Test equipment

Traka has appointed a new business development manager (BDM) to further strengthen its focus on the retail sector and demonstrate its ability to improve operational efficiency and safety for retailers. Matt Gregg brings a wealth of experience to the position, with a retail focus spanning over a decade. He has most recently worked as Head of Retail for Harvest Energy, with key responsibilities for operational excellence across a large multi-site retail portfolio, new and existing store developments, as well as organic growth. Intelligent management solutions At Traka, Matt will strategically coordinate plans and develop retail sector relationships, both new and existing, focusing on how Traka’s intelligent management solutions can help save time and money by allowing critical control over access to keys and equipment. Matt will strategically coordinate plans and develop retail sector relationships Says Matt: “To remain successful in this challenging ‘post covid’ retail landscape, retailers must be quick to adapt and ensure the right processes are implemented. Traka’s proposition in this context appealed and is clear it can ensure a fast ROI and long-term efficiency of daily processes. I am excited to have the opportunity to take responsibility for this sector, seeking and creating new opportunities and providing greater support for existing retail clients. My objective is to demonstrate how Traka can support delivery of an optical in-store experience in the new retail landscape.” Utilizing latest technology Steve Bumphrey, Traka UK Managing Director added: “Matt is joining the Traka team at a critical period for the retail sector, an industry that is fast evolving and requires a proactive, progressive approach to both digital transformation and a new era of customer experience and service.” “His invaluable knowledge will be critical to guide our support for the retail sector through the next stage of growth and the release of new products and services, utilizing latest technology to respond to important market trends. And all naturally without compromising on safety and quality synonymous with the Traka brand.”

Following a successful US launch, global aviation services group Air Partner launches Tour Protect in the UK, the first COVID-19 travel protection program for the touring music and entertainment sector. As ‘Freedom Day’ looms fast on the 19th of July, the music and entertainment industries are gearing up for everyone’s safe return to stadiums, arenas and clubs. Despite the exciting prospect of enjoying life free of restrictions, living with COVID-19 ensures safety will remain a top priority, especially as international travel opens up. Advanced safety solutions Tour Protect offers the advanced safety solutions necessary to mitigate risk, safeguard flights and ensure a smooth travel experience along every stop of the way. Kevin MacNaughton, Managing Director of Charter says: “With so much planning and consideration involved with the production of live events, Air Partner’s Tour Protect is specifically designed to ease clientele concern and provide reliable and safe air transportation for the most demanding of schedules.” “Air Partner employs a global network of resources and has 60 years of experience in private aviation enabling it to efficiently manage any tour with the highest degree of care and service. Our customizable charter program ensures seamless and secure travel as entertainment and music companies take flight again.” New industry solution The Tour Protect add-on charter program delivers a new industry solution Air Partner has fulfilled many challenging demands during the pandemic and is trusted by Hollywood studios and government agencies alike for their air travel needs. Previous experience includes travel for the 2020 US presidential campaign and on-location film shoots. The Tour Protect add-on charter program delivers a new industry solution to music and entertainment companies as they begin to plan their tours and provides them with the most advanced safety measures including, enhanced COVID-19 protocols, evacuation planning, security detail and 24/7 health and medical support. Advanced security screening Air Partner’s Tour Protect add-on program includes: Enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols: Guarantee all aircraft and crew are compliant with recommended COVID-19 procedures including deep cleaning of aircraft, advanced crew training, access to ground transportation that has been safely vetted, and access to COVID-19 testing and vaccination validation screenings. Quick-response evacuation planning: Air Partner is trusted by governments for its evacuation planning services and Tour Protect provides this same level of protection to ensure the fastest solution for any evacuation needs related to COVID-19 or other emergencies that may arise. 24/7 medical support: In partnership with Northcott Global Solutions, Tour Protect includes 24/7 access to medical support for individuals and groups, along with access to a network of highly trained medical personnel who can deploy in short notice to assist with any needs. Security screening: Air Partner works closely with airports, airlines, suppliers and cargo agents globally to ensure that necessary security is in place offering solutions that meet the requirements set out by international regulations and compliance. This includes advanced security screening through rapid deployment of security teams and equipment, as well as added security for high-profile clients. Credentialing and badge IDs available for all passengers including crew, entourage, and additional personnel.

Snap One, an industry source of A/V surveillance, control, networking, and remote management products for pros announced that it will demo a range of new products for security partners and conduct two high-value giveaways at ISC West Stand #10053. “The Snap One team is eager to physically meet with our Partners to demo the newest surveillance, smart home security control, power management, networking, and mounting solutions that can help them tackle more installs,” said Clint Choate, Snap One Security Market Director. “We also look forward to physically debuting the company’s new name – Snap One – at ISC West. Our brand reflects our ever-growing commitment to the security channel and our unique position as a premier partner for security dealers.”  While at the show, security dealers can expect: Product giveaways Any dealer that signs up to be a new Snap One partner will receive a free security starter package complete with a ClareOne 2:1 Kit, a 4MP Smart ClareVision camera, an OvrC Pro Hub for remote system access, and control, and a three-outlet WattBox IP Power Conditioner. Snap One will also award 100 lucky attendees with a ClareVision CameraIn coordination with a timed product demo, Snap One will also award 100 lucky attendees with a ClareVision Camera. At a secret scheduled time, show attendees will receive a push notification via the ISC West app notifying them that the first 100 people to arrive at the Snap One stand will get the free surveillance camera, which will be mailed after the show concludes. Clare controls For the first time since its introduction in mid-2020, Snap One will physically demo the award-winning ClareOne Wireless Security and Smart Home Panel, the world’s first professionally installed controller that unifies full-featured home automation and security monitoring in a single touch screen panel. The solution offers a simple integrated solution that also allows partners to leverage the FusionPro platform to manage user data and provision and test customer systems with the click of a button. Delivering maximum installation flexibility, Snap One is also showcasing its ClareVision line of NDAA-compliant surveillance cameras and NVRs that can be used as a standalone system or integrated with a ClareOne or Control4 system. Snap One staff will also highlight the new software update to Clare SmartHome Security 2.0 OS which offers a host of new features for the platform. Control4 Debuting for the first time together since the merger in 2019, the Snap One stand will feature several new Control4 automation and security solutions. Control4 Chime video doorbell and T4 Series touch screen delivers professional-grade smart home performance ISC West attendees can learn about the powerful new Control4 Chime video doorbell and new T4 Series touch screen that deliver true professional-grade smart home performance. The Chime video doorbell delivers crystal clear video with a 5MP camera and 180-degree field of view and allows users to answer the doorbell by disarming the alarm, unlocking an electronic lock, opening a garage door, and more. The T4 Series touch screen features an upgraded screen, microphones, and speakers, making it the perfect companion for the Chime video doorbell. A solution for every need Snap One will also showcase Episode’s Core Series architectural speakers, Araknis networking equipment, WattBox IP power control products, the OvrC remote equipment management, and monitoring platform, and Strong racks and mounting solutions – providing partners with the technology they need to succeed.

The FlexPower Global Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power, designed to provide DC power for access control systems in international applications, is now PSE listed for Japan and compatible with the country’s 100VAC applications. LifeSafety Power’s renowned FlexPower power supply line continues to expand its reach to new markets, bringing reliability and safety to connected access control and security solutions. The FPG family is engineered with power factor correction and a universal AC input allows operation on any input voltage, from 100-240VAC at 50-60Hz. FlexPower Global Series (FPG) FPG Series is compatible with LifeSafety Power’s NetLink network communication modules FlexPower Global Series (FPG) is also compatible with LifeSafety Power’s award-winning NetLink network communication modules, allowing automated remote battery load testing, AC input voltage measurement, email alerts on fault conditions and more. With the addition of PSE certification, FPG now carries listings and approvals for the U.S., Canada, Europe, India, Mexico, Japan and others (UL, CE, PSE, BIS, RoHS). Expanding the reach of power-connected solutions “Meeting power requirements in new countries effectively expands the reach of power-connected solutions,” said John Olliver, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for LifeSafety Power, who also handles international sales. John Olliver adds, “For the systems integrator and end user, they can rely on our power solutions for all of their global account customers and meet power requirements consistently around the world.” Available in wall- and rack-mount applications The FlexPower Global Series (FPG) from LifeSafety Power is available in wall- and rack-mount applications, has a lifetime warranty and includes a metal cover over the PCB for European compliance.

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competence, announces the launch of its brand-new webcam products to the global market. The product family currently comprises four different series – Ultra, Pro, Live, and Value – designed for various scenarios and user groups, and with bespoke feature sets. According to industry analyst firms, the global live streaming market is expected to continue growing significantly in the coming years. The increase in video streaming among citizens and businesses in all verticals is reported as the main driver for market growth, with content creators diversifying their material and activities, and connecting with audiences in new ways. Immersive video conferencing In addition, complete and partial lockdowns during the COVID-19 crisis also positively impacted the live streaming industry. To provide immersive video conferencing and streaming experiences, users need webcams that deliver high-resolution imaging and excellent-quality sound in a range of scenarios. Hikvision has designed and developed its new webcam range to meet this need. The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing The Hikvision Ultra series of webcams are specifically designed for remote conferencing. The highlight of this series is its PTZ control capability, which offers 5x optical zoom capabilities. This means that users can see meeting presentations or discussions without straining their eyes. Additionally, PTZ control allows users to pan across 330°, helping them adjust their viewing angle easily, without missing a thing. Webcams for remote conferencing Hikvision’s new webcam range also includes Pro webcams for remote conferencing. These are ideal for business professionals, offering an outstanding, immersive sound and video experience, with a sleek design and an elegant, anodized finish. Pro webcams offer an Auto Focus feature and built-in dual-microphone, ensuring that audio and video is always crystal clear during presentations, conferences, or group discussions. The cube-shaped Hikvision Live series of webcams is designed for live streaming, eCommerce, and gaming applications. If a product is being presented in a live program, for example, the webcam view can be changed – both horizontally and vertically – thanks to magnetic mountings on all four sides of the casing. Online education applications The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms These webcams also offer Sharp Auto Focus, which ensures that images of people and objects are sharp and clear at all times. Importantly, the webcams’ ‘touchable supplemental LED light’ feature enables users to adjust brightness in accordance with the surrounding environment. The Hikvision Value series is their range of entry level webcams. These have a compact design, making them perfect for online education applications that connect school teachers and students. The webcam comes with a built-in microphone, which incorporates advanced algorithms to reduce noise and improve sound quality. Its wide-angle lens provides maximum coverage, with no image distortion. This is particularly useful for teachers giving lessons in a classroom, where both the teacher and the blackboard, or wall-mounted screen, can be viewed clearly in a single frame. Third-Party conferencing platforms All Hikvision webcams are driver-free, offering ‘plug-and-play’ installation via a standard USB interface. This allows users to begin conferencing or streaming in seconds. All Hikvision webcams can also be flexibly mounted on users’ equipment, on tables, laptops, monitors, or tripods. Importantly, Hikvision webcams are equipped with dedicated PC-based client software, called HIKIN. Users can use this software for video previews, and to configure image and sound parameters. Notably, the webcams can be used with all the third-party conferencing platforms with video parameters configured using a simple drop-down menu. All Hikvision webcams are delivered with a standard 2-year warranty, giving end-users reliability and peace of mind.

Along with administering vaccines, face masks have become another important way to keep one safe. In public areas like airports, hospitals, schools, offices, people are complying with mask rules. Security industries had to think of a way to ensure safety of individuals and to also keep up their business during the pandemic. And the solution was face recognition devices with mask and temperature detection features. Demand for face recognition devices has increased to 124% in the past year. Deep learning algorithm Anviz as a provider in the security industry introduced FaceDeep Series to meet the global demands. FaceDeep Series are the new AI-based face recognition terminal equipped with a dual-core Linux based CPU and the latest BioNANO® deep learning algorithm. According to Mr. Jin, the R&D director of Anviz, in FaceDeep Series the facial mask recognition rate increased to 98.57% from 74.65%. Next Step for Anviz is adapt facial recognition to iris algorithm and try to raise the accuracy rate to 99.99%. Since 2001, Anviz continuously updates its independent BioNANO algorithm, improves the fingerprint, facial, iris recognition technologies. In this global pandemic environment, they are doing their best to provide customers with a more integrated, convenient and efficient smart solution.

Small and medium businesses of all kinds encountered unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. And now that businesses have reopened, they are facing new obstacles through each stage of recovery. Business owners need to look for solutions that can help them manage these issues now and beyond. Challenges ranging from lack of cash flow to staffing challenges to IT security issues for businesses with remote workers can be lessened by security and automation solutions. One of the main challenges following the height of the COVID-19 pandemic for small and medium businesses is cash flow. Mitigating negative effects In the aftermath of the pandemic, both demand and supply chains continue to be disrupted, causing implications for cash flow across industries. Business owners can help mitigate negative effects to cash flow by finding more ways to save money A particularly impacted industry is retail, which continues to struggle due to reduced foot traffic. Business owners can help mitigate negative effects to cash flow by finding more ways to save money and helping prevent other crisis-level situations before they occur. Security and automation devices are an ideal solution to manage energy and monitor for situations that could cause damage or loss. Energy management: Smart lighting: With an automated security system, lights can be programmed to go on and off to give the illusion of an occupied storefront or can be easily turned off remotely if left on by accident. This can help keep energy costs down by only using lighting when needed. Smart thermostat: Business owners can also manage energy usage at one or many locations by using a smart thermostat and setting up automated schedules. For example, they can set their thermostat according to their open and close hours and lower the use of energy from those devices while the store is empty. Temperature and flooding alerts: Devices to measure unanticipated temperature changes or detect flooding can help a business owner act quickly to prevent damage or loss to stock and equipment due to extreme heat, cold, or a flood. After the crisis already endured during the pandemic, it is important that business owners have the chance to prevent further unexpected disasters. Medium business owners Staffing challenges are a prevalent issue for businesses across the nation Staffing challenges are a prevalent issue for businesses across the nation. Due to the lack of employees, small and medium business owners now must work more to help keep their businesses running. Security and automation solutions like remote system management, instant alerts and activity reports and professional monitoring can help them keep their business functional and protected even if they need to step away or check on another location. Remote system management: Business owners can use an app to lock and unlock their businesses or arm and disarm their security system 24/7 from virtually anywhere in the world. They can also ensure all doors are locked after the last employee has left for the night. This can allow them to keep their security level consistent even with fewer employees. With security cameras, business owners can take a live look into their business from anywhere using their mobile app. This is an especially helpful feature if a small business owner has multiple locations and wants to check in at another location from work or home. Instant alerts and activity reports: With an automated security system, business owners can get instant alerts to keep them up to date on what is happening at the business while they’re away. This helps owners stay in control even with reduced staffing or while new employees are being trained. Professional monitoring: Security systems with professional monitoring can help save lives and protect property, whether a burglar alarm or a fire alarm is set off in the business. When an alarm sounds, a live person will respond immediately and ensure emergency services are on the way. This can give business owners peace of mind while they are away from their business, knowing that their livelihood and life’s work is always protected. Physical security systems Cyberattacks increased dramatically during the pandemic, according to the FBI Another key change for small and medium businesses due to the pandemic is more employees working remotely. What many businesses overlook, however, is that remote workers that aren’t properly protected can cause a major threat to a business’s network. In addition to that, cyberattacks increased dramatically during the pandemic, according to the FBI, and small businesses need to stay alert. Just as with physical security systems, employing the right cybersecurity solutions can reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Cybercriminals are just like burglars-looking for easy victims without protection in place. Cybersecurity solutions like firewalls and VPNs (virtual private networks) can help protect the business network and beyond. Shielding business computers Managed firewall: Firewalls help protect against bad actors by shielding business computers or the overall network from malicious Internet traffic. Just one small error in the configuration could result in a hacker gaining access to credit card transactions, or other sensitive patient or customer data. A managed firewall service allows companies to receive the benefits of sophisticated firewall solutions and outsource the complexity associated with operating them. VPNs: Businesses can extend their firewall protection to wherever employees are working, including their homes, with VPN This is a crucial need in limiting risk due to the expanded post-pandemic remote workforce, which is expected to double pre-pandemic numbers by 2025, according to Upwork. Medium business owners As small and medium business owners encounter the difficulties of the post-pandemic ‘new normal,’ they can look to security and automation solutions to help keep them on their feet. Beyond that, security systems and cybersecurity solutions are a great investment to help ensure the protection of a small business both online and physically, while also providing convenience, insight and peace of mind to business owners.

The SolarWinds cyberattack of 2020 was cited by security experts as “one of the potentially largest penetrations of Western governments” since the Cold War. This attack put cybersecurity front and center on people’s minds again. Hacking communication protocol The attack targeted the US government and reportedly compromised the treasury and commerce departments and Homeland Security. What’s interesting about the SolarWinds attack is that it was caused by the exploitation of a hacker who injected a backdoor communications protocol.  This means that months ahead of the attack, hackers broke into SolarWinds systems and added malicious code into the company’s software development system. Later on, updates being pushed out included the malicious code, creating a backdoor communication for the hackers to use. Once a body is hacked, access can be gained to many. An explosion of network devices What has made the threat of cyberattacks much more prominent these days has been IT's growth in the last 20 years, notably cheaper and cheaper IoT devices. This has led to an explosion of network devices. IT spending has never really matched the pace of hardware and software growth Compounding this issue is that IT spending has never really matched the pace of hardware and software growth. Inevitably, leading to vulnerabilities, limited IT resources, and an increase in IoT devices get more attention from would-be hackers. Bridging the cybersecurity gap In the author’s view, this is the main reason why the cybersecurity gap is growing. This is because it inevitably boils down to counter-strike versus counter-strike. IT teams plug holes, and hackers find new ones, that is never going to stop. The companies must continue fighting cyber threats by developing new ways of protecting through in-house testing, security best practice sources, and both market and customer leads. End-user awareness One of the key battlegrounds here is the education of end-users. This is an area where the battle is being won at present, in the author’s opinion. End-users awareness of cybersecurity is increasing. It is crucial to educate end-users on what IoT devices are available, how they are configured, how to enable it effectively, and critically, how to use it correctly and safely. Physical security network A valuable product that tackles cybersecurity is, of course, Razberi Monitor™, which is new to ComNet’s portfolio. Monitor™ is a software platform that provides a top-down view of the physical security network and ecosystem. Monitor™ is a software platform that provides a top-down view of the physical security network and ecosystem It monitors and manages all the system components for cybersecurity and system health, providing secure visibility into the availability, performance, and cyber posture of servers, storage, cameras, and networked security devices. Proactive maintenance By intelligently utilizing system properties and sensor data, Razberi’s award-winning cybersecurity software prevents problems while providing a centralized location for asset and alert management. Monitor™ enables proactive maintenance by offering problem resolutions before they become more significant problems. Identifying issues before they fail and become an outage is key to system availability and, moreover, is a considerable cost saving.

Human beings have a long-standing relationship with privacy and security. For centuries, we’ve locked our doors, held close our most precious possessions, and been wary of the threats posed by thieves. As time has gone on, our relationship with security has become more complicated as we’ve now got much more to be protective of. As technological advancements in security have got smarter and stronger, so have those looking to compromise it. Cybersecurity Cybersecurity, however, is still incredibly new to humans when we look at the long relationship that we have with security in general. As much as we understand the basics, such as keeping our passwords secure and storing data in safe places, our understanding of cybersecurity as a whole is complicated and so is our understanding of the threats that it protects against. However, the relationship between physical security and cybersecurity is often interlinked. Business leaders may find themselves weighing up the different risks to the physical security of their business. As a result, they implement CCTV into the office space, and alarms are placed on doors to help repel intruders. Importance of cybersecurity But what happens when the data that is collected from such security devices is also at risk of being stolen, and you don’t have to break through the front door of an office to get it? The answer is that your physical security can lose its power to keep your business safe if your cybersecurity is weak. As a result, cybersecurity is incredibly important to empower your physical security. We’ve seen the risks posed by cybersecurity hacks in recent news. Video security company Verkada recently suffered a security breach as malicious attackers obtained access to the contents of many of its live camera feeds, and a recent report by the UK government says two in five UK firms experienced cyberattacks in 2020. Cloud computing – The solution Cloud stores information in data centres located anywhere in the world, and is maintained by a third party Cloud computing offers a solution. The cloud stores your information in data centres located anywhere in the world and is maintained by a third party, such as Claranet. As the data sits on hosted servers, it’s easily accessible while not being at risk of being stolen through your physical device. Here’s why cloud computing can help to ensure that your physical security and the data it holds aren’t compromised. Cloud anxiety It’s completely normal to speculate whether your data is safe when it’s stored within a cloud infrastructure. As we are effectively outsourcing our security by storing our important files on servers we have no control over - and, in some cases, limited understanding of - it’s natural to worry about how vulnerable this is to cyber-attacks. The reality is, the data that you save on the cloud is likely to be a lot safer than that which you store on your device. Cyber hackers can try and trick you into clicking on links that deploy malware or pose as a help desk trying to fix your machine. As a result, they can access your device and if this is where you’re storing important security data, then it is vulnerable. Cloud service providers Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software in the personal computer Cloud service providers offer security that is a lot stronger than the software that is likely in place on your personal computer. Hyperscalers such as Microsoft and Amazon Web Service (AWS) are able to hire countless more security experts than any individual company - save the corporate behemoth - could afford. These major platform owners have culpability for thousands of customers on their cloud and are constantly working to enhance the security of their platforms. The security provided by cloud service providers such as Claranet is an extension of these capabilities. Cloud resistance Cloud servers are located in remote locations that workers don’t have access to. They are also encrypted, which is the process of converting information or data into code to prevent unauthorized access. Additionally, cloud infrastructure providers like ourselves look to regularly update your security to protect against viruses and malware, leaving you free to get on with your work without any niggling worries about your data being at risk from hackers. Data centres Cloud providers provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and AI Additionally, cloud providers are also able to provide sophisticated security measures and solutions in the form of firewalls and artificial intelligence, as well as data redundancy, where the same piece of data is held within several separate data centres. This is effectively super-strong backup and recovery, meaning that if a server goes down, you can access your files from a backup server. Empowering physical security with cybersecurity By storing the data gathered by your physical security in the cloud, you're not just significantly reducing the risk of cyber-attacks, but also protecting it from physical threats such as damage in the event of a fire or flood. Rather than viewing your physical and cybersecurity as two different entities, treat them as part of one system: if one is compromised, the other is also at risk. They should work in tandem to keep your whole organization secure.

A result of the COVID-19 pandemic has been fewer crowds gathering for outdoor events. However, sooner or later, crowded events will surge, as will the danger of injury or death from vehicle attacks. The threats of vehicular violence are still present even though collisions have become less frequent and traffic, in general, is at a significant low. Preparing for such instances remains a high priority, and institutions are seeking to take a preemptive stance to prevent major incidents before they happen. Vehicle security barriers Even amid the pandemic, manufacturers of vehicle barriers have not seen a major impact on their sales. “Half of the battle against aggressors perpetrating a vehicle attack is pre-planning,” says Greg Hamm, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Delta Scientific. He says Delta is fortunate to have long-standing trust relationships with many agencies, built over the last 46 years. “We're happy to see that demand for vehicle security barriers has not changed much – customers are preparing for the future when crowds will be present again, and probably larger than ever,” adds Stuart Glen, National Sales Manager of Jackson’s Fencing. “Lots of councils are using the downtime to install or upgrade security around town and city centers, which is promising.” Physical structures such as bollards, barriers, and barricades can stop a vehicle from entering a high-foot-traffic area. Temporary venues can deploy portable barriers. "We're happy to see that demand for vehicle security barriers has not changed much" Fully automated system The first consideration is the level of security required for a particular location. A parking garage for a foreign embassy or federal courthouse will require far more serious security measures than a parking lot for a mall. Other primary factors to consider include the frequency of vehicles moving in and out and whether there will be vehicle inspections performed or a fully automated system at the entrance. “A key challenge when protecting people from vehicle attacks is trying to ensure that the public are kept safe, but do not feel worried or overly aware of any risks,” says Glen. “People should feel protected and be able to move freely. Discreet measures such as bollards are ideal as they don't restrict pedestrian flow but are very effective in the case of a hostile vehicle attack.” Sparking future assaults The use of vehicles as tools of destruction has become one of the top concerns for security specialists Events and sports venues need increased protection as they are likely targets due to the high numbers of crowds. Places of worship are sadly another target that should be given extra protection, says Glen.  The use of vehicles as tools of destruction has become one of the top concerns for security specialists. This tactic has grown popular regardless of ideology and is especially alarming when coupled with cars’ accessibility. In many places, individuals only need a valid driver’s license to rent a truck. News of a particular attack encourages or inspires other individuals to perpetuate the same form of violence. Unfortunately, this creates a feedback loop as more reports emerge following these tragedies, potentially sparking future assaults. Straightforward security solutions In the case of vehicle-ramming attacks, there are straightforward security solutions to protect patrons. Delta Scientific offers over 100 product designs, emphasizing barriers that stop and destroy attacking vehicles. Delta’s barriers carry crash ratings from PU50 up to K54 and include sophisticated control systems that provide custom optimization. Control systems feature the latest, most advanced protection technology. Early warning systems enable active security measures built into Delta products plus alert features to on-site security personnel. Delta Scientific’s High Security Protection and Barricade Systems are used internationally by governments, armed forces, federal agencies, private corporations, and other industries. Jackson’s Fencing’s range of solutions includes fencing, bollards, road blockers, and gates. They have been tested to PAS 68 standards and can stop a 7.5-ton vehicle traveling at 50mph (80km/h). The products come with a 25-year guarantee. Attractive timber appearance They offer crash ratings up to M50 and include both automated barriers and passive bollards In addition, their unique Linebacker PNR system is a cable crash fence, encased within a timber post and rail fence, offering a completely discreet yet highly effective vehicle security barrier with an attractive timber appearance. Facilities that require day-to-day employee and civilian access need permanent solutions installed to thwart daily terror threats, says Hamm of Delta Scientific. Solutions include wedge barriers, bollards, beams, and sliding gates with high duty cycles and excellent reliability coupled with appropriate crash ratings. Local fairs and festivals, parades, conventions, sports, and vaccination sites utilize portable barriers that can be towed into place and set up within 30 minutes. They offer crash ratings up to M50 and include both automated barriers and passive bollards. They can be plugged into a local 120v source and provide a portable solution that allows vehicle throughput by pushing a button. Vehicle-borne attacks Both temporary and permanent barriers are extremely effective, says Glen of Jackson’s Fencing. Temporary barriers can be deployed rapidly and removed when a threat has passed (for example, an event such as the London marathon, where large crowds gather), while permanent measures are used for sites that will always be a high-risk target. Glen says temporary barriers also generally have a more dominating appearance and wider footprint. Permanent measures are used for sites that will always be a high-risk target.  Temporary barriers can be used immediately after a risk assessment highlights vehicle-borne attacks as a threat to a site before permanent measures are installed. They can help to identify the ideal positioning of permanent barriers – often it's a case of trial and error before finding a solution that works well for one’s particular needs. The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has provided certification according to the Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technology Act (SAFETY Act) of 2002. Access control products This certification minimizes insurance risks for organizations that deploy authorized Delta vehicle access control products to protect against terrorists and errant drivers. All products certified are covered retroactively back to 1984 and are now authorized to carry the SAFETY Act Designated mark. By minimizing insurance risks to deploying authorized Delta vehicle access systems, this certification lets customers feel comfortable knowing that they have the full faith and backing of the Department of Homeland Security. A common planning deficiency occurs when designers choose non-certified barriers or barricades A common planning deficiency occurs when designers choose non-certified barriers or barricades. Certified equipment has been tested and proven to work under extreme conditions, thus giving planners the confidence they rely on. No area is more critical to the vehicle barrier selection process than testing. Without adequate testing, there is no assurance that the barrier will resist the threat. Independent testing company Testing is normally done by an independent testing company or government agency, such as the Department of State (DOS) and ASTM. Comprehensive reports of test results are issued and are available from the testing agency or manufacturer. A common misconception among the general public is that the barriers are ‘ugly,’ but this often comes from the appearance of temporary barriers that are installed for testing purposes before deciding on permanent measures. Temporary barriers often have a large footprint because they have no foundations and can be quite obtrusive. There are actually many discreet and attractive permanent solutions such as road blockers and stainless steel rising bollards, which allow flexible control over entry and security, and can be rapidly activated.

Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2019 will blow into the Windy City this fall, combining a tradeshow, a full schedule of professional education sessions, plenty of industry networking opportunities, and an annual reunion of the top professionals from around the world tasked with protecting people, property and assets. GSX – the trade show and industry event 'formerly known as' the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits – will be Sept. 8-12 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The show promises to 'elevate the event experience with modern education learning experiences, revitalized networking opportunities, and a reimagined trade show floor.' More than 550 exhibitors will be featured in the expo hall (open Sept. 10-12), according to ASIS International. Chicago is a great location for GSX, as evidenced by the successful 2013 ASIS show. Cutting-Edge solutions X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding GSX seeks to attract more attendees to the exhibition hall with education events positioned alongside the industry’s latest-and-greatest equipment and technology exhibits. On the expo floor, the GSX: Disruption District will include new and enhanced programs such as the X Learning stages, the D3 (drones, droids, defense) Learning Theater, the Pitch Competition and the Innovative Product Awards. X Learning is a series of experiential sessions. X1 Stage sessions are designed to highlight cutting-edge solutions and increase contextual understanding of new technology. GSX: Startup Sector highlights new companies with emerging technologies; and GSX: Pitch Competition brings together entrepreneurs, investors and industry leaders to feature early-stage startup pitches. Career HQ will provide free resume reviews, career coaching, professional development and networking opportunities. A Sharpshooter Contest sponsored by Smart Simulators and SB Tactical will allow contestants donating $20 to compete for $500 in prizes each day. Pre-Conference certification courses More than 300 security courses, plus pre-conference certification courses, will provide security professionals expertise to enhance their career development. Programming will be led by ASIS and InfraGard subject matter experts. (InfraGard is a non-profit organization serving as a public-private partnership between U.S. businesses and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.) Seventeen education tracks will serve the needs of security professionals interested in topics from business continuity to crime/loss prevention, law and ethics to national security, information security to physical and operational security. The show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers 'Game Changer' sessions will address hot and controversial topics, including 'The Ever-Changing Drone Landscape: What You Need to Know' and 'Accelerating Digital Transformation: Insights and Applications.' Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group will speak on navigating the geopolitical landscape; Steve Demetriou and Joe Olivarez of Jacobs, a global professional services company, will speak about harnessing technology and big data to make strategic decisions. Providing new opportunities Wednesday morning, General John F. Kelly of the U.S. Marine Corps (Ret), will provide insight into the evolving geopolitical landscape around the world. His keynote presentation on Sept. 11 will kick off Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Tarah Wheeler, cyber security researcher, will speak on protecting assets in the age of cybersecurity leaks and scandals. More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry Although the attendee emphasis is on security end-users, the show also provides opportunities for dealers, installers, integrators, consultants, specifiers, architects and engineers. More than 20,000 registered attendees are expected from 110-plus countries across the entire industry, according to ASIS International. Networking events will include an ASIS Town Hall Meeting on the afternoon of Sept. 8, aimed at opening communication between ASIS staff and membership. There will be an Opening Night Celebration Sept. 8 centred on the theme 'Chicago on the Silver Screen' at Revel Motor Row, a popular Chicago landmark originally home to the Illinois Auto Club. Emphasis on education On Monday (Sept. 9) a networking luncheon will be followed by the Awards Reception later in the day. A reception in the evening will present the Karen Marquez Honors Award, recognizing a female security professional. Tuesday (Sept. 10) will have a Happy Hour at the exhibit hall, followed later by a Women in Security and Young Professionals Happy Hour. Wednesday evening will be the President’s Reception at Wintrust Arena, with a 1980s theme. The annual trade show has declined in recent years, and ASIS International has implemented changes that seek to reinvigorate the show, culminating in the rebranding last year. One challenge is that the show’s emphasis on education keeps attendees engaged for hours of the day, making it harder to meet the expectations of exhibiting companies who want more booth traffic. More attractions on the show floor, including the Tuesday happy hour, are aimed at increasing overall foot traffic in the hall.

From New York to California, city and state governments throughout the United States are second-guessing the use of facial recognition technologies by police departments and other government entities. San Francisco was among the first major cities to issue a ban on ‘secret surveillance’ tools such as facial recognition. Now backlash against public use of facial recognition appears to be gathering steam, and some technology trials have faced additional scrutiny. Oakland, California, has joined San Francisco in banning use of facial recognition. Oakland’s diverse population has led to concerns about facial recognition systems that are prone to misidentify people of color. Limiting the use of facial recognition technology The policy would limit use of live facial recognition to situations of credible terrorism threatsNearby Berkeley, California, is considering its own prohibition of facial recognition systems by city government. Somerville, Massachusetts, has banned city departments from buying or using facial-recognition technology for any purpose. A Detroit civilian oversight board and the Board of Police Commissioners are reviewing a formal policy that would require other evidence to be used along with biometric search results to confirm a suspect’s identity. The policy would also limit use of live facial recognition to situations of credible terrorism threats. At the state level, Massachusetts and Michigan are considering moratoriums on use of facial recognition, and a bill in California would forbid police use of facial recognition in body cameras. There is a law in Illinois that requires companies to get consent from customers before collecting biometric information. Installing cameras and facial recognition system Lockport Schools in western New York state have recently drawn attention to their planned use of facial recognition. The school system plans to install dozens of surveillance cameras and a facial recognition system using $1.4 million of a state grant. The Aegis system (by SN Technologies in Canada) creates an ‘early warning system’ that informs staff if it detects individuals who are not allowed in the schools. The school system plans to install dozens of surveillance cameras and a facial recognition system The system will screen every door and also use object recognition to detect 10 types of guns. An initial implementation of the program this summer is meant to troubleshoot the system, train officials on its use, and discuss procedures with law enforcement in the event of an alert. Full implementation is planned in the fall. Abuse of facial recognition system However, New York State Education Department has asked Lockport Schools to delay use of facial recognition technology on students pending further evaluation, and a bill introduced in the New York State Assembly would halt use of the technology for a year for further study. The city of Orlando and Orlando Police Department are testing facial recognition technology to address public safety Abuse has also been a concern. A report from Georgetown Law’s Center on Privacy and Technology details widespread abuse of the New York Police Department’s facial recognition system, including image alteration and use of non-suspect images. The charges raise questions about the propriety of how expanding technical capabilities of facial recognition systems are implemented. Testing facial recognition for public safety The city of Orlando, Florida, and Orlando Police Department are testing facial recognition technology to address public safety, partnering with Amazon Web Services. One pilot ended in June 2018, and the most recent ended on July 18, 2019. Orlando has no immediate plants regarding future pilots. Light bulb-sized cameras were affixed to traffic signal poles along the city’s palm-tree-lined avenues. If a camera ‘sees’ someone, it sends a live video feed to Amazon’s facial ‘Rekognition’ system, cross-referencing the face against persons of interest. Only images of Orlando police officer volunteers were used for the test. Recently Congress has become attentive to privacy concerns and, now, the Senate is considering a bill that would limit businesses from collecting and tracking facial recognition data without consent.

Carrier Global Corporation, a global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable, and intelligent building and cold chain solutions is delivering a full suite of innovative building technologies at Emory Healthcare’s new cutting-edge Musculoskeletal Institute (MSKI) in Atlanta, Georgia. Advanced solutions Carrier and Emory are collaborating to implement advanced solutions from Carrier’s Healthy Buildings Program – including HVAC, building automation, fire detection, access, and video management and digital services – at this state-of-the-art facility. Carrier’s portfolio features products that optimize indoor environments to improve occupant experience, operational efficiency, and inspire confidence in everything from physical safety and security to improved health, productivity, and cognitive performance. Eco-friendly building design Emory’s vision to be a model of transformative practices serves as the inspiration for the eco-friendly design" “Emory’s vision to be a model of transformative practices and sustainable choices at every level serves as the inspiration for the eco-friendly design of the building,” said Scott D. Boden, MD, Director of Emory MSKI and Professor and Chair of the Department of Orthopaedics, Emory University School of Medicine. To deliver this vision, it was important for Emory to partner with an innovative building technologies company like Carrier that provides the most advanced solutions. Intelligent technologies “At Carrier, we recognize the potential for indoor environments to help shape a healthier future. We are pleased to provide Emory’s MSKI with our full suite of intelligent building technologies. It’s through relationships built on a shared vision of innovation, that we can see the full potential of our technologies,” said Mead Rusert, President, Automated Logic Corporation, a Carrier Company. “I am confident that patients and staff will see and feel the benefits of the technologies in this world-class facility.” From the most fundamental elements of safety and security to the cognitive and health benefits of improved air quality and ventilation, Carrier’s high-performing building solutions at the Emory MSKI facility enhance the occupant experience. WebCTRL® building automation system WebCTRL helps customers achieve their sustainability and energy-efficiency goals by optimizing equipment At the core of the enhancements is the Automated Logic WebCTRL® building automation system, a powerful web-based platform that provides the MSK Facilities Team with software tools and insight to keep occupants comfortable while managing energy consumption and to identify, prioritize and analyze operational issues. WebCTRL helps customers achieve their sustainability and energy-efficiency goals by optimizing equipment and proactively identifying issues. Carrier’s Abound IoT platform will integrate into WebCTRL and will monitor indoor air quality and operational performance, displaying the data on user-friendly dashboards in the main lobby and on MSK’s website. Safety and security MSK chose products from Carrier’s Fire & Security portfolio, including LenelS2 and Edwards, to enhance the safety and security of the facility. The LenelS2 OnGuard® access control system secures the facility by leveraging mobile credentialing technology through the MyWay app, eliminating a significant number of access touchpoints and affording a safer, more secure, healthier experience for building occupants. In addition, through LenelS2’s continued collaboration with Milestone Systems, a provider of video management software, MSKI operators benefit from a unified security management system that incorporates access control, video surveillance, and other technologies to help keep people and property safe. EST4 enhances system survivability through advanced encryption and safeguards, managing cyber threats EST4 emergency communications system The facility also utilizes the Edwards EST4 premier emergency communications system. Featuring new network architecture, EST4 enhances system survivability through advanced encryption and safeguards, managing today's cyber threats. The system also benefits from Edwards’ Signature Optica™ detectors which distinguish between different types of fires, enhancing the protection of people and property, while reducing the number of false alarms that cause business interruption and unnecessary responses by fire departments. Location Located in Emory’s Executive Park health innovation district, Emory’s MSKI is a six-story,180,000 square-foot building that focuses on innovation, improving the patient experience and research while providing all musculoskeletal services in one convenient location for patients.

Roselle Catholic High School is a co-ed private high school founded 61 years ago in Roselle, New Jersey. Home to more than 400 students, Roselle Catholic is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark. In its community, Roselle Catholic is known for its core values promoting academic excellence, service, and tolerance. Like many high schools across the country, Roselle Catholic High School relied on outdated technology to communicate between the front office and classrooms. Outdated intercom system While the front office could connect with the classroom through its dated one‑way intercom system, teachers could not communicate with the front office from the classroom. In the event of a classroom emergency, such as a student suddenly falling ill or a classroom disruption, teachers had to rely on a student to run down to the front office to request assistance. “Our school is in an older building and the original communication system layout doesn’t have the talkback option to the main office,” said Principal Tom Berrios. “That left teachers in a bad spot if they ever had to reach an administrator for an emergency.” Lack of visitor management system School administrators sought a new system that could provide communications between teachers and staff The school also lacked a visitor management system allowing the front office to visually confirm and speak with anyone before permitting them to physically enter the building. In addition, with new health and safety concerns from the COVID‑19 pandemic, the school wanted to implement new measures to help screen visitors before they enter the building. As part of its efforts to improve security facility-wide, school administrators sought a new system that could provide internal communications between teachers and staff—while sending audio alerts in the event of an emergency. They also needed a visitor management system enabling them to visually confirm and communicate with visitors before they enter the building. IP video intercom system To assist with these challenges, the school installed the IX Series Peer‑to‑Peer IP Video Intercom System from Aiphone. Installing the system was Maffey’s Security Group, a systems integration company from Elizabeth, New Jersey, with close ties to the high school. “Roselle Catholic High School is my alma mater and we try to help them keep up‑to‑date with the latest technology and security,” said Ed Maffey, president of Maffey’s Security Group, a family-owned and operated business for 110 years. By leveraging a program through the state of New Jersey, the high school was able to apply and receive a grant designed to support security improvements at both public and private schools. The grant was used to help pay for the new Aiphone IX Series Peer‑to‑Peer IP Video Intercom System, which included two master stations, two IP video door stations, and 43 IP audio substations for classrooms. The IX Series delivers flexibility The benefit of the IP video intercom system is its ability to integrate with a recently installed thermal imaging camera The IP system is a scalable, enterprise‑level solution that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE), eliminates the need for a power source for each intercom and substation. The system can easily integrate with access control, video, and other security devices to provide a fully unified solution. One main benefit of the IP video intercom system is its ability to integrate with a recently installed thermal imaging camera system, which is being used to screen students, staff, and visitors before the entrance. A thermal imaging camera located at the front entrance will screen people for a mask and elevated temperature, and only allow access if that visitor is cleared. Video-based monitoring system With the new Aiphone IX Series system, front office staff can respond when a visitor rings a bell asking for entrance. Staff can speak to the visitor and also make visual contact before pushing the door release button to allow that person to enter. The school is equipped with two touchscreen master stations, with one located in the front office and the second located in the principal’s office. The live video also helps to prevent people from following an approved guest through the doors. Trained front desk staff can monitor a visitor as they enter the building to ensure additional people aren’t following behind. Added benefits with emergency notifications In addition to enabling communication directly from teachers to the front office, they also can put the entire school on a lockdown notice in the event of an emergency. The Aiphone IX Series can send a pre‑recorded notification building‑wide, alerting students or staff of a problem and providing directions about what steps to take next. With one push of a button, a message will play continuously and that message can be used for a variety of scenarios “The system makes the teachers feel more secure with what’s going on in the building and they have an easier way to communicate,” said Berrios. Maffey called this feature a “hot button” capability. With one push of a button, a message will play continuously and that pre‑recorded message can be used for a variety of scenarios, including fire drills, emergency evacuations, and lockdown situations. Entry door security   The school is also using the Aiphone IX Series on an entry door located in the back of the building, which is frequently used by students heading outside for athletics or gym class. “After school, the intercom system has become an added security feature because we can now visually see the students who need to enter the building and the locker room,” said Berrios. “Before we had to keep the door propped open or students could not gain access from the back of the building.” Leveraging IP connectivity Maffey said the installation was relatively easy because he was able to leverage the school’s existing IP network to run the new IP‑based video intercom system. Additional switches helped to fill in areas where network connectivity wasn’t available. “When we install an Aiphone system we can walk away confident that it is going to work,” said Maffey. “Aiphone has been our go‑to intercom system for over 20 years.”

Officers used to spend up to 15 minutes each shift recording the serial number from every radio, shotgun, citation printer, and other equipment. Before an officer of the Richardson (Texas) Police Department goes on patrol, he or she is responsible for verifying that everything that belongs in the squad car is there. Officers spent up to 15 minutes each shift recording the serial number from every radio, shotgun, citation printer, and other piece of equipment in the vehicle. Recording serial numbers The time that used to be spent looking for assets and recording serial numbers can now be spent on patrol, because of an RFID system that completes the pre-shift inventory process in seconds. “In less than a minute the officer is ready to roll,” says Richardson Police Chief Jimmy Spivey. “You multiply 15 minutes a day saved by all the officers every day of the week, and the system is a massive time saver.” A secure Xerafy RFID tag has been permanently affixed to each in-vehicle asset A secure Xerafy RFID tag has been permanently affixed to each in-vehicle asset. The officer coming on shift uses a handheld computer with an integrated RFID reader to do a quick sweep of the vehicle. Using a software application developed by GlobeRanger, the reader automatically identifies all the assets in the vehicle and records their serial numbers plus a time/date stamp of the transaction. Integrated RFID reader The transaction updates the chain-of-custody record in real-time so the Richardson PD always has a record of which officer last had every specific piece of equipment. More importantly, the application issues an alert if any assets that are supposed to be in the vehicle are missing, so they can be located or replaced prior to the officer going on patrol. "Most assets that are missing aren't really lost, they're just misplaced. For example, an officer may have brought a piece of equipment in from the squad car instead of leaving it there," says Captain Danny Martin of the Richardson Police Department. More efficient method The certainty of knowing for sure whether we do or do not have an asset is a huge benefit" "The next office would come on duty, do the inventory, and would see that something was missing. We would look for it and try to track down the previous officer that used the car, which was time-consuming. Now we can find a lot of assets just by doing a sweep of the locker room. With the RFID system, there is no confusion. We know that this officer had this asset at this time - no ifs, ands or buts. The certainty of knowing for sure whether we do or do not have an asset is a huge benefit." The Richardson PD extended RFID tracking to its cars after successfully using the technology to manage uniforms. Because of growing concerns about police impersonators, and with a goal to enhance accountability, the Department desired a more efficient method to track uniforms. Asset tracking system “Old pieces didn’t always get turned in when officers were issued new ones,” says Martin. “After a while, our record-keeping systems got out of synch and it was hard to tell just what was out there. We periodically had to have all officers bring in all their uniform pieces for a manual inventory, which was a big project.” GlobeRanger is a longtime pioneer in developing a variety of tracking systems The Richardson PD began working with GlobeRanger, which happens to be headquartered nearby, to automate the process. GlobeRanger is a longtime pioneer in developing a variety of tracking systems that have been used by organizations around the world. It provided its GR-AWARE-PD™ asset tracking system to the Richardson PD and worked with the department to find the best RFID tags for uniform tracking and to get all uniform items tagged. Expanding RFID tracking Now when new shirts, jackets, or other items are issued, the officer presents his ID card, which is scanned along with the apparel item to associate it to the specific officer. The system has greatly improved record-keeping accuracy while saving time, which led the department to explore other ways to take advantage of the technology. There were challenges in expanding RFID tracking from garments to squad cars because it involved a much greater variety of assets. Garments are relatively easy to identify with RFID and many tags have been developed specifically for that purpose. In contrast, shotguns, computers, radios, radar guns, and other equipment kept in cars are made from a larger range of materials and often include metal, which can cause interference for general-purpose RFID tags. RFID tag suppliers GlobeRanger selected Xerafy to help it find the best tags and adhesives for the Richardson PD project The heat inside unattended squad cars routinely exceeds 120°F (49°C), which can also cause problems for RFID tags and the adhesives used to attach them. GlobeRanger works with several RFID tag suppliers. Because of the demanding, read-on metal requirements, GlobeRanger selected Xerafy to help it find the best tags and adhesives for the Richardson PD project. With more than 6,000 tagged assets in the program, the Richardson Police Department is using several types of Xerafy tags, including: XS Dot On, an IP 68-rated on-metal tag that measures only 0.24 x 0.1 inch (6 x 2.5 mm) that is used on cell phones; XS Dash On, a 0.48 x 0.12 x 0.09 inch (12.3 x 3 x 2.2 mm) on-metal tag the Richardson PD uses for tracking voice recorders; Pico series tags are used on a variety of assets. The compact tags are IP 68 rated and have different size options; Nano X-II tags for larger assets where more space is available; Titanium Metal Skin smart labels that are only 0.22 inches wide and 0.03 inch thick, which is small enough for use on handguns and IT assets where a low profile is essential. Unique serial number All tags come pre-encoded with a unique serial number. They are permanently attached to in-vehicle assets in a variety of ways. For example, tags are permanently sealed inside the stocks of shotguns so they cannot be removed and do not affect the feel of the weapon. Citation printers and other assets can have tags applied directly to the surface Citation printers and other assets can have tags applied directly to the surface. Regardless of the asset or where the tag is located, the Richardson PD is getting extremely accurate and responsive RFID reads, enabling officers to complete the inventory in just a few seconds. There are typically between 10 and 16 patrol officers deployed on each of the three daily shifts. Developing similar systems By saving approximately 15 minutes per shift per day, using RFID for asset inventory is saving the Richardson Police Department 7.5 to 12 hours a day – about the equivalent of a patrol shift. The system has worked so well in squad cars that the department now plans to expand it to its in-building assets. “Going around with clipboards and pens isn’t ideal,” says Martin. “We are stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars, and we want to use our resources as efficiently as we can. RFID has proved to be very effective for that.” “RFID technology is just fabulous. We know where every asset is,” says Spivey, who has hosted visitors from several other police departments that are interested in developing similar systems. “This is going to be the way police departments manage their assets in the future.”

Smiths Detection, a pioneer in threat detection and security inspection technologies, announces the commissioning of an HCVM scanner by the Lebanese Customs at the Port of Beirut as part of a collaboration with the Embassy of France in Lebanon, the French Ministry of Economy and Finance, Expertise France and the CMA CGM Group, a pioneer in shipping and logistics. This mobile X-ray inspection system will increase the security of the port by providing it with improved detection of hazardous materials and illicit substances. Fight against smuggling This equipment, financed by the General Directorate of the Treasury, will play a critical role in the fight against smuggling. It also includes two years of maintenance of this scanner provided weekly by Smiths Detection, technical assistance for its installation, and training of Lebanese Customs officers in charge of its operation. Transport of the scanner, from Vitry, France to Beirut, was carried out with the support of Smiths Detection's partner, CMA CGM, as part of its continued support in Lebanon since the devastating explosion of 4 August 2020. Detection of dangerous goods The HCVM scanner, previously used by the French Douanes, underwent a software update The HCVM was welcomed at the port on Friday, 23 July by Anne Grillo, Ambassador of France to Lebanon, who said: "This new scanner [HCVM] will improve the detection of dangerous goods and the fight against smuggling. It will thus contribute to Lebanon's economic recovery by restoring to Lebanese Customs its full capacity to act." The HCVM, which can be easily moved from one location to another, will be the only scanner in the city capable of inspecting both containers and trucks, with a throughput of up to 25 trucks per hour. The HCVM scanner, previously used by the French Douanes, underwent a software update and a complete refurbishment before its shipment to the port of Beirut. Impact of the tragic explosion Jerôme de Chassey, Vice President Commercial of Smiths Detection, said: “We are proud to be able to help Lebanon improve its security. The impact of the tragic explosion that devastated Beirut last year continues to be felt, and smuggling has continued since that disaster.” “This system, which will be vital to protect people and property, has been designed to be easy to use in order to facilitate the work of Lebanese Customs. This donation would not have been possible without the cooperation of our partners, first and foremost the French Government and the CMA CGM group, to whom we are immensely grateful.”

GNP (Grupo Nacional Provincial) is one of the largest insurance providers in Mexico. The company has several offices throughout the country and primarily provides insurance policies for life, medical, automobile, home, and business. The organization was relying on analog CCTV technology that was unreliable and outdated. GNP wanted to modernize from its outdated system and deploy a new IP surveillance solution to improve security and take advantage of enhanced features. Network barriers  Several network barriers needed to be addressed before the organization could deploy the new IP security solution. A Coax infrastructure supported the existing CCTV system in each of the company’s locations. A Coax infrastructure supported the existing CCTV system in each of the company’s locations The customer had initially thought about ripping out the existing Coax-based infrastructure in each location and using fiber-optic cabling to extend connectivity beyond the 328ft (100m) reach limitation of standard Ethernet switches. However, this strategy would be extremely costly, disruptive, and time-consuming. GNP was also concerned with the potential business disruption and negative operational impacts as a result of the construction work needed to overhaul the network. The organization required an innovative solution to achieve its digital transformation objectives. NVT Phybridge EoC  Given the customer’s modernisation challenges, Logen, the reseller partner, recommended NVT Phybridge EoC (Ethernet over Coax) innovations. Logen had used NVT Phybridge products in the past for many other projects and was confident in the technology. GNP was excited about the potential solution and organized a proof-of-concept to test the technology in one of its locations. CLEER24 switch  After a few simple setup steps, the NVT Phybridge CLEER24 switch transformed the customer’s existing and proven Coax-based infrastructure into a power-packed IP backbone. The CLEER24 switch delivers power and data over a single Coax cable up to 6,000ft (1,830m), which’s 18-times farther than a standard Power over Ethernet (PoE) switch. GNP was impressed with the results and decided to move forward with the project using the CLEER24 switch. The customer avoided traditional rip-and-replace strategy, leveraging the existing Coax infrastructure to achieve results Simple and quick installations GNP was delighted with the entire experience, using the CLEER24 switch to deploy more than 250 IP cameras across several locations. “Installing the CLEER24 switch was simple, quick, and did not require any special tools,” said Mario Gomez Alvarez. “The NVT Phybridge team provided excellent technical support and training materials.” The customer was able to avoid the traditional rip-and-replace strategy, leveraging the existing and proven Coax infrastructure to achieve incredible results. Simplify and accelerate the deployment by 40% Reduce total infrastructure costs by 50% Prevent service outages and operational disruption during the upgrade Eliminate IDF closet requirements Maintain a physically separate network for the new IP security devices Allocate infrastructure cost savings towards more IP devices and applications GNP took full advantage of the CLEER24’s feature set. The switches are stacked and configured for power redundancy. Unused ports are locked for enhanced security. All equipment is centralized in one location for better system control.

One of the largest department store groups in Europe was relying on outdated analog security cameras and needed to strengthen its physical security measures. The retailer decided to modernize to an IP-based surveillance system in each of its retail locations to deter theft and provide better recognition capabilities. Modernization phases  Given the number and immense size of each store, the project was going to be massive. The organization decided to modernize its security system in two phases. The first phase would involve upgrading the existing analog devices with IP cameras at each location. Phase two would include expanding the security system with additional IP cameras to provide complete surveillance coverage. The organization was specifically interested in having IP cameras at each check-out terminal to ensure the safety of its employees. To successfully achieve the project’s objectives, the organization determined it would need to deploy and support over 90,000 IP cameras across the organization’s retail facilities. Setting up an IP infrastructure The organization was uncertain about how to proceed and searched for a solution that would allow for modernization of IP Before the retailer could move forward with the project, it needed to establish the necessary infrastructure to support the new IP solution. A Coax-based infrastructure was supporting the existing analog cameras, and the organization was not interested in the traditional rip-and-replace upgrade method, as they were concerned with: Extremely high costs and time requirements to retrofit hundreds of locations with new cabling and equipment Loss of revenue and a poor customer experience due to the business disruption caused by the renovations Losing valuable retail floor space from the IDF closets required to connect the IP cameras exactly where they were needed Ensuring a smooth and efficient modernization across every location The organization was uncertain about how to proceed and searched for a solution that would allow for a more graceful modernization of IP. Power over Ethernet technology The Spanish retailer discovered NVT Phybridge and engaged with a digital transformation specialist to learn more. NVT Phybridge worked closely with the customer to understand their objectives and challenges and recommended Modern LAN design and the CLEER24 (Ethernet over Coax) managed switch solution. CLEER24 switch CLEER24 switch transformed the existing Coax-based infrastructure into a robust and secure IP backbone The award-winning CLEER24 switch delivers power and data over any new or existing Coax-based infrastructure with reach capabilities up to 6,000ft (1,830m) – that’s 18 times farther than standard Ethernet switches. The customer was impressed with the proposal and wanted to see the solution in action. A no-obligation proof of concept was arranged at one of the retail locations to test the technology in the customer’s environment. In just a few simple setup steps, the enterprise-grade CLEER24 switch transformed the existing Coax-based infrastructure into a robust and secure IP backbone. Due to the success of the proof of concept, the retailer was completely confident in the CLEER24 solution and was finally able to move forward with its IP modernization initiative. Scalable surveillance system By leveraging Modern LAN Principles and the CLEER24 innovation, the retailer was able to deploy over 90,000 IP cameras across the organization. The Ethernet over Coax innovation allowed the customer to reuse its existing Coax-based infrastructure; eliminating the high cost, risk, complexity, and disruption that would have been caused by the traditional rip-and-replace model. Additionally, the NVT Phybridge EC4 Adaptor was used to easily expand the surveillance system, providing the freedom to connect up to 4 IP cameras using a single long-run Coax cable. IP modernisation objectives The customer took a proactive approach to find new and better ways to support its IP modernization objectives in a financially and socially responsible manner. The organization changed the conversation to improve their outcome; using Modern LAN Principles and Power over Ethernet innovations to: Reduce infrastructure costs by more than $20 million; allowing more budget to be allocated to applications and better application adoption Simplify network requirements and significantly reduce the total deployment time Eliminate business disruption to maintain optimal customer experience and avoid loss-of-revenue Maintain a physically separate network path for the security devices and applications to ensure the security and performance of the overall business network Increase safety and security by increasing the number of cameras deployed in a single location using the EC4 Adaptor Save precious retail space by eliminating the need to install additional IDF closets Prevent over 3,000 tons of cabling e-waste from ending up in a landfill The rackmount capabilities helped the customer stack and configure the switches in multiple configurations to fit their unique needs. The CLEER24 switch comes standard with PowerWISE® technology, allowing four switches to be stacked together for power-sharing, load balancing, and power redundancy.