CEM Systems Ltd - Experts & Thought Leaders

Compania Naţională de Căi Ferate ‘CFR’ - SA, the state railway carrier of Romania, has invested in an integrated security and safety solution from Johnson Controls, to protect passengers travelling on a new railway link, connecting the Otopeni Henri Coandă International Airport to Bucharest Nord main railway station, in Bucharest, Romania. Securing Bucharest’s new rail link The 2.95 km rail link, which was planned to facilitate the large number of fans travelling from the international airport to attend the Bucharest-hosted EURO 2020 football matches and was completed in just 14 months, from the design stage, at a cost of approximately 120 million Euros, is now being increasingly used by business travellers and tourists, who wish to visit the city of Bucharest. The contract to design and execute the entire project was won, as part of a competitiveness tender process, by the Arcada – ISPCF – DB Engineering consortium. Alfred Net, a systems integrator that specialises in designing and implementing turnkey security, telecommunications and network solutions, was subsequently tasked to provide the new railway terminal’s safety and security systems, as well as the passenger communications and information systems. Need for a sophisticated security solution We were very pleased to have the opportunity to use our experience of providing sophisticated solutions" “We were very pleased to have the opportunity to use our experience of providing sophisticated solutions for complex and mission critical applications, in order to contribute to the success of this important project,” said Alex Vladutoiu, the Managing Director & Solutions Architect at Alfred Net. Alex Vladutoiu said, “With the new link terminating within the airport, we immediately realised that any security and safety solution that we recommended to the consortium would need to meet the demanding requirements of airport security, as well as railway- related EU regulations and directives.” Deep integration of security components He adds, “This meant that as well as being robust, ultra-reliable and cyber secure, the various component parts of the solution would need to be deeply integrated with each other, so as to provide control room operators with a high level of situational awareness, which would enable them to react quickly and effectively to any incidents.” Alex Vladutoiu further said, “With this in mind, our previous experience led us to recommend that all the security and safety products should be single sourced from the Johnson Controls’ access control, fire, intrusion and video surveillance brands, which come under its Tyco umbrella. Simply put, we knew these various brands could collectively provide us with everything needed to put together an effective solution for this project.” He adds, “Importantly, we were confident that the various products, which to a large extent are ‘plug & play’, could be easily integrated without the time-consuming process of developing new drivers and interfaces.” Tyco victor security management platform The Alfred Net design team specified the Tyco victor security management platform  The Alfred Net design team specified the Tyco victor security management platform, to be at the heart of the safety and security solution. In addition to helping control room operators manage and monitor the images, captured by Tyco Illustra high-definition IP network cameras, victor’s graphical user interface (GUI) alerts operators in real time, as to any fire or intrusion events, as well as any access control activity. The design of the security and safety solution was based on a rigorous Risk Assessment Report, which took into account the worst case scenarios, in terms of the threat to the safety of passengers, disruption and the protection of assets. Unified security solution “By providing a unified solution, which can manage the combined data captured by the intrusion detection, access control, fire detection and video surveillance systems, victor offers authorised users with all the information they need, to monitor and strictly control the movement of passengers.” The products include: Video Surveillance & AI Analytics: In addition to the Tyco Illustra cameras and VideoEdge video recorders, which have been deployed to monitor the railway terminal proximity, mission critical machinery, platforms and areas open to the public, control room operators are also able to take advantage of video analytics, in order to help them quickly detect any suspicious activity or danger. Tripwire detection, for example, can generate an alert, if a passenger oversteps a platform’s safety line, while people counting analytics can alert security personnel to overcrowding. It can also be used by operations personnel to help them make best use of human resources, by having a greater understanding of which parts of the station are busy, at different times of the day. Access Control: A CEM Systems AC2000 access control software platform, together with eDCM350 OSDP protocol IP door controllers, are supporting smart card readers and encrypted cards, to limit access to sensitive areas throughout the railway station, such as communications, signalling, staff and locker rooms. As a highly scalable solution, AC2000 enabled Alfred Net to implement access control throughout expansive areas of the railway. By utilising RS485 serial communications with strong AES 128 encryption between the eDCM 350 intelligent door controllers, the OSDP readers and the smart cards, the railways is protected against the threat of controller signal cloning, as well as the threat of personnel card cloning. Fire Detection: Zettler Profile Flexible addressable panels, flame detectors and smoke sensors have been installed throughout the station terminal, to ensure mandatory compliance with EU fire regulations. Integration with the station’s PAVA system means that pre-recorded announcements are automatically broadcast, when a fire-related event occurs. Intrusion Detection: A DSC PowerSeries Neo intrusion system is providing protection for areas, which may be left unattended, such as cash handling areas, with integrated panic buttons to ensure there is a rapid reaction to any intrusion alarm. Johnson Controls and Alfred Net partnership Alfred Net worked closely with the Johnson Controls’ pre-sales team, in order to ensure the best products were specified for each location and application, and the comprehensive security and safety solution was installed, alongside the station’s iPIS communications and information software. Alex Vladutoiu said, “This was without doubt the most complex project that the client has been involved with and reflects its determination to invest in the latest technology, to ensure maximum operational efficiency and to protect its passengers and assets.” Video analytics and flame detection This has resulted in diverse solutions, such as video analytics and flame detection" He adds, “This has resulted in diverse solutions, such as video analytics and flame detection, based on video technology interacting with laser detection, RGB LED displays, digital signage, Text-to-Speech and many other state-of-the-art technologies, to deliver a highly effective total solution.” Since December 2020, when the new rail link became operational, the highly complex and integrated security and safety solution from Johnson Controls has been playing a key role, in ensuring the smooth operation of the train station and the running of 72 trains per day, (36 pairs), which arrive and depart every 20 minutes, both from and to the airport. Tyco suite of security products Alex Vladutoiu, Managing Director and Solutions Architect at Alfred Net, concludes “As a solution architect, Tyco is indeed my preferred security provider for integrated projects. As a unified solution, the Tyco suite of products are almost ‘plug and play’ and give you everything you need to build-up an integrated system, without spending additional time or money on developing other interfaces. He concludes, “We were delighted to have designed and implemented the new Otopeni Airport Railway Terminal project in less than one year and we look forward to our continued partnership with Tyco.”

Johnson Controls has announced  the release of CEM Systems AC2000 v10.2, which offers new features such as an enhanced Time & Attendance application, improved Pass Design, advanced room booking with access control and additional features that increase the performance and scope of the access control system suite. AC2000 v10.2 Time Hub CEM Systems’ AC2000 Time Hub is an enhanced Time & Attendance workstation client and web application CEM Systems’ AC2000 Time Hub is an enhanced Time & Attendance workstation client and web application. It helps AC2000 customer maximise their existing security infrastructure by going beyond access control, without the need for an additional Time & Attendance system. AC2000 Time Hub utilises the existing AC2000 system to provide reliable timekeeping, an improved user experience and helps to avoid costly payroll errors, under or overstaffing and inefficient time recording.  Integrated into the AC2000 system, Time Hub is a reporting method for the office manager/administrator who requires statistics on the entering and exiting of staff. The improved Pass Design application is another feature of AC2000 v10.2 that provides a more intuitive user interface, more control of badge designs and features which reduce the configuration time for passes. Security management system The Advanced Room Booking feature in AC2000 v10.2 improves resource management, ensuring that only the meeting organiser and invitees can access a meeting room, booked via Outlook, at the time required. The AC2000 Security Hub command and control application has been enhanced with enterprise map support, a new dashboard to display system metrics and a new Rooms tab for improved operational resource management. Building on the range of video, perimeter detection and lift interface integrations, AC2000 now offers new interfaces to Samsung CCTV, Southwest Microwave perimeter detection and KONE Destination.

Tyco, the security products division of Johnson Controls, has announced the opening of its new state-of-the-art interactive showroom and training facility in Ireland. ACVS solutions Located in the Ballymount area of Dublin, the new showroom facility provides the opportunity for system integrators and their end-user clients to see live demonstrations of the innovative features and groundbreaking technology built-into the latest generation of Access Control and Video Surveillance (ACVS) solutions supplied under the Tyco umbrella. “In addition to in-depth demonstrations of specific products or software, we are now also able to show how easy it is for users to benefit from a totally integrated security solution via an interactive operational system,” said Colm O’Brien, Tyco’s ACVS Business Manager in Ireland. Unified video management He adds, “As an example, we are able to demonstrate the full capabilities of victor, our Unified Video Management application, which seamlessly synchronises video surveillance with access control, fire, BMS, Drone Detection and mitigation, Radar, Gate Automation, intrusion and other systems, into one powerful, intuitive interface.” The new facility also has a fully equipped training room with hands-on workstations to enable system integrators to learn how to offer their end-user clients maximum value from a wide range of solutions, including American Dynamics Victor & VideoEdge Video platforms, Exacq Video Management Software, Illustra cameras, Software House CCure Access Control, CEM Access Control Systems and Kantech Access Control platforms.

Security beyond its traditional boundaries is a big theme at IFSEC 2015 The security landscape is changing. Touring exhibitors on the first day of IFSEC International in London, it seems an increasing number of vendors are offering products that go beyond what may be termed "security," offering solutions for applications such as health and safety and data collection. They are also offering more smart technology with mobile phones and tablets, and are selling smarter by tailoring their offerings to key vertical markets. Health and safety applications At CEM Systems, for example, the flagship access terminal Emerald goes beyond security and access control. The readers incorporate a touchscreen that can be used not only to access data at the door, but also to present users with customised messages to individual cardholders which, for example, can include health and safety or other procedural reminders. In addition, the company has a strong market position supplying enterprise-level systems and is used to having to customise their products in order to meet the demands of vertical market customers such as major airports. Another company taking security beyond its traditional boundaries is Traka. The asset control firm supplies key management systems not just to secure and monitor key usage across an organisation, but also to reinforce compliance with procedures, such as those connected with employee safety or manufacturing quality. The Traka software provides features such as multi-level authorisation, so that an authorised user cannot remove a key or asset without authorisation from a supervisor; key pairing, where two keys have to be taken and used together by different users; and reverse key pairing, in which one key has to be returned before a second key can be taken. Salto JustIN Access control specialist Salto claims to have invented and patented data on the card end with Salto Virtual Network. Responding to the needs of different user markets, the system can offer real-time reporting using a hardwired door, or stand-alone wire-free controllers where instant data is not required but is recorded for later download when the card is presented to a hardwired door. An increasing number of vendors are offering products that go beyond what may be termed "security," offering solutions for applications such as health and safety Using one of Salto’s mobile solutions, the JustIN mobile key app allows users to use their smartphones to securely receive their "keys" online and then access doors directly with their phones. Another version of the app allows for extending or changing access rights remotely. Hotels are driving the use of smartphones, and Salto is talking to hotel chains about this application. The company expects universities will be the next vertical to adopt this technology. Optex safety solutions Infrared technology company Optex says it’s all about increasing the “safety, security and convenience of society.” Beyond the company’s wide range of access control and perimeter detection solutions, it is seeing a strong increase in the application of products originally used for security but now being used for safety applications. For example, sensors are being used to make railway crossings safer by automatically detecting if someone is trapped on the crossing. Around 60 crossings in the U.K. have been equipped so far, with another 400 due to be rolled out over the next five years. High security applications are also a target for Optex, so the company is previewing its new anti-tailgating access control solution. Accurance 3D is a "time of flight" tailgating and piggybacking detection technology that provides an extra layer of access control security. Optex is also expanding into technologies such as laser and microwave. Finally, DVTel is shifting from being a horizontal supplier to being “fully focused” on key verticals, the top two of which are smart cities and critical infrastructure. The company’s body-worn cameras not only stream video, but also send GPS data as well as the speed and position of the wearer, thus enhancing the safety of law enforcement personnel.

Overwhelmed by too many choices for an access control system? Where do you start? Always seeking to help, SourceSecurity.com asked access control suppliers to describe what differentiating characteristics set their systems apart from others in the market. AMAG: Easy migration, simple pricing model AMAG’s Symmetry platform includes access control, photo ID badging, visitor management and digital video server software, all standard in an integrated solution. The pricing model is easy – up to 512 readers can be added to the software platform; most options are covered with the base charge. The platform is cost-effective, even for small systems. The Symmetry Retrofit program provides easy migration (without a screwdriver) from legacy or end-of-life products such as Casi/GE systems. Options include the Threat Level Manager, which can customise system settings based on a selected level of threat. Symmetry is also compatible with G4S’ One Facility workflow management system, and Symmetry Web thin client application enables use of mobile devices. AMAG’s new true two-door PoE controller includes two reader ports, two lock relays, two REQs and two door status inputs. AMAG has a long list of third-party integrations. Brivo Systems: A truly cloud-based system Brivo Systems provides access control in a truly cloud-based system in a software as a service (SaaS), recurring revenue model. All firmware and software systems are updated automatically. The cloud service works with Brivo’s IP door controllers. End users only pay for what they use. Continental Access: From one door to ten thousand CardAccess 3000 software by Continental Access is easy to use and yet enterprise class – able to control access to one door or to ten thousands of doors in locations worldwide. Designed by Continental Access in the United States, the robust hardware continues a legacy of the company founded in 1961. Total cost of ownership is low; Continental Access does not charge mandatory end user support fees to integrators. Additionally, CardAccess 3000 is integrated with video management systems and other systems such as visitor management, time and attendance, gated community software and several sister companies’ products – Napco intrusion products and Alarm Lock wireless Networx and ArchiTech Locks (with Marks locking hardware). Web-delivered user interface benefits end users and integrators in terms of lower total cost of ownership as well as ease of operability Frontier Security’s deep integration with video Frontier Security’s access control system features deep integration with video, providing a more efficient and powerful process to correlate access events and transactions with corresponding video. Another capability is advanced alarm filtering and routing to provide alarms to the appropriate parties. Frontier also provides powerful capabilities to filter and view card transactions. The new HTML5 web interface provides an easy way to access common functionalities from browsers and tablets. Galaxy Control Systems: Easy to upsell Galaxy Control Systems' System Galaxy software solution is not “brand”-dependent and is easily implemented in existing systems to enhance functionality. Improvements in performance and efficiency available with new and evolving access control technologies are even more valuable to integrators and end users when they are interoperable with earlier generations of systems. System Galaxy enables systems integrators to cost-effectively upsell business. The backwards-compatible software enables future business development with new customers who have old systems. The advanced architecture also allows dealers and integrators to offer access control as a managed service. Multi-client functionality can manage and control several systems on a single backbone, much like the approach found in facilities that have multiple tenants.  Genetec’s unified Security Center The Genetec access control system, Synergis, is built into to the company’s unified Security Center platform, which brings together IP video surveillance and access control into one easy-to-use solution. Common security operations from multiple systems are standardised, including monitoring, reporting, alarm management and configuration. Within a single intuitive client application, operators can see corresponding video each time a cardholder touches their card to a reader. The cardholder information is displayed automatically. In case of an access-denied alarm, operators can quickly address the situation by confirming the cardholder’s identity and assigned access rights. Decision-making and investigations are faster because operators don’t have to navigate among different applications to understand what took place. Redundancy is achieved at the controller level, not simply from a redundant network server Honeywell: A choice for anybody Honeywell offers two access control systems – the ProWatch geared toward enterprise customers and the self-contained WinPak for entry-level to mid-market applications. Sold through dealer/integrators, ProWatch implementations are customised for each customer and include the Honeywell SDK to ensure integration with a wide range of existing equipment. Customers include enterprise, Fortune 500, and multi-city and countrywide applications, including multiple points of control. There is no limit to the number of doors and card-holders – one centre manages 10,000 doors. WinPak comes in three “flavours” – the XE entry level for 1 to 16 doors, the mid-range SE for 16 to 32 doors, and the PE (professional edition) geared toward multiple locations, including field offices or satellites. WinPak has dozens of native integrations. PCSC’s Fault Tolerant Controller PCSC’s flagship access control product, the Fault Tolerant access controller, uses a patented process for automated system recovery. If a primary controller should fail, an alternative controller automatically takes over the duties of the failed controller. Redundancy is achieved at the controller level, not simply from a redundant network server. The Fault Tolerant Controller also uses a Hydra Protocol to use peer-to-peer communication to keep the system updated. Ethernet and PoE are standard, and optional wireless mesh communication is also available. For integrators, the system provides better reliability with fewer problems both from a system network and physical security point of view. Result: Lower installation and operating expenses and better performance and security. S2 Security features web-delivered interface S2 Security access control products use a web-delivered user interface. Customers can access their systems without requiring an installed client, whether in a fixed or mobile environment. Credential-based access control, intrusion detection and video applications are integrated seamlessly for a unified management and administration experience. The web-delivered user interface benefits end users and integrators in terms of lower total cost of ownership as well as ease of operability. No software installation or client license fees are required. The system can be accessed from any authorized computer, and key access control functions are also available on mobile devices using S2 Mobile Security Officer. Security is more unified because both physical and logical security apps can share a common database Tyco Security provides plenty of options Software House’s C-Cure 9000 combines its iSTAR Door Controller with enterprise-level access control features. A scalable, fully distributed and robust architecture – empowered by iSTAR controllers – can meet complex regional, global and enterprise access control challenges. Kantech access control solutions from Tyco Security Products offers low installation cost and ease of use. Minimising installation time and need for product knowledge decreases total cost of ownership, both related to software and hardware-based solutions. CEM Systems’ AC2000 access control system differentiates itself by its IP Edge devices, such as the Emerald reader, a terminal at the door that has the ability to run applications like a smart phone or tablet. This capability allows customers to post announcements on the keypad or even add a checklist to access control decisions for things like health and safety or hazardous areas. Viscount Systems emphasises IT Eliminating proprietary panels altogether, the software and databases of Viscount Systems’ Freedom access control system are hosted on physical or virtual servers. Multiple synchronised servers provide higher security, built-in resiliency and the ability for IT departments to leverage existing infrastructure. With the Freedom solution, integrators and end users can utilise native IT software that resides on a non-proprietary server and is deployed virtually across multiple servers or in the cloud. Updates are done in real-time and under the control of the customer. Leveraging existing IT infrastructure and resources also makes the Freedom solution cost-efficient and scalable. Security is more unified because both physical and logical security apps can share a common database.