Perimeter security

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.

Senstar is pleased to announce the first major sale of its Senstar LM100 hybrid perimeter intrusion detection and intelligent lighting system. Over 1,300 LM100 luminaires will protect the 28,000 ft (5.3 mi) perimeter of a $1.5 billion brewery being constructed by a Fortune 500 international beverage company. “The Senstar LM100 is the first perimeter intrusion detection product of its kind to combine two key security features in one cutting-edge product – deterrence (lighting) and detection (vibration-sensing) – illuminating intruders at the fence line and alerting the site’s security management system of any attempt to cut, climb or otherwise breakthrough the fence fabric,” said Senstar Product Manager Todd Brisebois. “We are honored the beverage company has chosen the Senstar LM100 to safeguard its people and property and are confident the system will provide the desired level of security for the site.” With Senstar’s broad portfolio of perimeter intrusion detection products, we were able to offer solutions that met the different requirements of the distinct sites" Fiber Optic Intrusion Detection System This project, in which the Senstar LM100 will be coupled with layers of video analytics and surveillance cameras, will be the second partnership between Senstar; the beverage company; A&E firm Benham, A Haskell Company; and installer EON Solution SA de CV. The group previously worked together on the expansion of a brewery site where Senstar’s FiberPatrol fence-mounted fiber optic intrusion detection system was installed to protect a 5,000 ft (0.95 mi) section of new perimeter fence. “There was not a one-size fits all for the beverage company’s two most recent construction projects," said Senstar’s Executive Director of Business Development Nancy Marshall. "But with Senstar’s broad portfolio of perimeter intrusion detection products, we were able to offer solutions that met the different requirements of the distinct sites.” Combining sensing and lighting technologies allows the lighting to be controlled by its sensing which further increases its deterrence capability Fence Vibration Detection  Launched in Fall 2017, the Senstar LM100 provides fence vibration detection as well as configurable, localised, uniform lighting allowing cameras to operate with a higher dynamic range, ensuring objects and people are illuminated while avoiding the generation of dark silhouettes in front of bright backgrounds. Combining sensing and lighting technologies allows the lighting to be controlled by its sensing which further increases its deterrence capability. With the LM100’s low voltage design, installation costs are kept low as expensive electrical infrastructure or expensive labor are not required, and the need for additional permits, which could be time consuming and costly, is eliminated. Integration With VMS And Analytics Systems The Senstar LM100 is easy to install and maintain, environmentally-friendly, and suitable for sites of all sizes as a standalone or complimentary perimeter security system, seamlessly integrating with video management and analytics systems, PSIM and security management systems. Senstar has sold several LM100 systems to small sites including VIP residences, electrical substations, marinas and marijuana production facilities.

The concept of door locks means something totally different in our current age of smarter buildings that house data-driven businesses. Hardware locks and keys are still around, but they co-exist with a brave new world of electronic locks, wireless locks, networked systems, and smarter access control. Locks can also increasingly be a part of a smart building’s flow of data. The opportunities of these new technologies and approaches are significant, but there are also pitfalls. I heard an interesting discussion about these topics presented by several business leaders from lock company Allegion at a press event at ISC West earlier this year. Here are some highlights from that discussion. Q: What new developments in emerging technologies do you see in the coming years? There’s opportunity for implementation of the technology to solve real problems" Mark Jenner, Market Development Director: Connected locks, other types of sensors and all the data being aggregated inside buildings provide opportunity for data analytics. The buzzwords around technologies can cause confusion for integrators and end users, such as artificial intelligence, deep learning and machine learning, and what’s the difference among all of them? My opinion is that they are important, but the big theme across them all is opportunities for new business models for the integrator, and opportunities to solve problems for end users. And it’s not just technology for technology’s sake. There’s opportunity for implementation of the technology to solve real problems. Devin Love, Market Development Manager: You can’t just have a solution looking for a problem. You see a lot of people who understand technology in their own lives, and they want to translate that into their businesses. That’s where I think it’s exciting. You now have all this technology, and people understand it to the extent that it improves their daily life. They go through their day with less friction, with more ease, and technology fades to the background. There are two levels of value. One is the longer, bigger, broader scope of what the technology can bring to a company using it, but on an immediate basis, there is the value of tracking how a business is running. These sensors are collecting data. For example, if you are a multi-tenant property, you can look at how amenities are being used. What do my residents really care about? That informs future decisions. Robert Gaulden, Project Based Business Leader, Electronic Access Control: I have been studying the multi-family space for the last couple of months. The customer experience is really driving a lot of that technology adoption. What you’re seeing today, whether it’s a mobile device or some other device, is the ability to move throughout the property, and gain access to the perimeter and to your tenant space. All of this adoption is around that experience. There’s multiple players coming into the space, from Amazon wanting to deliver packages into the tenant space to residents who don’t want the inconvenience of using a key. Technology adoption to solve problems, and also to drive experiences, is where a lot of the balance will play out. It’s important that we look at how integrators can use the technology to do business more effectively and efficiently" Brad Aikin, Channel Led Business Leader, Integrator Channel: From an integrator perspective, there are two things. One is how they can approach end users, and the scope of what integrators consult with them about is wider. I think we as an industry are getting beyond those high-traffic, high-security applications. Those are still critical, but the value we bring around security and convenience is opening a new incremental opportunity. Also, the experience of the integrator and how they conduct their business is important, from generating quotes to communications to proactive servicing. It’s important that we look at how integrators can use the technology to do business more effectively and efficiently. Gaulden: We as an industry, and we as manufacturers, need to understand what data we are generating so we can run our businesses more efficiently from every aspect, whether you’re the property manager, the building owner, the integrator, or whether you’re the manufacturer. These devices and technology are being pushed out everywhere and will generate the data. How we learn from that – especially when you apply security to it to be more proactive – provides huge opportunities. Jenner: What data is important and what’s not? Folks get overwhelmed with too much data at some point. What’s important for an application at the end user level? What do they really need to solve the problem? Love: Privacy gets involved as well, especially with consumer products. The attitude is “stay out of my private business.” But if you’re an employee now, all bets are off. Now you have a professional relationship with the people you work with, so there is a different lens that you look through when tracking data. You use the data to everyone’s benefit, and it’s a different paradigm than in your private life. Aikin: Also, where does that data create a better experience for the person? That’s what drives the money and value: What level of information sharing makes my experience better? The technology is also getting smarter in terms of “how do we sort through the valuable information?” Hardware locks and keys are still around, but they co-exist with a brave new world of electronic locks, wireless locks, networked systems, and smarter access control Q: As facilities connect more devices and sensors, the cybersecurity threats increase. We have already seen Internet of Things (IoT) devices being used as the attack point of cyber breaches. What are the vulnerabilities that make those attacks possible, and how can integrators protect their customers? Love: Certainly, this is an extremely – maybe the most important – piece of our industry. What is the point of everything we do if we can’t instill that trust? But what we need to solve here also comes with opportunity. There’s certainly hope. You’re not seeing a frontal attack on the technology. It’s usually some loophole, or some older device that hasn’t been updated, or wasn’t installed correctly, or it was social-engineered. The opportunity is, not that it can’t be solved, but that it absolutely needs to be solved – and it can. Gaulden: Integrators need the ability to understand that cyber layer and what it means. Nowadays, everything runs on the network, and you won’t even get past the IT department to get on the network if you don’t have the right staff, the right credentials. From an integrator standpoint, you need the ability to add to your staff, to understand everything from the product level to the firmware and the software level, all the way to the deployment of the holistic system. You can’t just say, “That’s not part of our responsibility.” All these devices are now riding on the network. They can be protected from a cyber perspective, or you will have vulnerabilities. As manufacturers and business consultants to integrators, we should facilitate the conversation, that it is one ecosystem" Aikin: Everything is a communication device. With the concern and need comes an opportunity for the integrator. But it’s also in making sure integrators are having that conversation with end users and setting the expectations up front. What I’m providing you on day one is the best in the industry at this time, but tomorrow it may not be. My accountability and service are to maintain that environment and keep it running. I may not physically change the device you see, but the service I’m bringing to you is that security, and that comprehensive dialogue. The IT stakeholders already have that expectation, but there is a chasm in some organisations between the physical security and the IT stakeholders, and the integrator is facilitating that conversation. As manufacturers and business consultants to integrators, we should facilitate that conversation. It is one ecosystem. Q: Aside from cybersecurity, what are some of the other threats that integrators should be aware of as they work with customers to implement the new trends and technologies we have mentioned? Aikin: It is diversifying, all the options and the capabilities. With that comes confusion and misapplication. If I look at the trends around just wireless; I go back 10 years ago, there were even questions of whether wireless was a secure technology. That has progressed and continues to be part of the cyber conversation, just like any hardwired product. It’s something you have to maintain and be aware of. Wireless has really diversified. There is still a need for education within the channel, and most importantly, to the end user. There are still end users that assume a WiFi widget is the same thing as a Bluetooth widget is the same thing as a low-frequency widget. But they are all different. There are reasons there are different technologies. Nothing stifles the adoption of technology more than misapplication. We have different architectures within our lock base and among our software partners to allow a mix of technology" Gaulden: Integrators understand the differences in how various doors are used and how those applications will work. In the K-12 school environment, you want the ability for an instant lockdown, and a WiFi deployment probably isn’t your best option. You need a real-time deployment. However, my office door at headquarters doesn’t necessarily need real-time communication. I can pull audits off it once or twice a day. You have to mix and match technologies. For a high security door, you would proactively monitor it. But for a door where convenience is the goal, we can put electronic security on it but we don’t need to know what’s going on at any moment in time. We have different architectures within our lock base and among our software partners to allow that mix of technology. Jenner: End users want the latest technology, but it may not be for their applications. Those things drive more costs into it, when end users need to be putting money into cybersecurity and some other things. That’s part of the misapplication. Another risk is interoperability. That’s a big piece of the technology and as things change. How do we do a better job of supporting open architecture? It may not be a standards-based protocol, although we use a lot of standards, but we just need to make sure whatever protocols we use are open and easily accessible so we can continue to work with them in the future. We know that when our devices go in, they will support other parts of the ecosystem from an interoperability perspective. That’s important for integrators to know: How is this going to be applied and integrate with something in three, four or five years from now? It’s an expensive investment, and I want to make sure it will work in the future. Main photo: Business leaders from Allegion discussed new trends in electronic and wireless locks at a recent press event: (L-R) Robert Gaulden, Devin Love, Brad Aikin and Mark Jenner.

Several recent terrorist and mass violence attacks have been directed at soft targets, or relatively unprotected locations where people gather such as outside a music venue or in the unscreened passenger areas at airports. Attacks in public areas have led to the development of new security technologies aimed at protecting soft targets. One company addressing the challenges is Evolv Technology and its Edge automated high-speed personnel screening solution. The system integrates walkthrough firearm and explosive detection for high-throughput protection of events and soft targets.The Edge system has multiple detection sensitivity settings to respond to various threat scenarios Enhanced Visitor Experience The system seeks to increase security without compromising the ‘customer experience’. People simply walk through single-file – between two 5-foot-tall stanchions. One lane can screen up to 800 people per hour, and the system detects explosives or metallic objects without the need for pat-downs or wands or other invasive procedures. Any personal belongings can remain in visitors’ pockets. A single security guard is needed for each lane to verify any detected threats. “The system combines an improved security posture with a better visitor experience,” says Mike Ellenbogen, CEO of Evolv Technology. “We need to fly and have been trained to be screened at the airport, but we don’t expect to be screened going to see a ball game or a Mozart concert. Evolv recognized a need for a new way to inspect people before they enter these types of facilities. It’s a seamless system that pulls various technologies together. We want to feel safe but without having to sacrifice the quality of the experience.”Screening analytics provide data on the numbers of people screened by time of day and by result The system combines millimeter wave and magnetic field sensors, along with artificial intelligence (AI)/ machine learning and can incorporate additional data such as biometrics. Known bad actors can be identified using facial recognition. The system has multiple detection sensitivity settings to respond to various threat scenarios. Expanding Perimeter Protection A security guard provides the human touch by verifying any threats detected by the system. The locations of concealed items are displayed on a photo of the individual using a color-coded box overlay. Screening analytics provide data on the numbers of people screened by time of day and by result. Ellenbogen says the company is working to have the system adopted at entertainment venues, performing arts centers, sports centers, for air and rail transportation, and to protect high-profile government buildings. The Edge system can expand the protected perimeter to a wider area that was previously unprotected. The Edge system can expand the protected perimeter to a wider area that was previously unprotected For example, concert-goers exited the arena of an Ariana Grande concert May 22, 2017, in Manchester, U.K., and entered the surrounding area that was unscreened and unsecured. Placing a user-friendly screening system around a wider perimeter outside the concert venue might have prevented the use of an improvised explosive device in the terrorist attack.Placing a user-friendly screening system around a wider perimeter outside the concert venue might have prevented the use of an improvised explosive device in the terrorist attack Threat Mitigation With Soft Target Approach Likewise, a 2016 bombing at the Brussels Airport occurred in the departure hall outside the passenger screening areas. Securing a wider perimeter – for example, screening customers discreetly as they enter the airport building from a parking area – could have provided additional security against such an attack. Ellenbogen confirms Evolv has sold a number of systems to major European airports to screen visitors and passengers as they enter the front door. “Addressing the threat to an airport or train system is different than screening passengers; we are looking for different types of objects and different types of materials. The idea is to be able to detect threats to a venue before they get into the venue.” The soft target approach can also be applied to public buildings, such as courthouses, and used in lieu of more invasive metal detectors and x-ray machines. The portability of the Edge system enables a ‘pop-up’ approach to security – i.e., to relocate the system to address specific or changing security threats easily. The self-contained system only requires a wall plug. Labor reduction (because of faster throughput) can help offset the system costs but it’s difficult to quantify the improvement in the visitor experienceImproving Security Posture At Event Venues “It’s surprising the level of importance [venue owners] put on the visitor experience,” says Ellenbogen. “They see that their brand starts at the front door. They are eager to find alternative security solutions that come across as more inviting, less imposing, less closed down, less invasive than the solutions they have been using,” he says. “They are driven by a desire to improve the visitor experience as they improve the security posture.” He says current events, including terrorist attacks and mass shootings, drive awareness among venue owners to improve the security of soft targets. “The level of interest is high, and it spikes somewhat when there is a big headline,” Ellenbogen says. He notes that the system is more expensive than a metal detector, but about a third the cost of familiar airport body scanners. Labor reduction (because of faster throughput) can help offset the system costs, but “it’s difficult to quantify the improvement in the visitor experience,” Ellenbogen says.

Schools today are charged to provide an environment that is both safe and conducive to learning, which can be difficult considering the range of security incidents and challenges they face, including bullying, fights, graffiti, theft and more. In addition to working within often tight budgetary constraints, a main challenge is to provide the highest level of security in an aesthetically pleasing way that doesn’t make students feel as if they are in prison. While these two needs may seem mutually exclusive to some degree, that doesn’t have to be the case. School security can be achieved without building 20-foot walls or putting barbed wire around the perimeter. The key to balancing the security and learning environment can be found in the four pillars of a good school security strategy, namely people, practices, technology and physical environment. A mobile app or text notification system could be used to alert students and staff of potential problems Situational Awareness One of the most effective measures to take is to educate staff and even students to learn to be aware about their surroundings and adopt the 'If you see something, say something' mentality. In an emergency, time is of the essence, so the speed of response becomes critical. Educating staff and students to recognize potential problems and report them is a good first step. Augmenting this with mobile apps and/or texting capabilities, for example, that allow someone to send a photo to school security or law enforcement for quick assessment and evaluation, can speed response even more. A mobile app or text notification system could also be used to alert students and staff of potential problems and provide instructions on what steps to take in order to remain safe. By providing real-time situational awareness about potential responses, these types of technologies can reduce the number of armed guards or resource officers needed to patrol a school or campus, which also makes students more comfortable and able to learn in a non-prison-like environment. Security Best Practices Every school should establish a set of security policies and procedures and ensure that staff and students understand what to do if they suspect a problem or if an incident should unfold at the school. However, too often, schools may not know where to start when seeking out best practices. And once these policies are in place, there may be confusion about how to audit them to ensure people are properly educated. The NFPA has begun work on a school security standard that would address a range of issues schools face on a daily basis A number of organizations are available to aid with this process, such as the Partner Alliance for School Safety a group founded in cooperation with SIA (Security Industry Association), which provides resources and tools to help schools and security professionals evaluate and establish the best security protection for their buildings. These guidelines and best practices are designed to help schools spend their often limited funds on the right security solutions. Safe and Sound Schools provides downloadable school security toolkits, and the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has recently released the NFPA 3000 Active shooter response guidelines and has begun work on a school security standard that would address a range of issues schools face on a daily basis. The key takeaway is that the information is out there, and the organisations mentioned above are excellent resources for helping schools create safe, secure and learning-conducive environments. Technology In School Security The second thing that needs to be considered is how technology can be brought to bear to contribute to school security. Video surveillance with video analytics can be deployed to monitor areas at certain times of day. For example, once school starts, there shouldn’t be a lot of activity in the parking lot or in particular areas around the school. For these situations, intelligent cameras with video analytics can be used to detect activity in those areas of interest to alert school security that something may need their attention. This might be a vehicle entering a lot or driving against the normal traffic flow, which may simply be a parent arriving to pick their child up early, or it could be something worth following up on. Radar detection is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area In any case, this is something that should be brought to the attention of someone who can quickly assess the situation and determine what, if any, response is needed. Because the goal in a potentially dangerous situation is speed response times. The faster you’re able to detect something using technology, the faster you’re able to respond. Therefore, being able to identify something happening in a parking lot and alert school resource officers could provide 30 seconds or a minute head start for response, which can get the school into a lockdown situation and get first responders on site more quickly.Facial recognition systems and providing access through smartphones could help create a more welcoming and secure environment for students, staff and parents After-Hour Monitoring Solutions Monitoring buildings and facilities after hours presents a different set of challenges. For sporting events, the National Center for Spectator Sports and Security (NCS4) at the University of Southern Mississippi provides best practice guidance for sporting facilities and events not only just for universities but even including those at high schools. It’s been shown that using lighting at night can deter crime. However, it can be expensive to keep a building and grounds illuminated all night, every night. To mitigate these concerns and potential costs, there are video cameras available with extreme low-light capability that allows them to see in near-dark or in some cases complete darkness. This allows a school to save money by turning lights off while achieving a level of surveillance performance similar to daytime deployments. Radar Detection Another technology for effective school security, both during and after school hours, is radar detection. This is ideal for perimeters, where a device can be set up unobtrusively to alert when someone enters a particular area. Radar can be deployed with a single PTZ camera, which can track whatever has been detected to provide real-time situational awareness for a school resource officer or law enforcement to investigate to determine the potential threat, if any, related to the perimeter breach.Following the four pillars of school security can ease the process while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of securing educational facilities More often than not, schools are faced with issues that are not necessarily the worst-case scenario everyone fears, such as how to identify parents and others who are authorized to pick a child up from school early. In this instance, facial recognition systems and providing access through smartphones could help create a more welcoming and secure environment for students, staff and parents. Lighting And Landscaping In addition to technology, one of the things that can contribute to a safer school environment is environmental design. CPTED provides four basic principles, one of which is natural surveillance, which follows a 'see and be seen' philosophy. In other words, when people know they can be seen, they are less likely to commit a crime. The main points in this general principle are lighting and landscaping. For example, a school doesn’t want to block potentially vulnerable areas with landscaping, so the height and thickness of any potential landscaping elements should be carefully considered. In general, openness and visibility should be the guiding factors. Securing Physical Environment Another aspect of the physical environment is maintenance. If a window gets broken but isn’t fixed right away, that tends to invite vandalism. These are just two of the guidelines CPTED offers for creating a more secure environment that doesn’t feel like a prison. In general, finding the right mix between maintaining security and providing a welcoming, aesthetically pleasing and learning-conducive environment can seem like a difficult – if not impossible – task. Following the four pillars of school security can ease the process while improving the effectiveness and efficiency of securing educational facilities.

The Ava Group was formed from the takeover of MaxSec Group (MSP) by Future Fibre Technologies Limited (FFT) in December 2017, with the new group name approved at the EGM on 10th May 2018. Merging MSP And FFT The group is a provider of risk management services and technologies, used by commercial, industrial, military and government companies across the world. The Ava Group encompasses Future Fibre Technologies and both MaxSec Group companies - BQT Solutions and Ava Global. The Group features a range of complementary solutions including intrusion detection and location for perimeters, pipelines and data networks, biometric and card access control, as well as secure international logistics, storage of high value assets and risk consultancy services. For decades, the Ava Group continues to build upon a portfolio of services and technologies for the most complex and demanding markets.The group is a provider of risk management services and technologies, used by commercial, industrial, military and government companies across the world The new group will operate under two divisions – a Services Division (Ava) and a Technology Division (FFT and BQT). The merger represents a unification of three firms. Each company holds similar values and philosophies about how to do business; producing an excellent service for the customer, with an emphasis on integrity and transparency. New Appointment As Group CEO The Ava Group has announced that Chris Fergus was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer. Chris commented: “I am excited to lead the group under the new identity of ‘Ava Group’, leveraging the combined strengths of our experienced leadership team and innovative products and services to build a Sales-and-Marketing-focused global Risk Management organization.” Chris has extensive experience within the security integration and services sectors. For the past two years Chris has been the CEO of Ava Global, and SVP Strategy and Business Development for MaxSec Group Limited (MSP), and served as an Executive Director on the board of MSP. Chris has also served as a Director of FFT for the previous 18 months. Chris was previously employed for 20 years with G4S, most recently as Regional Managing Director, Middle East, managing a portfolio of Security & FM joint ventures with a total revenue in excess of US$1 billion.

Officially inaugurated in October 2017, Ion Oblemenco Stadium in the Romanian city of Craiova is the country’s most modern football arena at a capacity of over 30,000 seats. The futuristic stadium, inspired by the art of Romanian sculptor Constantin Brâncuși, was built from the ground up over the course of two-and-a-half years at a total cost of EUR 51 million. It is home to football club CS Universitatea Craiova and was ranked fourth on the Stadium DB website list for Stadium of the Year 2017. The high-profile project was built with a clear goal: Hosting international and premium league matches not only in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, but also in the city on the river Jiu. For this reason, the municipality of Craiova required a stadium security solution on par with stringent guidelines – according to the year 2020 European football championship standards – to guarantee safety during mass events. Working closely with the on-site team, Bosch experts installed a fire and safety solution composed of four fire panels and 1,500 detectors Fire And Safety Solution Looking for a trusted vendor with sports stadium experience, plus the ability to deliver the majority of necessary equipment as a single point of contact, Craiova officials opted for Bosch. Working closely with the on-site team, Bosch experts installed a fire and safety solution composed of four fire panels and 1,500 detectors. The stadium also received a quality sound system with Electro Voice Pro Sound speakers for music and commentary, Dynacord Promatrix for evacuation, Bosch loudspeakers for interior sound, as well as a conference and interpretation system for the pressroom. However, the real “kicker” of the football stadium installation is the comprehensive video security solution: Ion Oblemenco Stadium boasts a fully integrated Bosch video security system including 211 cameras, centrally managed on a single platform through an enterprise edition of the Bosch Video Management System (BVMS). Smart Video Surveillance System The networked cameras serve a wide range of functions at entry and exit points and areas surrounding the stadium: On the perimeter, 115 robust DINION IP bullet 5000 cameras watch central avenues leading to the stadium, while 86 discrete FLEXIDOME IP 5000 cameras monitor visitors. For added security, eight AUTODOME IP 7000 cameras – two on the stadium outside, six inside – safeguard the surroundings with on-board Intelligent Video Analytics. Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA) allows for “smart” video surveillance functions. For instance, Intelligent Tracking automatically tracks moving objects based on predefined alarm rules. Besides automatic tracking of objects of interest once certain predefine rules, like loitering, security operators in Craiova can also manually track groups of football fans or follow specific individuals. The recording units support forensic search enabling security operators to quickly retrieve the relevant video data from hours of stored videoVideo streams of all 211 cameras are monitored in a central security room, manned by operator personnel and members of Romania’s police during matches. Video data is safely stored on two Bosch DIVAR IP 7000 network video recording units with a total of 256 Terabyte storage capacity. The recorders feature Video Recording Manager (VRM) software to increase reliability and reduce storage volumes and costs, by automatically balancing the video stream load to the free available storage devices. Also, the recording units support forensic search enabling security operators to quickly retrieve the relevant video data from hours of stored video to deliver irrefutable evidence. Easy-To-Use Security Solutions Craiova officials are satisfied with the easy-to-use and cost-efficient solution. Because Bosch products fulfilled international guidelines, the stadium is now fully certified to host matches of the First Romanian Football League, European league matches, Champions League and national team matches. As the first stadium in Romania constructed in line with guidelines for the 2020 European football championship series, Ion Oblemenco Stadium serves as a model for future stadium projects planned to be built for the 2020 tournament and beyond.

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.

Sports fans and festival goers will enjoy greater peace of mind from vehicle as a weapon (VAAW) attacks with the arrival of a new lightweight rapid-deploy vehicle security barrier (VSB).  The Rapid Defender temporary VSB was deployed in minutes to protect spectators and competitors from VAAW threat at the London Marathon and at football stadia and events the length and breadth of the country.  Rosehill Security, a manufacturer of perimeter security solutions, has created the innovative hostile vehicle mitigation (HVM) barrier, made up of robust units of recycled rubber weighing just 49kg each. More than 150 people have died in 18 months of VAAW in cities from London to Manhattan and Melbourne – and just last week, Toronto Fast Deployment StadiumTM – a specialist event services supplier of traffic management, stewarding, security and training services to the events industry that protects crowds at Premier League and EFL clubs, festivals and city-wide events – is extolling its benefits.  Founder, owner and MD David McAtamney says: “We want to change the face of crowd safety through HVM barriers. The Rapid Defender makes this a reality because of its speed of deployment – our teams installed 13m of the barrier in just five minutes at the London Marathon!” More than 150 people have died in 18 months of VAAW in cities from London to Manhattan and Melbourne – and just last week, Toronto. Rosehill Security has designed the Rapid Defender specifically to provide protection for crowds of people from such attacks. Integration For Enhanced Security Sales manager Dalton Marshall says: “It is surface-mounted with no foundations and weighs less than a third of comparable concrete barriers, so can be deployed in minutes almost anywhere, from the streets surrounding stadia to uneven festival sites.” The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association has launched a new online source of help and information on HVM – the HVMHubThe 333mm-wide units are connected by 20mm diameter steel cables or rods, creating an HVM barrier of any length. Four men can manually install a barrier across the width of a road in less than five minutes with no special tools or lifting equipment. It can then be removed and reused. The Rapid Defender can be anchored or integrated with other temporary or permanent HVM systems to create a stronger physical barrier as part of a holistic HVM solution. The Perimeter Security Suppliers Association (PSSA), to which Rosehill Security belongs, has just launched a new online source of help and information on HVM – the HVMHub – in conjunction with the Home Office’s Joint Security and Resilience Centre.

UK perimeter solutions manufacturer, Jacksons Fencing, has recently completed a project at Portsmouth Retail Park, the latest addition to Portsmouth City Council’s investment portfolio. The £17m development aims to generate up to £1m a year for local services, create jobs and contribute to the city’s revitalization. Development and construction firm Simons Group undertook the 70,000 sq. ft. build while Jacksons Fencing won the tender to supply and install fencing and access control for the perimeter of the service areas and plant and bin stores. A secure perimeter was important, as any disruption to the service areas would negatively impact day-to-day operations. Air conditioning units, loading areas and bin stores can be vulnerable to vandalism and anti-social behaviour, so protecting these areas against unauthorized access not only prevents accidents and theft, but also ensures operational efficiency and protecting businesses from financial loss and liability. Jacksons Fencing also installed two single leaf and four double leaf EuroGuard swing gates, which seamlessly match the perimeter fencing Balancing Security And Aesthetics While the retail park and the stores within the development need protection, it is also a public space that depends on attracting shoppers, and so required a welcoming aesthetic. To fulfil these requirements, 100m of Jacksons EuroGuard Regular fencing at 3m high was installed. Ideal for commercial properties, EuroGuard Regular is able to secure the premises without appearing imposing or fortress-like. Its anti-climb design and vandal-proof panel to post fixings give the panels the strength and rigidity to effectively demark public and private spaces, deter potential intruders, or simply keep shoppers and young children out of harm’s way. To provide efficient access for staff, delivery and service vehicles, Jacksons Fencing also installed two single leaf and four double leaf EuroGuard swing gates, which seamlessly match the perimeter fencing. Turnkey Security Support Head of Commercial Sales at Jacksons Fencing Cris Francis comments: “Simons Group is one of the biggest names in retail construction and development, so this is a significant project for Jacksons, and testament to the high quality of our products and expertise of our team.” Brian Hodgkin, Commercial Manager at Simons Group, adds: “It’s obviously crucial that our projects are properly secured and we were pleased to work together with Jacksons to ensure security on the Portsmouth Retail park was of the highest standard.” Jacksons Fencing designs and manufactures high-quality security fencing and has a wide range of perimeter solutions ideal for a variety of projects. Their team of technical and engineering experts have worked on many different bespoke projects, providing full turnkey support to meet any requirements their clients have.

Though it has been statistically proven that taking a plane is no riskier than taking a bus, people do have reasons to put extra caution on air travel safety, especially in a time replete with terrorist threats. A major line of defense must be the various sections of the airports, which, as a gateway to the outside world and transportation hub of the city, has always been on the top of the safety list of the government and all related authorities. Dahua’s Airport Solution is an intelligent security system to help ensure the safety of the airports. Elements Of An Effective Solution First of all, an effective solution requires a complicated collaboration of multiple (sub)systems such as monitoring system, alarm system, access control system, network transmission system and management platform. As is known to all, the more steps and players it takes, the higher likelihood for a mistake to occur. Secondly, airports include a variety of places such as terminal areas, parking lots, office areas, freight areas, front desk areas (including the square in front of the terminal building), the flight areas, hangars, the perimeter area and so on, each of which operate on vertical management system. Yet due to the diversity of places and the complexity of personnel & cargoes coming in and going out in huge flow, there are too many risky elements to control. Thirdly, it’s not only about accuracy but also about swiftness when it comes to airport security. Safety should bring efficiency and not the other way around. For example, in April 2017, a drone flew into Chengdu Airport, resulting in the runway closing down for 80 minutes, the loss of which was estimated as at least 10 million dollars, not to mention collateral damages in the broad sense. Dahua’s Airport Solution is a unified security system combining multifunctional HD surveillance cameras with deep-learning AI  Unifying A Security System Designed to solve all the difficulties mentioned above, Dahua’s Airport Solution is a unified security system combining multifunctional HD surveillance cameras with deep-learning AI that can analyze the big data to get the target, be it a car, a face or a series of numbers. In terms of vehicle management: you can adopt all-in-one cameras to capture and recognize license plates of vehicles accessing the airport. This will trigger the alarm when detecting illegal, stolen, blacklisted, hit-and-run, crime-related and other suspects’ vehicles. Covering the whole route of a vehicle, from entrance highway, to parking lots and then to exit, the surveillance system can effectively assist security guards and police to keep a smooth service, and respond quickly when things go wrong, even if it’s just something from the car that was left behind due to carelessness. In terms of passenger management, the same full coverage of the security system also applies to this, from someone stepping off the car to one’s entering terminal building and checking-in area and all the way to the last step to the boarding gate. The HD surveillance cameras endowed with deep-learning AI have world-leading accuracy in face recognition and e-passport verification. Any suspect, should they show up in the airport area, will at once trigger the alarm. Guarding The Airport Perimeter Dahua’s Airport Solution also takes care of another crucial part of airport that is the perimeter area. One must resort to special equipment like thermal imaging cameras to keep the safety of the said area. An example of this is Dahua’s solution for one specific airport, which covers a perimeter of 30 km and boasts an annual throughput of 30,000,000 people and 8,000,00 tons of cargo. According to the thermal imaging calculation form below: Dahua chose to use a 100mm lens with a resolution of 640 x 512 and set the installation height at 5M, which detects 1.8m x 0.5m, showing people from within 3000m. The perimeter will be well covered for intruder detection purpose with 10 cameras. The intelligent analysis of IVS (intelligent video system) requires 10 x 10 pixels, under which condition, each thermal imaging camera can detect and analyze objects from within 400m. There is in total 12km of perimeter length in need of such cameras, so Dahua chose to place 30 there, totalling 40 thermal imaging cameras to solve the problem. Advantages Of Using Dahua Tech It should be noted that Dahua’s thermal imaging technology has the following advantages: PTZ function, long distance surveillance (which can detect a vehicle 8.8 km away), long distance zoom, binocular lens (optical and thermal imaging lens), and strong intelligence (which can detect intrusion). Compared to alternate perimeter protection equipment on the market today, such as vibration fiber sensor and IR beam sensor, thermal imaging camera has higher accuracy and less false alarm while directly providing video to verify. Dahua has established stable cooperation with world-renowned platforms like Genetec, Milestone, Avigilon, AXXON, ISS, infusing Dahua’s Airport Solution with more possibilities. Supported by strong R&D resources and good working relationships earned in multiple previous collaborations with partners, Dahua can ensure seamless integration whether it’s front-end IPC or back-end NVR, fulfilling different demands of clients and building a sound security system for the airport. In future, Dahua will keep investing in R&D of cutting-edge technologies into the realm of civil aviation video surveillance solutions. With a mission of “Safer Society, Smarter Living”, Dahua will continue to focus on “Innovation, Quality, and Service” to serve partners and customers around the world.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has expressed strong support for MI HB 5828 and HB5830, two bills designed to improve school security across the state of Michigan. Michigan Legislation In a letter to Michigan House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations Chairwoman Laura Cox and Vice-Chair Rob VerHeulen, SIA CEO Don Erickson praised the bills’ creation of a comprehensive school plan and fund to enable local districts to procure security solutions to protect students from malicious perpetrators and update building code requirements to include security measures. “Sadly, our nation’s schools have increasingly become a soft target for mass violence – at Sandy Hook Elementary, recently at Stoneman Douglas High School and in many other attacks,” said Erickson. “We support holistic approaches to improving school safety and security in response to these tragedies – recognizing there is no single action that can be taken that will, by itself, make our schools safe.” SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts Improving School Security SIA represents about 900 security and life safety solutions providers – companies that develop, manufacture and integrate technologies that help keep people and property safe from hazards. These industry leaders strive to introduce robust security solutions integrated into our nation’s K–12 public schools, private academic institutions, colleges and universities. In addition to serving member organizations working to improve security in schools and other environments, SIA is a co-founder of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS), a consortium of school security experts that developed threat- and income-based guidelines for schools housing grades K–12 to implement appropriate, layered security measures. These guidelines are available to help guide school investments. Additionally, PASS provides integrators with risk assessments and white papers that can be used when working with schools to evaluate and establish the best security protections for their buildings. SIA believes state assistance like that in the Michigan legislation is a start to addressing key security gaps in schools and is especially critical to high-risk school districts or those with limited budgets.