Voice recognition systems

As airports invest heavily in automation, biometrics, security, self-service and personalised commercial services, terminal layouts must evolve alongside these innovations. The traditional model involving rows of check-in counters, static security areas, and inefficient passenger flows no longer makes sense. Instead, airports need seamless integration, where smart technology and intelligent design work together to reduce congestion and make the most out of every square metre. Acquisition of CCM CCM is synonymous with world-famous high-quality Italian design in the airport space With this in mind, SITA, the pioneer in air transport technology, announced the closure of the acquisition of CCM, headquartered in Milan, Italy, a world-renowned expert and pioneer in the design, production, and creation of airport interiors. This strategic move aims to redefine how airports function by seamlessly blending technology and interior design to create future-ready spaces. CCM is synonymous with world-famous high-quality Italian design in the airport space. It works with pioneering architects and designers to create efficient, functional, memorable, and stylish traveller experiences. New approach to space management "This isn't just about expanding airports," said David Lavorel, CEO at SITA. "It's about reimagining them. With CCM's deep design and execution expertise, we're transforming airports to maximise their existing footprint, optimise passenger flow, and create smarter, more flexible and valuable airport terminal environments that evolve with the changing needs of the industry." As the pioneer in passenger processing technology, SITA is at the forefront of managing airport space more efficiently. The industry's transformation demands a new approach to space management, where traditional check-in counters are replaced with innovative designs that reflect modern travel habits. Built on tech solutions "Building efficient, tech-enabled environments is crucial for the future of travel. Airports are not just transit points; they mark a moment in a journey, no matter the destination." "By integrating our expertise, we bring to life the airports of the future - architecture that is built on tech solutions and driven by efficiency to improve the overall travel experience for passengers and the operations of airport staff," said David Lavorel. SITA's existing technology The acquisition of CCM adds valuable design and customer advisory elements to SITA's existing technology The acquisition of CCM adds valuable design and customer advisory elements to SITA's existing technology, reinforcing its commitment to pioneering the future of air travel. Sergio Colella, President, Europe at SITA, added: "The market needs a fundamental shift— where technology and design work together to make airports smarter in using their space for more capacity and with flexibility to support the next generation of travel. That's why we're bringing CCM into the SITA family." "By combining our technology and experience in airport operations with their deep understanding of design and space optimisation, we are bringing to the market a unique 'technology by design' capability and end-to-end integration from design to operations, all in harmony since the conception of the idea." AI-driven airport operations For 35 years under the management of the Marinoni family, CCM has worked on more than 300 airports worldwide, designing and delivering terminal spaces that balance efficiency, flexibility, and passenger experience. Now, with SITA's expertise in passenger processing, baggage handling, and AI-driven airport operations, this acquisition will help airport customers integrate technology and design as a single go-to solution, something that was not available up to now. SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report These investments will only deliver their full impact if airports are physically designed to support them According to the SITA 2024 Air Transport IT Insights report, 63% of airports are prioritising self-service, biometrics, mobile apps, and IT spending has surged to $8.9 billion as airports focus on automation, AI, and digitalisation. But these investments will only deliver their full impact if airports are physically designed to support them. Technology alone won't fix congestion. It needs smarter layouts, frictionless movement, and an infrastructure that evolves with it. Monica Oberti has been appointed interim CEO of CCM, bringing decades of extensive expertise in reshaping and repurposing spaces at a large scale globally within CCM. Ms Oberti is a member of the founding Marinoni family. New opportunities in airport environments "For too long, airports have had to choose between efficiency and passenger experience. Now, they don't have to. By joining forces with SITA, we can finally bring together the best of both worlds – smart technology, intelligent design, and quality production. Together, we're not just improving airports, we're reshaping them for the future," said Monica Oberti, Interim CEO of CCM. SITA and CCM are moving fast to integrate their expertise, ensuring that existing customers experience no disruption in service, while opening up new opportunities to optimise their airport environments. The aviation industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and airports need solutions that don't just help them catch up but allow them to get ahead.

RecFaces, an international facial recognition software vendor, is excited to announce an upcoming panel discussion on the transformative role of biometric technology in APAC airports. Titled “Smart Airports Start with Smart Tech: Facial Biometrics for APAC Airports,” the online event is to be held on April 30 at 15:00 IST and bring together top industry experts to discuss how AI-driven biometrics is reshaping air travel. Biometrics to streamline journey Industry polls reveal that 73% of passengers expect facial recognition at airports Asia-Pacific is home to the world’s fastest-growing aviation market, with passenger numbers skyrocketing and airports facing mounting pressure to enhance security, efficiency, and the overall travel experience. The solution? Smart technology. Industry polls reveal that 73% of passengers expect facial recognition at airports. Long queues, misplaced passports, and cumbersome check-in procedures are becoming things of the past as pioneering airports in the region embrace biometrics to streamline the passenger journey. Future of airport technology "Facial biometrics are no longer a futuristic concept but a necessity for modern airports. The technology not only enhances security but also improves the passenger experience by reducing wait times and eliminating unnecessary touchpoints," says Oleg Kurochkin, Business Development Director for the APAC region, RecFaces. The synergy of expertise in biometrics, airport operations, and security presented at the event is to create a highly insightful discussion on the future of airport technology. Together, the panelists will reveal how integrated solutions are advancing secure, streamlined, and passenger-friendly airports. Complexity of airport security operations Panelists reveal how merged solutions are advancing secure, streamlined, and passenger-friendly airports “The growing complexity of airport security operations — from analytics-driven surveillance to access control — demands complex solutions that address multiple airport challenges at once." "Based on my experience working with major transportation hubs in APAC, I believe that strong technology collaborations are essential for securing such critical infrastructure with high-end, integrated solutions, giving customers the ‘Power to Predict’,” adds Dr. Ajay Talwar, Head of Business Verticals for India & SAARC, Bosch Security and Safety Systems.  Biometric identity verification  This event is a must-attend for airport operators, airline executives, security professionals, and technology innovators looking to stay ahead in the aviation industry. Join them for an exclusive online panel by registering for free to explore how technology solutions and biometric identity verification in particular are reshaping APAC airports, ensuring faster, safer, and more seamless travel experiences.

Iris ID, the global pioneer in iris recognition technology, will be demonstrating their latest breakthrough contactless biometric identity authentication solutions at ISC West 2025 in booth #28057. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience the company's latest identity portfolio of products, including the advanced IrisAccess® iA1000 and IrisTime® iT100 designed for easy integration into security and time management ecosystems. Time management ecosystems "As security threats grow in frequency and sophistication, organisations need the unparalleled identity authentication accuracy that only iris + face fusion biometrics deliver," said Mohammed Murad, Vice President of Iris ID. "Our iris fusion solutions combine the latest advancements in iris+face technologies, user convenience, and reliability to elevate security, and time and attendance applications.” The iA1000 supports biometric capture from distances between 30 to 60 cm The recently-released IrisAccess® iA1000 is a multi-modal iris and facial recognition device employing Iris-Face Fusion technology for fast, contact-free authentication. Key features include dual iris and face recognition cameras, a circular LCD screen for intuitive user guidance, and robust security protocols such as AES 256-bit encryption and Presentation Attack Defense. Designed for use in a wide range of applications—from access control to public security—the iA1000 supports biometric capture from distances between 30 to 60 cm (12-32 inches). Automatic tilt adjustment The IrisTime® iT100 Iris and Face Recognition System is a non-contact biometric time and attendance solution integrating iris and facial recognition. With simultaneous capture of iris and face biometric data, the iT100 provides flexible authentication modes for a wide range of deployment environments. Features include automatic tilt adjustment, and a 7-inch multi-touch display that simplifies on-device enrolment, and an open Android platform to support third-party application development.

In today's rapidly evolving security landscape, facial recognition has become a buzzword that often triggers privacy and data protection concerns. However, many security professionals may not realise that "facial recognition" is an umbrella term encompassing various technologies, each with distinct applications and privacy implications. Let's dive into what these technologies really mean for security system resellers, integrators, and end-users.  Facial recognition tech At its core, facial recognition technology re-identifies or verifies individuals based on their facial features, which are used as biometrics. However, not all biometric systems are based on unique identifying features. Some analyse general characteristics like facial hair style or other distinctive marks. Such traits, known as soft biometrics, can aid in identification but aren't unique enough to verify someone's identity uniquely.  Personally identifiable information Modern systems incorporate robust safeguards, including data encryption and strict retention policies While facial recognition technology has applications ranging from access control to crime prevention to investigation, its implementation varies widely depending on specific needs. Modern systems incorporate robust safeguards, including data encryption and strict retention policies, to ensure the responsible handling of any personally identifiable information (PII).  Understanding key technologies and applications  Facial recognition encompasses several distinct technologies, each serving specific purposes. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of these technologies and their real-world applications.  Key technologies:  Face Verification (1:1): A one-to-one comparison where a person claims an identity (e.g., by showing an ID card), and the system verifies whether the face matches the provided identity. Example: In airports, face verification is used for automated passport control. When a traveler approaches a gate, their face is scanned and compared to the photo stored in the government database. If the face matches, the traveler is allowed through the gate without manual checks.   Face Identification (1 to many): A one-to-many comparison, where a face captured by a system is compared to a database of multiple faces and facial features to identify the person. This process is often used in security or surveillance contexts. Example: In the case of a missing child at an airport, a system could scan the faces of all passengers passing through checkpoints and compare them to a photo of the child in a database. If a match is found, it triggers an alert.  Face Re-identification (Many to Many): Many-to-many comparisons where multiple faces are compared to multiple other faces. This is typically used to track a person’s movement anonymously across different areas by matching their facial images at different checkpoints, without knowing their identity. Example: In a retail environment, facial re-identification might be used to track how long an anonymous person spends moving from one section of a store to another by re-identifying their face as they enter and leave different camera views. Facial recognition can be used both for real-time and offline applications.  Real-Time Facial Recognition: Real-time facial recognition refers to the immediate processing of a live video feed, comparing faces to a database to generate instant alerts when a match is found. Example: At large public events like sports stadiums, real-time facial recognition might be used to detect banned individuals (e.g., known hooligans) as they attempt to enter.  Post-Event (Recorded) Facial Recognition: This refers to analysing video recordings after the event has occurred, rather than in real-time. Facial recognition is applied to recorded data to identify or track individuals. Example: After a crime, investigators could use facial recognition software on recorded video from security cameras to identify suspects by matching their faces to known databases. These definitions cover various aspects of facial recognition technology, its different applications, and how biometrics are used for identification and tracking purposes.  Biometrics: Biometric technologies use a person’s distinguishing physical characteristics, such as their face, fingerprint, or iris, to identify them. Example: Fingerprint or face scanning for unlocking a phone or using iris recognition for secure entry at high-security buildings like data centers.  Hard Biometrics: Hard biometrics refer to physical characteristics that are sufficiently unique enough to be used for identifying a specific individual, such as a face, fingerprint, or iris. Example: Using iris recognition at airport security checkpoints to confirm the identity of a traveler.  Soft Biometrics: Soft biometrics (personal features) include general attributes like height or body shape, which are not unique enough to identify a person on their own but can help narrow down re-identification when combined with other information. Example: Using height and body shape to help identify a suspect in a camera scene when facial features alone are unreliable.  Appearance Similarity: This refers to distinguishing between people based on their appearance (e.g., clothing, accessories) rather than biometric features. It’s often used for accelerated investigation and statistical analysis rather than identification. Example: A retail store may track customers based on the clothes they are wearing to monitor how long they stay in the store, without tracking their faces or personal details.  Liveness Detection: A method used to determine whether the subject in front of a facial recognition system is a live human being and not a photo or a video recording. Example: In some mobile payment systems, facial recognition requires users to blink or move their head slightly to ensure they are a live person and not someone trying to use a photo for authentication.  Mathematical Representation: Non-reversible mathematical representations are lists of numbers based on a person's facial image or appearance based on clothing. These numbers represent characteristics but cannot be easily used to recreate the face. Example: When an organisation stores only the mathematical representations from a face rather than an actual image, even if the data is stolen, it is nearly impossible to recreate the person’s face or use the data with another system.  Privacy and security considerations  Modern facial recognition systems prioritise privacy through various protective measures, moving far beyond the basic security protocols of the past. Solutions integrate multiple layers of protection designed to safeguard personal data while maintaining system effectiveness.  These sophisticated privacy controls work in concert to ensure responsible data handling and comply with evolving security standards. Key protective measures include:  Biometric template isolation that keeps facial recognition templates separate from other personal data, with dedicated secure storage environments. Template encryption frameworks specifically designed for biometric data, using industry-standard protocols that protect facial features during both processing and storage. Biometric data anonymisation that converts facial features into non-reversible mathematical representations – into numbers - prevents the reconstruction of original face images.  Cascading deletion protocols automatically remove both raw facial data and derived biometric templates after their authorised use period. Segmented access controls that separate facial recognition administrative functions (like enrollment and template management) from regular system operation.  Privacy standards The key is selecting the right tool for each application and ensuring that personal data is collected The security industry continues to evolve, finding innovative ways to balance effective surveillance with privacy protection. By understanding this comprehensive range of technologies, security professionals can better serve their clients with solutions that address specific needs while maintaining appropriate privacy standards. The key is selecting the right tool for each application and ensuring that personal data is collected only when necessary and protected when it is not.  Statistical analysis and pattern recognition The variety of facial recognition applications demonstrates that not all systems require storing personal information. Many modern solutions focus on statistical analysis and pattern recognition rather than individual identification, offering powerful security benefits while respecting privacy concerns. This balance of capability and responsibility represents the future of video security technology. 

Security technology has witnessed huge advancements in recent years, particularly for those protecting critical assets or information. Facial and fingerprint recognition, ANPR and even 'mac addresses' or a person of interest's gait, now all make up the technology toolbox of forward-thinking organisations' security policy. However, humans remain the weakest link in any security chain, and the only way to correct this is to eliminate the human burden, argues Richard Hilson, head of sales for security access management specialist, Parking Facilities. Here, he examines the pitfalls in relying upon human intervention in critical national infrastructure (CNI) settings, and the future of biometrics to keep assets, information and personnel safe. Recent Verizon report 74 percent of corps are saying that insider threats are becoming more of a concern for them As with any workplace initiative, be it a simple recycling policy or a corporate password protection directive, technology is only as good as those who implement or operate it. Whilst technology can be fallible and gremlins do arise, it’s never as flawed as us mere humans with our unreliable ‘on/off’ switch. Likewise, we carry the ability to reason, to override procedures, or ignore policy, should we wish. Or as it happens, just make mistakes. In fact, according to a recent Verizon report, two out of three insider attacks happen as a result of negligence, and 74 percent of organisations are saying that insider threats are becoming more of a concern for them. Fundamental security practices Security breaches aren’t limited to external threats either, whether intentionally or not, they can come from within. Humans can, and do, ‘go rogue’, whether that’s pre-meditated criminal or malicious intent, or just by taking shortcuts. While data breaches court most news headlines in this digital era, some of the most significant security risks are those posed when employees neglect fundamental security practices such as sharing passwords or access cards. Employee negligence and insider threats  Insider negligence remains one of the pioneering causes of security breaches Insider negligence remains one of the pioneering causes of security breaches. Employees who share passwords or access cards may do so out of convenience, ignorance, or a misplaced sense of trust. Unfortunately, this creates vulnerabilities that are left open to exploitation. When multiple employees share credentials, it becomes difficult to trace actions to a single individual. This lack of accountability can complicate incident investigations and allows malicious activities to go undetected. Emergency services resources Furthermore, the sharing of passwords or access cards means inaccurate accounting of personnel, and in the event of an evacuation or major incident, central IT systems will hold misleading information of employees’ locations which could have a huge impact upon safety and potentially emergency services resources. Employees with malicious intent can exploit shared credentials to carry out unauthorised activities while shifting blame to others, increasing the risk of deliberate sabotage or theft of sensitive data. Even when there is no malicious intent, employees who share access credentials risk unintentionally exposing them to unauthorised individuals, such as contractors, visitors, or external attackers. What happens when employees compromise security? Access cards are designed to limit entry to restricted physical locations. When shared, unauthorised personnel could enter secure areas such as control rooms, rail lines, large construction sites, data centres, power plants or indeed any site meant to be kept secure. This creates opportunities for sabotage, theft, or corporate espionage. Sensitive data held within critical sites, such as blueprints, system controls, and customer records Likewise, shared passwords can lead to unauthorised entry into IT systems, allowing hackers to install malware, ransomware, or spyware. For example, a cybercriminal gaining access to an energy grid system could shut down power to entire regions, causing chaos to millions of people, and disrupting essential services. And not all data breaches are caused by online hackers gaining entry through unsecure firewalls. Sensitive information held within critical sites, such as blueprints, system controls, and customer records, becomes vulnerable when access credentials are shared too, and the disclosure of such information can have a serious impact upon a company’s bottom line, operations, and ultimately its reputation. Eliminating the human burden One way to prevent human error, or to thwart malpractice is to reduce the burden upon employees to be compliant, and eliminate our flaws by using technology that requires no intervention, decision-making or reason. Facial recognition is widely used in the civil world now, despite the concerns of various lobbyists. Used correctly it is not a ‘catch all’, but an instant recognition of persons of interest cross referenced against a database of known suspects. Our car parks are governed by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) to gain access in and out, while border controls are using advanced biometrics for everything from facial and fingerprint recognition, through to recognition of human characteristics and gait, for both entry and to apprehend. The UK Home Office is even accelerating its transition to digital border management, using biometric technology to improve efficiencies, safety, and to track and capture known or illegal persons. What of the CNI sites? But what of the corporate world? What of the CNI sites, our airports, our national construction developments such as HS2 or our high-rise office spaces? We always ask this very question, and also ‘can you afford a security breach’ in whatever environment you’re in? Because the smart, cloud-based technology being used by governments, law enforcement authorities and Border Force have cascaded down through the civil and corporate worlds.  Immediate safety and security Security-conscious corps are diligently removing human error, by eliminating the human burden Security-conscious organisations are now diligently removing human error, by eliminating the human burden. With cloud-managed software not only are access points managed through biometric integration, but it also overcomes the issues mentioned earlier around accountability - in that the cloud will always register who has passed through an access point, or out of it. This is critical for both immediate safety and security but also for matters arising from a crisis, or emergency situation. It’s also less admin-heavy, more cost-effective and can manage and store employee records, including background checks. Employee or contractor data is encrypted, their information is safe, their interactions are secure, and businesses are protected. Implement robust access management systems Simple acts of negligence, such as sharing passwords or access cards, can open the door to catastrophic consequences, operational disruption, financial loss, and even, in the case of CNI, national security risks. To mitigate this, organisations can do worse than to implement robust access management systems, and in doing so, release employees from having to be accountable for ensuring the security of the sites in which they work. As artificial intelligence evolves, I see even more robust biometrics coming to the fore, until such time we work and live in environments that are controlled without us even knowing security checkpoints are all around us, and access management happening at every step. It will become as ‘every day’ as an automatic door allowing entry into our local supermarket - but we’re not quite there yet.

The European Union’s GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) framework represents some of the toughest and most secure privacy laws in the world. Their creation signaled the EU’s dedication to individual privacy rights and generated new standards and requirements for an organisation inside or outside of the EU wanting to do business in the region. This privacy stance raises an interesting question: to what extent (if any) will France be utilising AI-assisted security and biometrics - at the upcoming Paris Summer Olympic Games?  AI-assisted security systems As France prepares to host this global event, certain AI-assisted security systems like algorithmic video monitoring have been tested and are planned to be in use. The country also passed a law with a legal framework for addressing provisions of hosting the Games in their country, Law No. 2023-380. These technologies will support the police and security efforts to detect sudden crowd movements, irregular vehicle, and pedestrian movements, abandoned objects, people lying on the ground, and more, any of which could indicate an attack. Local connectivity One recent French poll found that an overwhelming number of respondents support the use of smart cameras Such technologies, which can be connected directly to localised command centers and police departments, provide an opportunity to prevent deadly incidents like the bombing at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, GA. There are signs that citizens of the EU are becoming more receptive to such measures, with one recent French poll finding that an overwhelming number of respondents (89 percent) support the use of smart cameras in stadiums for this purpose.  Biometric technology The general public and private use of biometric technology (face matching, face liveness, and other biometric modalities), on the other hand, continues to run into challenges with adoption in this privacy-focused region. For the most part, laws ban facial recognition, permitting its use only once someone has been convicted or is suspected of having committed a serious crime. Limitations of video surveillance Limiting the utility of biometrics to only video surveillance for an event of the Paris Olympics’ magnitude is not the best approach. The ability to quickly identify or de-identify possible suspects from regular attendees greatly strengthens the activities of the police and helps protect the rights of regular attendees. Consider the example of New York City detectives using facial recognition to identify a man who, in 2019, left a pair of potential bombs in the Fulton Street subway station. Benefits of facial recognition technology Many believe that the use of facial recognition could have expedited and solved the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy With facial recognition technology, it took only one hour to identify the suspect - a process that previously would have taken several hours or even days, leaving the possibility of further damage unresolved. Citing yet another example, many believe that the use of facial recognition could have expedited and solved the Boston Marathon bombing tragedy much sooner and more efficiently, aiding investigators who reportedly had to sift through 120,000 photos and nearly 13,000 videos before identifying the perpetrator. Need for real-time video With an estimated 16 million visitors expected to descend upon France for the Games - and an environment that is harder to protect from bad actors - is limiting the use of biometrics to video surveillance the most effective? In our minds, in certain high-urgency cases, such as tracking kidnapping cases or possible terrorism activity, it should be permissible for facial recognition to be applied to recorded video in real-time and without delay. Public safety Beyond this obvious good that biometrics can bring from a public safety perspective, there are other ways that biometrics can be woven into the fabric of the Summer Olympics to support a faster, more enjoyable experience for all. Consider queue management. In a few weeks, an estimated 2.3 to 3.1 million ticket holders will form lines to access Olympic events. Fingerprint scanning technology People could pass through lines in mere fractions of a second, versus having to fumble for a paper ticket If fingerprints were captured at the point of ticket purchase and fingerprint scanning technologies made available on-site, people could pass through lines in mere fractions of a second, versus having to fumble for a paper ticket that may be torn or damaged, or an e-ticket on a phone with a dead battery. This would speed up the processing of queues tremendously.  Olympics-focused gambling activity Another area where biometrics can be beneficial is in Olympics-focused gambling activity, which is expected to gain steam as the Games get underway. Biometrics can be used to match facial images with legal documentation for age verification, and then combined with geofencing to ensure gambling participants are of legal age, depending on where they are physically based. Biometrics also makes it possible to identify, beyond the shadow of a doubt, all of the activities of particular individuals, which can help track nefarious activities like money laundering.  Evolution of privacy and security We believe biometrics can be a force for major good in our society and around various facets of the upcoming Paris Olympics, most notably public safety. It will be interesting to watch both the 2024 Summer Olympics and the ongoing evolution of privacy and security laws and practices in France and the European Union.

The pattern of veins in the hand contains unique information that can be used for identity. Blood flowing through veins in the human body can absorb light waves of specific wavelengths. Irradiating the human palm with near-infrared light waves yields an image of the vascular pattern. A venous distribution map can be processed and compared to pre-registered data to match and confirm identity.    Palm vein biometrics The idea of palm vein biometrics goes back to the 1980s when palm vein scanners emerged as commercial products in the 1990s. The devices gained some traction in military-grade and high-security applications, although the technology was too expensive to become popular among mainstream applications such as physical access control.    Anviz Global is expanding palm vein technology into mainstream applications, featuring a lower price point that will open new market opportunities.    Palm vein technology “Palm vein technology has been viewed as a boutique product because it is costly and has not developed as a mainstream product,” says Mark Vena, Senior Director of Business Strategy and Development for Anviz Global. “With a more compelling price point, the market can see the technology more broadly. We can change the game in terms of how people think about palm vein technology.”  FAR and FRR Palm vein technology is more accurate than either fingerprint (0.0001% FAR) or facial recognition (0.001% FAR) Iris recognition is considered the gold standard in biometric identification, but palm vein technology can almost achieve the accuracy of iris. The false accept rate (FAR) for palm vein technology is 0.00008%, compared to 0.00005% for iris recognition systems. The false reject rate (FRR) is comparable at 0.01% for either technology. Palm vein technology is more accurate than either fingerprint (0.0001% FAR) or facial recognition (0.001% FAR). Palm vein identification occurs in less than half a second.   M7 Palm “Anviz is seeking to bring a high level of capability to more mainstream commercial applications,” says Vena, specifically providing a lower-cost palm vein unit. The M7 Palm by Anviz can achieve next-generation biometric access control for greater security and intelligence. The door-mounted unit combines palm vein recognition with an RFID card reader and PIN code (using a 17-button keypad), all configurable for multi-factor authentication.   Outdoor applications The robust unit, including a narrow metal exterior design, provides strong vandal resistance (IK10) and stability for outdoor applications. To ensure a weatherproof design, the IP66 rating indicates the product is completely protected against dust and can withstand strong jets of water from any direction. Power-over-ethernet (PoE) enables centralised power management and the ability to remotely reboot devices.  Wiegand-out interface The unit communicates using RS-485 or TCP/IP and can connect locks, exit buttons, door contacts, doorbells, etc The unit communicates using RS-485 or TCP/IP and can connect locks, exit buttons, door contacts, doorbells, etc. The Wiegand-out interface can connect to standard third-party controllers, or a built-in relay can trigger a lock directly. Capacity is 500 users.   Because palm vein recognition originates from the physiological characteristics of the human body, it represents a “credential” that cannot be forged, lost, or left at home. It is not easily counterfeited or worn out.  Multi-factor authentication Applications include industries requiring high security such as government, judicial, and banking. Multi-factor authentication eliminates fraud and ensures safety at banks, data centers, airports, prisons, and government.   An end user might opt for higher levels of access control for a laboratory or server room. For dealers and integrators, palm vein technology, including multi-factor authentication, provides an additional option for customers seeking to protect high-security areas on a large campus. Card readers Card readers may suffice for most of the doors, but an important laboratory or cash-handling area requires more protection.  Palm vein technology can secure a casino cash cage or a room containing corporate secrets.   Time of Flight ToF laser-ranging uses a laser to measure the distance to an object by calculating the time Time of Flight (ToF) laser-ranging achieves accurate measurement to ensure the right distance for operation. ToF laser-ranging uses a laser to measure the distance to an object by calculating the time it takes for the laser light to travel to the object and back. Palm vein technology operates in the range of 10 to 30cm (4 to 12 inches). The proprietary BioNANO palm vein recognition algorithm enables accurate and fast scanning speed.  Non-contact biometric The non-contact biometric performs in touchless environments and does not contribute to lingering health concerns in the post-COVID world. The technology is accurate across all hand types and skin tones. Users may feel more comfortable scanning their hands than their eyes.   Optimal human-machine interaction M7 Palm’s optimal human-machine interaction and user experience include a low-power-consumption OLED screen to deliver clear text notifications to the user.  Advantages of M7 Palm include accuracy, stability, security, and privacy. Features include easy installation with standard processes and no special tools, centralised power management, simplified cabling, and less maintenance.  Managing the system is expedited by integration with the Anviz CrossChex Standard access control and time management dashboard, used by more than 30,000 enterprises, and the system can be integrated with any access control system.   Security for SMBs Anviz Global is a converged intelligent security provider for SMBs and enterprise organisations Anviz Global is a converged intelligent security provider for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise organisations. The company’s product line includes biometrics, video surveillance, and security management solutions based on the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.  Privacy concerns Anviz is part of the Xthings family of companies, which includes Ultraloq (smart locks), Utec (smart home), Bright (smart lighting), Secu365 (SaaS Platform), and Ulticam (smart cameras).  Privacy concerns are minimised because palm vein recognition does not directly store the original image but rather extracts feature information through algorithmic models. Personal data is protected through obfuscation and encryption.

In the competitive world of physical access control, Big Tech companies are seeking to play a larger role. Physical access competition Apple Wallet continues to stake its claim on mobile credentialing. Amazon One Enterprise is pushing a palm-based identity service. Google/Nest offers smart locks for home access control, with identity and access management provided in the Google Cloud. The entry of these big companies in the historically fragmented physical access control market is causing disruption and foreboding new levels of competition.  Apple Wallet impacting credentialing trends  The popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2021, the company announced support for home, office and hotel keys, including corporate badges and student ID cards, in Apple Wallet. Later, the company announced Hyatt as the first hotel partner to support the technology. Since then, the popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand for a seamless solution such as Apple Wallet. Easy access  In 2023, HID Global announced the availability of their employee badge in Apple Wallet, allowing staff and guests to easily access corporate spaces with their iPhone or Apple Watch, including doors, elevators, turnstiles, etc. Employees just need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to unlock.  Factors affecting the rate of adoption However, implementing and maintaining an Apple Wallet-based access control system can incur costs for hardware updates, software licencing, and ongoing maintenance. Factors affecting the rate of adoption include the need to upgrade existing infrastructures to accommodate the technology, and the necessity for access control manufacturers to develop and implement integrations with Apple Wallet.  Benefits of adoption Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch With larger companies leading the way, some smaller ones might take longer to catch up. There is also a need to educate building owners and administrators to see the value and benefits of switching to Apple Wallet-based access control. Convenience and greater security can accelerate adoption. Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Sensitive data protection A compatible app, specific to the building’s access control system, is needed. Once added, credentials are securely stored in the iPhone's Secure Enclave, a dedicated hardware chip designed for sensitive data protection.  Holding an iPhone near an NFC-enabled reader enables transmission of encrypted credentials. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), some systems also utilise Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for added security, longer read range, and hands-free unlocking. Phones need sufficient battery charge to function.  Amazon One Enterprise Enables Palm-Based Biometrics  In November 2023, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) announced an identity service providing comprehensive and easy-to-use authentication for physical and digital access control. The system enables users to employ their palm as an access control credential, allowing organisations to provide a fast and contactless experience for employees and others to gain access to physical locations as well as digital assets.  Physical and digital locations Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts, and educational institutions. IT and security administrators can easily install Amazon One devices and manage users, devices, and software updates using AWS’s Management Console.  Elimination of physical credentials An advantage of the Amazon approach is the elimination of physical credentials such as fobs and badges, and digital elements such as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. AWS says security is built into every stage of the service, from multi-layered security controls in the Amazon One device, which is the same technology used in the Amazon Go retail stores, where shoppers can pay for purchases by scanning the palm of their hands. The devices combine palm and vein imagery for biometric matching and deliver an accuracy rate of 99.9999%, which exceeds the accuracy of other biometric alternatives, says the company. AI and ML The palm-recognition technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a “palm signature” that is associated with identification credentials such as a badge, employee ID or PIN. Boon Edam, a revolving door and turnstile manufacturer, offers Amazon’s palm biometric technology on its equipment, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses the technology to provide employees a convenient way to identify themselves and gain access to software systems. Google and Nest Devices in Access Control  When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone Google’s Nest devices include smart locks for home access control. The Google Nest × Yale Lock allows access control via both physical keys and passcodes accessible through the Google Home app. When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone. Passcodes can be created for family, guests, and other trusted persons. Alerts can be provided whenever someone unlocks and locks the door. When Nest “knows” a resident is away, the door can lock automatically. Voice control, Google Home app Voice control, using Google Assistant integrated with various Nest devices, enables use of voice commands to lock and unlock doors, thus adding another level of convenience. Smart home devices from various manufacturers can be controlled through the Google Home app. SMART Monitoring ADT’s Self Setup smart home security systems integrate Google Nest smart home products with ADT security and life safety technology, including SMART Monitoring technology. Microsoft Azure is another company that could impact access control. The Microsoft Azure Active Directory is an identity and access management platform that could be extended to physical access control, leveraging existing user credentials. Long-Range Impact on the Security Marketplace  Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems Increasingly, Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems, and offering analytics for optimising security and building operations. Big Tech is also actively researching and developing new technologies for access control, such as facial recognition, voice authentication, and AI-powered anomaly detection.  Access control communication and integration As their involvement in physical access control grows, Big Tech companies could potentially gain more influence in setting industry standards for access control communication and integration, similar to how they have become dominant in other areas such as mobile platforms. Given their expertise in user interface design and data analysis, Big Tech companies could help to direct how future access control systems are managed and how users interact with them, including more intuitive and user-friendly operations. Future of physical access control Existing concerns about privacy, security, and potential dominance by a few Big Tech companies could spill over into physical access control. However, traditional security companies, startups, and industry consortiums are also actively developing innovative solutions. Ultimately, the future of physical access control will likely be shaped by a combination of many different players and technologies – large and small. 

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

Matrix client, a pivotal divisional office within the Railways Department, manages railway operations across multiple divisions. Serving as the central administrative hub, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office is dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and dependable train services, while addressing operational challenges and enhancing the passenger experience. This case study explores the DRM office’s adoption of innovative communication strategies and processes that optimise management, streamline operations, and elevate service delivery throughout the region.  Requirements The DRM office sought a telecom solution to modernise their existing system, to enhance communication efficiency and reliability. The primary challenges they faced included:  Outdated Communication Infrastructure: The existing system struggled to keep up with operational demands, causing frequent communication disruptions both within the office and with external entities.  Need for Technology Integration: The office required a scalable, modern solution capable of merging traditional telephony with advanced VoIP systems, enabling seamless communication across all departments.  Seamless System Compatibility: It was essential for the Matrix VoIP Gateway to integrate smoothly with the current third-party PBX, ensuring uninterrupted communication and compatibility with the existing setup.  Improved Call Management: Reliable, real-time communication between the DRM office and other railway divisions was vital for coordinated operations and efficient management.   Solution The Matrix solution, featuring the Matrix VoIP gateway, was seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, successfully bridging modern communication technologies with legacy infrastructure. Key aspects of the solution include:  Connection with Third-party PBX: The Matrix VoIP-PRI gateway (SETU VTEP) seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, while the Matrix SIP phone (SPARSH VP510) connected effortlessly via LAN to support cohesive and efficient communication within the same PBX setup.  Connection to Railway Network: The VoIP-PRI gateway established a dependable PRI network specifically for the Railways, efficiently managing multiple communication lines and ensuring robust connectivity across the network.  Analog Network Integration: The Matrix FXO and FXS gateway (ETERNITY GENX12S) enabled analog connections, linking to the third-party PBX through a network switch to extend connectivity options, while maintaining a unified communication structure.  This configuration allowed the DRM office to bridge modern digital and analog communication systems, ensuring reliable and adaptable connectivity across all platforms. Results The implementation of the Matrix VoIP Gateway in the DRM office's communication system brought significant operational improvements, achieving the following outcomes:  Improved Reliability: The ETERNITY GENX12SAC ensured continuous connectivity across divisions, enabling a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information. This enhanced reliability improved coordination and accelerated decision-making processes. Effortless Integration: The Matrix VoIP Gateway integrated seamlessly with the existing third-party PBX system, creating a unified and efficient communication ecosystem that streamlined internal and external communications.  Future-Ready Solution: Designed with scalable VoIP technology, the Matrix solution was built to support future growth, upgrades, and evolving communication needs. This future-ready approach provides the DRM office with long-term efficiency and adaptability without requiring major infrastructure changes.  Matrix VoIP Gateway The Matrix VoIP Gateway delivered a robust, integrated, and future-ready communication system that not only addressed the office's current needs, but also strategically positioned it for future advancements and scalability. 

Matrix's client, a pivotal divisional office within the Railways Department, manages railway operations across multiple divisions. Serving as the central administrative hub, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office is dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and dependable train services, while addressing operational challenges and enhancing the passenger experience. This case study explores the DRM office’s adoption of innovative communication strategies and processes that optimise management, streamline operations, and elevate service delivery throughout the region.  Requirements The DRM office sought a telecom solution to modernise their existing system, to enhance communication efficiency and reliability. The primary challenges they faced included:  Outdated Communication Infrastructure: The existing system struggled to keep up with operational demands, causing frequent communication disruptions both within the office and with external entities.  Need for Technology Integration: The office required a scalable, modern solution capable of merging traditional telephony with advanced VoIP systems, enabling seamless communication across all departments.  Seamless System Compatibility: It was essential for the Matrix VoIP Gateway to integrate smoothly with the current third-party PBX, ensuring uninterrupted communication and compatibility with the existing setup.  Improved Call Management: Reliable, real-time communication between the DRM office and other railway divisions was vital for coordinated operations and efficient management.  Solution The Matrix solution, featuring the Matrix VoIP gateway, was seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, successfully bridging modern communication technologies with legacy infrastructure. Key aspects of the solution include:  Connection with Third-party PBX: The Matrix VoIP-PRI gateway (SETU VTEP) seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, while the Matrix SIP phone (SPARSH VP510) connected effortlessly via LAN to support cohesive and efficient communication within the same PBX setup.  Connection to Railway Network: The VoIP-PRI gateway established a dependable PRI network specifically for the Railways, efficiently managing multiple communication lines and ensuring robust connectivity across the network.  Analog Network Integration: The Matrix FXO and FXS gateway (ETERNITY GENX12S) enabled analog connections, linking to the third-party PBX through a network switch to extend connectivity options while maintaining a unified communication structure.  This configuration allowed the DRM office to bridge modern digital and analog communication systems, ensuring reliable and adaptable connectivity across all platforms. Results The implementation of the Matrix VoIP Gateway in the DRM office's communication system brought significant operational improvements, achieving the following outcomes:  Improved Reliability: The ETERNITY GENX12SAC ensured continuous connectivity across divisions, enabling a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information. This enhanced reliability improved coordination and accelerated decision-making processes.  Effortless Integration: The Matrix VoIP Gateway integrated seamlessly with the existing third-party PBX system, creating a unified and efficient communication ecosystem that streamlined internal and external communications.  Future-Ready Solution: Designed with scalable VoIP technology, the Matrix solution was built to support future growth, upgrades, and evolving communication needs. This future-ready approach provides the DRM office with long-term efficiency and adaptability without requiring major infrastructure changes.  The Matrix VoIP Gateway delivered a robust, integrated, and future-ready communication system that not only addressed the office's current needs but also strategically positioned it for future advancements and scalability. 

The university in rural Maharashtra is committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that focuses on character building, intellectual growth, and community service. Its mission is to develop knowledgeable, compassionate citizens. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and cultural heritage preservation, the institution aims to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsible global citizenship. Featuring one of the largest campuses in Mumbai, the university offers a diverse range of programmes across nine different disciplines.  Challenge/Requirements The client faced considerable difficulties with their current communication system. The wired configuration demanded frequent maintenance and ongoing problems with voice communication quality persisted. The primary challenges they encountered included:  Problems with wired communication: The wired system experienced issues like corrosion, causing a decline in communication quality.  Call Quality: The communication system faced problems like dropped calls and interruptions during active conversations.  Multi-location and Unified Communication Solution: Upgrading the infrastructure was essential to connect and unify various sites across the campus.  Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The new solution had to be compatible with their current setup to bring modernisation.  Redundancy: To guarantee minimal or no downtime, especially in emergencies, incorporating redundancy was essential.  Matrix solution Matrix, in partnership with Shreeji Comsec, designed a solution that greatly improved the university's communication capabilities. The key aspects of this solution are summarised below:  The current infrastructure relied on copper PRI lines, which needed to be upgraded to IP. To support this transition, two Matrix VoIP-PRI gateways, the SETU VTEP2P and SETU VTEP4P, were utilised.  The VoIP-PRI gateways are now compatible with two Matrix IP Phones: the SPARSH VP510 and SPARSH VP210.  The IP connection can now be routed through SIP (TATA) trunks via the Matrix server-based PBX, ANANT.  The server-based PBX, ANANT, provided seamless communication with integrated redundancy, effectively eliminating downtime.  Results observed The solution enabled the university to consolidate multiple sites into a single communication network. Legacy systems were smoothly integrated with modern VoIP technology, optimising existing investments and enhancing the overall communication infrastructure. This upgrade notably increased operational efficiency. Here is a detailed overview of the solution:  Multi-location Solution: Multiple sites were integrated into a unified, comprehensive communication system.  Unified Communication Solution: Integrating with the server-based PBX, ANANT, facilitated seamless collaboration and ensured uninterrupted information transfer and reception.  Investment Optimisation: The integration of SIP with the Matrix Solution, seamlessly incorporated into the existing network infrastructure. This approach maximised the use of existing resources and avoided the need for additional investments.  Operational Efficiency: The redundancy built into ANANT ensured minimal or no downtime, facilitating a continuous flow of information and significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. This feature was crucial for maintaining critical communications and handling emergencies effectively.  Modern Features: The office benefits from advanced functionalities provided by Matrix Standard SIP desk phones, including the SPARSH VP510. These features, such as call-back and auto-answer over secure SIP communication, greatly enhance the university’s communication capabilities.  The Matrix communication solution allowed the university to both enhance and modernise its communication capabilities, equipping them with advanced, state-of-the-art call features.  Products offered Matrix ANANT: PBX Server for Unified Communications Matrix SETU VTEP4P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VTEP2P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VFXTH: VoIP - FXO - FXS Gateway Matrix SPARSH VP510E: Standard SIP Phone 

Technological leaps in the last several decades have revolutionised biometrics. The technologies are constantly evolving, spanning facial recognition to iris scanning to fingerprints, to provide new levels of security and convenience. Biometrics are everywhere, from smartphones to border control, constantly evolving to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world. They are also more accurate and easier to use than ever. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new with biometrics?

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?