Residential security systems

To safeguard the wellbeing of its participants in the wake of the recent Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Messe Frankfurt has announced the deferral of the upcoming edition of Secutech in Taipei, the company’s event for the safety and security industry. The event was originally scheduled from 22 - 24 April 2020. The announcement follows a decision on 30 January 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO) to list the COVID-19 outbreak as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. This was followed on 11 February with a statement issued by Mayor, New Taipei City, Hou You-Yi, urging the cancellation of large-scale indoor events in order to minimize the public health risk posed by COVID-19. Rescheduling of high-profile exhibitions In the intervening time, a number of high-profile exhibitions in Nangang Exhibition Center and other parts of Taipei have been rescheduled. Secutech’s brand of popular road-shows will take place across Taiwan during 2020 Commenting on the decision, Ms Regina Tsai, General Manager, Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd said, “Safeguarding the wellbeing of our stakeholders is always our top priority. Accordingly, we have decided to take appropriate measures to support the local government’s efforts to counter the COVID-19 outbreak.” “We have tried our best to find new dates for Secutech 2020, however we have so far been unable to find an adequate solution for our stakeholders.” Secutech deferred to April 2021 “Although a timeslot for relocating Secutech in the second half of 2020 is available, given its close proximity to the next edition of Secutech, and the marketing activities of our exhibitors already scheduled later this year, this timeslot does not provide good value for our stakeholders. Therefore we have to defer the show to April 2021.” To ensure that domestic business can be sustained throughout this period, Secutech’s brand of popular road-shows will take place across Taiwan during 2020, with dates to be announced in due course. Furthermore, Messe Frankfurt New Era will continue its extensive on-line marketing campaigns to help Secutech exhibitors maximize their market exposure for the remainder of the year.

With a 27-inch diagonal and 2560 x 1440 pixels, the new FlexScan EV2760 from EIZO offers plenty of scope for efficient use in the office. Whether its text, graphics, photos or videos, users enjoy crystal clear, incredibly detailed image reproduction on its large screen. Antireflection coating, flicker-free brightness control and a flexible stand facilitate ergonomic work. Its smart, three-sided, virtually frameless design means that one can focus on what’s most important while maintaining a clear overview of their work. Thanks to its EIZO EcoView functions it boasts a low power consumption if, for example, one needs a lower brightness level and a glare-free view. The EV2760 offers a wide range of connection possibilities with Display Port, HDMI and DVI-D signal inputs, not to mention four USB downstream ports. Auto EcoView When it comes to image quality and ergonomics in particular, the EV2760 fulfills all professional requirements for monitors used in modern office environments. Antireflection technology and Auto EcoView ensure a glare-free view of the screen, while the stands helps to prevent posture problems thanks to its amazing flexibility. EIZO provides a five-year warranty for the EV2760, just like for all FlexScan models The WQHD-LCD featuring IPS technology ensures the greatest possible viewing angle The EV2760 achieves a contrast ratio of 1000:1, thanks to a typical brightness of 350 cd/m2. EIZO provides a five-year warranty for the EV2760, just like for all FlexScan models. This means the highest possible investment security and a low total cost of ownership. Sustainable product Every EV2760 is produced in a socially responsible way. Suppliers along the supply chain have also committed themselves to this responsibility. This applies in particular to conflict minerals. EIZO publicly reports on its activities in the area of social responsibility and the environment in an annual CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) report. The FlexScan monitor is manufactured in our own factory according to an ISO 14001-certified environmental management system. This includes measures to reduce waste, wastewater and emissions, resource and energy consumption, as well as to encourage environmentally conscious behavior among employees. The EV2760 will be available from EIZO resellers from April 2020.

Smart home solutions manufacturer, Resideo has stepped up as the exclusive Diamond Level Partner with the Electronic Security Association (ESA) in 2020 to support the association’s mission of providing resources, advocacy, connections and education for professionals in the electronic security and life safety space. As the industry’s largest and longest-standing association, ESA represents the voice of the professionally installed channel, with its membership serving more than 70% of the residential and commercial markets. Member companies install, integrate and monitor intrusion and fire detection, video surveillance and electronic access control systems for commercial, residential, industrial and governmental clients. Executive Strategic Partnership (ESP) program Resideo’s continued support of the industry through the Executive Strategic Partnership (ESP) program is a demonstration of the company’s commitment to the professionally installed channel. “Resideo is committed to helping our network of professionals become the hero by offering solutions that protect and conserve critical air, water, energy and security networks in residential and light commercial applications,” said Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager of Pro Security, Resideo. “Resideo has supported the ESA for more than 12 years, and as a Diamond Level Partner, we firmly support its mission to educate and train the next generation of security professionals.”   Resideo – ESA Diamond Level Partners Resideo’s investment will help further ESA initiatives to support members in areas that help to grow their businesses Resideo’s investment will help further ESA initiatives to support members in areas that help to grow their businesses, like: recruiting new talent for the industry, monitoring activity on Capitol Hill and advocating for the industry, fueling programs to train employees, conducting research to lead to better business decisions and more. As a non-profit organization, ESA invests in and constantly seeks new ways to benefit the association’s members and the industry-at-large. The ESP program allows vendor companies like Resideo to give back and demonstrate their alignment with ESA’s core values by supporting its efforts to move the industry forward. Strategic partnership “We are proud to have Resideo as one of our strategic partners,” says ESA CEO Merlin Guilbeau. “As it relates to our members in the residential space — the market has never been so crowded. It’s inspiring to see the industry come together, from small family-run businesses to titans like Resideo to amplify the voice of the pro channel. Thanks to the generous contributions from our partners, we have the ability to help facilitate that.”

Attracting trade visitors from across the subcontinent, the region’s most influential trade fair for the security industry, Secutech India, is scheduled to return for its 9th edition from 7 – 9 May 2020 at the Bombay Exhibition Center, Mumbai. With exhibitor registration still open, the fair has already attracted more than 350 of the world’s leading security brands with less than three months remaining before it commences. The 2020 exhibition will feature Axis Communication, CP Plus, Hikvision, ZKTeco, Infinova, Matrix, Toshiba and many more. Security devices and turnkey solutions The 2020 edition of Secutech India is set to reflect the country’s digital transformation Detailing the business value of the fair, Ms Regina Tsai, the General Manager of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media Ltd said: “Catering to local market requirements such as cost efficiency and a need for fast project implementation, Secutech India assembles the full range of security devices and turnkey solutions under a single roof. Benefiting from its position in Mumbai, India’s commercial center, last year the fair attracted more than 20,000 buyers traveling from across India’s main regions, and we are looking forward to welcoming even more business this coming May.” The 2020 edition of Secutech India is set to reflect the country’s digital transformation. IP cameras are in high demand from SMEs, retail and the residential segment, while biometric access control systems are also gaining popularity in offices and at border controls, with users gradually favouring contactless systems such as facial recognition above fingerprint biometrics. Core security solutions In the view of Ms Tsai, this year’s fair is taking place at a favourable time for the regional industry: “The government aims to transform India into an electronics export hub, which will open up new opportunities for component manufacturers catering to the local manufacturing sector. But just as importantly, as part of India’s proposed Union Budget 2020, infrastructure development across roads, railroad, airports, ports, and economic corridors are expected to raise demand for core security solutions including video surveillance, video analytics, biometrics and intruder detection systems." "The governments ‘Digital India’, ‘Smart City Mission’, and ‘Technology Empowerment’ initiatives will also be growth drivers.”  Access control in healthcare facilities As a maturing security market, the appetite for knowledge in India is growing" Among many benefits, the ability to make onsite comparisons, conduct meaningful business discussions and view product demonstrations are a few of the show elements that visitor’s to Secutech India value. According to Ms Tsai, business effectiveness is the top priority for the fair’s organisers: “Initiatives such as the ‘Secutech connect’ business matching service which links buyers with exhibitors based on industry background continue to be highly popular, helping us to generate genuine business outcomes for participants.” But beyond business, information exchange is also a priority says Ms Tsai: “As a maturing security market, the appetite for knowledge in India is growing. This is a need that the upcoming edition of Secutech India will cater for with a series of conferences dealing with topics relevant to the local market, including cybersecurity, smart city digital infrastructure; the convergence of 5G, artificial intelligence, data analytics and the IoT; access control in healthcare facilities, and fire safety in elderly care homes and restaurants.” Personal protection equipment In addition to its core focus on security, Secutech India 2020, in cooperation with the GPS Association of India, will feature a pavilion dedicated to fleet management, vehicle tracking as well as passenger and driver safety. The concurrent ‘Fire and Safety India’ event will also return as the destination for trade buyers to locate the latest firefighting gear, personal protection equipment and smoke detection systems.

OPTEX and Fiber SenSys Inc., both OPTEX Group companies, have hailed the success of Intersec Dubai, especially noting the positive reaction to their point locating sensor solutions for high-end applications and the latest range of IP connected beam towers. The new Terrain Defender TD100, buried sensor from Fiber SenSys, shown for the first time at the Intersec, proved extremely popular with visitors. It is the only software-defined radio-based covert solution of its kind and adds another level of precision and accuracy for perimeter protection. It is designed specifically to answer the needs of the most demanding sites, including military, nuclear facilities, and VIP residences. It can be easily installed in a variety of terrain such as sand, grass, asphalt, concrete, etc. and can locate the point of intrusion within a meter. Ideal intrusion detection solutions The IP beams have already been successfully deployed in many sites and residences across the Middle East For locating and tracking intruders within open areas or along a perimeter, OPTEX presented Redscan LiDAR technology with exact X&Y coordinates. The detection range can be set from a few centimetres to 100m, and the target object size can be tailored to specific applications. The sensor’s flexibility and precision lend themselves to a huge range of custom applications, including detecting hands approaching an object, individuals crawling, or objects thrown over walls or fences. “The level of precision and analytics offered by our buried, fiber optic and laser sensors make them ideal intrusion detection solutions for critical infrastructure or high-security sites,” says Bassem Jouni, Middle East General Manager for the joint Optex-Fiber SenSys office. Cost-effective virtual perimeter protection OPTEX also showcased its latest line of pre-assembled IP connected beam towers, providing reliable and cost-effective virtual perimeter protection. These beams have already been successfully deployed in many sites and residences across the Middle East. “Our products have been proven across the Middle East,” Bassem continues. “Intersec Dubai provided us a great platform to engage with this market, as well as the opportunity to visit with many international clients and potential clients. It was a busy show with high-quality attendees. We appreciate the great response to our solutions that meet the needs of this important market.”

SALTO Systems, a manufacturer of electronic access control solutions, will showcase the latest in technologically-advanced electronic locks and access control management – including a new line of residential smart lock solutions–at ISC West this March in Las Vegas. “SALTO is always excited to share the latest electronic access control innovations with our peers in the security industry at ISC West. We have some great products to highlight this year including residential smart lock solutions that meet the growing demand in that market segment,” said Michael J. Mahon, SALTO Systems Senior Vice President Commercial Sales. “We hope those needing secure, reliable, and easy-to-install and use electronic access control will stop by Booth 25071 at this year’s show to see our solutions.” Access control management software ISC West is the largest converged security industry trade show in the United States, hosting more than 30,000 global security product manufacturers and professionals. This year, ISC West will be held at the Sands Expo Center, March 17-20. Highlights at SALTO Systems Booth 25071 will include: ProAccess SPACE 6.0 – The latest version of SALTO ProAccess SPACE 6.0 access control management software allows systems administrators to utilize the latest SALTO SPACE features and security enhancements on SALTO BLUEnet smart locks. Other new features include time tracking of employee hours, capacity management, and more user-friendly event monitoring. SALTO KS – The latest version of SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based access control management software includes cellphone check-in capability and PIN entry mode. Secure real-time management SALTO NEO Cylinder – The SALTO NEO Cylinder is an electronic lock that offers more features and better functionality than any other cylinder on the market. The re-engineered clutch system design makes efficient use of energy, dropping consumption to impressively low levels resulting in 110,000 cycles with just one set of batteries. It’s compatible with SALTO SVN, SALTO BLUEnet Wireless, and SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud-based technology. The NEO can be switched to any of SALTO’s technology platforms at any time without changing the hardware. SALTO BLUEnet Wireless - It offers easy and secure real-time management that is networked through Bluetooth RF and is especially designed for doors where real-time control is required. BLUEnet can be installed as an independent system or can complement SALTO Virtual Network (SVN-Flex). One gateway can communicate with 7 nodes. Each node can operate up to 16 doors with a maximum distance of 15 feet between the lock and the node (with just one IP address). SALTO BLUnet Wireless has three peripherals for wireless connection: gateway, node, and repeater. This provides greater flexibility to a project without the need for cables. Electronic access control XS4 MINI – The XS4 Mini escutcheon is easy-to-install on new or retrofit doors which makes it simple for security professionals to upgrade and replace mechanical key-operated locks with the latest in electronic access control. With SVN-Flex (based on SALTO’s BLUEnet wireless technology), you can extend and increase the number of updating points directly to the battery-operated door. This results in an exponential increase in security, control, effectiveness, and convenience for users and system managers as the communication between devices flow in real-time on wireless online access points and much faster on offline points. The XS4 MINI is now available for SALTO SPACE on-premises smart technology and with the SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud technology platform. SALTO NCoder – The new NCoder has a new modern black design that follows SALTO’s line of stylish products. The SALTO NCoder integrates encoding capabilities of a powerful updated design with a built-in desktop reader function and is compatible with BLE cellphone keys. The new NCoder 3G device has been added to the SVN platform and provides increased security for keys and access. Additionally, the NCoder records information from the Portable Programming Device (PPD) in the NCoder itself.

Imagine a home surveillance camera monitoring an elderly parent and anticipating potential concerns while respecting their privacy. Imagine another camera predicting a home burglary based on suspicious behaviors, allowing time to notify the homeowner who can in turn notify the police before the event occurs—or an entire network of cameras working together to keep an eye on neighborhood safety. Artificial Intelligence vision chips A new gen of AI vision chips are pushing advanced capabilities such as behavior analysis and higher-level security There's a new generation of artificial intelligence (AI) vision chips that are pushing advanced capabilities such as behavior analysis and higher-level security to the edge (directly on devices) for a customizable user experience—one that rivals the abilities of the consumer electronics devices we use every day. Once considered nothing more than “the eyes” of a security system, home monitoring cameras of 2020 will leverage AI-vision processors for high-performance computer vision at low power consumption and affordable cost—at the edge—for greater privacy and ease of use as well as to enable behavior analysis for predictive and preemptive monitoring. Advanced home monitoring cameras With this shift, camera makers and home monitoring service providers alike will be able to develop new edge-based use cases for home monitoring and enable consumers to customize devices to meet their individual needs. The result will be increased user engagement with home monitoring devices—mirroring that of cellphones and smart watches and creating an overlap between the home monitoring and consumer electronics markets. A quick step back reminds us that accomplishing these goals would have been cost prohibitive just a couple of years ago. Face recognition, behavior analysis, intelligent analytics, and decision-making at this level were extremely expensive to perform in the cloud. Additionally, the lag time associated with sending data to faraway servers for decoding and then processing made it impossible to achieve real-time results. Cloud-based home security devices The constraints of cloud processing certainly have not held the industry back, however. Home monitoring, a market just seven years young, has become a ubiquitous category of home security and home monitoring devices. Consumers can choose to install a single camera or doorbell that sends alerts to their phone, a family of devices and a monthly manufacturer’s plan, or a high-end professional monitoring solution. While the majority of these devices do indeed rely on the cloud for processing, camera makers have been pushing for edge-based processing since around 2016. For them, the benefit has always been clear: the opportunity to perform intelligent analytics processing in real-time on the device. But until now, the balance between computer vision performance and power consumption was lacking and camera companies weren’t able to make the leap. So instead, they have focused on improving designs and the cloud-centric model has prevailed. Hybrid security systems Even with improvements, false alerts result in unnecessary notifications and video recording Even with improvements, false alerts (like tree branches swaying in the wind or cats walking past a front door) result in unnecessary notifications and video recording— cameras remain active which, in the case of battery powered cameras, means using up valuable battery life. Hybrid models do exist. Typically, they provide rudimentary motion detection on the camera itself and then send video to the cloud for decoding and analysis to suppress false alerts. Hybrids provide higher-level results for things like people and cars, but their approach comes at a cost for both the consumer and the manufacturer. Advanced cloud analytics Advanced cloud analytics are more expensive than newly possible edge-based alternatives, and consumers have to pay for subscriptions. In addition, because of processing delays and other issues, things like rain or lighting changes (or even bugs on the camera) can still trigger unnecessary alerts. And the more alerts a user receives, the more they tend to ignore them—there are simply too many. In fact, it is estimated that users only pay attention to 5% of their notifications. This means that when a package is stolen or a car is burglarized, users often miss the real-time notification—only to find out about the incident after the fact. All of this will soon change with AI-based behavior analysis, predictive security, and real-time meaningful alerts. Predictive monitoring while safeguarding user privacy These days, consumers are putting more emphasis on privacy and have legitimate concerns about being recorded while in their homes. Soon, with AI advancements at the chip level, families will be able to select user apps that provide monitoring without the need to stream video to a company server, or they’ll have access to apps that record activity but obscure faces. Devices will have the ability to only send alerts according to specific criteria. If, for example, an elderly parent being monitored seems particularly unsteady one day or seems especially inactive, an application could alert the responsible family member and suggest that they check in. By analyzing the elderly parent’s behavior, the application could also predict a potential fall and trigger an audio alert for the person and also the family. AI-based behavior analysis Ability to analyze massive amounts of data locally and identify trends is a key advantage of AI at the edge The ability to analyze massive amounts of data locally and identify trends or perform searches is a key advantage of AI at the edge, for both individuals and neighborhoods. For example, an individual might be curious as to what animal is wreaking havoc in their backyard every night. In this case, they could download a “small animal detector” app to their camera which would trigger an alert when a critter enters their yard. The animal could be scared off via an alarm and—armed with video proof—animal control would have useful data for setting a trap. Edge cameras A newly emerging category of “neighborhood watch” applications is already connecting neighbors for significantly improved monitoring and safety. As edge cameras become more commonplace, this category will become increasingly effective. The idea is that if, for example, one neighbor captures a package thief, and then the entire network of neighbors will receive a notification and a synopsis video showing the theft. Or if, say, there is a rash of car break-ins and one neighbor captures video of a red sedan casing their home around the time of a recent incident, an AI vision-based camera could be queried for helpful information: Residential monitoring and security The camera could be asked for a summary of the dates and times that it has recorded that particular red car. A case could be made if incident times match those of the vehicle’s recent appearances in the neighborhood. Even better, if that particular red car was to reappear and seems (by AI behavior analysis) to be suspicious, alerts could be sent proactively to networked residents and police could be notified immediately. Home monitoring in 2020 will bring positive change for users when it comes to monitoring and security, but it will also bring some fun. Consumers will, for example, be able to download apps that do things like monitor pet activity. They might query their device for a summary of their pet’s “unusual activity” and then use those clips to create cute, shareable videos. Who doesn’t love a video of a dog dragging a toilet paper roll around the house? AI at the Edge for home access control Home access control via biometrics is one of many new edge-based use cases that will bring convenience to home monitoring Home access control via biometrics is one of many new edge-based use cases that will bring convenience to home monitoring, and it’s an application that is expected to take off soon. With smart biometrics, cameras will be able to recognize residents and then unlock their smart front door locks automatically if desired, eliminating the need for keys. And if, for example, an unauthorized person tries to trick the system by presenting a photograph of a registered family member’s face, the camera could use “3D liveness detection” to spot the fake and deny access. With these and other advances, professional monitoring service providers will have the opportunity to bring a new generation of access control panels to market. Leveraging computer vision and deep neural networks Ultimately, what camera makers strive for is customer engagement and customer loyalty. These new use cases—thanks to AI at the edge—will make home monitoring devices more useful and more engaging to consumers. Leveraging computer vision and deep neural networks, new cameras will be able to filter out and block false alerts, predict incidents, and send real-time notifications only when there is something that the consumer is truly interested in seeing. AI and computer vision at the edge will enable a new generation of cameras that provide not only a higher level of security but that will fundamentally change the way consumers rely on and interact with their home monitoring devices.

There’s no question that the popularity of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) security and home automation products is on the rise. The reasons for the growth in DIY sales are numerous, including increased awareness of home automation products, fast set-up, limited (if any) installation costs, and interoperability with other smart security products. In fact, with the parallel rise of smart home hubs like Alexa and Google Home, many people are opting to attempt the set-up of smart home devices without any professional assistance. According to a 2018 Residential Security Market Report prepared by Parks Associates and Security Sales & Integration magazine, “More than 60% of installing dealers now report that DIY systems are biting into demand for their services.” But the rise in DIY is not entirely bad news for security and home automation installers and dealers. There are a number of ways to view this glass as half-full. Let’s look at a few of them. Increase In Revenue For Dealers With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchaseThere are reasons for dealers and installers to be cheerful about the rise of DIY. For one thing, according to that same Residential Security Market Report from Parks Associates, residential security dealers are doing quite well. The report states, “In 2017, revenues were up an average 7.72% for security dealers.” What about installations? The report goes on to say, “For 2017, the average number of installs per dealer was 22 per month, compared to 17 per month in 2016.” So, revenues are up for security dealers, and at least part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that DIY products can raise overall awareness of and spur interest in other home automation and security products. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for the additional purchase, and installation, of complete, professionally installed systems. Wireless, Connected Smart Locks For example, the sale of wireless, connected smart locks (viewed by some consumers as DIY) can lead to opportunities for further home automation product sales and professional installations. Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller. They can be used to wirelessly communicate with and control all the devices that make up a home automation system, including lighting, entertainment, thermostats, air, alarms, shades and more. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for new security installations And they can do all this from a prime, convenient location – the front door, as well as other points of entry like the side or back doors. Plus, smart lock conversion kits like Kwikset Convert let homeowners easily bring home automation capabilities to their door without altering the aesthetics of the entry. Connected smart locks can allow homeowners to set up their home with custom scenarios, right before they step inside. For example, residents can program their lock so that every time they unlock the door, a foyer light goes on, temperatures begin to rise to a set level – even connected coffee makers can begin to make a cup. Portfolio Of Home Automation Products One of the best ways to mitigate the ‘threat’ of DIY sales is for dealers and installers to become more versatileSmart locks are just one example of the potential of DIY products to spark a homeowner’s interest in a wide range of other home automation devices, many of which would benefit from professional installation. One of the best ways to mitigate the ‘threat’ of DIY sales is for dealers and installers to become more versatile and offer a complete portfolio of home automation products. The larger the home automation offering, the more devices there are to sell and install, the larger the installation required, the greater the need for professional installation. Many homeowners who feel like they have a certain level of handiness will start by trying to do it themselves with a DIY product. But things don’t always go as planned, especially if they are attempting to set up a robust home automation system. First off, just because a product is DIY doesn’t mean that the old products that are being replaced are going to easily make way for the new. A DIY thermostat or smart lock might require that the old equipment (and possibly wires) get tugged out of the wall. Messy holes might need to be filled. Advantages Of Professional Installation Even after the old system has been removed, homeowners planning on setting up a connected system may soon realize they don’t have the electrical skills or technological know-how to install and connect all devices, get a system programmed correctly, and get everything up and running smoothly. Professional installers have learned from experience; there’s very little that they haven’t seen before. With their years of experience, installers know the best way to automate a home and how to create a custom smart home experience Do-it-yourselfers might be able to solve problems by searching the internet and finding videos. But, then again, they might not. After going the DIY route once, many full-home automation system enthusiasts are beginning to realize that the best way to get things done right the first time is to leave the installation and set-up to a professional. Professional installers can and should bring an extra level of experience and guidance to the process. Their services should go beyond tech installation and also include interface design. With their years of experience, installers know the best way to automate a home – how to create a custom smart home experience that doesn’t make the user feel less than smart. Selling Additional Home Automation Products If a problem arises due to installation error, the DIYer does not have any recourse to correct these mistakesResidential security dealers who offer professional installation should be willing to embrace the DIYer who has attempted to do a self-install but has not been able to complete the process successfully. With an open mind to this scenario, they can save the day for the DIYer, as well as create an opportunity to sell additional home automation equipment that the DIYer may not have known to be available.  The disparity between DIY and professional installation also brings to light the fact that there are no ‘satisfaction guarantees’ and no ‘installation/labor warranty’ available when a home automation system is installed by a DIYer. If a problem arises with either the equipment connectivity due to installation error, or if a piece of equipment is installed incorrectly, the DIYer does not have any recourse to correct these mistakes. This may not be as critical if a DIYer installs a minor piece of equipment, but with something as critical as securing and protecting their home with a home automation and security system, most people want full peace of mind that everything has been installed correctly. Reduces Connection Instability According to a 2017 study by the analyst firm, IHS Markit, “The quality of the equipment is usually higher in professionally installed systems, and professional configuration and setup greatly reduces the potential for connection instability…” This is an issue that DIYers may come to realize over time. On the other hand, one issue DIYers may recognize right away, especially if they are attempting to connect multiple devices, is that the connectivity may be inconsistent. Professionally installed devices operating on a wireless protocol might deliver better, consistent, longer-range connectivity IHS Markit explains that, “DIY systems rely on open protocols and Wi-Fi connectivity that can sometimes be unreliable, creating connection issues. Some of the sensors can become unrecognizable to the system, requiring intervention from the user. In contrast, professional wireless systems rely on UL- or EN-certified equipment to operate on the basis of proprietary frequency, enabling them to work with the control panel much more seamlessly.” In other words, professionally installed devices operating on a wireless protocol, even an open-source protocol like Z-Wave, might deliver better, consistent, longer-range connectivity, and fewer headaches. Not Everyone Is A DIY Customer There are customers who want someone to install the devices correctly and help them learn how to use and maintain themThere’s no doubt that there’s a segment of the security and home automation market that loves to spend their free time doing their own home improvement. They are watching videos, reading how-to books and manuals, and enjoying every minute. There’s also a segment of the market whose top goal is to save money up front. For these customers, there’s no getting around the joy of saving money with the lower cost of many DIY products. But there are also a great number of prospective customers out there for whom DIY is of absolutely no interest. These consumers do not want to be their own IT department. They want expert help: they want someone to install the devices correctly and help them learn how to use and maintain them. The IHS Markit study points out what many home automation dealers already know: that the elder and aging-in-place markets are an ideal destination for the security and convenience of home automation products. The study says, “Many senior citizens are not tech savvy enough to install a DIY system by themselves, so they tend to rely on professionally installed systems that are usually maintained by a family member.” Along with the senior citizens market, there are many other market segments out there that still desire worry-free professional installation. Installers should offer a range of products that includes some DIY products, and some leave-it-to-a-pro products Producing Complete And Custom Solutions Perhaps the best way for dealers and installers to stave off that feeling of doom that they might have about DIY is to tackle the problem head on and be creative. Offer a range of products that includes some DIY products, and some leave-it-to-a-pro products – consider the DIY product a great entry point for a more comprehensive system. Play up the peace of mind that comes with professional installations and support that pitch with flexible monitoring contracts and service plans. Share what you do and why; relay your passion for producing complete and custom solutions and communicate how you add value to any and every sale. No one, not even the most tech-savvy consumer, wants to install their own products if the end result is that the product doesn’t work the way it should. That’s where the pros can, should and will always come into play.

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

Across the security industry, power supplies are too often an afterthought and the first item in an access control system to be value-engineered. However, when the power supply fails on a high-end access control device, the system becomes a very expensive paperweight. Fortunately, there are now power supply units available that can enhance system reliability by providing remote diagnostics and real-time reporting and analytics. There is also a mistaken perception that all power supplies are the same, says David Corbin, Director of ASSA ABLOY’S Power Management Strategic Business Unit. Access control and security applications Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications The fact is, a properly designed unit for today’s market must have a wide input range, a myriad of features, interface to network, have adequate transient protection, good surge capability and a demonstrated quality level for mission critical reliability, he says. “Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications,” says Corbin. “From heavy snowstorms in the Midwest and East Coast to the two million Californians that experienced unprecedented power outages, extreme weather conditions have created chaos for millions over the past few months. These events have resulted in students being locked out of schools, hospitals darkening and electronic keypads or card readers shutting down. With events like these on the rise, and an increased reliance on the technology we use to get in and out of the spaces we occupy, power supplies are critical for keeping systems up and running and people safe and secure.” ASSA ABLOY's LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems Installing right power supplies ASSA ABLOY has a range of products within the power supplies category, including LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems. ASSA ABLOY’s acquisition of LifeSafety Power in September expanded the company’s offering of smart integrated access control power solutions for OEMs, integrators and end-users. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies, and eco-friendly, linear, plug-in and solar power supplies, as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE). Access control is crucial to security and life safety, says Corbin. And without power, any protective system is useless. When the right power supplies are installed correctly, the system will have built-in backup power that will be triggered during an outage. Dependable power supplies, with regularly replaced and appropriately sized backup batteries, are critical to keeping occupants safe in an emergency event. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies Periodic testing of the battery When it comes to extreme weather conditions, the result of a power outage can lead to hazardous situations for employees, patients, residents and students, he says. Buildings that require power to gain access can leave people stranded outside or locked inside. “When access controls are disabled, intruders can easily enter buildings without notice, affording the opportunity for interruptions to power distribution, water supplies and other necessary public utilities,” says Corbin. Preparation for the next big power outage should include the sizing of power supplies to the system requirement with a reasonable safety factor for foreseeable system expansion and a battery set that is sized for operating the system for a period of time greater than the planned requirement, he says. Using a ‘smart’ power supply provides early warning of an impending failure; and consistent, periodic testing of the battery set keeps the system in peak operating condition. Predictive maintenance of access control Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control Redundancy ensures that power remains available in the event of a failure, regardless of whether it is a blackout situation or a failure of the power supply itself, says Corbin. “In critical power installations where redundancy is vital, the system must have a properly sized and maintained backup battery,” says Corbin. “Additionally, further redundancy can be achieved via products like our Helix systems that provide for seamless switching between two different power supplies in the event of an electrical failure of one of the power supplies.” Corbin also notes there is a growing want and need for more data and analytics in the access control field. End users increasingly expect access control systems to be able to integrate with building information systems. Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control and building systems. For example, intelligent power supplies can identify problems before they happen – such as performing periodic, automated battery tests and then notifying a central monitoring location and/or a facility manager of a battery that needs replacement. Lock operation can also be monitored on a real-time basis for failure or impending failure of a secured door opening, he says.

The success of smart homes began with professional security providers offering bundled packages, focused mostly on security monitoring. However, due to the cost of professional contracts, consumers began to embrace the do-it-yourself (DIY) approach. Despite the challenges and opportunities that come with professional and DIY approaches, the momentum of smart home growth depends on these two approaches working symbiotically. Smart home systems In 2017, there were about 122 million smart home devices shipped globally, according to IHS Markit. The retail channel represented about 62 percent of all device shipments in 2017 and will represent about 70 percent in 2021. Despite the increased demand for professional installation, the “do-it-for-me” approach, most the volume remains with ad-hoc purchases. This includes a consumer video camera or a smart thermostat purchase from a retailer. Data capture form to appear here! When a consumer wants to add devices to an existing professionally installed system, they often will buy products from retail. Flexible service offerings and pricing are already taking shape across smart home offerings. DIY installed smart home systems such as Scout Alarm already offer no contract monitoring. Professional monitoring companies are already offering no contract pricing, and providers such as Comcast are looking to pilot programs for just video monitoring, bundled with Internet for a low monthly fee. Home automation system Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller Options for financing are also going to become commonplace. Smart home equipment is expensive, even when attempting to outfit a modest size home (2,500 square feet). Immediate access to services is becoming more critical. This means consumers should be able to access on-demand service options directly from a mobile device to activate or deactivate professional monitoring. Lastly, pricing still needs to come down for many smart home devices, but there is a threshold. For example, the sale of wireless, connected smart locks (viewed by some consumers as DIY) can lead to opportunities for further home automation product sales and professional installations. Connected smart locks can actually act as an extension of a smart hub or controller. They can be used to communicate wirelessly with and control all the devices that make up a home automation system, including lighting, entertainment, thermostats, air, alarms, shades and more. Residential security According to a 2018 Residential Security Market Report prepared by Parks Associates, “More than 60% of installing dealers now report that DIY systems are biting into demand for their services.” But the rise in DIY is not entirely bad news for security and home automation installers and dealers. There are a number of ways to view this glass as half-full. For example, with their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchases. There are reasons for dealers and installers to be cheerful about the rise of DIY. For one thing, according to that same Residential Security Market Report from Parks Associates, residential security dealers are doing quite well. The report states, “In 2017, revenues were up an average 7.72% for security dealers.” Full-time monitoring DIY products have broken down barriers for additional purchase and installation of professionally installed systems What about installations? The report goes on to say, “For 2017, the average number of installs per dealer was 22 per month, compared to 17 per month in 2016.” So, revenues are up for security dealers, and at least part of the reason can be attributed to the fact that DIY products can raise overall awareness of and spur interest in other home automation and security products. With their lower cost and perceived ease of installation, DIY products have actually broken down barriers for the additional purchase, and installation, of complete, professionally installed systems. Instead of paying for monthly monitoring, homeowners can install a web cam, access from a smartphone or tablet and essentially do their own security monitoring. The downside of this approach is readily apparent. Without full-time monitoring, homeowners can easily miss the break-in or the aged parent who falls and can’t get up. Near-field communication Until they log on and take a look, there’s no central station to send medical aid or call the police. Connecting door locks and other devices to the Internet can also open a door to hackers, if the infrastructure isn’t properly protected. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. A common theme among professional monitoring providers is that a homeowner who is aware of events happening in the home does not necessarily have a secure and protected household Traditional security features For example, a Nest camera, a DIY product, notifies a consumer via smartphone about events in the home when it detects motion, but only when the notification is opened and identified will a consumer be able to act on the related event. Self-installable smart home devices may resonate with a segment of the market that want security but are unwilling to adopt professional monitoring; however, providers can leverage these devices to enhance traditional security features and communicate the value of professional monitoring. Missed part one of our smart home mini series? Read it here.

The boundaries between the smart home market and security market at large are narrowing. Amidst a wave of expansion, suddenly everything is becoming digital. Home automation has been around for close to 30 years but hasn’t really hit it big because integration hasn’t been that simple. Now that the Internet of Things has stepped into the market, home automation is really taking off. As technology in the smart home market advances, the gap between the residential and professional security markets is growing smaller. Additional revenue for security industry There will continue to be more opportunity for interoperability, and home automation will continue to grow and eventually become a norm. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions, have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras and other products suffice for their security. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition.  Data capture form to appear here! Residential security solutions Growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that" The trend has no doubt accelerated in the last couple of years. New collaborations are being made between audio-video (AV) suppliers and security solution providers. The clientele of high-end AV products is becoming increasingly concerned with home security and property protection. So, in recent months, the requirement for residential security solutions has been increasing as technical solutions can go hand in hand with AV installers’ capabilities and client base. “One of the big mistakes many make is that they assume – based on some of the hype and big market investments – that the smart home market is set to explode,” says Michael Philpott, Senior Practice Leader, Consumer Services at Ovum. "This is not the case – growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that, rather than expecting some rapid ramp up simply because some big names have entered the market.” Pressure to upgrade security standards Surprisingly for what has historically been something of a grudge purchase, in the context of home automation, security is seen as a solution some consumers are looking for. Another security aspect of home automation is cybersecurity, in particular how it applies to various IoT devices in the home. Now as connected devices gather personal information from realms long considered private and protected – the bedroom, the kitchen counter, the nursery – the risks are higher than ever. All of the data that various devices and sites have collected can be combined, shifted and then exploited by marketers or even stolen by hackers. Both manufacturers of smart home products and the companies that install them are feeling pressure to upgrade security standards. They are moving to set policies that will regulate who has access to data and how it is used. Ease of installation Advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies A recent revelation that some “smart TVs” might be listening to conversations and transmitting them to "third parties" caused an uproar. These sets have voice activated features that enable users to change channel, turn on a DVD or browse the internet by speaking to the screen or remote. The fine print in privacy policies contains warnings that general conversations are also being heard, and one company even told owners to turn off this function if they were concerned. Another impact of smart homes on the security marketplace is to raise expectations about the capabilities of commercial systems. Products made today for residential applications are very high quality, easy to install (do-it-yourself, or DIY), and have very rich feature sets. End users expect their commercial solutions to have a similar ease of use and ease of installation. Geofencing in commercial applications The quality of video that people are seeing at home is motivating some legacy commercial customers to finally move to IP video from lower resolution analog cameras. A higher percentage of commercial customers use cellphone applications to view integrated video and access control data. People’s experience with smart thermostats has them asking for geofencing in some commercial applications. In short, advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies. Read part two of our smart home mini series here.

Upgrading a two-wire analog intercom to a conventional IP video system typically involves messy and costly rewiring work. So what happens when there is a need to install over 500 IP systems into a single building? One company, Hikvision, has developed an innovative two-wire solution, which is already making waves at the luxurious RiverGate condominium in Singapore. “If someone rang the bell at the side entrance, it wouldn’t always ring in my apartment upstairs,” says the Chairman of the Condo Council, who lives at the RiverGate condominium in River Valley, Singapore. “Visitors often had to call me to let them in, and I would have to travel down 20 floors to the main entrance. It became incredibly frustrating.” Switching from analog to IP system The intercoms in Asia’s condos are crying out for an upgrade to IP, but the infrastructure just doesn’t support it" The resident’s story is typical of millions of residents across Asia, where high rise living is the norm. In Singapore, the first condominiums were built back in the 1960s, to tackle the challenge of high population density and soaring land costs. Today, high-rise living in Singapore is not only necessary but highly desirable, with many condominiums offering swimming pools, spas, sky-gardens and a host of other deluxe facilities at exclusive locations across the island. Nevertheless, even the most luxurious apartment blocks are wrangling with aging access control systems. Many systems only work intermittently, while all but the newest builds feature intercoms that use out-dated two-wire analog cabling. “The intercoms in Asia’s condos are crying out for an upgrade to IP, but the infrastructure just doesn’t support it,” says Daniel Han, Engineering Director at Serron Technology. Hikvision IP security systems Making the move to IP intercom systems is a logical step, as it would offer a host of benefits to Asia’s high rise residents. First of all, IP systems are video-based and can work with HD cameras, giving homeowners crystal clear images of who is at the door potentially dozens of floors below. What’s more, they also typically link to an app, so residents can see and interact with the person at the door – even when they’re not in the apartment. “Video IP systems are much more functional, more future-proof, and incredibly reliable,” adds Daniel. The problem is, most of today’s IP intercom systems typically need to replace wire for an internet connection – and that means an upgrade to the building itself. “To upgrade to an IP system across a whole condominium is a massive job,” Daniel confirms, adding “Chasing out walls and replacing wiring is disruptive, messy and a time-consuming task. In addition, the task is also expensive, and management companies would have no choice but to pass this cost on to the residents." Two Wire IP Video Intercom System Although it may seem like an impossible problem, one company – Hikvision – has provided an excellent solution. As its product name suggests, the company’s Two Wire IP Video Intercom System is purpose-built to work over existing two-wire cabling, so that two wires supply power and transmit voice, video and control signals at the same time. At the heart of the Hikvision two-wire system is the Two-Wire Video/Audio Distributor (DS-KAD706). It’s this intelligent box that makes the two-wire solution possible by consolidating power and internet connectivity, enabling it to be distributed out to the external door video stations and the indoor video units. Hikvision two-wire solution Each of the 545 apartments within RiverGate has a Hikvision Intercom Indoor station with a video screen At Singapore’s luxurious RiverGate Condominium complex, the management team was so impressed with the potential of the Hikvision two-wire solution that they have already installed it into the condominium. Each of the 545 apartments within RiverGate has a Hikvision Intercom Indoor station (DS-KH6320-WTE2) featuring a video screen, while each of the entrances to the building has a Video Intercom Door Station (DS-KD8102-V) featuring an HD camera. If someone calls an apartment via a door station downstairs, it rings the appropriate indoor screen. The resident can see the visitor and have a conversation with them, before letting them in with a simple tap of the screen. Hikvision Video Intercom Master Station (DS-KM8301) The RiverGate central management offices also have the Hikvision Video Intercom Master Station (DS-KM8301), to monitor the building perimeter and control entry. Plus the complex has installed a number of Hikvision’s Waterproof and Vandal-proof Card Readers (DS-K1104M), to ensure that only authorized individuals can move around the building. What’s more, by downloading the HikConnect app, residents can be alerted to a visitor when they’re away from the video unit, or when they’re out of the premises entirely. The app offers the same functionality as the video screen – allowing residents to see visitors, speak to them, and even choose to let them into the building. Reliable and innovative IP-based solution The benefits of the new Hikvision system are far-reaching. From a building management perspective, the ability to use the existing two-wire system has kept installation costs to a minimum. The ability to use the existing two-wire system has kept installation costs to a minimum “Hikvision’s Two Wire Video Intercom System is a state-of-the-art product, and ideal for retrofitting and modernizing large residential and office building projects. Across Asia, there are thousands of high rise buildings whose access control systems desperately need upgrading. This sleek system provides a cost-effective and elegant IP-based solution – one that’s ideal for high end residential or commercial environments – for minimal cost and disruption.” said Jacky Xie, the Project Manager at Hikvision, who is very optimistic about the potential of the company’s two-wire IP solution. High-performance video and access control system And of course, it’s had a huge impact on RiverGate’s residents. One of the residents’ of the Condominium said, “The new intercom does more than the old system. I particularly like the functionality of mobile app – I can use my phone to let visitors come in even when I don’t have access to the indoor device, like when I’m not at home or using the bathroom. It’s also such a relief to have an access control system that works reliably. I love it; it’s more convenient, it’s really easy to use, and I feel safer.”

The Links is an exclusive design twin 34-story residential construction that features great views across Emirates Golf Club. The Links residential project’s details include: Number of homes/users: 645 Number of accesses: 8 Country: United Arab Emirates End date: 2020 Promoter: Emaar CCTV surveillance and video door entry This project combines high and low rise living in the form of the East and West Towers along with three smaller buildings: Canal Apartments, Golf Apartments, and Golf Villas. There are 645 apartments in total. The amenities of the residential complex include concierge service 24/7, avant-garde video door entry and access control systems, CCTV system, swimming pools, gym, barbecue areas, playgrounds for children and parking for visitors among other facilities. DUOX 2-wires video door entry system Fermax installation at The Links is mainly composed by a complete range of DUOX 2-wires video door entry, including 8 digital video panels with extra display and keypad, a MARINE outdoor panel (1/W), 6 DUOX audio guard units, 660 VEO monitors (DUOX monitor with handset) and 1 VEO-XS monitor (DUOX hands-free monitor). The installation of FERMAX intercom solution was successfully completed by Regal Technologies Co. LLC, Fermax distributor and systems integration in the UAE.

After seeing a continued rise in anti-social behavior, littering and dog fouling, North Tyneside Council decided to invest in a mobile CCTV van, which along with extra wardens has been used to tackle environmental offenses in public places as well as in communities and schools. The service was launched last winter by Mayor Norma Redfearn CBE, and a new team was introduced to work throughout the day, including weekends, to help catch offenders in the act. Staff are able to enforce anti-social behavior legislation, which includes issuing those who break the law with community protection notices, issue fixed penalty notices, eviction orders, and injunctions to those who are going against what the community is trying to achieve. Traveling CCTV cameras Six businesses have also been challenged about the way they dispose of their waste The traveling CCTV cameras, as supplied by vehicle safety specialists Sentinel Systems, have led to a number of successes including identifying a suspected repeat fly-tipper and uncovering 14 areas being regularly used to fly-tip. By installing a PTZ camera (pan–tilt–zoom camera), the team has been able to use the remote directional and zoom control to stop and advise 120 people about keeping their dogs on leads in designated areas and issued several fixed penalty notices to people littering or not picking up after their dogs. Six businesses have also been challenged about the way they dispose of their waste, with two of them being subsequently fined £400 each. Tackling crime hotspots Richie Mitchell, Community and Public Spaces Protection Manager at North Tyneside Council, commented, “North Tyneside is a great place to live and we have seen noticeable results since introducing the CCTV van and environmental team to the borough. The council takes issues in the community extremely seriously and is always looking to do more to tackle any crime hotspots.” Installing the cameras has benefited the community in many ways and we are very pleased" He continued, “Residents had lots of concerns around littering and dog fouling, so the new service providing on-the-spot fines and CCTV footage that can be used to help with prosecutions has really made a difference. Installing the cameras has benefited the community in many ways and we are very pleased with what we have achieved for our residents so far.” Safety camera package Sentinel’s 360-degree camera system offers drivers an enhanced view around the outside of a vehicle and can be combined with Sentinel’s four or eight-channel DVRs, allowing for up to 30 days of footage to be recorded. Inside the vehicle, a seven inch in-cab monitor is installed with high image clarity so that anything around the vehicle is always visible to the drivers. Sentinel Systems’ safety camera package can be customized to meet the individual requirements of each fleet, depending on the size and operations of each vehicle. The camera system can be created using any number of Sentinel’s systems, including forward, rear and side facing cameras for a 360° view of the vehicle’s surroundings.

C-TEC’s powerful new Quantec Surveyor2 Cloud-based data management software has been installed at Croft House Care Home in Yorkshire. With its capacity to generate reports on busiest shifts, call response times, most frequently visited rooms and more, the owners and managers of the facility, Victoria and Giles Bateman say that Surveyor2 has revolutionized operations at their family-run residential care home, recently rated outstanding in care by the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Covering different time periods Said Victoria Bateman: “Providing outstanding care is fundamental to our core values and we are constantly asking for feedback from our residents. One area we identified as being vital to our residents feeling safe in their environment is their use of our Quantec addressable call system. The ability to make a call to a carer for help and be responded to in a timely fashion is very important to them and therefore very important to us too.” We’ve been able to monitor and analyze the use of our call system on a daily, weekly and monthly basis" “Since Surveyor2 was installed, we’ve been able to monitor and analyze the use of our call system on a daily, weekly and monthly basis. We can print a variety of reports, covering different time periods, so we can see which of our 29 residents are calling, at what times of the day and, most importantly, our response times to those calls. We can also see, via the user dashboard, all live call system activity so we are aware of any potential issues before they become a problem.” Secure cloud-Based system “Minimum and maximum response times have been set for each type of call, via the KPI (Key Performance Indicator) settings facility, to allow us to pinpoint where we need extra staff at busy times or identify areas where further training is required. We can also see which residents require more time, again allowing us to plan and allocate staff in the most effective way.” “Reports highlighting how often individual residents call has helped us identify times when they feel more anxious and we have been able to address those concerns.” A secure Cloud-based system, Surveyor2 also allows email notifications to be sent to Croft House’s management team so they can monitor response times when not on site. Recognizing areas of improvement As the system has remote access capabilities and displays ‘real-time’, call, reset and room occupancy information, the senior member of staff on shift can view the status of all current calls and respond accordingly if a call is taking too long to be answered. Our staff are all aware that we monitor response times and that they are accountable for their actions" Says Giles Bateman: “Our staff are all aware that we monitor response times and that they are accountable for their actions. Teams and different shifts are rewarded for excellent response times and areas of improvement recognized. Overall the system allows us to feel confident that our residents are receiving timely help when they ask for it.” Easy-To-Use addressable call system Says Kelly Flaherty, Deputy Manager at the home: “Surveyor2 has proved invaluable to us in reassuring patients, their relatives and regulatory authorities that we are delivering the highest standards of care and, during future inspections, will provide vital evidence that we are responsive, effective and caring, that all our residents are safe and that our facility is extremely well led and organized.” Surveyor2 is designed to work with Quantec, C-TEC’s powerful yet easy-to-use addressable call system. With its flexible call routing, multiple call levels and laptop programmable systems controller, the system can be tailored to suit the exact operational needs of any building.

It used to be that when senior Chicagoans could no longer age in place at home, or when they were ready to live in a more social environment, they had to look for options in the suburbs. Today, the majority of Chicago’s high-end senior living communities are in or near Lincoln Park, a picturesque neighborhood, just one mile from downtown Chicago, with manicured gardens and an expansive lakefront green space with sweeping city views. This quaint neighborhood is also home to one of the country’s oldest free zoos and a host of amazing restaurants. Belmont Village Senior Living Belmont Village offers assisted living and memory care, so that as the residents’ needs change, the care can too In 2017, Harrison Street Real Estate Capital bought a building on the former Children’s Memorial Hospital campus (the Nellie Black Building). Harrison Street and Belmont Village Senior Living partnered to tear down the seven-story structure and replace it with a similar brick building, also standing seven stories. Houston, TX based Belmont Village Senior Living is a developer, owner, and operator of 29 properties in seven states. As seniors make the decision to move out of their home and into a community, full continuum of care is an important factor to consider. Belmont Village offers assisted living and memory care, so that as the residents’ needs change, the care can too. 24/7 on-site staff and security The mid-rise building was built to closely resemble the Nellie Black Building with a similar architectural style. Residents don’t want for much in this community, as they have everything they need at their fingertips. The long list of amenities includes elegantly designed common areas for gatherings, a technology center to help stay connected, a professionally managed fitness center with on-site therapy services, a licensed nurse and well-trained staff on-site 24/7, award-winning memory enrichment programs, a full social activity calendar, and a full-service salon. The dining is served restaurant-style with chef-prepared meals and a concierge is on staff to schedule complimentary transportation for personal excursions or appointments. Amenities like these used to be considered over-the-top, but today’s seniors are coming to expect this kind of daily living. The building has no similarities to a retirement home, but rather looks like a luxury condominium. The residents are city-savvy and happy to be near downtown Chicago. Schlage NDE wireless locks The Schlage NDE wireless locks are activated by a fob that each resident is given W.E. O’Neil Construction provided general contracting services for this project. They partnered with American Direct to provide 300 pre-hung doors, 210 bifold doors in residential units, 4 exterior stile and rail doors, 325 hollow metal doors, 90 hollow metal frames, and 215 knock down frames. Locks included Schlage NDE80 wireless intelligent locks for resident entry and common area openings and wall-mounted Mercury readers for the entire exterior area, elevator, and stairwell locks. The Schlage NDE wireless locks are activated by a fob that each resident is given. That fob is unique to the resident’s apartment entry. These locks report back to the main system every 12 hours. If credentials in the system are edited in any way, when the lock checks in with the system every 12 hours, the lock is automatically updated with the most current information. The lock can also report important information, such as who may have requested access, what access was granted, and what access was denied. A benefit to these wireless locks is the minimal installation cost. Basically it is just a matter of mounting the lock with four AA batteries. The battery lifespan is about 1 year. Intelligent electronic locks Belmont Village had already purchased some intelligent locks for the back of house and the general contractor was going to use an electrical contractor for those locks. American Direct Division 8 salesperson, Eric Van Scoy reached out to AccessNsite Security Sales Representative, Heather Rolli for counsel on how to best integrate the pre-purchased locks for back of house and the additional locks American Direct was providing for the resident entries. The AccessNsite Allegion driver is integrated to the WiFi solution that allows communication" Heather Rolli said, “I took off my sales hat, so to speak, and put on my coaching hat to guide the general contractor and owner. I explained that Schlage NDE locks can communicate in a few different ways, one of which is through the lock’s WiFi antenna that goes across the building’s WiFi network. The AccessNsite Allegion driver is integrated to the WiFi solution that allows communication with back of house locks, the resident entry locks, and the Mercury panel common area readers. The original electrical contractor’s solution could not do that integration. If they had continued with their original plan, they would have had to utilise a gateway for every 10 locks for a Bluetooth connection”. AccessNsite integrated access control She stated that continuing on that path would have been very expensive. By using AccessNsite for all of the locks, it eliminated two different layers of physical equipment. With AccessNsite, all the locks communicate via the building’s WiFi network and then information is exchanged as the locks check into the system. “This is part of the service we provide — engineering and consulting to provide the best solution/ service we can,” says Rolli. Rolli was able to consult and guide the general contractor and owner. She further said, “American Direct and AccessNsite were asked to provide not only the Schlage NDE locks for resident entries and back of house, but also wall mounted Mercury readers and intercoms as well. The scope of the project became much larger once the general contractor learned how powerful AccessNsite software actually is. We were able to provide each aspect of the access control without the owner having to use multiple manufacturers. We provided an elegant solution that enabled huge cost savings to the owner on product and labor. I always look for the end user to have a simplified way to manage the facility”. Integrated with AIPHONE security video intercom system Integrated parking for Belmont Village is underground because of lack of space in Lincoln Park. The loading dock is actually across the street with tunnel access. AccessNsite integrated access control with the facility’s AIPHONE (security video intercom system) allowing employees to push a button to unlock the door via a video component. It is critical to know who is gaining access to entry points and AccessNsite will allow them to track that" The Concierge Desk, the Main Desk, and the Head Chef all have AIPHONE access that allows remote opening of garage and overhead doors. When there is a delivery at the loading dock, for example, the person making the delivery pushes the access control button and the Chef, located in the building at the other end of the tunnel access, can see who is at the dock and can grant access if desired. Advanced access control technology W.E. O’Neil’s Project Manager, Brad Garlick stated, “We made great strides with access control on this project that will benefit Belmont Village in the long run. This was their first time to utilise this kind of access control technology and it will provide them with information they have never had before. In today’s world, it is critical to know who is gaining access to entry points and AccessNsite will allow them to track that and so much more.” Belmont Village is a perfect example of how American Direct and AccessNsite not only sell product alongside one another, but also effectively collaborate with each other, the general contractor, and the project owner in order to provide them with the single, most effective, cost efficient openings solution. Belmont Village opened in 2019 and has made great strides in building an impressive reputation for the classy age in place retirement community near downtown Chicago.

Critical building management and security systems at one of the most advanced super-high-rise towers, the landmark Wasl Tower in Dubai, are to be integrated with Maxxess eFusion technology. The 302-meter multipurpose tower, which will be operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hospitality Group, incorporates offices, guest rooms, public areas and apartments, and is situated in a pivotal Dubai location. The Wasl Tower is designed with advanced sustainability features including natural shading and cooling, adaptive lighting, one of the world’s tallest natural ceramic facades, and a vertical boulevard. eFusion was selected for the project because of the flexibility it allows, enabling rapid integration, off-the-shelf, with a wide choice of security, safety and business-critical technologies. With a modular, building block approach, eFusion provides an umbrella management system and drives service efficiency by removing the need for operators to continually switch between systems. Visitor management system By keeping it simple and integrating with the widest choice of technologies, Maxxess removes the complexity A key use of the technology will be to integrate back-of-house operations at the Wasl guest apartments with front-of-house systems, for maximum ease of use and operational efficiency using the Maxxess unified platform. This eFusion solution comprises a 900-plus reader ASSA ABLOY VingCard access control system, a 1700 camera Hanwha surveillance system, and advanced key management with Deister ProxSafe, and it will use the BACnet protocol to integrate the building management system (BMS). The Tower will also benefit from Maxxess VisitorPoint visitor management system, a Zenitel intelligent communication system and disabled call-to-assist alarms. The VisitorPoint integration will improve the guest and resident experience, reduce administration and front-desk queuing, and ensure smooth running of functions from visitor and contractor management to collections and deliveries, and security. Streamline security, safety and facilities management “The challenge with projects of this scale is to find a simple, straightforward platform that communicates with everything and works with all the systems involved,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess. “By keeping it simple, and integrating with the widest choice of technologies, Maxxess removes the complexity.” The Wasl Tower project is the latest of a growing number of mixed-use developments, including hotels, retail, office and residential complexes to use eFusion to streamline security, safety and facilities management. Last year Maxxess won an Intersec Award for its major eFusion implementation at Bluewaters Island.

Delivering on customer expectations is a basic tenet of success in the physical security market. However, meeting expectations may be an elusive goal, whether because customer needs are not communicated effectively or because equipment doesn’t perform as promised. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: what if a customer expects more than a security system can deliver?

Driven by technology developments such as voice recognition, smart devices and the Internet of Things, our homes are getting “smarter” all the time. Increasingly, we expect our residential environments to be responsive to our voice commands, whether we are adjusting a thermostat, turning on a light, or lowering the window shade. Smarter home integration yields new opportunities and challenges for home security, too, which contributes an element of safety and protection to the convenience aspects of smart homes. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are new smart home systems impacting security?

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