Remote video monitoring

Hikvision, a world-renowned manufacturer and supplier of security products and solutions that deliver the ideal combination of high performance and extreme value, announces the upcoming launch of its new NVR 5.0 Series, the next generation in network video recording technology. Building upon the success of Hikvision NVR innovation, the new NVR 5.0 Series revolutionises traditional security systems by seamlessly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (AIoT) capabilities. Next generation NVR 5.0 Series Webinar attendees who play the Kahoot Poll after will win a chance at a FREE iPhone 15 or an M-Series NVR A webinar on Thursday, May 9, will cover all the ground-breaking features of the NVR 5.0 Series with special offers for registered attendees. Webinar attendees who play the Kahoot Poll after will win a chance at a FREE iPhone 15 or an M-Series NVR. Dealer webinar attendees will get 50% off select M-Series NVRs through May 31 (limit 10 units/per dealer). "Our new next generation NVR 5.0 Series sets new benchmarks in network video recording technology," said John Xiao, Vice President of Marketing, Hikvision USA, adding "With its intuitive operations, smart search capabilities, and centralised alarm management, the new Hikvision NVR 5.0 Series empowers users with unprecedented intelligence, efficiency and control over their video systems." Benefits of the new NVR 5.0 Series The NVR 5.0 Series NVRs serve as a pivotal central hub, offering an intelligent platform and scenario-based applications, ushering in the AIoT era. These next-generation NVRs are designed to provide users with unparalleled efficiency, innovation, and ease of use. The five pivotal benefits of the new NVR 5.0 Series include: Intuitive Operations for Real-Time Insights: Gone are the days of complex management interfaces. The NVR 5.0 Series includes a user-friendly interface with tailored views and automated switching, providing real-time clarity and ease of understanding. Revolutionising Video Searching with Smart Technologies: The NVR 5.0 Series introduces Smart Search and AcuSearch functions, significantly reducing search times to mere seconds. Features include frame-by-frame searches, event-based navigation, and target-specific filtering, enhancing operational efficiency. Centralised Alarm Management for Immediate Response: The integrated event centre of the NVR 5.0 Series NVRs streamlines alarm management, search, and configuration, enabling rapid and effective responses to security incidents. Innovating with Intelligent Protection: The NVR 5.0 Series self-learning perimeter protection minimises false alarms and manual input, ensuring smarter and more accurate surveillance with its embedded inference engine. Converged Functions for Comprehensive Control: Enjoy a unified solution for video, audio, alarm, and access control with the NVR 5.0 Series NVRs.

Federation of Gujarat Industries (FG)), Vadodara has conferred the Outstanding MSME Excellence Award at the 18th FGI Awards presentation ceremony. The objective behind the institution of these awards is to recognise excellence in economic, social, and scientific areas. The FGI believes that through these awards, the industrial and social achievements in Gujarat will be recognised publicly and encourage others to contribute to the country's efforts of globalisation and economic development. Technology solutions Speaking about the achievement, Ganesh Jivani, the CEO of Matrix Comsec, said “We are honoured to be recognised for making a meaningful and positive contribution to the economic and technological development of our community and country. Each of us at Matrix is passionate about our shared purpose to create a world-class technology organisation." Ganesh Jivani adds, "The award is a testimony to the efforts of all our employees and associates, whose efforts have enabled us to deliver world-class products consistently and to win and keep the faith of our customers. This award boosts our confidence and encourages us to work harder towards our mission of building world-class technology solutions for the world.” 

Allied Universal®, the security and facility services company, is proud to announce that employee Frances Ruban received the “Patriot Employer” award from the Office of the Secretary of Defence – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  The award recognises Frances, who works at the company’s New York City branch office for her support of an employee who is currently serving in the National Guard. Values sacrifice and service “I am proud to receive this award and work for a company that values the sacrifice and service made by members of the National Guard and military reservists,” Ruban said. “Service to others is at the forefront of what we do at Allied Universal, and we will continue to go above and beyond for these men and women, just as they do for our country.” Frances nomination Frances was presented with her award by Gene Westmoreland from the Department of Defence Frances was nominated by Allied Universal employee Chris Schemer a certified protection officer who has worked for the company since 2013 and is currently overseas on deployment with the United States Army. Due to Schemer’s deployment, Frances was presented with her award by Gene Westmoreland from the Department of Defence. Gene's comment “The support of Allied Universal and its employees makes all the difference for our service members, particularly before deployment. Frances ironed out details in a timely matter and went the extra mile for Chris so that his family would have the proper financial support before his deployment,” Westmoreland said. “Her actions exemplify the supportive and understanding culture that Allied Universal has developed as one of the largest employers of servicemen and servicewomen in our great country."

Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and provider of the world’s pioneering gunshot detection solutions, will be displaying the latest developments in “Active Shooter Intelligence” at ISC West 2024, in Las Vegas, from April 10-12, 2024.  Attendees visiting ShooterDetection Systems booth #23045 can learn more about exciting new developments in gunshot detection, including an introduction to the market’s only platform offering video, access control, shot detection, and remote monitoring all in one solution. Integrated cloud-based solution In an active commitment to creating secure environments free from the tragedy of gun violence, SDS and Alarm.com are working collaboratively to bring sophisticated gunshot detection technologies to organisations of all sizes. The recent integration with Alarm.com’s commercial platform harnesses the proven efficacy of SDS Indoor Gunshot Detection sensors and offers a new, fully integrated cloud-based solution for gunshot detection, video surveillance, access control, immediate alert notifications, and remote monitoring. Shot detection technology Service provider partners can expand their offerings to meet the growing market demand for gunshot detection solutions This innovative new solution reduces the cost and complexity often associated with shot detection technology, making it more accessible for small- to medium-sized entities. Service provider partners can easily expand their offerings to meet the growing market demand for gunshot detection solutions and benefit from the unmatched tools and resources provided by Alarm.com’s Partner Services platform. ResponderLink 911 alerting service New advances in the SDS Enterprise gunshot detection solution can also be experienced at the booth including ResponderLink 911 alerting service and a new graphical user interface for all SDS applications. Attendees can also learn about programs like SecureGrants, the new Certified Dealer Program, and how the SDS Starter Kit is built for cost-effectiveness and ease of adoption for schools and businesses of all sizes.  Immerse in the latest innovative solutions that SDS and Alarm.com bring to the table by visiting Alarm.com's booth #16039 and SDS' booth #23045 for demonstrations. Email SDS to request a dedicated appointment with a gunshot detection specialist.

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce Caroline H. Brown, President, Security Central, has accepted the position of Co-Chair of the association’s Five Diamond Committee.  TMA’s Five Diamond designation is granted annually to TMA member monitoring centers that satisfy all of the requirements of the five points of excellence. In her new leadership role, Brown will work to ensure the designation remains current and reflective of excellence in security monitoring. Integrity of security monitoring “As a third-generation business owner, I have a vested interest in industry programs that make my team better,” stated Caroline H. Brown, adding “This leadership position provides an opportunity for me to be involved during a pivotal time in our industry as rapid changes take place. During a time with so much consolidation, I feel this Committee is an avenue to ensure the integrity of security monitoring moving forward.” TMA CEO, Celia T. Besore stated, “Caroline’s expansive knowledge and direct experience as a business leader have already proven a tremendous asset to the Five Diamond Committee and the program. She readily recognises the challenges facing monitoring centres today in the current, complex landscape. TMA members and the greater monitoring industry will derive great benefits from her contributions in this important role.”

Security and monitoring company, Ecl-ips, has been strengthened in recent weeks thanks to three new starters. Leanne Gough Leanne Gough has joined as Business Administrator working with Angela Price, Business Operations manager. Leanne has transferred to Ecl-ips after 17 years working in the insurance industry. This includes five years working in customer service followed by 12 years in accounts. Here she became a senior team leader for insurer broker accounts. Over her career Leanne has completed a range of qualifications in business and administration; bookkeeping and accounting. Joe Newey Joe is 22 years old but has already worked in the industry for five years Meanwhile, the project engineering team, led by David Harris, has been bolstered by Joe Newey joining as Project Engineer and Tom Clark, who is a trainee Project Engineer. Joe is 22 years old but has already worked in the industry for five years. He also achieved his fire and security qualification last summer after three years of study at college. Although he has not been with the company long Joe said he was 'loving every second of my new journey'. Tom Clark Tom, aged 20, arrived at Ecl-ips having had a variety of jobs previously which gave him a good foundation for his new role. He has been a fire technician, undertaking an electrical installation level 3 course at this time, worked laying and maintaining gas pipes, and has been a loft insulation installer.  However, he decided he wanted to follow a more technical career path and that the security industry would be a good fit. Fortunately for Tom, Ecl-ips is always keen to take on trainees when the company spots potential and can see they can contribute quickly to support the project engineer team. 

The average business owner or investor has some kind of security precaution in place, especially in the after-hours when there are fewer deterrents to inhibit criminal activity. Security guards, video surveillance systems, motion sensor lights, or even just fake cameras placed around the property are some of the common options people choose.  Future of overnight security Smart business owners are starting to realise, however, that some of these traditional security measures are becoming antiquated and no longer cutting. The now and future of overnight security is in remote guarding. Pioneered by companies like Los Angeles-based Elite Interactive Solutions, which was founded back in 2007, remote guarding is revolutionising the overnight security business. Minimising criminal activity Remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners Remote guarding utilises a combination of cutting-edge technology, “digital guards,” highly trained security agents, and local law enforcement if and when necessary to minimise the potential of criminal activity. For those adequately enlightened to its overwhelmingly impressive crime prevention capabilities, remote guarding is fast becoming the most popular choice among commercial end-user property owners to secure and protect their investments. What Is remote guarding?  Remote guarding is a revolutionary concept and increasing trend in security systems that utilises a combination of methods to effectively analyse potential threats to property. Cameras and/or other monitoring devices running highly advanced algorithmic software are installed in strategic areas or vulnerable places onsite and remotely located security agents are immediately notified of any activity within a designated perimeter of the property. A blend of AI, cybersecurity, and video analytics When properly deployed by an expert provider, the technology stack includes a proprietary blend of video analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and more. Done right, “noise” is effectively filtered out, allowing agents to act on legitimate alerts and achieve zero false alarms communicated to first responders. Today, there are a lot of terms and descriptions tossed around about remote guarding, remote video, virtual guarding, etc., but those attributes must be present to represent the true definition of the offering and its many virtues. Realtime situational awareness Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning When specially trained security agents are alerted to trespassers, possible intruders, or other suspicious activity, they analyse the situation in real-time and determine the necessary level of action. Many systems have a two-way speaker that allows the security agent to give a verbal warning, known as a voice-down, to the individual(s) that they are being watched. Most perpetrators, often believing the response is emanating directly from security personnel on the property itself rather than from a remote command centre, flee immediately. However, if the threat persists, the security agent enlists local law enforcement to get on the scene.  Customised remote guarding When properly deployed, remote guarding systems are also customised to specific properties. A team of consultants visits the client’s property to evaluate its vulnerabilities and where to best place cameras and/or other monitoring devices for system efficacy. Traditional security shortfalls  According to Keith Bushey, a retired commander for the Los Angeles Police Department, there is much frustration between law enforcement officers and potential victims of crime due to the historically unreliable performance of traditional burglar alarm systems and central monitoring stations. He states about 90% of security-related calls are false alarms, a problem that has been well-documented through the years. Onsite challenges When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage When a legitimate emergency does occur, the perpetrators have often already done their damage and/or escaped by the time law enforcement arrives.  Onsite security guards are not the remedy either as they bring their own set of issues and challenges.  Unexpected costs Traditional security systems can also have unexpected costs. The cost is not only in the security guards’ paycheck or the cost of the equipment itself. The cost comes when an actual incident occurs. In worst-case scenarios, the security guard(s) are injured, the business suffers inventory loss, and/or damage is sustained to the property.  The medical and other costs for the security guard(s), the loss of inventory, property damage, deployment of law enforcement resources, and possible fallout of legal expenses all add up. Even in the best-case scenario, false alarm expenses incur if law enforcement is dispatched. These, among many others, are some of the primary issues that remote guarding resoundingly answers as a superior alternative. A bounty of benefits Remote guarding systems have been proven to cut costs and be more effective than traditional security systems. Even though the monthly monitoring costs of remote guarding are significantly higher than traditional intrusion detection system monitoring, the much higher effectiveness in crime reduction, elimination of false alarms, and augmenting or replacement of manned guards result in a substantially higher return on investment (ROI) to the end user. Easy tracking of threats The security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down For example, case studies have demonstrated reduced security costs for clients by 60%, on average. These reductions have come from the costs of security staff, inventory, or property loss, plus saving money on insurance premiums and deductibles. The nature of remote guarding reduces the risk and costs of false alarms, with professional security agents able to determine an actual threat before law enforcement is called. In a rare instance when a perpetrator escapes before law enforcement arrives or can detain the individual(s), the security cameras already have their image captured on record, making them easier to track down and identify. Reduction of false alarms The significant reduction in false alarms is greatly appreciated by law enforcement, as it allows them to focus on real emergencies or crises. Better relationships are also developed between clients and law enforcement, as remote guarding systems are highly reliable in providing accurate and real-time information to officers as they approach the scene. In short, it assists law enforcement in doing their job more effectively, as well as more safely thanks to having eyewitness information before engaging in an active crime scene.  Partnership When you combine the decreased cost with the increased efficiency and success rate, it is easy to see why many commercial end-user property owners across the country are making the shift to remote guarding. It’s also an outstanding opportunity for professional security dealers and integrators to partner with a remote guarding services provider to bring a superior solution to their end customers and pick up a recurring monthly revenue stream in the process.

It’s no secret that the data security sector is constantly changing. It has an annual CGR of about 12.3%. Future trends in data security Much of this has to do with the rise of cybercrime in recent years, with reports showing that cyberattacks happen as often as every 39 seconds. To combat the growing rate of cybercrime, data security has been on the rise. As we journey further into this era, it becomes evident that a spectrum of significant trends is molding the future of data security. This exploration delves into a selection of these trends, unraveling their importance and the potential implications they carry  1. AI security tools will increase  Artificial Intelligence is also being used in the development of smart attacks and malware The introduction of Artificial Intelligence in the data security industry brought significant changes, especially in cybersecurity. AI has been the golden standard for face detection, natural language processing, automated threat detection, and automated security systems. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence is also being used in the development of smart attacks and malware, bypassing even the latest security protocols in data control. And as time progresses, AI security tools will flourish and dominate the scene. Let’s take a more in-depth look at three of the top AI security tools. Targeted attack analysis tool  Manufacturers utilise targeted attack analysis tools to uncover targeted and stealthy attacks. Artificial Intelligence can be applied to the program’s capabilities, processes, and knowledge. For instance, Symantec launched this tool to combat the Dragon 2.0 attack in 2022. The phishing attack reprimanded multiple energy companies while trying to gain access to their operational networks. Targeted Attack Analysis Tools can analyse incidents and look for similarities from previous situations. They also help detect suspicious activities and collect all the necessary data to determine whether a specific action is malicious. Intercept X tool  Results from the Intercept X Tool feature high accuracy and a low false positive rate Sophos, a British security hardware and software company, launched the Intercept X Tool. It engages a neural network that records and analyses data like a human brain. Sophos’ Intercept X Tool can extract features from a single file and perform a deep analysis. It detects malicious activities within 20 milliseconds. Plus, it’s also trained to work on bi-directional sharing and real-world feedback of threat intelligence. Results from the Intercept X Tool feature high accuracy and a low false positive rate.  IBM Watson Technology  IBM’s QRadar Advisor uses IBM Watson Technology, a unique AI tool for fighting cyber attacks. Artificial Intelligence can auto-investigate activities and indicators for potential exploitation or compromise. With cognitive reasoning, IBM Watson Technology can present critical insights to accelerate the response cycle. Security analysts can utilise this technology to search for threat incidents, reducing the risk of letting them fly under the radar. 2. Blockchain as a security solution  It guarantees no points of failure or hackable entrances that can expose datasets inside the system Blockchain is a type of distributed ledger technology (DLT) that aims to establish trust within an untrusting ecosystem. Today it’s one of the most robust cybersecurity technologies in the industry. Blockchain utilises a decentralised ledger system, but your team members can still gain access to transparent information in the cloud. Members can also record, pass along, and view necessary transactional data in the blockchain. The entire blockchain process maintains data integrity within the system while establishing trust among team members. It guarantees no points of failure or hackable entrances that can expose datasets inside the system. Cybersecurity, biometrics Cybersecurity primarily benefits from these features because blockchain can create a secure and robust wall between data and hackers. On top of that, blockchain ledgers can include biometrics like fingerprints and retina scans. These prevent hackers from accessing any private data. Because blockchain is decentralised, it also limits hackable data. Together with the technology’s record-keeping system, each node is provided insight into data manipulation exposing real-time cybercrime attempts.  3. Increased and widened access control  Without access control, expect your company to be open to security issues, including theft, data loss, and breach of data Access control is critical in data security. More than a valuable security tool, business leaders can use access control to regulate people accessing any given resource. A company with an IT security setting can control who has the liberty to edit certain files. One of the primary goals of access control is to minimise threats or attacks to organisations and businesses to keep people and data secure. Without access control, expect your company to be open to security issues, including theft, data loss, and breach of data protection laws. Benefits The benefits of increased and widened access control include: Identifying who can access and control your data at specific time intervals. Protecting data from overwriting, accidental deletion, and malicious intent. User permissions that can be readily changed. Compliance and regulation with data privacy laws. Central management of access to data through a reporting portal or a dashboard.  Multi-factor authentication Access control comes in various types and systems, so it’s critical to know the features of what you’re looking for. The most common type is multi-factor authentication or MFA. It involves multiple steps before logging in, requiring the user to enter other relevant information besides the password. Some other examples of information include biometrics, answering a security question, or entering a code sent to the user’s email address. Two-factor authentication, role-based access control Two-factor authentication further prevents unauthorised entries that can result in unnecessary data possession Two-factor authentication further prevents unauthorised entries that can result in unnecessary data possession.  Another type of access control is role-based access control. In this setup, only one individual can set up access guidelines and grant permissions to specific team members within an organisation. 4. Greater use of the zero-trust security model  The zero-trust security model is a framework that requires every user within and outside the organisation to undergo authentication, authorisation, and validation. These are all essential to ensure proper security configuration before access is granted to the company’s applications and data. A zero-trust model assumes that anyone can cause data breaches and that a traditional network edge is not taken into effect. Moreover, it addresses the following modern-day challenges: Hybrid cloud environments. Security of remote workers. Ransomware threats.  This framework utilises the combination of multiple advanced technologies, including:  A risk-based multi-factor authentication. Endpoint security.  Identity protection.  Cloud workload technology.  The zero-trust model uses all these innovative tools for system identification, user verification, access consideration, and system security maintenance. Constant validation and monitoring Enforcing strict policies and compliance with data privacy laws are also essential Additionally, it also considers data encryption, email security, and asset verification before establishing connections with applications. The architecture of a zero-trust framework requires constant validation and monitoring of the users and the devices they are using. Enforcing strict policies and compliance with data privacy laws are also essential. More importantly, the zero trust architecture requires all organisations to be aware of all their available services and accounts to gain complete control of data handling and manipulation. 5. Increased privacy regulations  Privacy regulations and policies guide organisations in proper data control, handling, and security. These policies guide organisations in proper data control, handling, and security. As a responsible business owner, you must comply with these regulations to avoid legal issues. With cybersecurity attacks becoming common, expect increased and stricter privacy regulations to be released in the next few years. While current policies are still taken into effect, various modifications and adjustments will occur to compete with the rising numbers of data breaches, thefts, data loss, and more.  California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) Currently, the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA) is the most comprehensive legislation on state data privacy. It only started to take effect on January 1, 2023. The CPRA introduces the following principles: Broad individual consumer rights. Significant duties of people who need to collect sensitive and personal information. Additional definitions of data privacy and security. An individual’s duties include releasing information about data collection to concerned data subjects and proper access, correction, and deletion of information. Final thoughts  2023 is a big year for data security. Trends such as increased adoption of zero-trust policies, a greater reliance on AI security tools, and the implementation of blockchain as a security solution are all things we expect to see shortly.  Staying up-to-date with these trends is important for keeping your business current and ensuring that you’re adhering to new and changing regulations. Doing so can give you an edge over the competition and keep you out of legal hot water.

GSX 2023 marks a poignant moment for the security industry as an increasingly complex risk landscape converges with the acceleration of technology innovation. Emerging from this environment are three key trends that will dominate the conference and the future of the security industry: (i) the adoption of AI, (ii) the use of predictive analytics, and (iii) a hybrid global and local risk management approach. As Chief Security Officer of Crisis24, a GardaWorld company, I regularly advise clients on how these trends are evolving and impacting their security and risk management approach. Here’s how we can expect to see them discussed at the show next month:​ Trend 1: Artificial intelligence is the new industry standard.  AI is this year's buzzword. While AI is not new to the industry, this year it has become a standard to operate with AI being adopted or expanded more ubiquitously. Legacy AI-enhanced security offerings that have been years in the making are becoming more advanced and are being integrated into expert analyst teams to leverage the best of both man and machine.  Limitations AI augments the data processing ability; however, human-led intelligence is still necessary AI can generate unparalleled levels of data and insights, but it also has its limitations. AI does not have the emotional intelligence that can influence decision-making. For instance, our Crisis24 analyst teams know that every one of the intelligence alerts they provide to leadership may save a life or protect a business. AI augments the data processing ability; however, human-led intelligence is still necessary to effectively elevate knowledge of those threats through an organisation to incite action.  Trend 2: Predictive analytics powered by AI will transform security operations.  Predictive analytics enabled by AI will allow for more precise planning and execution of true emergency management. Those living or operating in conflict zones must be ready to spring into action and predictive analytics can help better evaluate risks, threat levels, and the probability of certain events.   When I served in Iraq in 2003, our greatest challenge was operating in an unpredictable environment and navigating the many unknown threats. With these large-scale threats, it was difficult to account for the vast array of variables involved and ensure that all parties were protected. Broad and instant visibility Predictive analytics provides broad and instant visibility into numerous potential outcomes, impacts, and mitigation strategies for a wide variety of threats.  When dealing with risks that are constantly evolving and quickly accelerating, the insights from predictive analytics can have a direct impact on risk management, mitigation strategies, and preparedness levels. Predictive analytics can anticipate the ripple effect that threats can have on organisations, their people, and their assets and enable security teams to plan.​ Trend 3: Risk mitigation is increasingly both global and hyper-local.  A company’s workforce is often scattered across the country or the world, working from home or on the go Remote work and a flood of 24/7 data sources have driven demand for timely, accurate, and hyper-local intelligence.  Where before an organisation may have had a handful of facilities around the world where its employees gathered, now a company’s workforce is often scattered across the country or the world, working from home or on the go.  Preventive mitigation steps To keep their people and assets safe, business pioneers need to know what’s happening in all corners of the globe, while also easily accessing details on what is happening at the street corner level.  How a business takes care of its people, including anticipating risks and taking preventive mitigation steps as well as responding quickly in the face of threats, can directly affect its reputation. Every company is in the business of safety and security when it comes to looking after its people on a global, national, and increasingly hyper-local scale. 

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.

New buzzwords were abundant in the articles that generated the most clicks on our website in 2022. From the metaverse to the Internet of Things, from frictionless access control to artificial intelligence (AI), the topics most popular among our site’s visitors were at the cutting edge of change and innovation in the physical security marketplace. Here is a review of the Top 10 Articles of 2022, based on reader clicks, including links to the original content: Metaverse will promote collaboration and enable more efficiencies for security Metaverse is a familiar buzzword currently, but few people grasp what it means. In the simplest terms, the metaverse is an online “place” where physical, virtual, and augmented realities are shared. The term, Metaverse, suggests a more immersive online environment that combines elements of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). For the physical security industry, the looming creation of a complex online environment offers possibilities and challenges. Establishing identity will be a central principle of the metaverse, and various biometrics are at the core of ensuring the identity of someone interacting in the virtual world. Cybersecurity elements are also key. On the benefits side, the security market is already taking advantage of technologies related to the eventual evolution of the metaverse. For example, the industry has deployed AR to provide information about a door lock’s status on a screen, headset, or smart glasses as a patrolling guard walks by. What are the security challenges of the transportation industry? Because transit agencies rely on several IoT devices, they get exposed to higher cybersecurity risks Rapid technological advancement, increasing urbanisation, and the growing expectations of commuters and governments are pressuring transit industry players to modernise. Commuters, urban planners, first responders, and other stakeholders want to use transit data to support their decision-making. Transit agencies’ security and operations teams need closer collaboration to stay ahead. However, for many years, most transit agencies have relied on siloed, proprietary systems. Because transit agencies rely on an ever-growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, they also get exposed to higher cybersecurity risks as there are more network access points to manage. The future is here: ADT’s innovation lab evaluating robots and indoor drones New robots and indoor drones for security applications are on the horizon, based on the work of ADT Commercials’ Innovation Lab, which is evaluating the latest technologies’ value to customers and some typical use cases. The ideal use of humanoid robots is to perform jobs that are considered repetitive, dirty, dangerous, and/or mundane. In security, that describes most security guard positions. As the name implies, autonomous indoor drones are focused on flying indoors versus the outdoor environment, which is heavily regulated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Flying autonomously indoors not only eliminates FAA oversight but also will enable ADT Commercial to offer another choice to customers to further reduce their dependencies on and costs of human guards. Innovative security: the key to business efficiency, cost savings, and more Organisations have shifted business focus countless times since the onset of the pandemic. While many leaders have been primarily concerned with the immediate health and safety of their customers and employees, 2022 has given rise to a new trend. More than ever, business leaders are seeking security solutions that increase operational efficiency and cost savings as well as improve logistics and business insight. As working environments become more complex, organisations looking to drive higher productivity and profitability margins should consider security upgrades that prioritise integrated analytics and automation. Shoplifting today is more sophisticated, and so are the tools to fight it One tool to fight shoplifting is analytics, which can be used to determine where shrink is occurring Shoplifting is often viewed as petty theft by individuals, but that is not always the case. Overall, shoplifting is becoming more sophisticated and coordinated. Traditional “shoplifting” has two major differences when compared to organised retail crime (ORC). The differences are numbers and motivation. ORC consists of groups working together to monetise theft, very different than an individual taking an item they need. One tool to fight to shoplift is analytics, which can be used to determine where shrink is occurring. Understanding where crimes take place helps retailers make strategic decisions about where to place their loss prevention efforts. Oosto offers 10 reasons to switch to frictionless access control in commercial buildings Access control for buildings is nothing new. It’s only in recent years that the urgency to implement smarter, more efficient, and more convenient forms of access control has increased, in the context of public and private sector digital transformation. Upheavals from the COVID-19 pandemic have forced organisations to re-think, pivot, and invest in new technology solutions that will incorporate Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning, to gain speed in their operations, glean actionable insights from their video analytics, and enhance productivity with their teams. Which security trend is here to stay? Technologies and trends in the security marketplace come and go with some regularity. But how can you tell which trends are gaining traction and which amount to “the flavor of the month.” For example, while many physical security departments were hesitant to consider cloud-connected solutions in the past, they now better understand the benefits these solutions bring and how they can help them utilize their resources to achieve business goals while minimising overall operational complexity. Other technologies mentioned in the article include mobile credentials, AI-based analytics, video management systems, cybersecurity, and a new emphasis on data. What do these technology trends have in common? They are opening new possibilities for greater system efficiency and functionality. In short, they are playing a role in transforming our industry. GSX 2022 reflects changing technologies and evolving role of security The role of the security director increasingly will encompass facets of cybersecurity and physical security GSX 2022 in Atlanta highlighted the changing role of security in the enterprise. The role of the security director increasingly will encompass facets of cybersecurity as well as physical security. Transitioning to an operation that incorporates both disciplines requires a workforce that embraces education and building new skills. Education and the opportunity to build new skills are evident everywhere at GSX, including in the hundreds of education sessions and also in the knowledge shared on the show floor in the exhibit hall. Consolidation changing the face of the security market Consolidation is a dominant trend in the security marketplace. Large companies typically swallow up smaller companies as a means of expanding both their technology portfolios and their geographic reach. Sometimes a big fish is swallowed up by an even bigger fish. Despite the pandemic and resulting economic challenges, the security market has continued to be a desirable environment for both big players and startups, which then provide abundant acquisition targets for larger companies. This article highlighted recent mergers and acquisition news. Six trends at the intersection of video and AI Video has evolved beyond the capabilities of advanced imaging and performance to include another level: Artificial Intelligence. Video imaging technology combines with AI, delivers a wealth of new data, not just for traditional physical security applications, but for a much deeper analysis of past, present, and even future events across the enterprise. This is more than a big development for the physical security industry; it is a monumental paradigm shift that is changing how security system models are envisioned, designed, and deployed. Much of the heightened demand for advanced video analytics is being driven by six prevalent industry trends.

Omnilert, a pioneer in active shooter solutions, announced that it has integrated Omnilert Gun Detect with the Hanwha Vision Wisenet WAVE video management software (VMS) to provide a complete solution for gun violence and active shooters that can help save lives in the event a gunman comes onto a customers' facilities. Wisenet WAVE VMS is a software platform for IP video surveillance applications that detects, streams, records, and analyses live video from connected IP cameras and networked video sources. By integrating with Omnilert Gun Detect, the Wisenet WAVE platform now has the ability to rapidly respond to detected weapons in a fraction of a second, and once verified, activate a complete and robust response that could include locking doors, notifying police, sending alerts and providing situational intelligence throughout the entire event. Integration of Omnilert Gun Detect The Gun Detect events can trigger operations within WAVE such as sending notifications The Omnilert Gun Detect integration enables selectable bookmarking and/or event triggering in response to a gun detection within Wisenet WAVE VMS. The Gun Detect events can trigger operations within WAVE such as sending notifications and displaying on the Alarm layout. "The integration of Omnilert Gun Detect with Wisenet Wave VMS will bolster the security we can provide our joint customers to protect against the growing threat of active shooters and gun violence, which is at an all-time high in the U.S.," said Nick Gustavsson, CTO and Co-Founder at Omnilert. "This means that video feeds already being managed in the WAVE platform can now be monitored 24/7 for weapons, allowing for a proactive response before shots are fired." Integration into Wisenet WAVE Omnilert Gun Detect's end-to-end workflow of detection and activation allows for automatic initiation "Omnilert's gun detection platform provides especially strong gun detection analytics as well as one of the most flexible and powerful alerting systems on the market," said Mark Heintzman, Technical Partnership Manager at Hanwha. Omnilert Gun Detect's end-to-end workflow of detection, activation, and notification allows for an automated initiation of an organisation's active shooter response, with 24/7 monitoring and local first responder escalation, integrated notification, and integration into Wisenet WAVE. Omnilert's active shooter solution The integration enables selectable bookmarking and/or event triggering in response to gun detection within Wisenet WAVE. The Gun Detect events can trigger multiple operations within WAVE such as sending notifications and displaying on the Alarm layout.  Additionally, Omnilert will automatically configure the camera setup, including IP address, camera name and location, which will help speed the deployment of Omnilert's active shooter solution.

The client functions as a prominent producer of phosphate fertilisers in Sub-Saharan Africa. They began mining phosphate rock in the early 1960s and started producing phosphoric acid in the late 1980s. Their extensive industrial facility, located in Senegal, includes various sites such as Mining, an Acid Plant, a Fertiliser site, and a power plant. They mainly export their phosphoric acid to India and distribute their fertiliser products within West Africa and globally.  Client's requirements The client had a pressing requirement to connect multiple sites and consolidate them using a single communication platform. Additionally, they were in search of a hybrid communication solution that could support both modern and traditional networks. Their needs can be outlined as follows:  ​Hybrid Communication Solution: Deploy a blend of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and conventional networks to enhance communication efficiency.  ​Multilocation Solution: Create connectivity among various locations and merge them onto a unified platform to streamline communication effectively.  Additional Features: Specifically desired functionalities like Call Accounting and Billing to streamline daily administrative duties and operations across multiple sites.  Moreover, the integration of a public address system through the CO line at the power plant was crucial to guarantee the prompt communication of vital instructions to workers, whether in routine activities or emergencies.  Hybrid communication solution The solution had to address the challenge of linking remote locations while also leveraging the existing traditional networks Matrix, collaborating with Bintech, developed a Hybrid Communication solution tailored for this industrial pioneer. The solution had to address the challenge of linking remote locations while also leveraging the existing traditional networks preferred by the industry. While there was an opportunity to modernise through VoIP connectivity, analogue terminals were also essential components of the solution.  The Matrix solution includes:  Two SETU VTEPs and a PRI Gateway extended an IP Connection to the ANANT, a server-based PBX, located at both the MINE and ACID sites. At the MINE, there were five ETERNITY GENX platforms, and at the ACID site, there were two, all connected over LAN to the ANANT. Various analog phones were linked to these GENX platforms, and each GENX platform at the ACID site featured a GSM trunk extension.  ​At the Fertiliser site, the primary ANANT was linked to the WAN. A single GENX platform, connected via LAN, facilitated connections to numerous analog phones on-site. Furthermore, this GENX Platform supported a GSM trunk.  At the power plant, an ETERNITY PENX was linked to the WAN, supporting a public address system over CO. Furthermore, 28 analog phones were incorporated into the network at the power plant.  At Senchim, a SETU VFXTH, a VoIP-FXS gateway, was linked to the WAN. This gateway provided connectivity to several analog phones as well.  Results The Hybrid Communication solution effectively integrated disparate sites onto a common communication platform, utilising both contemporary and conventional networks. Moreover, it enhanced communication through a range of features. The solution delivered:  ​Smooth Multi-site Connectivity: With the support of SETU VTEP, capable of handling up to 2100 IP users, and ANANT, accommodating up to 5000 IP users, seamless connectivity across numerous sites was accomplished.  ​Hybrid Communication Solution: A tailored Matrix solution integrated products capable of harnessing both contemporary and conventional networks. VoIP, GSM, and analog networks were effectively amalgamated to ensure efficient communication among various sites.  ​Contemporary Features: The solution facilitated public address capabilities over CO via ETERNITY PENX at the power plant, allowing for vital information dissemination during emergencies. Integration of Call Accounting software, as requested by the client, was seamlessly integrated into Matrix PBXs.  By combining contemporary and conventional networks, the Matrix solution distinguishes itself for its effectiveness, efficiency, distinctiveness, and readiness for the future.

Pears Jewish Campus is a seven-story education and culture complex that covers over 80,000 square feet, in Westfälische Strasse, Berlin, Germany. The building was designed by renowned architectural firm Tchoban Voss and constructed over a five-year period. It is the largest Jewish campus in Europe, encompassing a kindergarten, primary, and secondary school, a cinema, sports and events halls, art and music studios, co-working office spaces, as well as a kosher restaurant. Paxton’s latest system Paxton10 has been installed to secure the building with sophisticated access control, remote-site management, and flexible access permissions. Requirements Security is of the utmost importance for the safety and protection of young students, teachers and professionals working within the campus, given the anti-Semitic incidents. This prompted the development of a comprehensive security concept with enhanced capabilities, including the need for full-lockdown functionality and checkpoints with weapon detection. Due to the increased level of security needed, Peter Gräf, Managing Director of GRAEF Systemtechnik GmbH, was contracted to oversee the installation and technical aspects of the new security system. Systemtechnik is a group of companies with an arm that specialises in securing high-footfall public sector buildings. Systemtechnik is a level of firms with an arm that specialises in tying high-footfall public sector buildings Peter established that this was a project far beyond the normal requirements. He explains: “Every security measure on the campus had to be designed to recognise and ward off potential threats at an early stage and create a safe yet welcoming environment. The system also needs the ability to convert into manual operation and shut down all electronic keypads from sunset on Fridays to sunset on Saturdays for Shabbat, the Jewish day of rest.” For ease of use, the campus managers need web-based remote site management software and a straightforward way to connect across multiple buildings in various locations. Peter continues: “It is a large site and running cables across it would be a challenge. Having a system that links wirelessly is the simplest and most cost-effective solution. Additionally, there are many people requiring varying levels of access permissions throughout the week. Therefore, it is especially important to be able to implement simple measures to allow access to certain areas at certain times by using electronic tokens that can be issued remotely.” All these requirements coincide with the fact that the system needs long-term scalability, and the design of the hardware used had to meet the expectations of award-winning German architect and artist Sergei Tchoban, who designed the building. Solution To achieve the enhanced security needs of the campus, Peter recommended Paxton10, access control and video management on one simple platform. This was due to multi-site functionality and flexible software configuration, and no requirement for a VPN. It works utilising cloud technology and a Paxton10 server. He explains: “Paxton 10 is easy to specify and install. The modern software is extremely customisable with easily programmable rules and can manage multiple sites remotely with the web software or the Paxton Connect app. Also, the mix of storing data on premises and in the cloud made it ideal for this high-security project.” Peter recommended Paxton10, access control and video management on one simple platform Paxton10 has been installed on 20 main doors across the campus and on turnstiles that form weapon-detecting checkpoints. The system has also been integrated with anti-terror software that locks down the site, meaning no one can enter or leave once initiated. The current setup leaves the building managers with plenty of room to scale the system up, as Paxton10 can manage 1,000 doors, and 50,000 users from a single Paxton10 server.  PaxLock wireless door handles have been installed on office doors and employee wellbeing areas. Authorised users can gain access with traditional fobs or more modern smart credentials which are sent through the Paxton10 software to an end-user's smart device, and work within the free Paxton Key app. Peter continues: “Smart credentials are ideal for the vast number of students on campus. They like using their smartphones, and it means they are not losing tokens that are expensive to replace. However, having the choice to still gain access with traditional fobs has been useful as there are a substantial number of people with varying technological preferences.” Results The installation has met the advanced security requirements mapped out in the original concept, and the system can turn into manual operation at the touch of a button for ease of use when Shabbat is being recognised.  Overall, the building managers are pleased with the system’s functionality and have been working with Paxton’s Support team configuring Paxton10 to suit the bespoke needs of the campus. Furthermore, the hardware installed has met architectural expectations and compliments the building's heterogenous design, particularly on the main entrances where Paxton's vandal-resistant panels and readers have been installed. Peter concludes: “The system has been configured so the campus managers can make changes at the touch of a button, and the Paxton10 hardware is excellent quality and extremely aesthetically pleasing. I believe Paxton10 is the future of access control.”

The Greening Campaign, founded by Terena Plowright, has set its sights on an ambitious goal: to make the entire United Kingdom greener, one community at a time. This initiative seeks to address a pressing concern—the widespread lack of awareness about the importance of energy efficiency within homes. According to Citizen’s Advice, the average UK home loses approximately £350 each year due to poor insulation. This loss escalates to as much as £951 annually for the least efficient homes. These figures show the significant financial impact of energy inefficiency on homeowners across the country. Complicating the situation further is the fact that many of the critical areas where heat loss occurs are invisible to the naked eye. This challenge requires the use of specialised equipment capable of detecting and addressing these elusive energy leaks. Given that the Greening Campaign operates primarily through the efforts of volunteers, the tool needs to be not only effective but also user-friendly. Solution Recognising the need for an accessible tool to identify and demonstrate energy inefficiency, the Greening Campaign selected the FLIR C5 compact thermal camera for its user-friendly design. Terena explained, "When we were looking at the camera, we were thinking about, 'What would people be confident to use?' We chose the FLIR C5 because it resembles a mobile phone." The FLIR C5 cameras were distributed to community members, enabling them to visually detect Colin, a volunteer for the Greening Campaign and a surveyor, shared his excitement about the potential of thermal imaging to reveal numerous solutions to energy loss problems; ‘’It was fascinating to hear how many answers there are to the problems people have of energy loss through losing heat. I, personally, as a surveyor was fascinated to see what results we’d get from using a thermal camera.’’ The FLIR C5 cameras were distributed to community members, enabling them to visually detect where heat was escaping from their homes, thereby making the invisible, visible. Colin gives details on his and the volunteer's first outing with the thermal cameras, ‘’We went out to our first few, very much, as amateurs. We played around with the cameras—it took around half an hour, and that’s all, to understand it.’’ Results Volunteers equipped with thermal cameras have been able to demonstrate the tangible benefits of energy efficiency to homeowners in a visually impactful way. Terena shares the positive effect of making it easier for people to understand and address heat loss issues: "When you’re telling people about energy loss, it’s very difficult to get them to really see that, but when you’ve got it in technicolour, right in front of them, they really understand where that heat loss is. And this is the beauty of these cameras; you can see where roof insulation has even the smallest gaps—it will show through." The campaign has created a ripple effect, with more than 200 wards now fitted to pass on their facts Kirsty, a community member, explains her experience with the initiative: "Everyone was really friendly; we looked at every window and door together, picked out areas that I might not have noticed—it was really beneficial to do. I’m definitely concerned about reducing my carbon footprint." She also highlights some simple answers to heat loss: "Little things like draft excluders—everyone can use those, shutting the curtains early, keeping all the heat in—and it doesn’t have to cost a lot." Moreover, the campaign has created a ripple effect, with more than 200 communities now equipped to pass on their knowledge and experiences to others. This grassroots movement, powered by the dedication of volunteers and the innovative use of FLIR thermal cameras, is creating a patchwork of energy-efficient communities. As Colin put it, "What each of us can do—we're a drop in the ocean, but, actually, all together, we are that ocean; we can make those changes." The success of the Greening Campaign underscores the power of community engagement, accessible technology, and hands-on education in driving significant environmental change. It's a compelling model for how local actions can contribute to global solutions, one community at a time.

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced a positive detection of an illegally brandished firearm in Hobbs, New Mexico that has resulted in criminal charges. At 6:35 p.m. MDT on November 30, 2023, ZeroEyes alerted the Hobbs Police Department and Eagle I.C. dispatch centre of an illegal gun detection captured on a security camera in the parking lot of Del Norte Pool. The ZeroEyes Operations Centre (ZOC) provided intelligent situational awareness about the threat, which involved individuals shooting sporting clays dangerously close to North Grimes Street. The responding officers detained the suspects and filed criminal charges against one of them. Rapid human verification ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers over living security cameras “My team and I were highly impressed with ZeroEyes’ AI detection and rapid human verification, which helped us stop this dangerous activity before anybody was hurt,” said Hobbs police chief August Fons. “In the past, something like this would have been missed entirely. We absolutely cannot have our citizens illegally firing guns in a public area, where anybody could walk by and get injured or even killed.” ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers over existing digital security cameras. When a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZOC, staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. Visual description If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and last known location, to law enforcement in as fast as three to five seconds from detection. “It is always gratifying to learn that our system has successfully prevented a potential shooting,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “We are thankful that Hobbs PD acted swiftly to stop this illegal behaviour, and look forward to continued success working with the department.”

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation announced that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been selected by Woodbine Community School District in Woodbine, Iowa, to protect students, faculty, and staff from individuals attempting to bring illegal guns onto the campus. U.S. school shooting rates continue to surge. Enhancing school safety Woodbine Community School District, a rural pre-K-12 public school district that operates two schools and serves 500+ students, adopted ZeroEyes to address these growing safety concerns.  “We are dedicated to enhancing school safety so that our teachers can focus on education and students can concentrate on learning,” said Justin Wagner, superintendent, of Woodbine Community Schools.  Instant verification, validation, and communication Step in a series of proactive mitigation and safety precautions we are taking to keep students and staff safe" “Choosing ZeroEyes means instant verification, validation, and communication to local law enforcement of anyone wishing to harm students or staff with a gun." "Their outstanding team and 24/7/365 in-house operations centre provide us with the utmost confidence that we are providing the most advanced notification system available. This is an important step in a series of proactive mitigation and safety precautions we are taking to keep students and staff safe.” Actionable intelligence If ZeroEyes detects a gun on campus, the software will instantly send images to the ZeroEyes Operation Centre (ZOC), staffed by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans, 24/7/365. These experts will verify the threat and dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence, including visual description, gun type, and last known location, to local Woodbine staff and first responders in as fast as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. AI gun detection technology "We're proud to see Woodbine Community Schools adopt our AI gun detection technology,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder, of ZeroEyes.  “We see it as our duty to help create a safer learning environment for children. We hope to see a day where schools are free from violence, ensuring students, parents, and staff can live without fear of gun-related threats.”

For many years, security systems produced their share of "data exhaust." Every access control action and each video image became a data point to be stored in perpetuity, with no practical way to use the data. More recently, systems have been developed to enable organizations to analyze data from sensors and other connected devices to gain valuable insights into how their systems are being used, to identify potential vulnerabilities; and even to provide insights into broader enterprise operations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How are data analytics changing the course of the security marketplace? 

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?" 

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?