Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)

BriefCam, the provider of Video Synopsis and Deep Learning solutions, announced that it will demonstrate the BriefCam v5.2.1 video content analytics platform at the Global Security Exchange (GSX) Security Conference & Expo in Las Vegas. BriefCam’s Integration Technology BriefCam’s breakthrough technology detects, tracks, extracts and identifies people and objects from video, including; men, women, children, clothing, bags, vehicles, animals, size, color, speed, path, direction, dwell time, and more. By leveraging this extracted and aggregated video metadata within BriefCam’s embedded BI platform, users can perform quantitative analysis on their video, derive actionable insights, and visualize them within customizable dashboards, enabling data driven safety, security and operational decision making. BriefCam integrates with complementary technologies to provide a comprehensive video security solution BriefCam integrates with complementary technologies such as Video Management Systems (VMS), Physical Security Information Management Systems (PSIM), Command & Control Systems (C&C), and cloud-based video surveillance solutions to provide a comprehensive video security solution. Advanced Analytical Capabilities BriefCam will be demonstrating its unique advanced analytical capabilities that enable breakthroughs in safety, security and operational efficiencies in booth #538. Additionally, several Technology Partners and System Integrators will showcase BriefCam’s video content analytics platform at GSX 2018 including: Genetec, Booth #2951: Embedded within the Genetec Security Center, BriefCam enables customers to maximize security and gain operational insights from within the Genetec VMS. Milestone, Booth #2664: Embedded within the Milestone XProtect VMS client, BriefCam seamlessly transforms video into actionable intelligence. BriefCam’s Smart Alerts seamlessly appear in Security Center’s Alarms screen, and quantitative dashboards can be rapidly configured for daily monitoring and trend spotting. Pivot3, Booth #2471: The Pivot3 Intelligent Video Analytics Solution is an innovative combination of BriefCam’s comprehensive video content analytics delivered on a hyperconverged platform for a secure, resilient and scalable infrastructure. Salient, Booth #2170: Integrated with the Salient CompleteView VMS, BriefCam enables customers to make video searchable, actionable and quantifiable, transforming their organizations into productive, proactive and predictive enterprises.

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.

CNL Software, a pioneer in Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, announces that it will be showcasing the latest enhancements to its IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution as an ecosystem partner on the Milestone stand C340 at IFSEC International 2018. CNL Software will demonstrate how its PSIM technology helps law enforcement, government agencies and the military, owners and operators of public and private critical infrastructure, large corporations and school districts, colleges and universities, and transportation facilities and networks integrate, automate, and connect security operations and realize the full potential of security system investments. With over 15 years of development, IPSecurityCenter leads the PSIM market with its features, performance and sophistication and boasts a continuous development program that recently added LiDAR, drone detection and advanced biometric authentication to the platform. Maximize Their Existing Investment In Systems CNL Software will showcase its enhanced PSIM features on stand C340 as part of Milestone’s ecosystem partner program. Following successful technical collaboration, CNL Software will demonstrate live integration with Quanergy’s advanced LiDAR systems. IPSecurityCenter solution enables organisations to react faster and more precisely to a wide range of security threats" “We are delighted to partner with Quanergy and Milestone at IFSEC International 2018," says Adlan Hussain, VP Marketing - CNL Software. "The integrated Quanergy, XProtect and IPSecurityCenter solution enables organizations to react faster and more precisely to a wide range of security threats. It also allows end users to maximize their existing investment in systems and seamlessly deploy new technologies, creating substantial cost savings through efficient use of all security resources.” “Additionally, it allows intelligence from these systems, whether audio, video or data to be correlated, analyzed and acted upon to increase security, reduce costs and improve operational performance.” Increase Emergency Preparedness Providing a single view of all of an organization's mission-critical security systems, IPSecurityCenter helps increase emergency preparedness, deliver intelligence to the point of need and provides process guidance to enhance security responses. Beyond the timesaving and efficiency benefits of automation, IPSecurityCenter enables processes that are essential to any modern security department; including scheduled reporting, dashboard overviews, incident logs, continuous process improvement initiatives, training drills, system healthcare checks and much more.

Qognify, the provider of big data solutions for physical security and operations, will introduce its range of packaged solutions at ISC West 2018. Visitors to Booth 30056 will learn how these innovative solutions are pre-designed and configured to address common security-related challenges, using Qognify’s advanced big-data technologies. Qognify Packaged Solutions provide organizations with access to powerful tools and insights, with minimal installation and faster deployment, and at a lower cost, when compared with traditional and comprehensive security projects.Qognify Extend extends the reach, coverage and effectiveness of an enterprise’s control room and operations This enables organizations to see almost immediate value in their investment while using and protecting past investments in legacy systems, and at the same time, also enabling them to grow and solve new challenges as or if needed in the future. Integrated Security Solutions Alongside Qognify Packaged Solutions, the company will also showcase its multi-award-winning solutions including: Situator – The situation management/PSIM solution, Situator integrates all existing systems (Qognify and third-party) including surveillance cameras, access control, alarms, sensors and other security and operational systems. It correlates the information from all these different systems to provide greater situational awareness, incident management and effective response. Operational Intelligence Center (OIC) – The OIC is a module of Situator that monitors large volumes of data to identify precursors to incidents and unfolding events, and measures leading business and service KPIs. With the ability to learn from past experience via trend and pattern analysis, OIC provides the actionable intelligence needed to mitigate or eliminate risk and business disruption, as well as insights to better prepare for future events. VisionHub – A powerful and robust video management solution (VMS) that includes also situational awareness and effective security incident management, by integrating and unifying additional layers of information from core safety and security systems. Suspect Search - Every second counts when looking for a lost child or crime suspect. Manually searching video surveillance systems can take hours, even days to locate them. Suspect Search is Qognify’s patented next-generation real-time video analytics software that locates and tracks specific individuals in minutes. Situator Mobile app - extending situation management from the control room to the field, tightening the collaboration between the incident stakeholders. Improved incident management is provided by presenting a list of incidents associated with operators, their location on the map and the tasks required to perform, as well as means for an intuitive, fast response to various event types in alignment with the control room. Qognify Extend – Winner of the Security & Fire Excellence Awards ‘Best Communications Product of the Year’. Powered by CloudScann, this cloud-based suite of integrated mobile solutions extends the reach, coverage and effectiveness of an enterprise’s control room and operations, by enabling personnel — and their smartphones — to become powerful sensors. Quick Return-On-Investment “Through Qognify Packaged Solutions, we have made powerful situational awareness and management as well as advanced data analytics accessible to the masses, by removing barriers to entry that may inhibit some organizations from adopting this vital technology,” explains Moti Shabtai, Qognify’s CEO and President. “Because these new solutions are pre-designed and configured to focus on key security issues they can be installed faster and deliver a strong and quick return-on-investment at lower price point.”

Qognify, the pioneer in big data solutions for physical security and operations, will be presenting a new packaged solution, Qognify ISM - Intelligent Security Management, at ISC West 2018. Qognify is introducing a Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) based solution, featuring pre- or auto-configured components, to minimize the time and cost of implementation, reducing the time for the security organization to gain value from this unified operational system. Compared to standard PSIM solutions, Qognify ISM takes away much of the configuration drain associated with complex PSIM projects. Newly introduced automation tools, provide simplicity for the operator and optimized security operation, after the implementation phase, generating much of the security value through smart technology, pre-configuration and adaptive integrations. Challenges Addressed By Qognify ISM Examples of the challenges which are addressed by Qognify ISM: Video verification configuration automated: Qognify ISM uniquely features automatic alarm-to-video associations, based on advanced technology, to allow easy verifications of alarms through visual validation. No longer you need to manually associate cameras to alarm sources of any kind. Qognify ISM, with its inherent intelligence, will do that for you. Smart data intake: security operators need to record information from phone calls, take resolution steps, and dispatch as needed. Qognify ISM provides standard procedures and intake forms based on common call types, enhanced by context-driven auto complete options, and by automatic incident geo-placement on the map, to simplify and optimize incident handling. Security subsystems advanced dashboards: most organizations have so many security sub-systems that it becomes difficult to keep track of these assets. With Qognify ISM, information such as sensor activity and failures are easily provided. Dashboards allow users to filter or expand this information for better understanding of maintenance issues, utilization of security subsystems, and overall performance. Management dashboards: overall organizational performance can be difficult to monitor while managing the emergencies of the day. Qognify ISM dashboards provide illustration of trends and data for organizational improvement by monitoring key metrics such as number of incidents, user activity, resolution times, and incidents location. Qognify ISM is part of Qognify’s Packaged Solutions, a library of pre-designed and pre-configured bundled solutions to address common and specific security-related challenges. Using the intelligent capabilities of the market-leading Qognify portfolio, including Situator, VisionHub and video and data analytics, Qognify Packaged Solutions provide organizations with access to powerful capabilities, with minimal installation and faster deployment.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) will recognize Richard Brent, CEO, Louroe Electronics with the prestigious 2017 SIA Chairman’s Award for his work to support leading the SIA International Relations Committee and supporting key government relations initiatives. With his service on the SIA Board of Directors and as Chair of the SIA International Relations Committee, Brent has forged relationships between SIA and agencies like the U.S. Commercial Service. A longtime advocate for government engagement generally and exports specifically, Brent’s efforts resulted in the publication of the SIA Export Assistance Guide last year as a tool to assist SIA member companies exploring export opportunities or expanding their participation in trade. SIA Chairman Denis Hébert will present the SIA Chairman’s award to Brent at The Advance, SIA’s annual membership meeting, scheduled to take place on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at ISC West.SIA bring together distinct companies to share expertise across vertical markets in a collaborative fashion" Sharing Security Expertise “As the leader of an American manufacturing company, I have seen great business opportunities in foreign sales,” said Brent. “Through SIA, I have been pleased to extend my knowledge and experience to other companies that can benefit from exporting. And that is the power of SIA: To bring together distinct companies to share expertise across vertical markets in a collaborative fashion. I’m pleased to contribute, and I thank the Chairman for his recognition.” “As a member of the SIA Board of Directors, Richard Brent is consistently engaged on a variety of issues of importance to the security industry, particularly related to export assistance programs that will help SIA members to grow their businesses,” said Hébert. “His contributions in all areas of SIA programming have been formidable, but we owe him a particular debt in sharing his experiences in exporting. Thank you for your leadership, Richard.” Hébert will present SIA award recipients, including the SIA Chairman’s Award, SIA Committee Chair of the Year Award and Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award, at The Advance, held during ISC West in Rooms 505/506 of the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Tuesday, April 10, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

2017 demonstrated the need for increased safety, security, and collaboration. We predicted that there would be an increase in the role of cybersecurity in 2017, and without a doubt there was great focus around the need for stronger network security protocols. Growing Focus On Cybersecurity Cybersecurity continues to be top of mind and organizations demand solutions that are cyber-secure. Manufacturers, integrators, and end-users must actively collaborate to develop policies and solutions that reduce exposure to cybersecurity challenges; this includes ensuring that all network devices are updated with the latest versions of software and firmware, and implementing best practices around things like password hygiene. One of the interesting benefits of the increased focus on cyber protection is the greater collaboration between our customers' physical security and cybersecurity teams. This approach will further propel stronger security measures across a business’ infrastructure. It is important to implement best practices around areas like password hygiene Additionally, as the growth of Big Data and the Internet of Things continues onward, a strong partnership between multiple departments allows for a quicker fusing of data sources, leading to streamlined investigations and more rapid response. Technology Helping To Troubleshoot Over the past year, the healthy economy has enabled Verint’s customers to continue to invest in projects that maintain and improve their security, reduce fraud, and enhance customer engagement. Companies are willing to invest in projects that fuse rich data sources to improve speed to resolution as well as long-term costs.  We see an overall trend of our customers being able to move from simply reacting, to proactively trying to identify the potential areas where fraud can occur, and address the exposure before it becomes a problem. From a technology perspective, deep-learning analytics are now replacing traditional video analytics in applications like face and license-plate recognition. Over the next several years, we expect to continue to see this technology solve unique industry problems that are not currently possible with existing technology. Deep-learning analytics are now replacing traditional video analytics in facial recognition A Fully Cloud-Enabled Solution The continued evolution to more cloud-based solutions will impact our customers because they will be able to choose whatever architecture best suits their needs, whether it be a fully on-premise solution, fully cloud-enabled solution, or a hybrid architecture. With the further evolution of the cloud, end-users will be the winners as they adopt solutions that are easier to install and configure, as well as easier to manage, support, and use, resulting in a lower overall total cost of ownership and an improved customer experience. Verint’s business continues to grow because of our heavy focus on physical security, cybersecurity, and customer experience. This deep focus helps us develop solutions that mitigate problems in an easy, user-friendly manner. Looking forward to 2018, we will continue to invest in these areas and expect to continue to help our customers face challenges as an experienced and committed partner.

  The past year has proved to be a year full of many changes both within our industry and for Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD). While we have experienced increased adoption of artificial intelligence-based solutions, the industry has been challenged with an ever-evolving technology landscape. Protecting enterprise organizations from both cyber and physical security threats will be an ongoing challenge the industry must grapple with. Greater Adoption Of Robotic Solutions To address the physical security challenges, we saw a greater adoption of robotic solutions across the board. Our massive industry started to make the change: Shifting from an uneducated view of this advanced technology to increased interest about artificial intelligence across multiple markets including guarding companies, integrators and, most importantly, end-users. There was a greater adoption of robotic solutions across the board With security-guard robots, security directors now have access to additional tools to meet their performance and budget goals. Currently, we see a great adoption with progressive guarding companies, which are signing up to have RAD as their robotic guarding partner. RAD deployed its first robot this year, and we look forward to deploying many more as we work with our customers to customize our robotic solution to their needs. Human Collaboration With Robotics I believe our industry is at the beginning stages of what could be a serious paradigm shift in how we rely on a combination of humans and technology to do a job. We've seen that in video analytics and the wide variety of solutions available on the market today. The trend has progressed beyond video analytics and into robotics, and that will continue to evolve into 2018 and beyond. As we continue to build on the success of our security guard robot solution, we look forward to expanding our product offerings to meet the security needs of our customers.

The security industry was strong and healthy in 2017. High-end security markets, such as the power distribution and critical infrastructure sectors, saw continued growth and opportunity for perimeter security technologies like thermal imaging, video analytics and radar. For the low-end security markets, there was significant competition from Chinese manufacturers. Despite this challenge, we saw continued growth from premium Western security manufacturers in 2017 in which many introduced cost-effective security solutions for the small to medium enterprise markets. Increased Adoption Of AI  In 2018, the increased adoption of artificial intelligence in the video surveillance sector will play an important role. As the demand for an ROI beyond the traditional security system increases, developing camera hardware that can support edge analytics will be essential. The brands that will succeed will be the ones that can provide end users with video solutions that not only provide intrusion detection with low false alarm rates, but also offer features such as equipment condition monitoring. As the demand for an ROI beyond the traditional security system increases, developing camera hardware that can support edge analytics will be essential Other technologies that will see continued performance enhancements and greater adoption in 2018 are cloud storage, advanced video management systems and physical security information management (PSIM) solutions. Demand For Thermal Imaging In 2017, we continued to see strong interest and demand for thermal as it remains the industry standard for 24/7 perimeter monitoring and protection. As the leader in thermal imaging, FLIR introduced several noteworthy solutions this year such as the FB-Series line of premier thermal security cameras for any size perimeter. The FB-Series brings state-of-the-art thermal imaging technology to small to medium enterprises where perimeter size is no longer a barrier for adoption. FLIR United VMS For our enterprise business, there was great success with new FLIR United VMS platform, which received praise and recognition across the marketplace. FLIR United VMS is an enterprise level video management solution scalable for any size deployment. At ISC West, it received the Security Industry Association New Product Showcase 2017 Award in the VMS category, which is one of the highest accolades in the industry. Receiving the award was a significant milestone for our enterprise business, validating the hard work the FLIR team has put into delivering exceptional solutions for video operations management.

Twitter has around 350 million active users a month, all eagerly posting 280-character “tweets” about the world around them. It’s a vast amount of data from all over the globe. Security professionals have begun to appreciate the value of mining all that data for insights to help them protect people, assets and operations. One company leveraging the Twitterverse to provide real-time situational awareness to corporate security end users is Dataminr.Dataminr assembles this information flow into a useful timeline that summarizes the ongoing sequence of events Algorithms For Actionable Security Signals The New York-based technology company has developed algorithms that comb through the full Twitter dataset to provide actionable signals to security professionals around the world about security-related events as they unfold. For corporate security, early information about an unfolding event enables them to take action faster in order to secure their people, locations and business operations.  “OMG! Just heard a loud bang on the quad,” a tweet might declare. Combined with location information gleaned from a cell phone, such a tweet could be the first indicator of an unfolding security incident. As an event unfolds, hundreds of such tweets are likely to be posted from the surrounding areas, collectively offering a running narrative of developing events. Dataminr assembles this information flow into a useful timeline that summarises the ongoing sequence of events. Many times, tweets are the first information available from an incident even before the arrival of first responders.Dataminr’s information is provided in a variety of platforms, from a web-based dashboard to a mobile app or notification via email “Early notification allows security professionals to be more proactive,” says Dillon Twombly, SVP, Corporate Sales at Dataminr. “We have a broad range of users across Fortune 1000 companies, and also including country security managers, security operations centers, and executive protection. "In retail, we provide information for security operations or loss prevention. Events sometimes have a potential to spin out of control, and we allow security professionals to react faster and get ahead of an event proactively.” Various Security Platforms Dataminr’s information is provided in a variety of platforms, from a web-based dashboard to a mobile app or notification via email. The system can be integrated with a company’s workflow, and the software interfaces with various security platforms, such as physical security information management (PSIM) systems. Another corporate use for Dataminr is in public relations, where social media could be a source of misinformation or rumors about an issue or event Dataminr addresses all regulatory and legal concerns, and it is GDPR-compliant. However, privacy is generally not a big concern because Twitter data is posted publicly, and Dataminr gleans information related to a specific event, not a specific Twitter user’s individual data. “Over the past couple of years, we have grown the security vertical,” says Twombly. “The market is receptive to the value of social media as a tool for users tasked with responding in a comprehensive way to a range of issues.”The company’s services are useful across the full range of vertical markets in the security industry Public Safety And Security In addition to security and public safety applications, Dataminr also provides services to financial companies and even media outlets. In fact, the 9-year-old company started in finance, where stock or currency traders were able to leverage breaking news notifications to make decisions faster. In the media vertical, Dataminr provides information to 500 newsrooms globally. Public safety and security uses have evolved, and Twombly currently spearheads the company’s work in corporate security, calling on his experience in the security world. Another corporate use for Dataminr is in public relations, where social media could be a source of misinformation or rumors about an issue or event.Customers can customize the kind of information they want to receive, and Dataminr algorithms use the full publicly available data set of Twitter Tracking Twitter posts enables a company to get ahead of an evolving story and help to shape the narrative. Twombly says Dataminr has “deep and broad relationships” with corporate customers and delivers information that can possibly be used by multiple departments in an organization. The company’s services are useful across the full range of vertical markets in the security industry, from transportation to major industrials to financial services to energy. In the education vertical, major universities are customers, as are local school districts. Customers can customize the kind of information they want to receive, and Dataminr algorithms use the full publicly available data set of Twitter. Twombly says the company’s software is constantly evolving and being fine-tuned in response to changing needs. Dataminr is a “strategic partner” of the social media giant and works closely with them on product development, he adds.

Qognify’s security management systems compile information from a variety of sensors to provide situational awareness, and now they can leverage the benefit of a different kind of sensor, what the company calls the “human sensor.” Employees see and hear a lot of information during their work day, and some of it has an impact on security. Now that information can become part of an integrated security system, reported by trusted employees through a smart phone app. Qognify’s Extend adds new capabilities to the company’s existing Situator physical security information management (PSIM) and VisionHub video management; it’s a new element in Qognify’s interconnected product portfolio. Using Smartphones To Report Incidents The Extend Mobile Solutions Suite enables systems to leverage the “human sensor” by equipping employees (or students in a campus environment) with an easy-to-use app on their smart phones. If a user sees or hears something, they can initiate an “incident” through the smart phone app’s “See It Send It” function. The app can also provide protection for a student or employee with a GuardMe function that enables a security operations center to hear an employee, see their location and monitor their progress from Point A to Point B, reporting any distress situations along the way. The system also provides mass notification capabilities (using smart phones) without the installation of any software or hardware. “The best sensor is the human sensor,” says Dharmesh V. Patel, Qognify’s global business initiatives vice president. “At an airport, you may have 20,000 employees, and they each know if something is awry because they work there all day long.” A reported incident might not even be a security issue; it could be something as simple as a slippery floor. Live Video Broadcasting Qognify Extend, which is the company’s rebranding of a system “powered by CloudScann,” captures the data from human sensors and allows it to be brought into the Qognify platform. Because smart phones are equipped with high-resolution megapixel cameras, Extend also enables the addition of 20,000 video cameras (and audio), all tied into a command center. The app can also provide protection for students or employees with the GuardMe function “It would take years and millions of dollars to [add that many cameras] any other way,” says Patel. “And the information is coming from your employees, which is a trusted source. Actionable information becomes part of the workflow.” In case of an emergency, a smart phone can be used to stream live video to a command center, a capability called Live Video Broadcasting, even as a control room operator dispatches an officer to help. Qognify Visual Intelligence Desktop Application Information from Extend mobile apps reports to the Qognify Visual Intelligence Command Center (VICC), a cloud-based desktop application that collects and aggregates information and presents it on a map to enable control room operators to have complete situational awareness. The live, global system compiles data from open source systems anywhere in the world. If you type in New York City, for example, the interface takes you to a live map that shows where live cameras are viewing the Lincoln Tunnel. Various “levels” of information provide real-time routing and traffic, weather information, etc. In addition to information from mobile apps, the system can bring in views from any public source cameras, including tapping into cameras mounted on drones hovering over the scene of an emergency. Fast Response To Incidents Finding information on any incident using VICC is like conducting a Google search. The system can also find the locations of people (employees or students) based on their smart phone signals.  Availability of real-time video from a trusted source in an emergency helps to shift the mission of a video system from reactive after the fact to a real-time response, says Patel. And the cameras providing the video are not mounted on the ceiling but are closer to the action (held by a person on the scene). Because smart phones provide location data, the command center knows the location of an incident and can trigger a response. “I know where it is, I can say ‘who’s my closest responder?’” says Patel. “We can see this whole situation in the command center – not just visualize it but dispatch a response.”

Creating and accessing intelligence is increasingly part of the mission of corporate security departments, and of Safe Cities applications. Such capabilities were previously the domain of military and government applications, but the same approaches used to provide intelligence from military bases can also be applied to Safe Cities and corporate security projects. Edge360 is a six-year-old company with roots in the military and Department of Defense surveillance. Now, Edge360 is looking to apply that expertise to the Safe Cities and physical security markets. Unifying Existing Systems Their approach is to unify existing systems into a functioning whole, and to fill in the missing elements in the process. “We take a look at what corporate entities have already leveraged, and then we figure out how to bring them together into a whole system,” says John Rezzonico, CEO of Edge360. “What we have seen is that cities focus on buying a camera, a license plate recognition (LPR) system, or access control, but they don’t consider what they are doing with it. We come out of the intelligence space, and we look at the ‘big picture’ system.” In focusing on that “big picture,” Edge360 has done a lot of integration work over the years. However, they have also developed some products to help fill those gaps – the missing elements – in systems. As the name indicates, the company focuses on edge devices and how they can be combined to provide “360 degrees” of intelligence. Slingshot “normalizes” the datato a standard and easy-to-access format, and indexes the data tobe easily searched by the enduser PSIM For Data One of the products Edge360 has developed is called Slingshot, which Rezzonico describes as a “PSIM for data.” PSIM historically has referred to a physical security information management system. Rezzonico’s nickname for Slingshot’s capabilities refers to collecting data from various (existing) databases and then making it easily accessible to an end user. It’s a “data fusion” appliance that leverages data from multiple sources in a variety of formats. It then “normalizes” the data to a standard and easy-to-access format, and indexes the data to be easily searched by the end user. The appliance allows end users to search for data with “Google-like” speed and then to view a “normalized” summary of data results (i.e., in a consistent format) that, again, is reminiscent of the results in a Google search. Slingshot emphasizes “speed of discovery;” in other words, the appliance creates and accesses a summary of available data, and searches the summary rather than all the databases. That’s a faster process. Once the data is discovered, retrieval focuses on a single record rather than having to scan the entirety of the databases. Each physical location installs one Slingshot appliance to compile and process local databases. Each appliance can accommodate up to 30 million records and 50 users with a user interface. Appliances can communicate with other appliances in other locations, and data is accessible (although protected) in the cloud. The new data element works with and expands the capability of a customer’s existing PSIM system, which ties together physical security systems. "We’re trying to show thatyou can leverage what youhave invested in, and onlyuse appropriate equipment" “There are a million different types of database query systems. Some are very sensitive to what you put into them; they’re time-consuming,” says Rezzonico. “You put the query in and then you have to wait for it to come back. Since we do it with an index, we take the load from the system and provide the result. We allow them to discover information quickly, because it’s indexed. The time to discovery is the most important element.” Video Management System Interface Slingshot is just one component Edge360 is bringing to the physical security market. Another is called Rhino, which is a “VMS light” designed to tie directly into a PSIM system. The PSIM serves as the system interface and makes a video management system (VMS) interface (“front-end”) unnecessary. Another product from Edge360 is a hybrid wireless/RF surveillance box that can be easily deployed to capture video wherever needed (and redeployed as threats change). The boxes will be shown at ASIS in Orlando, and are applicable to special events such as the Boston Marathon or even a protest march. “We’re trying to show that you can leverage what you have invested in, and only use appropriate equipment,” says Rezzonico. “There are some ‘light’ products that can augment your systems. We focus on the operational needs of customers, not selling the catalog. We are an integration house, and we simply want to deliver cost-effective solutions based on our experiences in the government and military sectors – but at a lower cost.”

CNL Software, a provider of Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, is pleased to announce that its award-winning PSIM technology was used to support a multiagency security program for Super Bowl LIII. The company’s IPSecurityCenter PSIM solution is installed in the Atlanta Police Department’s Video Integration Center (VIC) and helps secure the city and surrounding metro area, keep the metro area’s transportation networks and systems safe, and to help law enforcement personnel make sense of the huge volume of video intelligence that is generated day-to-day and during large-scale events like Super Bowl. Provide Law Enforcement Atlanta is no stranger to hosting large-scale events, which includes a previous Super Bowl, and has invested in a multitude of surveillance, analytic, data fusion, and communications systems and technologies in recent years. The City has also established an innovative public-private partnership, known as Operation Shield, that effectively leverages the surveillance assets and infrastructure of other participating Atlanta metro area departments and agencies, including the City’s Metro Atlanta Rail and Transit Authority (MARTA) and Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, and the City’s business community, while also bridging communication gaps between and across them. IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement IPSecurityCenter by CNL Software integrates these disparate systems in the Atlanta Police Department’s VIC to provide law enforcement and other public safety professionals with the data and video intelligence they need to effectively respond to incidents before they arrive on scene. Crowd Size Monitoring “Estimates are that nearly one million people traveled to Atlanta for Super Bowl Week. As with all major events, ensuring public safety and security is a big job and huge concern,” comments Mike Mostow, General Manager – Americas at CNL Software. “IPSecurityCenter was installed in the VIC by the Atlanta Police Department to provide the real-time situational awareness and decision support they need to ensure public safety and security during large-scale special security events like Super Bowl LIII.” IPSecurityCenter PSIM is installed in some of the largest public safety and security programs in some of the world’s largest cities. The platform enables the most intelligent integration of the widest range of disparate public safety, security, emergency management, and homeland defense system and sensor technologies, including video and video analytics, facial recognition, license plate recognition, crowd size monitoring, gunshot detection, chemical, biological, radiological/nuclear and explosives detection, geospatial mapping, and asset tracking.

Maxxess eFusion technology is being used to provide seamless integration and easy management of security, safety and site management systems at Bluewaters Island, Dubai. Maxxess eFusion Technology The region’s newest tourism hotspot, Bluewaters opened in November 2018 and is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors every year. The US$ 1.6bn project was completed by Meraas Holdings over five years and comprises four luxury residential complexes, a landmark Caesars Palace hotel, a shopping mall and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, as its centerpiece. Security And Safety Integration Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system, with particular emphasis on a solution that would be efficient to use, inexpensive to maintain and robust going forwards Following a sector comparison, Maxxess eFusion technology was identified as providing the best fit. Security Management Platform The eFusion security management platform was chosen instead of a more costly or complex conventional PSIM solution, because it uses versatile, open-technology software. Omnix International, one of the leading integrators brought in for the project, says eFusion proved particularly straightforward to work with, offering the advantages of a modular, building block approach and allowing maximum freedom to integrate, customize and adapt to future needs. “Thanks to its compatibility with leading surveillance, intruder, access and fire detection systems, eFusion proved to be a highly efficient integration technology for the Bluewater project,” says Mr. Henry Azoury, Senior Security Design and Engineering Manager at Omnix International. ASSA ABLOY Hospitality System The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system. It allows a unified system approach, with a single enrolment protocol for both front- and back-of-house access. The solution enables centralized management of room safes, mini-bars and cupboards, and for control of all alarm transactions. eFusion integration with the Zenitel Stantaphone IP Intercom System ensures that video and transaction data is called-up automatically in the Bluewaters control room as soon as any user press a call button. For maximum efficiency, the system allows the operator to unlock doors and communicate with the user remotely, with full activity logs kept for audit. With easy integration to the SeeTec Video Management System, eFusion also allows seamless control of all cameras. In addition, cameras are linked to the door access system, with video pop-up triggered by pre-defined events. The solution also gives the operators complete PTZ control, playback and video functionality. ID badging Integration ID badging and building management systems are also fully integrated, allowing easy operation and control of a wide range of functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance" “For maximum efficiency there is no need to switch between different management systems and the eFusion platform is easy to work with, allowing full benefit from integration with individual systems,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess. eFusion At Intersec 2019  “The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance, as well as being fully scalable as needs change the future. We look forward to our continued work with Omnix International, which is providing the world-class specialist engineering services combined with local, customized support that customers value.” To see Maxxess solutions in action come to Intersec 2019 on stand SA-H12.

Prison drone pioneers introduce Government to perimeter savings. The integrated security team behind a British prison’s pioneering war against drones is to share its innovative and cost-saving approach with the UK Government. Les Nicolles Prison on Guernsey became the first in the world to use a new system designed to stop drones smuggling drugs, weapons and other contraband over perimeter walls. A group of four collaborating British companies styling itself as The Perimeter Security Center of Excellence (PSCoE) installed the comprehensive perimeter protection package, including the new ‘Sky Fence’ technology. Now PSCoE (stand Z35) is exhibiting at the official UK Government global security event, Security & Policing 2018, which takes place from 6 to 8 March at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Center. A group of four collaborating British companies styling itself as The Perimeter Security Center of Excellence (PSCoE) installed the comprehensive perimeter protection Latest Equipment, Training And Support The unique three-day event, established over 30 years ago, is the premier platform for UK suppliers to showcase the very latest equipment, training and support, to police services, Government departments, organizations and agencies from the UK and overseas. Binns Fencing, the leading fencing contractor for the Ministry of Justice, led the Guernsey project for the conglomerate, which offers the simplicity and efficiencies of a single line of communication and management from cradle to grave of high-security perimeters. Eclipse Digital Solutions is the second of the collaborators. It created Sky Fence with fellow British company Drone Defense and offers full turnkey security design through to installation. Eclipse’s Joe Vasso said: “Our proposition is all about seamless integration to offer the most cost-effective high-end security for perimeters – whether that be along a border, around a prison, airport or the Olympic Games, or even airborne above ground, on roofs and the like. The beauty of our conglomerate is that our relationships have been formed over years and we’re all friends, so the trust is absolute and we care about each other.” Our proposition is all about seamless integration to offer the most cost-effective high-end security for perimeters" Significant Cost Savings The other two members are Harper Chalice, an intrusion detection company providing PIDs, electric fencing and RADAR detection, and ISM, which offers integrated security systems, PSIM software and intercom security systems. Together, they believe the UK Government could make significant savings by adopting its proposed model for delivering perimeter security and PIDs procurement and delivery. Their single point of contact for the complete perimeter security package provides greater opportunity for innovation, reduced complexity and no need to manage multiple contractors. PSCoE believes this could offer significant cost savings on PIDs cable installation and contract and project management costs – as with Les Nicolles, where the State of Guernsey that runs the prison saved £1.3 million. The other two members are Harper Chalice, an intrusion detection company providing PIDs, electric fencing and RADAR detection, and ISM, which offers integrated security systems Trusted Advice And Design State Deputy Mary Lowe said: “The committee decided, following discussions with key staff, that it was possible to continue housing Category B prisoners at Les Nicolles without the installation, at significant expense, of a second fence. While the second fence is advised under UK guidelines for Category B prisons, the committee is comfortable that the current technological upgrade offers security that enables Guernsey to continue housing Category B prisoners. Sending such prisoners off island to serve their sentence comes at a significant cost of approximately £50,000 per year each. The committee decided that these upgrades, which will cost £1.3m less than a second fence, offered a Guernsey-appropriate solution.” Binns MD Adam Binns said: “We have devised this model in consultation with the Government, main contractors and suppliers, to deliver best value and a greater potential to innovate with a single point of contact throughout procurement, delivery and installation. The model will give them trusted advice on design, manufacturing and installation from exclusively British companies with British products from electronic systems of CCTV, detection, video management and access control to physical security fencing, gates and hostile vehicle mitigation.” We have devised this model in consultation with the Government, main contractors and suppliers, to deliver best value and a greater potential" Security & Policing Security & Policing provides a platform for professionals from the UK and across the world to engage with the very highest level of security expertise and the latest technology. It provides the level of industry engagement needed to enable UK Government to procure and deliver its national security priorities. Major specifiers and Government specified users can obtain reference to its products from the Home Office. Normal commercial users can obtain reference to its specialist electronic perimeter security systems on the police ‘Secured by Design’ website. Harper Chalice Group’s products and systems are sold, installed and maintained worldwide via a network of specialist accredited dealers. ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) ISM (Intergrated Security Manufacturing) has been at the forefront of innovation, design and manufacturing excellence in integrated security systems for almost 30 years. ISM operates from an extensive manufacturing and design facility in the United Kingdom, close to Gatwick Airport. It is the UK’s leading developer of integrated security management, intercom and cell call systems.

To grasp the current manufacturing trends and seize the Zeitgeist of Industry 4.0, a new smart IoT industrial park in Hangzhou has been put to use by Dahua Technology, a video surveillance solution provider. Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park occupies in total 512 acres in Fuyang district of Hangzhou, about 20 minutes’ drive from Dahua headquarters, designed to host 6000 staff (by 2017, 4500 people have been working/living in the 262 acres of phase one area). With topnotch technologies, personnel, materials and other benefits, Dahua’s smart industrial park will bring productivity and quality to a brand new level. Efficient Information Integration The automatic production solution based on integrated information system not only grants a higher productivity that significantly shortens the delivery cycle time for Dahua customers, but also a greater flexibility to specialized requests and ever-changing reality.The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration The employment of software such as ERP, PLM, PDM, MES, APS and WMS helps to achieve information integration, which, combined with industrial cameras, RFID sensory technologies and automation technologies, can integrate personnel, logistics, works, engineering projects and finance from respective sections of production(preparation, assembly, testing, packaging, inspection, shipment), rendering the whole process visible, traceable and digital. The mounter serves as a good synecdoche to illustrate the incredible efficiency of the whole production system. The concerning high-end devices (including mounter, printer, automated optical inspection equipment, Ersa reflow soldering tools, etc.) provided by ASM (originally Siemens) achieve a speed among the fastest in the world. Fast Processing According to IPC standard, X4iS, the latest high-speed mounter can process 125,000 components per hour, or 35 per second. X35multifunctional mounter can do 54000 components per hour, or 15 per second. A production line in X series can enhance the productivity by 2.7 times while reducing the consumption of energy by 52%, comparing to the original production line in D series under the same conditions. Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy The faster speed also applies to the development of new molding, since Dahua Smart Industrial Park provides the great benefit of internal synergy, allowing the end-to-end vertical supply chain with marketing, R&D and manufacturing efficiently integrated. The advanced organizing system is supported by topnotch equipment, such as MAKINO high-speed graphite processing machine, GF CNC, GF WEDM-LS machine, Hexagon 3D Nikon projectors and electronic displays. With a processing accuracy of +/-0.002 to +/-0.005MM, while also supporting CAD / CAM / CAE collaborative development and simultaneous manufacturing, these machines enable Dahua to develop new mechanical molding in as short as 7 days.Higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical situations Time- And Cost-Saving Solution By far, this developing system has already produced high precision molding for Lechange Robots, monitoring cameras in TP1-TC6 series, G20 intelligent head-gears, smoke alarm for fire detectors, etc., all of which proving the effectiveness of the system in shortening the development cycle and keeping the competitive edge with new products in the business. Higher quality saves lots of time and economic costs for clients. Even more importantly, higher quality results in less likelihood for products to malfunction especially when they are used in critical, not-allowed-to-go-wrong situations. Dahua’s products are guaranteed with a higher quality for two reasons: first, Dahua has set a high standard of accuracy in production; second, with a reliability lab at the production end, Dahua has put together an effectively closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process. Accuracy has always been one vital index defining the manufacturing ability because it directly sets the limit to quality and range of products to be produced. Again, take the mounter mentioned above for example: it can process components, in metric size, as small as 03015(0.3x0.15mm), with a +-0.025mm SMD precision (within the 3-stigma range), boasting world leading performance and capable of covering basically all types of components used in the industry.Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process Enhanced Vision And Intelligent Analytics Dahua industrial camera plays an important role in IoT, providing a closed loop for quality control in the manufacturing process, in which all materials, personnel and devices are connected and products are traceable to the specific production line and precise time it got made. Boasting a variety of functions, Dahua industrial cameras are used in different sections of production, enabling automatic assembly, high-precision graphic inspection and product flaw inspection. Through high-definition machine vision, Dahua industrial cameras automatically and precisely locate the components, limiting the assembly error to micron level. Equipped with enhanced vision and intelligent analytics algorithm, the industrial camera can spontaneously detect and recognize flaws in the performance and outlook of products, thus promising not only the volume of cameras production but also the steady quality of each and every one of them.In the future phase, this industrial park is expected to be more intelligent to enable a safer society and smarter living Safe Society And Smart Living Reliability must be put to test, in R&D as well as in manufacturing process. The reliability lab at the production end serves to assure quality by randomly taking products from production lines and put them into reliability tests simulating falling, high/low temperature, worn-out conditions, which are conducted by industry leading testing equipment in the lab. Thus what’s conceived in R&D is confirmed from the production line, the synergy of both ends promising better products (for common use or specialized needs). This lab is also responsible for testing all the raw materials. Thanks to the aforementioned information integration, all tests are automatically conducted, recorded and traceable. In conclusion, Dahua Smart (IoT) Industrial Park is endowed with the latest and world leading manufacturing equipment/system boasting high level automation and intelligence, which is essential to satisfy the ever higher demands from clients in terms of delivery time, specialized use and quality. There is still great potential to this new smart industrial park. It is literally only in its phase one. And in the future phase, it is expected to be more intelligent, to realize client-centered flexible production and to enable a safer society and smarter living.

Genetec, a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, introduced Genetec Airport Sense , part of the Genetec Airport Practice Group. This advanced operational analytics solution relies on data provided by an airport’s existing security infrastructure, including cameras, sensors, and various detection devices to produce actionable intelligence about airport security, operations, and passenger flow. By accessing and analyzing both structured and unstructured data from these untapped security information sources, airports can extend their security investment. Airport Sense is available now from any Genetec certified channel partner. Until now, airports have traditionally relied on standalone, unconnected systems to manage passenger flow and security. By analyzing and correlating data provided by multiple sensors such as video surveillance cameras, access control hardware, and IoT connected devices, Airport Sense gives airport security and operations managers, business analysts, and airport executives, a deeper understanding of what’s happening in their facilities. This allows them to make timely, informed decisions to improve the passenger experience and increase revenue for duty-free, retail, and food services in the airport terminal. Seamless, Hassle-Free Traveler Experience Essential elements for a safe, easy-to-navigate, and profitable airport include understanding how people flow from the parking areas, check-in, duty-free and retail shops, in-airport cafes and dining areas. Airport Sense combines and processes correlative data to help airport managers understand this traffic in order to design a seamless, hassle-free traveler experience resulting in increased brand attachment, venue and airline loyalty, and positive business growth. By relying on powerful analytics such as queue detection and delays, heat mapping, directional analysis, and people counting, Genetec Airport Sense pinpoints hindrances to the flow of passengers in ticketing, screening, and passport control—and can identify where wait lines build in areas such as duty free, dining, entertainment, and pre-boarding. Real-Time Activity updates Through intuitive web-based dashboards and dynamic maps, security personnel, operations and business analysts, and retailers stay informed of real-time activity and compare it against key performance indicators (KPI) or historical trends. With timely, relevant information on hand, they can take instant action to address a variety of situations, such as managing over-flowing queues, reallocating staff to deal with peak times, and more.   Airport Sense helps airports better understand passenger flow in retail and dining areas, leading to enhancements in terminal layout. By sharing insights such as traveler behavior and footfall with retailers, airports guide their customers on layout and product placement decisions. Advanced Unified Security Management “Today, air travel is much more than just transporting a passenger from one place to another. Airports are now thought of as ‘small cities’, and must provide a safe and efficient experience, from parking, check-in, and exposure to world-class shopping and dining,” said David Lenot, Airport Practice Group Leader at Genetec. “The challenge for airports is to offer this amazing journey while delivering an environment that’s safe and secure, with operations that run like clockwork. That’s the guiding vision behind Airport Sense: to give airports the tools they need to get a clearer understanding of their business, and give passengers a seamless experience—from drop-off to take-off,” added Lenot. Airport Sense is one aspect of the larger Genetec airport portfolio of solutions. While Airport Sense delivers greater intelligence on passenger flow, the open-architecture Genetec Security Center platform delivers advanced unified security management, and Genetec Mission Control offers collaborative decision and event management. Combined, these three powerful Genetec systems allow airports to craft a flexible and comprehensive strategy for security, operations and commercial success—enabling different stakeholders to rely on a common set of tools and data.

A new Concierge and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) solution from Intergrated Security Manufacturing (ISM) is protecting two tower blocks in Haringey, enabling authorized council employees to control door access and manage fire and security systems from anywhere within the council’s estate. Newbury House, Finsbury House, John Keats House and Thomas Hardy House in Wood Green, London, already feature four of ISM’s state-of-the-art Ultimate door entry systems as well as another two, third-party technology systems (Elizabeth Blackwell and George Lansbury) from Entrotec, utilising its Apex Dual path speech technology. Thanks to the Genesys PSIM from ISM, multiple technologies can be controlled, regardless of the manufacturer, providing enhanced security to residents in 510 flats across the six towers. This delivers greater flexibility and control, eliminates the potential disruption caused by installing new equipment, and protects the council’s legacy investment. It also means that further buildings with existing ISM or Entrotec systems can be added as required with only minimal additional investment. Integrated Security System Genesys allows the integration not just of door entry systems, but also multiple systems from multiple manufacturers – all from one holistic integrated security system. Every electronic security or fire safety device from CCTV and intruder alarms to electronic locking and public address can be monitored and controlled from a single platform. Most importantly, it features Migrating 3+ technology, a patented automatic failover technology that adds higher levels of automatic configurable redundancy and power. Control is effectively distributed across multiple workstations. "To improve our efficiency and give faster responsesto our residents we neededto provide conciergeservices to all our estates" Len Fevrier at Homes for Haringey has been impressed with the system and how it has performed so far: “We have used the ISM Ultimate door entry products and its Genesys 2 control room software platform extensively in the Borough over many years and have enjoyed excellent product reliability and technical support. To improve our efficiency and give faster responses to our residents we needed to provide concierge services to all our estates,” he says. “The development of the Entrotec integration into the Genesys platform, allowed Haringey to combine technology, including CCTV and fire, without going to the expense of replacing legacy door entry equipment unnecessarily. This delivers a much-needed saving during these challenging economic times for local councils, and we plan to roll this system out across the rest of the Broadwater Farm Estate and potentially other sites in the borough.” Intuitive Software Managing Director of ISM, Stephen Smith, says this project is a perfect example of the flexibility of Genesys and its door entry system range: “Genesys is a ‘true’ PSIM system built around intuitive software that combines a range of industry leading features and benefits including an enhanced graphical user experience and 3-D modeling and a comprehensive event management database. Events and alarms from any integrated security application are presented to the operator clearly as and when they happen.” The PSIM software operates as a standalone platform over LAN or WAN networks for remote and local sites with workstations that can be transferred to any operating security control room on the network. This offers the end user flexibility when closing down sites or buildings for off-peak or out of normal working hours or in the unlikely event of any system failures. Ultimate is a fully addressable digital telephone entry system that is robust in design and easy to install. Unlike other door entry systems on the market it has multi speech paths that allow numerous conversations to be had at one time Such was the complexity of the project, that from initial design of the system to completing the installation took around two years to complete. Fire alarms, access control and CCTV can all now be controlled from one computer from any of the Council’s network.

Cloud computing has been around since the turn of the millennium. Over the years, the concept of storing and accessing programs over the Internet (instead of using an on-premises computer system) has grown in almost every realm of business. Some might say the physical security industry has come late to the party, delayed in some instances by (misguided?) concerns about cybersecurity of cloud systems. The bandwidth needed to transfer video to the cloud has also been a challenge. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What features of Cloud-based software-as-a-service (SaaS) are the most valuable to the average user?

Body-worn cameras are becoming more common every day, driven both by needs of the marketplace and technology developments. However, questions remain about the usefulness of the devices, and their future role in promoting safety and security. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges of body-worn cameras for the security industry?

In recent years, information technology (IT) departments at end user companies have often been seen as adversaries of traditional security departments – or, at least, as a thorn in their side. One of the issues is territorial: As physical security products have migrated to use of Internet protocols and the network infrastructure, the IT and security departments have clashed – erm… make that interacted – more and more often. New realities such as cybersecurity have made it critical that the two entities work in harmony, and IT professionals often provide useful insights into product selection, among other issues. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the influence of the IT department on security purchases at an end user company?