag with their mobile devices to authenticate upon completion of their component inspection or repair. Proof Of Presence Each individual tap generates a unique encrypted code appended to a URL to provide proof of presence. This process confirms the technician was physically at the site and conducted the required sprinkler inspections and repairs. "Proof of presence was critical for us,” said Israel, “as property managers are now expected to deliver a much higher level of compliance reporting." The solution also logs the user, tap time and date into the Automated Decisions work order management platform. Mobile online access provides inspectors with service request maintenance records, sprinkler part specifications, diagrams and photographs. Combined HID and Automated Decisions solution has enabled faster, more efficient inspections and repairs Combined Tag Services And Mobile Devices "That RAEL and Automated Decisions are leveraging our offering for fire and safety at an immense, iconic skyscraper reinforces the breadth of IoT use cases that our identification and sensing portfolio addresses," said Mark Robinton, Director of Business Development & Strategic Innovation, Identification Technologies with HID Global. "Facility managers are also increasingly seeking to combine the use of HID Trusted Tag Services and mobile devices to automate other safety and security functions, including guard tour and key management, as buildings become more intelligent and connected." In addition to providing peace of mind to RAEL and their property management clients, RAEL also reported the combined HID and Automated Decisions solution has enabled faster, more efficient inspections and repairs, improved first-time fix rates and fewer repeat visits.

Cherokee Nation Entertainment (CNE) is the gaming and hospitality arm of the Cherokee Nation, operating multiple casinos and hotels across northeast Oklahoma, USA, including the prestigious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa. Concerned that their security team was spending an overly large number of person-hours reviewing video recordings searching for a single person of interest, CNE sought to reduce the time it took to review security footage, so their security team could remain focused on proactive tasks, and optimize their day-to-day efficiency. CNE also wanted to obtain and assess accurate data on occupancy and visitor trends for business intelligence purposes. Furthermore, CNE wanted to be alerted to security-related events in real-time, in order to handle security issues as they developed.  savVi’s Video Surveillance Solution                                   CNE selected savVi, Agent Vi’s on premise video analytics solution, due to the wide range of video analytics capabilities that savVi offers. Over 1,000 savVi licenses were purchased, allowing cameras at CNE’s ten Oklahoma-based casinos to be enabled with different combinations of real-time event detection, video search and business intelligence capabilities. CNE utilizes the video search capability most widely – to enable rapid search through the surveillance video to pinpoint events of interest – and therefore video search capabilities are enabled on the majority of cameras at the sites. Business intelligence capabilities are mostly deployed around the various gaming machines, and at entrance and exit points, to show traffic patterns and real-time people counts. Real-time event detection capabilities are used largely for the high-security areas to ensure that CNE’s security team is informed regarding situations, as they unfold. savVi is deployed through integration with a range of Axis network cameras, primarily the AXIS P3225 and Q3505 fixed cameras, the AXIS P5635, Q6044 and Q6045 PTZ cameras, and for outdoor vehicle search, the AXIS Q3708 fixed camera with three sensors. CNE uses Milestone XProtect Corporate Video Management System (VMS), which is fully and seamlessly integrated with savVi, a Milestone Certified Solution. savVi’s video search capabilities allow for verification of personal injury claims by customers who may be trying to defraud the casino savVi’s Real-Time Event Detection savVi’s video search capabilities are of considerable importance to CNE. There is a prevailing need for the casinos to be able to swiftly locate specific events within masses of footage (“incident remediation” as it is known within the entertainment industry). Among other things, this allows for verification of personal injury claims by customers who may be trying to defraud the casino. Previously, the security team’s time was heavily occupied by observing hours of footage in search of a specific person or incident. savVi now enables CNE to run the search automatically, allowing far more effective use of the operators’ time, and reduced search time from as much as 16 hours for a single search, down to a matter of minutes.  savVi’s real-time event detection capabilities are primarily used by CNE to ensure a safer and more secure environment within the casino parking facilities. By immediately alerting to any suspicious event, such as people loitering or cars moving in an unauthorized direction, the security team can monitor events and act accordingly as they unfold. savVi’s Heat Mapping Capabilities savVi also allows CNE to gather and analyze essential business intelligence data on occupancy and visitor trends. savVi delivers accurate headcounts, meaning that the security team is constantly aware of how many people are on-site and using the casino facilities. This provides essential knowledge in the case of an emergency where a facility might need to be evacuated, and also helps prevent over-crowding. By utilizing savVi’s heat mapping capabilities, CNE has knowledge of which areas of the casino are more heavily populated, and at what times. CNE can then leverage the data collected in a number of ways, including negotiating leasing deals for externally-owned casino equipment and knowing which internal locations require heavier investment of machines and personnel. This puts CNE well ahead of its competitors, as it is one of, if not the, first gaming company to employ Business Intelligence through video analytics. SavVi’s deployment in CNE’s casinos is an endorsement of the great benefit that savVi’s video analytics capabilities" savVi’s Video Analytics Capabilities “It was savVi’s swift and effective video search that caught CNE’s attention when searching for an enhanced security solution, in particular due to the automated query ability,” said Joshua Anderson, Director of Surveillance and Technology, Cherokee Nation Entertainment. “We have been extremely impressed with savVi’s capabilities and the quality of its performance, and fully expect savVi to increase efficiencies and provide true ROI which will have a major impact on the bottom line.”  “Cherokee Nation Gaming Commission’s approval of savVi’s deployment in CNE’s casinos is an endorsement of the great benefit that savVi’s video analytics capabilities offer to gaming concerns,” commented AJ Frazer, VP Business Development, Agent Vi. “Having selected to deploy the full range of savVi video analytics functionalities, savVi offers CNE valuable insights into the activities and customer experience at their multiple sites, benefitting both CNE and their customers.”