Fire Safety

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated announced the next-generation embedded software for the ITAR-free Boson+ thermal camera module, delivering high-performing uncooled thermal imaging technology for defence, firefighting, automotive, security, and surveillance applications. Boson+ thermal camera Featuring industry-pioneering thermal sensitivity of ≤20 mK, Boson+ has been upgraded to provide even sharper thermal imagery and improved spatial filtering. Continuously improved thermal performance and proven market-pioneering reliability make Boson+ the low-risk integration choice for unmanned platforms, security applications, handhelds, wearables, and thermal sights. Software updates “Boson+ shares the industry-pioneering size, weight, and power (SWaP) of the widely deployed and real-world-proven Boson thermal camera module, simplifying integration and shortening time to market for our customers,” said Dan Walker, vice president, of product management, OEM cores, Teledyne FLIR. “With software updates including new colour palettes, low gain mode, and an updated GUI, the AI-ready Boson+ continues to be the go-to thermal module for defence, industrial, and commercial integrators." Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software To improve data fidelity and enhance decision support, it also operates Prism ISP algorithms Boson+ interfaces seamlessly with the new Teledyne FLIR AVP, an advanced video processor that powers Prism™ AI and computational imaging at the edge. The AVP, built on the latest Qualcomm QCS8550, efficiently runs Teledyne FLIR Prism AI software providing detection, classification, and target tracking. To improve data fidelity and enhance decision support, it also operates Prism ISP algorithms including super-resolution, image fusion, atmospheric turbulence removal, electronic stabilisation, local contrast enhancement, and noise reduction. DRI performance Made in the USA, the 12-micron pixel pitch Boson+ is available in both 320 x 256 and 640 x 512 resolutions. The noise equivalent differential temperature (NEDT) of 20 mK or less offers significantly enhanced detection, recognition, and identification (DRI) performance. Improved video latency enhances tracking, seeker performance, and decision support. User-friendly GUI Truly designed for integrators, the Boson+ is available with a variety of lens options, comprehensive product documentation, an easy-to-use SDK, and a user-friendly GUI. Customers have access to the US-based Teledyne FLIR Technical Services team to reduce development risk and cost. Boson+ is dual use (non-ITAR) and is classified under the US Department of Commerce jurisdiction as EAR 6A003.b.4.a. The Teledyne FLIR Boson+ is available for purchase globally from Teledyne FLIR and its authorised dealers.

Supporting site safety ahead of the highly anticipated Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics, wireless solutions provider Ramtech has announced its innovative WES3 system has been selected for three key construction projects. Working closely with its regional partner, EUROFEU, Ramtech has supplied its EN54-25 compliant WES3 wireless fire and evacuation system for the Olympic and Paralympic Village, the Adidas Arena and the Aquatics Centre, delivering enhanced worker safety during temporary construction phases. Benefits of the system Additional use of the system is the multiple lingo options the control panel can be set to, including French WES3 manual call points, with medical alert features, have been installed across the projects, with the three venues encompassing a combined 331,000 sqm. In the event of an evacuation, an alarm will sound to alert all workers, prioritising their well-being as well as helping to prevent potential disasters. An additional benefit of the system is the multiple language options the control panel can be set to, including French. André Marques, sales executive – France at Ramtech, said: “It’s always hugely exciting to be involved in major events, and the Paris Olympics 2024 is certainly an incredible opportunity to showcase what Ramtech and WES can provide. This is one of the most prominent projects we have been part of since working in the French market, and it is a proud moment to be able to support the safety and 24/7 monitoring of such an iconic event in the heart of the capital.” Importance for the Paris community The Adidas Arena complex offers more than just a sporting venue, with a real living space of over 3,000 m2 The Olympics and Paralympic Village is scheduled to open on Thursday 18 July and will accommodate more than 14,000 athletes and entourage members participating in the Olympic Games, as well as another 8,000 athletes and entourage members for the Paralympic Games. Meanwhile, the Adidas Arena complex offers more than just a sporting venue, with a real living space of over 3,000 m2. It will host various activities, including catering, sports events, pop-up stores, and more, accessible to everyone throughout the year, giving this project a high level of importance for the Paris community. The Aquatics Centre will also host water polo, diving, and synchronised swimming competitions, before being transformed into a boccia stadium for the Paralympics. Different challenges and requirements Stephane Stoesser, France sales manager, said: “Ramtech’s WES3 system is the pioneering wireless solution in venue construction, including theatres and sport. Every event comes with different challenges and requirements, but the versatility of the system, and its wireless nature, means it works in even the most difficult environments. The quick and easy installation, multiple language options and uninterrupted network - even across large sites - makes it the ideal choice here." “Being chosen for three key venues at Paris 2024 exemplifies these benefits, and it is a great achievement to see WES3 and Ramtech take the world stage for reliable and innovative fire safety.”

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is pleased to announce the appointment of Alaster Purchase as its new Chief Operating Officer. Richard Fogelman, NSI Chief Executive, stated, “I am very excited to welcome Alaster to our senior management team. His appointment underscores our continued commitment to upholding the gold standard in security and fire safety certification.”  Alaster Purchase Recently, as Chief Operating Officer for GS1 UK, and latterly as Corporate Marketing Director for a Panasonic company, Alaster has brought over 30 years of experience in the software and services industry, heading highly successful growth and transformation strategies.  Commenting on his new role, Alaster said, "I am delighted to join the NSI team and consider it an honour to work with such talented people and a brand that’s unsurpassed in the industry." Outside of work, Alaster enjoys mountain biking and road cycling. He is also an active member of the Lions Club of Windsor, a community services-based charity, where he has previously served as President. 

Gillingham Football Club is excited to welcome Hochiki Europe as its new Rainham End Sponsor. The agreement will see the Rainham End at Priestfield Stadium renamed ‘The Rainham End in partnership with Hochiki’ until the end of the 2026/27 season.  Commercial fire detection Hochiki, whose European head office and manufacturing plant was established over 30 years ago in Gillingham, has been a world-class pioneer in the production of commercial fire detection and emergency lighting products since being founded in Tokyo, Japan in 1918. Gillingham was chosen for the site of the European factory because of the link between Will Adams and Japan. Will Adams was a 16th-century navigator, born in Gillingham in 1564. He was the first European to establish a trade route between England and Japan. New facility The company is spread across three sites in the southeast region of Medway after a multi-million-pound investment The company is spread across three sites in the southeast region of Medway after they recently announced a multi-million-pound investment into a new 24,000sq ft (about four times the area of a basketball court) shipping and warehousing hub in Chatham.  The new facility can increase from 480 to 2,450 pallets with picking times reduced by more than half, from 7 minutes per line to 3 minutes per line ensuring a continued and efficient supply of the highest quality production of life safety devices and systems. Joe Comper comments Managing Director for The Gills, Joe Comper, said, “We are excited to welcome Hochiki as The Rainham End’s official partner. We have been working closely with Hochiki over the last year and they have been amazing." "The club needs to have partners that value the community of Kent as much as Hochiki does. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team there for their fantastic support and I am looking forward to watching this partnership grow.” VIP experience Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director from Hochiki said, “Hochiki Europe has had headquarters in Gillingham for 31 years and we’re proud to continue our support of the local community." "To celebrate our new partnership, Gills fans will have the chance to win a host of prizes including a VIP experience at the Millwall friendly, training ground visits, and match tickets courtesy of Hochiki. Fans should keep an eye on the Gills’ social media channels to find out how to win.” Winning combination This exciting partnership between Hochiki Europe and Gillingham Football Club promises a winning combination for both sides. Fans can look forward to exclusive prize giveaways while the Club gains a committed partner that values the community. Together, Hochiki Europe and Gillingham Football Club are poised to bag a screamer for the Gillingham faithful and solidify Hochiki's place as a proud resident of the Medway region. 

Advancements in technology and industry practices as well as changes in regulatory agendas and directives make it necessary to continuously initiate new standards and update existing standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective. In this context, leadership in standardisation is a crucial factor for achieving the desired benefits and outcomes both for industry and society. That requires the ability and willingness of an actor to initiate, influence and shape the development and implementation of standards that are relevant, effective, and legitimate. Euralarm provides that leadership in standardisation. Process of standardisation Standardisation, the process of developing and promoting, and possibly mandating standards, processes and regulations has a long history and might be called as old as the human race itself. During Greek antiquity, standardised units of measurement were found to be convenient for trade within the Mediterranean region and these units became increasingly common to different city-states. The establishment of such shared concepts and meanings is a precondition for cultural interaction. It wasn't until the late 18th century that standardisation was for the first time thoroughly systematised. The establishment of such shared concepts and meanings is a precondition for cultural interaction Attempts at the large-scale setting of norms and standards gained momentum and introduced an entirely new rationale to the process of standardisation. Jumping further forward in time, Europe nowadays has three European standards bodies: CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation, 1961), CENELEC (Comité Européen de Normalisation Électrotechnique, 1973), and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute, 1988). The technology standards that they provide, focus on ensuring quality, reliability, consistency, compatibility, interoperability and safety. Importance of standardisation The work and results of these European Standardisation Organisations (ESOs) are intricately linked to the work and goals of the European Commission. Standardisation has played a pioneering role in allowing goods, services, money and people to move freely between EU countries, making life easier and better for Europeans and business. This is the EU Single Market and is one of the pillars of the European Union. Standards support market-based competition and help ensure the interoperability of complementary products and services. They reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance competition. Due to their role in protecting health, safety, and security, standards are important to the public Due to their role in protecting health, safety, and security, standards are important to the public. The EU has an active standardisation policy that promotes standards to better regulate and enhance the competitiveness of European industry as well as to advocate EU values. Indeed, the success of the market-driven and consensus-based European standardisation system has had significant economic benefits in the development of specific industries. Above all, standards allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to enter the international market. Not a static or uniform phenomenon Whereas uniformity is the goal of standardisation, the process of standardisation itself isn't uniform nor standardised at all. It is influenced by numerous factors, such as technological change, market dynamics, consumer preferences, regulatory frameworks and societal values. Therefore, standardisation requires constant adaptation and coordination among different actors, such as industry, government, academia, civil society and international organisations. Also, there is a growing focus on sustainability and an ever-increasing focus on digitisation There are several megatrends that are currently affecting the fire safety and security industries as well as the standardisation for these industries. The threat of trade wars constantly lurks and protectionism reigns supreme. Inflation has been high in recent years and the supply chains have been regularly disrupted. Moreover, most sectors are experiencing labour shortages. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability and an ever-increasing emphasis on digitisation. Green and digital Europe All these developments have led to a tsunami of new (European) regulations. Two important ‘drivers’ behind this are the Green Deal and the Digital Decade, reflecting the green and digital transition of Europe. Under the umbrella of these programs, a wide variety of regulations is introduced having an impact on all aspects of the industries, ranging from products and project design to installation, operations and response and maintenance.  Examples of regulation under the Digital Decade with a high impact are the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, Data Act, the Delegated Act of the Radio Equipment Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act. An overview of the impact of the several regulatory acts is shown in the table below. An overview of the impact of the several regulatory acts Examples of regulations under the Green Deal with a high impact are the regulation on Eco-design and the requirements for sustainable products (ESPR), the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and the Battery Directive. An overview of the impact of the several ‘green’ regulatory acts is given in the table below. An overview of the impact of the several ‘green’ regulatory acts Leadership in standardisation The lack of knowledge on these subjects and the shortage of expertise to deal with these is apparent Many of the regulations such as Cybersecurity, AI, Data Transparency, are so-called horizontal in nature, meaning that they cover a broad number of sectors. While these are not directly focussed on the industry, they are affecting it, and this is creating numerous challenges for the industry. The lack of knowledge on these subjects and the shortage of expertise to deal with these is apparent. Euralarm is supporting companies and national associations that want to meet those challenges thereby establishing leadership. That role is filled in a variety of ways.  First, Euralarm initiates new standards through the bodies in which it is represented. For example, two service standards that were first issued by Euralarm as guidelines were later elevated to European standards. Today, EN 15763 specifies minimum requirements for service providers as well as the competencies, knowledge and skills of their involved staff charged while EN 50710 defines the requirements for the provision of secure remote services for fire safety systems and security systems. Technological, social or economic developments A good example is the overhaul of the needs for intruder and hold-up alarms as defined in EN 50131-1 Secondly, Euralarm is pioneering the actualisation of existing standards to ensure they evolve with technological, social or economic developments. A good example is the overhaul of the requirements for intruder and hold-up alarms as defined in EN 50131-1.  The outlines of this overhaul were drafted by Euralarm as a memo in 2020. Following that first draft, Euralarm provided the relevant Technical Committee (CLC/TC 79/WG 1) with conceptual drawings for a future-proof and function-oriented standard. Euralarm was then actively involved in compiling the new text for the adapted standard. Development of horizontal standards Finally, Euralarm closely monitors the development of horizontal standards and acts where necessary to adjust the development. An example of this was given by Euralarm’s involvement in supporting Technical Committees that faced the impact of cybersecurity regulations. For example, Euralarm provided Guidance and explanatory documents to the CLC/TC 79 community to ensure that the different players in Security and Fire Safety understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to cybersecurity. It also ensured that RED DA standards (prEN 18031 series) were in line with the requirements of alarm systems. The same goes for monitoring the activities in artificial intelligence (CNC/CLC/JTC21), intervening where necessary to ensure that developments in artificial intelligence don’t conflict with the requirements of security and fire safety systems and services. Both standardisation and regulatory level Euralarm's involvement is not only limited to standardisation level but also relates to law Euralarm's involvement is not only limited to standardisation level but also relates to regulation. With the Data Act, for instance, Euralarm played a significant role in limiting the mandatory sharing of data for security systems and avoiding conflicts with National Regulations on security. The same goes for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) where Euralarm is ensuring the compatibility between DPP requirements under other regulations, such as the Eco-design Directive for Sustainable Products (ESPR), CPR and Battery Regulation. Prepare themselves The tsunami of new regulations will affect the security industry in all European countries. Therefore, it is of vital importance to stay informed, either via national associations such as APSEI or Euralarm via webinars, guidance papers, articles and training courses.   For the individual companies, it is of utmost importance that they ensure that their personnel are qualified to cope with these new types of regulations. For those looking for support, Euralarm will gladly provide leadership on the topic of standardisation.

Amthal Group Companies has welcomed over twenty new members to its team in the first half of 2024, demonstrating its commitment to growth, innovation and service excellence. The Group company, formed of Amthal Fire and Security (AFS) together with Integrated Protection Maintenance Services (IPL) has bolstered its team in both the office and engineering divisions, ensuring it can meet and exceed the expectations of its clients. New engineering teams Skilled professionals are essential to Amthal's mission of providing the latest security and fire safety solutions. The new engineering teams will play a pivotal role in the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of systems designed to protect businesses and communities across the UK. New engineering units will play a role in the installation, care, and monitoring of systems Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, commented on the growth: “The security and fire safety industry is a field marked by constant innovation, where the challenge of early fire detection and outsmarting criminals ignites our creativity and motivates us to develop smart counter solutions across different sectors."  First half of 2024 Allam added: “For Amthal, we have welcomed over twenty new members to our team in the first half of 2024 and the numbers are still growing. It underscores our commitment to our customers from concept to completion and ongoing maintenance and monitoring requirements. Their fresh expertise is vital to our mission of delivering security and fire safety solutions, enabling us to safeguard businesses and communities across the UK." Amthal Group Companies continue to prioritise customer satisfaction, investing in technology, partnerships and talent to stay at the forefront of the security and fire safety industry. New hybrid work environments Amthal has partnered with Avigilon, Gallagher and Dahua on the growth of cloud-based CCTV In security, Amthal has partnered with Avigilon, Gallagher and Dahua on the growth of cloud-based CCTV and access control to allow end users remote opportunities for maintenance and monitoring. Especially relevant to Facility Managers who are budget, time and resource-stretched and yet seeking enterprise solutions to manage new hybrid work environments and building management systems. Amthal also benefits from being part of Honeywell Gent’s 24 Network of Approved System Integrators to open up several new possibilities. This includes access to CLSS and self-test, new market verticals and sectors, and creating more rounded supply proposals to suit all project sizes and complexity scales for new and existing customers.  Innovative and comprehensive security solutions Jamie concludes: “Our ambitious growth plans reflect our dedication to delivering innovative and comprehensive security and fire safety solutions. We will continue to pursue it into the second half of 2024 and beyond, which is bound to bring challenges and opportunities across the UK in the wake of the election period." “By continuing to expand our team with the right personnel across our business, welcoming apprentices and senior staff, investing in the latest technology, and fostering strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We are excited about the future and remain committed to safeguarding businesses and communities across the UK with unparalleled service and expertise.”

Daniel May of Consort reviews the integration of access control systems in healthcare settings, outlining the benefits and key considerations decision-makers must make throughout product specifications.  From patient safety and traversal to the protection of sensitive data and pharmaceuticals, healthcare environments are faced with several operational challenges. And where security remains at the forefront of decision-making, modern access control systems may often hold the answers. Physical security systems Hospitals in particular have developed into multi-faceted spaces that house hundreds to thousands of patients, staff and visitors at any one time. In England for example, research has found in the three months leading to June 2023, an average of 44,626 people visited major hospital A&E departments each day, with over 16 million attendances typically recorded over the course of a year-not to mention an additional nine million logged at other minor units. For any building, this level of sustained footfall can request severe security difficulties For any building, this level of sustained footfall can invite severe security tests. With that, the need to deploy effective physical security systems in healthcare is clear. And so, as access control continues to become more readily adopted and new products enter the market, decision-makers are reminded to consider the requirements of their building, ensuring they select the solutions most suited to their settings and budget. Security controlled Patient safety will always remain the top priority in healthcare settings, and where matters of health and social care come into question, a diverse set of professional regulatory bodies are tasked with setting and maintaining high standards. When it comes to healthcare premises specifically, patient security and perimeter security often come hand in hand and are amongst the most pressing of challenges that decision-makers must face. To help address operational planning and potential design concerns in the NHS, the Health Building Note (HBN), provides general design guidance for healthcare buildings under HBN 00-01-citing the use of access control measures as a way of maintaining security and protecting the safety of patients, staff and visitors. Use of access control Hospital buildings control varied levels of access for a number of security purposes Hospital buildings, for example, must control varied levels of access for a number of operational and security purposes. Routine scenarios exist where vulnerable patients are under monitoring and thus refrained from exiting the premises for their own safety, while at the same time, permitted staff must be able to reach their patients and medicines when required. For this, the use of access control is key. Equally, access credentials can also help management teams keep track of those who may be entering or exiting rooms with equipment and pharmaceutical supplies, deterring any unwanted visitors and opportunists in the process. Incorporation of access control systems On a similar note, regulations have set a minimum standard for how personal data should be stored and managed in healthcare environments, giving decision-makers an added responsibility to regulate staff-controlled areas with patient medical records. While instances of personal data breaches are rare, healthcare facilities and professionals are at legal risk should confidential data be found misused or missing. As such, the incorporation of access control systems has become essential in keeping data storage areas secure, with intuitive online systems capable of permitting access to staff with the correct credentials while simultaneously tracking who has requested clearance at digital entry points. HBN guidance Healthcare experts are better fitted to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting To function effectively, healthcare facilities must always be perceived as safe places by the people who reside within them, and as HBN guidance implies, a unified physical security system can help address key safety and security concerns while enhancing patient and staff experience. Opportunely, access control systems are more accessible and adaptable than ever and combine several technologies such as mechanical locks and automatic doors with electronic access credentials in the form of smartphone apps, badge readers and biometric scanners.  By integrating these systems into the building’s existing infrastructure, healthcare professionals are better equipped to control the sheer volume of people entering and exiting the premises without impairing the general flow of movement and coordination around the facility. Better by design Despite the clear benefits offered to healthcare facilities, there are a number of considerations to be mindful of when choosing an access control solution. Poorly implemented systems can have an adverse effect on security and functionality - quickly costing healthcare organisations time and budget to rectify and replace the inadequate products that don’t meet the building’s requirements. For that reason, decision-makers and design teams are reminded that there is no single solution that fits all healthcare buildings. As such, it’s crucial for decision-makers to understand the systems that are being put in place throughout each of the touchpoints in their facility. Clear collaboration is required during periods of specification, where together, teams can ensure the selected product works on all angles, from meeting fire safety and sustainability standards to aesthetics and scalability. Modern access control products Scalability is a key area that decision-makers must review when selecting access control systemsFrequently overlooked, scalability is a key area that decision-makers must review when selecting access control systems. Such is their diverse nature; healthcare facilities can often change and develop as years go by, and by selecting a system that facilitates growth, such as a cloud-based solution-security and efficiency is long-established. While modern access control products are known for seamless integration, there are some systems that may restrict the ability to use different vendors throughout the remainder of the building’s infrastructure. This, in effect, causes a monopolisation of products throughout the estate, which can have an adverse effect on growth by increasing costs and reducing the levels of service associated with the security system already in place. Improve security and safety A scalable and reliable access control system will continue to improve security and safety by adapting to a building’s new requirements-and all while having minimal impact on its operational network.  And so, while technology will no doubt continue to influence and transform the access control market, healthcare facilities and their professionals must continue to remain educated on their own systems, ensuring they have the best options in place to keep their patients, staff and visitors safe and secure for years to come.

Where access control is concerned, architects and design teams must find the right balance between aesthetics, functionality and security, says Daniel May of Consort Architectural Hardware. Following a period of innovation and integration, access control has developed into an ever-prominent facet of building design over the past decade. Where systems were once rudimentary, modern user requirements have led to several operational and technological advancements, resulting in a versatile selection of options that move beyond the limited capabilities of centralised deployment architecture. Growing market demand The push for smarter buildings has played its part too. In fact, according to a 2022 report, the number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026, with global market size estimated to hit $201.16 billion by 2031 - and this growth shows no signs of slowing down (omitting another global pandemic). The number of smart buildings worldwide is projected to climb from 45 million to 115 million by 2026 In order to meet growing market demand, manufacturers continue to modernise access control solutions, introducing the use of mobile credentials, cloud control and even bio-metric systems. As such, the specification process for access control hardware continues to become more nuanced, and for architects in particular, there’s an increasing challenge to ensure all design objectives are met. With this in mind, how can professionals strike a balance between seamless integration and design? Modern hotel environments For many decision makers, access control is viewed as an efficient and flexible route to securing their building. But more than that, it has become critical to the operative performance of our built environment, where from residential settings to commercial space, the adopted use of interconnected systems is further boosting accessibility, functionality and security. Take modern hotel environments for example. According to a 2022 report, 56% of hospitality consumers expressed locking and unlocking rooms using biometrics and facial recognition would enhance their experience. From Wi-Fi infrastructures to cloud services, technology has almost become synonymous with a hotel guest’s experience and is designed to improve their stay. Where digital access control systems are adopted, guests can interact with the premises independently, streamlining their access to essential entry points while safeguarding rooms against unauthorised visitors. Hotel operators benefit from enhanced building security and increased traceability Higher guest ratings Similarly, hotel operators benefit from enhanced building security and increased traceability, not to mention improved business efficiency and higher guest ratings. Ultimately, better-quality aesthetics enhance environments by making them more welcoming However, while security and accessibility are frequently top of the agenda when it comes to specifying hardware, from an architectural perspective, a solution’s aesthetic is just as valuable and plays a crucial role in the decision-making process. Often, door hardware can feel like the finishing touch to a design project, and so, careful consideration must go into consistent design choices that make a positive impact on the building’s aesthetic. Ultimately, better-quality aesthetics enhance environments by making them more welcoming. Access control systems Again, hospitality is a good case in point, where hotels must ensure their environment is visually pleasing as part of the service quality offered to their guests. However, a survey on urban design revealed 40% of architects find incorporating security measures into new developments without impacting aesthetic appeal a key design challenge. With this in mind, architects and design teams can be forgiven for past frustration towards the unattractive and cumbersome access control systems that were once in their infancy. In reality, today’s systems offer a much more seamless design, and with end users placing value on key elements such as accessibility, fire safety and reliability, it’s now possible to incorporate a solution that works for everyone. Hospitality is a good case in point, where hotels must ensure their environment is visually pleasing Combining value and visuals Upon recognising today’s access control systems promote functionality and seamless installation without compromising aesthetics, there’s a growing demand for comprehensive, single-package solutions across many contemporary projects. As a result, architects and designers are increasingly met with questions on door hardware and access control and must keep up to date with the latest solutions that are available. Architects and designers are increasingly met with questions on door hardware and access control As such, the initial design stage provides an opportune period for architectural teams to consider the needs of the end user in relation to access control systems. From a building’s security elements to its flow of movement, there are various objectives to reflect upon, and architects must look to develop their knowledge on access control solutions to ensure all end user objectives are met, and all while considering the final aesthetic. Access control solutions Naturally, projects can often benefit from greater collaboration and architectural professionals are urged to lean on the expertise of manufacturers where required. By working closely with trusted manufacturers early in the process, teams can incorporate the latest technology into buildings at the initial stages of design, as opposed to being an addition later in the process. Teams can incorporate the latest technology into buildings at the initial stages of design In many cases, manufacturers now offer bespoke access control solutions too, each designed to adapt around the end user’s needs while working with the architect on a design level. Through greater collaboration and the use of tailored solutions, architects are given the ability to choose consistent finishes and materials that fit the planned aesthetic, removing the need to try and match across various suppliers later down the line. Introducing tailored solutions Seemingly, access control will continue to play a larger role in building design as the industry progresses. And while the adoption of new technology may inherit an element of uncertainty for some, by introducing tailored solutions with seamless integration at early stages of the design process, architects can rest assured that their proposals address core challenges such as security and fire safety, while keeping their aesthetic vision intact.

A study found that over 80% of smartphones have biometric protection enabled, up from 68% a few years ago - these statistics alone show the trajectory of biometric security solutions. In the world of access control systems, biometric advancements allow for more secure authentication measures and seamless security processes. As more products and services hit the market, learn our predictions for the 2023 biometric trends in this article. Biometric access control systems What are biometric access control systems? Biometric access control systems include safety measures like facial and fingerprint recognition, as well as multi factor identification terminals. These systems decide who is authorised to enter a specific room, floor or even the entire building, using a database of stored identifiable features, like someone’s fingerprints. If an individual tries to enter and is not in the system, then they are denied access. Biometric Access Control Trends to Look Out For in 2023 - From multifactor authentication to contactless security measures, discover the five biggest upcoming trends in biometrics for access control. Real-time facial recognition The cloud has offered us new and innovative ways to store vast amounts of data Cloud Biometrics - The cloud has offered us new and innovative ways to store vast amounts of data. Combined with biometrics, this trend will allow security professionals to forgo the dedicated server and store their data on the cloud. Cloud biometrics facilitate real-time facial recognition and other processing-intensive security measures. It even allows for remote monitoring, which will be essential in our new era of hybrid working. Multifactor Authentication - In 2023, multifactor authentication will become the norm. It is already widely used by people to secure their accounts, but it will be vital in access control security. Multifactor authentication adds another layer of security by combining a traditional password with facial recognition or fingerprint biometrics. This approach has previously been reserved for highly sensitive data, but with cybercrimes on the rise, it will soon be used to protect everyday accounts. Highly sensitive data Contactless Biometrics - The most recent advancements in biometrics allow people to go about their day without being interrupted by pin codes and touchpads. Contactless biometrics, combined with integrated systems and algorithms, allow people to move seamlessly without sacrificing security. The latest biometrics, for example, can let a pre-authorised individual into a building, inform the appropriate people that they have arrived and call them an elevator, all without needing to touch a keypad. They care about security, but people also want to trust that their provider shares their values Ethical Biometrics - Increasingly, people are valuing ethical biometrics. They care about security, but people also want to trust that their provider shares their values. People want to know that their data will be protected, in line with privacy laws, and that the biometrics system they use will be unbiased. This new standard for the industry has been growing steadily, but 2023 will bring stricter expectations for ethical security.           Digital IDs - More people than ever are using digital IDs. From the humble digital wallet, which we all have on our phones, to more complex applications used in access control, physical cards are seemingly a thing of the past. This shift has required (and will continue to require) a complete overhaul of existing infrastructure to allow for new forms of identification. TLDR: 2023 biometric trends in access control The latest biometric trends will see contactless security measures become the norm. With advancements in cloud biometrics and digital IDs, the latest technologies will continue to allow for new and innovative security solutions. However, with stricter expectations for ethical biometrics and data privacy, any new security trends will need to align with these standards. As the founder of Elite Security, Ben McCayna is passionate about security. He started the company in 2004 after identifying a need for high-quality door and security installations and specialised maintenance for commercial businesses. Ben is one of the leading security experts in London and beyond, thanks to his highly successful company and network of happy clients. Elite Security has grown to offer a wide range of security and access control systems, including fire safety, intercoms, alarms and CCTV. With decades of experience in both business management and security, Ben has established himself as a true expert in his field.

IFSEC International took place over three days at the ExCel in London, presented alongside shows covering fire safety, intelligent buildings, facilities management, and safety and health. While perhaps not on the same scale as pre-pandemic events, the atmosphere was convivial and spirits high, everyone glad to be back amongst their peers in the industry. Predictably, the trending topics were steered by issues in the wider world: sustainability, moving services to a subscription-based model, and new ways of working inspired by COVID-19 safety measures. A place for cutting-edge innovation After a challenging couple of years, companies were keen to meet customers, showcase their products and reveal the latest innovations. Integrated Design Limited displayed their new Glassgate 400 Plus turnstile, a sleek design for the corporate market. Tony Smith, Major Accounts and Marketing Manager, Entrance Control and Turnstile Security, told SourceSecurity.com, “I feel trade shows are a very important part of IDL’s marketing effort. We are more than pleased to display alongside our peers and have customers make direct comparisons with our products and theirs.” Biometric access reader Biometrics, as ever, generated a lot of interest, including the European launch of RealNetworks’ new SAFR SCAN biometric access reader, which combines facial recognition, computer vision, and image capture technologies for a range of applications. “Overall, there was a really good footfall, and we met an excellent mixture of end-customers, system integrators, distributors, and consultants from both Europe and the Middle East who are exactly the types of people we were hoping to demonstrate SAFR SCAN to,” commented Charlie Bennett, Vice President UK & Europe – SAFR, RealNetworks. Access control systems going green HID Global is one company leading the way in the move away from plastics to focus on mobile access The eco-friendly trend and the need to be more sustainable is becoming a real force in the security industry, particularly in access control where there is considerable pressure to ditch the plastic. HID Global is one company leading the way in the move away from plastics to focus on mobile access. Gerald Grattoni, Physical Access Control Solutions Regional Business Unit Vice President at HID Global (part of the ASSA ABLOY Group), explained in a press briefing, “Making buildings smarter and more eco-conscious is high on the corporate responsibility agenda of many companies as the sustainability credentials of new buildings are now very important. With digitalised mobile identities there is less plastic waste and lower emissions.” Flexible, remote, and contactless Innovation in smart buildings is also being led by changes to how we work, live, and play, inspired in part by the recent pandemic. New technology is required to meet the needs of the hybrid workspace, as employers adopt more flexible working models and demand for contactless access control increases. Now, the most technologically sophisticated buildings are controlled by an app on a mobile phone, giving ease of access and full control without the need for plastic cards. Remote monitoring Advances in remote monitoring have escalated due to COVID-19, particularly in high demand in the health and education markets. Connecting via industrial standard network protocols allows for remote communication Ian Bridgewater, Director, Technical Sales Manager, TOA Corporation (UK) Ltd, explained further, “Connecting via industrial standard network protocols allows for remote communication. Working with specialist software developers has expanded this, giving greater flexibility to monitor and maintain systems remotely from a central hub.” AI-based autonomous access solution AI also has a role to play in this new high-tech, touchless world and various companies are utilising this technology. Alcatraz AI found IFSEC the perfect opportunity to exhibit their new Rock autonomous access solution. "We now live in a time in which AI can make precise real-time decisions at the door to authenticate or deny access using your face as a credential,” said Greg Sarrail, Senior Vice President of Sales at Alcatraz AI. “IFSEC 2022 allowed Alcatraz AI to demonstrate the speed and accuracy of autonomous access control. The number of qualified partners and end-users representing a broad international scope in attendance at IFSEC was encouraging.” Meanwhile, the Eagle Eye Networks stand attracted a lot of visitors keen for a demo of their new Eagle Eye Smart Video Search, which allows users to search for people, vehicles, or objects, and immediately find the exact video across all cameras in all sites. "AI and cloud are two trends that Eagle Eye, the media, and the security business community have been talking about for a while. We were excited to showcase Eagle Eye's new AI-powered technologies at IFSEC 2022," added Rishi Lodhia, Eagle Eye Networks Vice President and Manager Director EMEA. "Our stand was buzzing with activity and AI was the main topic of discussion for all three days. All in all, a great show."  Investing in a secure future Engineers of Tomorrow gave apprentice finalists the chance to show off their skills in front of thousands of peers and professionals from the security sectors live on the show floor. The winners will go on to the WorldSkills UK (WSUK) LIVE competition – the nation’s premier skills, apprenticeships, and careers event. Although the products on display at IFSEC promised a contactless, digital future, this was a good reminder of the importance of the people who install and maintain these systems and the vital role of engineering apprenticeships in the industry.

Convergint Technologies’ rapid growth has come through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions — they have acquired 35 companies since 2014. Growth has been a focus since day one when the founders started the systems integration company with 10 colleagues in a basement. Today, the diverse company includes more than 5,000 employees globally. As technology has advanced and business practices have evolved, Convergint’s core values and beliefs have guided their path forward.  Customer-centric approach Convergint’s culture is a critical aspect of the company, from the executive level to frontline colleagues. “It is essential that the companies we look to acquire and develop partnerships with directly align with our people-first, customer-centric, inclusive culture centered on colleagues and customers,” says Mike Mathes, Executive Vice President, Convergint Technologies. “This approach has allowed us to maintain and grow our number of colleagues across our acquisitions and enables us to continue being our customers’ best service provider.” Integration practices Many practices have to be form-fitted to each individual acquisition A simple but important consideration as Convergint grows through acquisitions is: No two companies are the same. While some integration practices can be standardised across the company, many practices have to be form-fitted to each individual acquisition, says Mathes. “Our objective is not to come in and immediately implement change. We want to build on what has already been successful within the local market and share our learned experiences. There is plenty we can learn from each other and create a much better organisation.” Mathes says that Convergint’s view of a successful acquisition is that 1+1=3. “The end result is always much more impactful than what we anticipated,” he says. “Every acquisition brings with it an experienced leadership team, dedicated and skilled colleagues, vertical market and technological expertise. Most acquisitions are in geographies where we do not already operate, so with every acquisition, we increase our capability to serve our customers much better.” Also, the network of Global Convergint Technology Centres (CTCs) helps expand clientele, and the Convergint Development Centre (CDC) offers new support capabilities allowing acquisitions to grow at a very high rate. Expanding service Are there more acquisitions to come? Mathes says Convergint is always open to further expanding its footprint across the globe, improving its ability to service customers, deepening their technical expertise, and continuing to expand service offerings across the current and new vertical markets. However, the current focus remains on several key factors: service to colleagues, customers, and communities. “While obviously, acquisitions fuel our growth, the addition of these organisations to Convergint has really improved our ability to service clients on a global basis,” says Mathes. Acquiring ICD Security Solutions in Asia, for example, made Convergint a pioneer in that market for U.S.-based multi-national companies. Meeting customers demand “Convergint does not weigh market conditions when making an acquisition decision,” says Mathes. Rather, they are primarily focused on meeting or exceeding their customer’s needs on a local to a global level. They see acquisitions as a potential way to extend their geographic reach so they can be closer to customers. An acquisition might also expand technological or vertical market expertise. “The end goal is for us to enhance our service capabilities by attracting and retaining talented colleagues and leaders to better service our customers,” says Mathes. Enhancing and expanding services Convergint identifies how to leverage the expertise to further enhance and expand current service options “Economies of scale” have not been a consideration. They have never sought to acquire companies and restructure them in the process, for example. Rather, each company brings forth a unique skillset, is carefully vetted by the executive team, and provides purpose in the company's mission and vision for the future.” “Frontline colleagues are Convergint’s most valuable assets,” says Mathes. Rather than restructuring and eliminating skilled, knowledgeable colleagues, Convergint identifies how they can leverage the expertise to further enhance and expand current service options for customers. “Our colleagues and their skill sets are our competitive advantage—they remain an essential element to our success,” says Mathes. Demand for integrator services “We continue to experience a growing demand for innovative solutions across electronic security, fire alarm, and life safety,” says Mathes. “As companies innovate further and rely on technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, IoT, and cloud solutions, we expect to see an increased demand for integrator services. Our customers demand a local service provider who is responsive and can meet their needs, which is why Convergint aims to be its customers’ best service provider.” This year, Convergint is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In 2021, they will continue to focus on the same critical components that have dominated since day one taking care of colleagues, customers, and the communities where they operate.

The COVID-19 pandemic has provided a double challenge to physical security systems integrators. For one thing, they have had to adapt their own businesses to survive and thrive during the pandemic. On the other hand, they have also been faced with new challenges to serve their customer’s changing needs. Global pandemic effects One integrator company, North American Video (NAV) took the now-familiar steps most companies confronted to adapt their business model to operations in a global pandemic – they suspended all non-essential travel and face-to-face meetings. At one point, NAV had a single employee in the New Jersey headquarters and another one in the Las Vegas office. The rest worked from home, with other offices opening as needed over the following weeks. Another integrator, Convergint Technologies, was able to adapt its approach to the pandemic, location by location, across the United States. The integrator benefitted from its leadership structure, with local managers in various regions who are autonomous and could react to what was happening in each region. Virtual workforce “We saw a dip in April and May, but since then, we have seen business pick back up,” said Mike Mathes, Executive Vice President, Convergint Technologies. The Business of Integration virtual conference sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA) “We already had tools and infrastructure deployed to support a virtual workforce. We had the software and the right equipment, and that has allowed us some flexibility to approach the repopulation of our offices in a gradual way.” The impact of COVID-19 on integrators and their customers was the main topic of discussion at a session on The Business of Integration at the Securing New Ground virtual conference sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA). Remote monitoring North American Video also benefitted from having technical personnel spread across the United States. By assigning work duties on the basis of geography, they could travel by car with less risk than air travel. They also increased their use of remote monitoring and support to avoid extra visits to customer sites. With 80% of the business in the gaming industry, North American Video saw a profound impact on their customers with the almost complete shutdown of casinos during the early days of the pandemic. Even though gaming was impacted particularly badly by the virus, NAV stayed engaged working on four or five large casino construction projects that continued throughout the shutdown. Revenue shortfalls State legislatures will approve more casinos to help plug the holes in their budgets Other casinos took advantage of empty facilities to make needed upgrades without worrying about disrupting casino operations. “A lot of our strong, long-term clients have sought to perform upgrades during the downtime, including needed service and maintenance,” said Jason Oakley, President and CEO, North American Video (NAV). “When gaming was closed, you were allowed in the facilities to work.” Oakley also sees long-term optimism for the casino business, which will offer a means for state and local governments to make up revenue shortfalls. “State legislatures will approve more casinos to help plug the holes in their budgets,” Oakley predicted. Demands for technology Oakley and NAV have seen an evolution in customer demands for technology in light of the pandemic. The trick is to differentiate between demand that is an immediate reaction versus technology trends that have more staying power.  Although customers were keen on purchasing thermal cameras, for example, NAV did the research and recommended against the use of the technology to some of their customers. Artificial Intelligence for social distancing The use of artificial intelligence (AI) for a variety of applications seems to have more staying power. “One area of interest at a high level is modification and repurposing of AI for face mask detection, social distancing and people tracing, including integration into existing cameras,” said Oakley. “If the hospitality industry comes to terms with the new normal with smaller restaurant capacities, there may be an opportunity to use AI for social distancing.” Contact tracing and visitor management technology Mathes of Convergint sees a massive change as customers move toward managed services, accelerating the change with new use cases. We have an entire group that focuses on new solutions and what customers are looking for" As offices seek to repopulate when the pandemic subsides, customers are looking for new uses of existing technologies, added Mathes. “We have an entire group that focuses on new solutions and what customers are looking for,” he said. “They need to understand who is in the building and where they go in the building. If we know someone was only in the cafeteria from 10 to 11 a.m., we can know who was in the cafeteria at that time.” Opportunity for vertical markets to move forward He predicts technologies for contact tracing and visitor management tracking who’s in the building and where will be around for a long time to come. "Various customers and vertical markets are looking at the slowdown differently," said Mathes. "For example, while airlines have slowed down, the view from the airport market is more long-term." “They have 15-year plans, and [the slowdown] is an opportunity to move forward. In the technology space, data centres are expanding. “We try to focus our resources on areas where the money is being spent,” said Mathes. “Our K-12 group has seen an 80% growth over 2019. The money is tied to bonds, so there hasn’t been a slowdown relative to revenue.” He said Convergint is cautiously optimist about 2021.”

Cybersecurity threats targeting organisations' industrial control systems (ICS) are not always direct. Instead, the most vulnerable entries to an ICS can start with external partners, like suppliers and vendors.  Honeywell's customer, a global pharmaceutical company, realised that potential vulnerabilities like these might be in its partner ecosystem. Therefore, the pharmaceutical company wanted to get ahead of a potential breach so they trusted Honeywell to do a thorough assessment of its suppliers’ operational technology (OT) cybersecurity gaps. Why did the customer choose Honeywell?  First, Honeywell's OT cybersecurity experts took the time to understand the customer’s processes at more than 100 sites around the globe. Second, Honeywell experts used their knowledge and experience along with the customer process insight to conduct assessments that met their unique needs. Many of the competitors are simply IT vendors dabbling in the world of OT. Honeywell, however, has the knowledge and the experience to better meet the demands of OT. The pharmaceutical company chose Honeywell over the competitors based on the quality and wealth of OT knowledge the experts provided. Spreading security The Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessment is part of a global two to three-phase project that covers over 100 sites This was not to be a small or limited undertaking. This Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessment is part of a global two to three-phase project that covers more than 100 sites. The first assessment was completed for the company’s site in India with other sites being covered in later phases. Vulnerability assessment Honeywell’s OT cybersecurity experts conducted the vulnerability assessment to help capture the customer’s control system vulnerabilities and potential weak spots. The assessment performed was a holistic technical review of the ICS infrastructure. It focused on analysing their cybersecurity processes, procedures, and safeguards to better protect their industrial control systems(ICS) from internal and external threats. Because Honeywell focuses on OT as opposed to IT only, Honeywell experts are skilled in considering the entirety of an ecosystem. This means including people, processes, and any technical issues that can impact the ICS cybersecurity posture. Digging in to reduce risks  The Honeywell team was able to holistically assess the customer’s ICS environment, documenting observations  The Honeywell team has deep expertise across IEC 62443 standards and other industry-specific guidelines, as well as invaluable experience with control systems. Because of this expertise, the Honeywell team was able to holistically assess the customer’s ICS environment, documenting observations and recommendations to help reduce cybersecurity risks. Physical site review Honeywell team first conducted a physical site review to assess to uncover issues such as control room doors left unlocked, passwords in the line of sight, and other security compliance violations. The team also reviewed the customer’s network equipment from third parties such as switches, routers, and firewalls; reviewed the infrastructure configurations; and checked installation processes. Site-specific recommendations The report detailed best practices and site-specific recommendations to help the customer help mitigate and prioritise All the vulnerabilities, severity levels, and remediation details were included in the Cybersecurity Vulnerability Assessment report. The report also detailed best practices and site-specific recommendations to help the customer help mitigate and prioritise any identified threats or vulnerabilities and notes regarding how and where each step can serve as a foundation for the best practice architecture. Challenges and successes Honeywell experts remained diligent in exceeding the customer’s expectations despite the shutdown in India due to the pandemic and the unexpected need to assess and remediate assets. Honeywell also had one secret weapon: one of the OT cybersecurity experts had real-life experience in the pharmaceutical industry. This made it possible for the team to better tailor the assessment (and recommendations) to this particular customer.

With approximately 29,000 employees worldwide, Amdocs is a pioneering global software company providing services and solutions to communications and media companies. When building a new campus in Ra’anana, Israel, their large site with four office buildings and three underground floors required a door closer solution tailored to every door, considering their different size, type, and usage. Finding a single supplier to meet all their needs was a challenge, but they succeeded.  Site requirements This new site required reliable, flexible door-closing solutions tailored for use at several hundred doors of multiple types: fire doors, public entrances, high and low traffic, and many more. For such a complex project, they also sought trustworthy specification support from an established, experienced manufacturer with a proven track record and a team with local knowledge.  Door solutions across campus Requirements included full support for choosing, supplying, and installing solutions for doors across the campus “ASSA ABLOY has many access solutions related to openings in the building, including door closers. I am pleased that our project specification team was able to provide the right solutions for our customer’s requirements,” says Avi Kimhazi, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Israel. This included full support for choosing, supplying, and installing solutions for doors across the campus. ASSA ABLOY’s expertise and advice were always available.  Product portfolio to meet the individual needs The vast range of available ASSA ABLOY Door Closers, Electric Strikes, Locks, Panic Exit Devices, and other products ensured every opening at the Amdocs Park campus was equipped with its ideal solution, without compromises.  Certifications including fire compliance across the full range help to remove regulatory worries for specifiers and facilities managers.  Cam-Motion technology Models supplied include ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion® Door Closers for several applications Models supplied include ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion® Door Closers for several applications.  With innovative Cam-Motion technology, the push-force required to open a door falls rapidly, providing barrier-free access for all plus secure closing to keep premises safe.   DC700, DC840 and DC200 ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion DC700 model creates comfortable, secure access to high-traffic public doors in the building. The DC840 model conceals the same technology within the door leaf itself and is deployed where minimal aesthetic impact is required. For smaller door sizes, choosing the cost-efficient DC200 rack and pinion door closer helped the project hit its budget targets.  Hitting project deadlines with specification support  Designers could visualise door solutions accurately and the right solution was specified for each opening The project was managed using BIM principles from the outset. ASSA ABLOY’s local specification team became a hub for coordinating and disseminating up-to-date information for every door solution as part of the BIM process.  Alongside providing timely specifications, the team made sure supply and installation hit the timelines that construction managers required. Detailed specifications were supplied and updated digitally, so designers could visualise door solutions accurately and the right solution was specified for each opening.  Openings Studio® software Openings Studio® software was a key tool for everyone involved in the project. This user-friendly software ensures accurate specification data is logged and, when approved, transmitted to the live Revit® design. With detailed specifications supplied and updated digitally, designers visualise door solutions accurately as soon as possible and ensure the right solution is specified for each opening.  And because every stakeholder can have appropriate Openings Studio access, they work transparently and with accurate, up-to-date specifications.

Installers JTI Brandbeveiliging was contracted to help make safety a number-one priority at a pioneering food manufacturer in The Netherlands. They achieved this by choosing Hochiki Europe’s marketing pioneering fire detection system, Latitude, alongside waterproof devices from the ESP range. This comprehensive solution ensures the highest level of fire protection throughout the facility, giving the food manufacturer peace of mind and allowing them to focus on what they do best: producing delicious food.  Kervo Kervo is a specialist in the high-quality cultivation and processing of fruit in the Netherlands. Since 1980 morello cherries have been grown in the Vossen family’s orchards in Roggel, The Netherlands. The family was one of the first growers in the region to use mechanical harvesting in the ’80s, fast forward 43 years later and Kervo currently runs operations across Europe and the UK and is proud of its reputation for offering the finest quality fruit to bakeries and fresh food processors.   Fire protection systems Complexities of this project was that during food production significant amounts of steam were generated JTI Brandbeveiliging was founded in 2009 and is trusted by its customers for advice, installations, repairs, and maintenance of fire protection systems across the region. The team, led by Luciën van Eldijk was commissioned in 2022 to design and fit the fire safety system that would be integrated into Kervo's new manufacturing plant in Neer. One of the complexities of this project was that during food production, and particularly during the cleaning processes, significant amounts of steam are generated, thus causing false alarms. Latitude fire safety system Lucien explains how he and the team navigated this issue, “In food production sites like this, the machinery needs to remain clean throughout the entire process. This means there is a lot of steam and water present, which, unfortunately, can trigger false alarms." "We needed to install devices that could negate this issue, Hochiki’s waterproof call points, sounders, and sensors were the perfect solution. They worked seamlessly with the Latitude fire safety system from Hochiki.”  Fire detection devices and systems Latitude, which is BOSEC-approved, a requirement for fire detection devices and systems in The Netherlands, has a powerful network-wide cause-and-effect capability. The system can support 5000 entries, with up to 20,000 inputs and 20,000 outputs across the network.  Benefits of Latitude The new building at Kervo is a huge facility making the Latitude system the best solution The new building at Kervo is a huge facility, at over 40 metres in height it required over 2.5km of cabling and hundreds of fire detection devices to help make the building secure, making the Latitude system the best solution.   “Due to the nature of this project, there have been some technical aspects where we have needed to seek advice, but the team at Hochiki has been very helpful in working with us to create the best solution for our customer." Easy to install with high standards "We choose Hochiki products and systems because they are reliable, they are easy to install and, most importantly, meet the high standards and regulations required by the laws of The Netherlands, we would recommend Hochiki products for this reason.”  Hochiki’s analogue addressable range (ESP intelligent) together with the Latitude system are EN54 Part 13 certified and with the BOSEC certification also in place, they provide the best complete and compliant fire detection system for businesses across the Belgium region as well as bordering countries such as Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and Germany.  

As a longtime maintenance provider for Trafalgar Theatres at their Orchard Theatre site in Dartford, Blake Fire & Security and Cygnus’ distributor Illumino Ignis (Kent) Ltd (IIKL) were approached for a solution to a unique problem: Satisfying the stringent fire safety requirements of their new temporary venue to hold 1,091 audience members, while the main Orchard Theatre was closed due to RAAC Works. SmartNet-Pro fire detection With a very short turnaround of a week, Blake Fire & Security and IIKL instantly knew that the Cygnus EN 54 certified, fully wireless SmartNet-Pro fire detection and alarm system would be a perfect fit for the venue. It provides an aesthetically pleasing solution and quick installation, with full EN 54 and BS5839 Part 1 compliance, while also allowing the right cause and effects for the theatre operation. SmartNet-Pro range’s wireless network features SmartNet-Pro range’s wireless network features give a minimum of two communication paths to each wireless device Designed to deliver a reliable and safe solution, the SmartNet-Pro range’s wireless network features patented Cygnus technology and is run by battery-powered radio devices as part of a robust, self-forming, and self-healing mesh network, giving a minimum of two communication paths to each wireless device for maximum reliability. “We have worked with Cygnus and the SmartNet-Pro system previously and knew it would be ideal for this unique project,” comments Rory Foster, Fire Safety Systems Manager at Blake Fire & Security. 100% wireless “SmartNet-Pro is 100% wireless as well as being robust and reliable, it was exactly what we needed for the complexities of this project. We also knew we could rely on the Cygnus team to help deliver the project in a timely and efficient way.”   Given the nature of the venue, the fire alarm system needed to have some advanced features to give the theatre control of the system. Factors to consider The Blake Fire & Security and IIKL team were required to consider these factors when creating the system: Smoke Machines being used during the performances. A function of the SmartNet-Pro panel allowed us to program a function on the button on the control panel to isolate the smoke elements of the detectors in the auditorium during performances (Show Mode) while keeping the Heat elements of the detectors functioning as normal. Heating pipes with hot air being blown throughout the site. By utilising the Cygnus SmartNet-Pro Combi Smoke/Heat A1R detectors, we were able to only have the smoke detection parts active for devices in the stream of the hot air, to avoid A1R false alarms. The costly effect of a false alarm and evacuating the venue during a performance. By having a 30-second initial delay, and a 2.5-minute investigation delay, we satisfied both the Fire Service and the Theatre by allowing the theatre staff to assess the cause of the alarm before evacuating the venue, without leaving too long without the fire alarm activating if no one responded. The combustible nature of the building is mostly dressed in linen throughout. Additional smoke detectors were installed on the edges of the linen-draped ceilings at the request of the local fire authority, with high-sensitivity smoke and heat detection to raise the alarm extremely quickly if the linen was likely to become compromised by fire. Specification and design The whole process was taken care of without any design surprises at the end of the project After a free site survey and design service, Blake Fire & Security and IIKL provided the specification and design to the theatre who then got the design signed off by the local council and local fire authority. Working closely with the theatre and local council, amendments and additions were made to the design, so the whole process was taken care of without any design surprises at the end of the project. Testing and demonstrations The SmartNet-Pro system of 65 devices was installed in a day, with another day allowed for testing and demonstrations; using rods and Unistrut fixings to fix detectors into positions where wired detectors would not feasibly be able to be installed. The fire alarm panel was installed by the stage door so that the stage door staff could hear when an activation has occurred, and then decide on whether to initiate the investigation delay. Zone Plan and As-Fitted Drawing The system was demonstrated to the crew, so they knew what the alarm sounded like, and how to react As with all Blake Fire & Security and IIKL installations, a framed Zone Plan and As Fitted Drawing were fitted by the Control Panel, to give the Theatre Staff and Fire Brigade instant knowledge of the building, and where the Fire Alarm activation has occurred. All members of the Stage Door crew were trained by Blake Fire & Security and IIKL in the operation of the system including all the advanced functions like the delays and “Show Mode”. The system was demonstrated to the crew, so they knew what the alarm sounded like, and how to react when the panel buzzer activates. High-level detection Rods with the detectors mounted onto them were clamped onto the trusses for the lighting, giving high-level detection in the auditorium where it was not possible to fix the black linen ceiling. These detectors were then programmed on the SmartNet-Pro system to be Heat Only when the system is in “Show Mode” to prevent unwanted alarms from special effect smoke used during performances. Manual Call Points Combi detectors were mounted just below the linen ceiling using rods clamped to the metal structure Ensuring all exits including stage exits were covered by Manual Call Points which would instantly evacuate the building without delay was imperative to allow occupants and staff in the venue to feel safe in the knowledge that if a person identifies a real fire, the fire alarm can be raised instantly at any exit from the building. The ceilings in the Front of the House have heating tubes running through them, so combi detectors were mounted to the side of this, just below the linen ceiling using rods clamped to the metal structure above the linen. Smoke detection Extra smoke detection was installed along the low-level edges of the linen ceilings, on L Brackets, so that a fire could be detected quickly before the linen ceilings caught alight. These detectors were supplementary to the main detection along the apex of the ceilings. Given the nature of the ceilings, conventional wiring methods would not have been possible without a very unsightly installation, so the wireless nature of the Cygnus SmartNet-Pro system was an obvious choice. Ongoing maintenance Blake Fire & Security and IIKL issued the O&M Manual with all certificates and drawings required for Building Control Following the completion of the installation, commissioning, and testing Blake Fire & Security and IIKL issued the O&M Manual with all certificates and drawings required for Building Control to sign off the system and deem the venue safe to open to the public. Blake Fire & Security and IIKL will provide ongoing maintenance of the system to ensure that the system is kept up-to-date and compliant. EN 54 certified, and BS 5839 compliant fire detection SmartNet-Pro is the world’s first 100% wireless, EN 54 certified, and BS 5839 compliant fire detection and alarm system while the new SmartNet-100 is ideal for small to medium-sized projects, where the scalability of SmartNet-Pro is not required. Cygnus was thrilled to support the project by providing a complete SmartNet-Pro system to guarantee the fire safety requirements were met.

The Dutch powerhouse Kramp is one of the biggest suppliers of parts and accessories for Europe’s agricultural sector. Founded in 1951, focusing on simplifying life for those who work the land, Kramp boasts a staggering 590,000+ products, from tractor gears to stable shovels. Kramp’s success hinges on its robust infrastructure. A strategically located network of 11 distribution centres across Europe ensures prompt deliveries, while 24 sales offices provide localised customer support. Localised customer support Challenge- Balancing reliability and installation speed in a temporary warehouse security upgrade. Kramp rented a warehouse covering an area of over 5,000 m2 for approximately three years with a security system installed. However, it needed to be updated to fulfill the Grade 2 insurance requirements. Therefore, the client decided to replace a security system and, at the same time, wanted to install a fire alarm system.  Since Kramp is known for the speed of the company’s business processes, the warehouse security system had to be updated and launched as fast as possible to prevent any disruption to the operation. This demanded a solution that could be installed quickly and with minimal costs, yet maintaining quality and reliability. Central monitoring station Ajax wireless security system with third-party device integration for intrusion and fire detection in a large facility Solution - Lankhof Beveiliging proposed Ajax wireless systems for a client’s temporary warehouse to address the requirements for a convenient and flexible solution. Ajax products are quick and easy to install, which is particularly valuable in this case, as everything can be easily moved and reconfigured when needed. For the expansive 5,000 m2 space, Lankhof Beveiliging’s chosen solution involved the implementation of the Hub 2 Plus Jeweller control panel. It has four communication channels (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and two SIM cards) and supports LTE and photo verification. With such a configuration, up to 200 devices can be added to the hub, making it a perfect fit for a large facility. Integration with the client’s LAN network ensured compliant reporting to the central monitoring station. ReX 2 Jeweller radio signal range extender The ReX 2 Jeweller radio signal range extender was installed to ensure stable communication between Ajax detectors and the hub. The hub’s communication range was sufficient to cover a given perimeter, but the warehouse presented some challenges. Significant radio interference was expected due to its metal walls and many metallic goods stored within. However, the professional installer efficiently designed the system to maintain stable communication throughout the facility, successfully implementing just one range extender. DoorProtect Jeweller Third-party contacts on the overhead doors for vehicles were seamlessly integrated into the Ajax system In terms of intrusion prevention, pedestrian doors were equipped with DoorProtect Jeweller opening detectors for reliable monitoring. Furthermore, third-party contacts on the overhead doors for vehicles were seamlessly integrated into the Ajax system. MotionCam Jeweller detectors were placed around the warehouse to detect movement and capture any possible intrusion, providing additional false alarm verification with a series of pictures available in the Ajax app. KeyPad Plus Jeweller To make the system convenient and easy for the client but also protected from unauthorised access, Lankhof Beveiliging installed KeyPad Plus Jeweller and distributed contactless Pass cards to employees for access to the facility. At the same time, the administration and installation company used straightforward Ajax apps to monitor the system status and implement additional settings. StreetSiren, FireProtect 2 RB and MultiTransmitter Jeweller The module features 18 wired zones for device connection and five contact types of support Installed on all sides of the building, StreetSiren Jeweller sirens provided both deterrence and audible notifications. Fourteen FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke) Jeweller fire detectors were installed within the business premises to address fire safety. Larger spaces were equipped with new third-party long-beam fire detectors, connected to MultiTransmitter Jeweller. The module, featuring 18 wired zones for device connection and five contact types of support, made it easy to connect the third-party fire detectors. Why Ajax Complex protection against intrusion and fire: An Ajax system offers complete intrusion protection, video surveillance, fire detection, water leak prevention, and automation solutions that can be integrated with wired and wireless detectors. In this case, the solution covered the client’s need for a single intrusion and fire protection system with quick and easy configuration and management in one app. Flexible and quick-to-install wireless solutions: Since the warehouse is temporarily at the company’s disposal, and the client needed to put the warehouse into operation as soon as possible, Ajax wireless devices were the most effective solution to meet these security demands. They are quick, easy to install and configure in the app, and comply with the Grade 2 insurance requirements. In case of a relocation, the entire system can be easily removed and installed at another facility. Large-scale capability with the Jeweller radio protocol: Thanks to the Jeweller proprietary radio protocol, the chosen security solution facilitated a swift and hassle-free implementation in a 5,000 m2 industrial hall. The Jeweller protocol offers reliable two-way communication between a hub and detectors, covering distances of up to 2,000 meters and transmitting alarm signals in less than 0.15 seconds. Products Hub 2 Plus Jeweller: Security system control panel ReX 2 Jeweller: Radio signal range extender that boosts the range of Ajax security system devices MultiTransmitter: Module for connecting wired alarm to Ajax FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke) Jeweller: Wireless fire detector with heat and smoke sensors MotionCam: Motion detector with a photo camera to verify alarms DoorProtect Jeweller: Wireless opening detector StreetSiren: Wireless outdoor siren with vandalism resistance KeyPad Plus: Wireless touch keypad supporting encrypted contactless cards and key fobs Pass: Encrypted contactless card for keypad

Since the end of 2023, Bosch's artificial intelligence has been safeguarding the world-renowned Aachen Cathedral, which is more than 1,200 years old. Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site has been equipped by Bosch Building Technologies and the engineering firm planning with an intelligent video solution that protects it against a multitude of potential threats. Intelligent video solution Fires, in particular, can be devastating for such a historic building of inestimable intangible value and this is precisely why Aachen Cathedral has opted for the new system, which can detect a potential danger particularly quickly: Over 50 Aviotec cameras from Bosch in 16 rooms use intelligent video analytics to visually detect smoke and flames directly at their source. Due to AI algorithms, video cameras can also differentiate, for example, candlelight from a developing fire. This substantially reduces the likelihood of false alarms. Thus, the cameras respond much earlier than conventional ceiling-mounted fire detectors, which require smoke to rise to them. Fire detection "We are proud of this globally unique project at Aachen Cathedral," says Dr. Marcus Nadenau, Head of the European system integrator business Energy and Building Solutions at Bosch Building Technologies. "Aviotec offers an invaluable speed advantage in fire detection, especially in buildings with complex layouts and high ceilings," adds Dr. Nadenau.   Video surveillance Cathedral Master Builder, Dr. Jan Richarz, who took over the project from his predecessor, Helmut Maintz, emphasises the significance of this technology for the protection of Aachen Cathedral, supported by the Karlsverein / Cathedral Construction Association and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, "With this video surveillance solution, Aachen is a global leader." "It protects our World Heritage site as reliably and innovatively as befits its historical, religious, and cultural significance. I am very satisfied with the result and the collaborative partnership," says Dr. Richarz. AI protects treasures of immeasurable value Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits Aviotec primarily secures the cathedral's interior with its valuable relics and unique artworks, admired by over a million visitors annually. The video solution ensures that visitors can get as close as possible to the many treasures without endangering them: Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits.  Day-night surveillance During the day, it protects the cathedral from vandalism and theft, and at night from break-ins. Thanks to Aviotec, visitor flows can now be managed much more efficiently, as only a limited number of people are allowed in the cathedral at any one time: The previously laborious manual counting of visitors is now undertaken by the video solution. Protecting an important building together Bosch Building Technologies, in collaboration with the engineering firm, planned, developed, and implemented the comprehensive video solution for the cathedral. Every step was closely coordinated with the Cathedral Construction Lodge, whose challenging task is to preserve the cathedral and its treasures for the future.  "Aviotec from Bosch offers early fire detection and video security functions in one system, perfectly meeting the special protection needs of this sacred building," says Ralf Wolters from the engineering firm planning. "Cutting-edge technology meets centuries-old treasures. This combination has excited me," says the engineer. Integrated fire alarm system A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location An advantage of the Aachen solution is its close integration with the local fire department: As soon as one of the Aviotec cameras detects a developing fire, the Aachen professional fire department is informed via the normatively integrated fire alarm system. A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location where the danger was detected. This saves valuable time. Due to the high Aviotec standard, the fire department allowed the solution to be connected to its systems as a special detector. As the world's first system for video-based fire detection, Aviotec was certified by VdS in 2017. Close coordination with heritage conservation To determine the ideal position for each camera within the building, digital floor plans were initially created, followed by an elaborate 3D simulation. Heritage conservation was involved early on, allowing the video system to blend almost invisibly into the existing ensemble. During the installation phase, more than 30 craftsmen worked in the cathedral at times, implementing electricity, lighting, and the new video solution in coordination. For the entire team, it was a special experience to work on a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The role of the integrator/installer in the physical security marketplace is shifting as technologies evolve and applications expand. Integrators are being faced with a need to augment their expertise both in a wider range of systems and deeper into the specifics of each increasingly complex technology. At the end of the day, it falls to the integrator/installer to ensure a system performs as promised, however much a consultant or even a manufacturer might be involved in the process. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of the security installer/integrator changing?

A multi-factor authentication is a layered approach that requires users to provide two or more verification factors, such as credentials, to gain access to data and applications. If one of the credentials is compromised, the thinking goes, an unauthorised user will still be unable to meet the second authentication requirement and will be denied access to a targeted physical space, computing device, network, or database. Cybersecurity applications have long embraced the idea of MFA, which is also now more common than ever in the physical security space. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does multi-factor authentication impact the security marketplace?

Here’s a news flash: 2022 will be a pivotal year for the security industry. As we enter the new year, continuing change is a safe prediction for any fast-moving, technology-driven marketplace. Recent history confirms the ability of the security industry to shift and adapt to changing conditions and to provide an ever-expanding menu of technology solutions to make the world a safer place. Given that the new year will bring change, what will that change encompass? More to the point, what should it encompass? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest change you would like to see within the security industry in 2022?