Fire Safety

Integrated Protection Maintenance Services Ltd (IPL), an Amthal Group Company, has achieved the highly respected BAFE Fire Gold and NSI Gold certifications, underscoring its commitment to excellence in fire protection and security services. The BAFE Fire Gold certification recognises IPL’s expertise in fire detection and alarm systems. It covers the design, installation, commissioning, handover, verification, and maintenance of fire safety systems. IPL has met rigorous standards, such as BAFE SP203-1, BS 5839-1:2017, and NSI FSQS 121, demonstrating its capability to deliver exceptional fire safety solutions. NSI Gold certification The NSI Gold certification highlights IPL’s competence in providing world-class security services. This accreditation showcases excellence in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of CCTV surveillance, access control, and intruder and hold-up alarm systems. It ensures compliance with NSI SSQS 101, PD 6662:2017, and BS EN ISO 9001:2015. Adrian Mcilmurray, IPL Director, says: "Achieving both BAFE Fire Gold and NSI Gold certifications is a testament to our team's dedication and expertise. These accolades confirm our unwavering commitment to professionalism and reliability, giving our clients confidence in the protection solutions we provide. This is an important step in our continued journey of delivering innovative and compliant safety services." Robust quality management systems These achievements solidify IPL’s reputation as a trusted provider of comprehensive safety and security solutions The BAFE and NSI Gold certifications are widely recognised as marks of excellence in the fire safety and security sectors, highlighting IPL’s adherence to the highest technical standards, professionalism, and trustworthiness. By meeting stringent international and British standards, IPL ensures its teams deliver expert solutions backed by robust quality management systems and rigorous security screening. These achievements solidify IPL’s reputation as a trusted provider of comprehensive safety and security solutions. Safety and security solutions Jamie Allam, CEO of Amthal Group Companies, stated: "These achievements by IPL are a powerful demonstration of our Group’s focus on maintaining the highest industry standards and competence in life safety." Jamie Allam adds, "As part of the Amthal Group Companies, IPL continues to deliver innovative and trusted safety and security solutions, and I look forward to seeing us build on this and drive greater success."

Matrix, a trusted provider of security solutions, has rolled out a series of exciting updates to its IP Video Surveillance Solutions. These new features are designed to provide enhanced functionality, better integration, and ease of surveillance management for users across industries. Here’s what’s new: Supercharged version for NVRs Matrix Network Video Recorders now come with improved performance parameters, ensuring smoother operations for users managing high-resolution surveillance systems: Uplink and Downlink Speeds Enhanced: The NVRs now support up to 512 Mbps Uplink and Downlink speeds, double the previous limit of 256Mbps. This enhancement allows for seamless management of multiple high-resolution cameras without compromising on data flow. Expanded Storage Capacity: Each SATA port can now accommodate up to 18 TB of storage, compared to the earlier 10 TB limit. This increased capacity ensures extended recording retention for users requiring long-term storage. These updates are available as a free software upgrade for existing 32-channel and 64-channel NVR models, ensuring that current users can easily benefit from these advancements. Stay alert anytime, anywhere with WhatsApp notifications The latest version of Matrix Video Management Software introduces WhatsApp integration as a notification medium for system events. This feature enhances real-time responsiveness by delivering event notifications—such as intrusion detection, motion detection, or tripwire alerts—directly to a user’s WhatsApp. Notifications include images of the event, providing immediate visual confirmation for faster decision-making. Previously limited to Email, SMS, and TCP notifications, this addition expands the ways users can stay connected to their surveillance systems, ensuring timely awareness and action. Intelligent building automation with BACnet Integration Matrix Video Management Software supports BACnet Integration, enabling seamless connectivity with BMS Matrix Video Management Software now supports BACnet Integration, enabling seamless connectivity with Building Management Systems (BMS). For example: If a camera tampering event is detected at a branch office, Matrix VMS alerts the BMS via the BACnet protocol. The BMS then notifies the concerned person, enabling immediate action. This integration ensures centralised monitoring, faster response times, and streamlined operations, making it ideal for environments that demand synchronised facility management and security. Know More: Intelligent Building Automation with BACnet Protocol in Matrix Video Management System. Ruggedised network cameras with new certifications Matrix’s ruggedised network cameras are now even tougher and more reliable with: IP68 Certification: Improved durability to withstand extreme weather and environmental conditions, upgrading from the previous IP67 standard. EN45545 Certification: Ensuring compliance with fire safety standards for applications in railways and other critical environments. These cameras are designed to operate in the harshest conditions, making them ideal for industries like transportation, manufacturing, and defence. A smarter future with Matrix These new features reflect Matrix’s commitment to innovation and user-centric solutions. With enhanced performance, better integrations, and smarter notifications, Matrix IP Video Surveillance Solutions is ready to meet the demands of modern security challenges.

Bosch is selling its Building Technologies division’s product business for security and communications technology to the European investment firm Triton. The transaction encompasses three business units – Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication – and thus the entire product business of Bosch Building Technologies that was offered for sale. All 4,300 associates employed in these units at more than 90 locations worldwide will be taken over. Regulatory approvals The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and further customary closing conditions The parties signed agreements to this effect on December 12. It has been agreed that the purchase price and other details of the purchase agreement will not be disclosed. The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and further customary closing conditions. It is expected to be closed by the end of the first half of 2025. Outlook for the future and new business units Back in October 2023, Bosch announced that, as part of its realignment of its Building Technologies division, it would be selling most of the division’s product business. “It was our aim to find a suitable buyer who will acquire all three security and communications technology business units and offer their associates an outlook for the future. We have achieved that aim. Triton has presented a sustainable and credible growth strategy for the business." "As an investor, moreover, it can provide a high level of industrial expertise and many years of experience in taking comparable companies forward,” says Christian Fischer, deputy chairman of the board of management of Robert Bosch GmbH, with responsibility for Bosch Group portfolio management and thus also for this planned transaction. Agreement with Bosch Triton focuses on European firms in the industrial, healthcare, and trade services sectors With its investments, Triton focuses on European companies in the industrial, healthcare, and business services sectors. “We are pleased to have reached an agreement with Bosch and to be the preferred buyer for the security and communications technology product business." "We want to support the management and employees to continue the strong growth trajectory that this business recently saw by providing not only capital, but also our know-how from having owned and successfully developed other companies in the security space,” says Claus von Hermann, Managing Partner and Co-lead of the Industrial Tech team at Triton. Innovations in security and communications  Peter Loeffler, the CEO of Bosch Building Technologies’ product business, adds: “With Triton as our new owner, its expertise and support, we will have a strong base for further, profitable growth." "We will work together to push ahead with innovations in the security and communications area – to the usual high-quality standards and with comprehensive expertise. The entire team is looking forward to making our new company a success and will remain a reliable partner for our customers.” Realignment of Bosch Building Technologies Bosch Building Technologies division is to focus on its regional integrator business As part of its realignment, the Bosch Building Technologies division is to focus on its regional integrator business, with solutions and services for building security, energy efficiency, and building automation. The goal of Bosch Building Technologies is to become a globally pioneering supplier of systems integration and to seize the attractive opportunities for growth in this segment. Because of its importance for systems integration, the product business with fire-alarm systems is to be merged with the integrator business and continued. Benefits in the future of digitalisation Following the transaction, Bosch Building Technologies will have roughly 8,000 associates in eight countries. As a product-agnostic systems integrator with a wide-ranging portfolio of energy and building solutions, the division intends to benefit in the future from digitalisation and growing customer demand for integrated, intelligent, and cross-domain solutions in the areas of building security, energy efficiency, and building automation.

Hochiki Europe, a provider of innovative life safety solutions, is excited to announce its partnership with NBS, a construction specification platform. This collaboration aims to streamline the specification process for specifiers, making it easier than ever to incorporate Hochiki’s market-pioneering products into building projects. Range of life safety products By joining NBS Source, Hochiki Europe will have 50 products listed across its comprehensive range of life safety products, including fire alarms and control systems. This digital solution allows specifiers to quickly and easily select Hochiki products, ensuring accurate and efficient specifications. Product and specification data “We wanted to find a way of raising our profile amongst built environment professionals and chose NBS Source as a way to target specifiers looking for best-in-class product and specification data,” said Ian Humby, UK Sales Manager for Hochiki Europe. “Partnering with NBS aligns with our goal of making it easier for specifiers to choose Hochiki. Furthermore, NBS Source has given us the ability to build and maintain relationships with specifiers throughout the whole construction journey, resulting in a much smoother and more collaborative process.” Saving time and resources With NBS, specifiers and designers can effortlessly drag and drop Hochiki products into their specifications, saving valuable time and resources. The platform provides detailed product information, technical specifications, and compliance data, ensuring that all requirements are met. This partnership reinforces Hochiki Europe’s dedication to providing exceptional customer service and supporting the industry with innovative solutions. By leveraging the power of digital technology, Hochiki Europe is empowering specifiers to create safer and more secure buildings. 

Teledyne FLIR, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated, announced Gremsy, a pioneering provider of advanced gimbals and payloads, as the latest collaborator in the Thermal by FLIR® program. Gremsy integrates the Boson® radiometric thermal camera module as part of its gimbaled National Defense Authorisation Act (NDAA) compliant Vio F1 drone payload. Assembled in the USA, the Vio F1 is an advanced, lightweight electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) payload for asset and infrastructure inspection, disaster relief, firefighting, search and rescue (SAR), and public safety missions. Industrial inspections and applications Vio F1 features a Sony 4K Block Zoom EO sensor with up to 240x zoom and a 640 x 512 NDAA-compliant The Vio F1 features a Sony 4K Block Zoom EO sensor with up to 240x zoom and a 640 x 512 radiometric NDAA-compliant and ITAR-free Boson thermal camera with up to 8x zoom.  The payload also integrates a 2,400-metre laser range finder, making it an ideal option for industrial inspections and applications. With its integrated sensors, users can seamlessly engage the advanced functionalities of the payload through its diverse and intuitive viewing modes, allowing for individual and combined visible-thermal views. Thermal by FLIR program “Working with the global pioneer in thermal imaging through the Thermal by FLIR program empowered Gremsy to drive innovation and get Vio swiftly to market,” said Vinh Tran, CEO at Gremsy. “Our goal was to create a payload that is compatible with multiple platforms, including Pixhawk, CubePilot, and Skynode, and to offer an easy-to-integrate solution for any drone maker, including BLUE UAS providers.” Features of Vio’s AI AI detection offers accurate and automated tags of key objects, including humans, vehicles, and boats Vio’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) features provide advanced detection and auto zoom capabilities that are critical for public safety and SAR operations. AI detection offers accurate and automated identification of key objects, including humans, vehicles, and boats.  Layered with AI Auto Zoom, the system can automatically zoom in on the selected object for the best and most useful view. The zoom level in tracking mode automatically adjusts as the object moves closer or farther away, eliminating the need for teams to adjust the zoom during flight. Advancing aerial imaging technology “Gremsy is a known innovator in advancing aerial imaging technology, making it an ideal candidate for the Thermal by FLIR program,” said Dan Walker, vice president, product development, Teledyne FLIR.  “The Vio offers precision and accuracy, plus the upcoming implementation of our radiometric JPG file format will soon enable pilots to leverage the FLIR Thermal Studio Suite analysis and reporting software.” Teledyne FLIR thermal camera modules Teledyne FLIR’s Thermal by FLIR program is a cooperative product development and marketing program created to support original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).  The program enables streamlined integration of Teledyne FLIR thermal camera modules into products and provides go-to-market support for resulting innovations.

Comelit-PAC has introduced its evolved brand messaging: “Feel Secure,” to embody a commitment to delivering complete security and fire safety solutions that provide peace of mind to both professionals and end users. Feel Secure The “Feel Secure” message from the globally renowned company in integrated security and fire safety goes beyond product innovation. It reflects a promise to empower installers and distributors with solutions that are not only simple to install, but also backed by comprehensive sales and technical support. This approach ensures, whether for residential, commercial, or larger infrastructures, end users feel confident and assured in the system’s dependability and functionality.  Creating a personal connection Designed with simplicity, reliability, and advanced technology in mind, these solutions deliver dependable security "‘Feel Secure’ is about creating a personal connection with everyone who relies on us," explains Francesca Boeris, Managing Director of Comelit-PAC. She adds, "We want our messaging to convey the trust and peace of mind that our solutions provide, from the initial design and specification stages to ongoing maintenance and monitoring capabilities through our dedicated app." Through “Feel Secure,” Comelit-PAC reinforces its role as a provider of complete, scalable security and fire safety ecosystems. Designed with simplicity, reliability, and advanced technology in mind, these solutions deliver personal, accessible, and dependable security.  Seamless, stress-free experience At its core, “Feel Secure” follows the journey from Comelit-PAC’s “with you always” campaign to create a seamless, stress-free experience. The ethos will continue to drive every aspect of the business, from intuitive product design and robust support services to the development of innovative and future-proof technologies.  Security and fire safety Francesca Boeris concludes, "We want our partners to feel confident in being equipped and supported in every project they complete with Comelit-PAC. Our commitment to research and development ensures we are constantly evolving to meet the needs of our installers, distributors, and end users." She further states, "With a comprehensive portfolio, we offer installers the flexibility to scale solutions confidently, knowing they have the necessary guidance and support to deliver high-quality security and fire safety experiences."

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.”

There are well over 1,200 road tunnels in Norway. Camera-based incident detection is the preferred way to keep these tunnels safe and support tunnel operators in organising a fast incident response. Camera-based detection Gradually introduced since the nineties, camera-based detection is well established. Both visual and thermal imaging cameras have proven to be a fail-proof solution for 24/7 automatic incident detection inside tunnels. With the latest camera technology upgrade of the Damsgård Tunnel in Bergen, Norway is premiering AI-enhanced dual-vision cameras as a new evolution in incident detection. Damsgård Tunnel technology upgrade In 2024, the tunnel will undergo a comprehensive technology upgrade, with the replacement The Damsgård Tunnel is part of Norwegian National Road 555, which runs from Fjell to the city center of Bergen. The road tunnel opened in 1992 and has two tubes of around 2.3 kilometers in length, each carrying two lanes of traffic through the Damsgårdsfjellet mountain.In 2024, the tunnel will undergo a comprehensive technology upgrade, with the replacement of ventilation systems, lighting, drainage, and camera technology. AI-enhanced dual-vision cameras Unique to this project is that, for the first time in Norway, AI-enhanced dual-vision cameras will be used. The traffic cameras from sensor specialist FLIR combine thermal and visual imaging technology in a ruggedised housing and rely on advanced deep learning algorithms that enable the camera to detect stopped vehicles, wrong-way drivers, queues, crossing pedestrians, and even smoke and fires in their early stages. Approximately 80 FLIR cameras are scheduled for installation in the second half of the year. The history of tunnel incident detection in Norway The Damsgård tunnel upgrade is another milestone in Norway’s long-standing efforts to secure the country’s vast number of tunnels. Due to Norway’s complex landscape, with fjords, mountains, and islands, road tunnels have always been a way to solve the region’s unique transportation challenges. Norway has embraced the use of automatic incident detection in its road tunnels ever since the technology came into being, with FLIR setting the pace of this evolution since the beginning. In 1995, FLIR cameras were already used in the 1,500-meter-long Ekeberg Tunnel near Oslo. FLIR automatic incident detection system In 2004, a European directive on road tunnel safety prompted the roll-out of incident detection systems In August 1996, when a bus stopped and caught fire in that tunnel, the FLIR automatic incident detection system generated an alert to the tunnel operators, enabling them to close the tunnel entries and exits and activate warnings to oncoming motorists. In 2004, a European directive on road tunnel safety prompted the roll-out of incident detection systems in tunnels continent-wide and since then the technology evolution has not stopped. Visual and thermal incident detection Initially, visual CCTV cameras were used to detect incidents. The technology enabled first response teams to be deployed minutes, even seconds after an incident or an irregularity (a fallen object, a pedestrian, a car slowing down) was detected. About ten years ago, FLIR introduced thermal incident detection cameras in tunnels. These cameras are established as critical assets that guarantee operators' accurate detection throughout the tunnel infrastructure. 24/7 traffic detection  The use of thermal imaging cameras has especially proven valuable for tunnel entrances and exits. There, shadows or direct sunlight can obstruct the view of visible-light cameras and therefore disturb traffic detection. Because thermal cameras detect heat, not light, they have no issues with these phenomena. As a result, thermal cameras can detect traffic 24/7 and in all weather conditions. Fire detection FLIR thermal cameras can also spot fires at the stage of ignition, making them the fastest One of the biggest advantages of thermal cameras in the field of tunnel safety is that they can effectively see through smoke. This makes them the ideal technology for tunnel safety operators or emergency response teams to find their way through a smoke-filled tunnel or for incident detection systems to spot issues in time. FLIR thermal cameras can also spot fires at the stage of ignition, making them the fastest and most reliable technology for fire detection inside road tunnels. The role of dual-vision cameras Both visual and thermal cameras have their merits. A visual camera may provide operators with more detail to assess the nature of an incident, while thermal cameras have proven to be unbeatable in detecting incidents in complete darkness and challenging weather conditions. Currently, both detection technologies can be combined into one system, hereby offering operators a more comprehensive view of the environment and improved accuracy compared to single-sensor systems. FLIR’s TrafiBot Dual AI camera is an example of such a combined system. ITS-Series Dual AID cameras In 2018, FLIR’s ITS-Series Dual AID cameras were installed at the entrance and exit of the Lyderhorn Tunnel near Bergen. In 2021, technology integrator Trafsys also installed 332 of FLIR’s dual-vision cameras in the Hundvåg and Eiganes tunnels, which are part of the extensive Ryfast project. The cameras’ fire detection functionality proved effective when a car fire occurred in the Hundvåg tunnel in July 2020; the FLIR ITS dual thermal AID camera detected the fire within 7 seconds of visible flames, following an initial alert for a stopped vehicle and pedestrians. Artificial Intelligence in incident detection AI algorithms embedded in the FLIR camera analyse captured images in real-time and full-resolution FLIR’s TrafiBot Dual AI, installed in the above-mentioned Damsgård Tunnel announces a new wave of incident detection cameras. The camera also combines a visual and a thermal camera in one unit, but what makes it stand out is the use of artificial intelligence and deep learning. AI algorithms embedded in the FLIR camera analyse captured images in real-time and full resolution. This latest addition to FLIR’s portfolio of AI cameras is setting a new standard for automatic incident detection in tunnels, generating extremely accurate traffic data, incident detection information, and live track data. Video image analysation Of course, analytics on traffic cameras are not new. Early cameras from decades ago already used some form of AI. So, what’s the difference with this new generation of AI cameras? Much has to do with how detection systems analyse video images. Early generations of smart cameras analysed the variation of gray levels in groups of pixels in successive video frames. Smart predictions When a vehicle enters a detection zone, the pixel value within that zone changes, and detection is activated. AI systems, however, look at the entire camera image and use object detection techniques to analyse the traffic scene. This results in much better presence detection, better classification of traffic users, and the ability to determine position, speed, and direction. These new AI systems can handle more complex traffic situations and they are much better at making smart predictions. Identification and classification of objects Computing speeds have increased, hardware prices dropped, and the exponential growth of data has worked It’s not hard to see where this is coming from. Over the past decades, computing speeds have increased, hardware prices dropped, and the exponential growth of data has worked as fuel for making AI better and more efficient. Instead of rule-based analytics—if x happens, then y—data-based systems are now in the lead. These systems can be trained on large datasets of images and learn how to identify and classify objects in an image. They use this knowledge to make decisions based on new images that they have never seen before. Benefits of AI-based detection systems AI-powered detection systems are much more accurate than their non-AI alternatives. For tunnel operators, this is a big deal. Nothing is a bigger nuisance for control room operators than having to pay attention to continuous unwanted alarms. AI can help filter out unwanted alarms by distinguishing between routine activity, weather phenomena, and actual incidents. High performance As an important aspect of their accuracy, AI-based systems are much more successful in detecting different vehicle classes. Detectors from FLIR will easily distinguish between a car and a van, or between a small and a large truck. It’s even possible to train a system to detect specific objects or incidents. And because cameras are so smart, installers nowadays are more flexible in installing their equipment. Even in less ideal camera positions, the detection performance of AI-based systems is high. Vehicle parameters Based on vehicle parameters such as speed and direction, they can easily see where a car is going FLIR’s AI detectors can also predict vehicle trajectories. Based on vehicle parameters such as speed and direction, they can easily see where a car is going, even if for part of that trajectory the view of that car is occluded by a passing truck. This makes detection much faster and more accurate. Operators can even be warned by so-called pre-alarms for cars that are slowing down and likely to cause a collision. Reduces human monitoring For traffic or security operators, AI offers many benefits. Since incidents can be detected much faster and with more accuracy, operators will be able to make better-informed decisions, especially in high-stress situations, and they will be able to deploy emergency teams more quickly. AI will also reduce the need for constant human monitoring, allowing operators to focus on other tasks.AI will benefit traffic planners too. Data collected from a camera can be analysed over time to identify trends, patterns, or areas with a higher potential for incidents. This can be valuable for proactive traffic planning, infrastructure improvements, or for overall risk management. Data as the cornerstone of AI performance AI-based detection systems will become the norm very swiftly. Since these systems depend on massive data sets, it’s easy to understand that the detection performance will soon be determined by the quality of the data it is trained with. High-performance systems will need a lot of data for training—in case video images of traffic—but not just any data that has been plucked from the internet will do. Challenges with publicly available datasets The problem with that approach is that, more often than not, publicly available datasets are limited Some camera manufacturers rely on publicly available datasets to train their AI systems. The problem with that approach is that, more often than not, these datasets are limited or of low quality. For example, internet data sets hardly have any thermal images, traffic images are mostly collected during sunny weather or friendly daytime conditions, and they are often taken from useless angles. FLIR model and prediction AI-based products from FLIR, on the other hand, are trained on datasets that have been collected in-house, over more than 30 years, with data samples that are relevant for practically any traffic scene you can think of. What’s more, FLIR’s datasets are continuously growing and with it the quality of its models and predictions. For FLIR, data is the true quality mark which stands for high-performance, accurate traffic detection. The future is AI Norway and FLIR share an interesting history of evolving incident detection technology. A lot has changed since the installation of the first FLIR automatic incident detection system in the Ekeberg tunnel in 1995. Currently, incident detection systems combine multiple sensors—visual and thermal—and, most importantly, they use AI, which enables them to improve their detection performance over time with every new video image they process. Artificial intelligence has a promising future in incident detection. Norwegian tunnels, and the average daily traffic of 40,000 vehicles in the Damsgård Tunnel, will only benefit from it.

To combat persistent retail crime and deliver peace of mind to workers in the bustling North Leroy Street business district, the City of Fenton Police Department has deployed a new AI-powered video surveillance system with camera-sharing technology to accelerate response time during retail heists or other emergencies.  Deter, detect, and apprehend criminals Fenton is a small city with 12,000 permanent residents, but Chief of Police Jeffery Cross estimates that 60,000 people pass through the town daily. Located off Highway US-23, it is a popular shopping and restaurant district for commuters and people from neighbouring cities. Unfortunately, retail criminals also frequent the area. The new video surveillance system is designed to deter, detect, and apprehend retail criminals.  Live security camera footage Through a partnership with RapidSOS, this technology gives Fenton’s 911 dispatch professionals immediate access The new system, housed in a rugged, weatherproof cabinet and mounted on a telephone pole with two cameras, includes Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing technology. Through a partnership with RapidSOS, this technology gives Fenton’s 911 dispatch professionals immediate access to view live security camera footage during an emergency.    “With 911 Camera Sharing, the 911 operator can see the situation unfold and give law enforcement direct, quality information and immediate feedback about what happened and the direction the suspect is headed in,” Cross explained. “That enhances safety for first responders and our community.”   Smart Video Search In addition, the security cameras have built-in AI-powered Eagle Eye Smart Video Search, which enables Fenton’s authorised law enforcement officials to quickly search security camera footage for vehicles, people, or objects of interest.    “With Smart Video Search you can search for a ‘person wearing a red shirt and black pants’ a ‘blue Honda truck’  or ‘person with a backpack’ and quickly find a shoplifting suspect or determine when a certain vehicle, person, or group of people entered a shopping centre parking lot, which can be critical information for law enforcement,” said Joe Bommarito of Elite Fire Safety, a division of Sciens Building Solutions. This Novi, Mich.-based security integrator is working on the project with the City of Fenton. AI-powered video surveillance “Fenton’s new system with 911 Camera Sharing and AI features such as Smart Video Search is like having a virtual patrol in the Fenton business district,” he added.    “Last month the National Retail Federation reported a 93% increase in the average number of shoplifting incidents per year in 2023 versus 2019 and a 90% increase in dollar loss,” said Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks. “AI-powered video surveillance can now be deployed in more areas than ever, offering communities new ways to contend with rising retail crime.”

High-quality skin care products, developed using the latest technologies and manufactured sustainably: the international Babor Beauty Group is represented in more than 70 countries with its sought-after beauty brands. Research and development as well as production take place at the company's headquarters in Aachen, Germany, while filling and logistics are located just a few miles away in Eschweiler.  Use of digital process In 2023, the family enterprise inaugurated a cutting-edge production facility here, known as the “Babor Beauty Cluster”. Around half a million jars, tubes, and ampoules are filled there every day, and logistics and shipping are also handled on-site. A special feature of the 60,000 sq.m plant is its extensive use of digital processes for working and operating as efficiently as possible. The fully networked complete solution from Bosch Building Technologies for safety, security, and building management makes a valuable contribution to this. Greater safety, security, comfort, and efficiency The smart solution integrates, among other things, fire protection, intrusion alarm, and access control systems The smart solution from Bosch Building Technologies was precisely tailored to meet the Babor Beauty Group’s requirements. It integrates, among other things, fire protection, intrusion alarm, and access control systems, as well as a video security solution for safeguarding the perimeter and premises.  AI-based video security for fast, frictionless reception The AI-based video security solution analyses every captured image while using predefined rules and only triggers an alarm if at least one of them is met. This avoids false alarms, thus enabling even more effective security management. The solution from Bosch Building Technologies also includes a digital visitor management system that saves time with a self-registration function. It ensures fast, frictionless reception of guests and tradespeople and includes audit-proof archiving, which significantly eases the workload of Babor’s operating team. Smart truck and parking space management The moment a truck enters a predefined loading zone, an intelligent recognition function initiates video recording Another highlight is the smart truck and parking space management with license plate detection for user-friendly access control. Properly secured loads are also automatically documented. The moment a truck enters a predefined loading zone, an intelligent recognition function initiates video recording to provide comprehensive documentation of the process. Management system for control across sites The Babor Beauty Group’s technical operations and facility management team is responsible for both the company’s headquarters in Aachen and the production and logistics cluster in Eschweiler. The safety and security systems of both sites have therefore been integrated into the “Building Integration System 360” from Bosch Building Technologies.  Centralised management platform This centralised management platform provides control of all building systems, enabling Babor Beauty Group's operations and management team to respond efficiently to security-related events.  The solution is also flexibly scalable to facilitate the integration of future site extensions. Bosch Building Technologies will operate this complete solution for the next ten years within the scope of a build-operate-transfer model.

Baydale Control Systems has taken control of its stock management using a BigChange 6-in-1 system. Specialising in electronic security and fire alarm systems, Baydale moved to the cloud-based solution to improve its client record management, provide visibility of the mobile workforce, and offer digital certification. Since implementing, BigChange has allowed Baydale to improve profitability by allocating routine jobs and ad-hoc call-outs 80 percent faster and boosting engineer productivity by 33 percent. Security design, installation, and integration Established in 1999, Baydale is at the forefront of security system design, installation, and integration. Working primarily with public and community sector organisations such as Local Authorities, Police Forces, Educational Institutions, NHS Trusts, and Housing Associations, Baydale’s core services include CCTV, door entry, security doors, gates and barriers, and fire detection and alarms. Baydale operates a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week engineering operation with more than 40 specialists operating nationwide. Digital certification “Our previous system, a server-based platform, had served us well for almost 20 years, however, as we expanded and our client base expected more, it just wasn’t keeping pace,” commented Tina Lunnon, Service Admin Manager and BigChange ambassador within Baydale. “We knew we wanted a system that was cloud-based, we also knew we wanted a system that would allow us to keep track of stock, have visibility of engineers’ movements, and offer digital certification.” BigChange job management system BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, CRM, job scheduling One of Baydale’s primary objectives for implementing the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management, and business intelligence tools in one system, was control and visibility of its mobile workforce. “We reviewed several systems before we looked at BigChange and fell in love!” she continued. Colour-coded job progress icon “Being able to see where our engineers are, in real-time, alongside a colour-coded job progress icon, means it’s much easier to pick up work and allocate an appropriate and available resource." "This means each engineer can complete more jobs per day making them on average 33 percent more productive.” Stock control Another driver for the big change in job management at Baydale was stock control. “Having our stock records managed digitally has taken some time to get up and running but we are seeing a clear benefit of those hours invested as knowing what an engineer has on their vehicle means jobs can be allocated 80 percent faster.” CRM features Baydale has also transformed up to 95 percent of its workflows to digital, improving the speed Baydale has also transformed up to 95 percent of its workflows to digital, improving the speed of customer updates and reducing the admin resource required to duplicate information from paper to digital. The CRM features are clear and simple to navigate, and, being able to add custom fields allows Baydale to share detailed customer and site information between the back office and field teams. The ability to add notes and link to quotes and additional documents and actions such as text messages sent, provides evidence for audit trails and customer clarification if required. Job cards “Overall, we have noticed a vast improvement in the way we communicate with our clients." "The job cards produced by BigChange are clearer, holding just the right information including time and date stamped photos, and the ability to set up auto send has made a massive difference in the number of emails we generate and calls we make.” Job completion reporting Using the BigChange booking site, some of Baydale’s larger clients can also self-serve information Digital certification and job completion reporting is important for Bedale’s clients and these have boosted customer service as worksheets and certificates can be shared with the client as soon as a job has been completed. Using the BigChange booking site, some of Baydale’s larger clients can also self-serve information and schedule routine appointments. Control and awareness “BigChange has transformed the management of our mobile operation,” Lunnon concluded. “We now have much more control and awareness, we have seen an improvement in our compliance obligations, and we achieved our most profitable year ever – some of which can, without doubt, be attributed to the use of BigChange.”

Take a walk to the local high street. Compared to a few years ago, they may notice many more “To Let” signs in empty shop windows.  It comes as no surprise given the number of shocks to the economic system over the last five years, ranging from COVID-19 to international conflicts, all of which have led to various consequences, such as energy price hikes, interest rate increases, and a general shift in many people's work patterns and consumer behaviour. Vacant retail space The total number of void private-sector commercial properties stands at approximately 165,000 According to Savills Research, the overall footfall of vacant retail space in the UK is around 14.5%, while the total number of void private sector commercial properties stands at approximately 165,000.  Additionally, an estimate of 7,000 commercial and business properties owned by Local Governments in Great Britain have been unoccupied for over 12 months. Net Zero ambitions Furthermore, a recent BBC article points out that business tenants are more inclined to search for smaller, newer and more energy-efficient office spaces to rent, are willing to downsize owing to hybrid working, and seek buildings that complement their Net Zero ambitions. This might be interpreted as an indication that a number of long-standing commercial premises would become vacant in the near future, forcing owners to update and repurpose empty spaces to meet the demands of a changing market. A costly asset that requires extra protection Insurance companies charge higher premiums for void property and require regular security While the property market and customer demands are shifting, some truths remain unchanged: commercial property should generate money, not drain it. However, void sites imply outgoing costs and no profit, so it only makes sense that any vacant space should be flipped as soon as possible. Unoccupied premises can become an alluring target for squatters, vandals, thieves and trespassers, which is one of the main reasons why insurance companies charge higher premiums for void property and require regular security and fire safety checks too. Enhanced security measures Such properties must be protected by enhanced security measures. This often involves the installation of steel doors and screens, perimeter protection, vigilant surveillance and prompt alarm response. After all, any break-in can cause far greater financial damage than the costs of protection; and the owner is legally liable for any injuries sustained by trespassers. Meanwhile, legit access is very much required by contractors to upgrade and renovate the site in preparation for the next business occupier. Any delays or missed visits result in further charges on an asset that is essentially nothing but another bill while vacant. Access issues: Fetch the keys For every contractor visit, property check or viewing, a key must be obtained offsite and then returned A minor but, consequently, very important issue might arise when accessing a site that is unmanned 24/7. For every contractor visit, property inspection or viewing, a key must be obtained offsite and then returned. This takes time, implies unnecessary travel and, potentially, may result in additional missed visit fees and rebooking arrangements in instances when a contractor is unable to gain entry. As a result, it may slow down the void property turnaround time. Keyholding arrangements Furthermore, complex keyholding arrangements can also slow down the security alarm response time. More and more security companies are moving away from the traditional keyholding model, in which keys are stored at the central location or in heavy key lockers in vans during patrols. While reaction time is critical, time is frequently wasted collecting keys or waiting for a keyholding patrol (rather than the nearest one) to arrive on site. Lock up and leave the keys. Securely. Keyholding solution must be more robust than doors or other means of entry to stop opportunistic intruders What about storing keys at the point of entry? This may be controversial, but it is a solution that has gained popularity in void property management with implementation of secure range key safes and lockboxes. The primary concern in such an approach is security. Even though property is void, the keyholding solution must be more robust than doors or other means of entry to prevent opportunistic intruders from taking advantage of the new keyholding arrangement. Smart key management solutions Stuart Wheeler, Managing Director of Keynetics, a company that offers smart key management solutions with security-certified key safes, comments, “Over the years, we have developed strong relationships with the top void property management companies in the UK and Europe. These clients require a keyholding solution that enables efficient FM service provision for vacant properties while also providing a high level of security.” “Storing keys at the point of need enables quicker alarm response times and allows approved contractors to enter the premises without any delays, but security must not be compromised; in that respect, our SentriGuard key safes are suitable for commercial properties and certified to LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Standard) C1 and C3 security ratings, which is unrivalled by any other supplier.” SentriGuard key management system Stuart confirmed that in addition to security, the SentriGuard key management system is highly praised for its innovative technology. First, it incorporates a bespoke cloud-based platform that allows customers to manage access to multiple properties remotely and generate various audit reports that can also serve as a proof of service delivery. Second, assigned individuals may gain access to premises either using the mobile app or a time-restricted code. He added, “The ability for clients to access real-time data of site visits with a solution that does not break the bank and is secure has been the key to the success here in the U.K. and now across mainland Europe.”

With the common goal of improving security and emergency response in the event of a critical incident, community members in Livingston County have deployed technology that turns their standard security cameras into a powerful resource for 911 Emergency Communications Centre telecommunicators (911 professionals).   Response time “It’s all about response time: The key to saving lives, curtailing damage, and rapidly resolving an emergency of any kind–whether it’s a natural disaster, fire, mass shooting, or other criminal activity–is getting accurate information to first responders so they can take quick, decisive action,” said Mike Murphy, Livingston County Sheriff.  While security cameras are ubiquitous at schools and businesses, 911 telecommunicators typically cannot access them in an emergency. Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing With Camera Sharing, the telecommunicator can also have “eyes on the scene” and, within seconds, gather information Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing changes that by giving telecommunicators instant access to live video from one or multiple security cameras when a 911-triggered emergency occurs, empowering them to quickly deliver critical incident information to first responders through a partnership with RapidSOS. Telecommunicators generally rely on verbal information from 911 callers. With Camera Sharing, the telecommunicator can also have “eyes on the scene” and, within seconds, gather an immense amount of information.  Real-time situational awareness “Camera Sharing gives us a real-time view of the situation at hand as it’s unfolding,” said Kecia Williams, 911 Director, Livingston County 911 Central Dispatch. “Lots of times it takes a while to attain pertinent information from a 911 caller because they’re distraught or not clear. With Camera Sharing, we can instantly see for ourselves what’s going on, and we can get this information to the fire department, EMS, or law enforcement much quicker.”  Camera Sharing technology This organisation works with local school districts to provide educational services Livingston County is the first county in Michigan to demo the new technology at the Livingston Educational Service Agency in Howell. This organisation works with local school districts to provide educational services and support to 26,000 students throughout the county.   “I am impressed with the Camera Sharing technology and can see the potential for improving response times by first responders to critical events in our community,” said Michael Hubert, Superintendent of Livingston Educational Service Agency.   Cybersecurity and privacy protection Joe Bommarito of Elite Fire Safety, a division of Sciens Building Solutions, a security integrator based in Novi, Michigan, said, “Most businesses and schools already have security cameras that can easily be connected to Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing, which is a first-of-its-kind technology that has cybersecurity and privacy protections built in." "As a former law enforcement officer, I believe camera sharing can significantly improve the outcome of emergencies and improve safety and security for first responders.” Dean Drako, CEO of Eagle Eye Networks said, “Livingston County is a prime example of a growing trend we’re seeing in the U.S. where entire communities - schools, businesses, public safety officials, and community pioneers are working together to ensure they are prepared as possible for emergencies.”

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?