Home Security Systems

ADT Inc., global provider of security and automation solutions for homes and businesses, has announced that Jochen Koedijk has joined the company as its Chief Marketing Officer. Koedijk joins ADT from Chewy.com where he served as the Vice President, Marketing. Reporting directly to ADT President Jim DeVries, Koedijk will be responsible for delivering innovative digital and brand marketing strategies and initiatives that drive profitable business growth. ADT’s New Marketing Head Previous to Chewy.com, Jochen held roles at Amazon and Electronic Arts. During his time at Amazon, he led worldwide Social Media and New Channel Advertising, overseeing a cross-functional team of more than 70 people and achieving triple digit year-over-year growth. As a member of Electronic Arts’ digital business unit leadership team, Jochen led in-house global performance marketing operations for the company’s Console, PC, and Mobile games business lines. “Customer retention and lead-generation is significantly driven by digital engagement, and Jochen’s leadership experience with world-class organizations such as Amazon, Chewy, and Electronic Arts is an immediate asset to our organization,” said DeVries. “Jochen is a marketing innovator, and we’re excited for him to build upon the ADT brand for our next generation of customers.” Given the tremendous innovation in the home security and automation space, I couldn’t think of a better time to join ADT" Innovations In Home Security And Automation “Given the tremendous innovation in the home security and automation space, I couldn’t think of a better time to join ADT, North America’s most recognizable security leader,” said Koedijk. “I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues to continue providing world-class customer service and scaling our business through new and disruptive channels.” Koedijk holds his degrees in Business Administration and Social Sciences from the VU University in Amsterdam, NL. Jamie Haenggi, who has been overseeing the Marketing function as part of her responsibilities, will become the company’s Chief Customer Officer. Customer strategy and retention remains the single most important part of the business, and Haenggi’s broad and deep experience will be central to enhancing customer engagement. Jamie is one of our most versatile executives" Customer Strategy And Retention “Jamie is one of our most versatile executives. Her passion for the customer, strategic approach and vision for customer experience is instrumental to improving customer retention, maintaining best-in-class customer service and designing a roadmap for further customer engagement and growth,” added DeVries. “We have made tremendous strides in our customer experience over the past two years,” said Haenggi. “I’m excited to lead the company’s efforts to further design and execute the customer strategy to deliver greater value, retention and an experience that continues to differentiate ADT in the marketplace.”

Nice S.p.A., the Italian international home automation and home security company, has announced continued expansion into the smart home category with the acquisition of FIBARO, global brand in the smart home and home automation industry. The transaction, which was public as of Friday, July 13 is valued at €63 million/$73 million US and includes the entire share capital of Fibar Group S.A., including its US subsidiary. Founded in 2010, FIBARO has established itself on 6 continents and in over 100 countries as one of the most advanced wireless systems for the smart home. As the first smart home manufacturer to introduce an entirely wireless home automation system, the company has been constantly developing its product portfolio and adding new functionalities since inception, earning FIBARO the reputation of an innovator in the fields of both smart home solutions and the Internet of Things (IoT). Nice Group is a renowned international home automation and home security company with headquarters based in Italy Home Automation and IoT Solutions Nice Group is a renowned international home automation and home security company with headquarters based in Italy. The company provides comprehensive integrated automation solutions for gates, garage doors, solar shading systems, parking systems, wireless alarm systems and home security for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. Nice Group sells its products in more than 100 countries through 30 subsidiaries, dozens of distributors, and has 12 production plants located around the world. “We’re thrilled to join forces with Nice, a company that shares our values and passion to further innovative work on our smart home system and other IoT solutions,” stated Maciej Fiedler, CEO of Fibar Group S.A. “Since the founding of FIBARO, we’ve been driven to design and build an intuitive and functional system for the smart home. We were looking for an investor that would allow our company to develop the way we planned, as well as provide us with the necessary resources to further our R&D research and benefit from our advanced technical know-how. We’re very excited about this venture and how our combined solutions and technologies will enhance both product portfolios.”  FIBARO has a complete range of integrated smart home products including the FIBARO Home Center hub FIBARO Home Center Hub FIBARO has a complete range of integrated smart home products including the FIBARO Home Center hub, award-winning multifunction sensors, and innovative scene controllers among other devices across the ecosystem. FIBARO plans to continue developing products for the smart home and leveraging key technologies through improved integrations with existing Nice product lines while gaining access to a wide distribution network as well as greater R&D production capabilities. The transaction, valued at $73 million, is Nice Group’s biggest investment to date in the smart home and IoT market. In April 2018, Nice also acquired Abode Systems, Inc., an American company that specializes in complete home security and automation solutions that offers professional-grade security with no contracts or required monthly fees.

Video cameras are everywhere, and hundreds more are installed every day. Our society appears to be reaching a point of perpetual surveillance. It certainly feels as if we are always being watched even though it is not yet the case. But as cameras are becoming more common than ever, we are also entering a new era of privacy concerns and sensitivities, as evidenced by GDPR and other such initiatives. We presented this quandary to this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Surveillance cameras can go anywhere, right? Where is it “not OK?”

Kwikset brand of Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division, a premier provider of residential security, announces the availability of Obsidian, a visually striking, low-profile touchscreen electronic deadbolt featuring “game changing” design. Obsidian deadbolts exemplify Kwikset’s commitment to combining modern design with a high level of security. Named after a dark, glasslike volcanic rock, Obsidian merges a sleek and modern exterior; a minimal, all-metal interior; and advanced mechanical and electronic security features. Eliminating the keyway also removes the threat of “lock picking” and “lock bumping,” attacks using special keys to defeat conventional pin and tumbler locks. Secure Lock Features “Obsidian’s unique, low-profile design will be extremely attractive to consumers as well as dealers,” said Keith Brandon, divisional Vice President of Residential Access Solutions, Spectrum Brands, Inc. – Hardware & Home Improvement Division. “We wanted to create a one-of-a-kind aesthetic, and we’re confident that we succeeded. We also made sure that we incorporated all of the features that make Kwikset locks the most secure locks available. From both a design and functionality perspective, we believe Obsidian is going to be a home run.” Obsidian is as strong in function as it is in form: the lock communicates wirelessly to security and home automation systems for total home control Kwikset’s first keywayless deadbolt, Obsidian features a very responsive, capacitive touchscreen for keyless entry. The cool white LED display delivers crisp, high-definition LED illumination, and a dedicated lock button provides users with convenient, fast one-touch locking. Obsidian is as strong in function as it is in form: the lock communicates wirelessly to security and home automation systems for total home control. Capacitive Touchscreen For Keyless Entry An important feature of Obsidian is the incorporation of the Z-Wave 500 Series chip. The chip provides a number of enhancements, including extended wireless range and wireless security features that reduce the vulnerability of the network during enrollment, as well as increased battery life. Obsidian also includes Kwikset’s patented SecureScreen, an important feature that can help mask "smudge" attacks, in which passcodes can potentially be jeopardized by detecting frequently used numbers from the oily residues on the touchscreen surface. In the unlikely event the four AA batteries run out of power, backup power can be supplied via a 9V battery by touching terminals that are concealed so as not to detract from the contemporary appearance.

ACRE, global integrated technology solutions and services provider announced that CEO Joe Grillo has been named as a 2018 IFSEC Global Security & Fire Influencer in the Security Tech Leaders category for his ability to drive technological innovation and elevate the industry globally.  2018 IFSEC Global Security & Fire Influencer The list of influencers, which is selected by a panel of highly respected judges, seeks to recognize fire and security professionals who are influential in improving regulation, standards/guidance or best practice; driving the success of the organization they lead or are employed by; or being a prominent, persuasive voice in the media. Grillo has been a regular on the list over the last several years for his efforts to elevate ACRE and its brands within the industry and beyond. For more than 30 years, Grillo has been actively involved in the electronic security and identification industries, where he's been successful in growing, acquiring and restructuring businesses. He is well known for being a founder of HID, as well as its Vice President of Sales and Marketing, COO and President, where he led the company’s growth for its sale to Assa Abloy, where he eventually ran the $700M Global Technologies Division. Grillo founded ACRE in 2012 and has steered the company through several acquisitions in the electronic security industry with a primary focus on access control. This past year, ACRE sold Mercury Security to HID Global, further solidifying his role in the consolidation of the market. Electronic Security and Identification Expert “Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside executives who share the same vision for sales growth fueled by innovation and the goal to expand the security industry into the mainstream,” Grillo said. “The IFSEC Global influencer recognition is an honor that I share with these individuals.” ACRE's brands Vanderbilt and ComNet will participate in IFSEC International June 19-21, at ExCeL London, at Stands F305 and E420, respectively.

In the state of the residential security market today, we see many who are offering home security packages that rely on numerous sensors and multiple devices to provide a comprehensive coverage of the home and provide peace of mind. Each individual sensor or device within the package provides a specific functionality, and the user finds himself burdened by an overwhelming amount of sensors and devices. This overload is intensified by the penetration of additional IoT and smart devices into the home, such as pet-cams or smart speakers that add to the burden of installation and maintenance. In addition, we are witnessing the rise in popularity of DIY security devices, indicating that users are looking for models and technologies that provide both contract flexibility and simplicity of use. The past years have seen major advancements in radar technology, which have brought the formerly military technology into the consumer space. Radars provide interesting prospects for home security and smart homes due to several inherent characteristics which give it an advantage over existing technologies. The resolution of an advanced radar sensor enables not only presence detection, but also provides advanced features for security, automation and well-being Advanced Security And Automation Features Of primary importance, a consumer designed radar sensor provides the user with full privacy, but the use of radar is also beneficial because it is indifferent to environmental, temperature and lighting conditions. In addition, radar signals (at certain frequencies) are capable of penetrating through almost any type of material, enabling concealed installation, robust monitoring in cluttered spaces and even the coverage of several separate rooms with only one device. In terms of capabilities, simple time of flight 2-antenna radar sensors, which have been around for a while, do not provide much additional value in comparison to existing solutions and are not necessarily competitive in terms of pricing. However, the new generation of radar sensors are also opening up new capabilities previously achieved with optics only. Today, the resolution of an advanced radar sensor is high enough to enable not only presence detection, but also to provide advanced features for security, automation and well-being, all in one. Imagine for example, that the security sensor installed in your elderly parent’s home could also detect a fall having occurred, monitor the breathing of a baby or even leaks in your wall. Due to the unique field of view that radar provides as well as the multi-functional potential, this technology will be the key to the awaited convergence of smart home functionalities and minimization of home devices. The security sensor installed in your elderly parent’s home could also detect a fall having occurred Secret Of The Consumer Radar A radar sensor’s accuracy and its ability to support wide functionality and applications is determined initially by its resolution, which is based on two key factors: bandwidth and number of channels. The wider the bandwidth and the more channels the radar supports, the more accurate the data received. Imagine the difference between a 1990s television model and a 4K 2018 television model - As the resolution is ever improving, the sharper and more detailed is the image. When looking at the short-range radar sensor market, prominent companies such as Texas Instruments and NXP are offering radar-on-chip solutions supporting 2\3 transmitters (Tx) and 3\4 receivers (Rx), mainly utilizing frequency bands of 77-81GHz, as they target mostly automotive and autonomous driving applications. Another company that develops such radar-on-chip solution is Vayyar Imaging, an Israeli start-up, founded in 2011, that developed a radar sensor for 3D imaging. Vayyar Imaging directly targets the smart home and security markets with its radar-on-chip, developing modules and products for intruder detection, automation and elderly care (fall detection). Providing not only chips, but complete systems, the new model makes radar technology highly available and accessible. The radar-on-chip technology opens the door to installation of security and well-being devices in locations where privacy or environmental conditions pose an issue Radar-On-Chip Solution The radar-on-chip solution supports 72 full transceivers, an integrated DSP and radar bands between 3-81GHz. The resolution provided by this type of specification is high enough to provide subtle information about people’s real time location posture (lying down\falling\sitting\walking), and breathing, and enables to classify pets from humans, but it is low enough as to not compromise privacy. This type of technology opens the door to installation of security and well-being devices in locations where privacy or environmental conditions pose an issue, such as in bathrooms or heavily lit environments. Moreover, utilization of this technology allows to dramatically minimise the numbers of sensors installed in the home, as it provides full home coverage with just one or two sensors and enables using the same HW to support additional capabilities such as breath monitoring, fall detection and highly accurate automation. Using AI and machine learning, the data derived by these sensors can be leveraged to provide smarter, verified alerts on the one hand and whole new insights on the on the other. The sensor can be tuned to learn the location of the house entrances or boundaries, where the inhabitants are expected to be at night, or where they should be expected to enter from into the home, adding new logics to the traditional yes\no decision making. Home security is widely regarded as a necessity, provides peace of mind to people and is integral to people's day to day lives Additional Smart Home Services Among the evolving home technology verticals, security is by far the most relevant and integral to people’s day to day lives. Home security is widely regarded as a necessity and provides peace of mind to people. Being a legacy industry with many well-known and well-trusted brands, security players are well positioned to introduce new technology into the home and have the ability and credibility to expand their offerings to additional smart home services by utilizing existing infrastructure and channels. With technology giants entering the security arena through the smart home door the DIY security solution market expected to explode with a CAGR of 22.4% (according to a report by Persistence Market Research). Now that new pricing and service models offer minimal commitment, traditional security players will need to step up. Security companies will need to explore new technologies and expand their offering if they intend to stay relevant and competitive in a market trending on functionality converge and minimization of maintenance and installation costs.

Property is one of the biggest targets for crime in the UK, especially open land. There are thousands of acres worth of property across the UK which aren’t effectively secured, as a result of which they have become hot-beds for crime, anti-social behavior, and not least fly-tipping. Security therefore must be a top priority for property owners, too many of whom tend to favor traditional methods such as fencing or hiring security guards. But, these methods come with a premium budget, with manned security running at a cost typically of some £300 per day. Nor is it possible to guarantee that every inch of a property is monitored. An increasingly adopted solution is Ad Hoc Property Management’s Smart Tower Security System and Smart Alarm System. Ad Hoc’s Smart Camera Security Tower sits six metres tall with a 36x optical zoom magnifying distances of up to 150 yards Ad Hoc Smart Camera Security Haringey Council contacted Ad Hoc Property Management after one of its industrial sites, Rosebery Industrial Estate in London, was repeatedly being targeted by fly-tippers over the course of many years. Every time the property was dumped with waste, it was costing the council hundreds of pounds to have their waste contractor called out to clean-up. By November 2017, they had expensed literally hundreds of thousands of pounds. By the end of the month the first Ad Hoc Smart Camera Security Tower was deployed, since then costs and incidents have plummeted. In fact, there have been no major incidents and local residents and tenants alike are delighted, welcoming the improved local environment. Ad Hoc’s Smart Camera Security Tower sits six meters tall with a 36x optical zoom magnifying distances of up to 150 yards, and a 12x digital zoom to enhance optical performance. Using state-of-the-art SMART technology (the same technology used in monitoring US Defense Center, The Pentagon), the tower boasts a 360 degree camera which can be programmed to move zones at set intervals for 24/7 monitoring. Utilizing wireless technology, the camera is able to filter large objects from those that are small, ensuring the alarm is only triggered when there is a clear threat. Ad Hoc’s Smart Cameras have been deployed successfully by numerous property owners around the UK" Ad Hoc's Property Security Solutions “Open land is one of the biggest targets for waste dumping, but it doesn’t have to be. Ad Hoc’s Smart Cameras have been deployed successfully by numerous property owners around the UK, preventing anti-social behavior and, more importantly, reducing opportunity for property-related crime,” said Darren Tubb, General Manager, Ad Hoc Security UK Limited. Land owners aren’t the only ones who can benefit from Ad Hoc’s security solutions; property owners of retail spaces, industrial buildings and homes who traditionally look at hiring in security guards, can benefit too, deterring fly-tipping and other anti-social crimes. As it stands, if a property is fly-tipped and no one is caught, it is the responsibility of the property owner to remove the waste legally at their own expense, which means hiring in a company licensed to remove these materials. However, as more property owners become aware of the technology available to them through Ad Hoc, not just in protecting the property but in helping police to identify the culprits, we could see property damage and fly-tipping become a thing of the past.

A landmark mixed-use development in Nigeria has been secured by the latest British perimeter technology. Crash-tested bi-folding speed gates with inlaid SR security-rated mesh panels have been installed at Nestoil Towers on Victoria island, Lagos, along with crash-tested bollards and blockers. Cova Security Gates from Crawley – creators of the crash-tested speed gate – won the contract to supply and install from Nigerian construction company Julius Berger. Nestoil Towers is a 15-storey mixed-use development consisting of 7,500 sq m of office space, 3,500 sq m of residential space High Performance Glass The prestigious Nestoil Towers is a 15-storey mixed-use development consisting of 7,500 sq m of office space, 3,500 sq m of residential space, a multi-storey parking facility as well as a recreational facility – and houses Julius Berger’s new corporate head office. The building form was created using gentle curved surfaces of high performance glass with horizontal tubular details which accentuate the sweeping effect of the curved façade. The arced curtain walls are further defined by a surround of solid white metal panels to complete the contemporary composition of this building. Cova were tasked to provide secure vehicle and pedestrian access and to protect access from the gatehouse for staff entrances and exits at different areas and around the main building. Security Of The Gates Cova supplied five crash-tested trackless bi-folding speed gates, one standard bi-folding gate, five rising arm barriers, four crash-rated bollards, a crash-tested shallow depth road blocker, a full-height double turnstile and a push button access control system that controlled the entire turnkey project. The gates were clad with steel fencing manufacturer Zaun’s SR2-rated Super10 steel mesh to add to the security of the gates. Cova’s design team manufactured each product bespoke to the client’s specific requirements for the project Cova’s design team manufactured each product bespoke to the client’s specific requirements for the project, because of the weight and material of the mesh, to ensure PAS68 test standards were fully met and foundation requirements, speed of opening and closing and power control were all as specified. Implement Protection All gates and turnstiles were finished in ‘Signal White’ to blend in with the design of the tower and the fence line. Cova filled three 40ft containers for shipping to Nigeria with all products tested prior to leaving the factory as part of its ISO9001 process and by Julius Berger-appointed auditors. Installation was arduous and fraught with difficulties, but once completed, a Cova engineer provided full training to Nestoil Towers security team on how to operate the gates, blockers, barriers and turnstile on a daily basis so that they could correctly implement protection in the event of a terrorist vehicle attack.

Beykent University in Istanbul Turkey was established as a non-profit organization by Adem Celik-Beykent Educational Foundation and started its education programs in 1997. Since then, it has grown its teaching and research facilities over five campuses for a population of approximately 29,000 students. The university offers a high-quality learning experience which includes 72 Associate’s degrees, 69 Bachelor’s degrees and over 50 Postgraduate programs. Medical students at Beykent University need to take lab exercises including audiometry and advanced simulation. However, in the audiometry lab, only 3 out of 20 students among a class are able to observe in the silent cabin and there is no other access to this cabin from outside. Also, patient simulation by students needed to be reviewed more closely while and after performing the exercise for educational purpose. Hanwha Techwin high resolution cameras were installed in labs to support medical students High-Res Camera Installation      About 450 Hanwha Techwin cameras were installed at multiple campuses of the university from Oct. 2015 to Aug. 2017. Especially 5 Megapixel high resolution cameras (5 of SND-6084R, 11 of XNO-8080R) were installed in labs to support medical students’ education. In the audiometry lab, Wisenet cameras installed inside the cabin made the rest of 17 students standing outside able to observe what is happening when hearing tests are being carried out. For the advanced simulation lab, Wisenet cameras were transferring images and sounds of the exercise performance collected from 3 simulation rooms to 1 observation room, making it possible for students to see the mistakes and the good examples on projection or television screens. The University has also deployed Wisenet cameras and recorders in order to help create a safe and secure environment for students and teachers throughout the campuses including VIP house, classroom, auditorium, outdoor campus and Medical School and Faculty of Dentistry in Avalon Campus. Over 700 Winset cameras to be installed in other locations throughout the University" Wisenet Camera Integration Results “The most important reason for us choosing Wisenet products was the efficient way they work smoothly with software applications. The functionality promised to us at the sales stage has been delivered and the Hanwha Techwin team in the Turkey office have handled the project with care from start to finish. They have always been just a phone call away when we needed them for problem solving and they also provided extensive trainings. Their willingness to ensure continuity of the project has been a major benefit to us. As a result, we will be continuing to install Wisenet cameras in other locations throughout the University and are planning to have about 700 installed by the end of the project,” Barkin Oktem, IT manager at Beykent University.

DUOX, the Fermax 2 Wire digital system using stylish VEO video monitors was the system of choice for DUK Construction LTD responsible for the installation of electrical and security systems in this prestigious new development in South London consisting of 88 apartments and 5 communal entrances together with 13 bike and bin storage areas.  DUOX Access Control System The Fermax system combines the modern innovative 2 wire DUOX access control system with high specification 316 MARINE grade stainless steel door entry panels, laser cut at the Fermax manufacturing facility in Valencia, Spain and specifically designed to meet the needs of the project by integrating a stylish proximity access control reader at each entry point. Networked CCTV also provided by Fermax UK completed the site security and door entry system The system provides ease of access for residents, visitors and trades people as well as offering a host of features for residents using the new DUOX VEO monitor installed in each apartment. As well as its elegant design the VEO monitor complete with handset provides the added PHOTOCALLER feature which enables residents to capture and store images of visitors who have called their apartment from the entrance panel while they were away. Networked CCTV also provided by Fermax UK completed the site security and door entry system.  Fermax 2 Wire DUOX System System design and onsite technical support by the Fermax engineering and commercial team ensured that the project was completed on time and to specification. DUK Construction project manager commented “The Fermax 2 wire DUOX system was very easy to install and we were given excellent support from Fermax UK in the face of very tight schedules and a number of technical challenges. We are delighted with the system solution provided by Fermax.” If you want to know more about DUOX advantages, download our e-book. Discover the power of digital in 2 wires!

ProdataKey (PDK), an innovator of cloud-based networked and wireless access control products and services, and Dwelo LLC, a provider of smart-home solutions purpose-built for apartment owners, managers and residents, has announced a partnership that is seamlessly integrating PDK’s cloud access control technology into the Dwelo smart apartment platform. Dwelo’s web and mobile software, which currently offers apartment dwellers the ability to control smart devices such as light switches, thermostats and door deadbolts for their individual units, has added features to manage access to common areas of their building or community, such as entry gates, clubhouse, gym and laundry facilities.  These spaces can now be secured by PDK’s cloud access control solution, pdk.io, providing apartment property managers and owners with valuable operational efficiencies. The administrative software interface, not visible to residents, enables management to easily establish and enforce authorized hours of use for common facilities. An audit trail reports all traffic into the property, including any one-time credentials issued by residents, which can be used to assist in investigations in cases of theft or vandalism. When residents move out, their access to unit, common, and perimeter access is immediately deactivated, eliminating the risks that accompany traditional keys that would otherwise remain in circulation. The system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue  Scalable And Affordable Security Solutions Beyond operational efficiencies, residents can unlock perimeter and common doors or gates using the same mobile app they use to control their apartments. In addition, they have the ability to use their phones or computers to generate temporary, one-time credentials that allow visitors, delivery and service people to gain access as needed. These features add to the conveniences afforded to residents living in Dwelo-enabled smart apartments.  Both Dwelo and PDK have built successful businesses by leveraging the power of cloud technology to create scalable, affordable solutions that offer unprecedented ease of installation for contractors and simple usability for customers. With their combined areas of expertise in home automation and security, together they see an opportunity to serve a large and generally neglected market sector – apartment renters who desire the same smart home technological conveniences as today’s home owners and seek out communities that offer those smart home solutions. The Dwelo/PDK solution is available for both new construction and retrofits. After an initial per-unit installation charge, the system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue.  Enhanced Apartment Living “Dwelo is thrilled to be partnering with such an innovative company as PDK. PDK is a technology leader in the electronic access control space, and Dwelo and its customers are already benefitting from their forward-thinking approach to access." Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector" "The consolidation of smart home control and perimeter and common area access control, in one platform, is a powerful marriage for multifamily property owners. We look forward, with PDK, to crafting more solutions that address the specific needs of these customers,” says Mike Rovito, CEO of Dwelo, LLC. “PDKs solution has been embraced by customers in the commercial sector for its simple ease of use and platform flexibility. Our wireless and PoE options allow for cost-effective takeover of legacy equipment, while supporting new construction projects with all the benefits derived from leveraging the network." "Our mantra, simplicity without compromise, dovetails perfectly with Dwelo’s corporate mission to enhance apartment living through easily accessible IoT technology. Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector,” says Evan Tree, CEO of ProdataKey.

A security system provided by Hikvision USA Inc., the North American company that offers video surveillance products and solutions, was installed by Holmes Security Systems to provide full coverage security and remote monitoring for a custom home built by Whitney Blair Custom Homes and sponsored by Southern Living Magazine. Established in 1966 and published by Time Inc., Southern Living Magazine is one of the largest lifestyle brands in the country. The Southern Living Idea House is a custom home built annually that showcases top-of-the-line residential products and technologies. The 2017 Idea House was built on Bald Head Island in North Carolina and features a Hikvision security system. “Every year, we create an idyllic house that inspires millions of Southern Living readers with design and decorating ideas they can steal for themselves. Using the South's best architects, builders, designers, and landscapers, we reimagine the ultimate Southern home and bring it to life in the magazine, on southernliving.com, and on our social platforms. Now in its 28th year, no franchise is more eagerly anticipated by our audience than the Southern Living Idea House,” said Sid Evans, editor in chief of Southern Living.Holmes Security offered professional expertise and the Hikvision security camera system delivered high quality results Remote Monitoring Access Bald Head Island in North Carolina is known for its multi-million dollars vacation homes. The video surveillance equipment had to provide security with remote monitoring access for the homeowner. Whitney Blair Custom Homes, a major builder on Bald Head Island, sought out the expertise of Holmes Security Systems, a 109-year old security company with offices in both Fayetteville and Wilmington, NC. “It was an honor to be selected by Southern Living Magazine to be the builder for the 2017 Idea Home. Our success depends on the quality of our trade partners and their product selection, especially with an accelerated schedule and limited access with transportation by boat only. Holmes Security offered professional expertise and the Hikvision security camera system delivered high quality results with a design that fit the home’s style,” said Jeff Sanderson, president of Whitney Blair Custom Homes. Monitored Fire Alarm System Every house on Bald Head Island is required to have a monitored smoke and fire alarm system. Holmes Security owns and operates its own UL-listed central monitoring station, which influenced Whitney Blair’s decision to choose Holmes as a security partner. Other important considerations for the security system included aesthetics and functionality. As a Southern Living Idea home, it required innovative technology that could withstand a range of temperatures while being elegant and discreet. The video surveillance system had to blend seamlessly into the décor.Covering the indoor and outdoor space while keeping the camera placement discreet was challenging Security Installation Challenges The installation posed many, varied challenges. Bald Head Island is a car-free barrier island accessible only by boat and located about 35 miles south of Wilmington, N.C. All personnel, tools, and equipment had to travel to the island each day by ferry and then, once on the island, by golf cart. The Idea House is a two-story, 3,273 square foot structure with a separate two-door golf cart garage, topped by a crofter – a separate flexible living space similar to a mother-in-law suite with a kitchen, bathroom and bedroom/sitting area. The home boasts more than 1,300 square feet of outdoor living space with a paved patio, backyard fire pit, outdoor kitchen and lounge area. “Covering the indoor and outdoor space while keeping the camera placement discreet was challenging,” said Dave Foster, sales and marketing manager for Holmes Security Systems. “Also, the Idea House was completed in an amazing six-month timeframe. The accelerated construction schedule meant that deadlines were tight, and subcontractors were stumbling over each other at times. Communication with the builder, other subcontractors, our supplier, and our own installation team was key.” Full-Coverage Security Holmes Security recommended and installed an eight channel Hikvision DS-7608NI-E2/8P NVR with four terabytes (TB) of storage, paired with a Hikvision DS-D5021FC 21-inch monitor and six cameras to provide a customized, full-coverage security solution for the home. The builder wanted to store up to two weeks of video. Holmes Security selected the four terabyte Hikvision NVR for its capacity to store up to four weeks of video. The NVR was easy for Holmes Security to install and program and is also designed to be easy to use for the future homeowner. Five Hikvision DS-2CD2332-I Outdoor Turret cameras were installed to completely encircle the exterior of the home. Hikvision’s EXIR enhanced technology has built-in IR LEDs housed in a window separate from the camera lens to deliver superior viewing and recording quality in low light conditions, an important feature as Bald Head Island gets very dark at night.Whitney Blair included a second-floor equipment room to provide the homeowner with 24/7 access to video footage from an NVR Round-The-Clock Access To Video Footage Locations were chosen carefully to ensure key areas of the home would have coverage. The front and rear porches were equipped with turret cameras to view the front and rear doors, and one turret camera was installed to cover the garage door. The additional outdoor turrets were deployed to give the best angle of surveillance along the sides of the house.  For the interior of the home, a Hikvision DS-2CD2532F-I Compact Dome camera was installed inside the front corner of the living room to cover living and dining areas. The dome camera captures the entire open space and provides good coverage of the front and rear doors while its low-profile blends seamlessly into the design. Whitney Blair included a second-floor equipment room to house the NVR and the monitor, to provide the homeowner with 24/7 access to video footage.Southern Living donated a portion of each ticket sold to benefit the Old Baldy Foundation Tailored Security System With Remote Viewing Hikvision’s iVMS software provides remote viewing that will allow the future homeowner to access the camera feed from their smartphone, tablet or computer when away from the home. “Southern Living looks to the builder and subcontractors to offer innovative solutions that fit our vision for the design. Holmes Security recommended the Hikvision security camera system, and it met all the functional needs for security at the Idea House while delivering great aesthetics that blended with the décor,” said Misty Chandler, marketing manager at Time Inc. Once completed, the 2017 Southern Living Idea House was open for public tours, with thousands of people viewing the home. Southern Living donated a portion of each ticket sold to benefit the Old Baldy Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to maintaining North Carolina’s oldest lighthouse built in 1817 and located on Bald Head Island. After the initial Open House, Bald Head Island Realty hosted tours while also listing the property for sale. Surveillance Expertise Whitney Blair Custom Homes currently has 19 additional Southern Living-inspired homes planned for construction on Bald Head Island. All will include Hikvision security systems. The Southern Living Idea House features the best in construction products and features. By combining aesthetic style, discrete camera placement with HD quality video and remote viewing, Hikvision’s security system provides full coverage for this custom home. Hikvision integrator partner Holmes Security System’s expertise, professionalism and adaptability to construction challenges enabled Southern Living and the home builder to provide the best in residential video surveillance for the future homeowner.