Retail security systems

At Intersec this year, on stand SA-J31, Veracity will be demonstrating and launching COLDSTORE Colossus, the 4U, 45-bay, 630TB video storage solution. COLDSTORE Colossus is engineered to meet the long-term retention needs of the Middle East. The COLDSTORE family offers unique benefits including a 10x increase in hard disk life and power savings of 90%+. In fact Colossus, with 630TB and 45 disks, consumes less than 80W of power! This gives the COLDSTORE range not only enviable performance benefits but also a compelling total cost of ownership case not available with other video storage solutions. COLDSTORE is in use throughout the world at critical infrastructure sites, major sporting venues, in retail, in custodial and policing environments and in city centre command and control operations. High Power Consumption COLDSTORE has patented technology designed specifically for sequential and continuous recording of video surveillance channels COLDSTORE has patented technology designed specifically for sequential and continuous recording of video surveillance channels. As a result, many of the operational issues with standard storage systems, such as long disk rebuild times, high power consumption, excess heat and reduced disk life, are eliminated. Also on display will be the COLDSTORE Pro 3U, 210TB unit that uses only 0.4W per Terabyte. Visitors will also hear about COLDSTORE embedded NVR functions and the ability to record from camera direct to COLDSTORE through ONVIF compatibility or using embedded COLDSTREAM code in open platform cameras, such as Axis and Hanwha. Over 100 channels can be supported, at 4Mbps per second, on all but the smallest COLDSTORE units. Critical Command Solutions Also on display at Intersec is VIEWSCAPE, the integrated and open command and control solution. VIEWSCAPE is a real success story in use in many city centre, retail, critical infrastructure and other sites. Anyone with an interest in C3, critical command solutions should get to know VIEWSCAPE. With over 100 integrations, this comprehensive command and control system can be seen on Veracity’s stand at SA-J31. As a market leader, the full range of multi-channel Ethernet over Coax, extreme distance Ethernet and other transmission products will be on show Veracity, of course, is most famous for its transmission solutions. In 2005 Veracity launched the world’s first Ethernet over coax solution. As a market leader, the full range of multi-channel Ethernet over Coax, extreme distance Ethernet and other transmission products will be on show. Experience Rapid Growth This includes LONGSPAN, which delivers IP video and POE (Power over Ethernet) over a distance of 820m on standard Ethernet cable! Veracity will also have its informative IP transmission workshop running on stand SA-J31. UK-based Veracity operates from its regional office in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai, and continues to experience rapid growth fueled by the development of strong relationships with many customers and partners across the Middle East. Veracity experts will be available throughout Intersec at stand SA-J31 from the 20th to 22nd of January 2019 at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Make sure you visit veracity’s stall.

Genetec Inc., a technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions announced a new line of off-the-shelf analytics appliances within its Streamvault portfolio. Designed to analyze more camera streams per unit than traditional security appliances, the new devices come pre-loaded with Genetec Security Center and unified analytics modules, reducing the cost and time required to deploy video analytics in new and existing systems. Available immediately through Genetec certified distribution and channel partners, the new Streamvault analytics appliances come in two versions: Model SVA-100, a compact unit ideally suited for retail and banking customers who are looking to anonymize patron/clients identities in service environments, and model SVA-1000E, a rackmount unit designed for customers with high camera counts looking to automate the detection of potential threats or monitor large public spaces while respecting individual privacy. KiwiVision Privacy Protector The new appliances include KiwiVision Intrusion Detector, which detects individuals and objects in sensitive areasTo protect the privacy of people in public spaces, both models come pre-loaded with KiwiVision Privacy Protector, a real-time video anonymization module that dynamically pixelates individuals within a camera’s field of view. This also maintains an operator’s ability to monitor actions, something that is impossible with static masking. The new appliances also include KiwiVision Intrusion Detector, which detects individuals and objects in sensitive areas, reducing reliance on visual monitoring and helping operators detect threats faster. Specifying a server for video analytics can quickly become a complex process; scene activity, composition, and lighting directly impact how many streams can be analyzed by an appliance or a server. Previously, system integrators had to design servers themselves, test performance, and assume any risk associated with underspecifying a solution. Genetec Streamvault analytics appliances remove the uncertainties that come with deploying video analytics on a new or existing system and reduce the cost-per-video stream analyzed by optimizing appliance components. Not Compromising Video Monitoring The Streamvault SVA-100 and SVA-1000E are designed to handle more streams than a typical video server with an analytics add-onThe Streamvault SVA-100 and SVA-1000E are designed to handle more streams than a typical video server with an analytics add-on. In the latter scenario, the server is not streamlined for analytics processing, but rather for video archiving. The new analytics appliance can be deployed alongside existing servers, ensuring surges in analytics activity do not compromise video monitoring or archiving operations. Once analyzed, video and analytics data are then directed to other products in the Streamvault family. “Traditional servers are not adapted to video analytics requirements. When analytics add-ons are installed, they are limited in the number of streams they can analyze and require extensive customization and configuration before deployment, resulting in higher equipment costs,” said David Grey, Streamvault Product Line Manager. “Streamvault analytics appliances are designed to complement them, allowing each device to focus on tasks they are best suited for. This allows us to deliver a more cost-effective, turnkey solution and decrease the total number of appliances needed for a project,” added Grey.

Hanwha Techwin America, a global supplier of IP and analog video surveillance solutions, has announced that Jordan Rivchun has joined the company to drive its most important retail projects and to lead solutions and strategy in the retail vertical and other related customer segments. In his business development role, Rivchun will be instrumental in increasing retail end users’ awareness of Hanwha’s leading security products. Security And Loss Prevention Expert “Jordan is a dynamic leader and is well respected within the loss prevention industry. His extensive experience as a loss prevention executive and practitioner fully supports Hanwha’s mission to engage and listen to our end users to envision the solutions our customers trust us to build,” said Ray Cooke, Vice President of Business Development, Hanwha Techwin America. “He will be influential in making an even stronger connection between our end users and product development team. We are thrilled to have him on board.” Rivchun brings more than 15 years of security and loss prevention experience. Most recently, Rivchun was director of loss prevention with DSW (Designer Shoe Warehouse), where he was responsible for all facets of the Loss Prevention program including physical security, internal investigations, loss prevention systems and data analytics, as well as the field organization. Rivchun was also an active member of RILA’s Asset Protection Leaders Council (APLC). Prior to his 8-year career at DSW, he worked for Security Risk Management Consultants, Target, and Nordstrom in both security and loss prevention capacities.

From 20th to 22th January, INTERSEC 2019 in Dubai will showcase the latest products in Security, Safety and Fire Protection. Bosch Building Technologies will display its innovative security, safety and communications products on booth SAB21, Saeed Hall 1.   Bosch FLEXIDOME IP starlight 8000i Once again Bosch is pushing the technological boundaries with the launch of the FLEXIDOME IP starlight 8000i fixed dome cameras. Developed with Bosch’s starlight technology, HDR, plus HD 1080p, 6 megapixel, or 4K Ultra HD resolution to provide detail even in extreme low-light situations. The value of this superior clarity is enhanced with the built-in state-of-the-art Intelligent Video Analytics, which provides incredible accuracy even in challenging conditions and over expansive areas. It’s also smart enough to interpret data to a level of detail that goes beyond the requirements of security alone and provide tangible benefits to your business. Bosch Video Management System 9.0 That is why BVMS 9.0 puts the ‘UserFirst’ with enhanced user experience and reduced storage consumption The security industry is driven by a constant stream of new innovations. However, innovation can have a negative knock-on effect when it leads to increased complexity, makes installation more complicated, set-up more confusing and the operation more strenuous. That is why BVMS 9.0 puts the ‘UserFirst’ with enhanced user experience and reduced storage consumption. BVMS 9.0 fully supports Intelligent streaming, an advanced technology developed to substantially reduce bitrates without compromising image quality. Combined with built-in Intelligent Dynamic Noise Reduction and H.265 video encoding, bitrates can be reduced by up to 80 percent. As a result, security managers or IT managers can substantially lower their storage costs and network strain. Besides cost-efficiency, BVMS 9.0 introduces a completely renewed graphical user interface (GUI), including a unified color scheme, whilst alerts, maintenance messages and notifications are clearly displayed in color against a dark grey background. This development improves the levels of security considerably having been designed to ensure the operator’s attention is directly drawn to objects or events of significance. PRAESENSA Public Address PRAESENSA is the latest Public Address and Voice Alarm System from Bosch – IP-connected and fully-featured. All components of the system are networked, thereby ensuring the highest flexibility and scalability from small centralized to large decentralized systems. The Bosch OMNEO IP architecture supports Dante audio networking, AES67 and AES70 protocol. PRAESENSA offers special features for the highest level of data security and full network link redundancy The innovative multi-channel amplifier architecture with intelligent power allocation across the amplifier outputs and integrated spare channel significantly improves the effective utilization of available power, regardless of the loudspeaker load in each zone. As a result, fewer amplifiers are needed, saving up to 50 percent on space, energy and backup battery power and a very competitive cost of ownership. PRAESENSA offers special features for the highest level of data security and full network link redundancy with smart integration of functions and backup facilities. No single point of failure is core to the system concept and only a few different devices are needed to fulfill all system and user needs. The Call station of PRAESENSA was recently awarded by the International Design Award Red Dot. LB20 Commercial Loudspeakers The LB20 series is the latest member of the Bosch family of compact loudspeakers for installed applications. Every aspect of the LB20 series has been designed from the ground up to ensure efficient installation for the contractor and excellent results for the end-user. The series includes 4-inch, 5.25-inch, and 8-inch 2-way models with a matching dual-10-inch subwoofer, making it easy to select a suitable model a specific space – a new go-to solution for distributed sound systems. All LB20 models offer Bosch-engineered components for superior sound quality, low-profile looks and robust reliability for a wide range of indoor and outdoor applications. These include retail environments, hospitality settings, such as bars, lounges, patios, pool areas and restaurants. Conference and meeting rooms, fitness clubs, performing arts and sports venues and houses of worship. An IP65 weatherproof version is available for the 5.25-inch loudspeaker cabinet and the subwoofer models The series offers true weatherproof construction for outdoor spaces, confirmed by extensive and rigorous testing above and beyond industry norms. All models are paintable and IP54 certified for weather resistance; an IP65 weatherproof version is available for the 5.25-inch loudspeaker cabinet and the subwoofer models. DICENTIS Conference System The requirements for interpreting have increased in recent years. Not only are more languages needed at international conferences, there is also a growing need for more installation and configuration flexibility in interpreting systems as well as excellent user experience. Answering these needs, Bosch has expanded the DICENTIS family with the DICENTIS Interpreter desk. Speaking the language of the interpreter is what the DICENTIS Interpreter desk is designed to do. By observing and interviewing expert interpreters and technicians worldwide, the desk has been optimized for the real-life needs of interpreters. The DICENTIS Interpreter desk has received the iF Design Award An interpreter desk that complies with the latest as well as future market requirements and provides the interpreter with maximum freedom to focus on the job through intuitive operation and best-in-class user experience. The installation and configuration of the system is quick and easy. The state-of-the-art IP technology provides the highest flexibility and enables smooth third-party integration into a future-proof solution. The DICENTIS Interpreter desk has received the iF Design Award. Sony Video Security The new SNC-HMX70 360-degree hemispheric-view camera from Sony covers the whole scene without any blind spots to ensure 24/7 situational awareness. The camera’s 12-megapixel CMOS sensor captures crisp, detail-packed video at 30 fps, while built-in analytics allow reliable detection and tracking of moving objects. Sony will launch a new range of Minidome IP cameras, more details will be revealed at INTERSEC. The new range incorporates Sony´s Exmor or ExmorR sensors and provides a more cost effective easy-to-install, 24/7 video surveillance solution for indoor and outdoor applications. The six new camera models include key features such as smart codec technology, H.265, powerful on-board video analytics capabilities, as well as indoor and outdoor IR capability. They are designed to complement and expand the existing Sony line-up while maintaining full compatibility with existing accessories for easy installation. AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 for video-based fire detection is now VdS-certified AVIOTEC IP starlight 8000 for video-based fire detection, which has won several awards over the last two years, is now VdS-certified and the perfect answer for facilities used for industry, transportation, warehousing and utilities such as energy to minimize detection time with low false alarm rates. Bosch technology spots fires and disturbances, predicts behaviour to reduce false alarms and speeds up reaction times – helping you stop threats before they spread. Bosch’s newest planning and support tool enables users a precise design according to EN-54 regulations, including the allocation of peripherals on different loops. Taking into consideration the actual topology, the Safety Systems Designer ensures that every project detail is taken into account. This is made possible through a complete plausibility check and the automatized as well as customized provision of a comprehensive documentation, fitted precisely to your needs.

Opening up new possibilities for competitive video surveillance deployments in retail, restaurant and small business applications, IDIS has launched a compact range of robust, high performance cameras and recorders. The IDIS Compact Solutions series is designed for rapid installations and both single and multi-site roll outs, allowing for the mixing and matching of analog and IP technologies, making upgrades and system extensions more affordable than ever. IDIS Compact Solutions The new line includes a choice of network and HD-TVI cameras and recorders, all of which are easy to install through one-click network configuration. A highly competitive price point comes without any compromise on IDIS’s signature reliability and performance, while hardened network security protocols provide complete reassurance against hacking risks. The new Compact Solutions line features 4-channel compact recorders that can be conveniently desktop or wall mounted, and for end-users and operators - including branch managers, small business owners and security personnel – the line combines high performance features with simple operation and a choice of client software. The IDIS Compact Solutions range is hard-wearing, making it particularly durable and perfectly suited for busy environments where reliable capture of high definition video images is important. IDIS Dome And Bullet PoE Cameras IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance IDIS’s DC-D4212R dome and DC-E4212WR bullet PoE cameras are perfect for confined spaces yet deliver full-HD performance in live view and playback (including on remote devices such as smartphones) and come with motion detection, tamper alarms, zoned privacy masking, day and night ICR and IR LED up to 20m. A choice of four and eight channel IP or HD-TVI recorders allows fast and trouble-free installation and lets installers take advantage of existing coax cabling. The IP recorders also benefit from H.264 live view which eliminates the need to upgrade hardware peripherals. For highest performance streaming capacity, H.265 and IDIS Intelligent Codec compression deliver bandwidth savings of up to 90 percent, ensuring smoother real-time viewing and full evidence retention. “The new IDIS Compact Solutions line continues our longstanding tradition of market-responsive offerings, designed and developed in house to meet the real-world needs of our industry partners and end-users. This new line of fills an important need in the market, for high value, high performance technology from proven market leaders able to reliably meet highly specific requirements in vertical spaces, such as retail, and smaller business operations,” noted Keith Drummond, Senior Director, IDIS America. IDIS Total Solution As with all IDIS products the Compact Solutions range is backed by industry-lauded technical support and service, including the company’s global technical support operation, co-located with IDIS America’s regional headquarters near Dallas, Texas. The new IDIS Compact Solutions line is the latest offering in the powerful and award-winning IDIS Total Solution—an end-to-end, single sourced offering that delivers unrivaled plug-and-play simplicity (combined with highest-quality performance, compatibility, now featuring the longest recorder warranty in the industry), with a low total cost of ownership.

March Networks, a global provider of advanced video surveillance and video-based business intelligence solutions, is pleased to announce its complete lineup for Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2018. In addition to the company’s industry-leading solutions for financial, retail and transportation organizations, March Networks will showcase its newly launched Software as a Service (SaaS) offering for quick service restaurant (QSR) and convenience store (c-store) franchisees, as well as its seed-to-sale tracking and compliance solution for the cannabis market. It will also demonstrate its mobile RideSafe MT Series video recording platform for enhanced security and risk mitigation in college and healthcare transit applications. All March Networks products and services deliver the exceptional reliability, scalability and enterprise-class video management customers have come to expect from the brand. They reflect March Networks’ long-standing commitment to developing intelligent video solutions that help solve everyday business challenges in customer service, corporate compliance and operations, in addition to security and loss/fraud prevention. March Networks Searchlight For Retail As A Service GSX will be the first opportunity for show attendees to see March Networks Searchlight for Retail as a Service GSX will be the first opportunity for show attendees to see March Networks Searchlight for Retail as a Service. The secure, hosted service delivers all the benefits of March Networks’ powerful Searchlight for Retail solution – including loss prevention, data analytics and operational audits reporting – for an average cost of just $4 a day. The service is easy to deploy and eliminates the need for franchise owners to purchase and maintain servers within their own IT infrastructure. It includes all software licensing, and the administration of camera and recorder processing, health management, user management and software upgrades, performed by March Networks Network Operations Center staff working in cooperation with certified systems integrators. Seed-to-Sale Security And Tracking March Networks will also demonstrate its industry-leading solution for the cannabis industry at GSX. The solution provides enhanced seed-to-sale security, tracking and compliance at every stage in the process – from the cultivation facility, in transit and through to the dispensary. It includes purpose-built video recording and management systems to ensure clear surveillance video is reliably captured and stored as long as required under government legislation. Uniquely, the solution also integrates video with data from fixed Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags – which are required by law throughout the cultivation process in some U.S. states – and point-of-sale (POS) systems used in dispensaries. The video and data are correlated in March Networks Searchlight for Retail software, providing operators with advanced search, investigation, loss prevention and reporting capabilities. RideSafe MT Series IP Recorders The mobile recorders can be managed seamlessly with March Networks Command Enterprise video management software The newest addition to March Networks’ transit portfolio will also be on display at GSX. The RideSafe MT Series IP Recorders address a common gap for college, healthcare and other campuses operating shuttle or transport services. The compact recording platform is ruggedized to ensure reliable operation in demanding mobile environments and enables automated video downloads over WiFi, 4G and other wireless networks to keep vehicles in service longer. Equally important, the mobile recorders can be managed seamlessly with March Networks Command Enterprise video management software in parallel with the company’s entire fixed video recording portfolio – giving customers a single, end-to-end video solution that simplifies system administration and management significantly. All visitors attending the show in search of proven video surveillance systems and differentiated solutions that deliver relevant video-based business intelligence for their broader organization, are invited to see March Networks in Booth 3515 at GSX 2018, September 25-27, in the Las Vegas Convention Center.

It amazes me how in a few short years security systems have gone from simple, dumb cameras witnessing events to intelligent eyes, ears, speech and touch solutions that boost situational awareness far beyond human capabilities. It seems the only senses missing from the equation now are smell and taste. And who knows, someone might be working on those in a lab somewhere right now. But what’s really fascinating to me is how the Internet of Things (IoT) has opened a world of possibilities for transforming security technology into something new yet again. With IoT we’re able to push and pull nuggets of intelligence from sources we never considered before: environmental sensors, pressure plates, door lock timers and much more. It’s helped us break through the constraining mindset that security systems are strictly single-purpose. With interconnectivity at the core, we’re starting to imagine myriad ways to apply these tools to challenges outside the realm of security. Here are just a few examples. Flood Management Assistance Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate remotely As recent hurricanes and floods have shown, water damage can be devastating to a community. That’s why some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem. Water sensors collect data from multiple sources such as rain gutters, sewer systems and pump stations, in order to monitor fluctuations in water levels and water quality. If an alert triggers, having a network camera in proximity to visually verify the situation helps responders determine the best course of action. For instance, if multiple water detection sensors trigger alerts simultaneously or sequentially over a large area it’s probably due to natural runoff from recent rainfall. But without eyes on the scene, how can you be sure? Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely. It might be a fire hydrant spewing water, a water main break or even a chemical spill. With video streaming live to the command center, staff can remotely inspect the area, determine the cause of the trigger and decide whether remediation is required, thus avoiding the expense of dispatching an investigative crew to a non-event. Some municipalities are using their city surveillance cameras in conjunction with water sensor to proactively address the problem Environmental Control Assistance Data centers house the lifeblood of a business so it’s no wonder why companies work hard to protect them. We’re all familiar with the integration of network cameras with access control systems to visually verify who is actually using the credentials. Network camera adds another dimension and timeliness to flood management by helping responders investigate and identify the cause of a trigger remotely But there’s another aspect to protecting data centers and that’s environment control. Data centers need to maintain optimum humidity and temperature for the racks of electronics. When environmental sensors in the facility detect out-of-norm ranges technicians can remotely command a network camera to zoom in on the gauges and help them determine whether remediation might be necessary. Coupling network cameras with other sensors in the data center can provide visual confirmation of other conditions as well. For instance, every time a data rack door-open-close sensor detects an event it can trigger the camera to pan to the location and stream video to security. Some data centers employ weight sensors at the doorway to weigh personnel and equipment as they enter the room and when they exit to ensure no additional hardware is being taken out of the facility or left inside without permission. Any discrepancy would trigger the camera to zoom in for a close-up of the individual’s face and send a visual alert and ID information to security. Roadway Management And Parking Assistance Network cameras have long played a part in city-wide traffic management. Adding video analytics and integration with network sensors, makes those cameras that much smarter and versatile. They can detect cars driving in bike lanes or driving in the wrong direction and capture license plates of offenders. Their ability to detect anomalous traffic flow patterns can be integrated with car counting sensors, networked electronic road signs and traffic light systems to automatically redirect vehicles to alternate routes. They make great, intelligent parking lot attendants, too. Working in conjunction with weight sensors network cameras can count vehicles coming into and leaving a lot or garage and verify when the facility has reached capacity. License plate recognition and video analytics can be used to ascertain that a vehicle entering a reserved parking space doesn’t match the credentials and vehicle attributes in the database. With the addition of noise sensors and audio analytics, network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds – breaking glass, car alarms, gun shots, and aggressive speech – and triggering a visual alert to first responders. Network cameras can improve roadway and parking facility safety by detecting and identifying specific sounds and triggering a visual alert to first responders Shopper Experience Assistance In the early days of online shopping, e-tailers designed their sites to replicate the in-store customer experience. In an ironic turn of events, today brick-and-mortar stores are trying to mirror the online shopping experience. To do so, they’re turning their security systems into adjunct sales assistance. With network video and audio system automation they can recognize and acknowledge loyal customers with personal greetings. Retailers are applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service With heatmapping analytics they can measure how much time a customer spends in a specific department or observe how they walk through the aisles of the store. They can track shopping behaviors such as items looked at that made it into the cart or didn’t, or whether a customer actually checked out or left the merchandise behind. By capturing these shopping patterns and trends retailers can shape a more positive, more profitable customer shopping experience. For instance, integrating video analytics with point of sale systems and RFID sensors on merchandise tags can result in timely alerts to sales associates to recommend additional merchandise. This is a case of emulating how e-tailers let the customer know that other customers who bought X often also purchased items Y and Z. Or to avoid disappointing customers due to stock outages, retailers are linking weight sensors and video analytics to make sure their shelves are well-stocked and if not, quickly alert associates to what items need to be restocked. Capturing Business Intelligence Retailers are also using video cameras to monitor checkout queues and trigger automated announcements over the public-address system, closed system such as smartphones or other wireless communications devices that checkers are needed rather wait for a person to call for backup. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs They’re applying people counting video analytics to checkout activity to create rules-based consistency in customer service. While retailers will always use their surveillance camera for loss prevention, they’re finding that integrating traditional technology in new ways can yield even bigger returns. Linking network video surveillance, video analytics, network communications system and sensors with point-of-sale systems and customer loyalty databases, retailers are capturing the business intelligence they need to get back in the game and make brick-and-mortar a greater overall experience than online shopping. A Natural Cross-Over Technology This trend towards integration has forever changed how organizations view their investment in security technology. The intelligence and versatility of a tool that can see, verify and analyze what’s happening in real-time is spurring users to tap its cross-over potential for a host of other tasks that could benefit from more astute situational awareness – everything from manufacturing and equipment maintenance to logistics, inventory control and beyond. IoT laid the groundwork for network security solutions to seamlessly integrate with other IP-based technologies, sensors and programs. How we capitalize on that connection is only limited by our imagination.

Timely and important issues in the security marketplace dominated our list of most-clicked-upon articles in 2018. Looking back at the top articles of the year provides a decent summary of how our industry evolved this year, and even offers clues to where we’re headed in 2019. In the world of digital publishing, it’s easy to know what content resonates with the security market: Our readers tell us with their actions; i.e., where they click. Let’s look back at the Top 10 articles we posted in 2018 that generated the most page views. They are listed in order here with a brief excerpt. 1. U.S. President Signs Government Ban On Hikvision and Dahua Video Surveillance The ban on government uses, which takes effect ‘not later than one year after … enactment,’ applies not only to future uses of Dahua and Hikvision equipment but also to legacy installations. The bill calls for an assessment of the current presence of the banned technologies and development of a ‘phase-out plan’ to eliminate the equipment from government uses. 2. Motorola Makes A Splash With Avigilon Video Surveillance Acquisition Early clues point to Motorola positioning Avigilon as part of a broader solution, especially in the municipal/safe cities market. The company says the acquisition will enable more safe cities projects and more public-private partnerships between local communities and law enforcement. Motorola sees Avigilon as ‘a natural extension to global public safety and U.S. federal and military’ applications, according to the company. 3. Impact Of Data-Driven Smart Cities On Video Surveillance One of the major areas of technology that is going to shift how we interact with our cities is the Internet of Things (IoT). One benefit will be the ability to use video surveillance to analyze data on large crowds at sporting events The IoT already accounts for swaths of technology and devices operating in the background. However, we’re increasingly seeing these come to the forefront of everyday life, as data becomes increasingly critical. Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency 4. CES 2018: Security Technologies Influencing The Consumer Electronics Market Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? 5. SIA Predicts Top Physical Security Trends For 2018 Traditional security providers will focus more on deepening the customer experience and enhancing convenience and service. The rise of IoT also places an emphasis on cybersecurity, and security dealers will react by seeking manufacturers and technology partners with cyber-hardened network-connected devices. 6. High-Speed Visitor Screening Systems Will Improve Soft Target Security The system is more expensive than a metal detector, but about a third the cost of familiar airport body scanners. Labor reduction (because of faster throughput) can help offset the system costs, but “it’s difficult to quantify the improvement in the visitor experience,” says Mike Ellenbogen, CEO of Evolv Technology. 7. How To Prevent ATM Jackpotting With Physical And Cyber Security A new crime wave is hitting automated teller machines (ATMs); the common banking appliances are being rigged to spit out their entire cash supplies into a criminal’s waiting hands. The crime is called “ATM jackpotting” and has targeted banking machines located in grocery shops, pharmacies and other locations in Taiwan, Europe, Latin America and, in the last several months, the United States. Rough estimates place the total amount of global losses at up to $60 million. The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest 8. Why We Need To Look Beyond Technology For Smart City Security Solutions Although technology is necessary for an urban area to transition in to a safe and smart city, technology alone isn’t sufficient. Truly smart cities are savvy cities and that includes how they employ software, sensing, communications and other technologies to meet their needs. 9. How New Video Surveillance Technology Boosts Airport Security and Operations Employing airport security solutions is a complex situation with myriad government, state and local rules and regulations that need to be addressed while ensuring the comfort needs of passengers. Airport security is further challenged with improving and increasing operational efficiencies, as budgets are always an issue. As an example, security and operational data must be easily shared with other airport departments and local agencies such as police, customs, emergency response and airport operations to drive a more proactive approach across the organization. 10. The Evolution Of Facial Recognition From Body-Cams To Video Surveillance The safety and security world bring a complex problem to solve how to pick out a face in a moving and changing environment and compare it to several faces of interest. “One-to-many” facial recognition is a much harder problem to solve.

There are many aspects to consider when developing a retail security strategy, including loss prevention, physical security, asset protection, risk management, and IT. All these areas could be the responsibility of just a few people working to secure a handful of stores or each of these areas could be entirely separate departments, as is often the case for major retailers with locations throughout the country. Regardless of the size of the retailer, there are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention, yet none should be used in a silo. There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together, including enhancing overall safety and security, reducing shrink, and improving operations. There are many different technologies that can be used within a retail store to improve security and loss prevention As the existing security infrastructure is evaluated and plans for the future are developed, the team responsible should consider some of the following questions. Are there areas of the store that require greater security? Are there notifications or other technologies that could improve the efficiency of personnel and the safety of shoppers? Are there other departments within the organization that could benefit from the data gathered by the security technology? Understanding current pain points within the stores and how integrated security solutions can address these is the key to implementing the best solution. Here are a few “hot spots” within a typical retail store that easily demonstrate the power of integrated solutions. Point Of Sale Terminals Whether it’s loss through sweet hearting or other fraud, point of sale terminals present a significant shrink risk for retailers. Integrated systems enhance security at these locations. Video recording of HD or megapixel cameras integrated with point of sale data makes it easy to locate video associated with transactions and exception reporting. This allows for visual verification of each transaction when needed.There are tremendous benefits to integrating security technologies and communications systems together Other risks like robbery not only result in loss, but also impact the safety of employees and shoppers alike. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk. When the intrusion detection system is integrated with the video system, pressing a panic button or pulling the bill from the sensor can automatically trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the monitoring station to provide verification of the alarm and more information for law enforcement when they are dispatched. Adding audio integration to the intrusion system can also result in a message sent to the store security personnel’s two-way radio when a panic button is pushed, or a bill trap sensor is activated. If no security guard is onsite, video monitoring services can allow the monitoring center to intervene through audio, alerting the perpetrator that his or her actions are being monitored and that the authorities have been contacted. This may cause the offender to flee the area, helping to mitigate the safety risk as well as the potential for loss. Panic buttons or bill trap sensors connected to the intrusion detection system ensure silent alarms are issued when employees are at risk High Value Displays Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communications Protect high-value or frequently-stolen items such as electronics, using video analytics integrated with audio communications. For example, a person standing at a display for longer than a pre-defined time or touching items on display can trigger a video snapshot to be sent to the store manager and an audio message to play through a nearby loudspeaker, such as: “Thank you for your interest in our smartphone selection; an associate will be there soon to assist you.” This not only alerts potential offenders that their actions are being watched, it also serves to improve customer service for legitimate shoppers – as a retail floor associate is notified that a customer may need assistance. Cash Office An access control reader at the door to the cash office restricts access to only authorized individuals. Integrating video can automatically capture an image of the person requesting access for verifying an employee’s identification prior to granting access or for retrospective analysis in the event of a theft. Exit Doors If an employee props open a back door – either for easy re-entry after a break or to allow access to another person with intentions of theft – integration of the intrusion detection system to the video and audio system can significantly reduce risk of loss. For example, the intrusion detection system can monitor doors for abnormal conditions, even when the system is disarmed.Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door is accidentally left open  A door left open for longer than a pre-defined time can cause an alarm on the intrusion panel, which can trigger a nearby camera to send a snapshot of the open door to the store manager and trigger the public address system to play a pre-recorded message through a nearby speaker. This prompts the employee to close the door, reducing risk of theft. Coolers And Freezers Loss isn’t just about theft. Loss can also occur when a cooler or freezer malfunctions or when the door of one of these units is accidentally left open. The same concept for monitoring exit doors can also apply to doors for coolers and freezers to prevent spoilage. A cooler or freezer door monitored by the intrusion detection system can trigger an alert or chime to play in the area to remind an employee to close the door or to alert the store manager to the issue. While providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can be used to trigger an alert in case the queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold Serving A Dual Purpose Retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store While the technology solutions described above positively impact loss prevention in a retail store, they can also extend beyond security to improve health and safety and enhance customer service as well as customer engagement and sales. For example, while securing a store’s main entrance with IP cameras featuring on-board video analytics, retailers can use the metadata from the cameras to gather business statistics like counts of people entering the store. This data can help them understand peak days and times when making decisions about staffing. Or while providing surveillance of the cash register area, the camera's video analytics can also be used to trigger an alert in case the number of people in a queue exceeds the pre-defined threshold. At this point, the same public address system and loudspeakers used to play background music to enhance the shopping experience could be activated to broadcast a message to request another cash register to be opened, improving store operations. For security and loss prevention purposes, video analytics can also be used to ensure that no one enters or leaves the retail shop using the emergency exit. To address health and safety issues, these same cameras can also trigger an alarm if that emergency exit is blocked by an object – improving the safety of customers and employees. When systems are used to deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost Metadata generated by the cameras can also be used to gather information that when processed with sophisticated algorithms in the cloud can show trajectories of the paths that shoppers take as they travel throughout a store as well as heat maps indicating where they walk, stop and dwell – all while protecting the privacy of individual shoppers. This information can be used by merchandisers to evaluate the success of displays and store layouts, which directly impacts customer engagement and sales. When systems are used for and deliver data for purposes beyond security, other departments may be willing to contribute toward the cost of the system. This provides an added benefit by relieving some of the cost burden from security or other operational budgets. Product Selection Integration is becoming easier using standards and expanding industry partnerships. However, in some cases, choosing systems from a single vendor that are designed to work together can help to speed and simplify installation, while also reducing system costs for both the integrator and the user. Regardless of the products chosen, it will be important for a retailer with many locations to have consistency in the type of equipment installed at each site. This makes support easier and enables a more uniform response to incidents that happen at various stores. As many retailers already understand, there is no silver bullet to reducing loss. However, a combination of the right technologies working together to prevent shrink and improve investigative capabilities can result in smarter and more effective loss prevention.

Security and Safety Things GmbH (SAST) is a new company that has announced its vision for an Internet of Things (IoT) platform for the next generation of security cameras. The Bosch startup plans to build a global ecosystem for the development of innovative security camera applications. Based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP), SAST provides libraries, an API framework, and codecs for developers to work with. The SAST App Store will allow developers to build and market new applications, similar to today’s app stores for smartphone applications. We presented some questions to Nikolas Mangold-Takao, VP Product Management and Marketing, about the new venture, and here are his responses: Q: Why a new company now? What technology innovations have made this a good time to launch this company? The time is right to bring market needs and technological innovations together on one platform"Mangold-Takao: From a technical perspective we see two main drivers: increasing computing power at the edge and increasing internet connectivity, which will enable devices to directly communicate with each other and bring new technologies such as artificial intelligence also to the security and safety industry. At the same time, we see that this industry and its users are hungry for more innovative solutions – addressing new security needs while at the same leveraging the possibility to improve business operations for specific verticals, e.g. retail and transportation. The time is right to bring market needs and technological innovations together on one platform for this industry. Q: Why does SAST need to be a separate entity from Bosch? Mangold-Takao: SAST is setup as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Bosch Group. We wanted to make sure that SAST is able to underline its role as an industry standard platform across multiple players. SAST is open to get additional investors and is being setup as a startup in its own offices in Munich to foster the environment where speed and innovation can more easily take place. Having said that, several entities of the Bosch Group are very interesting partners for SAST.  The SAST App Store will allow developers to build and market new applications, similar to today’s app stores for smartphone applications Q: Please explain your "value proposition" to the industry. Mangold-Takao: We will bring new innovations and possibilities to the security and safety industry by providing an open, secure and standardized Operating System for video security cameras, to also address pressing issues such as cyber security and data privacy concerns. Devices that run then with the SAST operating system will work with an application marketplace provided and operated by SAST. Integrators and users can then use these apps from this marketplace to deploy additional functionality on these devices. With our platform we will be able to build up a community of app developers, including the ones not yet developing for this industry who have expertise in computer vision and artificial intelligence. Q: It seems what you are doing has parallels with the Apple and Android "app" stores. How is your approach the same (and how is it different) than those approaches? We are setting up SAST as a user-centric company and involve selected users very early on in the process"Mangold-Takao: The approach is similar in the way that we plan to generate revenue by operating the application marketplace and thus participate in the app revenue. The difference is that there is much more needed than apps and cameras to create a complete working solution addressing a user problem in this industry – we need to make sure that our own platform as well as the new applications being created will work as a part of an end-to-end solution. Q: "Critical mass" and wide industry participation seem to be requirements for your success. How will you achieve those goals? Will you involve integrators, consultants, or other parties in addition to manufacturers (to drive awareness)? How? Mangold-Takao: SAST is in close exchange with device manufacturers, integrators and consultants, as well as application developers and large end-users at the moment to ensure that we are building the right platform and ecosystem for this industry. We are setting up SAST as a user-centric company and involve selected users very early on in the process. We will run dedicated programs and hackathons to attract app developers, already active and new to our industry. We will also run selected pilots with end-users throughout 2019 to ensure we have all partners involved early on. SAST sees the industry is hungry for more innovative solutions – with the retail vertical market a target for these solutions Q: What timeline do you foresee in terms of implementing these initiatives? Mangold-Takao: While we start with first app development programs and plan our first pilots already for this year, we are planning our commercial launch for end of 2019. Q: How does your new company relate to the new Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA)? Mangold-Takao: The Open Security and Safety Alliance has been working very closely with SAST over the past year, defining some important concepts and elements required. One of the most important elements is an open and standardized Operating System, specific to this industry, which will then bring forward new innovative technologies and solutions. SAST is actively working on this Operating System, based on Android Open Source Project (ASOP), but is evolved and hardened with industry-specific features. Q: What's the biggest thing you want the security industry to understand about SAST? What is your "message" to the industry? Mangold-Takao: Our message is simple: let’s build better security and safety systems – together! But for real, innovating an industry is a joint effort, we can only bring new innovation to this industry with partners who share our vision and are excited about new technology. At the same time, we strongly believe that our platform allows every partner to bring forward what they do best but also invite new partners to our industry.

The last two years have been pivotal for MOBOTIX, the German IP surveillance manufacturer. In 2016, the company entered into a share transfer agreement with Konica Minolta, a provider of advanced imaging and sensor solutions. More recently, the company has welcomed new CEO Thomas Lausten, who joins MOBOTIX with a wealth of experience from companies including Siemens, ADI Global Distribution and Milestone Systems. The changes have been accompanied by an updated look for the MOBOTIX brand, with a simpler logo and more unified branding across solutions and regions. SourceSecurity.com caught up with CEO Thomas Lausten and CSO Dr. Tristen Haage [pictured left-to-right] to find out what we can expect from the new-look MOBOTIX. High-quality IP Solutions In A Commoditized Market With a new CEO and Konica Minolta on board, MOBOTIX is set for expansion on a global scale. But how much growth can we expect for a company like MOBOTIX in an increasingly commoditized surveillance market, where many of the larger players compete on price as a key differentiator? While MOBOTIX respects those players, says Lausten, the German manufacturer wants to tell a different story. Rather than competing as a camera hardware manufacturer, MOBOTIX is increasingly positioning itself as a specialist in high-quality IP surveillance software – camera units are just one part of an intelligent system. When MOBOTIX succeeds in telling this story, partners understand that it’s not about the price. "They stop selling boxes,” says Haage, “and start selling IoT devices." To this end, the company is deliberately moving away from promoting individual products and features, and instead concentrating its efforts on complete vertical market solutions where IoT devices can add the most value. These vertical markets include retail, transportation, perimeter protection and industry – although the list is set to expand with the addition of Konica Minolta’s expertise. “When you look at companies like MOBOTIX where there are people who have been on this ride for years, it’s clear they are passionate people” MOBOTIX has the potential to stand out in these markets; not only because of the company’s advanced IoT and sensor capabilities, but also because of its famous robustness. In challenging environments such as transportation and industry, MOBOTIX devices are ruggedized to withstand motion and shock, all the while providing reliable image quality and detection with fewer cameras. In the retail sector, MOBOTIX is already working on integrations with Point of Sale (POS) technologies, and hopes to add value for end users by partnering with experts in the fields of analytics and facial recognition. As Haage explains, “Driving innovation is not just about finding the best image resolution. It’s about finding new ways to innovate.” What Makes MOBOTIX Unique? Lausten sees MOBOTIX as distinct within the industry. This is due to the unmatched passion and longevity within the MOBOTIX community. “The passion in this company is unique,” says Lausten. “When you look at companies like MOBOTIX where there are people who have been on this ride for years, it’s clear they are passionate people.” The company has kept this enthusiasm from the beginning, through MOBOTIX’s continuing transformation to its new-look incarnation today. “It comes back to what [Dr. Ralf] Hinkel made: A community of partners.” According to Haage, this enthusiasm boils down to MOBOTIX’s mission to provide integrators with high-quality, smart products: “The people on the sales team appreciate they are not selling a commodity – not just a camera – but a smart IoT device with German quality, and this is what drives people in the company.” MOBOTIX is increasingly positioning itself as a specialist in high-quality IP surveillance software – camera units are just one part of an intelligent system Developing MOBOTIX On A Global Scale Might the majority acquisition by Konica Minolta alter MOBOTIX’s distinct “Made in Germany” DNA? No, says Lausten, who wants to reassure partners. While MOBOTIX is 65% owned by Konica Minolta, with many other shareholders, it remains an independent company. What Konica Minolta brings to the table is a financially strong owner who can advise on technology development. By leveraging MOBOTIX’s existing IP technologies and Konica Minolta’s advanced optical systems, the companies can work together to develop Intelligent solutions for specific vertical markets, including perimeter security and healthcare, according to Lausten. The challenge is to take what is already great about MOBOTIX – proven quality, made in Germany – and develop this on a global scale In addition to technology advances, the deal aims to broaden the distribution of MOBOTIX products by leveraging Konica Minolta’s global direct sales network and support systems. Although there are no “open doors” between the two companies, there is ongoing collaboration between Konica Minolta and MOBOTIX channel partners. Konica Minolta has a customer-centric approach and good relationships with end users in Europe and beyond, and can share this experience with MOBOTIX and its partners. While MOBOTIX has traditionally had a headquarters-centric approach, says Haage, the introduction of Thomas Lausten and Konica Minolta allows the company to cater to the individual needs of various regions, including the US. One might expect this increasingly global focus to mean that MOBOTIX will be varying its approach to products from region to region. On the contrary, explains Lausten, the challenge is to take what is already great about MOBOTIX – proven quality, made in Germany – and develop this on a global scale. Unifying the company’s approach globally is the best way to ensure customers’ needs are met efficiently. “When we do something,” says Lausten, “we do it properly.” Cybersecurity Concerns Drive Innovation The company’s focus on innovation and quality is increasingly important in a market beset by cybersecurity concerns. Whereas two years ago end users were choosing products based on price, they are now asking whether devices have a back door to cyber threats. "The biggest concern for C-level people is cybersecurity,” predicts Lausten, “This will be a key driver moving forward." MOBOTIX's quality-driven focus means the company is well-prepared for this change: One hundred percent of software is programmed in-house, with frequent firmware and software upgrades to fix weak points. In the case of a software reset, this can only be carried out by sending the device back to MOBOTIX, which may seem less convenient from an end-user perspective, but significantly increases the security of the process. In light of cyber security threats, should users be concerned that MOBOTIX is becoming increasingly open to integrations with other video surveillance partners? The company is aware of the concerns, says Haage, and can therefore take countermeasures. While the market today is based upon open systems, MOBOTIX does not take partnership lightly. By integrating with key players only where there exists a synergy with MOBOTIX’s own technologies, the company can work on new aspects such as IT systems and processes, while taking MOBOTIX’s core products to the next level. “You have to comply with industry trends,” concedes Haage, “but that’s not the whole story.”

Despite the increasing popularity of body-worn cameras, the technology has its detractors. For example, this month, Big Brother Watch, a British civil liberties and privacy organization, is raising new questions about the effectiveness of body-worn cameras. Specifically, Big Brother Watch found that 32 of the 45 police forces that have adopted body-cams in the United Kingdom were “unable to say” how often the footage was used in courts. To be clear, being “unable to say” doesn’t equate to the cameras not being useful, and using video as evidence in court is just one of the possible ways the cameras could be beneficial. Even so, point taken. Adoption of the body-worn cameras continues full speed ahead despite lack of empirical evidence of their effectiveness. Studies in the United States and Canada on the effectiveness of the cameras have also often been inconclusive. Big Brother Watch warns: “The value of technology must be proven and not just assumed. It is not enough to tell the public they are essential policing tools if the benefits cannot be shown.” In addition to seeking more data on camera effectiveness, the organization urges police forces to publish regular “transparency reports” to show how body worn cameras are used in day-to-day policing. Cameras should also have a screen to display when citizens are being recorded. Does Video Surveillance Prevent Crime? In some instances, police forces have embraced the cameras on the assertion that the police and/or the public believe they are beneficial. But believing something doesn’t make it true. Body-worn cameras are not the first video systems whose effectiveness has been questioned. There have also been repeated challenges over the years to the effectiveness of video or CCTV cameras in preventing crime. For example, one report in Chicago placed the number of crimes solved by video evidence between the years 2006 and 2013 at 4,500. Not bad, except when you consider there were more than a million incidents during the time period, and surveillance cameras helped solve less than 0.5 percent of them. Looking at it another way, the numbers work out to one crime solved for every five cameras; i.e., the average camera never solves a crime -and then there were the British Home Office studies in 2002 and 2005 that questioned the impact of CCTV cameras on crime. [Jeremy Reddington / Shutterstock.com] British Home Office studies have questioned the impact of CCTV cameras on crime Quantifiable Benefits Of Security Products Again, however, solving crime is only one aspect of the benefits of video. There is also a “halo effect” when cameras are installed. That is, the areas where cameras are deployed tend to be more secure, even outside the immediate view of cameras. There is a diffusion of crime prevention benefits to surrounding areas. Questioning the effectiveness of body-worn cameras, CCTV or any other technology, is a necessary exercise. Real answers may be hard to come by, but we shouldn’t be discouraged in making the effort. The technology capabilities of our industry’s products should be able to withstand scrutiny and, in the end, provide verifiable and quantifiable benefits. Public Scrutiny Of Security Systems Public scrutiny is an important aspect of technology implementation, especially in the public sector. For private companies, there is another, even more potent force at work that focuses attention on the effectiveness of technology – the bottom line. Spending money on video (or other technologies) is viewed unforgivingly through a lens of return on investment (ROI) by managers and accountants of customer companies. Fortunately, in this environment, video systems more than justify their existence every day. It only takes avoidance of a single multi-million-dollar personal injury lawsuit to cost-justify a whole system of video cameras. The impact of video to deter shoplifting or other crimes, and the resulting extra value to an enterprise, is sufficiently demonstrated every day. We as an industry should welcome any questions about the effectiveness of our products. Their value can speak for itself, and can stand up to any questioning or research projects. If it doesn’t, then we must be willing to let the chips fall where they may.

The retail industry is constantly looking to find new ways to be relevant in the ever-increasing shadow of online shopping. Researchers have predicted a 17.5 percent growth in the ecommerce share of global retail sales in 2021, rising from 13.7% in 2019. When designer brand Miniso opened new shops in Poland, they used Hikvision technology to give them the edge. The management team at Miniso had a number of specific questions they needed answers to in order to make the stores successful in the cut-throat high street environment. Best-Selling Products They resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise How do we know if our marketing strategy is working? What is the conversion rate of purchases? What are the ‘hot areas’ of the store, and do these actually represent best-selling products? Originally, with no access to significant information, they relied on experience and conversation with staff. But there was no way to verify these findings. They also needed to be able to get this information remotely – i.e. management in their HQ in Warsaw wanted to be able to see the situation in the other four stores without having to visit them separately. Sometimes, they resorted to sending people to individual stores to manually count the people – a very time-consuming and costly exercise. Tailor-Made Solution Miniso turned to Hikvision AI products, with a solution built by Polish reseller Volta, including people counting cameras, fisheye cameras and NVRs. These were all coordinated using the HikCentral software platform. A people counting camera in each store counts people passing by, while another counts people entering and leaving. With this tailor-made solution management could calculate how many people were passing by to see a purchasing conversion rate. This also helps them to know whether marketing strategy is working. They can analyze the information further to see whether the rate of people entering the store is dropping, and whether that relates to the number of those passing outside. Miniso’s management can then look into the causes of these numbers, along with sales figures, to form a picture. For example, whether there is an external factor affecting shoppers either to pass by, or to enter. Video Management Platform The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere Because Miniso have the same technology set up in all the stores in Poland, they can compare different locations. This also comes in useful when it’s time to negotiate rent with shopping malls. Using ceiling installation of several fisheye cameras, the system can generate heat maps. This helps managers to see where ‘hot areas’ are, helping them to allocate products in the optimal place for promotion. Hot areas can also be compared with sales figures to provide further insights into shopping patterns. All the information provided by the system is coordinated, and business information on both layout and original image can be overlaid in Miniso’s HQ in Warsaw. The professional video management platform allows managers to access the information from different offices and mobile applications anywhere. This makes life a lot easier for the operations team as they need to check the situation in all stores. Fiercely Competitive Environment It also means that everything can be viewed simultaneously, so they can identify trends throughout the network of stores. Byron Zeng, Vice President of Miniso Poland, says: “The high accuracy of conversion rate the solutions provides really solves a number of our management issues. We can now easily see what’s going on in the other stores, including heat mapping, which makes management of the whole networks so much more efficient.” This is a great example of how AI surveillance products can change the landscape of business decision-making. In a fiercely competitive environment, like a shopping mall or high street, shopping trend data can help a retailer to survive. In fact, this worked so well for Miniso, they decided to use the solution in their stores across the whole of Europe – potentially about 200 stores in the next year.

Most retailers invest in a video surveillance solution to improve security. Many also use it as an investigation tool to help resolve customer disputes, liability claims and reduce losses from theft and fraud.  Intelligent Video Solutions Complete Releaf relies on its intelligent video solution for all of those reasons, however compliance with state regulations was the primary objective when CEO and owner Eric Ryant started looking for a video system for his new, 3,000 square foot cannabis dispensary in Lafayette, Colorado. Unlike many other types of retail environments, cannabis dispensaries must comply with strict rules governing the type of video surveillance equipment used, where cameras and equipment are placed, and how long video evidence must be retained.  Already familiar with the regulations based on his experience operating a second dispensary and a cultivation center in Lafayette, Colorado, Ryant sourced multiple bids for his new video solution. In the end, I selected the March Networks proposal. It had everything I was looking for, including POS integration, and additional capabilities" POS Integration “Once all the bids were in, I went through the process of analyzing each one and ended up narrowing the contenders down to two,” said Ryant. “In the end, I selected the March Networks proposal from our systems integrator, Falcon Networks. The solution had everything I was looking for, including POS integration, and additional capabilities I thought might be useful down the road. It met all of the compliance criteria, and the price was comparable.” Prior to opening the boutique dispensary in January 2018, Ryant worked with its system integrator to design and install a fully-compliant video solution.  IR Dome Cameras Today, IR dome cameras mounted inside the dispensary capture clear 4MP video of all activity at entrances and exits, in storage and equipment rooms, and at each point-of-sale (POS) system. In addition, 360° cameras are installed above the sales floor and in every corner to provide further panoramic coverage. The 360° cameras are also installed on the dispensary’s exterior to capture people entering and exiting, as well as any activity in the surrounding parking lot and back loading area.  The cameras were selected and placed strategically to ensure that the system meets multiple legislated requirements, such as recording all activity occurring within 20 feet of any ingress/egress point, capturing clear video in all lighting conditions, and making sure that the recorded video is sharp enough to identify customer and employee facial features at each POS. Hybrid Network Video Recorder At the center of Complete Releaf’s video solution is a hybrid network video recorder (NVR) At the center of Complete Releaf’s video solution is a hybrid network video recorder (NVR). The recorder provides IP and analog video capture and unparalleled reliability through features such as diagnostic LEDs, an internal battery backup, and a customized embedded Linux operating system. All IP channel licenses are included with the recorder, making it a convenient and cost-effective option for the dispensary.  Equally important, the recorder provides Complete Releaf with 32TB of internal storage, so it is compliant with the state’s 40-day video retention requirement. “Essentially, we need 100 percent coverage with no ‘blind spots’ on our retail floor, and a clear picture of people’s faces. It’s a truly reliable product, and we’ve had no difficulties achieving our 40 days of archived video,” said Ryant. Searchlight Intelligent Software While security and compliance were both top priorities for Ryant, finding a video solution that would also help him run Complete Releaf more efficiently – and profitably – was also important. That’s why he’s so pleased with the March Networks Searchlight for Retail application software he is also using.  The intelligent software enables Ryant and his team to proactively identify and review suspect transactions using integrated video and transaction data pulled from the dispensary’s Green Bits POS system. It provides them with an easy-to-use loss prevention tool that reduces the time it takes to investigate incidents from hours to minutes. It also arms them with strong video and data evidence to support successful prosecutions or recoveries. Ryant is also testing the Searchlight application in his cultivation facility “Having video surveillance in our dispensary definitely deters theft,” said Ryant. “Combining the video with transaction data goes a step further and really causes people to think twice before they do something they’ll probably regret.” Radio Frequency Identification Tags  Ryant is also testing the Searchlight application in his cultivation facility, taking advantage of the software’s ability to integrate with data from the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags he is required to add to each plant through the cultivation process as part of Colorado’s Inventory Tracking System (Metrc). The software would enable Ryant to leverage his RFID investment by making the data searchable in the dashboard and tying it to recorded video. If there’s ever an incident during the cultivation process, Ryant could use the software to easily locate the video footage to see what actually happened and who was involved.

HID Global, globally renowned trusted identity solutions provider, and Phunware, Inc., a fully integrated enterprise cloud platform for mobile that provides products, solutions, data and services for brands worldwide, has announced their collaboration to improve the experience for hospital patients and visitors to find their way within medical facilities, using wayfinding on their mobile phones. Wayfinding is indoor navigation to guide a person step-by-step on the way to a desired destination.  Wayfinding And HID Location Services Phunware and HID are addressing the need of healthcare institutions to deploy standardised technology "The combination of Phunware’s market-leading wayfinding and mobile engagement capabilities with innovative HID Location Services will ultimately revolutionize wayfinding within healthcare institutions,” said Phunware co-founder and CEO Alan S. Knitowski. “It’s easy for visitors and patients to get lost in hospitals, and every time they do it puts appointment times and patient satisfaction at risk. With our location-aware app on a mobile device, we equip the visitor to get instant, turn-by-turn navigation that creates a better experience than that which is currently available on the market.” Phunware and HID are addressing the need of healthcare institutions to deploy standardized technology to provide a better wayfinding and visitor engagement experience inside the hospital, across campus and even in parking lots.  Unified Healthcare IoT Solutions Healthcare organisations can easily lay out the foundation for IoT applications, such as wayfinding" “Wayfinding is one more application that we are integrating into HID’s unified healthcare IoT solution to make it easier for healthcare systems to manage a growing demand for automated and streamlined experiences,” said Rom Eizenberg, Vice President of Sales, Bluvision, part of HID Global. “With HID technologies, we have changed the location-aware landscape, delivering location as a service. Now, healthcare organizations can easily lay out the foundation for IoT applications, such as wayfinding.” Healthcare IoT-Enabled Platform HID’s healthcare IoT solution-enablement platform simplifies the delivery of real-time location of clinicians, patients and devices. The platform is enabled by Bluvision (part of HID Global). Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) Platform Phunware’s Multiscreen-as-a-Service (MaaS) platform also provides enterprise-level mobile wayfinding, engagement, data and more for other vertical markets, including retail, residential, hospitality, media and entertainment and more.

An integrated security system that includes new IP cameras and two-way audio technology has seen the rate of injuries as a result of attacks on Post Office staff decline by 36% in just three years. This follows the deployment of a sophisticated monitoring and intelligent threat detection platform from Morphean, a Video Surveillance-as-a-Service (VSaaS) innovator, which has not only helped to keep staff safe but has also protected ATMs from attack, helping to keep Post Office doors open. Post Office is responsible for the safety and well-being of 14,500 workers in 11,600 branches. The very nature of their combined service offering and the fact they are often located in rural areas, means branches are prime targets for thieves. Threat Intelligence Opportunistic attacks on staff and equipment, and the use of expanding gas to break open ATM machines is not uncommon Opportunistic attacks on staff and equipment, and the use of expanding gas to break open ATM machines is not uncommon. In rural communities, attacks on equipment can leave branches out of operation for long periods. In the last year alone, there were 13,437 violent attacks on convenience store workers, 27% of which involved a weapon and 39% led to injury, according to The Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) annual Crime Report. The Post Office security team wanted to build on its existing threat intelligence and response system, Grapevine, with a network of IP cameras and two-way audio into branches. Axis Communications cameras, microphones and speakers, connected to the Morphean Platform and hosted in the cloud, were installed in pilot branches by Kings Secure Technologies. Security Automation Now that trial implementations have been completed successfully, the security team plans to expand coverage rapidly. In addition to the cameras, the networked speakers enable control centre staff to speak directly to customers and suspected criminals, alerting them to the fact they are under surveillance. The solution is also optimised to use low bandwidth dataFurther integrations are under way to bring security automation to other branches, such as providing the ability for remote agents to lock on-site safes in the event of an attack. Because of the challenges around connectivity in the areas where the most vulnerable branches are situated, the solution is also optimized to use low bandwidth data and is capable of streaming video over a 3G mobile network. Built-In Intelligence The built-in intelligence of the Morphean Platform means staff are able to monitor footage for suspicious behavior, such as individuals loitering near an ATM, and issue an alert to security teams who can then decide on the appropriate course of action. If it’s someone trying to find their wallet, no action is taken; if a crime is in progress, police will be notified along with video footage. In addition, staff are able to trigger an alert manually using an under-the-counter activation button, which can be investigated immediately by control center staff at the alarm receiving centre (ARC). “The safety of our staff is our number one priority,” says Physical Security Manager for Post Office, Mark Dinsdale. Make Significant Differences Footage goes straight to the Morphean cloud, and the platform compresses video and is fully encrypted end-to-end"“We’ll never completely eliminate crime in our branches, but we are also not powerless against it and we are able to make significant differences to the safety of our people, as demonstrated by the new technology we are deploying.” “Post Officers, particularly those in remote areas without access to a nearby police station, value the easy access to help and now report feeling much safer at work,” he concludes. Paul Ottley, Account Director at Kings Secure Technologies, says there are more subtle benefits to the Morphean Platform. “Footage goes straight to the Morphean cloud, and the platform compresses video and is fully encrypted end-to-end. This means that even if criminals attempt to destroy cameras or on-site storage appliances, recordings of any incidents are secured in a manner that is admissible as evidence. This eliminates the challenge of sending out an engineer to collect footage. It’s a simple solution that is flexible and fully compliant with regulations such as the GDPR.”

A chain of one-stop shopping destination is one of the pioneers of discount shopping center in the UAE and Dubai. With a selected chain of suppliers, they offer the widest choices of products at very affordable prices. The products of this retail chain range from daily food items to beauty products and perfumes. Household items such as kitchenware, tableware, appliances, decors and electronics including mobile phones and computer accessories are also available here. The store offer apparels such as ladies wear, menswear, and children’s wear, in addition to shoes, bags, school and office supplies. Branches of this retail chain are located in more than eight locations with the one in Sharjah being the biggest branch till date. Easy Attendance Management Since branches of this retail chain are spread across UAE, managing attendance of every employee became a tedious task. Moreover, keeping track of each of their IN and OUT timings, overtime, leaves, and shift management for multiple locations from a single location was another challenge the retailer faced. Attendance management, multiple shift management and over time calculation became tricky challenges to deal with. Apart from that, they required specific type of reports to map everything department or location wise. Matrix offered its dynamic range of biometric hardware products along with the software solutions to complement the devices Matrix offered its dynamic range of biometric hardware products along with the software solutions to complement the devices. As the retail chain is an exponentially growing company building stores at several locations, Matrix offered its Time-Attendance module along with fingerprint and card based door controller, COSEC DOOR FOT. This solution assisted in easy attendance management of employees along with their shift and overtime management. Analysis Of Employees’ Attendance The solution also allowed generation of several specific types of reports with detailed filtering options for smooth process and analysis of employees’ attendance details. Matrix People Mobility Management solution assisted the retail chain achieve following results: Centralized Attendance Management and Monitoring Easy Shift & Schedule Management Elimination of Overtime Issues Smooth HR Process with Various Precise Reports The products used for providing solutions: COSEC DOOR FOT - Fingerprint and Card based Door Controller for Time-Attendance COSEC CENTRA ME - Application Server Platform with 500 or more Users and Expandable up to 1,000 Users COSEC ME TAM - Time-Attendance Module for 500 or more Users COSEC USER100 - User license for 100 users

Traditionally, many stores have used an assortment of tags and labels on a diverse range of merchandise, most of which were designed for an entirely different set of products. As a result, many apparel retailers have recognized that in some instances merchandise and textiles are being damaged. Checkpoint Systems, renowned supplier of source-to-shopper solutions, has therefore developed an innovative new anti-theft solution to meet their specific requirements – Mini NeedleLok. Mini NeedleLok Anti-Theft Solution Designed to protect all types of garments, including very thin fabric, the one-piece solution deters thieves while preventing damage that would usually occur on application of pinned security tags. While other products on the market feature a hinged mechanism which can snag and rip textiles, Mini NeedleLok uses a needle in place of a separate pin, which separates the fibers rather than breaking through them. This allows store assistants to gently spread fabric threads on application to avoid leaving a visible hole after removal. In order to reduce time spent on in-store tagging labor, the Mini NeedleLok mechanical design allows quick and easy application, while the solution’s wide opening also allows freedom of placement anywhere on the garment. Minimum Product Damage Risk The Mini NeedleLok speeds up the self-checkout process The Mini NeedleLok also speeds up the self-checkout process. It can be removed quickly and efficiently at the point-of-sale, thanks to its single-piece design and wide opening, enabling store associates to assist with other enquiries, improving the in-store customer experience. It also eliminates the risk of damage to the merchandise, or injury to the customer, as the needle is never exposed. Not only that, with 70% of purchase decisions made at the shelf, Mini NeedleLok has been designed with display in mind. Its sleek look and smart black color ensures it doesn’t impede on the garment’s aesthetics in order to help turn a browser to a buyer. For those retailers wishing to take their visual merchandising a step further, the solution can also be customized, from adding a logo to a bespoke colorway that matches the company’s branding. Anti-Theft Retail Solution Irene Fernandez, Product Management Europe at Checkpoint Systems, commented:  “We’re more customer focused than we have ever been in our history, which is demonstrated through the diverse range of solutions that we now offer retailers across a variety of markets. With the Mini NeedleLok, we took our existing technologies and created a product that fits our apparel customers’ requirements - an effective anti-theft solution that protects merchandise, with the added benefit of being customizable. This is ideal for fashion brands where aesthetic is crucial to their identity.”

The concept of how security systems can contribute to the broader business goals of a company is not new. It seems we have been talking about benefits of security systems beyond “just” security for more than a decade. Given the expanding role of technologies in the market, including video and access control, at what point is the term “security” too restrictive to accurately describe what our industry does? We asked the Expert Panel Roundtable for their responses to this premise: Is the description “security technology” too narrow given the broader application possibilities of today’s systems? Why?

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

Measuring return on investment (ROI) has long presented a challenge to the security marketplace. Investment in security is often viewed as a necessary cost whose benefits cannot be measured. For example, how do you measure the value of an event that doesn’t happen (i.e., that has been prevented)? The difficulty of measuring ROI doesn’t diminish customers’ appetite for it, however. Today’s choosy customers are driven more than ever by the bottom line and expect any and all of their investments to show a healthy return. Therefore, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is it possible to measure return on investment (ROI) in the security market? How?