Security Integrators

Even the most advanced and sophisticated security systems are limited in their effectiveness by a factor that is common to all systems – the human factor. How effectively integrators install systems and how productively users interface with their systems both depend largely on how well individual people are trained. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the changing role of training in the security and video surveillance market?

ESA is proud to recognize the distinguished group of companies supporting the industry in 2018 through its Executive Strategic Partners program. Executive Strategic Partners Program This program allows us to partner with key manufacturers and service providers that are looking to make a significant impact on the industry" “This program allows us to partner with key manufacturers and service providers that are looking to make a significant impact on the industry,” says Merlin Guilbeau, CEO of ESA. “There are key factors we look for in our strategic partners: They must deliver a quality, reputable product that allows our members to better run and grow their businesses. Each one of these players not only check that box, but they also make a significant impact on the installation, integration and monitoring channel — by investing in the association to support vital programming.” As a non-profit organization, ESA invests in and constantly seeks new ways to benefit the association’s members and the industry. The Executive Strategic Partners program is one way for vendor companies to give back and demonstrate their alignment with ESA’s core values by supporting its efforts to move the industry forward. Interlogix, Diamond Level Sponsor For ESA Leading the way as the exclusive 2018 Diamond Level sponsor is Interlogix. “Interlogix is proud to be a long-standing sponsor of ESA’s Executive Strategic Partners program. As a Diamond sponsor of this initiative, we are committed to investing in the evolution and growth of the security industry,” said Warren Hill, Vice President of Partner Solutions, Interlogix. Honeywell, Platinum Level Sponsor For ESA From education to advocacy programs, the ESA is helping to strengthen and advance the security industry" The ESP program’s sole 2018 Platinum Level sponsor is Honeywell. “As our business prepares to spin off from Honeywell into an independent security, smart home and distribution company, we’re excited about the future and the opportunity to deliver solutions our customers want through our unparalleled global network of 100,000 professional dealers,” said Alice DeBiasio, vice president and general manager, Honeywell Homes. “As a strategic partner with the ESA for more than 10 years, we appreciate the work they do to support our industry. From education to advocacy programs, the ESA is helping to strengthen and advance the security industry.” Axis And Telguard, Gold Level Sponsors The 2018 Gold Level sponsors are Axis Communications and Telguard. “2018 marks our seventh year as a Gold Level Executive Strategic Partner with ESA.  We are just as excited to show our support of ESA’s commitment to investing in the future of our industry today as we were back in 2011,” said Shawn Welsh, SVP, Product Line Management and Marketing, Telguard. “We’re proud to support ESA and help their members expand their business potential,” said Mike King, Hosted Video Manager, Axis Communications, Inc. “The complexities of protecting people, property and assets require security integrators to offer innovative and comprehensive solutions, from video surveillance to access control to managed services. We look forward to continued collaboration with ESA and supporting the industry’s advancement.” Altronix, Anixter And SARPG, Silver Level Sponsors The 2018 Silver Level sponsors are Altronix, Anixter and Security America Risk Purchasing Group (SARPG) The 2018 Silver Level sponsors are Altronix, Anixter and Security America Risk Purchasing Group (SARPG). "We chose to partner with ESA for some of our marketing initiatives, because we know our investment will continue to support our industry into the future,” said Alan Forman, President, Altronix. “The association brings great value and professionalism to our industry and its members through fostering education, improving government relations and driving industry standards." “We understand that our insurance is designed specifically to fit the needs of this industry,” says Michael Keegan, president of SARPG. “As such, we always look for ways to support those dealers and integrators that comprise the industry — our executive strategic partnership with ESA is one way we accomplish this.” Talent Acquisition In Electronic Security Industry The significant financial investment of these companies helps further ESA initiatives to recruit new talent for the industry, provide legislative updates, conduct research and be the voice of the electronic security and life safety industry. In return for their financial support, Executive Strategic Partners gain access to various marketing opportunities and a platform for connecting with members, prospects and decision makers through ESA's extensive network of highly qualified installers, dealers and integrators.

Matrox Graphics Inc. announces that the Matrox Maevex 6120 dual 4K enterprise encoder appliance is now shipping. Leveraging the same best-in-class capture and real-time encoding technology as the game-changing Matrox Maevex 6150 quad 4K encoder, Maevex 6120 delivers simultaneous dual 4K capture, stream, and record—with options to stream and record even more channels in different configurations—all on a standard one Gigabit Ethernet network. The powerful standalone appliance is ideal for a variety streaming and recording applications in corporate, education, digital signage, military, government, control rooms, and more. Packaged in a convenient, rack-ready, plug-and-play form factor, Maevex 6120 features ground-breaking encoding capabilities that can easily feed cloud-based servers to reach internet viewers, push many streams on-premises over the LAN for local audiences, and record to local or network storage for later editing and viewing—all concurrently. Secure Reliable Transport The appliance’s ability to also stream multiple resolutions, bitrates, and protocols—including Secure Reliable Transport (SRT)—at the same time, significantly offloads or eliminates cloud transcoding operations and costs for organizations. The included Maevex PowerStream Plus software management tool provides complete reach and control over the entire Maevex network—including all Maevex 6100 Series 4K enterprise encoders and Maevex 5100 Series Full HD encoders and decoders. PowerStream Plus API for Windows and Linux and lower-level REST API are also available for integrators and developers For rapid customization, the PowerStream Plus API for Windows and Linux and lower-level REST API are also available for integrators and developers looking to create personalized Maevex control applications. These APIs can be used to easily include Maevex functionality into existing or even third-party applications. 4K Enterprise Encoders “Maevex 6120 and 6150 dual and quad 4K enterprise encoders provide best-in-class high-performance, low-bitrate, low-latency encoding appliances interoperable with virtually any third-party hardware, software, or service,” says Ron Berty, business development manager, Matrox Graphics Inc. “And now with Maevex 6120, this provides customers with even greater flexibility to meet a wider range of requirements, either as a better fit for single- or dual-input streaming and recording applications, or by mixing and matching with Maevex 6150.”

As we approach National Safe Schools Week (October 21-27), it is appropriate for a conversation to begin regarding establishing standards for K12 school security. Currently no standards exist for assisting schools navigate the complexity of understanding what they need, how much it will cost and how they will secure their learning environments. Security Industry Experts The Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) is one of the organizations at the forefront of establishing security standards for schools. In 2014, the Security Industry Association (SIA) and the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) formed PASS, which brought together a cross functional group of members including school officials, safe schools’ consultants, law enforcement and security industry experts to collaborate and develop a coordinated approach to protecting K-12 students and staff. School administrators are often contacted repeatedly by organizations with multiple safety and security products PASS has provided valuable insights regarding an ‘All Hazards’ approach to school safety and security. In fact, PASS suggests that school administrators are challenged with two decisions: Determining what they need to do How to prioritize Safe School Environment School administrators are experts in running schools and providing education. However, most are not security experts and do not understand the complexity of implementing a comprehensive physical security and safety program across their districts. Still, they are often contacted repeatedly by organizations with multiple safety and security products. School administrators are experts in running schools and providing education, but most are not security experts  Some of these organizations recognize their products are just pieces of a safe school environment puzzle and how they fit in, whereas others focus on specific applications and do not understand how their specific solutions may affect life safety codes and Americans with Disabilities Act law. (Note: Many ‘barricade devices’ fall into this latter category and actually introduce liability concerns with the unintended consequences of their use.)Schools incorporate evacuation drills as part of their emergency preparedness plans and practice on a regular basis Even for experts, the plethora of options and disparate systems required to integrate a safety and security approach at schools is daunting. The ongoing challenge is integrating access control, video, mass notification, and/or visitor management products into a single, effective, and appropriate system the owner can understand, utilize, and afford and that meet local codes and ADA laws. In the absence of standards, schools are likely to amass a collection of devices that do not constitute a comprehensive solution. Lack Of Consensus In years past, the our industry and commercial buildings adhered to legacy codes – like Building Officials and Code Administrators International Inc. (BOCA), Uniform Building Code (UBC), Southern Building Code Congress International Inc. (SBBCI), and International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) – which have traditionally been revised every three years, while local jurisdictions decided what versions to adopt and enforce. Currently, however, there is a move toward the International Building Code (IBC), which is published by the International Code Council (ICC) and includes standards and guidance for commercial buildings on doors, windows, and other openings. A risk assessment is the next step toward developing a comprehensive security plan, and begins with developing a trend analysis Still, despite this migration of codes from a patchwork of local decisions to global guidelines, there remains a lack of consensus around school security. The current fragmented approach causes confusion regarding how new schools are designed and how to retrofit existing school buildings, whose average age is 45+ years. Right Protection Equipment One can point to the fact that there hasn’t been one student lost in a school fire in over 50 years as testament to standards like NFPA 80 and NFPA 101 being referenced in model building codes. Additionally, schools incorporate evacuation drills as part of their emergency preparedness plans and practice on a regular basis. It’s not just having the right protection equipment in the building, it’s also having a procedural layer in place to make sure everyone knows their roles and responsibilities in the event of fire. The stress of the actual event can limit ones’ ability to think clearly. Practice makes perfect. Why would we approach school security any differently? School security is a team effort, and it is important to understand all the areas security impacts and involves School security is a team effort. It is important to understand all the areas security impacts and involves. PASS suggests starting with a basic team consisting of: Security Director Local Law Enforcement School Administrator Integrator Door and Hardware Consultant IT Director Comprehensive Security Plan Quantifying and mitigating risk are the jobs of security professionals and school administratorsA risk assessment is the next step toward developing a comprehensive security plan. This often begins with conducting a trend analysis requiring the collection of data from a variety of public and private sources. The challenge is to pull these pieces into a usable and easily understood format that provides a guide for current and future risk concerns. Risk assessment and mitigation can never eliminate risk. Quantifying and mitigating risk are the jobs of security professionals and school administrators. Data from the following sources can help measure risk: Campus: Review incident report trends for at least the past 36 months. Area and city: Review crime data from local law enforcement for the surrounding neighborhood and city. Screening procedures: How is hiring conducted? Anonymous tip reporting systems: Enabling students, staff members, parents and the community to anonymously alert administrators to perceived and actual threats. Social media monitoring: such monitoring can provide important information that can be used to identify risks. Monitoring social media could help measure risk for school safety Delay Adversarial Behaviors These assessments can then be incorporated into the best practice approach of Layered Security. Layered security combines best practice components within each layer that effectively deter, detect and delay adversarial behaviors. Layered security works from the outside in. As one layer is bypassed, another layer provides an additional level of protection. The asset being protected is at the center of the layers – students, staff and authorized visitors. PASS defines five layers of Security:As one layer is bypassed, another layer provides an additional level of protection District Wide Property Perimeter Parking Lot Perimeter Building Perimeter Classroom/Interior Perimeter Appropriate Tier Target Each layer can be broken down into Tier levels with Tier 1 being basic and Tier 4 being the highest level of security. It is important to understand that the demographics of individual school buildings varies, even within the same district. Security experts will quickly point out that ‘if you’ve seen one school, you’ve seen one school’. The assessments will determine the appropriate Tier target. Figure 1 Each layer includes essential protective elements, or components, of security. Every layer does not necessarily include all seven of these common components, and a layer may include additional components unique to that particular layer. Safety And Security Components Policies & Procedures People (roles & training) Architectural Communication Access Control Video Surveillance Detection and Alarms Layered Security While components are not listed in a priority order, three components included in all layers are policies and procedures, the roles and training of people, and communication. These components often perform a function in every layer and every tier in each layer. Three tools come together in the PASS approach as outlined in the new 4th Edition of the PASS Guidelines (Figure 2) - the Layers are established and defined, a Checklist/Assessment breaks down each layer into tiered best practices which then tie into the guidelines where a narrative explains each best practice in more detail. Figure 2  Schools need not reinvent the wheel when it comes to school security planning. Following the best practices of Risk Assessments and Layered Security will ensure that every school building in a district will have a unique and comprehensive plan that is tailored to their individual needs.

At IACP 2018, on booth # 2701, Genetec Inc., a technology provider of security, law enforcement, and analytics solutions is unveiling AutoVu MLC (AutoVu Machine Learning Core), a new machine learning-based engine for Security Center AutoVu, its automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system. AutoVu MLC replaces traditional rule-based ALPR technology with machine learning-based algorithms to reduce common ALPR misreads and false positives. A trusted supplier of ALPR monitoring systems, AutoVu serves end-users in law enforcement, parking, and critical infrastructure. With AutoVu MLC, customers will be able to realize even greater plate-read performance, further reducing the incidence of false-positive reads to a fraction of a percent (measured at up to 70% reduction from traditional algorithm performance). Increased Accuracy Rate These performance gains also extend to include advanced vehicle analytics, such as State origin identification, benefitting police officers to act with increased confidence, knowing they are making decisions based on highly accurate information. AutoVu MLC further increases our already high accuracy rate, and enables officers to get even more reliable data" “Any time a plate is misread, or a sign or object is read as a plate, officers must stop and validate the information, resulting in lost productivity. By minimizing false positives and misreads, AutoVu MLC further increases our already high accuracy rate, and enables officers to get even more reliable data and greater efficiency out of their ALPR system,” said Robert Amante, Security Center AutoVu Product Manager at Genetec. Improves Vehicle Analytics “Not only does AutoVu MLC further reduce misreads, it improves vehicle analytics, such as plate State recognition, providing additional insights and data for the operator. Officers benefit from higher reliability when identifying a vehicle of interest—empowering them to act decisively, based on credible information,” continued Amante. The AutoVu MLC is available now as a firmware update for new and existing AutoVu SharpV hardware from Genetec certified channel partners and integrators. It does not require costly hardware upgrades and can run on AutoVu SharpV and most SharpX cameras already deployed in the field. AutoVu MLC is expected to be available for AutoVu SharpX ALPR cameras in Fall 2018.

Aqua Security, platform provider for securing container-based and cloud-native applications, announced that Hitachi Vantara has integrated Aqua security capabilities into the Hitachi Enterprise Cloud (HEC) Container Platform. HEC Container Platform delivers a public cloud experience for organizations that use data services, DevOps and microservices architectures on premises in a private or hybrid cloud. Hitachi Vantara selected the Aqua platform in part for its ability to deliver runtime security for multi-tenant cloud Container-as-a-Service environments. HEC Container Platform HEC Container Platform is a fully managed end-to-end solution for deploying data services such as Spark, Kafka, Cassandra, and HDFS HEC Container Platform is a fully managed end-to-end solution for deploying data services such as Spark, Kafka, Cassandra, and HDFS. Kubernetes container orchestration is also included out of the box, alongside Docker and the native Marathon orchestrator, to provide customers with simplified single-click deployment of Marathon and Kubernetes. HEC Container Platform users can run containers on demand without having to provision or manage virtual machine instances. “Integrating the Aqua Solution enables us to deliver a far more comprehensive and granular way of protecting customer data, applications and workloads at every stage of the DevOps process,” said John Murphy, vice president of global solutions at Hitachi Vantara. “In addition, Aqua’s multi-tenancy solution allows us to automatically segregate customer content and apply policy-based security controls consistently throughout varied environments. Aqua helps us provide a hassle-free experience for our customers to move and securely manage their workloads in the HEC Container Platform environment.” Enhanced Cyber Security “We’re excited to partner with Hitachi in enabling organizations to leverage the advantages that containers and cloud-native environments present, without having to manage complex infrastructure or worry about securing these environments,” said Upesh Patel, VP Business Development at Aqua. “Together with Aqua Link partners, we are committed to incorporating security best practices throughout the container environments, delivering the best available defense against cyber threats, and bridging the gap between DevOps and IT security.” Aqua Link Partner Program Expands To Include MSPs The Aqua Link Partner Program spans a broad spectrum of partnership modelsAs a leader in container and cloud-native application security, Aqua works closely with global partners who understand the importance of securing and monitoring containerized applications and strive to enhance their solutions portfolio with enterprise-grade technology. The Aqua Link Partner Program spans a broad spectrum of partnership models, including Technology Alliance Partners with integrated offerings in the cloud-native stack, Solutions Providers that offer Aqua products and deliver technical services to deploy and manage Aqua in customer environments, and System Integrators & Consultants with expertise and trained staff worldwide to support Aqua implementations. By introducing support for managing multi-tenant environments, with the required segregation of policies, enforcement, monitoring and reporting, Aqua is uniquely positioned to deliver deeply integrated solutions through Managed Service Providers such as Hitachi Vantara.

Hospital Wattwil opened the doors to its new inpatient wing in March 2018. The 88 patient beds in total are being fitted with LEGIC technology in the final completion stage. This innovative service offers comfort, security and efficiency for the patient and hospital operator. A monitor is installed at every patient bed. The patients can identify themselves using an RFID smartcard or bracelet and log into their bed computer at any time. Innovative Smartcard Technology Information such as menus, services and other special hospital information can be accessed through the hospital’s extranet. The resulting costs can be easily and instantly debited from the card’s account. Cabinets by the patient’s bed and the lighting and curtain controls can also be accessed using the smartcard. All of this makes the processes at the hospital much easier. Patients learn how to use the system intuitively and welcome this helpful and smart technology. System expansion with personalized treatment information and appointments or transfer to smartphones and tablets is already being planned System expansion with personalized treatment information and appointments or transfer to smartphones and tablets is already being planned: another step towards a digital hospital. Wattwil has already taken the first step with digital patient files. The processes are being increasingly automated. This reduces paper processes and guarantees efficient process management. Integrated hospital security The system was integrated, and the project was completed by the company Ondamedia, which has the necessary experience in this field. Advantages for the end user: Easy to use thanks to the intuitive user interface All the information is available at every patient bed Different applications in the hospital using one system Highly reliable and secure information André Juszko Head of Technology / Medical Technology, Hospital Wattwil commented - “With the technology from LEGIC we have every opportunity to integrate more applications at the hospital in future.”

A total of 2,700 Sony network security cameras are the dependable choice to watch over passengers’ safety for Catalonia’s biggest transport operator. Public transit operator Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona (TMB) runs one of Europe’s most technologically advanced and accessible metro system that comprises nine lines and 150 stations. TMB’s metro and local bus lines carry over 550 million citizens, commuters and travellers annually across the Catalan capital and surrounding areas, making safety and operational efficiency high priority topics. Round-The-Clock Reliability In recent years, TMB elected to update its analog infrastructure, replacing older cameras and extending coverage to create a metro-wide IP video surveillance system. Sony cameras has made them an optimal choice for the recent upgrade to monitor train tracks, station platforms and other public areas The relationship between TMB and Sony dates back more than fifteen years, when the operator installed its first 150 Sony cameras at several metropolitan bus depots to protect perimeters, parking areas, workshops and office spaces. The proven reliability of Sony cameras has made them an optimal choice for the recent upgrade to monitor train tracks, station platforms and other public areas where reliable 24/7 performance is essential. As well as round-the-clock reliability, Sony cameras provide excellent HD image resolution, which was another key requirement for the project. Support for open protocols, including the widely used ONVIF standard, simplifies integration with other security and monitoring systems. Reduced Operating Costs By standardising on a small number of camera models, TMB has further benefited from simplified maintenance and reduced operating costs. To date, TMB has installed a total of 2,700 Sony IP network cameras across its transportation network with more than 700 of them being Sony SNC-EB630 box-type models. A custom housing protects the cameras from dust, dirt and physical tampering while allowing easy cleaning of the front lens window. The SNC-EB630 offers excellent Full HD image quality with wide dynamic range, even in dim or harshly-lit environments where other cameras often struggle to see clearly. Built-in image stabilisation assures crisp images, even when the camera is being shaken by mechanical vibration from nearby trains. Effective Visual Deterrent Picture quality and sensitivity are major assets when monitoring the movement of passengers in congested station areas The SNC-EB630 also scores in station areas where harsh fluorescent lighting can be strongly reflected by platform surfaces, making identification of people and objects difficult. Here, Sony’s View-DR technology boosts the cameras’ dynamic range to accommodate a wide range of light levels in the same scene. The cameras’ widespread presence serves as an effective visual deterrent, and as a useful tool to clearly identify and resolve incidents involving passengers and staff. What’s more, picture quality and sensitivity are major assets when monitoring the movement of passengers in congested station areas, or directing station staff and first-responders to help passengers requiring assistance in the event of accidents or personal injury. Increase In The Security “Apart from superb picture quality, a key factor for us in choosing Sony cameras is their dependability” says Victor Ribera, Responsible of Telecommunication Systems in the Technology Area at Transports Metropolitans de Barcelona. "Remote surveillance is extremely important for us. We have evolved from a complete decentralized surveillance system started at our garages and workshops to a fully centralized system – based on security control centers for the operation and management of all security cameras. Image quality has improved exponentially in a short time. Together with the functions incorporated into the cameras themselves, this has resulted in an increase in the security offered to our passengers.”

HID Global, a worldwide provider of trusted identity solutions, was selected by Skanska, one of the world’s project development and construction groups with operations in Europe and North America, to incorporate HID’s mobile solution for secure access to its new office complex in Warsaw. Powered by Seos, HID Mobile Access improves the user experience and increases security throughout the entire building – from the parking lot and elevators to areas with limited access to the public. Located at 173 Solidarności Avenue in Warsaw, the new Spark office complex is not only the new headquarters of Skanska, but a large part of the 70,000 square-meter office building has also been set aside for other tenants. Because the building is intended to be a mixed-tenant space, it was crucial to restrict access to secure areas from unauthorized visitors. Using Smartphones For Access The Spark building was designed to enable mobile access so that employees can now use their smartphones to open doors and enter secure areas. Skanska, with help from system integrator Sharry Europe, created a new system for building occupants that integrates numerous building applications, including HID Mobile Access. As a result, all building applications have been incorporated into an integrated mobile app, which marked an advancement in creating a more streamlined and convenient experience for the users. HID Mobile Access enhances the security for accessing our entire building"   Both Spark building employees and their guests can now move throughout the building with nothing more than a smartphone, without the risk of them gaining access to restricted areas – unless the proper access rights are granted. When users arrive at the door, they simply tap their iOS and Android devices to an iCLASS SE reader using Near-Field Communications (NFC) or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and HID’s ‘twist and go’ feature to gain access from a distance. Any changes to the user’s access rights are remotely managed by the administrator through a cloud-based portal.  Integrating All Building Applications Into One “HID Mobile Access enhances the security for accessing our entire building. In one application, we have integrated all building applications, such as parking, virtual reception and other Internet of Things functionality, bringing the whole user experience to a new level,” said Renata Nowakowska, Innovation Manager at Skanska. “One of the most pressing objectives for facility managers in smart buildings is to crack the code on how to enable as many building applications and services on mobile devices as possible in order to simplify how occupants move through a facility and interact with building services,” said Hilding Arrehed, Vice President of Cloud Services, Physical Access Control. “Skanska’s integration of HID Mobile Access into their mobile platform is a perfect example of how organizations are leveraging the power of mobile credentials and the cloud to realize the full potential of creating a connected and more intuitive experience for their users, while increasing security at the same time.”  

Located in the Northern Italian town of La Spezia, the Biblioteca Civica Pietro Mario Beghi is a state-of-the-art public library with an extensive collection of books and media across three floors. The 1,560-square meter facility with its bright, modern interior architecture was completed in April 2017 in a historic building remodeled by the architect’s firm 5+1AA. It continues the region’s long literary tradition: The harbor town is situated on the “Golfo dei Poeti” (meaning “Poet’s Golf”), named for the many writers and poets who have lauded the coastal area throughout history.   EN 54 Fire Detection And Alarm System Standard Aside from a self-service book lending station, a child reading room and a 72-seat auditorium, the Beghi library is also home to the La Spezia Institute for the History of the Resistance and the Contemporary Age. With so many valuable books and original documents under one roof, end-to-end fire protection according to the high demands of the European Union’s EN 54 fire detection and fire alarm system standard – plus demands by the local fire brigade – was a prime requisite from the start. Choosing a fire alarm and evacuation solution for the library in an open tender, the municipality of La Spezia had an open ear when local system integrator Bagnone SNC proposed a comprehensive solution: An interface between a high-end fire alarm system and evacuation system delivered by Bosch as the single provider. Convincing the officials, the Bosch system could be installed discretely without disturbing the library’s upscale interior design. Addressable Fire Panel 1200 Series The comprehensive solution enables automated alarm messages and public addresses over wall-mounted speakers After receiving the contract, Bagnone SNC installed the Addressable Fire Panel 1200 Series from Bosch interfaced via a serial connection with the Plena Voice Alarm System, supporting also multi-stage evacuation. The comprehensive solution enables automated alarm messages and public addresses over wall-mounted speakers from Bosch that match the library’s color palette. The system accurately detects fires via automatic optical fire detectors and three beam smoke detectors strategically placed across the building. Alarms can also be triggered via manual call points, while in the case of an emergency, pre-recorded messages, sounders and strobes direct building occupants to safety. As a result of the interfaced solution, the Biblioteca Civica Pietro Mario Beghi benefits from highly accurate fire detection and efficient evacuation in an aesthetically pleasing package from Bosch as the single provider. “Our expectations have been exceeded in a major way. Everything went as planned from both a technical and a management point of view,” said Claudio Canneti, Technical Public Works Manager, La Spezia Municipality.

A video surveillance solution manufactured by Tyco, the security products division of Johnson Controls and installed by Kings Secure Technologies, is helping deter and detect hate crime directed at worshippers who attend the Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Bradford. HD Illustra IP Network Cameras 32 high definition Illustra IP network cameras from Tyco have been installed to monitor activity around the site of the Sikh place of worship, to identify anyone showing hostility towards the congregation. The Gurdwara Singh Sabha is sadly not alone in being a place of worship that has been the victim of hate crimes. Throughout society, 2017 saw over 68,000 acts of aggression in the UK being recorded as being motivated by racial or religious prejudices. Integrated Video Surveillance Systems System integrator, Kings Secure Technologies, was one of three companies invited to compete for the contract to install the new video surveillance system System integrator, Kings Secure Technologies, was one of three companies invited to compete for the contract to install the new video surveillance system following on from a risk assessment carried out by a ‘Designing Out Crime’ officer from the West Yorkshire police. “The members of the Gurdwara wanted to take advantage of the very latest video surveillance technology in order to provide the police with high quality video evidence of any incidents or suspicious activity,” said Paul Atherton, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Kings Secure Technologies. “With 32 cameras required to ensure there would be no blind spots, this size of a project might normally stretch the budget of a place of worship, even though Illustra cameras are competitively priced. Fortunately, the Gurdwara was able to successfully apply for help with the cost of installing the new system via the security funding scheme available as part of the Government Hate Crime Action Plan. This was possible because the Gurdwara had been the target of religious based hostility.” Vandal-Resistant Dome Cameras The 32 installed Illustra cameras are a combination of indoor and weatherproof, vandal-resistant 2 megapixel and 3 megapixel mini-domes. With Wide Dynamic Range (WDR) and built-in IR illumination, they are designed to work effectively across a wide range of lighting conditions from bright sunlight to total darkness. As such, they are an ideal solution for when there is a need to capture faces and the vehicle number plates. An Exacq IP04-12T-DT Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 12 Terabytes of storage onboard installed by Kings, ensures that the images captured by all 32 cameras are recorded around the clock. The IP04-12T-DT has 64 camera channels and so provides the Gurdwara with the option to install further cameras should it need to do so in the future. Remote Video Monitoring Using Exacq App We have installed the cameras so that we can assist the police in prosecuting anyone who commits a hate crime" The Gurdwara was originally a pharmaceutical production factory which has been converted into a place of worship and extended to provide space for educational and recreational activities as well functions, such as weddings. “Our Gurdwara is in almost constant use by the Sikh community in Bradford. We have installed the cameras so that we can assist the police in prosecuting anyone who commits a hate crime by being insulting or verbally aggressive towards any of our worshippers or visitors,” said Surjit Singh, a member of the Gurdwara. “The clarity of the images captured by the Illustra cameras is impressive and this has allowed us to pass on to investigating officers’ good quality video evidence of some recent incidents. As well as being able to locally access the images stored on the NVR, we also have the added bonus of being able to use the Exacq mobile App on our smartphones or tablets, enabling us to remotely keep a close eye 24/7 on what may be happening in the immediate vicinity of the Gurdwara.”

Boon Edam Inc., a provider of security entrances and architectural revolving doors, announces that RagingWire Data Centers has installed Boon Edam’s Tourlock 180+90 security revolving doors as part of its integrated access systems that protect their data centers in Ashburn, Va. and Sacramento, Calif. Founded in 2000, RagingWire was one of the first companies that helped to build the multi-billion dollar global data center colocation industry. Now, RagingWire is the North American data center platform within the portfolio of NTT Communications, which operates 140 data centers in 20 countries worldwide, making RagingWire one of the largest and most financially solid data center companies in the world. Demanding Hyperscale Cloud RagingWire is recognized as an industry leader in data center security and overall customer experience"RagingWire uses Tourlock security revolving doors at its Ashburn VA3 Data Center, which features 245,000 square feet of space and 16 megawatts of critical power, and its Sacramento CA3 Data Center, which is a 180,000 square foot facility with 14 megawatts of critical power. VA3 and CA3 are part of RagingWire’s portfolio of data centers in Ashburn, Northern California and Dallas, Texas. “As the colocation data center of choice for some of the most demanding hyperscale cloud and enterprise companies, RagingWire is recognized as an industry leader in data center security and overall customer experience,” said Mark Borto, CEO of Boon Edam Inc. “We are proud to provide an important part of RagingWire’s sophisticated, multi-layer, integrated security system.”  Provide Efficient Passage Boon Edam’s security revolving doors provide efficient passage for hundreds of people daily at RagingWire’s data centers. The doors prevent piggybacking and tailgating during both entry and exit by using a combination of sensors to recognize shapes, size and volume in three dimensions, and then stopping the door when a violation occurs. Our customers expect our security entrances and anti-tailgating technologies to be extremely fast and accurate" The state-of-the-art system also generates an accurate picture of exactly who is in the building at all times. “Our customers expect our security entrances and anti-tailgating technologies to be extremely fast and accurate,” said Eddie Ankers, Director of Corporate Security at RagingWire. Analyze Suspicious Behavior “By adding these doors to our defense-in-depth security strategy, we are providing the best possible protection system for our customers’ mission critical equipment.” In addition to Boon Edam’s Tourlock security revolving doors, RagingWire’s layered security approach features highly trained, 24x7 security staff, biometric scanners, badge readers, intelligent high-definition video cameras that analyze suspicious behavior, anti-tailgate mantraps, a building-within-a-building design, anti-climb perimeter fencing, concrete bollards in front of building entryways, and an anti-ram security gate.