Indoor Security

At this year's “ICONIC AWARDS 2024: Innovative Architecture”, no fewer than four dormakaba solutions have been awarded as “winners” in three categories: the new generation of terminals for time recording and the new, digital high-security safe lock series Axessor APEXX IP in the “Product- Building Technologies” category, the automatic door system MotionIQ in the “Energy Solutions” category and the cloud-based access solution Skyra in the “Product Special” category. Development and innovation “We are delighted and proud to have received four awards in this neutral, international architecture and design competition." "These prizes further strengthen our reputation as a design-oriented company and are a sign of recognition for creative product development and innovation. They motivate our employees to continue developing products of the highest quality,” emphasises Torsten Stolte, Managing Director of dormakaba Deutschland GmbH. Intelligent Motion IQ door system The intelligent Motion IQ door system for automatic doors improves a building's energy balance The new dormakaba terminals 96 00 and 98 00 of the new terminal generation for time recording support individual working time models, meet the specific needs of employers and are designed to adapt to different requirements and display designs. The terminals are flexible, future-proof, easy to integrate and sustainable. The intelligent Motion IQ door system for automatic doors significantly improves a building's energy balance while also reducing operating costs, facilitating barrier-free access to the building and optimising the safe use of automatic doors. Smart on-demand solution The new system only opens the door when it is actually necessary and closes it immediately after passage, as MotionIQ calculates the ideal opening time and the time the door remains open. The smart on-demand solution Skyra ensures safe and easy access to distributed critical infrastructure sites. The Skyra portfolio includes a variety of locking cylinder designs for every locking situation and a rechargeable key that communicates access rights and locking information with the cloud service via the mobile app. Digital safe lock series “Axessor APEXX IP” sets new, significant models and standards in the field of safe locks The new digital safe lock series “Axessor APEXX IP” sets new, significant benchmarks and standards in the field of safe locks and provides a networkable, contemporary multi-lock application.  In connection with the administration and networking platform, the safe locks can be securely managed and programmed remotely. It is ideal for all companies that require the efficiency and convenience of a networked and unified safe lock solution that meets the highest security standards. Awards ceremony At the awards ceremony in Munich on October 8, the special prize in the “Architects of the Year” category, sponsored by dormakaba, went to Tatiana Bilbao Estudio from Mexico. “Tatiana Bilbao's Mexican architecture studio sees architecture as a tool for improving social situations. I am impressed how local conditions are masterfully translated into striking architectural gestures,” explained Bernhard Heitz, Strategic Product Design dormakaba, at the awards ceremony.

Telguard, a provider of security and life safety technologies, is excited to announce the appointment of two new Regional Sales Representatives, Brooks Anderson, and Gabe Chandler, to bolster the sales team and support growth in the Northeast and Southeast regions. Brooks Anderson Brooks Anderson will be serving as the Northeast Regional Sales Representative. Brooks, an Atlanta native, brings six years of experience in contact center enterprise software sales. He played a pivotal role in his previous company, starting and leading a sales development team, and later became a Sales Director, managing both inside and outside sales. Although new to the Fire, Life Safety, and Security industry, Brooks is quickly acclimating himself to the industry. Sales experience Outside of work, Brooks is an avid Atlanta sports and Texas Longhorns fan. "I am thrilled to join Telguard and bring my sales experience to the Fire and Security industry. I look forward to leveraging my skills to drive growth and success in the Northeast region," said Brooks Anderson. Gabe Chandler Gabe Chandler has been with Telguard for a year as a Customer Service Representative and has been promoted Gabe Chandler has been with Telguard for a year as a Customer Service Representative and has been promoted to Southeast Regional Sales Representative. Born and raised in Lexington, Kentucky, Gabe's passion for helping people led him to showcase his ability to understand customer needs and deliver solutions effectively. He brings more than five years of experience including technology sales, account management, and customer service. Gabe is enthusiastic about leveraging his interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills to drive success in the Southeast region. Customer experience In his free time, Gabe enjoys following the University of Kentucky sports and Arsenal F.C. soccer team. "Joining Telguard's sales team is an exciting opportunity. I am passionate about helping our customers succeed and am committed to delivering the best solutions for their needs in the Southeast," said Gabe Chandler.  Training support “With Gabe and Brooks becoming part of the Telguard Sales Team, we are excited to see them grow the Southeast and Northeast regions respectively.  Their previous experience coupled with training support from the Sales, Customer Service, and Technical Support departments should allow them to excel with both our new and long-time dealers," said Brian Dotson, Senior Regional Sales Manager at Telguard. "What makes all this extra special is that they get to experience the high dealer interest coming from our first multi-carrier product launch in a few months, the TG-7FM." Strengthening sales "New team perspectives and first-to-market products, what an exciting time to be part of Telguard!”  Telguard is confident that Brooks and Gabe's diverse experiences and dedication will greatly benefit the customers and further strengthen the sales efforts. Please join Teleguard in welcoming them to their new roles.

Alcatraz AI, a global provider of frictionless, AI-powered biometric access control technology revolutionising security through facial authentication announced a strategic partnership with CBORD, a provider of integrated technology solutions used on higher education and healthcare campuses across the country. Together, Alcatraz AI and CBORD will deliver a safer and more secure campus environment, protecting students, patrons, and staff. Frictionless access This partnership combines and leverages Alcatraz AI's advanced intelligent tailgate detection platform and AI-driven facial authentication with CBORD's trusted systems, empowering higher education institutions and healthcare organisations to provide frictionless access throughout their campuses. This includes secure, easy entry into dining and academic areas, athletic facilities or locker rooms, and enhanced security for sensitive research or IT areas, all while ensuring only authorised individuals access the appropriate spaces across campus and facilities. Indoor and outdoor biometric security Rock X, Alcatraz AI's latest product offering, is designed to revolutionise indoor and outdoor biometric security With this new partnership, Alcatraz AI and CBORD are collaborating to deliver elevated security that is simple to deploy and use across multiple access points on campuses, enhancing both the user experience and building safety. Rock X, Alcatraz AI's latest product offering, is designed to revolutionise indoor and outdoor biometric security and access control through high-performance, frictionless, and secure facial authentication, regardless of the setting. AI-powered technology The AI-powered technology works in all weather and real-world lighting conditions, ensuring that only authorised individuals can enter a secured area at any time of day. In the school campus and healthcare facility settings, Rock X will help enhance physical security, allowing confidence in secure access points both in indoor and outdoor areas. Facial authentication technology "We are thrilled to be partnering with CBORD to extend our facial authentication technology to higher education and healthcare campuses, and to strengthen safety without sacrificing user convenience for authorised individuals," said Tina D'Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz AI.  "Together, we're looking forward to further improving how organisations approach access control." Rock X "Expanding our innovative solutions to more institutions and facilities adheres to our mission of making the world a safer and more secure place." "We look forward to working together to demonstrate how Rock X enables frictionless access control that integrates with existing security operations and alleviates challenges for administrators, managers, and users, alike." Operational efficiency "CBORD's mission is to provide the most innovative, convenient technology solutions for higher education and healthcare campuses," said CBORD President and CEO Dan Park. "We're thrilled to collaborate with Alcatraz AI to give customers the best in seamless facial authentication and access control. This partnership enables us to offer enhanced security and improved operational efficiency, resulting in a safer, more engaging environment for students, patients, visitors, and staff."

Delta Scientific, the manufacturer of counter-terrorist vehicle control systems used globally, announced their MP100 portable barrier system has successfully achieved a PU30/P3 designation. Total penetration was measured at a mere 29 ft, making this an industry pioneer. The MP100 was tested to the new ASTM F2656-20 standard which measures the penetration level from the leading edge of the barrier versus the back-side of the barrier of the previous standard. MP100 portable barrier system The MP100 portable barrier system features a foldable design that allows for easy storage and transportation. An optional drop deck trailer along with our custom transporter makes setup a breeze. The modular MP100 can be easily connected in an array of three or more to meet the PU30/P3 level or be used individually at a lower rating to protect any location. The front vinyl cover can be customised to display advertising for an event or to promote a business. Fold-flat design “The revolutionary fold-flat design makes this the most compact and versatile high-security vehicle barrier on the market. The stability and shape make this a perfect fit for crowded pedestrian events," states Keith Bobrosky, President of Delta Scientific. "Couple these features with Delta’s signature military-grade stopping power, and you have a product that will exceed the expectations of commercial security managers." Easy and efficient The MP100 was designed for quick deployment. The three sides of the unit are spring-loaded easily folded up and secured into place by one person. The custom transporter can stack up to three individual units for storage along with moving each barrier into place. Users can also use a commercial pallet jack to move the barriers. The drop deck trailer can transport up to 10 units at a time. Taller emergency vehicles can drive over the MP100 when it is folded in its down position. Securing an event with the MP100 is easy and efficient.

Dahua Technology, a world-pioneering video-centric AIoT solution and service provider, has announced the launch of a 2-Wire Hybrid Video Intercom System (Dahua EACH Series) tailored for apartments and villas. This innovative system promises to redefine residential security and communication with its high image quality and easy deployment features. Demand for high-quality intercoms “In apartment and villa scenarios, the IP systems used in newly built buildings have significantly enhanced the intercom experience. The demand for high-quality intercoms in old residential buildings is also increasing,” said Jack Lyu, Video Intercom Product Manager at Dahua Technology.  “Our new EACH series meets market demands, addressing pain points such as poor analogue intercom system image quality and difficulties in upgrading installations.” Enhanced installation efficiency The plug-and-play feature is a crucial benefit of the Dahua 2-Wire Hybrid Video Intercom System The plug-and-play feature is a crucial benefit of the Dahua 2-Wire Hybrid Video Intercom System. In the case of upgrading or installing the intercom system in old residences, installers do not need to rewire. Easy configuration can be achieved through DIP switches, which not only improves the deployment efficiency, but also greatly reduces the cost of installation. It is also worth mentioning that in the apartment system, users can realise batch configuration and batch issuance through the web page of the controller, making apartment management easier. Delivering high-quality intercom experiences for residents Compared to traditional analogue intercom systems, the Dahua 2-Wire Hybrid Video Intercom System is equipped with a 2 MP CMOS wide dynamic range camera that provides users with improved communication quality and video intercom experience. Moreover, the system also supports group calling; when a visitor makes a call, all the indoor monitors inside the home will light up simultaneously, allowing users to quickly respond from any corner of the house. Supporting cameras & alarm integration Wi-Fi-enabled indoor monitors also support HDCVI cameras and IPC integration With the alarm integration features, the system can send alerts to residents in time on order to ensure the security within the property.  Meanwhile, the Wi-Fi-enabled indoor monitors also support HDCVI cameras and IPC integration, enabling multi-system integration management through a single VTH. This helps users save on the cost of purchasing additional systems. Remote operation via DMSS App The indoor monitor supports DMSS App via Wi-Fi, through which residents can remotely control the system to realise remote answering, unlocking and arming/disarming functions anytime, anywhere, providing 24/7 protection for the residence. Diverse product design What’s more, the diversified product design of the Dahua EACH Series offers more choices for users What’s more, the diversified product design of the Dahua EACH Series offers more choices for users. In the apartment system, the door station with modular design further enhances the residents’ living experience. The indoor monitors are available in two models, one with Wi-Fi capability and one without, both suitable for apartments and villas. This flexibility allows customers to choose based on their specific needs. Dahua's commitment This latest offering underscores Dahua's commitment to delivering cutting-edge technology that enhances residential security, convenience, and communication efficiency.  Moving forward, the Dahua EACH Series will continue to enhance product designs and functions to accommodate a wider range of installation and usage scenarios, providing property residents with a better living experience.

Codelocks introduces Gate Solutions by Codelocks – XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock to its expanding range of access control lock solutions. XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock Codelocks’ single-point, bolt-through, fixed gate lock is specifically designed for gates where a coded lock is the preferred method of entry for secured perimeters and outdoor areas. The XtraD Heavy Duty Gate Lock is a robust, durable access control solution designed to withstand the toughest conditions. CL500 and CL600 mechanical locks The XtraD Gate Lock is engineered to work with Codelocks’ heavy-duty CL500 and CL600 mechanical locks for basic access control, and the electronic CL5000 lock for enhanced flexibility with time-sensitive codes. These options make the XtraD Gate Lock suitable for a wide range of gated access control environments, including those with high traffic use and in corrosive environments. Applications in various environments The XtraD Gate Lock is especially suitable for public facilities that are close to visitors at certain times The range of options available for the XtraD Gate Lock includes a marine-grade finish for harsh outdoor and coastal environments, and knob or sprung lever options where a single-handed means of access is required. The XtraD Gate Lock is especially suitable for public facilities that are close to visitors at certain times to prevent access by unauthorised people but allow access to workers for out-of-hours maintenance. It is also a workable solution for industrial, commercial, and building sites to provide site access for workers and delivery drivers without having to have a gate operator on hand. Perimeter gates Jo Milne-Rowe, Managing Director at Codelocks said, “Perimeter gates are necessary to control access to outdoor areas that you find in industrial or commercial property, including residential communal areas like bin stores and bike storage as well as publicly accessible areas like sports facilities, schools, parks and playgrounds." "The XtraD extends the convenience and quality of Codelocks’ mechanical and electronic locks to outdoor gates around areas where controlling access is important.” Corrosion resistance and durability Codelocks’ XtraD Gate Lock has a full stainless-steel construction for corrosion resistance and durability and has been tested to over a million cycles. Its adjustable heavy-duty latch bolt and anti-thrust snip allow up to 15mm adjustment without the need for lock removal.

As the backbone of community welfare, healthcare facilities cater to crucial public needs from emergency care to specialised medical treatments, and due to its position as a significant facet of the world's critical infrastructure, the healthcare sector faces a multitude of challenges in ensuring patient and visitor security, managing high traffic, and safeguarding sensitive data. Medical sites, such as large hospitals and urgent care clinics, see a wide variety of patients, medical staff, administrative teams, and visitors throughout the day. In addition to protecting patients, visitors, and staff, healthcare environments must protect medical and patient data, ensure immediate response to urgent medical events, and maintain 24/7 operations. Security challenges   Cloud-based solutions have made their mark on healthcare security, offering unparalleled scalability Addressing the security challenges presented by 24/7 availability and high patient and visitor traffic calls for a merging of technology, processes, and security strategies that go beyond what a typical security infrastructure would look like.  Cloud-based solutions have made their mark on healthcare security, offering unparalleled scalability, accessibility, and integration capabilities. These advancements address the multifaceted demands of healthcare organisations, ensuring seamless around-the-clock operations while prioritising patient care and safety.  Enhancing operational efficiency to save lives Cloud-based access control solutions have revolutionised how healthcare security professionals approach collaboration within medical facilities. These solutions offer unparalleled accessibility and insight into patient and visitor security information and access logs, improving coordination among security teams and leading to more accurate monitoring and response to developing medical events. By managing and operating access control solutions via the cloud, healthcare facilities can implement effective physical security measures while ensuring seamless collaboration among staff to deliver the highest medical care possible to patients across facilities.  Physical access controls Cloud-based access control systems allow users to securely access and manage physical access controls Cloud-based access control systems allow multiple users to securely access and manage physical access controls and visitor management data simultaneously, enabling them to keep track of patient movements as they are transferred throughout the facility or between different facilities. For larger hospitals or medical campuses with multiple facilities hosting access controls via the cloud empowers users with the ability to find patients and patient data in an instant, as well as opening the door to collaborate with teams separated by long distances, ensuring all team members have access to the information they need to continue saving lives. Scaling the way to top-notch care Healthcare institutions are constantly growing and changing in response to evolving industry regulations and standards, and the access control solutions these organisations rely on should be able to scale to meet their changing needs. To ensure their access control systems can keep up with these growing demands, healthcare security professionals can invest in access control solutions hosted in the cloud to avoid the tedious hardware constraints that come with traditional on-premises solutions. Cloud solutions offer significant levels of scalability, enabling healthcare organisations to adjust their storage requirements and computing resources based on changing requirements on the fly. This capability for flexibility ensures users can manage large amounts of data without significant upfront investments in hardware. Cloud-based access control solutions Cloud-based access control solutions provide healthcare organisations with the flexibility they need to expand their access In addition to compliance with changing regulations, cloud-based access control solutions provide healthcare organisations with the flexibility they need to expand their access control platform across a growing campus or multiple buildings. Larger healthcare facilities typically consist of multiple sites of varying sizes across diverse landscapes, each with distinctive security needs.  Systems hosted in the cloud provide scalability and flexibility for user organisations, allowing security teams to modify or expand upon their security infrastructure as needed without spending on costly new hardware. This adaptability is crucial for helping address varying risks over multiple sites, providing security personnel the flexibility they need to ensure patient safety over long distances. Ease of use for security teams To truly understand the value of a cloud-based access control system, healthcare security professionals must consider the long-term savings and ROI these solutions provide by bolstering operational efficiencies and enabling unprecedented scalability.  These systems ensure compliance with changing standards and deliver a simplified user experience across platforms, prioritising security and ease of use for security teams across the healthcare sector.

Changing customer needs can make specifying an alarm system that will continue to deliver in the long term a challenge. However, the latest modular alarm solutions provide the opportunity to build a more individualised system from the outset, as well as offering the ability to up-scale in the future without causing disruption. Martin Wilson, North EMEA Regional Director at Resideo, looks at how alarm specialists can use this style of solution to both benefit customers and build their own business opportunities. Holistic sense of home security In a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken by Resideo, the results revealed that, although deterring burglary was still a top priority, consumers were moving to a more holistic sense of home security, wanting to bring convenience, and property and life safety, into the mix. An alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place Indeed, an alarm system no longer needs to function on one level, alerting only to a break-in taking place. The latest modular alarm systems offer the flexibility to create a scalable security and life safety platform for homes and small businesses, as well as giving installers the ability to suggest future update options that can be added as and when budget or requirement allows.  Valuable up-scales Finding an alarm that can be scaled over time has the obvious business benefit of ensuring it is easy to revisit and add to as customers naturally expand their existing security. With many modular designs connected via WiFi, this not only means installers can opt for the right mix of sensor options from the get-go but also that any additions can be connected to the panel and system with ease. Many control hubs have winning features in their own right. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo, for instance, has an intuitive touchscreen, easy-to-read, full-colour display to reduce false alarms, plus a built-in camera, speaker and microphone, intuitive icons and even five-day weather alerts. The ProSeries security panel by Resideo has an intuitive touchscreen Natural up-scale opportunities For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition For the installer, it has a plug-in power connection, trouble-shooting videos and end-user replaceable batteries to reduce unnecessary callouts. However, to build a scalable system, this needs to be coupled with the right, flexible solutions to tackle customer concerns. Taking the time to find out what is important to the end user is vital here and can lead to natural up-scale opportunities. For instance, for those in a property prone to flooding, a flood sensor may be a worthwhile addition. Similarly, a panic button and even medical transmitters may be of benefit to others. All this, as well as other options, such as glass break detectors, door and window sensors and indoor and outdoor MotionViewers™, are available within the ProSeries range, and can be updated or added to an installation as needed or as a property grows with minimum disruption.  Adding life safety The ability to propose an alarm system that can bring together alerts for different threats – for both the home and life – under one platform, also has real appeal. Indeed, in a survey of 1,000 homeowners undertaken on behalf of Resideo, a system’s ability to alert to the dangers presented by fire and CO was mentioned as an important part of the decision-making process by 41% of participants. For many, this increased awareness may stem from the many regulation updates regarding smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms that took place in 2022. In Scotland, for instance, carbon monoxide detectors were required to be fitted in any room with a carbon-fuelled appliance in all homes, rented or owned. Social housing properties In England, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties In England, from the 1st of October 2002, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms were required in all social housing properties, with carbon monoxide alarms now mandatory in the private rented sector. Wales followed suit in December for rented accommodation.  The new guidance for England and Wales requires at least one smoke alarm to be installed on each storey of a property, to help alert to domestic fires more quickly, ensuring a quicker evacuation and reduced risk of fatality. For professionals, systems such as ProSeries, can be connected to a series of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, in a ‘one-go-all-go’ setup that means the alarm will go off if one of these threats are identified.  Smart and connected benefits The total Connect 2.0 app gives ProSeries end-users the ability to view and control the security platform remotely. The Resideo Pro app currently gives installers the ability to view the system and connect to the central monitoring system. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Zwave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices. The platform also supports home automation as it works with Z-wave devices There are also extra benefits for alarm professionals too. The AlarmNet 360™platform on which ProSeries is configured gives greater insight to improve business operations, increase efficiency and deliver insights on accounts to identify additional upsell opportunities and ongoing services. Providing the ability to remotely diagnose brings valuable time-saving options and avoids unnecessary callouts. It also means the ProSeries panel and peripherals programming can be accessed anytime, anywhere, using the cloud, allowing ease of programming, troubleshooting and account management on the go. Needs and future possibilities Changing a complete alarm system to apply new functions is never going to feature highly with the end user, nor does it work where longevity and sustainability is concerned. Having the ability to build a modular system and add to this as needed, whether this is at a property or a small business, provides benefits for both customers and professionals when it comes to meeting immediate needs and future possibilities. Add connectivity and remote access to this and you have a platform that can help streamline business operations, putting professionals more in touch with customers, and helping to spot future opportunities.

Amidst the challenges of a prevailing economic downturn, the retail sector finds itself grappling with an unparalleled rise in incidents of shoplifting, theft, and burglaries. The disconcerting scenes witnessed on London’s Oxford Street in August 2023,​ where crowds gathered, looting as many stores as possible, sent shockwaves across the nation’s retailers. This alarming surge in retail crime has put retailers on high alert, as they contend with a rising tide of security concerns.  Shoplifting concerns Recent data from the Union of Shop Distributive and Allied Workers (USDAW), has raised alarming concerns: shoplifting rates have surged by an unprecedented 24%.​ In the first half of 2023 alone, there were approximately 8 million reported shoplifting incidents. With the ongoing burden of the cost of living crisis and the approaching festive season, it is expected that these figures will keep surging.  Implementing robust security measures Theft and prevention strategies cost retailers approximately £2 billion in 2021/2022 While more help from the Government to support retail workers and the businesses shoplifters target is certainly needed, the implementation of robust security measures will significantly contribute to deterring these crimes from occurring in the first place. British retailers spend millions on tools to deter and catch shoplifters inside stores, from CCTV and security guards to electronic tagging and alarms. The Grocer reported that theft and prevention strategies cost retailers approximately £2 billion in 2021/2022. Despite these initial costs, other threats are at play beyond the shop floor. Break-ins by criminal gangs For many large town centre stores and supermarkets, and units in retail parks, the rear doors and delivery areas are commonly targeted by criminal gangs. It’s not uncommon for thefts to occur from pallets or cages that have been unloaded from lorries and sit waiting to be moved into the building. After-hours break-ins are a risk for all store owners too, particularly over the festive season when a lot of high-value stock has been delivered to shops and supermarkets. Addressing anti-social behaviour  The additional fencing was deemed an essential measure to safeguard the community Anti-social behaviour also poses a challenge for retailers. In 2022, an Aldi based in Derby​ invested in security fencing to protect staff and deter loitering groups. The additional fencing was deemed an essential measure to safeguard the community, as dangerous items were frequently found outside the store, including weapons and hypodermic needles.  So how do physical security solutions such as fencing and gates help better protect retail establishments such as supermarkets and edge-of-town retail park shops? Fencing and gates: a critical component of retail security  1. Risk assessment and target hardening  A thorough risk assessment will identify potential weak spots that require protection. ‘Target hardening’ involves implementing physical security measures that become more robust as they approach the target. This helps deter intruders while ensuring ease of access for customers and staff.  2. Effective perimeter security  Opt for difficult-to-climb security fencing that provides a robust obstacle against thieves, vandals, and intruders Selecting fencing solutions according to the potential threats, site characteristics, and topography is crucial. It is important to specify fencing that strikes a balance and maintains a welcoming appearance while safeguarding external areas of the store or warehouse from potential harm and unauthorised access. Solid fencing which provides concealment can help to conceal expensive goods and remove them as a target for opportunistic theft.  Opt for difficult-to-climb security fencing that provides a robust obstacle against thieves, vandals, and intruders. I recommend selecting a sufficiently tall and robust fence such as an acoustic barrier. Its noise-reducing properties are often beneficial for these types of sites too.  3. Controlling vehicular speeds and access  To enhance security, consider controlling vehicular speeds and access. One effective approach is the installation of bollards at the ends of traditional high streets. This practice is already commonplace as a means of safeguarding against hostile vehicle attacks, but it can also play a pivotal role in preventing quick getaways of vehicles involved in potential heists. Additionally, employing road blockers and sliding gates at the rear entrances of delivery areas would serve to fortify security further. These measures can help in delaying vehicles, allowing for necessary checks to be conducted.  4. Balancing security with aesthetics  The presence of high-security fencing can also make a site more of a target for vandals and burglars Another challenge is avoiding creating an imposing presence, especially important for areas situated near residential communities. The presence of high-security fencing can also make a site more of a target for vandals and burglars. To minimise this risk consider specifying timber fencing and traffic barriers to secure car parks, providing both security and a welcoming atmosphere for shoppers.  Taking an integrated approach Combine secure perimeter fencing with effective lighting in places with shaded areas and at doors, gates, and shop windows, alongside Perimeter Intrusion Detection Systems (PIDS), and strategically placed CCTV. These measures will hinder unauthorised entry and escape, increasing the likelihood of detection and apprehension.  Prioritising employee wellbeing  Installing robust security fencing, complemented by CCTV, good lighting, and guarding, creates a safe environment Installing robust security fencing, complemented by CCTV, good lighting, and guarding, creates a safe environment for employees. This not only safeguards their well-being but also provides peace of mind that they are protected effectively in the case of a burglary or crime.  When selecting security products for retail sites, it is advisable to opt for items that have undergone rigorous testing and carry relevant certifications for their security level. Each component should meet industry-specific standards for its intended purpose and originate from manufacturers accredited under ISO 9001:2015. This ensures a high standard of quality and reliability in safeguarding the premises.  High-quality security fencing As the cost-of-living crisis continues, crime rates increase, and the festive season approaches, the time to act and implement on-site security is now. By investing in comprehensive security measures, retailers can protect their assets, employees, and customers, ensuring a safer and more secure shopping environment for all. High-quality security fencing is also a sound investment, that requires little or no maintenance once installed. The best fencing solutions are extremely weather-resistant, and won’t suffer from rust or corrosion. With all sectors preparing to ride the rapids of recession in the coming year, improving on-site security while selecting cost-effective measures, is one surefire way to protect your people, your property, and your profits from harm. 

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organisations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customised questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

When it comes to security cameras, the end user always wants more—more resolution, more artificial intelligence (AI), and more sensors. However, the cameras themselves do not change much from generation to generation; that is, they have the same power budgets, form factors and price. To achieve “more,” the systems-on-chips (SoCs) inside the video cameras must pack more features and integrate systems that would have been separate components in the past.  For an update on the latest capabilities of SoCs inside video cameras, we turned to Jérôme Gigot, Senior Director of Marketing for AIoT at Ambarella, a manufacturer of SOCs. AIoT refers to the artificial intelligence of things, the combination of AI and IoT. Author's quote “The AI performance on today’s cameras matches what was typically done on a server just a generation ago,” says Gigot. “And, doing AI on-camera provides the threefold benefits of being able to run algorithms on a higher-resolution input before the video is encoded and transferred to a server, with a faster response time, and with complete privacy.” Added features of the new SOC Ambarella expects the first cameras with the SoC to emerge on the market during early part of 2024 Ambarella’s latest System on Chip (SOC) is the CV72S, which provides 6× the AI performance of the previous generation and supports the newer transformer neural networks. Even with its extra features, the CV72S maintains the same power envelope as the previous-generation SoCs. The CV72S is now available, sampling is underway by camera manufacturers, and Ambarella expects the first cameras with the SoC to emerge on the market during the early part of 2024. Examples of the added features of the new SOC include image processing, video encoders, AI engines, de-warpers for fisheye lenses, general compute cores, along with functions such as processing multiple imagers on a single SoC, fusion among different types of sensors, and the list goes on. This article will summarise new AI capabilities based on information provided by Ambarella. AI inside the cameras Gigot says AI is by far the most in-demand feature of new security camera SoCs. Customers want to run the latest neural network architectures; run more of them in parallel to achieve more functions (e.g., identifying pedestrians while simultaneously flagging suspicious behavior); run them at higher resolutions in order to pick out objects that are farther away from the camera. And they want to do it all faster. Most AI tasks can be split between object detection, object recognition, segmentation and higher-level “scene understanding” types of functions, he says. The latest AI engines support transformer network architectures (versus currently used convolutional neural networks). With enough AI horsepower, all objects in a scene can be uniquely identified and classified with a set of attributes, tracked across time and space, and fed into higher-level AI algorithms that can detect and flag anomalies. However, everything depends on which scene is within the camera’s field of view. “It might be an easy task for a camera in an office corridor to track a person passing by every couple of minutes; while a ceiling camera in an airport might be looking at thousands of people, all constantly moving in different directions and carrying a wide variety of bags,” Gigot says. Changing the configuration of video systems Low-level AI number crunching would typically be done on camera (at the source of the data) Even with more computing capability inside the camera, central video servers still have their place in the overall AI deployment, as they can more easily aggregate and understand information across multiple cameras. Additionally, low-level AI number crunching would typically be done on camera (at the source of the data).  However, the increasing performance capabilities of transformer neural network AI inside the camera will reduce the need for a central video server over time. Even so, a server could still be used for higher-level decisions and to provide a representation of the world; along with a user interface for the user to make sense of all the data. Overall, AI-enabled security cameras with transformer network-based functionality will greatly reduce the use of central servers in security systems. This trend will contribute to a reduction in the greenhouse gases produced by data centres. These server farms consume a lot of energy, due to their power-hungry GPU and CPU chips, and those server processors also need to be cooled using air conditioning that emits additional greenhouse gases. New capabilities of transformer neural networks New kinds of AI architectures are being deployed inside cameras. Newer SoCs can accommodate the latest transformer neural networks (NNs), which now outperform currently used convolutional NNs for many vision tasks. Transformer neural networks require more AI processing power to run, compared to most convolutional NNs. Transformers are great for Natural Language Processing (NLP) as they have mechanisms to “make sense” of a seemingly random arrangement of words. Those same properties, when applied to video, make transformers very efficient at understanding the world in 3D. Transformer NNs require more AI processing power to run, compared to most convolutional NNs For example, imagine a multi-imager camera where an object needs to be tracked from one camera to the next. Transformer networks are also great at focussing their attention on specific parts of the scene—just as some words are more important than others in a sentence, some parts of a scene might be more significant from a security perspective.  “I believe that we are currently just scratching the surface of what can be done with transformer networks in video security applications,” says Gigot. The first use cases are mainly for object detection and recognition. However, research in neural networks is focussing on these new transformer architectures and their applications. Expanded use cases for multi-image and fisheye cameras For multi-image cameras, again, the strategy is “less is more.” For example, if you need to build a multi-imager with four 4K sensors, then, in essence, you need to have four cameras in one. That means you need four imaging pipelines, four encoders, four AI engines, and four sets of CPUs to run the higher-level software and streaming. Of course, for cost, size, and power reasons, it would be extremely inefficient to have four SoCs to do all this processing. Therefore, the latest SoCs for security need to integrate four times the performance of the last generation’s single-imager 4K cameras, in order to process four sensors on a single SoC with all the associated AI algorithms. And they need to do this within a reasonable size and power budget. The challenge is very similar for fisheye cameras, where the SoC needs to be able to accept very high-resolution sensors (i.e., 12MP, 16MP and higher), in order to be able to maintain high resolution after de-warping. Additionally, that same SoC must create all the virtual views needed to make one fisheye camera look like multiple physical cameras, and it has to do all of this while running the AI algorithms on every one of those virtual streams at high resolution. The power of ‘sensor fusion’ Sensor fusion is the ability to process multiple sensor types at the same time and correlate all that information Sensor fusion is the ability to process multiple sensor types at the same time (e.g., visual, radar, thermal and time of flight) and correlate all that information. Performing sensor fusion provides an understanding of the world that is greater than the information that could be obtained from any one sensor type in isolation. In terms of chip design, this means that SoCs must be able to interface with, and natively process, inputs from multiple sensor types.  Additionally, they must have the AI and CPU performance required to do either object-level fusion (i.e., matching the different objects identified through the different sensors), or even deep-level fusion. This deep fusion takes the raw data from each sensor and runs AI on that unprocessed data. The result is machine-level insights that are richer than those provided by systems that must first go through an intermediate object representation. In other words, deep fusion eliminates the information loss that comes from preprocessing each individual sensor’s data before fusing it with the data from other sensors, which is what happens in object-level fusion. Better image quality AI can be trained to dramatically improve the quality of images captured by camera sensors in low-light conditions, as well as high dynamic range (HDR) scenes with widely contrasting dark and light areas. Typical image sensors are very noisy at night, and AI algorithms can be trained to perform excellently at removing this noise to provide a clear colour picture—even down to 0.1 lux or below. This is called neural network-based image signal processing, or AISP for short. AI can be trained to perform all these functions with much better results than traditional video methods Achieving high image quality under difficult lighting conditions is always a balance among removing noise, not introducing excessive motion blur, and recovering colours. AI can be trained to perform all these functions with much better results than traditional video processing methods can achieve. A key point for video security is that these types of AI algorithms do not “create” data, they just remove noise and clean up the signal. This process allows AI to provide clearer video, even in challenging lighting conditions. The results are better footage for the humans monitoring video security systems, as well as better input for the AI algorithms analysing those systems, particularly at night and under high dynamic range conditions. A typical example would be a camera that needs to switch to night mode (black and white) when the environmental light falls below a certain lux level. By applying these specially trained AI algorithms, that same camera would be able to stay in colour mode and at full frame rate--even at night. This has many advantages, including the ability to see much farther than a typical external illuminator would normally allow, and reduced power consumption. ‘Straight to cloud’ architecture For the cameras themselves, going to the cloud or to a video management system (VMS) might seem like it doesn’t matter, as this is all just streaming video. However, the reality is more complex; especially for cameras going directly to the cloud. When cameras stream to the cloud, there is usually a mix of local, on-camera storage and streaming, in order to save on bandwidth and cloud storage costs. To accomplish this hybrid approach, multiple video-encoding qualities/resolutions are being produced and sent to different places at the same time; and the camera’s AI algorithms are constantly running to optimise bitrates and orchestrate those different video streams. The ability to support all these different streams, in parallel, and to encode them at the lowest bitrate possible, is usually guided by AI algorithms that are constantly analyzing the video feeds. These are just some of the key components needed to accommodate this “straight to cloud” architecture. Keeping cybersecurity top-of-mind Ambarella’s SoCs always implement the latest security mechanisms, both hardware and software Ambarella’s SoCs always implement the latest security mechanisms, both in hardware and software. They accomplish this through a mix of well-known security features, such as ARM trust zones and encryption algorithms, and also by adding another layer of proprietary mechanisms with things like dynamic random access memory (DRAM) scrambling and key management policies.  “We take these measures because cybersecurity is of utmost importance when you design an SoC targeted to go into millions of security cameras across the globe,” says Gigot. ‘Eyes of the world’ – and more brains Cameras are “the eyes of the world,” and visual sensors provide the largest portion of that information, by far, compared to other types of sensors. With AI, most security cameras now have a brain behind those eyes. As such, security cameras have the ability to morph from just a reactive and security-focused apparatus to a global sensing infrastructure that can do everything from regulating the AC in offices based on occupancy, to detecting forest fires before anyone sees them, to following weather and world events. AI is the essential ingredient for the innovation that is bringing all those new applications to life, and hopefully leading to a safer and better world.

Type of Site: Apartment Building  Location: Nagodziców 6-18, Warszawa, Poland  The situation This is an older housing estate located in Nagodziców 6-18, Poland with 3 entrance gates and 105 apartments. The investor wants to retrofit the property to improve community safety and elevate residents' smart living experience. One of the main challenges in this retrofit is managing the wiring. How can the project minimize disruption to the building’s occupants and reduce the impact on residents’ daily activities? Additionally, how can costs be kept down to make the retrofit more economically attractive?  Solution highlights No Wiring  No Indoor Units  Fast, Cost-Saving Retrofits  Future-Proof Intercom Solution  Installed products S615 4.3” Facial Recognition Android Door Station   Smart Pro, an App-based Service without a Physical Indoor Monitor  Solution benefits No Indoor Units, Cost-effectiveness:   Users pay for a subscription-based service, which is often more affordable and predictable DNAKE cloud-based intercom services eliminate the need for expensive hardware infrastructure and maintenance costs associated with traditional intercom systems. Users don't have to invest in indoor units or wiring installations. Instead, users pay for a subscription-based service, which is often more affordable and predictable.  No Wiring, Ease of Deployment:  Setting up DNAKE cloud-based intercom service is relatively easier and quicker compared to traditional systems. There's no need for extensive wiring or complicated installations. Residents can connect to the intercom service using their smartphones, making it more convenient and accessible.  Easy and Multiple Access Ways:  In addition to facial recognition, PIN code, and IC/ID card, there are also multiple app-based access methods available, including calling & app unlocking, QR code, temp key, and Bluetooth. Residence can manage access from anywhere at any time.

Type of Site: Apartment Building  Location: Chodkiewicza 10, Warszawa, Poland  The situation This housing estate, built in 2008, features outdated 2-wire wiring. It consists of two buildings, each with 48 apartments. One entrance to the housing estate and one entrance to each building. The previous intercom system was relatively old and unstable, with frequent component failures. Consequently, there is a strong need for a reliable and future-proof IP intercom solution.  Solution highlights Easy Intercom Retrofitting with Existing Cables. Remote Access with App-based Features. Good Scalability for Easy Addition of New Units or Expansion.  Installed products S615 4.3” Facial Recognition Android Door Station   290-S8 7” Linux Indoor Monitor (2-wire Version)  Solution benefits Future-proofing: With DNAKE 2-wire IP intercom solution, residents can enjoy high-quality audio and video communication, multiple access options including remote access, and integration with surveillance systems, providing a more versatile and secure living experience.  Cost Efficiency: By using existing 2-wire cables, the need for new cabling is minimised, reducing both material and labour costs. DNAKE 2-wire IP intercom solution is more budget-friendly compared to systems that require extensive new wiring.  Simplified Installation: The use of existing wiring simplifies the installation process, reducing the time and complexity involved. This can lead to faster project completion and less disruption to residents or occupants.  Scalability: DNAKE 2-wire IP intercom solutions are scalable, allowing for easy addition of new units or expansion as needed, making it adaptable to changing requirements.

The building, constructed in 2005, consists of three 12-story towers with a total of 309 residential units. Residents have been experiencing issues with noise and unclear sound, which hinder effective communication and lead to frustration. Additionally, there is an increased need for remote unlocking capabilities. The existing 2-wire system, which supports only basic intercom functions, fails to meet the current needs of the residents. Solution highlights Easy Intercom Retrofitting with Existing Cables Tenant’s Own Choice on Answering Units Installed products S615 4.3” Facial Recognition Android Door Station E211 Audio Indoor Monitor 290M-S8 7” Linux Indoor Monitor (2-wire Version) 902C-A Master Station Cloud Solution - Smart Pro Solution benefits For Installer DNAKE 2-wire IP intercom solution leverages existing wiring, which allows for a quicker and more efficient installation process. This solution helps avoid the costs associated with new cabling and extensive rewiring, keeping project costs down and making the retrofit more economically attractive. For Property Manager The Central Management System (CMS) is an on-premises software solution for managing video intercom systems via the LAN, which has greatly improved the efficiency of property managers. Additionally, with the 902C-A master station, property managers can receive security alarms to take immediate action, and remotely unlock doors for visitors. For Residence Residents can choose their preferred answering unit based on their needs. Options include Linux-based or Android-based indoor monitors, audio-only indoor monitors, or even app-based services without a physical indoor monitor. With DNAKE's cloud service, residents can unlock doors from anywhere, at any time.

The client, a highly esteemed law enforcement agency, is responsible for maintaining order and ensuring the safety of its citizens. This national force operates across the entire country, with numerous establishments that require technologically advanced systems for effective operation. Their mission focuses on safeguarding the public, preventing, and detecting crime, and maintaining law and order. Upgrade the surveillance systems They had previously partnered with a globally recognised technology company for their technological requirements. However, a recent initiative to upgrade the surveillance systems in all major barracks across the country set forth a new challenge, requiring the introduction of a new, equally reliable technology partner. The challenge The objective was to modernise the video surveillance installations across their numerous establishments The national law enforcement agency sought to enhance its surveillance capabilities. Their objective was to modernise the video surveillance installations across numerous establishments throughout the country.  This upgrade required both indoor and outdoor switches to connect the cameras being deployed. The sheer scale and complexity of the project demanded a reliable and efficient solution that could guarantee seamless connectivity and high performance. The solution The acre security expert team acknowledged that the client was already partnered with a renowned technology company, but their new requirements required the incorporation of another brand. Its comprehensive range of both indoor and outdoor switches offered the solution they needed. Acre proposed the integration of ComNet switches, ensuring uniformity across all locations. Recognising the importance of both technical specifications and after-sales support, they engaged in in-depth discussions with the project leaders. Our team's expertise and commitment to delivering high-quality solutions eventually convinced the client to introduce ComNet into their infrastructure. The result The installation of the new switches is still underway, but the early feedback has been extremely positive. The upgraded infrastructure is performing flawlessly, meeting the client's high expectations and requirements. The client has expressed satisfaction with the solution, reinforcing confidence in the tailored technological solutions.

In 2023, Jacksons Fencing completed a successful implementation of state-of-the-art fencing and access control solutions for Newbury Football Club, marking a significant step in the club's return to its historic grounds at Faraday Road. This project not only secures the site but also restores a vital community hub that has served the Berkshire area for over 50 years. A history of challenges In 2018, Newbury Football Club was evicted from its longstanding ground, which was designated for redevelopment as part of the nearby industrial estate. The situation worsened in August 2021 when the clubhouse was destroyed in a suspected arson attack, leaving the site in disrepair, and deeply affecting the community. Safeguarding the grounds After extensive campaigning, a high court hearing, and a change in local government, the club received approval After extensive campaigning, a high court hearing, and a change in local government, the club received approval to return to Faraday Road in 2023. The decision was celebrated widely, as the site has long been considered the 'home of football' in the district. Despite the joyful return, the club faced the critical challenge of safeguarding its grounds against future threats. A security-focused solution Understanding the gravity of the situation, Jacksons Fencing swiftly developed and implemented a robust security plan designed to protect the site and integrate seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Safety and security were the top priorities. To achieve this, Jacksons Fencing installed secure Barbican® fencing and gates around a portable cabin, temporarily designated for storing equipment and serving as changing rooms. This fencing provides a strong barrier against potential vandalism and unauthorised access, featuring anti-vandal design elements like welded pale-through-rail construction and no visible fixings. EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing Strategically placed around the grounds to provide effective demarcation and prevent stray footballs from leaving the area, Jacksons Fencing’s EuroGuard® Flatform mesh fencing is constructed with twin wires and unique mesh security clips. This fencing is both durable against vandalism and aesthetically pleasing with its green polyester powder coating and ‘invisible’ screening effect, blending with the natural surroundings of the club. A heavy-duty warden barrier was installed at the entrance to the grounds, primarily serving to control access and prevent unauthorised vehicular entry with a simple but effective manual parking solution. Community-centric design The security solutions were designed with the community in mind. The fencing along well-traveled footpaths ensures that the area remains accessible for dog walkers and pedestrians, while benches placed between pitches maintain visibility and encourage community engagement. These measures ensure that the football grounds remain a welcoming and integral part of the district. Reinvigorating community spirit Through detailed planning, careful consideration, and comprehensive execution, the successful implementation of these security measures has enabled Newbury Football Club to reopen its beloved grounds with renewed confidence. Revitalising the community spirit, the premises are a safe and secure environment for players and fans alike.  Security and access control solutions Peter Jackson, Managing Director, of Jacksons Fencing, says, "We’re immensely proud to have played a pivotal role in the revival of Newbury Football Club at its historic Faraday Road grounds. We hope that the implementation of comprehensive security and access control solutions not only ensures the safety and integrity of the site but also matches the community’s natural and aesthetic values." "By installing robust yet visually pleasing fencing and access systems, we’ve helped create a secure environment where players, fans, and the entire Newbury community can come together and enjoy their beloved sport with peace of mind."

Metrasens, a recognised pioneer in advanced detection systems for security and safety applications, announced its selection by the Fort Worth Independent School District (FWISD) in bolstering safety measures for graduation ceremonies and extracurricular events. Serving nearly 75,000 students across 140 schools, FWISD conducted a meticulous internal assessment of various technologies, ultimately selecting Metrasens as the preferred solution. FWISD deployed six Metrasens Ultra systems during its 2024 graduation ceremonies. The deployments strengthened safety protocols while synergizing with existing security measures, underscoring the district's unwavering commitment to safety as evidenced by its comprehensive security and safety policies. Fort Worth ISD graduations "We are confident in our choice of Metrasens Ultra to elevate our extracurricular safety efforts," said Daniel Garcia, Safety & Security Executive Director at Fort Worth ISD. "With regards to Fort Worth ISD graduations and other ceremonies, it's paramount that students, faculty, and visiting families feel assured and confident as they come together to commemorate these special occasions." "As we open our facilities to families, it's essential to offer reassurance that Metrasens Ultra systems provide a completely safe solution for all members of our school community." Metrasens Ultra systems The passive nature of Metrasens Ultra systems adds an additional layer of safety for all Metrasens Ultra, renowned for its cutting-edge sensor technology, swiftly and accurately pinpointing potential threats such as concealed weapons, all without emitting any harmful radiation. Its versatility enables effortless transition between indoor and outdoor settings, while its portability ensures convenient setup and relocation between facilities, without necessitating physical contact. The passive nature of Metrasens Ultra systems adds an additional layer of safety for all, including individuals with medical implants or expectant mothers. Moreover, the systems' sleek design and portability seamlessly align with the steadfast commitment to ensuring the safety of all attendees. Advanced detection technology "We are honoured to have been chosen by Fort Worth ISD to implement our advanced detection technology at their extracurricular events," said Chris Arbeitman, Vice President of Market and Business Development at Metrasens. "The district's dedication to safety aligns perfectly with our mission to provide innovative solutions that meet the diverse security needs of our customers."

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

In the United States, they are called licence plate recognition (LPR) systems. In Europe, the more common term is automated licence number-plate recognition (ANPR). In either case, the systems provide capabilities that can benefit a range of applications from schools to municipalities to parking lots. Newer technologies can even identify vehicle colour, type, make and model. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What's new with licence plate recognition (LPR) and/or automated number-plate recognition (ANPR) systems?

Headlines of violence in our schools are a reminder of the need to keep educational institutions safe. In fact, if there is a positive aspect to the constant bombardment of headlines, it is that it keeps our attention perpetually focused on how to improve school security. But what is the role of physical security systems? As the new school year begins, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Are schools safer because of physical security systems? Why or why not?