Power Supplies

Security pioneers are under increasing pressure to protect ever-more complex sites while proving the value and cost-effectiveness of their security systems. Now, multi-directional AI cameras are emerging as an effective solution for organisations in need of streamlined systems that provide comprehensive coverage and AI-driven insights. Multi-directional AI cameras combine multiple cameras into a single unit, giving the benefits of three, four and even five AI cameras — without the associated costs of running several devices. Significant cost savings A primary advantage of multi-directional AI cameras? Cost-effectiveness. In a traditional set-up, operators may have multiple cameras to cover a large and complex scene, each with its own power supply, cable, network port and licence. With multi-directional models, security pioneers only need to invest in one set of equipment, cabling and a single VMS (video management system) licence. Installation and care costs and time can also be lower since there are fewer cameras to install Installation and maintenance costs and time can also be lower since there are fewer cameras to install, check and service. A single device will also use less energy compared to multiple units, resulting in significant cost savings in the long term. Furthermore, PTRZ (pan, tilt, rotate, zoom) remote adjustment features on some multi-directional models allow systems integrators to adjust camera settings, lens position and viewing angles remotely through a web viewer. This eliminates the need for a physical presence at the installation site for minor tweaks, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs. AI efficiencies  Modern multi-directional cameras, such as Hanwha Vision’s 4 and 5-channel AI models, are equipped with powerful analytics that enhance operators’ situational awareness and responsiveness. AI features allow these cameras to perform advanced analytics directly on the device (also known as “edge AI”), reducing server-side computing requirements to save costs while also bolstering cybersecurity. Deep-learning AI can discern between objects of interest and irrelevant motion, such as wildlife or shadows Such AI capabilities mean the cameras can accurately detect and classify people, faces, vehicles (including types), and licence plates. Deep-learning AI can discern between objects of interest and irrelevant motion, such as wildlife, shadows or moving trees. As a result, false alarms are significantly reduced, while efficiency is vastly improved. With AI, operators can be automatically alerted only to events that require their attention, such as a potential intrusion attempt or a person entering a space outside working hours. In addition, AI-powered object classification also allows for more efficient forensic search, meaning operators can quickly find relevant event footage if investigations are required. They also support sophisticated features such as virtual loitering and line-crossing detection, auto shutter control, Hanwha Vision’s smart compression technology WiseStream III, and WiseNR II noise reduction. Multiple applications Multi-directional AI cameras are ideal for monitoring large and complex areas including city centres, airports, traffic intersections and busy logistics yards. For instance, Hanwha Vision’s 5-channel model, the PNM-C34404RQPZ, provides operators with extensive coverage using a PTZ and fixed cameras in one combination, with detailed image quality of up to 4K and a powerful suite of AI analytics. Multi-directional AI cameras can also be well-suited to indoor environments such as retail Multi-directional AI cameras can also be well-suited to indoor environments such as retail, offices and spaces with low ceilings. “Mini” multi-directional AI models are compact and discreet meaning they can be seamlessly installed in settings with low ceilings or where aesthetics are a priority. As these devices can provide up to four different video streams, operators can easily monitor a scene without having to switch between cameras, and with a wider field-of-view compared to a single camera. Clear visuals in low-light conditions Surveillance effectiveness can decrease in low-light conditions, but modern multi-directional cameras are equipped with independent infrared (IR) zones and long-range IR capabilities to deliver clear visuals even in complete darkness. For instance, across Hanwha Vision’s multi-directional range, there are options that allow operators to manually adjust the intensity of each IR zone to prevent reflections and optimise image quality, giving a clear view of sites regardless of lighting conditions. A cost-effective and versatile solution Multi-directional AI cameras are an ideal solution for businesses in need of comprehensive and intelligent surveillance coverage, without the costly and time-consuming installation and maintenance of multiple cameras. They are cost-effective and versatile, with many use cases across outdoor environments including cities, logistics centres, transport and industries, as well as indoor applications, such as shared offices and retail.

Matrix PRASAR UCS, an enterprise Unified Communication Server connects internal and external decision-makers at multiple locations for effective communication and real-time collaboration. The PRASAR UCS, a pure IP PBX, proves to be a complete solution for inter-branch office collaboration and communications. Dispersed branches can be tied together over the IP network, with the IP PBX located at the Head office. It enables enterprises to enhance business processes by unifying communication mediums to simplify the daily workflow and increase their response time. Being a pure IP solution, the IP PBX, is scalable to up to 2100 users, as per the future communication needs of the organisation. Benefits of the pure IP PBX With the offering of Redundancy in PRASAR UCS, Matrix aims to address the large enterprise segment, needing a system with high availability and uptime. The customer-friendly licence structure, offering redundancy shall also benefit SMEs that aim to scale the number of users in the future. Matrix aims to address the large enterprise segment, needing a system with high availability and uptime The benefits of the pure IP PBX include enabling, effective Business Communication for making quick decisions and communication between the team members at headquarters, branch office, and on the move. Additionally, it aids in increasing productivity with instant communication anywhere, anytime along with increasing employee responsiveness toward customers by communicating over voice, video, and chat. Key features Up to 2100 IP Users Up to 550 Concurrent Calls 21 Three-party Conference 21 Concurrent Calls Tapping Other features Corporate Directory Integration Multi-lingual IVR Redundant Power Supply Port Auto-attendant

Camden Door Controls is pleased to introduce to the market the CX-ED0010 Electromechanical Cabinet Lock. Representative of the impressive technological evolution in secure locking systems, it is designed for a variety of enclosures that use swinging doors, drawers, and sliding doors. This lock introduces the flexibility of operating in either field selectable fail-safe or fail-secure modes and supports both 12V and 24V power supplies. Functionality of the CX-ED0010 This flexible and affordable cabinet lock is ideal for a wide range of access control applications, including securing computer cabinets, lockers, retail display counters, and medical and cannabis dispensaries. It features front mounting for use with office drawers, display cabinets, etc. and the strike plate easily adjusts to door alignment. Door and lock status sensors provide real-time security status, further enhancing the functionality of the CX-ED0010.

AMG Systems, the pioneer in NDAA and TAA-approved, highly robust connectivity and transmission solutions for IP Video, has launched its latest UK-designed and built Power over Ethernet (PoE) injector range, named the AMG150 and AMG155 series. The AMG150/155 series of PoE injectors has been designed to deliver Power over Ethernet from 15 right up to 90 watts, transmitting power to edge devices via 1Gb, 2.5Gb, 5Gb, right up to 10Gb Ethernet network connections. In this way, the AMG150/155 series supports even the most energy-intensive, professional-grade network cameras on the market. AMG150/155 series’ IP40-rated housing The new series of PoE injectors comes fitted with lightning surge protection of up to 20 kA current surges The AMG150/155 series has been built to withstand the very toughest of operating conditions - working reliably at extreme temperatures ranging from −40°C up to +75°C. This is only possible because the AMG150/155 series’ IP40-rated housing is built using dual 5.2mm anodised machined aluminium heatsink side panels, with additional 2mm fins for improved heat dissipation. AMG150/155 series also has a unique IEC bracket design to ensure that the AC mains supply does not shake loose in high-vibration conditions. The new series of PoE injectors comes fitted with lightning surge protection of up to 20 kA current surges. These features together make the products ideal for providing robust, yet cost-effective power to defence, utilities, transport and critical national infrastructure surveillance installations. AMG155 models The products offer a Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) of 300,000 hours and a full Lifetime Warranty. Competitor products typically offer MTBF of 50,000 hours or less and a maximum of five years warranty. AMG Systems continues to listen to installers and has ensured that AMG150/155 can be fitted with either an easy DIN rail clip system or a magnetic option for mounting. The AMG155 models also position all the connections and status LEDs in front of the user for easy installation and maintenance. IEEE 802.3bt compliant high power PoE Steve Clarke, Managing Director of AMG Systems, said, "We designed the AMG150/155 Series to provide a competitive, cost-effective, designed in the USA/UK, manufactured in the UK (NDAA & TAA compliant) alternative to the mostly Asia-made, re-badged products currently available." He adds, "Incorporating a more installer-friendly form factor and fully integrated surge protection along with support for true IEEE 802.3bt compliant high power PoE, while being able to meet industry cost targets will make these products extremely attractive for many PoE-powered applications." Asia-sourced PoE injectors Tom Exley, Technical Director of AMG Systems, said: "The AMG150/155 series sets the quality standard. Our engineering team looked at what was currently available, identified weaknesses and engineered our product line to overcome those weaknesses." He adds, "Many competitors offer Asia-sourced PoE injectors. None are equal in terms of being industrially hardened and made in a ISO9001-certified facility and still being cost-effective. We believe in the quality and stand behind them with lifetime support. This injector opens dozens of applications that can now utilise PoE as the power source, and having a product made in the UK gives your network an added layer of security."

Hikvision, a world-pioneering manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions that deliver the ideal combination of high performance and extreme value, will proudly unveil its Solar Solutions lineup at a May 23 webinar, showcasing this unprecedented solution to security challenges in standalone sites and hard to reach remote locations. Attendees will receive a 50% discount on the 4 MP Kit DS-2XS2T47G1-LDH/4G/C18S40 when purchased within 30 days of the webinar. Solar Kits with ColorVu technology “From highly affordable 4 MP Solar Kits with ColorVu technology to options with 8 MP resolution and features like Licence Plate Recognition, Hikvision is bringing unmatched technology to remote and hard-to-reach locations, everywhere from rural farms to urban parking lots,” said John Xiao, Vice President of Marketing, Hikvision USA. Unlike rival products, Hikvision offers a complete system, ready to deploy, with all parts included “In an era where sustainability meets innovation, Hikvision is driving the charge, with competitive technology that is easy to deploy and ready to solve end-user challenges.” Unlike competitor products, Hikvision offers a complete system, ready to deploy, with all components included. It is easy to select the best model and install it, and the entire system has been tested for safety and reliability. Six models with a broad feature Hikvision’s Solar Solutions include six models with broad feature sets for various applications: The 4 MP ColorVu Solar-Powered Security System features 24/7 full-color with ColorVu technology, human detection, and two-way audio for real-time deterrence. The 4 MP Motorised Varifocal Bullet Solar Kit is available in two models: the DS-2XS6A47G1-IZS/C36S80 2.8-12 mm (focal length/FOV) and 8-32 mm. Both feature an 80-watt solar panel and 360 WH chargeable lithium battery. Other technology includes WDR, deep-learning human and vehicle target classification, smart battery management, and a high-capacity 1TB built-in SSD. The 4 MP ANPR Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) Bullet Camera Solar System is available in two versions: 2.8-12 mm focal length/FOV and 8-32 mm. Each one boasts all the features of the motorised varifocal model above delivering valuable licence plate recognition and road traffic controls where wired network and electric supply lines are impractical or otherwise impossible. The 8 MP ColorVu Fixed Bullet Solar-Powered Camera System has 24/7 colourful video with ColorVu, WDR technology, deep-learning human and vehicle target classification, and smart battery management. It boasts a larger 80-watt solar panel and 360 WH chargeable lithium battery. By harnessing the power of the sun, Hikvision empowers businesses to improve ROI, eliminate power cords, and bid farewell to internet cables. The Solar-Powered Camera Kits deliver full-colour video security, anytime, anywhere, without the need for a traditional power supply or internet connection.

Streamlight®, Inc., a provider of high-performance lighting, launched the new BearTrap® 360, a multi-function, rechargeable work light that features both a 360° horizontally rotating and a 270° vertically pivoting body, enabling users to put light wherever it’s needed. Delivering up to 2,000 lumens, the new work light clamps to virtually any surface or stands on its own for hands-free task illumination.  BearTrap 360 With its unique spring-loaded clamp design and integrated magnets, the BearTrap 360 can be attached to any flat, round, or irregular surface to shine a bright spot or flood light on work areas both small and large. A wire handle with a rubber sleeve provides an easy grip when opening the light’s clamping mechanism.  New features “The new functionality of the BearTrap 360 now gives first responders, automotive and industrial technicians, outdoor enthusiasts, and other users the ability to easily spin the body of the light horizontally in addition to moving it vertically, for any angle view,” said Michael F. Dineen, Streamight’s Chief Revenue Officer. He adds, “This is a very useful feature when performing tasks that require angling a spotlight as work progresses on a car engine, or continuously moving a flood light when investigating a fire or accident scene.”  Six output modes The light’s spot mode provides a white concentrated beam to pinpoint specific work areas The BearTrap 360 provides six output modes, including three spot and three flood settings. The flood mode covers work areas or other surfaces with soft, bright light, ranging from 2,000 lumens on high with a 2.5-hour run time to 575 lumens on low, with an 8.75-hour run time. The light’s spot mode provides a white concentrated beam to pinpoint specific work areas, ranging from 1,000 lumens on high for 4.5 hours to 325 lumens on low for 12.5 hours. Easy access, push-button The BearTrap 360 uses an easy access, push-button on/off switch with a battery life indicator that turns red when the battery has reached the end of its usable life. The new light uses a 7.26-volt, 5200 mAh lithium-ion battery that can be recharged in 5.5 hours. The BearTrap 360 will also run continuously if plugged into an AC power supply.  Gasket-sealed lens Manufactured from tough thermoplastic construction, it also features a gasket-sealed lens that is impervious to most common automotive or industrial chemicals. It has an IPX4-rated design for water-resistant operation and is impact resistance tested to 1 metre. Weighing 1048.93 grams, the light measures 19.35 centimetres in length, 16.51 centimetres in width, and 7.92 centimetres thick. 

In daily work and life, various locks have always played the role of protecting asset safety. In different usage scenarios, the most appropriate lock must be selected to maximise benefits. In the past applications, the difficulties encountered by managers are as follows. Unlocking authority is difficult to control, unclear access records, emergency unlocking, and troublesome upgrade and installation. Through the following points, how the key-centric access management system solves such problems. Access management system The key-centric access management system, also known as intelligent passive electronic lock system, which is based on three elements: electronic keys, electronic cylinders and management software, can provide powerful and traceable access control. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be quickly disabled. Each smart key is unique and cannot be copied, and in the event of loss or theft, these keys can be disabledIn the process of using traditional mechanical locks, it is not difficult to find that it is quite complex to realise the access control of unlocking. The difficulty is that the keys can be copied at will, the use records are not clear, and the credibility of employees cannot be guaranteed... etc. For managers, this is a safety issue that cannot be ignored. Mechanical lock system And through the key-centric access management system, we can accurately assign access authority for each user, and set different access authority for locks in different areas. For example, we can set the XX user to have access to the archive room (A) from 10:00 on May 1, 2021 to 17:00 on June 1, 2021, within this time range. Outside this time range, there will be no unlock authority. The flexibility of the traditional mechanical lock system is insufficient. There is no clear record to determine who entered the area. It is usually a simple paper record that records the unlocking records of the employees. The authenticity and validity of the system need to be examined. In the key-centric access management system, when an employee unlocks the lock, the unlock record will be synchronised to the management terminal. Remote authorised unlocking With the key-centric access management system, remote authorised unlocking can be realised Through secondary records, managers can easily track employees and supervise employees' visits to each area. In daily work, there are often emergencies that require temporary visits to certain specific areas. If you encounter a situation where the distance is extremely long, and you don’t have the key to that area, you can imagine how bad this is. The process of fetching the keys back and forth is time-consuming and laborious. With the key-centric access management system, remote authorised unlocking can be realised. You can apply for the unlocking authority through the mobile APP, or you can temporarily issue the unlocking authority for the area on the management terminal, which saves time and effort. When faced with the failure of ordinary mechanical locks to meet management needs, some managers can already think of upgrading their management system, that is, the intelligent access control system. Passive electronic locks But before making this decision, the manager will inevitably consider the various costs brought about by the upgrade, including installation costs (cable cost), learning costs, and maintenance costs. Since most of the universal intelligent access control systems on the market require wiring and power supply, the cost of transformation and upgrading is quite high for managers who have such a huge amount of engineering. The key-centric access management system is the ‘gospel’ for managers. Since passive electronic locks and ordinary mechanical locks have the same size, they can be directly retrofitted to existing hardware, and they can be replaced step by step simply and easily. At present, the key-centric access management system is being known and applied by more and more managers and enterprises. Application industries include, such as power utilities, water utilities, public security, telecommunication industry, transportation, etc.

The 2020s will be a wireless decade in access control, says Russell Wagstaff from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEA. He examines the trends data, and looks beyond mobile keys to brand new security roles for the smartphone. The benefits of wire-free electronic access control are well rehearsed. They are also more relevant than ever. A wireless solution gives facility managers deeper, more flexible control over who should have access, where and when, because installing, operating and integrating them is easier and less expensive than wiring more doors. Battery powered locks Many procurement teams are now aware of these cost advantages, but perhaps not their scale. Research for an ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions (AAOS) benchmarking exercise found installation stage to be the largest contributor to cost reduction. Comparing a typical installation of battery-powered Aperio locks versus wired locks at the same scale, the research projected an 80% saving in installers’ labour costs for customers who go cable-free. Battery powered locks all consume much less energy than traditional wired locks Operating costs are also lower for wireless: Battery powered locks all consume much less energy than traditional wired locks, which normally work via magnets connected permanently to electricity. Wireless locks only ‘wake up’ when presented with a credential for which they must make an access decision. AAOS estimated a 70% saving in energy use over a comparable lock’s lifetime. Find out more about wireless access control at ASSA ABLOY's upcoming 29th June webinar Deploying wireless locks In short, every time a business chooses a wireless lock rather than a wired door, they benefit from both installation and operating cost savings. A recent report from IFSEC Global, AAOS and Omdia reveals the extent to which the advantages of wireless are cutting through. Responses to a large survey of security professionals — end-users, installers, integrators and consultants serving large corporations and small- to medium-sized organisations in education, healthcare, industrial, commercial, infrastructure, retail, banking and other sectors — suggest almost four locations in ten (38%) have now deployed wireless locks as a part or the whole of their access solution. The corresponding data point from AAOS’s 2014 Report was 23%. Electronic access control Electronic access control is less dependent than ever on cabling Without doubt, electronic access control is less dependent than ever on cabling: Even after a year when many investments have been deferred or curtailed, the data reveals fast-growing adoption of wireless locks, technologies and systems. Is mobile access control — based on digital credentials or ‘virtual keys’ stored on a smartphone — an ideal security technology for this wire-free future? In fact, the same report finds mobile access is growing fast right now. Among those surveyed, 26% of end-users already offer mobile compatibility; 39% plan to roll out mobile access within two years. Before the mid-2020s, around two-thirds of access systems will employ the smartphone in some way. The smartphone is also convenient for gathering system insights Driving rapid adoption What is driving such rapid adoption? The convenience benefits for everyday users are obvious — witness the mobile boom in banking and payments, travel or event ticketing, transport, food delivery and countless more areas of modern life. Access control is a natural fit. If you have your phone, you are already carrying your keys: What could be easier? IBM forecasts that 1.87 billion people globally will be mobile workers by 2022 Less often discussed are the ways mobile management makes life easier for facility and security managers, too. Among those polled for the new Wireless Access Control Report, almost half (47%) agreed that ‘Mobile was more flexible than physical credentials, and 36% believe that mobile credentials make it easier to upgrade employee access rights at any time.’ IBM forecasts that 1.87 billion people globally will be mobile workers by 2022. Workers in every impacted sector require solutions which can get the job done from anywhere: Access management via smartphone offers this. Site management device The smartphone is also convenient for gathering system insights. For example, one new reporting and analytics tool for CLIQ key-based access control systems uses an app to collect, visualise and evaluate access data. Security system data could contribute to business success. The app’s clear, visual layout helps managers to instantly spot relevant trends, anomalies or patterns. It’s simple to export, to share insights across the business. Reinvented for learning — not just as a ‘key’ or site management device — the phone will help businesses make smarter, data-informed decisions. The smartphone will also play a major role in security — and everything else — for an exciting new generation of smart buildings. These buildings will derive their intelligence from interoperability. Over 90% of the report’s survey respondents highlighted the importance of integration across building functions including access control, CCTV, alarm and visitor management systems. Genuinely seamless integration They offer greater peace of mind than proprietary solutions which ‘lock you in’ for the long term Yet in practice, stumbling blocks remain on the road to deeper, genuinely seamless integration. More than a quarter of those polled felt held back by a lack of solutions developed to open standards. ‘Open standards are key for the momentum behind the shift towards system integration,’ notes the Report. As well as being more flexible, open solutions are better futureproofed. Shared standards ensure investments can be made today with confidence that hardware and firmware may be built on seamlessly in the future. They offer greater peace of mind than proprietary solutions which ‘lock you in’ for the long term. Open solutions and mobile management are critical to achieving the goals which end-users in every vertical are chasing: scalability, flexibility, sustainability, cost-efficiency and convenience.

The security market in 2016 saw an uptick in the economy, the introduction of new technologies, increased compliance requirements in key verticals, and rising concerns over the need for greater security. Users interested in upgrading or deploying new systems consistently chose networked system platforms. This trend further drove the demand for adaptive transmission solutions as a means of repurposing existing analogue infrastructure to accommodate IP devices on a networked platform. As this migration accelerated, product feature sets continued to evolve with the inclusion of advanced communications that let you monitor, control and report power/diagnostics from anywhere. These new products have also helped to stimulate new business opportunities for integrators by expanding their service offerings to include remote monitoring of these devices as a new source of recurring monthly revenue (RMR). PoE and adaptive transmission solutions In last year’s 2016 forecast, we discussed the integration trend and how PoE and adaptive transmission solutions with network communications were rapidly gaining traction and market share. As the year progressed, the trend increased with customers migrating towards systems that provided more data, faster transmission rates and more versatility, and accessibility anytime from anywhere. Altronix responded with more advanced product solutions. This growing trend makes it more critical than ever for the core power and transmission infrastructure that make up the foundation of these systems to include network communications for true integration. As effective and efficient as integrated IP systems have become, the cost to upgrade or install new networked systems can be prohibitive. In 2017, security professionals will require expanded options to capitalise on existing infrastructure while accommodating IP devices with new levels of performance. These new products will greatly reduce installation and maintenance costswhen deploying orupgrading systems We will see the introduction of new products that offer greater levels of integration with bundled capabilities such as PoE, network switches, versatile adaptive transmission capabilities to accommodate different types of cabling, greater bandwidth and speed, and management capabilities. These new products will greatly reduce installation and maintenance costs when deploying or upgrading systems. Altronix 2016 business overview Altronix’s evolution as a designer and manufacturer of versatile power supplies and accessories – and the addition of innovative PoE and adaptive transmission solutions with network communications – was significant in 2016. We have continued to deliver new products incorporating advances in power and communication technologies that solve real-world installation issues with the highest levels of performance and cost-efficiency. One of the most significant technologies contributing to our extensive portfolio of power and adaptive transmission products is our innovative LINQ™ Technology, which provides remote control of power, along with monitoring and reporting of diagnostics from anywhere you have internet access. LINQ completes the network communication cycle for networked systems by providing true integration for power supply and adaptive transmission products that are the foundation of every system. Altronix will continue to design, manufacture and introduce new power and adaptive transmission solutions in 2017 that live up to our longstanding reputation for outstanding quality, performance and reliability. See the full coverage of 2016/2017 Review and Forecast articles hereSave Save

Across the security industry, power supplies are too often an afterthought and the first item in an access control system to be value-engineered. However, when the power supply fails on a high-end access control device, the system becomes a very expensive paperweight. Fortunately, there are now power supply units available that can enhance system reliability by providing remote diagnostics and real-time reporting and analytics. There is also a mistaken perception that all power supplies are the same, says David Corbin, Director of ASSA ABLOY’S Power Management Strategic Business Unit. Access control and security applications Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications The fact is, a properly designed unit for today’s market must have a wide input range, a myriad of features, interface to network, have adequate transient protection, good surge capability and a demonstrated quality level for mission critical reliability, he says. “Power supplies today are more important than ever for access control and security applications,” says Corbin. “From heavy snowstorms in the Midwest and East Coast to the two million Californians that experienced unprecedented power outages, extreme weather conditions have created chaos for millions over the past few months. These events have resulted in students being locked out of schools, hospitals darkening and electronic keypads or card readers shutting down. With events like these on the rise, and an increased reliance on the technology we use to get in and out of the spaces we occupy, power supplies are critical for keeping systems up and running and people safe and secure.” ASSA ABLOY's LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems Installing right power supplies ASSA ABLOY has a range of products within the power supplies category, including LifeSafety Power’s FPO Intelligent Power Supplies and Helix Redundant Power Systems. ASSA ABLOY’s acquisition of LifeSafety Power in September expanded the company’s offering of smart integrated access control power solutions for OEMs, integrators and end-users. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies, and eco-friendly, linear, plug-in and solar power supplies, as well as Power over Ethernet (PoE). Access control is crucial to security and life safety, says Corbin. And without power, any protective system is useless. When the right power supplies are installed correctly, the system will have built-in backup power that will be triggered during an outage. Dependable power supplies, with regularly replaced and appropriately sized backup batteries, are critical to keeping occupants safe in an emergency event. Other ASSA ABLOY power supply products include Securitron AQ Series Switching Power Supplies Periodic testing of the battery When it comes to extreme weather conditions, the result of a power outage can lead to hazardous situations for employees, patients, residents and students, he says. Buildings that require power to gain access can leave people stranded outside or locked inside. “When access controls are disabled, intruders can easily enter buildings without notice, affording the opportunity for interruptions to power distribution, water supplies and other necessary public utilities,” says Corbin. Preparation for the next big power outage should include the sizing of power supplies to the system requirement with a reasonable safety factor for foreseeable system expansion and a battery set that is sized for operating the system for a period of time greater than the planned requirement, he says. Using a ‘smart’ power supply provides early warning of an impending failure; and consistent, periodic testing of the battery set keeps the system in peak operating condition. Predictive maintenance of access control Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control Redundancy ensures that power remains available in the event of a failure, regardless of whether it is a blackout situation or a failure of the power supply itself, says Corbin. “In critical power installations where redundancy is vital, the system must have a properly sized and maintained backup battery,” says Corbin. “Additionally, further redundancy can be achieved via products like our Helix systems that provide for seamless switching between two different power supplies in the event of an electrical failure of one of the power supplies.” Corbin also notes there is a growing want and need for more data and analytics in the access control field. End users increasingly expect access control systems to be able to integrate with building information systems. Predictive analytics and data harvesting can help with predictive maintenance of access control and building systems. For example, intelligent power supplies can identify problems before they happen – such as performing periodic, automated battery tests and then notifying a central monitoring location and/or a facility manager of a battery that needs replacement. Lock operation can also be monitored on a real-time basis for failure or impending failure of a secured door opening, he says.

Facial recognition has seen huge breakthroughs since the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) first began testing in 2010. Accuracy has seen massive gains, especially from 2013-2018. In the 2018 test, the most accurate algorithm was 20 times more accurate than the 2013 equivalent. Essentially, 95 percent of the matches that failed in 2013 now yield correct results. Compare that to 2010-2013, when the most accurate algorithm reduced its error rate by 30 percent. This reduction in error rates since 2013 is due to wholesale replacement of the old algorithms with new ones based on deep convolutional neural networks — completely revolutionising the technology. Optimal recognition results SAFR says it delivers optimal recognition results with 99.86 percent accuracy in under 100 milliseconds One entrant in the newly energised market is RealNetworks, whose SAFR for Security is an AI-based facial recognition solution for live video that integrates video management system (VMS) solutions. With 24/7 monitoring, SAFR detects and matches millions of faces accurately in real time, enabling teams to manage a watchlist across any number of video feeds. SAFR says it delivers optimal recognition results with 99.86 percent accuracy in under 100 milliseconds, even in real-world conditions where faces are in motion, at different angles, under poor lighting, or partially obscured. SAFR builds on RealNetworks’ 23-year history in video technologies. Launched in July 2018, SAFR — secure, accurate facial recognition — is enabling new applications for security, convenience, and analytics. Create security responses “We seek to be the world’s most trusted facial recognition platform and are delighted to partner with customers in the security industry and elsewhere to shape a more secure, convenient future worldwide,” says Dan Grimm, Vice President of Computer Vision and General Manager of SAFR at RealNetworks. “Security professionals are asked to keep us safe 24/7, monitoring a burgeoning number of cameras, and we help make them more effective.” SAFR targets facial recognition for live video, identifying camera-unaware faces moving in real-world conditions. In the April 2019 NIST results, SAFR tested as the fastest and most compact solution among algorithms with less than 0.022 False Non-Match Rate — 62 percent faster than the average speed, according to the company. SAFR now provides capabilities such as live video overlays alerting security professionals to events in real time, automatic bookmarks with rich metadata for investigative work, and alerts that can be customised to create security responses. SAFR uses one-sixth the compute power of competing facial recognition solutions Facial recognition algorithms Five years ago, facial recognition algorithms would struggle to match forward-facing people from still images, let alone camera-unaware moving faces from live video with variations in rotation and tilt. SAFR says they have achieved a balance of accuracy and performance for live video. A contributor to this accuracy is consistency across a range of skin tones. The algorithm was trained on a highly diverse global set of over 10 million non-simulated real-world faces. SAFR was optimised for speed and can sample a face multiple times during the same period of time as other algorithms, subsequently increasing its accuracy. SAFR achieves the performance through edge processing. Distributed architecture enables efficient bandwidth consumption, reducing the roundtrip latency of facial recognition speed to under 100 milliseconds. The savings lower total cost of ownership (TCO): SAFR uses one-sixth the compute power of competing facial recognition solutions, equating to $500,000 or so in savings on a 250-camera deployment. Integrated experience SAFR also uses off-the-shelf hardware and is optimised to leverage inexpensive GPUs SAFR also uses off-the-shelf hardware and is optimised to leverage inexpensive GPUs. SAFR can be deployed on premises or in the cloud, and supports Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. When SAFR is paired with a VMS, such as Milestone XProtect or Genetec Security Center, the integrated experience includes 24/7 monitoring to detect and match faces in real-time. Features include live video overlays within the VMS to identify strangers, threats, concerns, unrecognised persons, VIPs, employees, or other tagged individuals in live video. Real-time alerts can be customised for when persons of interest appear on a video camera feed. Additionally, automatic bookmarks with rich metadata make for easier investigative review of security footage. Facial recognition technology is increasingly in demand to improve safety across various industry verticals. Better customer experience Large enterprises with high-visitor flows and heightened security — such as transportation hubs, stadiums, universities, and hospitals — need to know in real time when persons of interest or those on watchlists appear on camera. Sports stadiums could apply facial recognition to deny entry to banned patrons, locate lost children, or recognise VIPs to deliver a better customer experience. Hospitals need access control to restricted areas and pharmaceutical storage closets Hospitals need access control to restricted areas and pharmaceutical storage closets. Airports and transit centres value traffic flows, demographic composition, and dwell times to help improve scheduling. SAFR for Security is available worldwide, and the company partners with VMS providers such as Milestone, Genetec, Digifort, and IPConfigure by Paliton Networks. They are actively working to support additional VMS solutions and have sales teams located in major metropolitan cities around the world. Security professionals “The job of the security professional is critical in today’s world,” says Grimm. “SAFR for Security helps mitigate the challenges of the important work security professionals do to keep us all safe.” In designing and developing SAFR, RealNetworks considered diversity and the uniqueness of each person; Grimm says their massive global training data set is a competitive advantage. SAFR is designed with privacy in mind. All facial images and signatures are AES-256 encrypted in transit or at rest. “SAFR is powerful enterprise-grade software that is continuously improving through innovation and many years of expertise,” says Grimm.

With a stock of over 13,000 apartments and an ambitious new residential development programme, GWW has been helping to make Wiesbaden affordable for a broad range of population groups over more than 70 years. Digital access is helping them meet the needs of the future with confidence and flexibility. Being the city’s largest provider of housing goes hand in hand with an aspiration to make a measurable contribution to living together in an urban environment. GWW’s corporate culture Social involvement is an integral part of GWW’s corporate culture and for its 200 employees Social, voluntary and civic involvement is an integral part of GWW’s corporate culture and for its 200 employees. To date, multiple projects have been initiated, supported and promoted, focusing on integration, participation and prevention, as well as various dimensions of sustainability.  When digitalising access for their multi-residential housing sites, they sought an easy-to-install solution with devices that work wirelessly and without batteries. Broad range of devices To simplify specification and procurement, they searched for a manufacturer able to offer a broad range of devices to protect the entrances, communal and technical doors of all residential buildings.  And of course, for maximum user convenience and inclusivity, door devices must be easy to operate for all age groups. Manage a multi-residential property from anywhere The reliable solution is characterised by a robust, compact build with durable and secure components GWW chose ASSA ABLOY and its eCLIQ electronic locking system, which offers modern management and full flexibility. The reliable solution is characterised by a robust, compact build with durable and secure components.  For users, it’s familiar — working just like a traditional lock and key. All eCLIQ cylinders are wireless and battery-free. Power is supplied by the battery in the key. Thus, doors with CLIQ® cylinders can always unlock without their own power supply.  eCLIQ Connect key  Another major factor in GWW’s choice was that authorisations can be set and changed flexibly in the CLIQ Web Manager, accessible from anywhere with an internet connection. Lost keys can be deactivated immediately. Time and room restrictions can also be defined, to grant cleaning staff access at specific times, for example.  GWW issues different eCLIQ keys depending on user requirements. For example, the eCLIQ Connect key can receive new access authorisations remotely and at short notice: the keyholder simply updates their own key by making a Bluetooth connection between it and their Connect mobile app. Residential housing management Greater efficiency helps multi-residence providers to improve their service and boost resident satisfaction In many multi-residential and ‘multi-family’ housing developments across Europe, digital management is already streamlining daily operations. Greater efficiency helps multi-residence providers to improve their service and boost resident satisfaction.  Digital access becomes a seamless experience for the resident and a reputation enhancer for the housing provider. It delivers both parties a concrete ROI. Digital access system With a digital system, managing service providers is also simpler. Each one can carry access credentials that fit their precise time-period and location requirements.  For example, cleaners may be admitted five mornings a week. Their programmable credentials only unlock site doors during this window. Permissions automatically expire after an agreed period, saving building managers time and hassle.

Established in May 1999, this state-owned electric power transmission company operates under the Gujarat Electricity Industry Act, of 2003. It ensures a reliable power supply across Gujarat through an extensive network of high-voltage transmission lines and substations. Emphasising advanced technologies and innovative practices enhances grid stability and performance. With a focus on sustainable development and renewable energy integration, it supports Gujarat's economic growth by providing a resilient power transmission framework, playing a crucial role in the state's energy landscape.  Business scenario The absence of a video surveillance monitoring system presented significant security challenges for the power transmission company. With over 60,000 km of transmission lines and 500 substations, the lack of continuous monitoring and recording left the infrastructure vulnerable to theft, equipment tampering, and unauthorised access. Manual inspections were time-consuming and insufficient for real-time threat detection, leading to frequent operational disruptions and increased maintenance costs. Without a proper video surveillance monitoring system, the ability to respond swiftly to emergencies was compromised, jeopardising the safety of the state's power transmission network.  Challenges faced The power plants and substations in the power transmission company had critical infrastructure components that were vulnerable to security threats like vandalism, tampering, and theft.   Susceptibility to EMI/EMC Issues  They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards Operations in the power plant are susceptible to Electromagnetic interference (EMI) and Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) issues, which can pose safety risks. They needed a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with EMI/EMC standards to ensure reliable operation.  Harsh Environmental Conditions  Being in remote areas, power plants and substations often face harsh weather conditions, necessitating weatherproof network cameras to ensure continuous and reliable surveillance.  Workplace Safety and Occupational Health  The impact of workplace accidents, injuries, and occupational illnesses on employee health, productivity, and morale was significant due to inadequate surveillance coverage. They needed a video surveillance monitoring system with incident reporting capabilities to enhance workplace safety, prevent accidents, and ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.  Data Protection Compliance  They required a video surveillance monitoring system that could comply with data protection regulations governing the collection, storage, and sharing of surveillance footage to safeguard sensitive information and ensure regulatory compliance.  Inefficient Manual Inspections  Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight Relying solely on manual inspections for monitoring proved inefficient and prone to oversight. This delay in identifying issues led to extended downtime and potentially escalating problems, compromising overall operational efficiency.  Slower Emergency Response  In the event of an emergency, such as equipment failure or natural disaster, the lack of real-time surveillance delayed response times, increasing the risk of prolonged outages and damage, which could have been mitigated with a more responsive video surveillance monitoring system.  Matrix solution To enhance security across 500 substations, Matrix Network Cameras and Network Video Recorders (NVRs) were strategically deployed to ensure comprehensive surveillance. Each substation was equipped with a Matrix 2MP PTZ Camera, strategically positioned to detect threats from a distance. These cameras provided enhanced perimeter security by offering high-resolution zoom capabilities and 360-degree coverage, allowing for the identification and tracking of potential intruders.  Bullet Network Cameras Three to four Bullet Network Cameras were installed both inside the substations and around the periphery. These cameras ensured thorough surveillance coverage by capturing high-definition video of key areas, including entrances, exits, and critical infrastructure components.  NVRs The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds Each substation was equipped with an NVR to record and store the feeds from the network cameras. These NVRs were configured to provide continuous recording, ensuring that all activities were documented.  The NVRs were connected to TV screens in the control rooms, enabling security personnel to monitor live feeds and review recorded footage. Security personnel could access and review recordings locally on individual stations using the device client installed on the NVR. This allowed for quick retrieval of footage in case of incidents or investigations.  Video surveillance monitoring system The video surveillance monitoring system was enhanced with basic Intelligent Video Analytics features, such as tripwire detection, motion detection, and intrusion detection. These features automatically analyse video feeds to identify and alert suspicious activities.  Video pop-up notifications were configured to alert security personnel in real time. When an IVA event was triggered, such as an unauthorised entry or unusual movement, a notification would appear on the monitoring screens, prompting immediate attention and response.  Products offered SATATYA PZCR20ML33CWP P2 (36 Nos.)  2MP IP PTZ Camera with 33x Zoom   SATATYA CIBR20FL36CWS P2 (2682 Nos.)  2MP IR Bullet Fixed 3.6mm Lens SATATYA NVR1602X P2 (33 Nos.)  16 Channel NVR with 2 SATA Ports  SATATYA NVR0801X P2 (487 Nos.)  8 Channel NVR with 1 SATA Port  Benefits Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms Continuous 24/7 surveillance with Matrix Network Cameras and NVRs reduced risks of theft, tampering, and vandalism. Real-time alerts and video pop-up notifications ensured prompt response to potential threats. Matrix video surveillance monitoring system complies with EMI/EMC standards, ensuring safe and reliable operations in power plants. Matrix Network Cameras adhere to OWASP ASVS 4.0 L2 data protection norms, safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring legal compliance.  Adaptive Streaming and SATATYA SIGHT Matrix Network Cameras have an Adaptive Streaming feature. This allows recording at a higher bitrate during activity periods and a lower bitrate during no-activity periods. This aided in saving on storage space. Matrix NVRs have the mobile app - SATATYA SIGHT, which allows users to monitor network cameras from any location, at any time.

Oskar Strøm, a renowned expedition pioneer, heads film expeditions in Svalbard. These expeditions focus on documenting polar bears in their natural Arctic habitat. To capture unique footage, the film crew lives in extreme conditions: enduring very low temperatures, residing in small sleeping pods, and positioning themselves near polar bears. Strøm required a solution to secure the camp and protect his team and valuable equipment from polar bears wandering around searching for food. Challenge Protecting a remote site from furry intruders and ensuring fire safety under extreme conditions Living next to polar bears in Svalbard to film them presents unique safety risks for Oskar Strøm’s crew. Hungry polar bears often dare into human camps to search for food and can threaten crew members or damage valuable equipment. Moreover, the lack of infrastructure necessitates generators, increasing fire risks. The crew’s compact sleeping pods create concerns about carbon monoxide buildup. This combination of wildlife threats, fire hazards, and potential CO poisoning in a remote Arctic location demands a comprehensive and reliable security solution capable of simultaneously addressing multiple risks in extreme conditions. System requirements Designlarm’s task was to develop a system to detect polar bear intrusions and alert the crew immediately. The solution had to protect personnel and expensive equipment, including generators and filming gear, while also including fire and carbon monoxide detection.  The system needed to be easy and intuitive to install, requiring minimal maintenance, and capable of operating without laid cables or constant internet connectivity. This comprehensive security setup had to function effectively and self-sufficiently in Svalbard’s harsh environment, where technical support is not readily accessible. Solution A comprehensive wireless security system that withstands extreme Arctic conditions Designlarm chose the Ajax system for Oskar Strøm’s expeditions for its versatility, reliability, and intuitiveness. The Ajax ecosystem offers a comprehensive range of products that address all the expedition’s security needs. The system’s wireless operation was crucial for covering the camp area, where sleeping pods are spread out, and there are no structures for cable attachment. This wireless capability allowed for flexible placement of devices across the entire site, ensuring protection without the need for complex wiring. Hub 2 Plus Jeweller The security system for the Arctic expedition is built around Hub 2 Plus Jeweller. This control panel uses Ajax proprietary radio protocols Jeweller to ensure reliable communication between all devices without leaning on internet access. This feature is crucial in the Arctic, where 2G/3G/4G coverage is nonexistent, and the team relies on limited and expensive Starlink internet access.  Two-way communication Due to reliable two-way communication, Hub 2 Plus Jeweller receives alarms from detectors and delivers them to users. This ensures no alarm will be missed, guaranteeing protection even without Wi-Fi or cellular communication. At the same time, occasional internet connections allow for system updates. Powered by a 12-24V PSU (type A), the Ajax hub operates on low-voltage sources instead of relying on a standard power grid, which is absent in remote Svalbard. DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors Four DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors are placed around the camp’s perimetre to guard the camp against polar bear intrusions. Each device features two narrow-angle motion detectors facing opposite directions and providing a total detection range of up to 30 metres (15 metres in each direction). This way, the bear’s approach will be registered in advance, not on the doorsteps of the sleeping pods. Software algorithm The viewing angle can be adjusted by 3 degrees horizontally on each side, eliminating blind spots and ensuring comprehensive coverage. To minimise false alarms caused by snow or small animals, the detectors use a software algorithm that analyses signals from IR sensors. When triggered, DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors send alarms to indoor and outdoor sirens, effectively alerting the crew if a polar bear enters the camp. MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller detectors MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller detectors serve as a second line of defense and provide motion detection with visual verification of alarms. When a polar bear crosses the perimetre, monitored by DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller detectors, the system immediately triggers an alarm. While the bear moves around the camp, the built-in camera from MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller takes a series of photos, which the crew can see in the Ajax app within 9 seconds when connection to the internet is available. This visual verification allows the team to monitor the bear’s actions and exact location within the camp. Indoor and outdoor sirens They serve a dual purpose: warn the crew about an intrusion and aim to deter approaching polar bears Indoor and outdoor sirens were installed in the camp to alert the team of security violations and deter curious or aggressive polar bears. HomeSiren Jeweller devices are installed inside sleeping pods to quickly wake the crew if a polar bear breaches the camp perimetre. The sirens provide immediate notification of danger and are impossible to ignore. StreetSiren Jeweller devices are deployed for external alerting. They serve a dual purpose: warn the crew about an intrusion and aim to deter approaching polar bears thanks to a tone. StreetSiren can produce a sound of up to 113 dB, lasting up to 3 minutes. Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fob The Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller key fob is an essential component of Oskar Strøm’s security system. This compact device allows control of the alarm system even without the internet. With the key fob, users can arm, disarm, set night mode, or trigger an alarm manually. Its impressive 1,300-metre connection range to the hub ensures system control from various points around the camp. FireProtect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller detectors In addition to the threat of polar bears, the expedition team faced the invisible danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. This risk is high in their small, tightly sealed sleeping pods, where CO can quickly accumulate to dangerous levels. To address this issue, Designlarm installed FireProtect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller detectors. They have a built-in siren and LED indicator to alert when a sensor detects a threatening CO level. The detector is always active and reacts 24/7, regardless of the system’s security mode. In addition, the detector will also alert the team of the fire. Its unique smoke chamber doesn’t require regular cleaning, while a dual-spectrum sensor differentiates smoke from steam, reducing false alarms. Durability and reliability The Ajax security system has demonstrated remarkable durability and reliability even in extreme Arctic conditions. Despite being rated for temperatures down to –40 °C, the system operated effectively at –45 °C. For over 1.5 months, outdoor devices such as DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller, MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller, and StreetSiren Jeweller have been operating without issues in these severe conditions. The only notable effect of extreme cold was faster battery drainage, which is expected at such low temperatures. However, this wasn’t a significant issue as the system informs users about low battery levels in advance. Anticipating this challenge, the expedition team had prepared by bringing an ample supply of spare batteries. Why Ajax Performance surpassing expectations. Ajax devices have demonstrated exceptional reliability in harsh Arctic conditions and outperformed their specified operational parametres. They provided dependable protection against polar bear encounters and other potential threats in one of the world’s most challenging environments. Reliable operation without constant connectivity. An Ajax security system functions effectively without continuous connection to the internet. Hub 2 Plus Jeweller maintains communication between all devices and continues to process and respond to alarms even when there is no internet connection. System mobility and ease of installation. One person managed to install and configure the entire system using the intuitive Ajax app. The whole process is fast and does not require specialised tools. Products Hub 2 Plus Jeweller: Security system control panel. 12-24V PSU (type A): Power supply unit for the device operation on a low-voltage power source. DualCurtain Outdoor Jeweller: Wireless bidirectional curtain IR motion detector. For outdoor and indoor use. MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller: Wireless IR motion detector that takes on-demand photos and photos by alarm, schedule, and scenario. For outdoor and indoor use. FireProtect 2 (Heat/Smoke/CO) Jeweller: Wireless fire detector with heat, smoke, and CO sensors. Version with replaceable batteries. HomeSiren Jeweller: Wireless indoor siren. StreetSiren Jeweller: Wireless outdoor siren with vandalism resistance. Ajax SpaceControl Jeweller: A key fob for controlling security modes.

In the heart of Aalborg is a lovely and well-kept private home. Here lives a family of five who in 2016 would rent out their basement to utilise the home’s square metres. WHY – To access the basement, the tenants must go through the back door. The family and the tenants thus share the same entrance at the back of the house. Therefore, the family was looking for a solution on how they could give the tenants access to the basement without them also having access to the family’s private residence. WHAT – It was important for the family to keep the architectural style of the house. However, it was not entirely straightforward to find an access control solution where the solution only sat on one side of the door, says Michael Goth-Rindal. Together with CONLAN’s CEO, Ejner Hansen, the family found a solution where they could both preserve the old door and at the same time avoid pulling wires for electricity. Tenants keyless access The keyboard can go through many cycles before the battery needs to be replaced The CT1000 keypad is installed on the back door of the house, giving both family and tenants keyless access to the house. In addition, the C1000LP keypad is installed on the front door of the private home, where the solution is only visible from the side of the staircase. From the inside of the house, they can not see that the door is powered by a keypad. The keypad on the front door of the private residence is battery-powered, meaning the old door could remain, without the pull of wires. As the keypad is a low-power device, the keyboard can go through many cycles before the battery needs to be replaced. The family changes the battery themselves, and the keyboard tells when it’s time. Keypad’s daycode function This allows them to create a code for, e.g., the cleaning, which only works the one-day Benefits - With this solution, the family can access their home, completely without the need for keys. “We are really happy with our solution. It works and is a flexible system that we can easily handle ourselves,” says Michael Goth-Rindal. In addition, the family also uses the keypad’s daycode function. This allows them to create a code for, e.g., the cleaning, which only works the one day. With this, the family has full control over who has access to the house and when. Low power consumption CT1000 reader on the back door – A standalone reader with code. Possibility of up to 28 user codes. The keypad can also be connected to the alarm, so that the alarm is switched off at the same time as the door is unlocked. C1000LP reader on the entrance door for the private home – Reader with code and low power consumption for access control. Several options for access with codes, including one-time, day and period codes that are active from one to 28 days. In addition, the keypad can be powered by both battery or wired power.

When it comes to connecting to the community and protecting its schools, Sumter County in central Florida has implemented some pretty impressive, innovative, and thoughtful solutions. The county, located west of the Greater Orlando area, recently set out on a mission to increase security at its 14 schools district-wide by installing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks on classroom doors and other interior openings.  Digital access technology All Sumter County schools feature multiple classroom buildings. So, in addition to deploying more digital access technology indoors, the district took the extra safety measure of installing a special security fence around each campus’s group of buildings, complete with a single point-of-entry gate controlled by an IN120. Custom-made from resilient metal stock, this gate access solution provides further assurance that only students and staff are allowed to enter. For contractors, family members, and other visitors, there’s a separate controlled entrance at the main administration building of each school where they can be vetted for clearance to specific areas. A simpler, cost-effective path IN120s exchange permission data and grant access strictly by Wi-Fi and run on six AA alkaline batteries IN120s exchange permission data and grant access strictly by Wi-Fi and run on six AA alkaline batteries, virtually eliminating the need for hard wiring. This makes the solution very straightforward to install, power, and connect. IN120s are also easy to operate. Faculty and other authorised personnel simply present their issued credentials to a door’s IN120 card reader to release the lock.  Fence point-of-entry For the fence point-of-entry, a scheduled staff member stationed at the opening activates the IN120 the same way, unlocking the gate to let students in as they arrive for the day. Once they’ve entered and are on their way to their assigned classroom buildings, the gate is closed and locked until the next time a student or staff member needs access. Per life safety/fire codes, of course, free egress is always possible by pushing on the exit device (panic bar) on the inside of the gate door.  Cost savings The rationale for choosing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks for the gate doors was to eliminate the expense  The rationale for choosing SARGENT IN120 Intelligent Wi-Fi locks for the gate doors was to eliminate the expense of trenching and cabling between the fence entry point and a nearby building, which would have been necessary for the power and communication requirements of a traditional hard-wired system. That option was out of budget. IN120s, on the other hand, offered a significant cost-saving alternative, which allowed for a better use of available funds. The Power of Wi-Fi Fortunately, high-speed internet and Wi-Fi are plentiful at all the district’s school buildings both indoors and out, the result of Sumter County’s initiative to boost and extend service to campus parking lots after recognising that many people in the somewhat rural area didn’t have access to such an important necessity. This allows students to come to the parking area and easily connect to online resources that help complete schoolwork, an essential amenity especially during off-hours and over weekends.  Alternative standalone power source  Strong Wi-Fi reach, of course, also fills the connectivity requirements of the IN120 locks Strong Wi-Fi reach, of course, also fills the connectivity requirements of the IN120 locks, including those at exterior gate locations. Batteries outdoors, however, are another matter. The extreme heat and wintertime cold that Sumter County experiences can shorten battery life and high humidity tends to cause corrosion. That meant finding an alternative standalone power source for each of the single-point entries. Securitron BPSS-20 solar power supply Thankfully, the ASSA ABLOY team had a bright idea. They proposed bypassing the batteries altogether and installing the external power 91-prefix version of the IN120 driven by a Securitron BPSS-20 solar power supply. With a 12V, 20W panel, and 18Ah battery mounted nearby, they were able to turn the intelligent Wi-Fi gate lock into a complete IN120 solar energy solution for Sumter County. Proof again that their schools provide valuable learning experiences and great opportunities for creative problem-solving.

Custom Consoles announces the completion of a control room desk for Opem Security, a pioneering provider of security systems and services. Located at Opem’s headquarters in Milton Keynes, the desk will form part of the round-the-clock monitoring support Opem performs for clients in many locations.  Custom Consoles’ experience “We were looking for a robust and ergonomically well-designed desk that would allow our staff to work comfortably and efficiently,” comments Opem Founder and Managing Director, Jason Pelham. Custom Consoles’ experience and industry background are evident in the styling" He adds, “SteelBase gave us the freedom to specify exactly what we had in mind from a standard range of structural components, including integral accommodation for our computer equipment and video monitor displays. Custom Consoles’ experience and industry background are evident in the styling and build quality. They can also be seen in the attention to detail such as cable management with easy access during initial installation and throughout the desk’s lifetime. Our operators also appreciate being able to position the horizontal and vertical angle of the monitor screens to suit their preferred viewing angle, each screen being mounted on an individually adjustable mounting arm.” SteelBase installations “This is the most recent of many SteelBase installations we have produced for clients in the security, aviation and industrial process control sectors,” said Custom Consoles Sales Manager, Gary Fuller. He adds, “Working alongside Opem, we designed a 5 metre wide curved unit comprising seven bays. Each bay has its own front and rear doors and provides vented space for a computer as well as accommodation for up to 6U of rack-mounted technical equipment. The desktop is 1.2 metres in front-to-back depth and incorporates a continuous cable tray running the entire desk width, protected by an easily removable flush-fitting cover panel. Mounting points for data and power sockets are provided in each PC compartment." Cable management SteelBase takes its name from the high-strength steel base frames that form its structural core A structured desking system offering a hard-wearing and ergonomic solution for control room consoles, SteelBase takes its name from the high-strength steel base frames that form its structural core.  Desks and related fittings such as equipment pods and side units can be specified and combined from a range of standard powder-coated steel base frames. Cable management is provided throughout the console with access to equipment via hinged removable doors to both front and rear. SteelBase furniture Predrilled monitor arm mounting points are positioned at the rear upper edge of each bay. Careful attention has been paid to styling. SteelBase desktops are available in a choice of 120 cm (standard) or 100 cm (SteelBase Lite) front-to-back sizes with a choice of hard-wearing Marmoleum or laminate work surfaces. All elements of SteelBase are guaranteed against component failure for five years of normal use. SteelBase furniture is designed to meet or exceed the requirements of ISO9241-5, EN527-1, 2 and 3, and BS EN ISO11064.

Since they were invented, video surveillance cameras have been used mostly for security applications. However, the advent of video analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) has paved the way for use of video data in a variety of other applications, from process control to measuring occupancy to analysing customer traffic trends. The ‘data’ aspects of ‘video data’ are feeding many new applications that no longer involve operators looking at video images on a screen. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can video data be leveraged in an enterprise beyond security?

Security systems are vital to any company. Nowadays, however, they can also provide additional benefits to any enterprise beyond protecting people, assets and facilities. Specifically, systems that were previously focused on security can now be leveraged in new ways to benefit the broader enterprise. When this happens, the security department transitions from a ‘cost centre’ to a repository of data that can benefit the whole company, and even contribute to the bottom line. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can ‘security’ systems benefit the larger mission of an enterprise?

The topic of video analytics has been talked and written about for decades, and yet is still one of the cutting-edge themes in the physical security industry. Some say yesterday’s analytics systems tended to overpromise and underdeliver, and there are still some skeptics. However, newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are reinvigorating the sector and enabling it to finally live up to its promise. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new technologies and trends will shape video analytics in 2021?