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CIE rings in 60th anniversary with showcase of cutting-edge security solutions at TSE 2024

The Security Event (TSE) 2024 was a landmark occasion for CIE Group, which marked its 60th year in business with an impressive display of innovative security products and a champagne drinks reception on the first two days of the show. Latest brand offerings Long established for its unique and value-added distribution model in the audiovisual industry, CIE is making a significant impact in the security sector. Consequently, TSE 2024 served as a powerful platform to unveil the company’s latest brand offerings and solidify its position as an emerging distribution frontrunner in the security field. CIE hub CIE presented a comprehensive overview of each brand’s most recent advances in access control systems The CIE stand became a busy hub for security professionals to experience the future of access control firsthand. Partnering with industry pioneers like 2N, Akuvox, Volo, Stid, Freevolt S-Key, and Safr, CIE presented a comprehensive overview of each brand’s most recent advances in access control systems, intercom technology, video surveillance solutions, and mobile credentialing. CIE Group marks 60th anniversary "This was our fourth year exhibiting at TSE and our return to the show felt significant," commented Chris Edwards, Marketing Director, CIE-Group. He adds, "We had an excellent product line-up that proved to be of great interest to many of the show delegates, and we also got to celebrate our 60th anniversary in style – what more could you ask from a show? Following this success we’re now looking forward to being part of the vanguard of new product innovation in the security sector." New partnership  TSE 2024 also witnessed an exciting new partnership between Freevolt S-Key, the next generation of fingerprint-activated access control. Unlike traditional systems, S-Key integrates the biometric scanner directly into individual RFID cards, offering unparalleled user convenience and enhanced security. Facial recognition technology CIE's partnership with Real Network’s SAFR Scan also offered a glimpse into a future without physical keys or cards CIE's partnership with Real Network’s SAFR Scan also offered a glimpse into a future without physical keys or cards. Its high-speed, high-security facial recognition technology eliminates the need for traditional access credentials, providing a truly keyless and streamlined access control solution. While CIE may be a relative newcomer to the security industry, its 60-year heritage in distribution translates into a deep understanding of market dynamics and a commitment to innovation. Next-gen access control products This spirit of progress is echoed in further words from Chris Edwards, "Rather than 60 years old, we prefer to view ourselves as 60 years young in the security industry." He adds, "We're tremendously enthusiastic about introducing next-generation products to the security industry and shaping the future of access control and related areas."

2N brings the latest access control technologies to private and social housing in West London

2N, the global market pioneer in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, has upgraded a residential project in the UK to improve security and enable residents to take calls on their phones when they are not at home.  Sperry and Gilbert House Sperry and Gilbert House are residential units providing both private and social housing flats. The buildings are part of a larger complex though each apartment block is standalone. The two blocks share a main gate and there is access to both buildings from the basement car park. The two are also linked by doors on five floors that need to remain locked for security, although certain groups – cleaners, and maintenance, for example, need full access.  Upgrading access control system There was also a need to integrate the access solution with a new CCTV IP system When the decision was taken to upgrade the access control system, it rapidly became clear that the project’s requirements could only be met by the most modern IP solution with the flexibility to enable new features in line with advances in technology.  One priority, for example, was to incorporate mobile apps so that residents could take calls when they were not at home. There was also a need to integrate the access solution with a new CCTV IP system to record incidents around the doors (such as broken glass activation and failed PIN code attempts). GDPR-compliant access control On top of that, each block has a single lift and, in the event of a lift failure, it needed to be possible to grant easy access via the other building. Other requirements included GDPR-compliant access control logs and a ‘future proof’ system that could, for instance, enable QR code access for deliveries, tradespeople, and visitors. All features that are currently supported by 2N or are due to be released on imminent firmware releases. Allowing the Systems Integrator iQual to add new features to the existing solution when they become available.  2N® IP Style intercoms 2N® IP Style intercoms were installed at the main doors to Sperry House and Gilbert House and at the main shared gate At the same time, other more traditional elements were also prioritised. The access control devices needed to be highly resistant to vandalism and able to utilise existing cabling to avoid the need for re-cabling and re-decoration. They also needed to enhance the flats and the buildings aesthetically.  The residents’ association, based on their research, identified 2N as a possible technology provider, and four different 2N devices ended up being incorporated into the access solution.   Three 2N® IP Style intercoms were installed at the main doors to Sperry House and Gilbert House and at the main shared gate for the two buildings. 2N’s flagship intercom, the 2N® IP Style includes a full-HD camera and a 10” touchscreen display. IP Verso security intercom A 2N® IP Verso security intercom, with multiple buttons to match the respective flat numbers, was then installed at the ground floor entrance to flats in Sperry House. Eight 2N® Access Unit 2.0 access readers were also used to manage the entry to/from the post rooms and car parks, and through the internal link doors. Every apartment was then fitted out with a 2N® Indoor View answering unit, with residents receiving video calls on its 7″ touchscreen. My2N app API integration commands programmed key events to enable alert triggers to be sent The requested mobile phone integration was enabled by the My2N app, which allows residents to answer video calls from the intercoms remotely for a full overview of attempted visits to their homes.  API integration commands programmed key events to enable alert triggers to be sent from a newly supplied CCTV system with still images in the affected areas.  Enhanced video quality Paul Blundell from Systems Integrator iQual, said, “The residents enjoy the new solution. There was a video system in place previously, but it was black and white and was difficult to operate." Paul Blundell adds, "The video quality we have is on a completely different level, easy to support, while enhancing the end-user experience and the fact that they can now access video calls on their mobile phones gives the whole thing a ‘wow’ factor. Most important of all, though, the new system is fully reliable, and the upgrades significantly improve the security of the buildings.”

2N launches the 2N® Clip to meet the growing demand for IP access control in every type of home

2N, the global market pioneer in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, has launched a new IP answering unit, the 2N® Clip, which is designed to meet the growing demand for IP technology in mid-range residential projects.  The 4″ video device runs on the same powerful, reliable operating system as 2N’s premium IP products, and offers many of the same advantages, including top-quality audio and video which enhance home security. Cybersecurity and sustainability It also offers the same high standards in other areas too, including cybersecurity and sustainability, which are demanded by more and more users. On top of that, the 2N® Clip is the fastest answering unit on the market to install, it only takes three minutes and it can be managed and configured remotely via the My2N Management Platform.   2N® Clip High-end functionality will always be the top priority for access control firms The 2N® Clip has also been developed with a focus on the importance of aesthetics in access control. High-end functionality will always be the top priority for access control firms, but when technological capabilities come together with elegant design, as in the case of the 2N® Clip, access devices can genuinely enhance the status of the building in which they are installed.  The product launch follows the CEDIA Expo 2023 in Denver, Colorado, at the beginning of September, where the 2N® Clip was shown live to industry experts for the first time and where it met with an overwhelmingly positive response.  IP technology Michael Nicholson, 2N’s Business Development Manager for the UK & Ireland, said, “IP technology has transformed access control, enhancing both security and convenience." He adds, "But in the residential sector, there has been a common perception that IP technology is only affordable in high-end, luxury projects. The 2N® Clip completely up-ends that idea, and will help deliver 2N’s mission to bring the benefits of IP technology to every type of home.”

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