MBX Systems - Experts & Thought Leaders

In a major time and cost savings for developers of camera-based surveillance applications, MBX Systems now offers a mobile cart platform, combining a modular housing that can accommodate different workstations and cameras, engineering services to match the right hardware to the use case, and integration services for enabling surveillance application developers to deliver turnkey software/hardware solutions. Kori mobile surveillance cart platform The new Kori platform can be integrated with technology used for video capture, surveillance, computer vision and analytics applications. Kori significantly reduces upfront design and engineering costs, and shortens the time to market from a year or more to as little as three months, by eliminating the need for custom cart design, using workstations, such as Dell Optiplex and Precision that are pre-certified for global use. MBX specs the optimal workstation and component combination for the ISV’s needs The Kori platform utilises MBX’s expertise in designing and building complex hardware platforms, to consolidate all development and assembly services under one roof. MBX specs the optimal workstation and component combination for the ISV’s needs, including GPUs for complex inference technologies, images, tests and verifies the ISV’s software on each production unit and installs the finished computing system in the base of the cart using a standard VESA mount. MBX installs cameras and peripherals MBX also installs all cameras and peripherals needed for the application, adds branding, and packages and ships finished units to their destination. Data can be processed within the unit and transmitted to the central monitoring station via WiFi or Bluetooth, eliminating the bandwidth required to stream video. Other key features include: Hanwha or AXIS PTZ dome cameras pre-configured to work with Kori, with other camera mounts a Multiple peripheral, power and port options, including touch monitors, HMI or LED displays, an articulating arm and more. 246 individually programmable LEDs, located in three separate locations on the cart, with a developer’s kit for easy coding of lighting patterns corresponding to usage status, alerts and system diagnostics. A built-in USB speakerphone with noise cancellation for clear two-way communication between subjects and remote stations. A 5-point wheelbase with non-marking locking casters and 4” wheel for smooth gliding over small gaps and uneven surfaces. Easy serviceability in the field with an accessible power system and removable VESA-mounted computer, reached by detaching four screws from the cart base. Optional branding and customisable colour ways to fit brand and design requirements. Camera-based, plug-and-play mobile platform “Most camera-based mobile platforms require expensive and time-consuming custom cart design, and are not adaptable to different applications,” said Roger Lam, Director of Engineering at MBX Systems. He adds, “Our Kori platform streamlines the process by providing a standard housing, as well as engineering, testing and integration services that produce a plug-and-play system, including all necessary mounts and peripherals, while also giving the ISV, the ability to customise LED indicator lighting. With the flood of new AI camera-based applications hitting the market, these are major benefits for ISVs in the surveillance space.”

MBX Systems, a manufacturer of purpose-built and deployment-ready hardware devices for technology companies, has expanded its line of pre-built, pre-engineered hardware platforms for physical security applications to help ISVs right-size deployments for specific end-user environments. All products are paired with value-added MBX services ranging from expert software imaging to an exclusive cloud-based supply chain toolset that saves ISVs hours of time and associated costs. Varion reference platforms MBX’s expanded Varion reference platforms span access control servers, analytics/AI servers and much more MBX’s expanded Varion reference platforms for the safety and security industry span access control servers, analytics/AI servers, client workstations, compute servers, video storage arrays, and video recording servers designed on Dell Technologies base platforms to deliver the best performance for the price. Options include rackmounts, small form factors and towers, each suited to specific use cases for physical security and IP video surveillance. ISVs benefit from MBX’s engineering expertise and a full-service program that provides: Speed to market - All platforms are in stock at MBX to shorten lead times, and the company’s automated Forge production infrastructure accelerates onboarding of new customer projects as well as configuration, imaging and testing. Quality assurance – MBX manufacturing facilities are ISO 9001:2015 certified with ESD controls. In addition, the Forge production infrastructure includes QC fail-safes at every work centre to ensure consistent quality of integrated systems. No need for customer scripting – MBX platform engineers prepare customers’ software for deployment on hardware platforms before systems go into production, relieving ISVs of scripting responsibilities for new products as well as updates. Reduced program administration time and cost – In a toolset not available from any other provider, MBX Hatch consolidates engineering, manufacturing status, logistics and other supply chain data in a single cloud-based interface that enables customers’ program management and customer service staff to access needed information without making multiple phone calls or consulting multiple spreadsheets. Global logistics – With global market information and shipment tracking built into Hatch as well as a dedicated global support team, MBX helps customers create a roadmap for global expansion, manage regulatory and country-specific product certifications, coordinate details from documentation to freight handling, and more. Integrated hardware systems for turnkey installations Other MBX services include custom engineering when needed, product lifecycle management to ensure platform longevity and timely component updates, kitting to enable shipment of integrated hardware systems for turnkey installation, and branding from bezel to box. “Hardware deployments for security applications require matching the right platform to the right use case as well as wide-ranging support services to manage all aspects of the project. MBX offers the industry’s deepest and most robust capabilities in both areas,” said Tom Larson, Director, Safety and Security, at MBX Systems. Tom adds, “With our expanded product catalogue and comprehensive tools and services, we can not only meet the full gamut of ISV hardware needs but also substantially reduce the in-house resources needed to run successful hardware programs.”

MBX Systems, a manufacturer of custom OEM server hardware specialising in customers with high variability needs, announced that it has become a Gold OEM Partner in the Dell EMC Partner Program. Dell EMC OEM solutions Dell EMC OEM partners are selected based on their resources and capabilities dedicated to helping OEM customers bring products to market efficiently. As an OEM Channel Partner, MBX offers expertise in hardware, software and services to create technology solutions that help eliminate IT complexity and improve efficiencies for customers. MBX complements Dell EMC’s offerings by providing custom-configured appliance solutions on a broad selection of Dell EMC’s server hardware. The company offers consultative engineering to select the optimal platform for each application, hardware/software optimisation and integration, and customer-specific testing when needed, backed by a proprietary production infrastructure that yields an industry-leading 99.5% defect-free workmanship. Other services include custom branding, inventory management, global logistics, component lifecycle management, and unique software tools to automate the customer’s hardware program. MBX-Dell EMC integration OEM Channel Partners such as MBX Systems can utilise Dell EMC OEM Solutions’ vast supply-chain network to build specialised solutions for manufacturers. “Many of our customers are high-growth companies that want to build their appliances on Tier 1 hardware to help drive their expansion into global markets. Dell EMC OEM servers are an ideal solution because they are certified for use worldwide and backed by strong global support programs,” said Chris Tucker, MBX President. “Our selection as an OEM partner in the Dell EMC OEM partner program validates our expertise in bringing OEMs’ and ISVs’ custom hardware appliances to market on Dell Technologies and Dell EMC base platforms.”

Sometimes companies want to buy their physical security software separate from the servers it runs on. Other times, companies prefer to buy an “appliance” – a purpose-built machine that is perfectly matched with the software it is running. The latter category is especially popular among small- and medium-sized business customers. For example, preconfigured video management appliances contribute an element of simplicity. That’s why you see video software companies – Genetec, Milestone, and others – coming out with pre-loaded appliances that match up their software systems with just the right hardware to optimise (and simplify) operation for small- and mid-sized end user customers. Pre-configured appliances are also used in access control applications. It was this trend that brought MBX Systems to the ASIS 2014 show in Atlanta. MBX is seeking to become the “hardware arm” of software companies in the security market; in effect, to provide a soup-to-nuts solution that matches software with the right combination of off-the-shelf and customised hardware to yield a pre-loaded and preconfigured appliance solution. The company incorporates off-the-shelf computer servers from manufacturers such as HP and also customises any cosmetic or mechanical components a system might need. “Our focus at ASIS was to attract other exhibitors to our booth,” says Chris Schmidt, MBX Systems director of sales and marketing. “We were showing solutions that are preloaded onto a server or a PC. What we have found in the past is that exhibitors want to be able to see that you are there and investing in the same shows they are investing in. Then, at their leisure, they come to your booth and get a better understanding.” For dealer/installers, installing a single, pre-configured and pre-loaded system can be a huge time-saver. Also, using a pre-loaded system, there is less price transparency so end users are less likely to expect dealers to match low-margin pricing of generic server equipment. End users also have one company to deal with warranty claims.  “Customers want something they can take out of the box, put it in a rack or closet and, boom, you have what you need,” says Schmidt. “They don’t want a whole data centre.” "We work with the software companies to hone in on what’s the best combination of hardware and software, adding things along the way, and then private-labelling or branding it" Schmidt compares MBX Systems’ role to that of Foxconn, the Chinese company that works behind-the-scenes with Apple to make products such as the iPad and iPhone easy to use right out of the box. “We work with the software companies to hone in on what’s the best combination of hardware and software, adding things along the way, and then private-labelling or branding it,” he says. MBX Systems also handles the support and after-sale warranty. Customers MBX already partners with related to the security market include Agilence and BAE Systems. Chris Nietzold, MBX Systems’ senior platform engineer, sees a trend toward systems that require higher bandwidth and greater performance requirements. Given the trend, there is a higher likelihood that software could be deployed on a hardware system that is already feeling resource strain or may not be adequate for the application. Pre-loaded hardware prevents the problem. “They want something they can push right to the edge with bandwidth and performance,” says Nietzold, and custom-matching the right software and hardware delivers on that expectation. “You don’t want your security system competing with general computer systems,” adds Jeff Luckett, MBX’s director of engineering. In the case of retail stores, for example, there may be an appliance configuration that is consistent across hundreds of locations. “It depends on the software vendor, but some want each system to be turnkey. We have to input all that information so the store manager can just plug it in,” says Nietzold. Smaller end users have historically been among the final hold-outs using analogue technology. The perceived (and real) complexity of integrating IP camera systems are an obstacle to implementing the technology, especially among companies that may not have IT-savvy staff members to trouble-shoot the technology – and even among dealer/installers whose IT resources may be limited at best. The role of companies like MBX Systems will likely increase in our market as dealers and end users demand IP solutions that are as easy to implement as analogue.