Paxton Access Limited - Experts & Thought Leaders

Skills for Security welcomes EFT Group as a new sponsor, further strengthening its mission to develop the next generation of skilled professionals in the fire and security industry. As one of the UK’s pioneering fire and security training providers, Skills for Security works closely with industry partners to improve training standards and create real opportunities for young people entering the sector. Next generation of skilled engineers Speaking on the partnership, Jordan Duggan, Group Director at EFT Group, said: "At EFT Group, we are passionate about investing in the future of our industry." "Supporting Skills for Security is an important step in ensuring young professionals have access to training programmes and hands-on experience they need to succeed. We’re excited to contribute to the development of the next generation of skilled fire and security engineers." Fire, security and electrical services The new sponsorship will see EPT Group contribute to growing training options, ensuring apprentices EFT Group is a pioneering provider of fire, security and electrical services, delivering high-quality solutions across various sectors, including residential, commercial, and public services. The new sponsorship will see EFT Group contribute to expanding training opportunities, ensuring apprentices gain practical, real-world experience with smart security solutions. Their involvement is a testament to the growing recognition across the industry that investment in training is essential for long-term success. Impressive list of sponsors David Scott, Managing Director of Skills for Security, added: "Collaboration with industry pioneers is key to ensuring we provide the highest standard of training. Having EFT Group on board as a sponsor further enhances our ability to deliver hands-on learning experiences and equip apprentices with the skills they need to thrive in the fire and security industry. Their commitment to professional development aligns perfectly with our mission." The new partnership follows an impressive list of sponsors recently joining Skills for Security. This includes most recently Nimbus Digital and Gallagher Security as platinum partners and Videcon, Eagle Eye Networks, and Paxton Access Control who joined to enhance training opportunities for its apprentices.

Encore Atlantic Shores is a residential complex of 240 luxurious townhomes for ages 55 and over in Eastport, New York. Completed in 2011, the site boasts an 11,800 square foot clubhouse, with amenities such as a fitness centre, heated indoor pool, whirlpool spa, multi-purpose ballroom, cardroom and clubroom with billiards, tennis courts and an outdoor putting green. The complex required an update to their legacy security system, so they reached out to CWC Security to specify a new and modern solution for their site. Paxton’s Net2 access control system Paxton’s Net2 access control system due to its flexibility to integrate with multiple other systems CWC Security, based in Melville, New York, specialises in designing, installing, and monitoring state-of-the-art security systems that offer comprehensive protection for residential and commercial spaces. They chose Paxton’s Net2 access control system due to its flexibility to integrate with multiple other systems that were already on Encore’s network. Paxton, the security technology manufacturer, designs and develops access control systems, video intercom products, IP cameras, and wireless door handles that are installed and used globally. Requirement Encore Atlantic Shores needed to update all internal and external entry and exit points on the premises, including their access-controlled gates to allow flexible access permissions. Additionally, multiple areas of the site were on different internet networks, which needed to be managed from one central location. There is a clubhouse that also required permission-based access for summer residents who are not members of the clubhouse but need access to the pool. The property manager utilises Net2 software to provide temporary access rights during these times for different members. The site’s pool management personnel also require separate access to the basement for equipment storage. Solution Net2 is Paxton’s networked access control system that can be administered using one or more PCs Michael Pittakas, owner of CWC Security, presented Encore Atlantic Shores with Net2 as a solution. Net2 is Paxton’s networked access control system that can be administered using one or more PCs and can be monitored and managed from a central location. The software is designed to easily integrate with other security systems. This made it straightforward to run alongside the sites existing systems and further streamline security for their staff and residents alike. Net2 now secures all primary entry points to the complex, with keyfobs provided to residents to access the front gate. For deliveries and garbage collection, the rear gate is also controlled via the Net2 software. This enables Erin Stewart, the Property Manager, to open the gate for these vehicles when needed. Video intercom system Michael said: “The front and rear gates are relay controlled, so we utilised triggers and actions within Net2 to provide access.” “We also integrated Net2 with the existing video intercom system at the front gate so that non-residents call the security booth before they can enter the premises. This is then recorded as an event in the Net2 software.” Result Erin at Encore Atlantic Shores has been very pleased with the Net2 system and CWC’s service Since the installation took place, Erin at Encore Atlantic Shores has been very pleased with the Net2 system and CWC’s assistance and support. Michael explained “I showed Erin how to create schedules, control the property via the Net2 software, and setup the correct access permissions.” Erin said: “We find Net2 to be the perfect fit for our needs at Encore Atlantic Shores. The software is user-friendly, reliable, and customisable. Having the ability to program keyfobs with different access levels has been a tremendous help with vendors who may need access during hours with limited staff. The reporting ability gives you a record of who and when someone uses a keyfob to enter the Clubhouse.” Setup of a Net2 system CWC, a Silver Paxton Partner, commissioned the site via the Paxton Installer app’s commissioning feature. This makes the setup of a Net2 system simpler and faster than ever before, as it saves installers from having to write down the products’ serial numbers to add them into the Net2 software afterwards.

The security technology manufacturer Paxton is now hosting Paxton Tech Tour sessions at the company’s newly built US headquarters in Greenville, South Carolina. The Paxton Tech Tour is a free half-day commercial and technical experience that introduces security installers and integrators to Paxton’s extensive security product line. Featuring live demos, hands-on product experience, exclusive access to discounted products and free software, installers won’t want to miss it. Tech tour insights Gareth O’Hara, Chief Commercial Officer of Paxton, commented: “We are delighted to be welcoming installers to our brand-new US headquarters. It has been built to a world-class standard and reflects the scale of our ambition and belief in Greenville as a fantastic hub for Paxton." “Installers that attend the tech tour get a combination of commercial and practical sessions designed to help grow their business. There’s something for everyone, from technical experts to business owners. It is the perfect chance to discuss business opportunities with our team and plan upcoming installations.“ Smart access solutions Attendees will get to check out the latest Net2 developments, discover the combined video and access control platform Attendees will get to check out the latest Net2 developments, discover the combined video and access control platform Paxton10, learn about PaxLock wireless electronic doors handles, and experience Paxton’s video intercom system Entry with the recently released Paxton Entry app. Every installer who attends will receive $765 MSRP Net2 Pro software for free and an exclusive installer gift box worth over $50. Additionally, attendees will gain access to heavily discounted Paxton demo equipment, enhancing their ability to demonstrate Paxton’s products to potential customers. Exclusive installer perks Each security installation company that attends will receive 100 Paxton Rewards points, which can be redeemed for various benefits. They’ll also get a free catered lunch and a tour of Paxton’s new, state-of-the-art headquarters.  Furthermore, they’ll have the opportunity to explore the Customer Experience Room, a space where installers can showcase Paxton products through live demonstrations to their own customers.

ISC West in Las Vegas kicked off with a bang on Wednesday, reflecting a healthy physical security industry with an overall upbeat outlook on the future. Driving the optimism is a pending new wave of product innovation, propelled largely by developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and deep learning. Some of that new wave is evident at ISC West, but much of the talk still centres on what’s to come. Attendees flocked to the first day of the show to check out the newest technologies, and they were rewarded with a wide range of innovations. Tempering the optimism are ongoing concerns about ensuring the cybersecurity of IP-based physical security systems. Cybersecurity standards for physical security At least one news announcement is related to cybersecurity at the show: Johnson Controls is the first company to achieve UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification 2900-2-3 for cybersecurity of life safety and security products and systems for their VideoEdge network video recording platform from American Dynamics. The UL brand ensures that the certification involves a standards-based and scientific approach to evaluating cybersecurity, and that JCI’s certified products meet the requirements. “We were able to be first because we understand issues of cybersecurity, and the UL standard matches very closely to what we have been doing in cybersecurity,” says Will Brown, Senior Engineering Manager, Cyber Protection at Johnson Controls. Tempering the optimism are ongoing concerns about ensuring the cybersecurity of IP-based physical security systems Neil Lakomiak, Director of Business Development and Innovation at Underwriters Laboratories, says relatively few companies have invested sufficiently in cybersecurity, and much of UL’s work in the physical security market is to help manufacturers develop a roadmap to meet cybersecurity goals. “A lot of companies have not invested, but Johnson Controls has,” said Lakomiak. He speculated that it could be some time before another security company achieves the certification; there certainly won’t be a rush of additional companies to do so in the near term, based on the progress he has seen to date, says Lakomiak. “Cybersecurity is a topic that has hit the Board of Directors level,” says Lakomiak. “They are definitely inquiring about it and trying to understand what their posture should be. The leadership teams of companies will be asking a lot of questions.” In terms of cyber-consciousness among the integrator community, Brown estimates about 10 percent are “on board” with the issue. Among the manufacturing community, more than half of the companies are pursuing cybersecurity goals, although the levels of those efforts run a full  gamut, says Lakomiak. Vertical markets that are especially cyber-aware are enterprise, government, and critical infrastructure. Financial and retail companies are also coming on board, as well as companies — even small companies — in regulated industries such as utilities Cybersecurity is a topic that has hit the Board of Directors level Cybersecurity in the cloud Another company emphasising cybersecurity at ISC West is access control company Isonas. “What’s really new at the show for us is that we are being very transparent about the levels of cybersecurity we are applying to our cloud software platform and our IP network hardware,” says Rob Lydic, Isonas Global Vice President of Sales. “The levels of complexity we are putting into our cybersecurity, including the fact that we host our software on Amazon web services, ensures a really high level of security. We are taking painstaking efforts to subject ourselves to third-party penetration testing to give us the visibility of what is going on with our cybersecurity — are we actually as cybersecure as we believe?” The answer: “They have come back to us to say we have an amazing strategy for cybersecurity; the surface that is attackable is minuscule, and the complex layers underneath really prevent anybody from hacking the product.”We are being very transparent about the levels of cybersecurity we are applying to our cloud software platform"  Lydic says he sees higher levels of awareness about cybersecurity at the show, especially among end users. Several other exhibitors agree. Because edge devices have often been targeted in cybersecurity attacks, they are especially an area of concern. “We’re raising that conversation, saying we are a cloud service provider that uses edge devices, and it is core to us to make sure we have a great cybersecurity profile, so the customer can be assured we are doing what we say we are doing and delivering on those promises,” says Lydic. Awareness is filtering through channel: Isonas is seeing many customers who want to have that cybersecurity conversation at the show. “We have had probably 20 or 30 conversations with end users at the show who want to understand what it means to be in the cloud, to understand how the level of communication is encrypted between devices,” says Lydic.  Many end users at ISC West want to understand what it means to be in the cloud Ambitions for growth Successful companies often increase their ISC West booth size as a reflection of their ambition to grow as a company and their success in sales so far. One such company is Paxton Access Inc., which has increased its booth size from a 20x40-foot booth last year to a 30x50-foot space this year. Beyond the show, another reflection of Paxton’s growth is addition of personnel to cover 11 U.S. sales territories that have been newly restructured. New regional sales managers will work with dealers locally. At the show, Paxton is introducing its Net2 Entry Premium monitor, the latest addition to the company’s Net2 Entry line of door entry products. “The show is definitely a great way to promote who we are and what we offer,” says Linda Soriano, Paxton Marketing Communications Coordinator. “It’s great to meet new customers and interact with existing customers, to build new relationships. It’s an opportunity to promote the new things we have going on.” Paxton measures success at ISC West in terms of how many people they interact with at the show. In addition to welcoming booth visitors, the company is signing up attendance at free training through a show promotion. Anyone who signs up for training at the show is entered into a drawing for a $500 Visa gift card and a $1,000 discount off MSRP of Paxton products. Tim Shen, Director of Marketing at Dahua Technology USA, one of the larger exhibitors, says the company is emphasising solutions at ISC West, just one element of the successful international business model they are bringing to the United States.With AI and business analytics in transportation and retail markets, we are letting the market know that we can build solutions" Another topic for Dahua is artificial intelligence. “With AI and business analytics in transportation and retail markets, we are letting the market know that we can build solutions,” he says. Dahua sponsored a keynote address Wednesday on AI, including a presentation from Intel about AI trends. “AI is the future, but what can we use it for now?” asks Shen. “We need to give a very clear strategy of what we think about AI.” Dahua will bring AI cameras and an AI network video recorder to the U.S. market in the second quarter; in effect, they will be testing the water to see how well the AI concept is embraced here. Other new products from Dahua include multi-image and thermal cameras. In the thermal category, Dahua has developed their own chipset to help bring the price down and provide affordable thermal cameras to the U.S. market. Another focus will be e-POE (extended Power over Ethernet), which Dahua sees as a big differentiator. [Main photo credit: Abbey Masciarotte | Larry Anderson]

There was another big trade show last week –  the four-day Security Essen event in Germany. I didn’t attend, but several of my SourceSecurity.com colleagues report it was a busy show from start to finish, with the halls devoted to video/CCTV and access control dominating the show. The other halls were quieter, with smaller stands. Hot topics included big data, machine learning, mobile credentials, storage and an emphasis on solutions (rather than products). The exhibit hall was a bit of a maze, but attendees managed to find their way to the various stands. Three big companies – Bosch, Siemens and Honeywell – were conspicuously absent from their usual large role at Security Essen, and there was mixed feedback about the impact of their absence on the larger show. Without three gigantic stands to concentrate the footfall, attendees seemed more spread out than clustered. Hands-on, technical displays Hands-on displays with plenty of technical detail were the norm, encouraging attendees to interact with the products. The ASSA ABLOY stand, huge as always, reflected the continuing popularity of key systems in the German, Swiss and Austrian markets. ASSA ABLOY’s Yale also featured a home automation zone. Hands-on displays with plentyof technical detail were thenorm, encouraging attendeesto interact with the products Hikvision envisions cameras coming very soon with “deep learning” capabilities. These cameras, combined with big data applications, are the future of smart traffic systems, for example. Deep learning systems will replace traditional licence plate recognition (ANPR) and analyse electronic data about cars, rather than relying on number plates, says the company. Hikvision also highlighted multi-sensor cameras that can cover a large area and reduce the cost-per-channel – they have big projects in China and Southeast Asia. Hikvision’s privacy masking functionality is popular in Europe because of privacy regulations. Fujifilm demonstrated its impressive zoom lens series, featuring 60x zoom, long focal length and full HD quality, for use in airports and perimeter protection. Stabilisation is important with zoom because even slight movement can have a large effect, says the company. In Fujifilm lenses, the stabilisation is optical-based (in the lens), rather than software-based. Another stand that drew attention was Nedap, where a tiered seating area was provided for visitors to view video projected on a back wall. New laws in the Netherlands and France require that no information can go outside government buildings, thus requiring closed security systems, according to Nedap. It’s a trend likely to follow in the European Union, with similar laws potentially impacting hospitals and banking as well as government, says Nedap. This is why they are working with partner AET Europe to ensure that encrypted communications are secure between all elements of an IT-based access control system. Solutions – not just products The need to provide solutions rather than “just products” was a repeated theme. One solutions provider is MOBOTIX, which highlighted a new corporate design with fresher and more unified branding. The solutions approach includes analytics and people counting embedded for inventory optimisation and business intelligence. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles to combat the perception that the company’s technology is not easy to use. There is also a 4K bundle with NAS (network attached) storage – all preconfigured; just power it up and it will run. MOBOTIX is releasing new plug-and-play bundles tocombat the perception thatthe company’s technologyis not easy to use Sony also offered solutions, including their intelligent approach to 4K, which they say overcomes traditional concerns with the higher-resolution technology. Sony also displayed “glass-to-glass” technology, streaming 4K cameras directly to a screen with no PC in between. Even with the company shifting to end-to-end solutions, their cameras are still at the core of the portfolio, including an accent on low-light and changing light conditions. Adding ROI was another hot topic for exhibitors. MOBOTIX emphasised its process monitoring capabilities, as did Geutebrück. VIVOTEK highlighted combining a people-counting solution with other retail data for business intelligence. Contrary to the focus on solutions was LTV Europe, a video company that keeps the attention on products. LTV emphasises personal service and a fresh approach rather than competing with bigger providers. Focus on storage and automation The themes my colleagues heard at Security Essen were not unlike those we heard recently at ASIS and earlier this year at IFSEC and even ISC West. More companies are looking to expand into non-traditional applications beyond security, such as asset tracking and logistics/delivery. Another example: Sony suggested using video to monitor rivers and lakes water levels for flood warnings. Quantum is keeping itsattention on storage, whileaddressing the IT department’sneed for data protection Quantum is keeping its attention on storage, while addressing the IT department’s need for data protection. The new StorNext scalable storage system, which can handle 4K, integrates various tiers of storage appropriate to varying workflows and business needs. For example, retrieval can be faster for more valuable data, thus maximising value while minimising the overall cost. Allegion is rolling out products that combine electronic and mechanical locks from subsidiary SimonsVoss and the Allegion portfolios. Allegion wants to position itself as electronic access control expert. Paxton highlighted a building automation system, Paxton net10, which is aimed at small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and works on mobile credentials as well as cards. They’re looking to build this kind of technology into future products. Another company, AxxonSoft, is pushing strongly to establish its brand in the United States – something to watch in 2017. SALTO also highlighted cloud-based mobile access control: They have developed a Keys as a Service system, SALTO KS, which allows businesses to grant access remotely while viewing a video of the door. Four busy days in Germany Security Essen is an international show, but the emphasis was on German, Austrian and Swiss companies and larger companies targeting those markets. There was more of a continental Europe “flavour” compared to IFSEC’s focus on the U.K. market. Four days is a long time for a trade show – my feet are shot after two and a half days! But my colleagues agree it was time well spent, if for nothing else than getting to watch an 8-foot-tall robot dance around Hall 3.

I have been unpacking from last week’s ASIS show in Orlando. It was a good show, except if you compare it to last spring’s ISC West in Las Vegas, which was especially well attended and generated a lot of excitement in the market. ASIS was definitely smaller, lower key and less crowded. And there were no big product announcements. But there was still plenty of technology on display. In particular, I saw the show reflecting several ongoing trends in the market. Impact of M&As Mergers and acquisitions have been big news in the security market for the last year or two, and there was evidence at ASIS of how M&As are changing the market. For example, Axis Communications, now owned by Japanese giant Canon, is taking over the marketing of Canon’s small (by comparison) selection of video surveillance equipment. Thus ends (quietly) one of the big questions in the market: Why would a company like Canon want to compete against itself? Even more reflective of the changing Canon/Axis world is a new 20-megapixel camera highlighted at ASIS. It was developed through cooperation by the two companies, with Canon providing the lenses and Axis providing the rest of the camera, including image processing. It’s being positioned as an opportunity to combine the best capabilities of both companies. Mergers and acquisitions have been big news in the security market for the last year or two, and there was evidence at ASIS M&As changing the market Vanderbilt is expanding its cloud and video management offerings – in addition to access control – with acquisition of Access Control Technology (ACT) in Dublin. A company built on acquisitions, Vanderbilt will be looking to unify their product offerings in coming months – combining technologies from various acquisitions into a unified whole. It’s been a big year for FLIR, which has swallowed up DVTEL and now offers a complete range of video surveillance products. Reaching way beyond FLIR’s historic presence as a thermal imaging company, the new FLIR is looking to educate the market about its versatility. Meeting end user demands End users demand more integrated systems, and you heard it repeatedly at ASIS. For example, Tyco Security Products says their products are now more connected, reflecting further deterioration of the silos that used to exist. More effective user interfaces are getting attention. One I saw at ASIS was by Honeywell’s Connected Buildings business. A big screen at their booth showed a map with multiple locations in an enterprise; clicking on a location brings up a schematic showing where cameras are located. If you click on a camera icon, you see video from that camera. They also previewed a smart phone app that runs off the same database, which can be used by guards working in the field. Bosch also has a neat integration of their access control, intrusion and video systems, all tied together using their intrusion system to provide intuitive controls. Ameristar, an ASSA ABLOY subsidiary, offers Perimeter InSite software, providing a virtual view of any perimeter security construction project as it is planned and built – stage by stage – with no surprises. Mobile credentialing, wireless locks A leader in mobile credentialing, HID Global is emphasising how the technologies are being implemented in the market – more customer references and case studies are paving the way for broader adoption. Other companies are also onboard with mobile credentialing, including Brivo and Lenel. A leader in mobile credentialing, HID Global is emphasising how the technologies are being implemented in the market Wireless is continuing to evolve. Stanley Security offers the WiQ wireless product line, emphasising that installation of wireless locks is half the cost of wired, but there are downsides (such as slight access delays) compared to wired. Allegion continues to expand its Engage wireless portfolio, too. Paxton Access, a British company, has restructured and is investing in the U.S. market. Their Paxton BLU cloud-based access control system uses Amazon web services and is an opportunity for dealer/integrators to earn more recurring monthly revenue (RMR) Security in the headlines Violence in the headlines often screams out for security solutions, and there were some at ASIS. Stanley highlighted its Shelter product that enables a wireless lockdown in an active shooter situation in the education environment. It solves a high-profile challenge, but Stanley emphasises that it’s just part of a broader school security programme – that’s what’s really needed. A different approach on the active shooter scenario is offered by risk assessment and consultancy company Control Risks, which offers active shooter education programmes for enterprises, including an e-learning module to teach employees how to react in an active shooter situation. New video capabilities Video grabbed attention at ASIS. As Hikvision and Dahua continue their energetic push into the U.S. markets, they were among the largest (and most crowded) booths. Several companies – including Bosch and Tyco -- are adding video analytics to their cameras at the factory. Vicon previewed its new Valerus VMS system, based on ONVIF protocols and totally compatible with their legacy ViconNet VMS. They see open systems as a strong selling point, but they will also continue selling hardware and “total systems". "Suspect search" can search video to deliver additional examples of video involving a subject that has been identified by a single frame “Suspect search” is a new feature showing up on video surveillance systems. The feature can search captured video from throughout a system to deliver additional examples of video involving a subject that has been identified by a single frame of video – find the girl in the blue dress, or the man wearing a red shirt. Searching a whole system, rather than a single camera feed, expands an operator’s ability to investigate an incident. Avigilon introduced its version, called “Appearance Search” at ASIS, and Qognify also highlighted its version, called “Suspect Search,” which I first saw at IFSEC. I notice Exacq also has a flavour of this, and I am sure there are others. Perimeter security evolving Perimeter security is changing. Long considered a “low-tech” wing of the security market, there is a lot going on in the area of perimeter security. Visiting a couple of booths at ASIS opened my eyes. For example, Senstar has every kind of sensor, and their Tungsten product is a security appliance that offers cyber-security at the edge of the network, tying together the sensors and other devices. Protech offers solar-powered wireless sensors that don’t require trenching, another money-saver (more to come about them).