Audio surveillance

RGB Spectrum®, a pioneer in mission-critical video for real-time decision support, reaffirms its dedication to product education and training, by launching comprehensive training courses tailored for end-users, integrators, manufacturer representatives, consultants, and partners. Training curriculum RGB Spectrum's training curriculum encompasses various modules, including the popular 201 and 301 series. These modules offer detailed insights into key products, including the Galileo video wall processor, XtendPoint networked KVM, and the Zio platform. Participants can access these courses on-site at RGB Spectrum headquarters or through the company's eLearning System. Recognised certifications RGB Spectrum's commitment to quality education is further reinforced by its collaboration with AVIXA RGB Spectrum's commitment to quality education is further reinforced by its collaboration with AVIXA. Many courses offer Certified Technology Specialist (CTS) Renewal Units (RUs). This partnership underscores the company's dedication to upholding industry standards and empowering audiovisual professionals with recognised certifications. Detailed course descriptions and credits 201: Galileo Overview & Use (CTS: 0.75 credits): This module provides an overview of the Galileo video wall processor and how to use it. 201: XtendPoint Overview & Use (CTS: 0.5 credits): This module provides an overview of XtendPoint networked KVM and how to use it. 201: Zio Overview & Use (CTS: 0.5 credits): This module provides an overview of the Zio platform and how to use it. 301: Galileo Installation & Configuration (CTS: 0.5 credits, CTS-D: 0.5 credits, CTS-I: 0.5 credits): The course provides installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance instructions for customers preparing to install Galileo video wall processors. 301: XtendPoint Installation & Configuration (CTS: 0.75 credits, CTS-D: 0.75 credits, CTS-I: 0.75 credits, ANP: 0.75 credits): This training course provides installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance instructions for customers preparing to install an XtendPoint. 301: Zio Installation & Configuration (CTS: 0.25 credits, CTS-I: 0.25 credits): This training course provides installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and maintenance instructions for Zio products. Accessible and flexible training "We understand that continuous learning is vital in today's dynamic landscape," commented Bob Marcus, CEO of RGB Spectrum. He adds, "That's why we are committed to offering training opportunities that are not only comprehensive but also accessible and flexible. Whether through in-person sessions or online modules, we strive to ensure that our stakeholders have access to the knowledge they need to succeed." Modular format The modular format of the courses also received praise for its accessibility and ease of learning Participants echoed the value of RGB Spectrum's training programmes, with one attendee praising the 'amazingly detailed' content and another highlighting the effectiveness of the pre-recorded live demonstrations. The modular format of the courses also received praise for its accessibility and ease of learning. Education and training "Attending the 201 and 301 series from RGB Spectrum was invaluable," remarked Jim Foster, Territory Sales Manager at C&C Technology Group, adding “I highly recommend it!" As RGB Spectrum prioritises education and training, the company remains committed to empowering its stakeholders with the knowledge and skills needed to excel within their roles.

Pimloc, the AI video privacy, redaction, and analytics company announces it will expand its multimedia redaction platform, Secure Redact, to include audio and text redaction.  Integrating text redaction capabilities into the platform will increase the speed and efficiency with which proprietary information can be redacted, further saving users time and effort when processing sensitive footage. Visual, audio, and text While Secure Redact can be used for all camera types, the updated platform will also feature specific patent-pending technology for improved redaction of visual, audio, and text for body-worn, and other moving cameras. Users will have the option of using the new text feature which will transcribe audio into text, allowing users to select specific words from the audio, such as names or identifying information, that the platform will then automatically anonymise throughout the footage. Users will then be able to download the transcript with redacted text where necessary. Easy-to-use platform with AI “At Pimloc, our goal is to create an easy-to-use platform that combines world-class automation and AI with intuitive editing and application tools to suit all redaction needs,” said Simon Randall, CEO and Co-Founder of Pimloc. “By adding text redaction capabilities to Secure Redact, we’re making it easier for clients to anonymise personal data and responsibly share video footage which builds a strong trust and privacy layer for mass-scale video usage." Data sharing and transparency Secure Redact platform currently allows private and public organisations to leverage mass-scale video "It facilitates a safer, more transparent future for the intersections of government, businesses, and society.“ The Secure Redact platform currently allows private and public organisations to leverage mass-scale video to improve physical security/safety, optimise real-time business operations, and facilitate more data sharing and transparency while respecting and preserving the privacy of employees, customers, and the general public.  Performance and accuracy It combines AI, which can automatically detect more than 99 percent of PII, with intelligent redaction, editing, and review capabilities, to provide a fully powered multimedia redaction solution to quickly manage all data requests (FOIA, CCPA, HIPAA, and more), as well as responsibly share video across third-party platforms. It provides unrivaled performance and accuracy across high variability images, video, and audio from CCTV, Body-worn Cameras, Dash-cams, Mobile, and other formats.

Axis Communications, a pioneer in network video, has announced a multipurpose dome camera combining sharp video, two-way audio, actionable analytics, and LED indicators to help improve safety, security, and operational efficiency. This all-in-one device makes it possible to optimise staff resources with proactive surveillance, such as tele-sitting to observe patients in healthcare environments or to remotely detect and respond to loitering in retail environments. AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera AXIS Q9307-LV Dome Camera comes with coughing fit and stressed voice analytics adding an extra audible dimension to active incident management. It offers a great solution for remote monitoring and communication. With AXIS Live Privacy Shield, it’s possible to remotely monitor activities while safeguarding privacy in real-time. In addition, it includes both an LED indicator and an Audio LED so it’s clear to see when the camera is recording or when audio is being used. All-in-one audio-visual device Including Lightfinder 2.0, Forensic WDR, and OptimisedIR, it delivers sharp 5 MP image quality Including Lightfinder 2.0, Forensic WDR, and OptimisedIR, it delivers sharp 5 MP image quality under any light conditions. With four built-in microphones and a built-in speaker with echo cancellation, this all-in-one audio-visual device offers clear two-way audio communication with great noise suppression. This makes it easy to transmit and receive audio even from remote locations. Key features 5 MP video with two-way audio. Preinstalled audio and video analytics. Remote monitoring while safeguarding privacy. Withstands chemical wipe-downs. Cost-efficient all-in-one-device. Cost-efficient solution This multipurpose dome camera ensures a cost-efficient solution and with just one device to install, it offers one-drop installation. Additionally, video and audio analytics are included at no extra cost. It’s vandal-resistant and can withstand daily wipe-downs with chemical detergents without deteriorating the plastic. Furthermore, Axis Edge Vault, a hardware-based cybersecurity platform, safeguards the device and protects sensitive information from unauthorised access.

UK-based Intruder Detection manufacturer - Texecom is pleased to announce details of their attendance at The Security Event 2024. Professional Security Installers will be able to experience the all-new SmartCom Pro communicator which is designed specifically for alarm signalling from third-party panels. With three versions in the range, all of which will be on display, and members of the Texecom team will be on hand to discuss the benefits of the full family and how these can be applied to future security applications. SmartCom Pro versions Available soon, all three versions of the SmartCom Pro will be on display at the event: SmartCom Pro - The new single path communicator specifically designed for use over Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection. SmartCom Pro 4G - Besides use over Ethernet or Wi-Fi, the SmartCom Pro 4G can operate via mobile networks, making it ideal for applications where Wi-Fi or internet connectivity may not be available. SmartCom Pro DR - SmartCom Pro DR benefits from dual radio communications ensuring it intelligently selects the two best network operators available in that area for alarm signalling. Premier Elite range and Capture devices Klaxon Signals will be showcasing its range of world-class audible and visual signalling equipment Texecom will also be demonstrating its range of hardware, including the popular Premier Elite range and Capture devices and its suite of Digital Services including the primary alarm signalling tool Texecom Monitor. Joining Texecom will be sister company - Klaxon Signals, which will be showcasing its range of world-class audible and visual signalling equipment, including the Master Blaster a powerful motor-driven siren designed for use as an internal/external supplementary security sounder. Intruder detection installations David Mountfield, the Chief Revenue Officer for Texecom, commented “We’re pleased to return to The Security Event this year." He adds, "This will be the first time professional security installers will be able to get ‘hands-on’ with our all-new SmartCom Pro communicator and unleash the true benefits of Texecom Digital Services across all of their future intruder detection installations.” Visit Texecom at The Security Event on stand 5/F10 at the NEC Birmingham between 30th April & 2nd May 2024.

The latest in our ongoing series introducing some of Hanwha Vision’s pioneering partners has us meet with Alessia Saggese, co-owner at A.I. Tech. Here, Alessia discusses how cutting-edge video analytics are significantly improving detection and reducing false alarms in video. Thanks for meeting with us Alessia, can you tell us about A.I. Tech? A.I. Tech is an Italian company founded in 2012 that has developed cutting-edge video analytics solutions based on best-in-class AI. We have over 20 different video analytics applications that are being used in more than 60 countries globally, across several sectors from security and retail to smart cities and smart parking. What is your role at A.I. Tech? I am one of the co-owners of A.I. Tech and I’m also an Associate Professor at the University of Salerno, with a focus on computer vision and pattern recognition techniques for video and audio surveillance. At A.I. Tech, we all have decades of experience in the AI field, with the owners/founders all Professors at the University of Salerno and widely recognised by the international scientific community in this field. In other words, developing innovative AI applications and putting them to use in society is core to our company.  Tell us about the partnership between A.I. Tech and Hanwha Vision Europe. Our partnership began in 2015 when Hanwha Vision was one of the first video device manufacturers to open up application development to third parties. At the time, A.I. Tech was one of the few companies able to bring AI algorithmic capabilities to cameras. Of course, since then both AI and hardware (i.e. cameras) have developed significantly, so end-users can achieve more through embedded, AI-based applications on each camera. It’s exciting because companies can now solve problems that were impossible to solve only a few years ago — like the combination of Hanwha Vision’s thermal cameras with our AI-INTRUSION app. This provides advanced intrusion detection with much fewer false alarms. Hanwha Vision and A.I. Tech are trusted partners and that’s why most customers can buy most of our applications directly through Hanwha Vision. We appreciate the high reliability of Hanwha Vision’s cameras and the constant development being done to advance the hardware.  Is there a new product or solution that you’re excited about? One of society’s greatest challenges right now is optimising energy and building a more sustainable world. This is driving the development of a new solution from A.I. Tech for smart lighting that can adaptively change lighting levels based on objects detected passing through an area, on roads, and in different visibility. For example, it could automatically increase light levels in response to fog and wet road conditions. Have you noticed a growing use of AI and analytics alongside video technology? Some experts have stated that, prior to 2017, AI was almost “prehistoric”, and if you see how deep-learning AI is developing in the video sector, you will instantly understand why. It is transforming how video is used across organisations, for example people-counting in crowds within seconds, compared to the hours it would take a person to manually count. Applying AI in this way, to support and expedite human decision-making opens the door to numerous other opportunities in team and operational efficiency and unlocks insights from a vast array of data.

ISS (Intelligent Security Systems), a global provider of video intelligence and data awareness solutions, announced that it has entered into a partnership with Convergint, a global pioneer in service-based systems integration.  As part of the agreement, ISS and Convergint will provide end users across a wide variety of different vertical markets with AI-powered video intelligence solutions to help improve and streamline security, safety, and business operations throughout their respective organisations. Video analytics market According to Fortune Business Insights, the global market for video analytics was valued at an estimated $6.86 billion in 2022 and is expected to increase exponentially over the next several years, eventually surpassing $37 billion by 2030.  As the amount of video data generated, stored, and analysed within organisations continues to rise, analytics have quickly become an absolute necessity for companies that want to automate security and business operations processes.     Traditional and new applications ISS has been at the forefront of developing high-trust video analytics for myriad applications for over a quarter-century As the owner of more than 30 patents and trademarks, ISS has been at the forefront of developing high-trust video analytics for myriad applications for over a quarter century. From more traditional applications, such as license plate recognition and intrusion detection, to new cutting-edge solutions for labor safety, regulatory compliance, and logistics management, ISS offers more than 50 different analytic modules to address the varied needs of end users.   Advanced, AI-driven solutions “We are thrilled to announce this significant global agreement with Convergint. It marks a pivotal partnership between our organisations, focusing on expediting the embrace of ISS's advanced, AI-driven products and solutions coupled with Convergint's renowned service excellence around the world,” said ISS CEO, Aluisio Figueiredo. Aluisio Figueiredo adds, “Leveraging the global reach of both entities, our collaboration aims to boost the adoption of expansive, enterprise-level AI solutions, fueling continuous industry growth.”   Open-source video analytics solutions Real-time alerts to help with loss prevention, increase situational awareness, accelerate investigation in cities Convergint is a global, industry-pioneering systems integrator that designs, installs, and services electronic security, cybersecurity, fire and life safety, building automation, and audio-visual systems with over 9,000 colleagues and more than 200 locations worldwide. Convergint provides customised and integrated open-source video analytics solutions that can send real-time alerts to help with loss prevention, increase situational awareness, accelerate investigation in cities, and improve traffic, parking direction, and flow across a wide range of verticals including Healthcare, Financial, Federal, Education, Utilities and more. Advanced and innovative video analytics “Organisations across all industries, currently more than ever, require highly intelligent and automated video analytics solutions to protect people, property, and facilities,” said Mike Mathes, President of Global Growth, at Convergint. Mike Mathes adds, “We’re thrilled to partner with ISS to offer our customers the most advanced and innovative video analytics capabilities available. These solutions will greatly expand our ability to meet our customers’ needs, and advance our commitment to being their best service provider.”

Open platform video technology software is more than just a product; it's a tool that helps customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Safety, round-the-clock security, and increased operational efficiencies are now the norm due to video technology. Responsible Technology Despite humanity’s impressive technological advances, we also recognise the immense responsibility that comes with technological innovation. It's not enough to focus solely on the positive impact video technology can make, we must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential negative consequences it can have on society and its citizens. This is the role of Responsible Technology. Data privacy We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, AI, ML, facial recognition, etc. We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, facial recognition, etc. to serve people in societies in a responsible way. That means making sure that we regulate technology in a way that respects human rights and data privacy. Addressing the challenges The challenge is, that rather often technology leaders and policymakers either have conflicting interests or collaborate too late. To be responsible, business leaders must support their societies and policymakers in making regulations in the interest of the common good. At Milestone Systems, we are actively looking at how we develop our software responsibly, how our partners responsibly sell our software, and very importantly, how our customers use our software with a responsible mindset. Ensuring good corporate governance As a long-time partner within the security industry, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, we are supporting the regulation of video technology for the good of society. However, it of course needs to strike the fine line between the right legislation and not hindering innovation.  UNGP The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business At Milestone Systems, we want to play an active role in this and that is why we have pledged our support to the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business. The principles call on governments and companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy actual and potential human rights abuses. Since its launch in 2011, the UNGPs have received wide support from states, civil society organisations, and the private sector, making them the key global foundation for business and human rights. Protect, respect, and remedy Through this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure good corporate governance and ethical standards in the development of our technology. We're generating mechanisms to prevent misuse and we are building educational practices internally. Based on the UNGP’s three pillars: protect, respect, and remedy, we are developing a set of Responsible Technology Principles and procedures for the development, selling, and use of our products. Need for video technology regulation In addition, we are currently evaluating all the various technology areas in which our video software can be used, such as with third-party integrations that utilise e.g., facial recognition. We are mapping out the advantages and disadvantages for societies. One key area of concern is how local authorities are mapping and storing data about us as individuals. This is the reason why we're inviting more legislation to regulate video technology rather than less. Engaging With policymakers We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard We are proactively reaching out to and connecting with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss our approach to and take on Responsible Technology and encouraging the political landscape to work with us around regulation and legislation. We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard and where we can openly weigh the advantages and the challenges of technology, whether it is video, facial recognition, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, or other technologies. Striking a balance Implementing Responsible Technology is a journey, not a destination. To give it the focus needed, we have created a dedicated team to implement this initiative at Milestone Systems. At the same time, we are reaching out to the political landscape to discuss how we balance regulation without hindering innovation. Video technology used ethically We are a global company with worldwide operations, and we are having dialogues about how video technology is being used and how we can have meaningful talks about what regulation and legislation should look like. However, we don’t necessarily want to limit access to the technology itself. Facial recognition We encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line Facial recognition is a great example of this. The EU is considering making live facial recognition illegal. That would be a huge inhibitor of proactive terrorism prevention. For example, if a well-known terrorist is walking down the street and is being mapped out against Interpol’s most wanted list, the authorities should be able to react. However, if a person walking down the street but is not mapped out or does not have any priors then the city should not be allowed to store the data of that individual’s whereabouts at that point in time. This potential legislation is concerning to me as a citizen of Europe. Instead, we encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line for the better good of all of us. Maintaining high ethical standards We have a firm understanding and expectation that ethical standards are a huge driver in the security business. Citizens are not in favour of technology companies abusing data about them and monetising from things that they have not opted in to do. Soon, I think we will see many more companies and governments leaning toward suppliers that do have a responsible mindset and high ethical standards for partnerships. Ethical practices Our journey toward Responsible Technology is an ongoing process, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices and the protection of human rights. We recognise that the rapidly changing technological landscape continually presents new challenges and opportunities. For this reason, we continuously look into how we can improve, for example, our end user licence agreements to avoid potential human rights abuses. An industry responsibility Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures For Responsible Technology to truly become a reality, compliance with international human rights laws and data privacy regulations is critical. Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures that govern the ethical use of video surveillance systems. The secure and ethical community In today's technology environment where deep integrations, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming the norm, Responsible Technology is more relevant than ever. The security industry has a unique opportunity to set an example for other sectors by promoting a secure and ethical development community that prioritises Responsible Technology, trustworthy data collection, and the protection of human rights. We must all rise to this challenge and embrace our role as ethical leaders for the greater good of both people and societies.

Inadequate security measures on your essential infrastructure can have severe consequences.  Consequences  Consider the rail industry: If a vandal cuts the cables on a vital mechanism that controls train signals, train safety is jeopardised. To avoid train collisions or derailments and thus significant damage to property and potential loss of life, the operating company must shut down the service until the infrastructure is repaired and the network is up and running again. The disruption affects the rail ecosystem itself, but also the people using the trains, the transportation of cargo, and more. The financial cost of repairing the damage, restoring signal functionality, and compensating for delays can be substantial. For another example, consider electrical substations: A fire or targeted attack can damage the system and lead to devastating power outages.     Traditional surveillance limitations  Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations Traditional video surveillance has its limits when it comes to protecting transformer stations. The facilities are often located in rural areas, where straying animals or flying leaves trigger false alarms. 3D Surveillance solutions overcome these challenges by volumetrically securing the area and immediately detecting intruders only raising the alarm in the event of a human intruder and even identifying drone attacks.  Protecting critical infrastructure with 3D surveillance  Critical infrastructure must be monitored. It remains at risk if operators do not have systems for monitoring entire areas rather than just the periphery if security personnel has limited information in case of an intrusion and if security response protocols are not automated.  3D Surveillance solutions 3D Surveillance is an important tool for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the safety of those who rely on it. Integrating LiDAR technology, 3D Surveillance solutions provide a comprehensive view of the area being monitored with real-time monitoring and response, protecting critical infrastructure from damage and providing a more comprehensive security system. Advanced analytics and artificial intelligence Security personnel can identify and verify threats more easily and track the movements of individuals or vehicles, as well as respond to incidents as they happen. 3D Surveillance systems can be equipped with advanced analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities to detect patterns and anomalies that may indicate a potential threat. This can help to prevent potential attacks or accidents before they occur, as well as enable more accurate responses to incidents.  Talent challenge  Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols 3D Surveillance can also help tackle the talent challenge in the industry: Recruiting security professionals involves extensive background checks, and jobs in the industry are notorious for their low salaries, which results in high staff turnover. Turning to autonomy by implementing sensor- and software-based solutions requires fewer if any, in-person patrols and ensure reliable infrastructure protection.   Additional security measures In many countries, more stringent legislation now mandates the implementation of additional security measures to safeguard critical infrastructure, particularly at a country's points of entry, such as airports and harbours. Protecting the perimeter is no longer enough. For instance, airport management must ensure that critical areas, including the space around aircraft and near unauthorised access points, are secure. While multi-layered screening of individuals at the perimeter is a valuable security measure, it must be complemented by smooth and efficient surveillance of the entire area, which can only be achieved through advanced technology.   Different adoption rates 3D Surveillance technology is only beginning to gain traction in most locations, and adoption rates differ significantly from one region to another. For instance, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe have embraced 3D Surveillance to a greater extent than Western Europe. Regions with lower adoption rates will likely catch up as they seek to reinforce the security of their critical infrastructure, especially given the conflict in Eastern Europe.  Vandalism and damage protection 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue 3D Surveillance offers reliable protection against vandalism and damage - major concerns for companies that rely on critical infrastructure. LiDAR-based, software-enhanced 3D Surveillance solutions provide real-time insights and enable automatic processing of the information so that operators can autonomously and quickly detect and respond to potential threats. These solutions are scalable and customisable, allowing companies to adapt their security measures to their unique needs and changing environments. 3D Surveillance enhances the security of critical infrastructure, reduces the risk of downtime and loss of revenue, and ensures compliance with regulatory requirements. Asset management and maintenance planning Beyond its security benefits, 3D Surveillance can help with tasks such as asset management and maintenance planning. It can help identify potential problems or maintenance needs before they become more serious issues by providing a real-time view of the monitored infrastructure. This can help to reduce downtime and keep critical infrastructure running smoothly.  Real-time management  The same technology can also perform volume monitoring tasks and thus facilitate the management of valuable resources such as bulk material, grain, wood chips, or chemicals. By scanning the stock 24/7 and automatically calculating stock volume updating records in real-time, this technology supports lean production systems and automated processing. 

Nowadays the Internet of Things has become an integral part of business around the world. The enhanced functionality made possible by the Internet of Things (IoT) and associated technologies are responsible for many of the major changes seen across society today. Video surveillance Video surveillance is one area that experiences substantial evolution driven by IoT technology. The intelligent monitors and sensors of the IoT combined with emerging high-speed network solutions promise to improve the performance and capabilities of video surveillance systems. At the same time, the video surveillance system also enables the data of IoT applications more intuitive, effective, and practical. What Is the Internet Of Things (IoT)? Internet of Things is several physical devices connected, working, and sharing data in tandem via the internet. How can IoT devices work with video surveillance? The network video cameras can be connected and work with any IoT devices such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors, fire detection sensors, etc via the internet. And all the data from IoT devices can be overlaid on the video. See the image captured by one IoT video management system below: This allows these IoT machines to be “seen” in real-time. Incident management with video cameras  To detect changes and mitigate threats like theft, vandalism, fire, intrusion, etc, video cameras must interpret effectively However, it needs more than just an internet connection. To detect changes in the environment and to mitigate threats like theft, violence, vandalism, fire, intrusion, etc, video cameras must also be able to interpret such incidents effectively. For this, they need to function in tandem with other systems like IoT-based alarms, alarm management systems, fire alarm systems, motion detection, etc, and trigger various actions, such as audible warnings, a pop-up video on the video wall, email, SMS, etc. Actuators  While the cameras and sensors sense the undesired conditions in the environment, actuators are responsible for carrying out the actions to bring back the equilibrium. This not only ensures safety from intrusion but a number of other hazards that can possibly happen in that area. The devices can be trained to detect motion, light, objects, vibrations, change in temperature and moisture levels, smoke and fire, excessive carbon particles in the air, and so on, to ensure the security of the premise in every thinkable way. Not only do these systems provide security, which is the most obvious part of its operations, but it also gives you workable insights by analysing data gathered so far, assisting in improving the overall performance of the enterprise. IoT-based alarms Set IoT-based alarms, for example, users can set temperature alarm thresholds, when the environment temperature arrives at a certain alarm threshold, it will trigger actions to let users know what is happening. See the image below: With real-time remote monitoring and quickly detecting changes in the environment, users can adjust the facility’s condition and avoid any loss due to environmental changes, such as avoiding spoiling stock. That’s how the Internet of Things has diversified the benefits of a video surveillance system. Real-time insight Intelligent video surveillance systems can easily search IoT device data to identify environmental changes And at the same time, video surveillance systems make everything of IoT be seen intuitively. Intelligent video surveillance systems can easily search IoT device data to identify environmental changes, and easily found the location of different IoT devices and their corresponding videos on maps. Automated analysis of current conditions provided by IoT systems can generate real-time insight enabling a rapid response to incidents which makes the whole system more effective and practical. Predictive analytics Using the raw material provided by video feeds, predictive analytics can alert organisations to potential issues so they can proactively mitigate risks before they become problematic. That is how this enhanced IoT video surveillance system enables network cameras to be interoperable and function effectively with IP-based IoT systems to create a wholesome ecosystem of Smart Safety. Benefits of an enhanced IoT video surveillance system It can prevent disasters and ensure facility safety With real-time remote monitoring and control, facility managers can know and adjust the facility’s condition. Track stock as it moves through the facility. Consistently monitor the facility conditions and quickly detect changes in the environment to avoid spoiling stock. Act quickly on security alerts without the need to review footage. It can avoid unnecessary intervention for false alarms IoT video surveillance systems can help facility managers determine if an alarm has been triggered by an accident or threat without law enforcement or an in-person inspection. It protects critical assets from loss Safety and security issues can be costly. Real-time alerts and comprehensive visibility help business owners and facility managers identify risks. It makes informed decisions to improve processes Business owners and managers can improve security processes by collecting and analysing data from connected devices.

For an enterprise, addressing cyber security requires that stakeholders have immediate access to critical information compiled from multiple sources and presented where and how they need it. Various data sources monitor the cyber security status of a company’s computer systems to provide real-time visibility. Aggregating that data into visual dashboards and presenting it to operators enables any cyber security problems to be flagged quickly and resolved. Software system enhances cyber security Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise Userful Corporation provides a software system that enhances cyber security operations for an enterprise, enabling stakeholders to envision various cyber security factors, such as application security, network security, cloud security and IoT (Internet of Things) security. The software system empowers operators to respond more efficiently. Working in conjunction with a company’s existing IT infrastructure, Userful software combines datasets from diverse systems into a visual format and delivers the information to a desktop computer, a video wall, or even to a home office. Real-time visibility “It provides a new dynamic to how cyber security issues are resolved,” said Shane Vega, Userful Corporation’s Vice President (VP) of Product Marketing, adding “The individuals who have flagged a cyber security issue may not be the ones to respond. Having real-time visibility provides more value to the overall response.” A typical cyber security operations centre resembles a physical security command or emergency management hub – large video walls, individual desktop workstations, and operators that need to share information and respond quickly to any incident. Userful’s software helps in managing operations centres Userful’s software manages how data is presented in an operations centre environment, without relying on proprietary hardware, operating outside an end-user customer’s IT infrastructure. Managing operations centres is a core offering for Userful Corporation, including command centres of all types, from traditional network operation centres to emergency network systems to security systems. The ability to use one software system throughout an enterprise is appealing to companies that have historically grappled with proprietary and siloed systems. Solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale" “We are a platform that can be utilised across the enterprise,” said Shane Vega, adding “Cyber security professionals need solutions that are easy to deploy, manage and scale, so they can manage all the threats every day.” Compiling and displaying information to an operations centre has historically involved silos of proprietary audio/video (AV) hardware. Ironically, the hardware approach presents cyber security risks that undermine the very mission of protecting a company’s data and networks. The proprietary systems operate outside the company’s network infrastructure, and IT professionals do not have visibility into the systems. Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) Instead of hardware, displaying information on Security Orchestration, Automation and Response (SOAR) can be accomplished using software running on off-the-shelf components, managed by the IT department and featuring all the cyber security protections required, throughout the enterprise’s network infrastructure. SOAR includes threat and vulnerability management, security incident response and security operations automation, enabling companies to collect threat-related data from several sources and automate the responses. Cyber security threats Possible threats might include an influx of packet generation, malware, someone seeking access to the network, or a malicious email. Various tools manage each threat, and each must be visualised. Because the threats are related, a comprehensive dashboard enables operators to create parallels and respond more efficiently. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware In the Userful AV-over-IP scenario, an IT department takes full ownership of the computers and subsystems installed on the network. The software-as-a-service system ensures that all software is updated and can operate on the latest hardware. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity. Single platform/solution The single platform/solution also extends beyond operations centres to include meeting rooms and digital signage. All images are captured using existing protocols, such as Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), Web Real-Time Communication (WebRTC), and so forth. In contrast, the AV industry is hardware-centric and has been known to circumvent software approaches in order to justify selling more hardware. AV systems typically operate in terms of pixels rather than bytes of information and use proprietary software. Companies always have an ecosystem of interconnectivity Different departments in a company have historically installed their own specific AV systems, based on proprietary hardware, so that each department is siloed from the rest of the organisation. Dangers of random hardware on a network Random hardware on a network, beyond the reach of the IT department, can provide access points to the network for hackers and other cyber security threats. Each proprietary hardware system exists outside the existing security protocols of the enterprise and each represents a cyber security vulnerability. Some companies end up with five or six different operations centres that involve three or four manufacturers, all siloed. Software versus hardware Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware" “Our biggest challenge is to get people to understand what is possible with software versus hardware,” said Shane Vega, adding “The industry is inundated with hardware, and the risk is the unknown. Customers may not be familiar with a software solution that can accomplish what they have historically depended on hardware for.” Userful Corporation works through channel partners (integrators), who assemble complete systems using Userful software and other components, such as video screens, large-format commercial displays, groups of tiled displays, projectors – any type of display with an input. Corporate policy specifies security at every level Userful’s corporate policy specifies security at every level, including user authentication, encryption, endpoint security, air-gapped servers, information security policies, General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and a solution built on industry-leading IT standards. To spread the word about Userful Corporation’s capabilities related to cyber security, the company will be participating in Infosecurity Europe 2022, taking place from June 21 to June 23, 2022 at ExCeL, London, United Kingdom (UK).

Audio-video technologies have historically been a silo in the enterprise, separated from the larger network infrastructure by their use of analogue, hard-wired and proprietary connections. Software-defined system However, AV devices such as video walls and corporate signage add more value to security and emergency response operations when they are connected to the larger IT network and can interface seamlessly with other systems. That’s the approach provided by Userful, which offers a software-defined system for end-to-end control of audio-video applications in an enterprise, using a web browser and standard industry protocols. The use of software avoids the need for proprietary hardware and the compatibility challenges of multiple hardware systems operating in silos. It also yields visibility and control throughout the system.  Single software system The single software system grants IT, administrators, the ability to govern multiple platforms The single software system grants IT, administrators, the ability to govern multiple platforms, while providing individual departments access to the specific applications they need. The emphasis is on meeting stakeholders’ functional requirements using a system governed by the IT department. The data travels across the IT network infrastructure without being blocked by the use of proprietary hardware and cabling, for example. Digital transformation Avoiding the analogue (hardwired) approach enables enterprises to “digitally transform” the operation of their audio-video devices. The approach is especially useful at the intersection of security and digital signage. “We give the power back to the local IT administrators, who can govern the system and enable customers to govern their applications,” says Shane Vega, VP of Product Marketing at Userful. The company’s software aggregates video information and distributes it as needed to individual video displays. Real-time event monitoring The software enables various video devices to become a seamless part of the IT infrastructure. It also facilitates sharing of information throughout the enterprise, even in an emergency. In contrast, proprietary, siloed systems hamper the free flow of information when it is needed the most. For example, if there is an emergency or active shooter situation, video devices throughout an organisation can be leveraged to inform occupants about the details of the event in real-time and to provide actionable instructions specific to an occupant’s location in the building. Visual communications When security is integrated into a larger platform, it can spread the message visually throughout the enterprise Visual communications, such as digital signage, comprise a powerful extension of a security system that actively monitors threats, and offers the ability to communicate to a large group of people. When security is integrated into a larger platform, it can spread the message visually throughout the enterprise. Strategic messaging can guide building occupants to their best course of action during an emergency, whether it is to flee or to shelter in place. Situational awareness The software-driven IT system can aggregate information from multiple sources, such as video camera feeds or information from an access control system, and display it on a large video wall, for example. Free-flowing information promotes situational awareness in a control room, and enables immediate response, whether it’s to call the fire department, sound an alarm, or initiate a mass exodus of building occupants. IT software approach “It makes everyone strategically aware and sends the appropriate messaging to those who need it, rather than to everyone at once,” says Vega. Facilitating more effective operations centers is the “tip of the spear” of what Userful offers customers, he adds. The IT software approach simplifies video wall applications, which are becoming increasingly complex, by enabling content to be scaled, chopped, and aggregated to fit the demands of a display wall. An analytic might trigger the system to enlarge a camera view on the full screen, to send video to the police, or “take over” screens throughout a building to provide strategic messaging. Third-party integrations Designing video walls more strategically in an operations centre can help operators interpret information quickly Designing video walls more strategically in an operations centre can help operators avoid fatigue and interpret information quickly and efficiently. “Userful’s role in the display world is to make sure software can distribute the information despite the hardware,” said Vega. Userful works with third-party integration to add system functionality and automate responses. Software flexibility “We’re a platform that pulls in sources of information, maybe it’s a hundred cameras, and then we manage the entire solution,” says Vega. “We enable users to take data from multiple sources and send it to a wide range of displays, creating a repository of information.”  “When you have a software-defined platform, you can extend the solution using the flexibility of the software into a system that cannot be achieved with hardware,” says Vega. “If people want to scale their system to multiple locations, we can add a source remotely.” Proactive responses to security “Security is an important market for everyone, paramount for any organisation,” says Vega. “Individuals are responsible for the safety and security of constituents and require a proactive, not reactive response.” “We can provide proactive responses because of the nature of AV-over-IP, which is interoperability. It can draw attention to threats and proactively communicate response plans.” Managed service provider The “software-defined” approach can help systems integrators position themselves as a managed service provider Getting away from siloed solutions should be a priority for any IT purchase by an organisation, says Vega. “We need to train end-users to take a holistic view and not to look at it from a siloed perspective. A fuller understanding helps them gain efficiencies.” The “software-defined” approach can help systems integrators position themselves as a managed service provider rather than just “selling boxes.” “Think about how you can partner with end-users over the long term,” advises Vega. Information-based automation “Think of technology as a holistic part of the business for better outcomes across the whole business. More information is better information, and integrators can help customers create automation that will provide more awareness.” The Userful proposition offers especially good value in transportation markets, such as ports and airports; and in campus environments, such as enterprise, higher education, and airports. In any scenario where there are a lot of screens, the system can distribute corporate and emergency messaging, whether on a baggage claim screen or a way-finder screen.

The boundaries between the smart home market and security market at large are narrowing. Amidst a wave of expansion, suddenly everything is becoming digital. Home automation has been around for close to 30 years but hasn’t really hit it big because integration hasn’t been that simple. Now that the Internet of Things has stepped into the market, home automation is really taking off. As technology in the smart home market advances, the gap between the residential and professional security markets is growing smaller. Additional revenue for security industry There will continue to be more opportunity for interoperability, and home automation will continue to grow and eventually become a norm. Growth in the residential security market and its position as the channel for smart home solutions, have attracted numerous new entrants. Telecoms, cable operators, and CE (consumer electronics) manufacturers are joining traditional security players as they compete to fulfill consumer demand for safety and security. Connected products also provide a layer of competition as consumers must decide whether having category devices such as doorbell video cameras, networked cameras and other products suffice for their security. Smart home services can provide additional revenue streams for the security industry. In Parks Associates’ 2017 survey of U.S. security dealers, 58% report that smart home service capabilities enable extra monthly revenue. Almost half of dealers also note they have to offer smart home devices and services in order to keep up with their competition.  Data capture form to appear here! Residential security solutions Growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that" The trend has no doubt accelerated in the last couple of years. New collaborations are being made between audio-video (AV) suppliers and security solution providers. The clientele of high-end AV products is becoming increasingly concerned with home security and property protection. So, in recent months, the requirement for residential security solutions has been increasing as technical solutions can go hand in hand with AV installers’ capabilities and client base. “One of the big mistakes many make is that they assume – based on some of the hype and big market investments – that the smart home market is set to explode,” says Michael Philpott, Senior Practice Leader, Consumer Services at Ovum. "This is not the case – growth is going to be slow and steady. Everyone needs to be realistic about that, rather than expecting some rapid ramp up simply because some big names have entered the market.” Pressure to upgrade security standards Surprisingly for what has historically been something of a grudge purchase, in the context of home automation, security is seen as a solution some consumers are looking for. Another security aspect of home automation is cyber security, in particular how it applies to various IoT devices in the home. Now as connected devices gather personal information from realms long considered private and protected – the bedroom, the kitchen counter, the nursery – the risks are higher than ever. All of the data that various devices and sites have collected can be combined, shifted and then exploited by marketers or even stolen by hackers. Both manufacturers of smart home products and the companies that install them are feeling pressure to upgrade security standards. They are moving to set policies that will regulate who has access to data and how it is used. Ease of installation Advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies  A recent revelation that some “smart TVs” might be listening to conversations and transmitting them to "third parties" caused an uproar. These sets have voice activated features that enable users to change channel, turn on a DVD or browse the internet by speaking to the screen or remote. The fine print in privacy policies contains warnings that general conversations are also being heard, and one company even told owners to turn off this function if they were concerned. Another impact of smart homes on the security marketplace is to raise expectations about the capabilities of commercial systems. Products made today for residential applications are very high quality, easy to install (do-it-yourself, or DIY), and have very rich feature sets. End users expect their commercial solutions to have a similar ease of use and ease of installation. Geofencing in commercial applications The quality of video that people are seeing at home is motivating some legacy commercial customers to finally move to IP video from lower resolution analogue cameras. A higher percentage of commercial customers use mobile applications to view integrated video and access control data. People’s experience with smart thermostats has them asking for geofencing in some commercial applications. In short, advances in the home market are increasing customers’ expectations as well as adoption of newer technologies. Read part two of our smart home mini series here.

360 Vision Technology, the UK-based manufacturer of ruggedised HD, radar, and thermal PTZ surveillance cameras, has been selected to supply its radar surveillance camera technology to a solar farm site in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. Predator Radar camera  Capable of generating 1-Megawatt of electrical power, the solar farm site was constructed by VARTEC EPC Limited for Lowther Renewables Ltd, to help offset the carbon footprint of its parent company, AJ Lowther & Son Ltd, which provides a range of steelwork, cladding, and refurbishment services, including steelwork structures catering for manufacturing, industrial, agricultural, commercial and equestrian buildings. In collaboration with VARTEC, a technical specification for the solar farm was jointly devised by Craig Carton, 360 Vision Technology’s Technical & Customer Support Manager, resulting in the specification of a 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit specified to secure the entire site. Cost-effective perimeter solution With up to 200m radius/400m diameter constant surveillance capability, this provides a highly effective solution The 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit deployed integrates radar technology with a Predator 1080p HD camera, to offer a cost-effective perimeter and wide area surveillance solution. With up to 200m radius/400m diameter constant surveillance capability, this provides a highly effective solution with which to secure the solar farm site, while minimizing costs compared to traditional CCTV camera solutions, with only one radar/camera unit being required. Surveillance cameras installation “The site’s remote countryside location, coupled with its significant slope and numerous access points along its perimeter, presented many challenges,” says Craig Vardy, Managing Director of VARTEC. “Lowther Renewables required coverage of the entire solar farm and it would normally have required several traditional security cameras to provide adequate surveillance coverage which would have been prohibitively expensive. However, we were able to negate the need to install several surveillance cameras by specifying just one 360 Vision Predator Radar camera unit to cover the same area.” Object detection Predator Radar works in all-weather scenarios (rain, fog, snow, mist) providing uninterrupted protection Designed for applications where wide area detection and tracking of moving objects is required, Predator Radar works in all-weather scenarios (rain, fog, snow, mist) providing uninterrupted protection by scanning 360° twice every second, to detect and automatically track up to 40 simultaneous objects. “At the site, on detection of an object by the Predator Radar camera, an alarm activation is sent to the NX Witness VMS via an I/O module." Live and recorded video and audio "NX Witness sends this alarm onwards to the Sentinel alarm management platform at the Doncaster Security Operations Centre (DSOC), where alarms are prioritised and evidence for the events is retrieved. This provides the operators with live and recorded video and audio, allowing them to make a quick and accurate decision as to the cause of the alarm." "Operators are guided through pre-defined manual and automated actions, based on the cause, to ensure a rapid response to the situation. The whole alarm handling process is fully audited allowing further analysis and reporting post alarm handling.” Real-time activation At DSOC, any Predator Radar camera alarm activations are overlaid on the screen to notify the operator DSOC detects, responds, and reports any threat activation in real time, meaning the solar farm is protected and immediately aware of any security issues. At DSOC, any Predator Radar camera alarm activations are overlaid on screen to notify the operator that an intruder has been detected, and tracking images are automatically sent to the operator’s screen for visual confirmation, all while the object is continuously and automatically tracked, whatever its path onsite. Dispersing threats On verification of an alarm threat, DSOC operators analyse the video data to make an informed decision; to either contact the police, a keyholder, or OCTAGA, Hereford (a key-holder/physical patrol guarding service who responds in the event of an incident needing attendance). Providing an additional deterrent and avoiding the requirement for a physical attendance to the site for every activation, the Predator Radar camera carries integrated LED white light capability, to help confirm and disperse threats in the hours of darkness.  Cloud-based NX Witness VMS In addition to DSOC, monitoring of the site and events can also be performed via a cloud-based NX Witness VMS “Since its installation, the VARTEC installed radar-based camera system has run trouble-free and there have been no false alarms, thanks to visual verification from DSOC,” says Anthony Lowther, of Lowther Renewables. In addition to DSOC, monitoring of the site and events can also be performed via a cloud-based NX Witness VMS, where the transmitted video and data can be accessed remotely and a live insight viewed via a graphically rich desktop interface. Error-free security surveillance solution Craig Vardy adds, “Using the unique capabilities of the 360 Vision Technology Predator Radar camera, we were able to provide an error-free security surveillance solution while also saving the customer money on capital outlay by using just one radar unit, versus the several traditional video cameras that would have been otherwise required to secure this large solar farm site.” “We are very happy to have been able to support VARTEC and Lowther Renewables to secure an effective solution for their challenging wide area surveillance challenge at the solar farm site,” says Craig Carton of 360 Vision Technology. Radar camera solutions “Across the globe, our innovative radar camera solutions are supporting high-security, safety, and site management applications, from the protection of national borders to protecting utility and commercial sites." "This 5-acre solar farm project underlines the highly effective surveillance capability of the Predator Radar camera range.”

Yalova Terminal is a roll-on roll-off (“ro-ro”) port, meaning it is designed to carry wheeled cargo. It is Turkey’s 63rd border gate and began operations in 2017. It covers 80,000 square metres with a 500-trailer capacity and 16,000 square metres of storage, which includes an ADR warehouse for the storage of hazardous goods. On-site there are X-ray facilities, a laboratory for customs, offices, and break rooms for drivers. All of these facilities require continuous monitoring to protect staff, drivers, and the stock contained within the trailers at the port.  Monitoring 24/7  The Yalova Ro-Ro Terminal team was looking for a way to intelligently monitor activities at the port and quickly search footage for investigations if needed. Because of the size of the port, an efficient way to store and deliver video footage back to the control room and server rooms was also sought.   AI-enabled cameras reduce false alarms  Cameras provide the on-site Yalova Ro-Ro Terminal security team with alerts only to events that require their attention The team turned to installer Arte Teknoloji and Hanwha Vision to provide a robust and AI-enabled video surveillance solution comprising 48 PNO-A9081R cameras, 17 XNO-C7083Rcameras, and 7 XNP-6400RW cameras. With AI analytics carried out on the device, the cameras provide the on-site Yalova Ro-Ro Terminal security team with alerts only to events that require their attention. This frees them up to focus on other responsibilities, while the cameras constantly scan for relevant objects or possible incidents that require human input. Potential false alarms from video noise, waving trees, moving clouds, and animals are ignored by the cameras, helping to reduce operator fatigue and frustration.  Effective perimetre protection  In particular, the XNP-6400RW PTZ Plus camera provides a feature-rich PTZ camera that is designed for perimetre protection. With AI-based object auto-tracking, operators can efficiently monitor the movement of objects while remaining hands-free to control other cameras. This analytics feature is supported by leading AI algorithms unique to Hanwha Vision. The camera captures evidence-grade images of objects up to a distance of 200 metres in all lighting conditions, with the help of adaptive IR technology which adjusts the angle of the camera’s IR LEDs to match the level of zoom.  Object detection and classification for accurate responses  Object classification based on attributes can also support quick forensic searches for future investigations The PNO-A9081R is a 4K bullet AI camera that can detect people, faces, vehicles, licence plates, plus their attributes. This allows operators to understand who, and what vehicles, are entering and exiting the site, particularly around the perimetre or rolling on and off ships docked at the port. They can quickly respond to possible intrusion or unusual behaviour, reducing the risk of stock, equipment, or vehicle theft. Object classification based on attributes can also support quick forensic searches for future investigations.  BestShot feature The cameras also detect loitering, audio such as shouting or screaming, tampering with the camera itself, and shock detection. The BestShot feature automatically chooses the best images of an object, helping with bandwidth and storage efficiency as well as delivering high-quality, detailed images back to the control room.  Robust video system Having the best security, that’s intuitive to use and easy to install, was essential" Eyup Tetik, Corporate Sales Manager at ENTPA ELEKTRONİK A.Ş. explains, “It was important to the Yılport Ro-Ro team that they had a robust video system that improved situational awareness and response times, especially after the devastating earthquake in Kahramanmaraş." "As a busy international Ro-Ro Port with millions of dollars of stock and equipment, having the best security, that’s intuitive to use and easy to install, was essential.”  Steering ahead  The installation is part of the new port area and the security team looks forward to reaping the benefits of the efficiency gains, greater awareness, more detailed investigations, and faster response times as a result of the AI-powered video system. 

Sandwell Aquatics Centre in Smethwick is a state-of-the-art leisure centre that originated as a purpose-built arena for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. The facility played host to the highest number of medal events compared to any other, showcasing both swimming and diving competitions. The newly constructed complex included a competition pool for swimming and diving, a temporary pool for swimming and para-swimming warm-up, and an area dedicated to dry-dive training. Reclaiming the space Following its key role in the games, the original structure was reconfigured so it could be used by the local community from the summer of 2023 onwards. The 4000 temporary seats have been removed and fresh facilities tailored for community use have replaced them. The leisure hub boasts a gym with over 100 stations, a specialised ladies-only gym with 25+ stations, along with amenities such as a sauna, steam room, football pitch, two 4-court sports halls, three exercise studios, an indoor cycling studio, and a trio of swimming pools. Plant noise assessment The anticipated noise levels generated by various mechanical components within the plant room In the proposal documents, Mach Acoustics included two detailed acoustic reports – one addressing operational noise and the other focusing on plant noise. The plant noise assessment specifically outlined the anticipated noise levels generated by various mechanical components within the plant room, which includes several pumps and air handling units.  Acoustic barrier with integrated louvre The acoustician's initial recommendation proposed an acoustic barrier with integrated louvre features to ensure adequate airflow while mitigating noise. However, a subsequent design amendment specified a solid acoustic barrier with slatted top sections to maintain airflow and enhance aesthetics. Additionally, steel louvre doors were specified for access. Absorptive acoustic barriers These barriers effectively reduce noise pollution originating from mechanical plant areas It has become standard practice to install absorptive acoustic barriers around new and renovated leisure centres. These barriers effectively reduce noise pollution originating from mechanical plant areas and operational compounds. It's not uncommon for heat pumps and air conditioning units to produce a continuous low-level hum or buzzing noise, which can disrupt neighbouring properties and create an unpleasant auditory environment for facility members and visitors alike. Game-changing solutions With prior experience in similar acoustic installations for aquatic and leisure centres, Jacksons Fencing successfully secured a subcontractor contract with Wates. They designed, manufactured, and installed customised acoustic fencing and gates across three elevations: The first elevation covered 16.5m and featured 2.8m high Jakoustic Reflective panels with 2.1m high timber slats above. The second elevation spanned 11m, incorporating 3.2m high Jakoustic Reflective panels with 2.1m high timber slats above, 9.64m of 5.3m high panels, and 11.3m of 3.2m high panels with 2.1m high timber slats. The third elevation extended 16.5m and used 3.2m high Jakoustic Reflective panels with 2.1m high timber slats above. Benefits of solid acoustic barriers These barriers offer an appealing noise reduction solution that conceals machinery and serves as a robust security barrier The different heights of the solid acoustic barriers were strategically chosen to benefit noise reduction, with timber slats enhancing aesthetics and airflow. The project also included matching double-leaf acoustic gates for access. In the first elevation, two apertures were left for steel louvre panels. The acoustic barriers, mounted on galvanised steel posts, were constructed from tongue and groove boards with a deep V profile, tightly slotting together to reflect noise by up to 28dB. These barriers not only offer an appealing noise reduction solution that conceals machinery but also serve as a robust security barrier, devoid of footholds and challenging to scale. Tailored security solutions Peter Jackson, Managing Director, of Jacksons Fencing says, “The Sandwell Aquatics Centre serves as a remarkable example of how facilities can undergo effective reconfiguration to align with their new objectives to ensure they are being utilised effectively." "This project showcases our team's dedication to tailoring security solutions precisely to the task at hand, achieved through the customisation of acoustic fencing. The outcome not only exudes a sleek and sophisticated appearance but also fulfils its vital function. Coupled with a reliable 25-year guarantee, this acoustic fencing ensures enduring noise reduction, cost efficiency, and sustainability.”

Athena Security’s Concealed Weapons Detection System was selected by Champions Club Texas to protect patrons, members and staff at a first-of-its-kind hospitality destination in Houston that features a full-service hotel, lounge and bar with Southern-inspired cuisine and private-membership poker. Located in Houston’s expanding Westchase community, Champions Club Texas is celebrating its grand opening as a destination offering something for everyone, from business travellers seeking comfortable accommodations with well-appointed amenities to locals looking for a unique night out. Weapons detection system Athena's Concealed Weapons Detection System (WDS)/Walk Through Metal Detector is engineered to detect a wide range of mass casualty threats like handguns, shotguns, and rifles without requiring individuals to stop as they pass through the detector. There is no need to have individuals remove phones, wallets, or other extraneous items from their pockets due to the proprietary multiple-sensor detection method. The system adheres to Federal Standards while allowing both auditory and visual alert options, as seen in the best practices of Homeland Security for WDS. The concealed weapons detection system is designed to scan walking at an average speed of one person per second. Unintimidating approach Athena Security is a solution that detects weapons upon entry and is one of the many layers of security “At Champions we are raising the bar in hospitality and gaming, and that includes ensuring the most comfortable and safe atmosphere for our valued customers,” said Trent Touchstone, Director of Security, Champions Club Texas. “Athena Security is a solution that detects weapons upon entry and is one of the many layers of security protocols in place at Champions that improves operational efficiency of our security team as a workforce multiplier.” Athena Security’s low profile, unintimidating approach is a welcome differentiator from historic metal detector tech by eliminating the need to check cell phones and keys, allowing for a better flow into the venue. Modest-full time security team Advanced analytics and management protocols allow for deep visibility and flexibility to maintain staffing levels providing the highest level of safety. Touchstone, a 28-year veteran of the United States Marshals Service Chief with a long history of threat analysis, notes that given the hotel and membership club will require 24/7 attention with a modest-full time security team, he appreciates Athena Security’s ability to provide a feature-rich entryway security experience with the ability to automate and accomplish so much remotely.

Like most stadiums worldwide, the Alsancak Mustafa Denizli Stadium suffers from vandalism and riots by individual fans. To be able to better identify and track perpetrators and thus reduce financial and non-material damage, the operator opted for a video security solution from the German manufacturer Dallmeier. The Alsancak Mustafa DenizIi Stadium in Izmir–named after former Turkish football player and current football coach Mustafa Denizli–is a multipurpose stadium that mainly hosts football matches. With over 15,000 seats, it is one of the medium-sized stadiums in Türkiye. Originally built in 1929, it was demolished in 2015 and reopened after reconstruction in November 2021. Up to 15% fewer spectators due to riots Outcomes have been painful, ranging from classic fines to the closure of an entire block of viewers In Türkiye, stadiums are usually owned by the Ministry of Sport, which then grants the rights of use to an operator. In the case of the Alsancak stadium, the operator is “Altay Izmir”, an Izmir-based football club that currently plays in Türkiye’s top professional league. The club, like so many other football stadiums, has had its fair share of repeated incidents and threats to spectators and players.  These have included verbal abuse and even the throwing of objects onto the pitch. In addition to the intangible damage to the image, the consequences have been painful, ranging from traditional fines to the closure of an entire block of spectators–a loss of 1,000 to 2,000 spectators per home game, and that on a regular basis. How is image quality defined to recognise perpetrators? Under these conditions, the operators were looking for a solution that would allow them to reliably detect and track potential offenders. The tender specified a minimum resolution density of 144 pixels per metre (px/m), which is also required by law. This means that there must be at least 144 pixels in the camera image to represent every metre of “reality” in the stands. This value is between the “recognition” (125 px/m) and “identification” (250 px/m) qualities specified in the IEC EN 62676-4 standard for video surveillance systems. Only ten cameras to monitor the stands The Ministry of Sports decided to invite various manufacturers to a comparative test To find the most suitable solution for the Alsancak Stadium, the Ministry of Sports decided to invite various manufacturers to a comparative test. After receiving the proofs of concept (PoCs) of several companies, the owner chose a solution from the German manufacturer Dallmeier Electronic. In addition to around 140 single-sensor cameras for corridors, outdoor areas and entrances, only ten “Panomera®” multifocal sensor systems are required for the particularly critical grandstand surveillance. 39% more resolution than required The low number of camera systems required for grandstand surveillance is due to the patented multifocal sensor technology: Panomera® cameras combine the images from up to seven detail sensors and one overview sensor in a single camera system. This provides the user with a high-resolution overview of the entire area to be monitored, which acts as a single image of a vast environment. Within this overall picture, system operators can now open any number of detail views at the same time, while the overall scene is always available in high resolution–even during recording, which is essential for possible prosecution. This provides an optimal overview of the situation and ensures that all events can be followed in real-time, in high resolution and in detail. Thanks to this technology, a minimum of 200 px/m is now available throughout the Alsancak stadium instead of the required 144 px/m – 39 percent more than originally required. No surprises: Remote “FAT” and training from Dallmeier Türkiye Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the stadium's technicians were unable to travel to Dallmeier's headquarters in Regensburg, Germany, to commission the system and attend classroom training. For this reason, the so-called Dallmeier Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) took place online. The entire system was set up, configured and remotely accepted in the FAT centre in Regensburg. The training of the technicians and operators was carried out by Dallmeier Türkiye experts on-site The training of the technicians and operators was carried out by Dallmeier Türkiye experts on site. Serkan Atalar, CEO of RESA Construction Electromechanical Inc. Co, the installer company that implemented the project, is very pleased: “Dallmeier's sincere and collaborative approach, as well as the high-tech products and after-sale support they offered were very impressive. We thank Dallmeier Türkiye for the great cooperation.” Author's quote “The customer is very satisfied with the Panomera® systems. The benefits are equivalent to combining a powerful megapixel camera with any number of high-resolution 'virtual' PTZ cameras. At the same time, the systems reduce the total cost of ownership for infrastructure, cables, masts, screens, workstations, etc.,” Serkan Atalar summarises. “Alsancak Stadium only needs three system operators with one monitor each. They also have two workstations for the police and management. The solution always gives them 100% control of the security situation in the stadium, allowing them to react immediately and reliably track down perpetrators. And all this at a low total cost of ownership and with minimal manpower thanks to the unique multifocal sensor technology.”

Located in Kerala, India, the Somatheeram Ayurveda Hospital with a Resort Ambiance is the best place for not only visual rejuvenation but also physical and mental rejuvenation. Through Ayurveda, Somatheeram provides a means to shed all worries, anxieties, and illnesses.  With the objective of combining Ayurveda and Tourism, the Somatheeram Research Institute & Ayurveda Hospital was founded in the year 1985, thus making it the world’s first-ever Ayurvedic Hospital in a Resort Ambiance. The Somatheeram Group of Companies came into being with the efforts of the Founder Managing Director, and Architect Mr. Baby Mathew. Challenges Multi-location transmission proves to be an expensive affair if devices are not chosen wisely Somatheeram has multiple resorts, located at different locations. Multi-location communication can prove to be an expensive affair if communication devices are not chosen wisely. Their dependence on public service providers for communication added to their woes of communication between their resorts. To elaborate: Feasibility of existing telephony: Existing telephony became impracticable considering the frequent communication between multi-located properties. Managing different protocols: Interface with different telecom networks requires managing different protocols, which can be cumbersome, time, and energy-consuming. Absence of modern phone features: The lack of advanced features like abbreviated dialing, call pick up, and internal call restriction, prevented them from becoming efficient in day-to-day operations. Transition to modern communication with existing infrastructure: Their investment in existing infrastructure needed protection while also a provision had to be made to modernise the communication using existing infrastructure. Solution The solution offered was based on the fundamentals of multi-location communication solutions Matrix analysed the challenges of communications for Somatheeram, and crafted a solution that was the best fit. The solution offered was based on the fundamentals of multi-location communication solutions. This included the Matrix range of IP-PBX (ETERNITY GENX12S) and GSM Gateway (SIMADO GFX11 and SIMADO GFX11 4G) that optimised the feasibility of communication and helped the firm become more efficient. Solution includes: The Hybrid IP-PBX included ETERNITY GENX12SAC, which enabled them up to 240 Analogue users with 64 CO Ports.  Another Hybrid IP-PBX included ETERNITY PENX, which allowed them access to 100 IP Users, onboard IP User Support, LDAP Client support, support of 4G VoLTE ports, COSEC Door Integration, and much more. The GSM gateway included SIMADO GFX11 and SIMADO GFX11 4G which enabled them to make and receive calls from analogue extensions. The capability to integrate with almost all industry-pioneering PBXs enabled them a smooth transition to modern communication while maintaining existing infrastructure. Results The solution so implemented enabled all properties to work as a single communication platform and proved to be beneficial for Somatheeram and its properties in more than one way.  The Hybrid IP-PBX enabled them, unified communication facilities like Email to SMS, audio/video calling, unified messaging facilities, and multi-location collaboration features like UC client integration, one-number reach, etc.  The Hybrid IP-PBX also enabled, investment optimisation through universal network connectivity, easy and centralised phonebook management through LDAP client support, mobility convenience through 4G VoLTE support, and much more. The GSM/4G gateway enabled them, GSM/4G connectivity to existing infrastructure, hotline extension dialing, emergency number dialing even in the absence of a sim card, etc. through secure network bridging.

When it comes to preventing theft and ensuring overall safety, technology offers a robust toolkit for retail stores to enhance security in several ways. From intelligent surveillance systems to RFID tags used to avoid shoplifting, today’s retail and loss prevention strategies are more effective than ever. Beyond security, the newer technologies can also provide benefits related to merchandising, inventory control, customer service, and the list goes on. The combination of abundant data and artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful one-two punch that is on the verge of reshaping the retail industry. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How are new technologies transforming the retail and loss prevention markets?  

There is safety in numbers, or so the expression goes. Generally speaking, several employees working together tend to be safer than a single employee working alone. Even so, some environments require that workers complete their jobs alone, thus presenting a unique combination of security vulnerabilities. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a lone worker as “an employee working alone, such as in a confined space or isolated location.” We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security technologies help to protect "lone workers?" 

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers?