Resort surveillance

Veeam® Software, the #1 pioneer by market share in Data Protection and Ransomware Recovery announced several updates and enhancements of its Veeam ProPartner Network programme aimed at helping partners around the world to benefit from the growing adoption of Veeam technology to help companies become radically resilient in the face of growing cyber threats and other outages. Veeam ProPartner Network The programme updates are focused on supporting partner profitability in a more predictable way while ensuring the partner’s business with Veeam is safeguarded. There are a range of new changes to the Veeam ProPartner Network, which includes a solid network of 35,000 technology partners operating in more than 150 countries.   Veeam Data Platform We invest significant time listening to our partners and exploring how we can work better together" “Veeam is a partner-first company. Partners have been a critical element in Veeam’s success and will continue to be at the center of our continued growth,” said Larissa Crandall, VP of Global Channel and Alliances at Veeam. “We invest significant time listening to our partners and exploring how we can work better together, and of course help them deliver the Veeam Data Platform to secure the best possible outcomes for our joint customers." New programme enhancements "Successful channel programmes must give partners a predictable and profitable business." "Throughout 2024, Veeam will be announcing a series of new programme enhancements through collaboration with partners, alliances, and GSIs that will strengthen our overall partner ecosystem and enable radical resilience in a world where our technology is protecting customers from a growing range of threats to their data and business continuity.” Veeam ProPartner Network benefits Deliver greater profit for partners through improvements in partner margin on the front end. Expanded deal registration eligibility and included non-standard pricing scenarios to enable partners to further grow their customer base. Protect Partner margins with new price protection for incumbent partners along with select discounts on maintenance and renewals. Enhanced sales and technical training aligned to Competencies enable partners to differentiate through expertise in Cybersecurity and Disaster Recovery, SaaS, Kubernetes data protection and Public Cloud solutions. Increased joint customer wins resulting from Veeam support throughout the entire sales process. Increased Marketing support delivering more programmes, campaigns and resources through the Veeam Marketing Center via ProPartner Portal. Registration is open for the 10th annual VeeamON event, June 3 through June 5, 2024, at the Diplomat Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  Marketing and technical support The new Veeam ProPartner Network fosters this mindset of shared success and profitability" “In the last few years, we have seen an evolution in the partner ecosystem where the goals of the customer, partners, and technology providers all overlap, and mutual success must be at the core of every successful partner programme," said Steve White, programme Vice President, Channels and Alliances at IDC. "The new Veeam ProPartner Network fosters this mindset of shared success and profitability by offering partners marketing and technical support to enable them to be able to increase profitability more predictably.” Everything-as-a-service strategy “Veeam partners like Advizex, a solution provider with deep roots in complex enterprise IT infrastructure and cloud computing, which has been a Veeam partner for more than 12 years. As the Advizex everything-as-a-service strategy continues to accelerate, we look forward to working even closer with Veeam to deliver cyber resilience to our joint customers to keep their businesses running," said CR Howdyshell, CEO at Advizex, a Platinum Veeam Partner.  "Advizex’s core values – Respect, Accountability, Integrity, and “Customers for Life” align with these new Veeam partner programme updates, which further strengthens our partnership and shared vision moving forward.”  Data protection and ransomware recovery “Data has never been more critical to business success, and securing that critical data remains a constant challenge. Our partnership with Veeam enables us to deliver pioneering data protection and ransomware recovery solutions to our joint customers, and these new partner programme updates only strengthen those capabilities," said Bob Panos, SVP of Sales and Professional Services at American Digital, a Gold Veeam Cloud and Services Provider (VCSP) partner.  "As a long-standing Veeam partner, we’re most excited about the changes made to the new incumbency programme which extends the opportunity for us to grow our business and profitability.”

Often overlooked, storage for valuables, documents, and personal items deserves the same protection as offices, labs, or accommodation.  Yet many access solutions leave these important access points poorly secured. Running two systems in parallel Intelligent electronic control often stops at the door, ignoring the critical safety needs of many forgotten openings.    One common facilities management solution is to run two systems in parallel: electronic access for doors, and mechanical security for “non-door” openings which many electronic systems cannot accommodate.   Challenges with multiple systems Users carry multiple credentials, so there is more chance they lose one However, running two access control workflows based on different technologies increases risk and complexity, and eats up admin time. Users carry multiple credentials, so there is more chance they lose one. Security teams must issue, track, and monitor multiple credentials and credential types. It creates an unnecessary hassle for everyone.  A growing need for “non-door” security  A cabinet or drawer lock fitted at relevant points, and integrated with the central system, can give many valuable assets the security they require. Once integrated with the system software, this electronic device can deter unauthorised access and reduce workplace theft which in the USA alone may cost businesses $50 billion each year.   Enhanced cabinet security In the healthcare sector, enhanced cabinet security can protect medicines and confidential documents. In universities and schools, students and staff experience peace of mind when they can leave belongings in lockers in communal areas or changing rooms that are properly secured.  Security concerns Many office users don’t have “their” desks, where confidential or valuable assets are stored safely In today’s more flexible workplaces, many office users don’t have “their” desks, where confidential or valuable assets are stored safely. They just use “a” desk. Unsurprisingly, according to business services provider Clutch, almost a quarter of coworking space users have security concerns. Easy to install, convenient, and economical The right cabinet security does more than just save management time. It also helps building users become relaxed about their belongings’ safety.  How, then, can facilities managers identify the best devices, easy to install, convenient, and economical to run and integrate them without expense or hassle?  Hardware solutions to integrate overlooked openings ASSA ABLOY offers a choice of security solutions for these forgotten access points. In many cases, multiple non-door locking types may also be integrated with a third-party system and managed together, to maximise the flexibility and efficiency of security admin.  Aperio® KL100 Its tiny footprint and wire-free operation ensure quick installation without causing damage The new battery-powered Aperio® KL100, for example, secures lockers, cabinets, cupboards, drawers and more. It makes almost any small opening an integral part of an electronic access control system. Designed for minimal disruption to furniture, its tiny footprint and wire-free operation ensures quick installation without causing damage or making a visual impact. It integrates seamlessly with any new or existing access control system from over 100 different manufacturers and counting.  Safe storage of documents Finavia, the operator of Helsinki Airport, must lock all types of openings, from doors and cabinets to fences and cargo. Devices all integrate seamlessly with their Lenel access control system. Check-in desks are fitted with Aperio KL100 locking, to ensure travel documents are stored safely. Audit trail capability simplifies the process of learning who accessed the storage and when.  Easy to monitor This is much easier to monitor than mechanical key security, “When employees change, their access is disabled,” explains Kari Mäkinen, the airport’s Senior Access Control Specialist. “Or if the card is lost, it can be completely removed from the system. With mechanical keys, that process is much harder.”  SMARTair system SMARTair e-motion Cabinet Locks with integrated RFID readers work with a wide range of credentials At Funway Academic Resort, student accommodation in Madrid, a single SMARTair system provides flexible, reliable electronic protection for bedrooms, common areas, and student safes. No sensitive openings are overlooked. Part of the SMARTair® complete access control solution, SMARTair e-motion Cabinet Locks with integrated RFID readers work with a wide range of credentials. They offer convenient unlocking via smartphone and are easily managed together with wireless door-locking devices and electronic padlocks using SMARTair’s intuitive software.  Programmable key-based security ASSA ABLOY also offers programmable key-based security for non-door openings such as gates, lockers, cabinets, and vending machines. With CLIQ® users enjoy the convenience of carrying just one programmable battery-powered smart key which unlocks every door or access point they are authorised to open. Access rights are managed efficiently with a choice of remote or locally installed software. 

Matrix, a prominent provider of Telecom and Security solutions, eagerly anticipates showcasing its range of security and telecom products at IREE 2023. This event is scheduled from 12th to 14th October 2023 and is dedicated to innovative security solutions. The venue is Booth No. 2.120, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. Matrix is the first company to offer RDSO 6.0-compliant cameras for Indian Railways. Matrix cameras are certified by STQC, Delhi lab for following the OWASP ASVS 4.0 mandated by RDSO for cyber security. EN50155 compliant Matrix Cameras are designed to ensure that the data gathered by the cameras is secured against cyber threats both at the time of transmission and storage. Matrix will unveil its cutting-edge IP Video Surveillance solutions at this exhibition, encompassing enterprise-grade VMS, NVRs, and IP cameras with resolutions reaching up to 8 MP. Their latest camera in the range is ruggedised cameras that are EN50155 compliant. The cameras are anti-vibrant and shock-resistant making them ideal for roadways and railways. The comprehensive solution focuses on addressing three key client concerns: managing bandwidth and storage expenses, simplifying centralised video surveillance complexities, and offering proactive security measures. Matrix PTZ series 2MP cameras The IREE 2023 event in New Delhi, will feature a display of the Matrix Ruggedised Cameras In a recent addition to its diverse range of IP cameras for comprehensive security, Matrix introduces the ruggedised camera. Matrix ruggedised IP cameras cater to transportation's dynamic needs with high-quality video, low-light sensitivity, and versatile features for rail and roadway monitoring. It can capture images of vehicles moving in Zap Speed. The IREE 2023 event in New Delhi, will feature a display of the Matrix Ruggedised Cameras. Matrix also features PTZ cameras, enabling full 360-degree security coverage by enabling pan-tilt-zoom functions in multiple directions for extensive area monitoring. The Matrix PTZ series 2MP cameras with 25x/33x and 5MP Cameras with 42x optical zoom options enhance image clarity and surveillance efficiency. Project Series 5MP Cameras Furthermore, Matrix will also introduce its existing line of Project Series Cameras, specifically designed for large-scale organisations and project-based scenarios. The Project Series 5MP Cameras come with UL Certification, a globally recognised safety standard, and NEMA Certification, ensuring resilience against environmental threats. These cameras offer high-resolution imagery for enhanced clarity and protection. Advanced surveillance systems demand robust video recording solutions with ample storage capacity and redundancy to ensure continuous 24/7 surveillance with minimal downtime. Matrix addresses this need with its new ENVR line, capable of supporting up to 256 channels and boasting a storage capacity of up to 144 TB. Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to experience this innovation firsthand. SATATYA SAMAS range of solutions Matrix showcases the COSEC PANEL200P-a site controller ruling key operations for buildings To enhance proactive video surveillance capabilities, visitors can explore the SATATYA SAMAS range of solutions by Matrix, featuring features like tripwire, intrusion detection, motion detection, no-motion detection, and more. Within the realm of access control, Matrix will showcase the COSEC PANEL200P-a site controller overseeing access operations for entire buildings. This versatile controller functions in two distinct architectures: acting as a bridge between controllers and servers in network architecture, and operating autonomously without a server in Standalone Architecture. Its user interface can efficiently manage 255 COSEC door controllers and accommodate up to 25,000 users. COSEC ARC DC200P door controller Furthermore, Matrix will introduce the COSEC ARC DC200P door controller, an innovative IP-based access control terminal with several advantages over traditional models. Leveraging Power over Ethernet (PoE) eliminates the need for complex wiring and local power sources. Its compact design, offering both din rail and wall mount options, makes it suitable for even space-constrained environments. Matrix will raise the COSEC ARC DC200P door controller, an inventive IP-based access control Matrix's display will also feature the robust biometric door controller-VEGA FAX, boasting multiple connectivity options including Wi-Fi, PoE, and ethernet. The company will also present the COSEC ARGO FACE, a sophisticated face-based door controller renowned for its precise, swift, and reliable recognition capabilities, powered by cutting-edge AI-driven deep learning technology. Author's quote Kaushal Kadakia, Marketing Head, states, “IREE will provide an excellent opportunity for exhibitors to demonstrate our innovative security products for various industrial verticals. With a large crowd set to attend, we expect to meet some key decision-makers to advance our creative solutions. We look forward to understanding their organisational needs and showing them how our solutions will help them improve their security experience.” Matrix cordially invites to visit IREE 2023 from 12th to 14th October 2023 at Booth No. 2.120, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, and get a hands-on experience with its enterprise-grade security solutions.

Barrier1 Systems, the industry pioneer in perimeter-hardening physical security vehicle barriers, is showcasing its robust offering of crash-rated security and safety bollards at NACS 2023, in booth #B5205, October 4th through 6th in Atlanta, GA. Barrier1’s vehicle barrier experts will be on hand to discuss the company’s range of crash-tested bollards, purpose-built to protect convenience stores, gas stations, and public-facing retail establishments from the costly personal liabilities associated with storefront crashes. Proactive solutions “Many business operators and owners are unaware of the exorbitant costs generated by vehicle ramming incidents from personal injury lawsuits to property damage and business downtime,” said Mark Borto, CEO, of Barrier1. He adds, “Exhibiting at NACS allows us to bring attention to this critical issue with proactive solutions that prioritise safety, security, and peace of mind for C-stores, gas stations, and public-facing retail stores.” ASTM and F3016 S10/P1 Barrier1 offers bollards that are crash-tested and rated F3016 S10/P1 all the way up to ASTM F2656 M50/P1 Unlike other security bollards available on the market, Barrier1 Systems’ safety bollards undergo rigorous crash testing and meet the standards set by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). Barrier1 offers bollards that are crash-tested and rated F3016 S10/P1 up to ASTM F2656 M50/P1. That will cover against impacts from a 5,000lb pickup truck travelling at 10mph up to and including a 15,000lb medium duty truck travelling at 50mph. Tomcat S10 Storefront Bollard On display and available for demonstration at Barrier1 booth# B5205 is the Tomcat S10 Storefront Bollard, a crash-rated bollard designed to stop a 5,000lb vehicle travelling at 10mph. Tailored to provide enhanced safety in high-traffic, low-speed locales, including retail locations, fast food restaurants, banks, and sidewalks, the Tomcat S10 ensures pedestrian well-being is a top priority. Tomcat S30 Storefront Bollard Tomcat S30 is designed for easy retrofitting with same-day excavation and installation Also on display at NACS is the Tomcat S30 Storefront Bollard, capable of halting a 5,000lb vehicle traveling at 30mph, making it an essential tool for areas with increased security and safety needs. As with other Barrier1 products, the Tomcat S30 is designed for easy retrofitting with same-day excavation and installation. Performance and quality Barrier1 Systems’ complete range of safety bollards is available in a variety of types, designs, and colours, ensuring consistent levels of performance and quality that seamlessly match storefront aesthetics. The dedicated team at Barrier1 Systems is available for collaboration and committed to finding the ideal bollard solution that meets an organisation’s specific design and security requirements.

Zenitel, the global supplier of critical communication solutions, announces the launch of its VR3G-1 and VR3G-1P vandal-resistant intercoms. The new intercoms have several high-tech features that make them suitable for use in any environment and provide the highest levels of safety and security.  VR3G-1 and VR3G-1P For the safety of individuals and to mitigate the risk of self-harm or abuse, both intercoms feature soft rounded corners, chamfered edges, and a flushed button design. For reliability, the VR3G-1 and VR3G-1P intercoms are equipped with a tamper switch alarm, to notify operators of potential security issues such as tampering or attempted removal from a wall. The VR3G-1P additionally has scheduled self-test enabled through a flush design, Piezo button. Water and dust-protected The new intercoms have also been engineered to withstand vandalism with an IK10 rating For performance, the intercoms are water and dust-protected with an IP66 rating. They can be used outdoors in any weather environment, even in locations with extreme water or dust. The new intercoms have also been engineered to withstand vandalism with an IK10 rating, steel front plate, and poke protection technology.  Innovative and reliable technology “We are excited about the launch of our VR3G-1 and VR3G-1P intercoms, and the level of safety and security they will bring to any environment,” says Erik Hoffman, VP of Product Management, Zenitel. “Our priority is always to provide innovative and reliable technology to protect people’s safety and to enhance facility security. We are excited to introduce the new intercoms to customers.”

3xLOGIC, a provider of integrated and intelligent security solutions, has announced the availability of its X-Series edge-based deep learning analytics cameras. X-Series cameras combine state-of-the-art hardware with advanced analytics to deliver real-time, accurate, and actionable data, transforming how surveillance systems can be deployed and utilised.  Advanced data processing "X-Series cameras have analytics that enables them to perform advanced data processing directly at the edge, right on the camera itself," explained Mike Poe, Director of Product Management at 3xLOGIC. "They use object, people, perimeter, and vehicle identification algorithms to provide accurate detection and tracking in dense, complex, and busy environments. Using vast volumes of representative data, the cameras continuously analyse movements and behaviour, while using predictive analysis to constantly track each object." Appearance-based models This decreases the opportunity for false positives as a result of elements such as illumination changes 3xLOGIC’s analytics technology utilises appearance-based models, as opposed to established motion-based solutions that depend solely on changes in pixels over time to indicate movement. This decreases the opportunity for false positives as a result of elements such as illumination changes or foliage, as the trackers identify and ignore them because they do not look like objects of interest. This level of filtering is particularly effective for improving accuracy or detecting complex behaviours, and once an object begins tracking, a unique identification code is assigned that stays with the object in the field of view. Core applications X-Series cameras can be deployed both indoors and outdoors and allow valuable business intelligence to be gained. Core applications include retail, commercial and office premises, education, hospitality, warehousing and distribution, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. 3xLOGIC’s deep learning analytics provide information about dwell time, entry and exit, appearance and disappearance, abandoned and removed objects, traffic direction and tailgating, as well as people's movement and counting. VIGIL VMS integration VIGIL Server provides support for use cases such as perimeter protection, business intelligence, and alarm notifications X-Series cameras form an integral part of 3xLOGIC's VIGIL video management system, allowing users to harness the full potential of their surveillance ecosystem. For example, person, object, and vehicle detection capabilities can be integrated into VIGIL CLOUD, so that only actionable detection and notifications are delivered. Meanwhile, VIGIL Server provides support for use cases such as perimeter protection, business intelligence, and alarm notifications.  Edge-based deep learning analytics Integration with VIGIL TRENDS makes security management easier and more efficient by turning data into meaningful information, collating, deciphering, and presenting it in a way that makes sense by showing present and historical data in a business context.  3xLOGIC’s Poe concluded, "Our X-Series edge-based deep learning analytics cameras empower organisations to take their security to the next level by providing them with powerful analytical tools that deliver insights and actionable data, enabling them to make informed decisions and respond quickly to potential security threats."

Open platform video technology software is more than just a product; it's a tool that helps customers achieve their desired business outcomes. Safety, round-the-clock security, and increased operational efficiencies are now the norm due to video technology. Responsible Technology Despite humanity’s impressive technological advances, we also recognise the immense responsibility that comes with technological innovation. It's not enough to focus solely on the positive impact video technology can make, we must also be vigilant in identifying and addressing any potential negative consequences it can have on society and its citizens. This is the role of Responsible Technology. Data privacy We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, AI, ML, facial recognition, etc. We want to use all the good things that technology innovation brings, whether it be video, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, facial recognition, etc. to serve people in societies in a responsible way. That means making sure that we regulate technology in a way that respects human rights and data privacy. Addressing the challenges The challenge is, that rather often technology leaders and policymakers either have conflicting interests or collaborate too late. To be responsible, business leaders must support their societies and policymakers in making regulations in the interest of the common good. At Milestone Systems, we are actively looking at how we develop our software responsibly, how our partners responsibly sell our software, and very importantly, how our customers use our software with a responsible mindset. Ensuring good corporate governance As a long-time partner within the security industry, we’re celebrating our 25th Anniversary this year, we are supporting the regulation of video technology for the good of society. However, it of course needs to strike the fine line between the right legislation and not hindering innovation.  UNGP The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business At Milestone Systems, we want to play an active role in this and that is why we have pledged our support to the UN's Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGP). The UNGP is the most authoritative and widely adopted set of principles for responsible business. The principles call on governments and companies to identify, prevent, mitigate, and remedy actual and potential human rights abuses. Since its launch in 2011, the UNGPs have received wide support from states, civil society organisations, and the private sector, making them the key global foundation for business and human rights. Protect, respect, and remedy Through this commitment, we are taking steps to ensure good corporate governance and ethical standards in the development of our technology. We're generating mechanisms to prevent misuse and we are building educational practices internally. Based on the UNGP’s three pillars: protect, respect, and remedy, we are developing a set of Responsible Technology Principles and procedures for the development, selling, and use of our products. Need for video technology regulation In addition, we are currently evaluating all the various technology areas in which our video software can be used, such as with third-party integrations that utilise e.g., facial recognition. We are mapping out the advantages and disadvantages for societies. One key area of concern is how local authorities are mapping and storing data about us as individuals. This is the reason why we're inviting more legislation to regulate video technology rather than less. Engaging With policymakers We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard We are proactively reaching out to and connecting with policymakers and other relevant stakeholders to discuss our approach to and take on Responsible Technology and encouraging the political landscape to work with us around regulation and legislation. We are meeting ministers and trade organisations as we believe this needs to be a joint effort where all parties are heard and where we can openly weigh the advantages and the challenges of technology, whether it is video, facial recognition, machine learning, Artificial Intelligence, or other technologies. Striking a balance Implementing Responsible Technology is a journey, not a destination. To give it the focus needed, we have created a dedicated team to implement this initiative at Milestone Systems. At the same time, we are reaching out to the political landscape to discuss how we balance regulation without hindering innovation. Video technology used ethically We are a global company with worldwide operations, and we are having dialogues about how video technology is being used and how we can have meaningful talks about what regulation and legislation should look like. However, we don’t necessarily want to limit access to the technology itself. Facial recognition We encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line Facial recognition is a great example of this. The EU is considering making live facial recognition illegal. That would be a huge inhibitor of proactive terrorism prevention. For example, if a well-known terrorist is walking down the street and is being mapped out against Interpol’s most wanted list, the authorities should be able to react. However, if a person walking down the street but is not mapped out or does not have any priors then the city should not be allowed to store the data of that individual’s whereabouts at that point in time. This potential legislation is concerning to me as a citizen of Europe. Instead, we encourage the policymakers to engage with us in the industry so that together we can strike the fine line for the better good of all of us. Maintaining high ethical standards We have a firm understanding and expectation that ethical standards are a huge driver in the security business. Citizens are not in favour of technology companies abusing data about them and monetising from things that they have not opted in to do. Soon, I think we will see many more companies and governments leaning toward suppliers that do have a responsible mindset and high ethical standards for partnerships. Ethical practices Our journey toward Responsible Technology is an ongoing process, and we must remain steadfast in our commitment to ethical practices and the protection of human rights. We recognise that the rapidly changing technological landscape continually presents new challenges and opportunities. For this reason, we continuously look into how we can improve, for example, our end user licence agreements to avoid potential human rights abuses. An industry responsibility Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures For Responsible Technology to truly become a reality, compliance with international human rights laws and data privacy regulations is critical. Security companies must prioritise careful planning and preparation, including developing policies and procedures that govern the ethical use of video surveillance systems. The secure and ethical community In today's technology environment where deep integrations, machine learning, and artificial intelligence are becoming the norm, Responsible Technology is more relevant than ever. The security industry has a unique opportunity to set an example for other sectors by promoting a secure and ethical development community that prioritises Responsible Technology, trustworthy data collection, and the protection of human rights. We must all rise to this challenge and embrace our role as ethical leaders for the greater good of both people and societies.

The security industry is going increasingly digital these days, with more small- and medium-sized businesses joining their global brethren by moving their data to the cloud, leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence, and embracing more open solutions. Innovation is expected to continue at a rapid pace, thanks in part to the residual effects of the pandemic which has driven changes that might have otherwise taken five years or a decade or more to get into customers’ hands on a global scale. Let’s take a look at the trends that will dominate ISC West 2023. Improved analytics Analytics is about expedience, and in the surveillance world, it makes it possible to identify and search for the “who did it?” clip you need. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology Analytics also provides more actionable intelligence than a simple surveillance camera may provide, from identifying high-traffic areas during select times of the day and alerting staff to pay greater attention to these areas, to business intelligence that can enable a company to staff a store with more employees. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology and relying less on humans. Leveraging the cloud The cloud story is very related: it provides the ability to perform video-related tasks from anywhere on any device. In addition, the cloud makes it easier to share videos with other stakeholders and collaborate on investigations. By storing video on the cloud, end users reduce their total cost of ownership because they no longer have to invest in onsite storage solutions, while gaining greater storage capabilities and thereby future-proofing their solutions. Deployment patterns Because the cloud requires a less total cost of ownership and can be intuitive, it is driving interest in solutions Another interesting trend that we’ll be hearing more about this year is the overall deployment patterns of video surveillance systems. This is part of the cloud trend, but the broader trend is the amount of effort it takes to deploy, monitor and maintain the video surveillance system. Because the cloud requires less total cost of ownership and cloud access can be intuitive, it is driving interest for solutions that can be hosted in the cloud. Interoperability vs. proprietary Related to the debate of open vs. closed solutions is how much the surveillance market prefers a turnkey solution compared to a more custom best-of-breed and tailored solution. Smaller and mid-market companies will be more interested in the turnkey solutions provided by a single vendor, while enterprise-level companies traditionally gravitate toward investing in customised solutions that are more likely to address their unique security challenges. One other related trend to keep an eye on is the role of the integrator as part of the rise of cloud and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) offerings.

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. 

Casinos offer several attractive applications for LiDAR, including security and business intelligence. Using laser sensors, the technology can replace the use of surveillance cameras. For casino security, LiDAR can track player movement and provides complete coverage and accuracy that have not been achievable by surveillance cameras. Massive coverage areas can save on costs of sensor deployment versus other technologies. LiDAR and its applications LiDAR is a method for determining ranges by targeting an object with a laser and measuring the time for the reflected light to return to the receiver. LiDAR sensors emit pulsed light waves into a surrounding environment, and the pulses bounce off surrounding objects and return to the sensor. The sensor uses the time it took for each pulse to return to the sensor to calculate the distance it travelled. LiDAR is commonly used in markets such as robotics, terrestrial mapping, autonomous vehicles, and Industrial IoT (Internet of Things). Today, casinos offer a lucrative emerging market for technology. LiDAR tracking enables casino operators to understand the guest path, journey, queue time, count Crowd management LiDAR can contribute to a casino’s guest experience by counting people at doors or in sections of the gaming floor to provide intelligence about crowd size to track occupancy. LiDAR tracking enables casino operators to understand the guest path, journey, queue time, count, and other statistical information by comparing previous time frames to current occupancy levels. This approach allows them to understand digital media advertisement and experience placement. Aid in advertisement “Inside a casino, sensors are deployed like surveillance cameras,” says Gerald Becker, VP of Market Development & Alliances, Quanergy. “But instead of security, they are used to provide anonymous tracking of all people walking through the gaming floor. We can get centimetre-level accuracy of location, direction, and speed of the guests. With this data, we can access the guest journey from the path, dwell count, and several other analytics that provides intelligence to operations and marketing to make better decisions on product placement or advertisement.” Quanergy Quanergy is a U.S.-based company that manufactures its hardware in the USA and develops its 3D perception software in-house. Quanergy has various integrations to third-party technology platforms such as video management systems (VMSs) in security and analytics for operational and business intelligence. Perimeter security Sensors can be mounted to a hotel to monitor for potential objects being thrown off the hotel LiDAR is deployed in both exterior and interior applications. For the exterior of a casino or resort, sensors can be mounted to a hotel to monitor for potential objects being thrown off the hotel, or people in areas where they should not be. For example, they can sense and prevent entrance to rooftops or private areas that are not open to the public. Some clients install sensors throughout the perimeter of private property to safeguard executives and/or a VIP’s place of residence. Flow tracking and queuing capabilities Tracking crowd size can initiate digital signage or other digital experiences throughout the property to route guests to other destinations at the property. It can also help with queue analysis at the reservation/check-in desk or other areas where guests line up to tell operations to open another line to maintain the flow of guests passing.  Flow tracking and queuing capabilities help casino operators to understand which games groups of customers frequent and allow for the optimisation of customer routing for increased interaction and playtime on the casino floor, quickly impacting the financial performance and return of the casino. No privacy concerns  LiDAR provides a point cloud; its millions of little points in a 3D space create the silhouettes of moving or fixed objects The main hurdle right now is market adoption. LiDAR is an emerging technology that is not so widely known for these new use cases, says Becker. “It will take a little bit of time to educate the market on the vast capabilities that can now be realised in 3D beyond traditional IoT sensors that are available now,” he comments. One benefit of LiDAR is that it poses no risk of personally identifiable information (PII) and therefore no privacy concerns. No PII is captured with the technology. Cameras can capture images and transmit them over the network to other applications. However, LiDAR provides a point cloud; its millions of little points in a 3D space create the silhouettes of moving or fixed objects. IoT security strategy There is a lot of interest from surveillance and security to include marketing and operations, says Becker. “LiDAR will become a part of the IoT security strategy for countless casinos soon. It will be common practice to see LiDAR sensors deployed to augment existing security systems and provide more coverage.” Also, the intelligence gained with the accuracy of tracking guests anonymously provides peace of mind to the visitors that they are not being singled out or uniquely tracked but provides valuable data to the casinos that they have not been able to capture before. “This will help them maximise their operations and strategy for years to come,” says Becker.

Balkans casino operator Merit International has deployed an advanced IDIS video solution at its newest luxury casino and hotel resort, the Starlit development in Budva, Montenegro. The company, which has a USD$1bn-plus portfolio of hospitality and gaming resorts in Northern Cyprus, Croatia, and Bulgaria, is aiming to set new standards in security, customer service, and business efficiency The 2,500-square-meter Starlit Resort & Casino is the company’s third and most ambitious development in Montenegro. A penthouse-level gaming area with stunning sea views, the resort also encompasses a luxury hotel complex, private residences and high-end guest facilities. Distributed control functionality The end-to-end IDIS video solution, installed by Volga Electronics Ltd, comprises more than 90 NDAA-compliant cameras, including 5MP IR domes and compact PTZs with true WDR and two-way audio; four 64-ch ready-to-install IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) servers with dual power; plus, all network accessories including specialist surveillance keyboards. The solution ensures HD coverage of the entire hotel and casino, including gaming tables, slot machines, and surrounding areas, allowing real-time monitoring of all transactions and activity. ISS federation services enable a centralised monitoring and management environment ISS federation services enable a centralised monitoring and management environment, and distributed control functionality, linking Merit’s various casinos and resorts and providing enhanced situational awareness. The VMS also supports integration with the casino’s ERP software, with transaction data overlayed on recorded video for efficient incident investigation. Merit is also testing AI-powered analytics including people counting and heat maps. The modular IDIS VMS infrastructure and plug-and-play installation of devices make it easier and faster to deploy deep learning analytics and target existing and new areas as required.  AI-powered video analytics Koray Ozyildirim, IDIS Türkiye Country Manager, confirmed that the resort would be taking advantage of this future-proofing capability which is a benefit of all IDIS technology. “As well as ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests, and providing a deterrent to would-be criminals, the IDIS solution opens new routes to harnessing AI-powered video analytics, for example with people counting, which can help to improve staff and resource allocation, as well as by taking a more proactive approach to security.” Customer spending patterns “The casino already has data collection systems, but heat maps can provide a unique extra layer of business intelligence –  for example, allowing directional footfall and dwell time metrics to be compared to customer spending patterns; and revealing the most-used areas where customers spend time even when they are not spending money.” He added that this additional level of insight would give managers the confidence to change the positioning of gaming tables and slot machines, improve the utilisation of guest services staff, target promotions, and perfect the overall customer experience. Best surveillance capabilities Malik Oğuz, Surveillance Director, Merit International, welcomed the flexibility provided by the IDIS solution, and its potential for future enhancement with new AI capabilities. “As we continue to expand and build Merit International’s reputation for excellence, we are delighted with the value and performance of IDIS video solutions. IDIS gives us the best surveillance capabilities and the flexibility to adapt and take advantage of new AI video functions in the future as our security, safety, and business intelligence requirements evolve.”

A premier luxury resort with its location on an artificially created island that provides world-class luxurious accommodation, dining, and entertainment experiences. It is renowned for its lavish amenities and impeccable service, the resort is frequented by visitors from all over the world seeking an unforgettable experience of living in a beautiful setting. Overview The challenges the client faced were related to managing time and attendance across geographically dispersed locations within the resort. Moreover, a non-centralised attendance solution and less accurate palm geometry systems contributed to the failure of tracking employee attendance. Yet another challenge in this area was the seamless integration required with their current human resource management system and payroll applications, which would need a sophisticated solution to integrate with many database integrations. Challenges A complete end-to-end time-attendance management system was required for the following challenges: Multiple Brands Spread Across Locations: Geographically managing attendance across all locations of multiple brands demanded a system centralising all the data and providing unified management. No Centralised Solution for Attendance: There was no centralised attendance system as multiple brands were being used for attendance; it was really tough to monitor and manage employee attendance with precision at first and acted upon quickly. Low Identification Speed Using Palm Vein Technology: The palm vein devices had a very slow speed of identification, which caused a traffic jam at different check-in points, sometimes even resulting in differences in the records of attendance. Database Integration with HRMS: Integrating the attendance data with the existing HRMS was complicated because the involved systems were different from suppliers and required multiple database integrations. Payroll Integration: Attendance had to be integrated with the payroll system to evaluate and dispense the salary correctly. Solution Following are some of the solutions that Matrix implemented to resolve client challenges: A robust, comprehensive face recognition time-attendance system ensured the following solutions were in place: Centralised Time Attendance Management: Matrix installed its on-premise solution, COSEC CENTRA, for managing attendance from various different locations on the site. At entry points, the organisation installed the COSEC ARGO FACE devices and integrated them with the system to track attendance events in a unified manner and efficiently. Seamless Integration with Third-Party HRMS & Payroll: Matrix facilitated database-level integration so that the client could seamlessly connect to their prevalent HRMS and thus ensure that attendance data is correctly captured and integrated in payroll processing. Improved Speed in Identification through Face Recognition: The advanced face recognition system improved the speed and accuracy of attendance marking. High-speed face recognition in less than 0.5 seconds provided guaranteed reliable and accurate attendance records using COSEC ARGO FACE. Contactless Face Recognition with Bluetooth®: Matrix offered a contactless solution using face recognition and Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) through its COSEC ACS mobile app. It brings a better user experience in hygiene, safety, and speedy, efficient attendance marking. Results Matrix resolved the problem of the client with the delivery of a centralised, accurate, and seamless face recognition time attendance system. This was delivered to the client with results such as: Centralised Time Attendance Management: Improved management and control of attendance at locations. Seamless Integration with HRMS & Payroll: Increased efficiency and accuracy in the integration with HRMS and processing of payroll. Face Recognition for Faster Identification: Advanced face recognition system that gave dependable attendance records. Contactless Solution with Face & BLE: Heightened user experience with hygiene and safety, ensuring no-contact attendance tracking. Products Offered COSEC ARGO FACEM: Face-based Door Controller with MiFare Card Support COSEC CENTRA PLT1000: Platform Licence for 1000 Users COSEC CENTRA FR1000: Face Recognition Licence for 1000 Users This case study demonstrates how Matrix's face recognition time attendance system effectively addressed and resolved the client’s challenges, ensuring efficient and accurate management of employee attendance across multiple locations.

Hotel managers require security, flexibility, durability and aesthetics in an access management system that can cover guest rooms and shared spaces, on one hand, and private staff areas on the other. With multiple buildings, a private beach and sports areas, the new TH Resorts Capo Rizzuto on Calabria’s Ionian coast receives high daily traffic from guests and staff, who must have access at different times according to their specific needs. On taking over resort, TH management quickly identified the need for a new locking system that would allow each staff member to access different, specific areas of the facility. In specifying a new master key system, they had two more important criteria. Firstly, the solution should be mechanical rather than digital, to preserve existing hotel aesthetics. Secondly, they required a hierarchical system, where different staff members could have levels of access authority based on their roles. A CYS10 system makes fine-grained customisation possible Security of the comfy nickel-silver key is protected against unauthorised copying by two patents Working closely with the expert specification team at ASSA ABLOY Italia, managers at TH Capo Rizzuto chose a CYS10 master key locking system with Euro profile double cylinders for common area access points and staff-only zones. For guest room doors they selected CYS10 thumbturn cylinders, which lock securely for privacy and quickly unlock from the inside. The CYS10 platform consists of 6-pin sawn key cylinders; it is tested and certified according to EN 1303:2015 and SKG security standards. Security of the comfortable nickel-silver key is protected against unauthorised copying by two separate patents. Their robust design makes them ideally suited to challenging environments such as a busy hotel. Effective master key system design  With 63 available key profiles, CYS10 cylinders enable the creation of a complex master key setup with several levels and sub-levels – perfect for access customisation. Effective master key system design reduces the number of keys they need to cut, track or replace. It saves hotel managers time and money. “It is a truly flexible solution and allows us to limit the quantity of keys assigned as much as possible,” says Carmelo Sava, Head of Maintenance at TH Resorts. Effective master key system design reduces the number of keys they need to cut, track or replace Five distinct master key systems – numbering more than 500 CYS10 cylinders in total – were implemented at TH Capo Rizzuto, one for each of the resort’s individual facilities. Each cylinder has its own paired key and, for each building, a master key opens all cylinders. The entire property is controlled by a single grand master key entrusted to management. Future-proof setup at Capo Rizzuto “The ASSA ABLOY master key system allows us to manage the access of all our staff without any security problems,” adds Carmelo Sava. To ensure future-proof setup at Capo Rizzuto, their key systems can adapt or expand at any time: The CYS10 device range includes single, double, thumbturn, screw-in and rim cylinders for interior and exterior doors, switch cylinders for control panels, plus cam locks for letterboxes or furniture. The CYS10 padlock secures gates, lockers, and more.

Crystal Mountain Resort is Washington's largest winter and summer getaway. For over 60 years, the picturesque resort near Mount Rainier has drawn millions of sports enthusiasts around the world. An early adopter of new technology, the resort was also the first in Washington to install a high-speed, detachable quad chairlift, Rainier Express. Technology solution needed As the resort's Director of IT, Perry Turner is in charge of protecting over 400,000 guests and 2,600 acres of land all year long. The resort is open for skiing and snowboarding from November to April, and summer activities with scenic gondola rides from May to September. This meant that any technology solution had to withstand snow and low temperatures during the winter and high humidity levels during the warmer months.  "The elevation tops out at a little over 7,000 feet, so the weather conditions can get extreme. The technology we use needs to be able to withstand everything from snowstorms to 100 MPH winds." The challenges Low-quality legacy cameras and limited connectivity led to gaps in coverage with lens fogging and weather-sealing issues "The combination of moisture and cold temperatures was wrecking our older cameras, which couldn't survive the harsh conditions.”  Remote areas with limited infrastructure are difficult to wire and get power to. Low-quality legacy cameras and limited connectivity led to gaps in coverage, while lens fogging and weather-sealing issues led to malfunctioning cameras and poor visibility.  Loss of time in retrieving images If footage was available, retrieving and sharing even a minute from two different network video recorder (NVR) systems was an excruciating process. "If I had to pull 10 minutes of footage, it would take three to four hours to get the right clip and to download it. It would crash all the time, and I'd have to start the process all over again." Why Verkada? "The interface is excellent, the app is easy to use and the cameras are rock solid. The hybrid cloud infrastructure also helps with reliability. I don't need an on-premise device to handle all the recording since the camera does that. It's a lot less to maintain from my end." Seamless operation From a single pane of glass, Perry simplifies management and ensures the seamless operation of the resort. He was an early adopter and beta tester for the Verkada Cellular Gateway, a new product that allows him to deploy cameras in any location. With more coverage and connectivity solutions, he leaves no room for oversight – no matter how minute the detail is.  "We have Verkada coverage in remote areas with access to power but no internet. Across our 2,600 acres, the possibilities are endless: up on the mountains, out in parking lots, over shuttle stops, and even gondola stations." The results Cellular deployments in remote and hard-to-wire areas Cameras built to handle 100 MPH winds and -40°F Livestream ski conditions in high-image resolution A platform that saves time and reduces work Risk and liability prevention 1. Cellular deployments in remote and hard-to-wire areas Until recently, Perry's camera deployments were limited to places where he could run ethernet cable. While cellular data was available, it would require him to piece together different components - an LTE router, a PoE switch, a NEMA enclosure, and a data plan - all sourced from disparate vendors.  His GC31 Cellular Gateway combines all the above into a single device that provides both power and data to any Verkada device. The result is a simple, seamless operating experience with minimal setup needed. LTE coverage “It took only a few minutes to install the cellular gateway and connect it to our PTZ, which monitors our moving snow stake." "The snow stake has to be in a remote corner so it’s not wind-affected, but we can now use the cellular gateway to take advantage of LTE coverage in the area.” 24/7 technical support Perry has Verkada’s unlimited data plan on the cellular gateway, which comes with the 24/7 technical support he’s used to from Verkada. The cellular gateway bridges gaps in coverage and opens a new world of use cases for Perry, "The GC31 allows us to install cameras along the road coming into the resort and at our parking lots. On busy weekends, we can easily monitor traffic and parking lot capacity.” 2. Cameras built to handle 100 MPH winds and -40°F The lack of issues with their hardware surprised Perry and his team. All the Verkada cameras onsite are enterprise-graded and are IP67 and IK10-rated. Additionally, they come with an integrated temperature gauge and built-in heaters that automatically turn on once the temperature hits -20°C (-4°F). Verkada outdoor cameras are fully functional at sub-zero and high heat temperatures and can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 50°C (-40°F to 122°F). 10-year warranty Backed with an industry-pioneering 10-year warranty, Perry can install cameras anywhere at the resort – from the retail shops to the top of Mt. Rainier – and not have to touch them again. "We mounted a camera on top of a building that gets hit by 100 MPH winds and beyond freezing conditions, and it's had zero problems. We just set it and forget it." 3. Livestream ski conditions in high-image resolution Low-quality images and footage are no longer an issue with Verkada. The cameras come with advanced image sensor technology, which allows them to produce crystal-clear footage. Even in low-light conditions, like the resort's "Night Skiing" events, the built-in infrared LEDs make capturing footage in darker environments possible. Live video feeds No matter the conditions or location, Perry and his team have a clear view of the people and property at the resort No matter the conditions or location, Perry and his team have a clear view of the people and property at the resort. The Marketing department shares current skiing and snowboarding conditions on the website, and they have multiple cameras placed throughout the resort that share live video feeds. "Our website has live video feeds of the slopes, and as soon as we switched to our first Verkada camera, the jump in image quality was evident. The guests love it. The Marketing team now wants to add more for the public-facing side of things." 4. A platform that saves time and reduces work Verkada cameras come with built-in video storage capabilities of up to 365 days, removing the need for on-premise servers and all the associated work and time required to maintain them. Plug-and-play cameras are pre-configured and fully operational within minutes. When it comes to pulling footage, the process is night and day. Footage on Command Before, there were a lot of requests for footage pulls from the Security and Lift Operations teams. These teams can securely access footage themselves on Command through their mobile phones, eliminating most of these requests. If Perry does have to pull and share a snippet of footage, it takes a fraction of the time it did beforehand. With Verkada, that process is straightforward and seamless. "Pulling and sharing video footage now takes minutes, not hours. And when other teams need to pull footage, they can access it directly from their phones. This has removed multiple steps in our workflow and saves everyone a ton of time." 5. Risk and liability prevention Placing Verkada cameras at vulnerable and high-risk areas at the resorts (including retail shops and chairlifts) has helped thwart thefts of thousands of dollars worth of ski equipment and dispute false claims. If an incident arises, Perry can corroborate the witness accounts with easily accessible footage to see how the facts line up. Within Command, Perry can choose the camera he wants to view the history of, jump to a specific date and time, and review other data and analytics. Once he finds what he's looking for, he can share the footage with anyone through text, email, or a link. Guest safety Safety issues can arise if someone falls in the chairlift area so additional visibility is crucial Guest safety is another key priority for the resort, especially on the slopes. The cameras positioned at and near the chairlifts help monitor that guests are seated correctly. Safety issues can arise if someone falls in the chairlift area so additional visibility is crucial to protect both the guests and the resort. "Verkada provides peace of mind and liability protection. We can quickly verify what happened with a past incident and address any security or safety issue as it's happening. If someone is in trouble at the chairlifts or on the slopes, we can respond immediately." Looking Ahead Crystal Mountain Resort's success in deploying Verkada cameras has led to rave reviews from various internal teams. They are exploring how they can leverage the platform to improve the customer experience at the resort. "We recently learned about the Occupancy Trends feature, and there are so many potential applications. Foot traffic is just one thing that we want to keep track of in our rental shops and restaurants." Lower cost of ownership Most critically, leadership loved the enthusiasm surrounding the platform and has performed further financial analysis. What they found were more possible benefits, including a lower cost of ownership. "The more teams interact with the platform, the more buy-in we've received from leadership. They realised that Verkada is more cost-effective in the long run.”

The new GoldenEye Hotel and Resort on the Bulgarian and Turkish border, Europe’s largest casino development, opened in 2024 by BC Industries is providing enhanced security with more efficient guest services thanks to a 600-camera video surveillance solution from IDIS.  The advanced camera system combines 24/7 visibility over gaming tables and public areas, fault-free image capture and recording of UHD video footage, a more efficient real-time monitoring platform for multiple users, and options for rapid targeting of AI analytics. End-to-end visibility As well as meeting the higher security requirements typical of casino operations, the system from South Korea’s largest in-country video tech manufacturer supports the GoldenEye resort in providing a more impressive welcome for hotel guests with full visibility over corridors, communal areas, and back-of-house operations ensuring the ultimate guest experience.  The end-to-end solution has been installed by Volga Elektronik to cover the casino, hotel, and car parks. High-definition image capture IDIS 12MP Super Fisheyes, 8MP IR, and 5MP IR dome cameras allow broad scene surveillance A combination of IDIS 12MP Super Fisheyes, 8MP IR, and 5MP IR dome cameras allows broad scene surveillance of all internal areas, without blind spots, plus targeted coverage of priority locations such as cashier cages and slot machines. High-definition image capture allows gaming tables to be monitored in fine detail with operators able to identify card suits, and chip denominations and quickly detect any suspicious player activity, regardless of low light or cigarette smoke. Instant and smooth dewarping Instant and smooth dewarping of the fisheye images supports efficient real-time viewing and playback, allowing incidents to be resolved rapidly and preventing game stoppages. This ensures positive experiences, and confidence, for both customers and staff.  External areas, including parking bays and entrances, are covered using IDIS 5MP IR bullet cameras and 2MP IR PTZs. IDIS Solution Suite VMS, NVRs IDIS Solution Suite VMS allows 24/7 monitoring by six operators and two supervisors, using a control room video The system also comprises seven 64-ch NVR recorders; and IDIS Solution Suite enterprise-class VMS and Critical Failover to protect continuous access to video and provide full redundancy in the event of a range of fault conditions.  IDIS Solution Suite VMS allows 24/7 monitoring by six operators and two supervisors, using a control room video wall, with live viewing and simultaneous playback. The solution is NDAA compliant, with inherent cybersecurity protection; and it meets GDPR requirements, with IDIS’s dynamic video privacy masking allowing footage to be easily exported without privacy infringement.  Advanced surveillance capabilities “IDIS video technology is perfectly designed for casino security,” said Mert Çalışkan, BC Industries’ Casino Operations Director. “Our new system gives us all the advanced surveillance capabilities we need to protect our guests and our facilities. And we’ll be able to easily adapt and extend it in the future and take advantage of exciting new capabilities.”  ERP software The resort would be taking advantage of this future-proofing capability that comes with all IDIS technology In the next project phase analytics data integration with the casino’s ERP software is being introduced, along with transaction data overlaid on recorded video for efficient incident investigation. Koray Ozyildirim, IDIS Türkiye Country Manager confirmed that the resort would be taking advantage of this future-proofing capability that comes with all IDIS technology.  IDIS AI video solutions and integration “Across the casino sector there is huge potential for adopting IDIS AI video solutions and integration capabilities,” he said. “IDIS’s industry-pioneering analytics are flexible and powerful and can be targeted at specific locations to enable highly accurate people counting, heat maps, and occupancy monitoring. Along with seamless systems integration, this will increasingly deliver a host of competitive advantages including enhanced security, better customer service, and, ultimately, greater profitability.”

The wellness resort situated in the Pune district offers restorative treatments including revitalising yoga therapies, naturopathy, and Ayurveda. Embracing a holistic approach, they seamlessly blend traditional methods such as acupressure, acupuncture, and physiotherapy with alternative therapies like bird watching, star gazing, and animal-assisted therapy. This unique fusion of rejuvenating treatments harnesses the power of nature to facilitate a radical transformation towards a beautiful life and optimal health. Challenges The resort encompasses various facilities like a hotel, administrative office, school, factory, and security office across a sprawling 68-acre site. Their existing consultant recommended PBX systems of the different brands along with digital handsets, that challenged the possibility of investment optimisation. Also, they were hesitant to abandon their current fiber network.   To elaborate on their challenges:  Adoption of modern communication with existing Infrastructure: Their investment in existing infrastructure needed protection, and a provision had to be made to modernise the communication using existing infrastructure.  Managing different protocols: Interface with existing and different telecom networks requires managing different protocols, which can be cumbersome, time, and energy-consuming.  Requirement of modern phone features: They required advanced features like Abbreviated Dialing, Call Pick Up, and Internal Call Restriction, to become efficient in day-to-day operations.  Stipulated Time-frame: The inauguration date of the establishment was already made public and thus the task had to be completed within a stipulated time frame. Solution This included the Matrix range of IP-PBX, VoIP - FXO - FXS, and VoIP - PRI Gateways Matrix Comsec in partnership with SMB Automation analysed the challenges of communications and crafted a solution that was the best fit. The solution offered was based on the prelude of utilising existing infrastructure and amalgamation of Matrix Telecom Solutions within a stipulated time frame. This included the Matrix range of IP-PBX, VoIP - FXO - FXS, and VoIP - PRI Gateways that optimised the feasibility of communication and helped the firm become more efficient. The solution includes:  The IP-PBX included ETERNITY GENX12SAC. This enabled them up to 240 Analog users with 64 CO Ports. Additionally, third-party PMS Integration with ETERNITY GENX12SAC was made possible.  The VoIP - FXO - FXS Gateway included SETU VFX808, which enabled them a smooth transition to modern communication while maintaining existing infrastructure through features like 9 SIP accounts, peer-to-peer and proxy calling between distant locations, etc.  The VOIP-PRI gateways included SETU VTEP, which comes with features of 125 SIP Trunks and up to 60 simultaneous calls. A third-party PBX was integrated with the gateway.  The IP phones included SPARSH VP510E and SPARSH VP210. This came with features like an LCD Graphical display, Context-sensitive keys, Built-in 16 DSS Keys, Polyphonic ring tune, and much more. Results All the properties were brought to work on a single communication platform and proved to be beneficial The solution so implemented enabled them to reap the benefits of modern communication while also enabling them to make the best out of the existing infrastructure. Additionally, all the properties were brought to work on a single communication platform and proved to be beneficial in more than one way. The Hybrid IP-PBX enabled them to universal Network Connectivity through PSTN, GSM, and VoIP connectivity, LDAP Client Support to centralise and ease phonebook management, Logical Partitioning that prevents the conduct of any legal offenses related to Telecom regulations, and much more.  The VoIP - FXO - FXS Gateway enabled them, VoIP access to traditional PBX, Multi-site connectivity with centralised telecom management, Next-generation conveyance facilities like call detail records of up to 2000 calls, Secure communication bridging with VoIP security over SRTP/TLS encryption, etc. The VOIP-PRI gateway, SETU VTEP, provided much-needed Least-cost routing ensuring that the call is always placed on the most appropriate network resulting in the optimisation of the feasibility of calls.  The IP desk phones helped provide advanced features like Call Pick up, Call Forward, Call Waiting, and Call Transfer along with an Intuitive interface, that enabled employees to become efficient while simultaneously, enhancing user experience.

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers?