Construction surveillance

Portable Solutions Group (PSG) is proud to announce the launch of its newest product offering, the MAC-Link ™. This groundbreaking product marks a significant and revolutionary advancement in construction turnstiles and safety management. Real-time reporting PSG partnered with United Rentals to deliver a flexible and lower-cost site access solution to its broad customer base. By enabling data capture and real-time reporting for workers on the site, the construction industry's digital transformation is more accessible than ever before. Turnstile and gate arm solutions MAC-Link ™ represents the evolution of PSG's MAC product line, bridging the gap For over two decades, PSG has been a pioneer in the modular security sector, recognised for its patented turnstile and gate arm solutions. Building on this legacy of innovation, the MAC-Link ™ represents the evolution of PSG's Modular Access Control (MAC) product line, bridging the gap between large-scale infrastructure projects and smaller, city-oriented construction sites. Connecting people, equipment, and data “We are excited to work with the PSG team and help bring an innovation to our customers that seamlessly connects people, equipment, and data,” said David Scott, Senior Vice President, Specialty Operations, at United Rentals. “The MAC-Link ™ solution is pivotal for our customers and the future of worksite safety.” MAC-Link ™ features  MAC-Link ™ can be effortlessly configured to meet the requirements of any construction site Compact yet robust, the MAC-Link ™ features a minimal footprint of only 36 sq ft. Crafted from premium materials such as a galvanised steel frame, poly metal exterior, and grated floor, this unit offers durability while remaining lightweight for easy deployment in metropolitan areas. The unique attribute of the MAC-Link ™ is its seamless connectivity, allowing the linking of multiple units on-site to accommodate changing project phases. Easy configuration Through a simple daisy chain electrical/data line connection and an all-thread bolt mechanical connection at the base, the MAC-Link ™ can be effortlessly configured to meet the requirements of any construction site. “United Rentals shares in our commitment to pursue continuous innovation that helps drive safe and productive worksites,” said Robert Slagel, President, and Chief Executive Officer, Portable Solutions Group. Job site safety management “The MAC-Link ™ is an innovative offering for job site safety management and through our partnership with United Rentals, we can deliver an important solution to help customers maximise performance and streamline productivity.” The MAC-Link ™ is set to debut in Q2 2024, generating considerable anticipation within the industry. Interested parties are encouraged to contact their local United Rentals or PSG sales representative for more information.

Per Mar Security Services, Davenport, Iowa, has crafted a highly effective and efficient outdoor asset protection solution for its customers in partnership with iDter Systems, San Mateo, California. Per Mar is deploying iDter’s Nio Guardians with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and active intrusion detection to stop trespassing, theft and liability claims at construction and equipment sites. Intelligent video monitoring Theft and damage of heavy equipment continues to ramp up–the National Equipment Register reports that dealerships, work sites and storage facilities are the top three targeted locations for thieves. Per Mar partnered with iDter to ramp up protection for their construction and heavy equipment customers who require a solution to late-night trespassers who engage in theft and vandalism and create potential liability on project properties. Niō Guardians are integrated with cellular modems for their security rental programme Per Mar offers the construction industry a cost-effective rental solution that’s easily installed and connects quickly via cellular internet. In the Per Mar application, Niō Guardians are integrated with cellular modems for their security rental programme. These self-contained units are affixed on poles and stanchions in strategic areas of the construction site, powered by temporary runs of 120 VAC. Active deterrence actions Nicholas Luciano, Integrated Security Solutions Manager at Per Mar says the system detects and takes active deterrence actions to confront trespassers and thieves who target high-value machinery such as tractors, loaders and cranes as well as tools and materials stored in construction trailers.  “The system is highly effective in automatically deterring intruders and is easy to install,” says Luciano. “By integrating cellular with Niō Guardian, we can install three or four units in a matter of hours. It’s simple to relocate and includes live monitoring with the dispatch of either the police or our security guards.” Schedule of deterrence actions Most importantly, they receive notifications of an active event on their mobile device with a wide-angle Luciano says customers have total site visibility and intrusion detection with real-time notification to smartphones, email or other direct messaging.  “Construction superintendents can see what has happened at night and when people leave the premises. They can control the schedule of deterrence actions and other system settings. Most importantly, they receive notifications of an active event on their mobile device with a wide-angle view of the trespasser and the ability to talk to the person, dispatch authorities or initiate additional deterrence sequences.”  How iDter works iDter’s Niō Guardian and Protector technology features AI deep-learning and infrared night vision iDter’s Niō Guardian and Protector technology features AI deep-learning and infrared night vision. It detects in real-time and is proven to foil 98+% of intrusions within seconds and without delays or costs from human intervention. iDter products are fully NDAA compliant, ETL listed, FCC certified and carry an IP-65 environmental rating. Niō Guardian nodes are positioned around the protected premises to detect intrusion with a powerful high-resolution camera with a wide-angle lens, multiple motion detectors, omni-directional microphone and quad-core intelligence. Niō nodes deter with a rich set of immediate responses: the instantaneous illumination of 10,000 lumens of multi-directional LED floodlights, blinding strobes of red and blue LEDs, 120 dB piercing sirens, situation-appropriate voice-down warning messages and intimidating sound effects. Intrusion events Intrusion events are detected and immediately verified with video alert recordings sent to the user’s iPhone, Android or iPad. Events are monitored in real-time to ensure deterrence actions are successful, and if not, a video-verified alarm is sent for dispatch of authorities through 911 operators.

RGB Spectrum®, an industry pioneer in mission-critical video for real-time decision support, shares new features of its QuadView® IPX and SuperView® IPX multiviewers designed to revolutionise how industries handle data visualisation and decision-making. Multiviewers have become indispensable tools for consolidating diverse data sources onto a single screen, variously used for enhancing situational awareness and improving workflow efficiency. RGB Spectrum's latest offerings increase flexibility by addressing both local and remote video sources, by their ability to access both local HDMI and remote IP signals. QuadView IPX and SuperView IPX The SuperView IPX offers similar capabilities, enabling users to display up to seven video signals The QuadView IPX is a high-performance 4K multiviewer that allows users to display up to four video signals in customisable layouts on a single screen, aka “single pane of glass.” The SuperView IPX offers similar capabilities, enabling users to display up to seven video signals on a single screen. It shares all the advanced features of the QuadView IPX, making it ideal for demanding mission-critical applications. Key features Their key features include: 4K 60 Hz input and output resolutions Flexible image resizing and placement options Customisable display layouts and presets Four HDMI 2.0 I/O ports H.264 and H.265 decoding and display capabilities Embedded architecture for heightened security Multiple control options, including browser-based GUI, Telnet, and RS-232 TAA and BAA compliance HDMI and LAN/WAN connections The QuadView IPX and SuperView IPX provide users the flexibility to mix and match input resolutions The QuadView IPX and SuperView IPX provide users the flexibility to mix and match input resolutions, scale any input up to 4K resolution, and route any input to any window in customisable layouts. This unparalleled flexibility makes them perfect for 24/7 operations where reliability, security, and ruggedness are paramount. The new multiviewers are unique in their ability to display a combination of local baseband and remote IP video, with access over HDMI and LAN/WAN connections. Data visualisation RGB Spectrum manufactures these multiviewers in the USA, ensuring the highest quality and performance standards. Whether in command and control, security and surveillance, or any mission-critical operation, the QuadView IPX and SuperView IPX are poised to take data visualisation to the next level.

The cooperation between MOBOTIX AG and Kepler Vision Technologies has brought together two of the world's pioneering IT experts in the healthcare industry. Dutch computer vision and machine learning powerhouse Kepler Vision Technologies combines deep healthcare and nursing-specific expertise with profound artificial intelligence (AI)-based in human activity recognition know-how. MOBOTIX has focused on the healthcare industry for many years and has already implemented numerous projects for hospitals, retirement, and nursing homes. In this context, the optical sensors from MOBOTIX and the solutions developed with them benefit above all from their outstanding data protection and cyber security properties. These competencies are indispensable in the highly personality-sensitive area of healthcare. The two companies launch their first joint solution on the market before the end of this year. Author's quote That is the sick person being cared for, the patient’s family, and the caregivers who urgently need relief "MOBOTIX healthcare solutions focus on people. MOBOTIX promotes recovery, and well-being with its video technology. This led MOBOTIX to be the market pioneer in health care sensors," said Harro Stokman, CEO of Kepler Vision Technologies, during his visit to the MOBOTIX headquarters in Langmeil. "This is what convinced us of the cooperation because to have economic success in healthcare, people must benefit. That is the sick person being cared for, the patient’s family, and the caregivers who urgently need relief. Last but not least, the operators of the facility must benefit from the solution-in terms of personnel, finances, and time," explains Stokman. Combination of Kepler's AI "With Kepler Vision Technologies, we have found a partner that shares our values in the sensitive area of healthcare," added Christian Cabirol, CTO of MOBOTIX AG. Combination of Kepler's AI expertise in the nursing and care sector and our data- and cyber-secure "Today, we were once again able to convince ourselves that our joint solution-the combination of Kepler's AI expertise in the nursing and care sector and our data- and cyber-secure, qualitatively and technologically pioneering hardware and software-will be an enormous asset for the nursing and care market," Cabirol is convinced. Future joint solutions For the joint solution to be launched this year, Stokman and Cabirol have been discussing final technical details with their teams and finalising the launch.  There are already ideas for expanding the cooperation in the interest of both companies, but above all, for the people to be cared for, the caregivers and the operators of the facilities, who MOBOTIX and Kepler assure that they will be able to benefit from this and future joint solutions in terms of care quality, time and financial expenditure. 

Freevolt Technologies Limited a London, UK-based developer of biometric smart card products for access control, cryptocurrency wallets, payments and healthcare, has launched the second generation of its flagship access control card, S-Key. The new battery-less biometric access card featuring Freevolt’s patented energy harvesting technology has been upgraded to embed Fingerprints’ world-pioneering ‘T2’ biometric sensors. S-Key biometric cards are bringing stronger authentication to access control, offering new levels of security, convenience, and reduced environmental impact on the road to eliminating PINs and passwords. Collaboration with Freevolt Technologies S-key card featuring the FPC 1323 sensor enriches security while also improving comfort “The world has changed and approaches to security must also evolve. With our collaboration with Freevolt Technologies, we are proud to see that Freevolt have combined their highly efficient power harvesting innovations with Fingerprints’ FPC 1323 sensor providing ultra-low power consumption, to create a world-pioneering battery-less biometric smart access card." "The S-key card featuring the FPC 1323 sensor enhances security while also enhancing convenience and reducing environmental impact, targeting the physical access market of several hundred million smart cards per year, it’s a logical and exciting evolution in organisational and personal security,” Michel Roig, President of Payment and Access, Fingerprints. Sensor module features Fingerprints’ ‘T2’ sensors, known as FPC 1323, deliver increased image quality and processing speed as well as improved power efficiency for biometric smart cards. S-Key featuring the FPC 1323 sensor makes the end user journey frictionless and personalised To further fortify the security of the card, the sensor module features advanced encryption and additional privacy layers for the storage and communication of biometric data.  S-Key featuring the FPC 1323 sensor makes the end user journey frictionless and personalised by the touch of a fingertip to access desired areas reliably, hygienically and securely, while still being convenient and easy to use. Author's quote “We are delighted by the performance of our new S-Key biometric access card featuring a state-of-the-art T2 biometric fingerprint sensor from Fingerprints. S-Key works seamlessly, providing advanced biometric security when used with a wide range of access control readers and without the hassle, cost and environmental damage of batteries." "Fingerprints have been excellent in supporting the development of S-Key and we are excited about the commercial potential of S-Key and the further innovations that we have in the pipeline, leveraging the excellent performance, security and energy efficiency of the latest FPC 1323 sensor,” Gonzalo de Gisbert, Head of Product & Business Development, Freevolt Technologies. Both Fingerprints and Freevolt Technologies will be exhibiting the latest S-Key card featuring the FPC 1323 sensor at SecTech 2023 in Stockholm, Sweden on the 24-25 October.

Fast-expanding First Response Group (FRG), the nationwide security, risk and property protection business, has strengthened its foothold in the events and stadia security management sector with the acquisition of Wembley-based ISC. The acquisition, which was completed this week, is part of the group’s strategy of diversification, whilst underpinning its strategic expansion into stadia, arena and the leisure crowd-safety sector. According to the group’s CEO, Simon Alderson, the acquisition of ISC is an important step for the business as it broadens its portfolio and geographic footprint. Stadia security management ISC was founded in 2003 by Pat Carr and enjoys a robust reputation in stadia security management ISC was founded in 2003 by Pat Carr and enjoys a robust reputation in stadia security management. It employs more than 800 security officers, all of whom will be brought under the FRG brand. ISC brings with it a track record of more than 500 events, including two UEFA Champions League finals and provided all areas of security at Wembley Stadium for bands such as Take That and Coldplay. The company also ensured high-level tunnel and back-stage security when Wembley hosted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and former Prime Minister David Cameron attended by more than 60,000 spectators. Author's quote Comments Simon Alderson: “For the past 20 years, ISC has enjoyed a great reputation within the industry for developing its people and embodies the exacting standards we ourselves set as a group, so it was a perfect match for us. As we extend our national reach and our range of security offerings, it’s important for us to identify trusted companies like ISC that have the resources and agility we need to meet our customers’ most demanding requirements. For this reason, it made perfect sense to bring ISC into the FRG fold once the opportunity arose." “As an accredited, nationwide stadium security company we have responsive and adaptable resources to provide for the most complex of events. Bringing in the skills, and experience of ISC will allow us to provide even greater flexibility and peace of mind for our customers.” National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Guarding We are very much looking forward to being part of an expanding national group" Nabeela Bhutta, director at ISC, said: “We have long admired FRG, and the way in which it operates as a business. As a National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Guarding Gold-certified company, raising standards within our industry has been of great importance to us. It has been vital that we develop our most valuable resources, our people, and in doing so, enable them to help shape the delivery of our services, rather than just supplying off-the-shelf solutions." “We knew that FRG holds to the same principles, and we are very much looking forward to being part of an expanding national group, and excited for the benefits this will bring.” Business Excellence Awards FRG, who is a finalist in this year’s British Business Excellence Awards in the Growth Business of the Year category, employs more than 2,000 people and is forecasting revenue above £75m this year. The group also received a Living Wage Foundation Recognised Service Provider Champion Award in recognition of its commitment to ending in-work poverty and developing career pathways across the security industry.

The autumn equinox, which marks the start of autumn, occurs this weekend on Saturday, September 23. With darker evenings ahead, the experts at ADT have shared five ways to maximise your home's security. Author's quote Michele Bennett, General Manager at ADT UK&I comments: “Opportunistic thieves use darkness to their advantage, so it’s no surprise that the number of burglaries committed increases when the darker nights draw in." He adds, "Our 2022 burglary report found that burglaries are most common at night, with 58% of burglaries occurring between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. Taking steps to optimise your home’s security before the clocks go back this year will provide reassurance that your property is as secure as possible.” Five ways to secure your property: Get a monitored alarm installed: A visible alarm system is a strong deterrent to potential burglars, as criminals are less likely to target a home that is protected. In the event of a break-in, a monitored alarm will alert you, your keyholders and depending on the package you take out, the police, ensuring a swift response to an alarm activation. Light up the dark: Well-lit exteriors make your home less appealing to potential intruders. Install motion-activated lights around any entry points, particularly porches and gardens, which alert you to movement on your property. This will also prevent burglars from operating under the cloak of darkness and increase the chance of a passerby spotting suspicious activity. Trim your garden landscape: Thieves look for escape routes and hiding spots when deciding which homes to break into, making gardens with high, overgrown hedges more likely to be targeted. This is especially true in the darker evenings, so be sure to give your garden a thorough tidy-up to make your property less likely to be targeted. It’s also advisable to ensure any tools are locked away in sheds and garages that could assist a burglar such as ladders, or a garden spade to force entry. Be smart with your lights: Using smart plugs allows you to turn on a few well-appointed lights and radios or televisions from any location from your phone. Used in conjunction with an outdoor camera or video doorbell, you can have lamps plugged into smart plugs come on when motion is detected. Programming lights to come on at different times throughout the night will help to deter burglars by making your property look occupied.  Purchase a smart doorbell or outdoor camera: Smart doorbells are an effective way to deter burglars as they provide evidence in the event of a break-in, package theft, or other suspicious activity around your home. They also notify you when someone is at your door reducing the chance of you being caught out by a late evening or early morning robbery.  Further encroachment Smart doorbells also act as a deterrent to unscrupulous door-to-door sellers and con artists, as video footage is recorded. In the event of a late-night door knock, you can see and speak to whoever is at your front door, without having to open the door. ADT’s new outdoor camera also has two-way audio and a high-pitch deterrent siren so you can warn off anyone from your property to deter any further encroachment.

Global transportation networks are becoming increasingly interconnected, with digital systems playing a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of ports and supply chains. However, this reliance on technology can also create vulnerabilities, as demonstrated by the recent ransomware attack on Nagoya Port. As Japan's busiest shipping hub, the port's operations were brought to a standstill for two days, highlighting the potential for significant disruption to national economies and supply chains.  Transportation sector  The attack began with the port's legacy computer system, which handles shipping containers, being knocked offline. This forced the port to halt the handling of shipping containers that arrived at the terminal, effectively disrupting the flow of goods. The incident was a stark reminder of the risks associated with the convergence of information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) in ports and other critical infrastructures.  This is not an isolated incident, but part of a broader trend of escalating cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure. The transportation sector must respond by bolstering its defences, enhancing its cyber resilience, and proactively countering these threats. The safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure, and by extension our global economy, depend on it.  Rising threat to port security and supply chains  XIoT, from sensors on shipping containers to automatic cranes, are vital to trendy port functions OT, once isolated from networked systems, is now increasingly interconnected. This integration has expanded the attack surface for threat actors. A single breach in a port's OT systems can cause significant disruption, halting the movement of containers and impacting the flow of goods. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but a reality that has been demonstrated in recent cyberattacks on major ports.  Adding another layer of complexity is the extended Internet of Things (XIoT), an umbrella term for all cyber-physical systems. XIoT devices, from sensors on shipping containers to automated cranes, are now integral to modern port operations. These devices are delivering safer, more efficient automated vehicles, facilitating geo-fencing for improved logistics, and providing vehicle health data for predictive maintenance. XIoT ecosystem  However, the XIoT ecosystem also presents new cybersecurity risks. Each connected device is a potential entry point for cybercriminals, and the interconnected nature of these devices means that an attack on one, which can move laterally and can have a ripple effect throughout the system.  The threat landscape is evolving, with cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated and their attacks more damaging with a business continuity focus. The growing interconnectivity between OT and XIoT in port operations and supply chains is also presenting these threat actors with a greater attack surface. Many older OT systems were never designed to be connected in this way and are unlikely to be equipped to deal with modern cyber threats. Furthermore, the increasing digitisation of ports and supply chains has led to a surge in the volume of data being generated and processed. This data, if not properly secured, can be a goldmine for cybercriminals. The potential for data breaches adds another dimension to the cybersecurity challenges facing the transportation sector.  Role of cyber resilience in protecting service availability  Cyber resilience refers to organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from threats As the threats to port security and supply chains become increasingly complex, the concept of cyber resilience takes on a new level of importance. Cyber resilience refers to an organisation's ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from cyber threats. It goes beyond traditional cybersecurity measures, focusing not just on preventing attacks, but also on minimising the impact of attacks that do occur and ensuring a quick recovery.  In the context of port operations and supply chains, cyber resilience is crucial. The interconnected nature of these systems means that a cyberattack can have far-reaching effects, disrupting operations not just at the targeted port, but also at other ports and throughout the supply chain. A resilient system is one that can withstand such an attack and quickly restore normal operations. Port operations and supply chains The growing reliance on OT and the XIoT in port operations and supply chains presents unique challenges for cyber resilience. OT systems control physical processes and are often critical to safety and service availability. A breach in an OT system can have immediate and potentially catastrophic physical consequences. Similarly, XIoT devices are often embedded in critical infrastructure and can be difficult to patch or update, making them vulnerable to attacks.  Building cyber resilience in these systems requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves implementing robust security measures, such as strong access controls and network segmentation, to prevent attacks. It also involves continuous monitoring and detection to identify and respond to threats as they occur. But perhaps most importantly, it involves planning and preparation for the inevitable breaches that will occur, ensuring that when they do, the impact is minimised, and normal operations can be quickly restored.  Building resilience across port security and supply chains   In the face of cyber threats, the transport sector must adopt a complete method of cybersecurity In the face of escalating cyber threats, the transportation sector must adopt a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity. This involves not just implementing robust security measures, but also fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and compliance throughout the organisation.  A key component of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy is strong access controls. This involves ensuring that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive data and systems. It also involves implementing multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing and updating access permissions. Strong access controls can prevent unauthorised access to systems and data, reducing the risk of both internal and external threats. Network segmentation Network segmentation is another crucial measure. By dividing a network into separate segments, organisations can limit the spread of a cyberattack within their network. This can prevent an attack on one part of the network from affecting the entire system. Network segmentation also makes it easier to monitor and control the flow of data within the network, further enhancing security.  Regular vulnerability assessments and patch management are also essential. Vulnerability assessments involve identifying and evaluating potential security weaknesses in the system, while patch management involves regularly updating and patching software to fix these vulnerabilities. These measures can help organisations stay ahead of cybercriminals and reduce the risk of exploitation.  EU’s NIS2 Directive EU’s NIS2 Directive came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law The transportation sector must also be prepared for greater legislative responsibility in the near future. The EU’s NIS2 Directive recently came into effect, and member states have until October 2024 to put it into law. The Directive aims to increase the overall level of cyber preparedness by mandating capabilities such as Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs). Transport is among the sectors labelled as essential by the bill, meaning it will face a high level of scrutiny. Getting to grips with the complexities of XIoT and OT integration will be essential for organisations to achieve compliance and avoid fines. Global transportation infrastructure Finally, organisations must prepare for the inevitable breaches that will occur. This involves developing an incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a breach. It also involves regularly testing and updating this plan to ensure its effectiveness. A well-prepared organisation can respond quickly and effectively to a breach, minimising its impact and ensuring a quick recovery.  In conclusion, mastering transportation cybersecurity requires a comprehensive, proactive approach. It involves implementing robust technical measures, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, and preparing for the inevitable breaches that will occur. By taking these steps, organisations can enhance their cyber resilience, protect their critical operations, and ensure the security of our global transportation infrastructure.

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.

The perimeter of a small and medium-sized business (SMB) property is its first line of defence against intruders. It keeps the premises away from theft, property loss and security incidents. Having said that, traditional methods of surveillance cannot fully catch up with the round-the-clock monitoring requirement of the scenario and unable to dispatch security personnel in time to handle abnormal situations, especially during night time. Backtracking to locate the cause of the event is deemed too difficult due to the lack of visual evidence. Dahua’s AI solution  To address these challenges, Dahua Technology developed an AI Perimeter Protection Solution that can realise 24/7 perimeter protection, enabling accurate detection of intrusion events, active deterrence, and notification of security personnel in time when an intrusion is detected. It also provides a clear video recording of the incident that can serve as valid evidence in case of further investigation. In terms of benefits, Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution has a variety of options tailored to the actual needs of customers based on their application scenarios: Basic: This option offers a 15-meter perimeter protection coverage and round-the-clock video recording of evidence. Advanced (TiOC): With Dahua’s Three-in-One Camera (TiOC), this option also offers a 15-meter perimeter protection coverage, combined with accurate AI-powered detection of intrusion, focusing on real threats in the monitored scene. It can perform real-time processing of events using active deterrence and provide instant notification through the DMSS app for quick response to prevent any loss. What’s more, a clear video recording of intrusion evidence is also available in case of an investigation. Advanced (Thermal + Visual Dual Lens): This particular option offers a longer perimeter protection coverage of 50 metres. It provides precise intrusion detection powered by AI, with instant notifications via the DMSS app to enable security personnel to respond in time when an intrusion is detected. For evidence, clear video footages can also be retrieved, thanks to the intelligent camera equipped with thermal and visual dual lens. Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution Topology AI-powered security solution Overall, Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution is a complete AI-powered security solution that offers 24/7 accurate detection, timely processing of intrusion events, and clear intrusion evidence in case of a security breach, making it suitable for a wide range of SMB scenarios such as factory, apartment complex, construction site, school, hotel, and more.

As the UAE's economy progressed, its territory became the world's experimental zone for pioneering construction technologies. The continuous rise of the construction industry has introduced a large number of labourers to stations on construction sites.  How to systematically manage workers under regulations, while ensuring the rights and interests of both workers and enterprises is the main problem currently faced by NGC on its way forward. The customer Nael General Contracting (NGC), founded in 1998, is one of the UAE's premier construction companies. Its core areas of expertise include the Design and Execution of Turnkey Construction Projects, Steel Structures, Aluminum & Glassworks, Interior Fit-out, Hard & Soft landscapes, MEP infrastructure, and Facilities Management. Based on 25 years of safe working life, NGC currently has more than 9,000 employees and has successfully contracted not limited to 250 projects. “NGC is seeking the best intelligent attendance solution for one of its construction sites with nearly a thousand workers.” To this end, NGC consulted Anviz's long-term partner Xedos.  The challenge Workers' attendance management on and off work is bitterly chaotic without intelligent attendance Workers' attendance management on and off work is bitterly chaotic without intelligent attendance equipment. Workers' shifts are unreasonable and shift coordination is formidable.  There are even abundant irregularities such as punching in on behalf of others and tampering with attendance data without permission. So labourers take the fairness of wage calculations with a grain of salt.  Need for an intelligent and complete attendance solution “At the same time, the human resources department spends at least 10 hours per month sorting out the clock data of nearly a thousand employees to output monthly results reports." "The financial department also demands to settle workers' compensation based on attendance reports. It leads to continuous delays in salary payments. It is urgent to seek an intelligent and complete attendance solution."  The solution Simplify attendance while outputting cloud reports  FaceDeep 3 & CrossChex Cloud can cover the above needs and submit a satisfactory solution to NGC Based on ensuring the attendance management of nearly a thousand labourers, while also meeting the output of centralised visual reports and reducing labour costs, FaceDeep 3 & CrossChex Cloud can cover the above needs and submit a satisfactory solution to NGC.  NGC's site manager said, "Attendance at the construction site is not transparent, and most workers are often worried about whether their salary for the next month will be recorded in their accounts. There has even been chaos in paid attendance, which has brought a lot of trouble to the normal operation of construction." FaceDeep 3, CrossChex Cloud Based on high-precision liveness face detection and dual-camera lenses, FaceDeep 3 can accurately identify workers and complete personal attendance verification under any environmental conditions,  preventing the use of fake faces such as videos and pictures to check in. The CrossChex Cloud implements hierarchical management and designs administrator operation logs to record their action lines, effectively eliminating the unhealthy trend of tampering with records for personal gain. Attendance visualisation reports Integrate through CrosssChex Cloud and SQL DATABASE to synchronise each employee's attendance records NGC's Finance Minister said, "Every month some workers appeal against errors in attendance records, but there is nothing we can do about the large amount of confusing data records."  Integrate through CrosssChex Cloud and SQL DATABASE to synchronise each employee's attendance records, and automatically generate attendance visualisation reports. Real-time updates Administrators and employees can make attendance management transparent by viewing reports at any time.  The cloud system is equipped with shift and schedule management functions that administrators can adjust in real time according to the construction progress. Workers can apply for make-up attendance to achieve flexible management.  Key benefits Convenient and worry-free attendance experience  The efficient attendance system ensures a quick clock-in experience and simplifies the attendance process. Cloud visual reports make it easy to calculate workers' salaries.  Reduced human resource costs  Cloud visual reports make it easy to calculate workers' salaries. For the HR department, there's no longer a need to manually sort out large amounts of attendance data.  Client's quote “The person in charge of NGC said, "The attendance plan tailored by Anviz for us has received unanimous praise from all employees." "It reduced more than 85% of the labour costs spent on worker attendance management and saved the company nearly 60,000 dirhams per month."

Drastically worsening thefts from professional gangs on UK construction sites have garnered national outrage and prompted many firms across the country to install temporary CCTV towers to deter ‘stealing to order’, say Kingdom Systems. The company, who protect hundreds of construction sites from theft each year, warns about the rise of ‘stealing to order’- where criminals are given a list of sought-after machinery and equipment to then steal and sell on. Equipment Theft Act Temporary CCTV towers can massively help to prevent ‘stealing to order’ crimes and protect businesses that are at risk of losing £800 million every year, according to insurer Allianz Cornhill. Businesses are also desperately waiting for the Government to address this surgeBusinesses are also desperately waiting for the Government to address this surge, says Kingdom Systems. Last year, the Government brought in the Equipment Theft (Prevention) Act to counteract the problem in the agricultural sector, but it failed to address the issue suffered by construction sites nationwide. Research by CIOB With research by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) revealing that a staggering 92% of construction workers are affected by theft, with 21% saying they suffer from it every single week, it’s an epidemic that largely lies in the hands of individual project managers to prevent until wider governmental changes are made. Often, tradespeople and construction workers have no choice but to leave expensive equipment and machinery onsite overnight, making construction sites a goldmine for thieves looking for opportunities. Temporary CCTV towers CCTV footage from temporary CCTV towers can provide valuable evidence in the event of a theft “The serious risk of theft is a concern for all construction site managers and staff, especially when demand for stolen equipment is so high and the costs of replacing them remain equally astronomical. But installing permanent CCTV towers is expensive, time-consuming, and unlikely to be the best option for temporary construction sites,” says Paul Worsley, Director of Service from Kingdom Systems. “Installing temporary CCTV can be an efficient way to enhance security, deter criminals and safely document any breaches or suspicious activity.” CCTV footage from temporary CCTV towers can provide valuable evidence in the event of a theft, speeding up the time it takes to catch the perpetrators. With 34% of tradespeople saying that the thefts have impacted their mental health, temporary CCTV provides that much-needed peace of mind for the sector. Author's quote “For everyone involved in a project, a theft of a considerable amount of equipment or machinery can cause a lot of stress and worry."  "The idea that professional gangs rather than opportunists are targeting sites without proper security means they need to have a more strategic and effective approach to deterring criminals, beyond just the usual lock and key,” says Paul Worsley.

Boosting its safety credentials in the French market, global wireless solutions provider Ramtech has successfully helped safeguard La Tour Pleyel – a 129 m skyscraper undergoing major restructuring ahead of the Paris Olympic Games. The iconic venue, which is due to complete in spring 2024, is being turned into a multi-purpose complex in the Plaine Saint-Denis and Greater Paris area – requiring a comprehensive fire safety solution to protect workers and site assets during the construction phase. Event of a fire incident The WES3 Wireless Fire Safety and Evacuation System is being used throughout the 39 floors of the site, providing an automatic 24/7 smoke and heat detection system that helps coordinate emergency response in the event of a fire incident.  Fire safety should be the top priority at any construction site to keep workers safe" Stephane Stoesser, business development manager – France at Ramtech, said: "Fire safety should be the top priority at any construction site in order to keep workers safe, as well as project timelines and finances in check, and the WES3 system is the perfect choice for protection against potential hazards. This was a significant project, across a huge number of floors, so traditional methods of incident response, such as air horns or walking patrols, would only pose long delays between detection and emergency response. A forward-thinking, digital solution was needed, and we were delighted that our system was chosen to help keep people safe ahead of the Olympic Games.” WES3 wireless fire system The extensive renovation process at La Tour Pleyel has seen the construction of a hotel, conference centre and additional towers. The adaptability and ease of installation of the WES3 system were crucial in providing effective fire detection to an ever-evolving construction site. The WES3 wireless fire system proved the ideal choice for the large-scale project  Ramtech’s role in safeguarding La Tour Pleyel comes off the back of further success in Paris, including protecting The Arboretum – a 125,000 sq ft tertiary campus on the banks of the river Seine. The solid wood structure of the building put it at particular risk of fire damage, and the WES3 wireless fire system proved the ideal choice for the large-scale project, as chosen by contractor GCC Groupe thanks to the system’s scalability and efficiency. Author's quote Adam Kovics, sales manager at Ramtech, said: “Right now we’re experiencing an accelerated growth period in the French market, which shows contractors are putting safety first and investing in technology to help futureproof construction sites." “Our aim at Ramtech is to help increase fire safety education across Europe and beyond, and these recent projects show we’re well on our way to achieving that. We’re pleased with the presence we’re building in the French region and look forward to working with even more contractors and fire safety professionals in 2024.”

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.”

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? 

The high cost of thermal imaging cameras historically made their use more likely in specialised law enforcement and military applications. However, lower pricing of thermal imaging technologies has opened up a new and expanding market for thermal cameras in the mainstream. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new opportunities for thermal cameras in mainstream physical security?