Wireless surveillance

Hanwha Techwin America is featuring its new Wisenet 5 Chipset and Processing Technology at ISC West (booth #14079). Developed exclusively for professional security applications, Wisenet 5 is the most significant core technology developed by Hanwha Techwin, and at the heart of the unparalleled performance and capabilities of the company’s recently introduced Wisenet X Series surveillance solutions. Wisenet 5 technology sets new benchmarks for surveillance performance, functionality and intelligence at the edge. “The introduction of Hanwha’s Wisenet 5 Chipset and Processing Technology far exceeds the significance of any product introduction we have made to date,” said Miguel Lazatin, Director, Product and Channel Marketing, Hanwha Techwin America. “Wisenet 5 sets the benchmark for a much higher level of professional surveillance performance that will impact and improve the entire Hanwha surveillance offering moving forward.” Wisenet 5 technology’s advanced processing supports features such as license-free audio and video analyticsImproved Compression And Features Wisenet 5 technology provides an industry-leading 150dB wide dynamic range (WDR), exceptionally clear images in extreme low and challenging light conditions, and better compression and data transfer performance via Hanwha’s embedded WiseStream II technology. Wisenet 5 technology’s advanced processing also supports a host of advanced features including: license-free audio and video analytics; a USB port for easy lens focus and viewing angle adjustments directly from a mobile device via Wi-Fi, dual SD card slots for increased on-board storage, and advanced image stabilization using a gyro sensor. Hanwha continues to actively pursue new and innovative core technologies to further improve the performance of their surveillance solutions ranging from new optical lens design, to SoC development and deep learning with advanced analytics.

Secutech, the leading annual trade fair show for the security industry has announced details of six “intelligent solution pavilions” that have been designated to link the industry with key vertical markets. The pavilions will make it easier for buyers and exhibitors to connect during the show and facilitate greater ease of navigation. The pavilions will also highlight business opportunities and encourage cross-sector collaboration.  Secutech, which covers advanced industry technology will once again be held at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan from 25 – 27 April 2018 with over 400 exhibitors from 15 countries and regions expected to be in attendance. An exploration of key technologies and market trends in the intelligent transportation sector will also take place during the Mobility Asia Seminar, scheduled to be held on 26 April 2018. Details of this and the six intelligent solution pavilions are highlighted below.  Smart Factory Pavilion As manufacturing methods continue to evolve in the direction of increased automation, the Smart Factory Pavilion will feature the latest factory-based applications in manufacturing intelligence and video-based analysis. These technologies are designed to reduce labor costs while boosting productivity and production quality. Featured products and solutions will include: machine vision, robotics, environmental monitoring systems, RFID logistics systems, automation management and big data analytics platforms designed to improve automation and factory safety. Exhibitors will include Zulite, Lips, Winhome, GIGA-TMS and GKB Security.   Smart Retail Pavilion The IoT has empowered consumers to shop like never before and retailers are increasingly having to adopt IoT based solutions with a wide variety of applications to keep up with the evolving market. With this in mind, IoT and video-based solutions, with wide ranging applications in areas such as consumer behavior analysis, warehouse management and operations management, will be on display at the Smart Retail Pavilion. These will include identity verification systems (IVS); digital marketing and business intelligence solutions; applications of multimedia kiosks as well as inventory management systems among other innovations designed to reduce costs throughout the retail vertical, improve operational efficiency and increase customer retention. Exhibitors here will include TENLife, Skywatch, Nesting, and THLight.  Smart Street Lighting Pavilion In line with recent global trends of building smart, sustainable and energy efficient cities, the Smart Street Lighting Pavilion will include a wide range of products with applications in lighting, surveillance, energy management and safety. Products and solutions from exhibitors such as Aaeon, HiPower, and Liteon will range from wireless transmission systems, sensors for environmental monitoring, device security to real time data processing and data analytics.  Intelligent Transportation Pavilion As urban populations expand, intelligent transportation solutions are increasingly needed to enhance road safety and solve congestion issues. Keeping this in mind, the Intelligent Transportation Pavilion will feature exhibitors Genetec, Hikvision, Qognify, ITRI, MCUT, and TVEC with a focus on three key areas: telematics, video management systems and smart parking. Innovative solutions here will demonstrate how emerging technology can be applied to planning and development across the transportation sector.   Software Innovation And Network Optix Pavilions  Software with applications across a range of vertical markets from exhibitors such as Lips, eRay Secure, Cyberon, FIC, Solar energy, BOSCH, DT42, Viscovery and Umbo will be on display at the Software Innovation Pavilion. Products and solutions on display here will include AI powered video analytics, machine vision, and advanced facial recognition. Additionally, the company Network Optix – a fast growing video management software company – will be featured at its own pavilion, along with its various partners to showcase VMS solutions, vertical solutions and innovative applications of emerging technology.     Mobility Asia Seminar  Away from the six intelligent solution pavilions, the Mobility Asia Seminar will cover issues in a market highlighted as one of the most promising for growth among all verticals. The seminar aims to connect industry players with key information in areas ranging from commercial vehicles, connected car applications to cold chain logistics as well as road and railway transportation. Prominent government officials and members of ITS Asia-Pacific will share their insights on future trends and developments in these areas with attendees. 

Barix returns to ISC West in Las Vegas with an array of new IP audio and control innovations to help security integrators and end users accelerate the transition to network-based security and surveillance operations, affordably and with minimal labor. At Booth 15141, Barix will demonstrate new advances in SIP-based communications and Linux-based control and monitoring, as a new openly programmable module to allow OEMs and integrators to build their own audio over IP devices. IP Paging And Intercom For Surveillance IP paging and intercom has long been a Barix specialty for security and surveillance, and ISC West 2018 marks the unveiling of its SIP Zone Paging firmware for cost-effective paging and public address. Barix’s solution for SIP architectures more fully integrates audio and paging capabilities with IP-based telephone systems in a seamless, firmware-based approach that benefits both installers and end-user customers. The new firmware runs on existing Barix hardware, including Exstreamer decoders and Annuncicom two-way audio devices, and enables systems integrators to implement a zone-supportable paging solution without the need to designate a SIP client for each individual paging point.The SIP Zone Paging firmware removes the constraints of configuring zone paging in a SIP environment Seamless Integration Into SIP Firmware In this advanced configuration, page routing and communication is instead accomplished natively in the Barix SIP paging gateway. Configuration for this capability is required only once within the client port gateway firmware, overcoming the problem of prohibitive implementation costs for SIP solutions and need for individual client licenses. Once deployed, operators will use the SIP phone and dial the gateway number, selecting the zones which are designated to carry the message to multiple loudspeakers at once. The SIP phones can dial into the paging system without a dedicated paging microphone station. “This is a hybrid IP paging and complete SIP solution,” said Reto Bader, vice president of sales and marketing, Barix. “The SIP Zone Paging firmware removes the constraints of configuring zone paging in a SIP environment, lessening some of the installation ‘divide’ that exists between paging and audio systems." "Now, it’s a simple process to register a new gateway, provide seamless integration to the SIP firmware and enable specific zones for operation. It’s robust, easier to configure, and saves on individual licensing fees.”  Programmable Control And Monitoring The Barionet 1000’s positioning as a Linux Open WRT platform device addresses the latest industry trend for open source control Barix’s Barionet family of devices were among the industry’s first to move control, monitoring and automation tasks to the IP network. At ISC West, Barix will introduce its latest-generation device, the Barionet 1000, to customers seeking a general purpose IoT device for for a range of control and automation-based programmable functions. These include access and door control; contact closure monitoring, environmental monitoring, alarming, and logging; failover switching; motion detection and security camera control; photovoltaic power management; and temperature monitoring, logging, and HVAC control. The Barionet 1000’s positioning as a Linux Open WRT platform device addresses the latest industry trend for open source control, and provides security integrators and OEMs with a clean slate to program the device for almost any control or automation application desired. To maximize the Barionet 1000’s programmable useful features and operational flexibility, Barix has equipped this device with wireless connectivity and a USB interface alongside standard Barionet features, including relay closures, and digital and analog I/Os.Manufacturers and systems integrators have long relied on Barix’s modular, board-level technology Barionet WRT Platform-Powered Computation “The Barionet 1000’s Linux Open WRT platform allows customers with development power, or Barix working under their direction, to make this device do exactly what they need it to accomplish,” said Reto Brader, Barix’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “The beauty of this device is that it has real computational power inside. You can develop the program in Linux Open WRT and load it onto the Barionet 1000, and the device can make software-defined decisions on its own.” Manufacturers and systems integrators have long relied on Barix’s modular, board-level technology to build their own IP audio and control devices. At ISC West, Barix introduces its latest-generation IP Audio Module, the IPAM 400, to simplify how OEMs and integrators bring streaming audio into their homegrown solutions. Security Standard Compliance The openly-programmable, Linux-based IPAM400 helps users build advanced, audio-based solutions with less risk and faster time to market, and implements firmware recovery and device management in advance to accelerate the device-building process. Addressing developer’s escalating security requirements, the IPAM 400 can run multiple encryption and decryption processes concurrently for data, streams and web server access, enabling the creation of products supporting the latest security standards. The IPAM 400 module supports multiple audio formats and features stereo audio, network, USB, GPIO and serial interfaces alongside built-in Wi-Fi capabilities, enabling developers to easily incorporate advanced audio processing, IP-based streaming and control functionality into their product designs.

Security is more-than-ever linked to consumer electronics, especially in the residential/smart home market. CES 2018 in Las Vegas is therefore brimming with news that will have a direct impact on the security market, today and especially looking into the future. Products for the future of security   CES is a giant trade show for consumer electronics with 2.75 million net square feet of exhibitor space and featuring more than 3,900 exhibitors, including 900 startups - in contrast, ISC West has some 1,000 exhibitors. During the week-long show welcoming 170,000-plus attendees from 150 countries, more than 20,000 new products are being launched. The products incorporate ingredient technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G that will also be familiar elements as the future of the security industry unfolds. Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES, and many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined. For example, Apple recently expanded near-field communication (NFC) support to include the NDEF (NFC Data Exchange Format), which will likely accelerate the adoption of smartphones for access control credentialing. In another recent development, Amazon acquired Blink, a home security camera startup that offers wireless home security systems. The acquisition aligns with Amazon’s effort to offer more home devices. Key Security Technologies At CES 2018 Familiar players at security shows also have a presence at CES. For example, Bosch is highlighting its “Simply. Connected” portfolio of smart city technology to transform security as well as urban mobility, air quality and energy efficiency. Many consumer technologies on display offer a glimpse of what’s ahead for security. Are Panasonic’s 4K OLEDs with HDR10+ format or Sony’s A8F OLED televisions a preview of the future of security control room monitors? At CES, Johnson Controls is announcing support for Apple HomeKit now offered in their DSC iotega wireless security and automation solution. Consumers can manage both their security system and also other home automation abilities using Apple’s Home app, or Siri on their iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch. Interlogix is announcing new features and components of its UltraSync SmartHome system, including hands-free voice control, high-definition cameras, an LTE cellular module and soon-to-be-released doorbell camera. The areas of consumer electronics and security are closely intertwined Developments In Crime Awareness ADT has a high profile at CES, including the launch of its ADT Go mobile app, equipped with 24/7 emergency response from ADT’s live monitoring agents and backed by Life360’s location technology, providing emergency response, family connectivity, safety assistance and crime awareness.  ADT is also unveiling a video doorbell and expanding its monitoring to cybersecurity. IC Realtime is introducing Ella, a cloud-based deep-learning search engine that augments surveillance systems with natural language search capabilities across recorded video footage. Ella enables any surveillance or security cameras to recognise objects, colours, people, vehicles and animals. Ella was designed using the technology backbone of Camio, a startup founded by ex-Googlers who designed a simpler way to apply searching to streaming video feeds. It’s a “Google for video:” Users can type in queries such as “white truck” to find every relevant video clip. Smarter homes and smarter computers Do-it-yourself smart home security company Abode Systems announces iota, an all-in-one system giving customers more freedom and flexibility to build out and monitor their smart home. The new form factor has a built-in full-HD resolution camera enabling customers to see and hear what’s going on in their home 24/7 while a built-in gateway supports hundreds of devices to make homes more convenient, safer and more secure. There is also support for Apple HomeKit. Highly programmable and high-performance platforms will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market  The Z-Wave Alliance will host 30-plus leading smart home brands in the Z-Wave pavilion at CES. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience. Sigma Designs unveils its 700-Series Z-Wave platform, including numerous performance and technology enhancements in energy-efficiency and RF performance. Personal protection in attendance Self-defence product company SABRE will debut a combination pepper spray with dual sound-effect personal alarm that “alternates between the traditional wailing sound and a primal scream, while a strobe blinks 19 times per second to disorient assailants.” SABRE’s Modern Fake Security Camera includes “sleek, realistic design to deter would-be thieves.” Chip maker Ambarella is introducing the CV1 4K Stereovision Processor with CFflow Computer Vision Architecture. The chip combines environmental perception with advances in deep neural network processing for a variety of applications, including video security cameras and fully autonomous drones. At CES, applications will focus on automotive uses, including advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), self-driving, electronic mirror and surround view systems. The highly programmable and high-performance platform will no doubt play a role in the future of video surveillance systems in our market. A full walk-through home will demonstrate different brands working together to create one cohesive smart home experience Extending home security and efficiency  The Ring whole-house security ecosystem creates a “Ring of Security” around homes and neighbourhoods. Products include “Stick Up” indoor/outdoor security cameras, integrated LED lighting, a “Ring Alarm” integrated bundle for $199 including a base station, keypad, contact sensor, and Z-Wave extender. “Ring Protect Plans” include 24/7 professional monitoring. The “Streety” phone app, from Vivint Smart Home, extends home security into the neighbourhood. Streety makes it easy for neighbours to monitor neighbourhood activity through a network of shared residential cameras. They can keep an eye on kids, cars and property through live video feeds and use recorded video clips to investigate incidents. A new device making its debut at CES is the Walker “commercialised biped robot,” from UBTECH Robotics, which provides a complete home butler service and is designed to ease the day-to-day operations of a busy home or office. The varied of functions includes video surveillance monitoring, security patrol monitoring, motion detection and “instant alarm,” as well as dancing and playing games with children. The company says Walker will “bridge the gap between technologies that were once only available in scientific research institutions and everyday people.”

AES Corporation, a manufacturer of long-range wireless private mesh radio alarm communication products and services, announced Patrick Moran has been named as President and Chief Operating Officer. Patrick brings strong leadership experience to AES with extensive knowledge of strategic implementation, project management, employee engagement, change management, global initiatives, and organizational diversity. Patrick's appointment supports the company's vision, mission, and business plans to advance corporate goals and objectives. He will be providing expertise in strategy, operations, and finance. Expanding Security Solution Offerings "This is an exciting time to join AES, which is rolling out strategic efforts to take the business to the next level and expand our security solution offerings through customer-driven innovation and service," said Patrick. "I'm honored to be coming on-board at this time of great momentum. I look forward to working with the entire AES team to drive long-term sustainable success for our customer partners and within AES." Prior to joining AES, Patrick held high ranking positions and strategic advisory roles at investment banking, management consulting, renewable energy technology and non-profit companies. He holds a BA degree in History/Political Science from Boston College, a MA degree in Conflict Management from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, and a MBA degree in Strategic Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hanwha Techwin’s high performance chipset, Wisenet 5, won the Grand Prize at the High-tech Safety Industry Product and Technology Awards 2017 held on November 28th in South Korea. The awards recognize outstanding products and technologies that contribute to building a safer society through continuous development of cutting-edge technology. The awards were sponsored by 15 government agencies and organizations including the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), Ministry of the Interior and Safety (MOIS), and Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Most Bandwidth-Friendly Camera Range Wisenet 5 SoC is capable of significantly faster image processing and features many upgrades. It was first introduced with the Wisenet X series, which launched across the globe in January 2017. Wisenet X series offers image stabilization using DIS + gyro sensor, 150 dB WDR, enhanced on-board analytics and extreme low-light performance. Using WiseStreamⅡ, Hanwha Techwin’s unique compression technology, the Wisenet X series provides the most bandwidth-friendly camera range.  "As a leader in the security industry in domestically and globally, we strive to contribute to the safety of the people and the security of the nation” said Mr. Kim, President, Hanwha Techwin America. “We are grateful for this recognition and we will continue to reinforce our core technology development for optical and SoC and invest in advanced technology. Moreover, we will strengthen our technological cooperation with other competitive companies in the industry regardless of its size for mutual benefits and healthy industrial growth.”

An upgraded public area CCTV solution using robust video capture technology from IDIS, Korea’s global surveillance technology provider, is safeguarding Leybourne in Kent against anti-social behavior. The new system, designed and installed by iC2 CCTV, has allowed the parish council to work within a limited budget to deliver extended coverage, improved image quality and no data loss. Leybourne is a village with a strong community feel and an attractive rural character however, with good transport links to the nearby M20, residents were concerned about the risk of crime coming in from outside the area. Budget constraints also meant that data-streaming had to be capped and as a result video evidence was only being recorded part time Devise A Solution Prior to the upgrade the village had limited public area surveillance based on outdated analog technology, but it was proving costly to maintain and difficult to adapt to changing needs. Budget constraints also meant that data-streaming had to be capped and as a result video evidence was only being recorded part time. London-based integrator iC2 CCTV was consulted and asked to devise a solution that would work within the funds available. To achieve the lowest total cost of ownership, iC2 CCTV recommended installing the latest IDIS technology on a 5GHz point-to-point wireless infrastructure. At the heart of the new system is a powerful 64-channel, full HD NVR recorder – model DR-8364D – which offers the important advantage of flexible H.265/H.264 dual codec performance. This feature allows recording in high-definition H.265 but viewing on a variety of older screens using H.2264, so it means existing display equipment can be retained. Significantly Improved Protection A combination of 3-megapixel and 5-megapixel IDIS domes and bullet cameras mounted on lamp-posts in key locations gives significantly improved coverage and image detail. And IDIS Smart Failover provides the best guarantee against data loss: if Leybourne’s network connection is compromised for any reason, all recordings continue to be stored on SD cards within the cameras and are then automatically downloaded as soon as the connection is re-established. The IDIS technology together with the wireless network, installed over five weeks by iC2 CCTV without disrupting the village, gives Leybourne significantly improved protection without high ongoing costs. Unlike the old analog system, recordings are now easily searchable with time/date stamped footage and the high definition image quality is ideal for use in investigations and as evidence. IDIS Smart Failover ensures that uninterrupted evidence is always retained in the event of transmission failures Excellent Quality Data IDIS Smart Failover ensures that uninterrupted evidence is always retained in the event of transmission failures, without the need for time-consuming manual data downloads from individual cameras. “This robust, new video system is proving very popular with Leybourne Parish Council and the community and enables us to provide excellent quality data and images for Kent Police and the local authorities,” stated the chairman of the Parish Council Bob Ulph. “It has already deterred a lot of the anti-social behavior that councillors and residents were concerned about and is providing reassurance that any crime in the future will be dealt with.” More cameras can now be easily added, or the location of cameras changed as the need arises, says James Min, Managing Director, IDIS Europe, and the system is protected by the IDIS Ultimate seven-year warranty and the assurance that the technology will be forward-flexible to meet future needs.

Vicon Industries, Inc, designer and manufacturer of video surveillance and access control software, hardware and components, announces that its SN673V-B Cruiser PTZ Camera with 20X optical zoom and 1080p HD video has been deployed in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina, as part of the Coastal Conservation League’s novel project, ‘The Pelicam.’ The Pelicam is a weather-resistant Vicon camera, mounted on a pole along with solar panels, battery back-up and a wireless transmission system, on an isolated strip of land within the harbor. Wray Lemke, Founder and Vice President of electronic and security services company Mount Pleasant Radio, volunteered his time to bring this project to fruition. Conservation League The Pelicam’s location is a popular spot for pelicans and other shore birds to build nests and raise their young because it is inaccessible to raccoons, coyotes and other natural predators. The Vicon camera’s 20X optical zoom provides close-up video of the birds, allowing biologist from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and the public to witness behaviours that would not normally be observable by humans. Conservation League makes use of the camera’s presets to quickly change between scenes, live-streaming on YouTube video of the most interesting wildlife The Conservation League makes use of the camera’s presets to quickly change between scenes, live-streaming on YouTube video of the most interesting wildlife on display at any given time. Video recorded to the camera’s local SD card is available for DNR biologists to review and study. Andy Hollis, Data and GIS Analyst for the Conservation League, says, “The quality of the new camera is great. It pans and zooms exactly as it should and its high magnification gets us in really close.” Building Public Awareness In addition to supporting the research needs of the DNR, the Pelicam is hugely popular within the community, garnering regular coverage in the local media and receiving more web traffic than any other page within the organization’s website. Mr. Hollis explains, “As an advocacy organization working with local and state level government to enact programs and laws to support conservation, the Pelicam is one of the most highly effective tools we have for building public awareness and enthusiasm for our mission.”

On September 2, torrential rain caused mountain flood and massive landslide swept Mengdong Town of Yunnan province in southwestern China. Local transportation, electricity and communications network were disrupted. At 9:00PM, in order to reinforce local rescue forces, Yunnan Provincial Fire Brigade dispatched 24 vehicles and 130 firefighters, who later experienced serious challenges in communications in areas where intermittent voice call and short messages in cellular service was available only on heights. Hytera swung into action immediately after being notified about the firefighting department’s emergency communications requirements. Hytera iMesh Broadband Network Solution A Hytera technical team brought the latest emergency communications equipment with them and joined the firefighters onsite. The team quickly set up an ad hoc wireless network with Hytera iMesh broadband networking solution. This broadband network has been facilitating real-time audio and video communications and coordination between the onsite forces and the Provincial Fire Brigade command center. Multiple casualties have been reported and more people are missing. The relief effort is ongoing.

Further augmenting its global surveillance network, VIVOTEK, the IP surveillance provider, has deployed its video surveillance systems across multiple retail locations of the television, internet, and telephony service provider, SBB in Serbia and Montenegro. The latest deployment has been conducted via VIVOTEK’s Serbian channel partner Netiks, and has equipped SBB with advanced video analytics capabilities and proactive surveillance. About 50 of VIVOTEK’s FD8166A ultra-mini fixed dome network cameras, featuring sophisticated design and built-in IEEE 802.3af compliant PoE technology, are a part of the current deployment and will closely monitor more than 450,000 visitors for various use cases, including security and business intelligence. Ultra-Crisp And Clear Images The network cameras are set up alongside an easy-to-use VAST 2 software Leveraging their CMOS sensors, these network cameras can capture 2-megapixel images with 1920x1080 resolution at 30 FPS (frames per second), and deliver ultra-crisp and clear images even in extremely bright and dark environments through WDR enhancement and 3D Noise Reduction. The all-weather cameras can also aptly function in adverse weather conditions using their defogging capabilities. The network cameras are set up alongside an easy-to-use VAST 2 software, which also is VIVOTEK’s top-of-the-line IP Video Management Software (VMS), to make everything work in perfect unison. But all of this merely serves as the groundwork for the specialized, people-counting solution that delivers valuable bi-directional data comprising critical insights in real-time to SBB. Cost-Effective Cameras These insights include number of incoming customers, length of stays, peak times, and frequency of customer visits, which will help SBB in deriving significant value through Business Intelligence and a more optimal human resource management. Also, counting and monitoring data is directly computed by VIVOTEK systems, eliminating the need of a dedicated computer for the process. The solution has achieved 98 percent accuracy in counting people, despite the challenging areas that it has to coverTill date, the solution has achieved 98 percent accuracy in counting people, despite the challenging areas that it has to cover. The system stores the data for as long as 90 days and issues push notifications to the designated authority or relevant operators. In order to ensure uninterrupted access to information on security and flow, the cost-effective cameras also support H.264 compression. Traffic Monitoring Projects This significantly reduces data size and minimizes post-deployment costs by minimizing network bandwidth requirement and enabling real-time monitoring of all camera systems across the company’s retail scene. VIVOTEK has successfully deployed innumerable global video surveillance solutions including UNESCO-recognized National Library of Latvia, traffic monitoring projects in India, Warplane Heritage Museum in Canada, and one of the world’s seven wonders, the Ancient City of Jordan, now also adding SBB to its globally burgeoning video surveillance network.

ProdataKey (PDK), an innovator of cloud-based networked and wireless access control products and services, and Dwelo LLC, a provider of smart-home solutions purpose-built for apartment owners, managers and residents, has announced a partnership that is seamlessly integrating PDK’s cloud access control technology into the Dwelo smart apartment platform. Dwelo’s web and mobile software, which currently offers apartment dwellers the ability to control smart devices such as light switches, thermostats and door deadbolts for their individual units, has added features to manage access to common areas of their building or community, such as entry gates, clubhouse, gym and laundry facilities.  These spaces can now be secured by PDK’s cloud access control solution, pdk.io, providing apartment property managers and owners with valuable operational efficiencies. The administrative software interface, not visible to residents, enables management to easily establish and enforce authorized hours of use for common facilities. An audit trail reports all traffic into the property, including any one-time credentials issued by residents, which can be used to assist in investigations in cases of theft or vandalism. When residents move out, their access to unit, common, and perimeter access is immediately deactivated, eliminating the risks that accompany traditional keys that would otherwise remain in circulation. The system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue  Scalable And Affordable Security Solutions Beyond operational efficiencies, residents can unlock perimeter and common doors or gates using the same mobile app they use to control their apartments. In addition, they have the ability to use their phones or computers to generate temporary, one-time credentials that allow visitors, delivery and service people to gain access as needed. These features add to the conveniences afforded to residents living in Dwelo-enabled smart apartments.  Both Dwelo and PDK have built successful businesses by leveraging the power of cloud technology to create scalable, affordable solutions that offer unprecedented ease of installation for contractors and simple usability for customers. With their combined areas of expertise in home automation and security, together they see an opportunity to serve a large and generally neglected market sector – apartment renters who desire the same smart home technological conveniences as today’s home owners and seek out communities that offer those smart home solutions. The Dwelo/PDK solution is available for both new construction and retrofits. After an initial per-unit installation charge, the system is subscription based, with property managers able to recoup the cost in both efficiencies and enhanced revenue.  Enhanced Apartment Living “Dwelo is thrilled to be partnering with such an innovative company as PDK. PDK is a technology leader in the electronic access control space, and Dwelo and its customers are already benefitting from their forward-thinking approach to access." Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector" "The consolidation of smart home control and perimeter and common area access control, in one platform, is a powerful marriage for multifamily property owners. We look forward, with PDK, to crafting more solutions that address the specific needs of these customers,” says Mike Rovito, CEO of Dwelo, LLC. “PDKs solution has been embraced by customers in the commercial sector for its simple ease of use and platform flexibility. Our wireless and PoE options allow for cost-effective takeover of legacy equipment, while supporting new construction projects with all the benefits derived from leveraging the network." "Our mantra, simplicity without compromise, dovetails perfectly with Dwelo’s corporate mission to enhance apartment living through easily accessible IoT technology. Our partnership will bring tangible benefits to all stakeholders involved within the multi-family residential market sector,” says Evan Tree, CEO of ProdataKey.

Multitone Electronics plc, a specialist in the design, manufacture and implementation of integrated communications, will be exhibiting its Eko range of patient and staff protection systems on Stand 404 at the Design in Mental Health conference and exhibition. The event takes place at the National Conference Centre near Birmingham, from 15th-16th May.  Multitone will exhibiting its Eko family of safeguarding systems, which includes the award winning EkoTek and EkoCare communications solutions for staff/patient protection and lone workers. The Eko range is an onsite two-way wireless protection system that raises an alarm or summons help at a touch of a button.  Matt Byrom, Product Manager at Multitone commented, “The Eko family of products is designed to provide reliable but discreet protection, that is perfect for mental healthcare facilities." "The system has been proven in hospitals around the world, including The Retreat in York, a treatment centre for mental health needs, where it enables staff and patients to easily summon assistance to their exact location using either a portable device or wall-mounted button.” The Design in Mental Health show is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the NHS or private healthcare industry to understand the advantages of Multitone’s solutions" Failsafe Wireless Technology With separate alarm levels for assist and emergency, alerts are routed via a smart radio-based network of beacons and repeaters. The alert can be forwarded to any device or set of devices including pagers, two-way radios, DECT phones, email or a mobile smart device, via a dedicated and highly secure app. Using wireless, failsafe technology, EkoTek and EkoCare both offer cost-effective installation (with no need for mains rewiring), long battery life and impressive reliability. In the unlikely event of a network repeater failing, the message is rerouted to ensure the alert is always delivered. The devices are also IP67 rated (resisting dirt and cleaning with sprays or disinfectant) and the system can also be integrated with fire alarm systems. Matt concluded, “This event focuses on the design of mental health facilities and creating calm therapeutic environments for the benefit of patients and staff alike, which is precisely the approach of the Eko family of products. The Design in Mental Health show is the perfect opportunity for anyone in the NHS or private healthcare industry to understand the advantages of Multitone’s solutions and to discuss specific requirements with the team on our stand.”