OPTEX set to bring live and interactive product showcases to The Security Event

OPTEX’s UK team will be exhibiting at The Security Event in Birmingham from 5-7 April in order to showcase a range of leading solutions for creating an effective multi-layered security system, as well as demonstrating how the company’s award-winning Intelligent Visual Monitoring solution can play an integral role in protecting commercial and residential premises.

The team will be present on Stand B30 in Hall 3 at the NEC to explain how different technologies can be used to provide highly accurate and highly reliable intrusion detection based on layers of protection. This protection is suitable for a whole range of applications, from residential and home security through to Data Centres and industrial facilities and on again to large-scale entertainment facilities.

An area of Stand B30 will be dedicated to the multi-layered approach for commercial and high-security sites. This will include OPTEX’s fibre optic sensors for fenced and buried perimeter applications, in addition to the Redwall long range volumetric sensors for approach detection.

Further, OPTEX will demonstrate the new functionalities and intelligence recently added to its long-range LiDARs, including dynamic event filtering, which allows for alerts to be configured in order to meet specific detection criteria or logic.

Live demonstrations

Throughout The Security Event, OPTEX is going to be running live demonstrations of its Intelligent Visual Monitoring. This brings together all components of a given security set-up to create a visually verified solution that can be professionally monitored by trained operates at any participating Alarm Receiving Centre, thereby creating a highly reliable security solution that eliminates false alarms.

“The 2021 edition of The Security Event was very successful and we expect even more visitors this year,” explained Mathew Oakley, OPTEX UK’s sales manager. “For that reason, we have allocated more space on our stand to facilitate additional demonstrations and pods.” 

Oakley continued: “Many people in the industry know us for specific products being under the OPTEX or REDWALL brand, but very few know the breadth or our full portfolio from indoor Grade 2 and Grade 3 PIRs through to Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure-approved fibre optic products. We can cater for all intrusion detection needs.”

In conclusion, Oakley informed Security Matters: “We’re looking forward to catching up with our customers and engaging with anyone who’s interested in perimeter protection and intrusion detection systems.”

*OPTEX will be exhibiting on Stand B30 in Hall 3 at The Security Event, which runs from 5-7 April at the NEC in Birmingham

Rebrand for Euralarm signalled by new logo and revamped website

Euralarm, the European Trade Association representing the electronic security and fire sectors, has undergone a rebranding exercise which has seen the organisation update its website at the same time as introducing a new logo and descriptive strapline.

The new website is specifically designed to reflect Euralarm’s core values, while in tandem the refreshed logo signifies to its core sectors precisely what the organisation represents. In short, Euralarm is multi-faceted, diverse, challenging, connected, transparent and proactive.

The website is also designed to present Euralarm’s expertise and leadership skills for the industry, the market, policy-makers and standards bodies. It features a clean and responsive modern design and enhanced functionality along with easy access to expert comment and advice.

As a platform for the latest industry news, insights and policy on the electronic security industry and the fire safety sector, the asite affords all visitors essential information concerning the services offered by Euralarm.

Further, the enhanced design also creates a clear journey for companies and those associations interested in becoming a member. Euralarm members make society safer and more secure through the provision of systems and services for intrusion detection, access control, video monitoring and alarm transmission in addition to fire detection and extinguishing.

Founded in 1970, Euralarm now represents over 5,000 companies within the security industry and fire safety sector with a combined value of 67 billion Euros. Euralarm’s members are national associations as well as individual companies from right across Europe. 

*Further information is available online at www.euralarm.org

Bold Communications joins Dahua Eco Partner Programme

Monitoring platform provider Bold Communications has joined Dahua Technology’s ECO Partner Programme which is designed to create a closer integration and development relationship between Dahua and technology providers, with those parties involved working to deliver an integrated monitoring solution for commercial Alarm Receiving Centres and private Control Rooms. 

Security solutions typically require technology from more than one manufacturer. An integrated system will often incorporate legacy equipment, new technology and multiple product types. In the Control Room, a tool is needed to process the interaction between devices and present information – and tasks – to the operator in a clear and simple interface. This requires high level system design and co-operation and the ECO Partner Programme provides a platform for the process.

“Interoperability is key for the monitoring business,” stated James Wang, Dahua’s vice-president and general manager for the business in the UK and Ireland. “Together with our technology partners, we are driven to develop more comprehensive solutions for the industry. The ECO Partner Programme not only focuses on technical enhancements, but also offers our business partners the opportunity to explore our ecosystem and network with vendors with compatible solutions.”

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Bold Communications software supports compliance with industry standards for alarm and CCTV monitoring, using video verification to filter false activations and support an appropriate response. Alarm events can be generated by Dahua analytics or a third party detection device and received by Gemini with live and pre-alarm video. With false, nuisance and duplicate alarms filtered out and all information, video and handling tasks presented in a single display, the operator can then train their entire focus on handling genuine alarm activations.

Specialist security services

Integrated Visual Protection, a National Security Inspectorate Gold-accredited Alarm Receiving Centre in London, provides specialist security services throughout the UK. The Bold Gemini platform enables Integrated Visual Protection to provide a range of alarm and CCTV monitoring services, with Dahua being a popular option. 

Operations director Piers Brown commented: “To deliver a premium monitoring service for our clients means that our operations have to be robust, seamless and efficient. Combining high-quality CCTV images with fully-featured Alarm Receiving Centre software helps us to meet that standard.”   

Bold Communications’ integration development and design is driven by new technology and the needs of the monitoring sector. Becoming an ECO Partner with Dahua Technology is another important step forward in that process.   

*Further information is available online at www.boldcommunications.co.uk and info@boldcommunications.co.uk

Chubb appointed exclusive distributor, installer and service provider for SmartCell wireless fire safety solution

Chubb has been appointed as the exclusive UK distributor, installer and service provider of SmartCell, a complete wireless fire detection platform developed by EMS. The platform provides those customers with smaller commercial sites and properties complete control of their fire safety systems’ performance and strategy.

EMS’ SmartCell solution comprises all of the elements required in a fire safety solution, including an EN-certified control panel, detectors, manual Call Point, sounder (with visual alarm), a dual input/output device and contact transmitter.

Designed with the ability to expand as required, the system can accommodate up to 32 wireless fire and a variety of information devices.

A notable feature of SmartCell, and something of an innovation in the marketplace, is its built-in communications capability, which not only enables remote diagnostics (to identity and remedy potential issues), but also allows all event notifications to be sent to mobile devices via a dedicated Chubb mobile app. This allows customers to have total visibility of their fire system performance, anytime and anywhere.

The solution is also Alarm Receiving Centre-ready, enabling potential fire alarms to be remotely monitored by a third party, as well as having the ability not only to monitor fire, but also floods and potential issues with heating/cooling systems.

Making maximum use of EMS’ technology, a specialist in the field of wireless and hybrid fire detection systems, Chubb has limited exclusive access to the SmartCell system for four months.

“With integrated signalling and intelligent cloud-based communications and notifications, the system offers users the ultimate convenience in accessing their fire safety information,” explained Richard Drew, fire detection and alarms technical and product manager at Chubb. “Compact and with an aesthetically pleasing design, the system is quick and simple to install. Its flexibility makes it a user-friendly, commercially-attractive solution for a wide variety of customers and applications.”

Chubb and EMS are part of Carrier, the global provider of  heating, ventilating and air conditioning, refrigeration, fire, security and building automation technologies.

*For further information visit http://www.chubb.co.uk

**SmartCell is a trademark owned by EMS Wireless & Hybrid Fire Detector Solution

BT Redcare unveils new next generation alarm portfolio for premises protection

BT Redcare, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of alarm signalling services, has revamped its portfolio of products to provide businesses and households alike with faster, smarter and easier ways of protecting premises.

The business has launched three new next generation alarm signalling products which can be used to monitor a range of risks, including physical break-ins, fire, gas leaks and flooding. A fourth product will be launched early in 2019 to complete the new portfolio.

Customers will benefit from a much faster experience end-to-end, from the installation of their new security system through to connectivity, signalling and fault reporting.

The products are also easier to use with the introduction of a new app for installers which allows for faster customer set-up, while a new app for end user customers allows them to receive notifications and alerts.

The new products have also been designed to be more environmentally friendly, requiring less energy to run and using recyclable packaging.

The products have comprehensive levels of security built-in with end-to-end encryption, while 24/7 technical support and a ten-year warranty provides customers with the high levels of reliability and reassurance they need from their alarm system.

The portfolio comprises the following new products:

Essential: This is the entry-level package which offers a fast and affordable wireless security alarm signalling system. It’s also monitored by security experts who will keep an eye on customers’ premises 24/7.

Advanced: This package comes with two signalling paths to provide twice the reassurance and is ideal for low-to-medium risk sites with the flexibility to upgrade if required.

Advanced Extra: This offers the same features as Advanced, but with even faster reporting times. If there’s a fault with the connection, the experts will be alerted in just 180 seconds.

Ultimate: This is BT Redcare’s premium product which covers every level of risk. Underpinned by resilient and future-proof IP broadband and smart 4G connections, the product boasts a built-in broadband hub and superior levels of security and reliability, with battery back-up to keep the system running even in the event of a power cut. It also has faster response times, with its enhanced monitoring capabilities alerting security experts about any connection issues within just 90 seconds.

John Ware, general manager at BT Redcare, said: “We’re introducing faster, smarter and greener ways of protecting businesses and homes underpinned by the best fixed and mobile networks in the UK. We’ve designed our next generation portfolio based on feedback from Alarm Receiving Centres, installers, insurers, businesses and homeowners. With our products meeting the very highest standards in the industry, we can provide our customers with the peace of mind they’re looking for in an alarm signalling system.”

Eaton unveiled as next CSL Connected Partner

CSL has announced that Eaton is the company’s latest Connected Partner. Eaton joins existing CSL Connected Partners Pyronix and RISCO Group.

The Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) connection only variant of CSL Connected is available on Eaton’s i-on Style, i-on Compact, i-on 30R and i-on 40H panels.

Together with the industry’s leading security panel manufacturers, CSL is offering installers panel-specific signalling that combines the company’s critical connectivity offer with those of a chosen alarm panel and the added option of an end user App.

CSL’s sales director Rob Evans commented: “Installers already have access to signalling products that provide end user Apps, but more end users are demanding the addition of reliable ARC connectivity. Now they can have both with CSL Connected. With end user convenience and a guaranteed response to an alarm, CSL Connected also discourages self-monitored systems that bypass ARCs.”

Since its launch, CSL Connected has been used in over 5,000 installations and the company expects this number to continue to grow. Installers are also able to charge a recurring monitoring fee, making their business much more valuable and stable.

“We’re delighted to welcome Eaton on board as a CSL Connected Partner with more manufacturers to follow soon,” concluded Evans.

BSIA endorses new NPCC Security Systems Group guide to preventing false Hold-Up Alarms

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has contributed to a guide which aims to help installers of Hold-Up Alarm (HUA) systems to reduce the number of false alarms. Developed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council’s Security Systems Group, the guide provides an overview of the impacts that false alarms have and offers recommendations on how installers can help to reduce them.

These recommendations include:

*take HUA Systems out of service before work starts and remember to return them to full service when work has been completed

*remind users of the proper use of HUAs as advised by the police – they’re for use during an attack or the threat of an attack involving persons at premises protected by the HUA (a brawl outside the premises or petty theft is not proper use)

*recommend the repositioning of HUAs vulnerable to damage following changes to internal layout of premises

*ensure HUA fixings and covers are secure during service visits and remind users to report minor damage

*remind users of their duty to inform contractors working at the premises that HUAs are installed and active

*discuss the correct use of HUAs with all employees who have direct contact with customers

These simple steps can help to reduce the number of false alarms, thereby reducing the impact on the police service and maintaining the reputation of Alarm Receiving Centres and installers.

David Wilkinson, director of technical services at the BSIA, explained: “The BSIA is fully supportive of initiatives to reduce the number of false alarms generated from security equipment. Preventing false Hold-Up Alarm activations will help to ensure that such alarms remain an effective method for delivering a rapid police response and maintain users’ confidence in security systems.”

Wilkinson continued: “The new guide provides installers with simple recommendations that can help to prevent false alarms during installation, maintenance and use. The BSIA is pleased to endorse the guide, and I’m sure that this document will prove beneficial to installers and service engineers alike.”

The guide can be downloaded from the BSIA’s website: www.bsia.co.uk/publications/publications-search-results/preventing-false-hold-up-alarms

BSIA outlines key points of PD6669 scheme ahead of industry briefings

Ahead of a series of industry briefings on the new PD6669 scheme, the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has put together its five key points of the publication.

PD6669 provides guidance for the provision of alarm transmission systems (ATS) in the UK. It has been developed with support from all interested parties within the security industry, including security installers, Alarm Receiving Centres, ATS providers, insurers, the BSIA itself, the British Standards Institution and the police service.

The Trade Association has outlined five key points of the scheme which will be covered in greater detail during each briefing:

*Alarm transmission providers will supply network availability statistics to identify systems that are highly likely to generate a false confirmed activation and police response to a false alarm. This will help to protect the allocation of Unique Reference Numbers (URNs)

*Alarm transmission providers will suggest alternate telecommunications solutions and networking advice to improve system reliability

*Single path faults are effectively managed, reducing customer disturbance and false alarms

*Installers will be able to clearly identify chargeable installation and post-installation work to the ATS to ensure that it operates reliably and as specified. Using PD6662, installers will be able to upsell their services rather than simply selling on price

*PD6669 ensures that system liability is clearly defined through robust information supply, record keeping and notification

As stated, the BSIA is hosting a series of free-to-attend briefings that will provide industry practitioners with an overview of PD6669, information on how it interfaces to BS EN 50136 and how it will help installers who use the scheme.

The briefings will be taking place at the following locations:

*London: 30 August at UBM, 240 Blackfriars Road, London SE1 8BF. Registration opens at 8.30 am with presentations from 9.00 am through until 11.00 am

*Hampshire: 31 August at Southern Monitoring, 212-218 London Road, Waterlooville PO7 7AJ. Registration opens at 8.30 am with presentations from 9.00 am until 11.00 am

*Wigan: 6 September at the North West Fire and Security Exhibition, DW Stadium (South Stand Suite), 15 Loire Drive, Wigan WN5 0UH. Presentations from 10.00 am to 11.00 am as part of the North West Fire and Security Exhibition speaker programme)

*Nottingham: 13 September at EMCS Ltd, Tissington Close, Beeston, Nottingham NG9 6QG. Registration opens at 8.30 am with presentations from 9.00 am until 11.00 am

*To register for any of these PD6669 briefings visit: www.bsia.co.uk/events

Cougar Monitoring and BT Redcare to run joint Roadshow for fire and security installers in Midlands region

Led by Cougar Monitoring, the Roadshow will be hosted on Friday 6 October at one of BT’s key buildings in Birmingham city centre near to Birmingham New Street Station. In addition to presentations from representatives of Cougar and BT Redcare, there will also be representatives from the technical departments of both companies available for advice, guidance and training.

Eric Roberts, CEO of Cougar Monitoring, said: “BT Redcare has been in the alarm signalling market for over 30 years. The company is tried and tested and the majority of its products are third party certified. Having met with the new BT Redcare management team recently, it’s abundantly clear that they have a renewed focus and intention to work closer with both ourselves and installers. We’re delighted to join them to reinforce that message to our installers.”

BT Redcare sits at the heart of home and business security, bridging the gap between customers, installers and Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs). Backed by BT’s trusted technology and the largest R&D budget in the UK, the business has been leading the way in reliable alarm signalling. Having recently undertaken a refresh of its brand and approach to the market, the company has now pledged to work closer with ARCs and installers to help grow their businesses.

Cougar Monitoring was established in 1996 and holds a number of nationally-recognised accreditations. The business is registered by the Security Industry Authority as an Approved Contractor for key holding, security guarding and Public Space (CCTV) Surveillance and has also received the National Security Inspectorate’s Gold standard EMS and Health and Safety accreditations.

Cougar Monitoring is part of the Prime Interaction Group that also includes Securenett and Kings Security, making it one of the largest independent security groups in the UK. The company invests heavily in cutting-edge technology to provide clients with an “innovative and inclusive” security service. Its high specification alarm receiving and monitoring set-up enables the company to keep response times enviably sharp and to provide reliable and professional assistance.

Going forward, Securenett will be recommending BT Redcare alarm signalling products to its customers.

Commenting on the Cougar initiative, John Ware (general manager of BT Redcare) said: “I met personally with the senior leaders of Cougar Monitoring recently and it’s clear that they, like us, are looking to the future and wish to expand their operation. We’re perfectly placed to help them do this. The combination of our expertise in the market and Cougar’s reach to installers means attendees at the Roadshow will receive the best advice, value and support from both companies.”

*Details of the Roadshow will be issued soon. In the meantime, installers wishing to register an interest in attending can do so online at www.formwize.com/cougarroadshow

 

BSIA presents inaugural Security Business Awards to “outstanding” selection of UK companies

Six member companies of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) have been recognised at the Association’s inaugural Security Business Awards for their commitment to promoting the worldwide reputation of the industry.

The brand new awards were presented at the BSIA’s Annual Luncheon 2017, held at the the Grand Connaught Rooms in central London on Wednesday 12 July. Presented in three main categories – The International Partnership Award, The Environmental Award and The Innovative Security Project of the Year Award – the Security Business Awards invited contributions from all sections of BSIA membership, with one special commendation and one overall winner being announced in each category.

“Following the success of our Security Personnel of the Year Awards, the Apprentice Installer Awards and the CVIT Special Awards for Outstanding Service, which focus solely on individuals or teams, we felt it was important to broaden the scope and ensure that the success of entire companies is also rewarded,” commented James Kelly, CEO of the BSIA. “This has also enabled us to encourage companies from outside of the guarding sector to engage with our awards programme. The nominations we received this year are a testament to the fantastic reputation of our member companies and we look forward to the ongoing success of these new awards.”

The International Partnership Award

The International Partnership Award aims to showcase the capability of the UK’s security industry in embodying the BSIA’s Export brand values of world class security innovation and experience.

The 2017 winner in this category is Concept Smoke Screen Ltd for its partnership with established Brazilian security firm Allarmi in helping to prevent explosive attacks against ATMs in Latin America.

After one of the largest privately-owned banks in Latin America was being mercilessly targeted on an average of 40 times per month, Concept Smoke Screen Ltd worked with Allarmi to install closely-monitored security fogging systems at 1,600 branches. The impact of the systems was so dramatic that the bank has now installed them across 4,300 branches, with this solution successfully decreasing the number of attacks to a minimal amount.

Concept Smoke Screen Ltd and Allarmi have a shared value of protecting people and livelihoods, in turn leading to a successful collaboration, so much so that Allarmi now holds regular training sessions regarding the systems and has significantly expanded its network of installers.

The businesses have also founded Concept Smoke Screen Brazil Ltd in order to produce the same quality products at an affordable price and help the local market, creating new jobs in the process.

Talking about this achievement, Matt Gilmartin (managing director of Concept Smoke Screen Ltd) said: “Concept Smoke Screen Ltd is delighted to be recognised by the BSIA for its partnership work in Brazil. Although Brazil is facing significant economic challenges, the people there are determined to improve safety and security for the entire population. Concept Smoke Screen Ltd and its partner Allarmi are exceptionally proud to be part of that. Our shared beliefs have successfully produced significant loss reductions for some of the country’s and world’s largest financial institutions.”

The Special Commendation in this category was awarded to GJD Manufacturing for its work with a South East Asian international airport. GJD’s D-TECT Laser detector range helped to secure a gap above a glass wall in the arrivals area, which could have allowed objects to be thrown over before passing through security. The D-TECT Lasers have performed so well, in fact, that more have now been fitted more lasers in other areas of the airport.

The Environmental Award

The Environmental Award recognises the commitment of a security company or its employees to improve sustainability within the organisation or to improve the wider environment in its local community.

This year’s overall winner is Printwaste Recycling & Shredding who received the accolade for the installation of 384 solar panels on the roof of the company’s headquarters in order to move away from fossil fuels towards cleaner energy sources. As well as installing the solar panels, the business also fitted light sensors in corridors, in toilets and to external lighting in order to reduce the amount of electricity being used.

The company continued to show its commitment to energy conservation by closely monitoring usage against material processed in order to assess ways in which it could reduce electricity consumption still further while increasing output.

By transforming the unused roof space into an environmental asset, the business’ electricity bill has been reduced by 51%, while annual CO2 emissions have also decreased dramatically. The commitment to the environment has also resulted in employees being more energy conscious, as well as customers being happy in the knowledge that their materials are being shredded as a result of power supplied through eco-friendly solar energy.

Don Robins, managing director of Printwaste Recycling & Shredding, enthused: “Winning this award is fantastic recognition for the business and the staff at our security shredding facility in Cheltenham. We all know that, in this day and age, it’s increasingly important for data and media products to be securely destroyed. Our operation bolsters our green credentials and gives even greater re-assurances to our clients who know that the electricity used in shredding their data and confidential papers is generated by solar panels on the Printwaste building roof.”

The Special Commendation in this category was awarded to Magenta Security Services. The business is on track to reduce its energy usage by 75% through a number of environmentally friendly initiatives. Such initiatives include changing all electronic equipment to low energy, as well as investing in environmentally friendly lighting systems throughout its offices and the installation of recycled flooring tiles.

The Innovative Security Project of the Year Award

The final award (for The Innovative Security Project of the Year) recognises projects that represent a first for the industry, a first for a particular market or a new application of an existing security solution.

CSL is the overall winner in this category, receiving the award for its CSL Connected project. Working in partnership with the industry’s leading panel manufacturers, CSL Connected combines CSL’s Critical Connectivity with the customer’s chosen alarm panel and the added option of an end user app.

Using its partnership with over 60 UK Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs), CSL Connected ensures that professional installations are not overlooked in exchange for cheaper, self-monitored solutions, combining the expertise and innovation of CSL and its manufacturer partners with end user preferences for a smart phone App and the added insurance requirement of ARC monitoring.

“Installers already have access to signalling products that provide end user Apps,” explained Rob Evans, sales director at CSL. “CSL Connected is the only product to offer smart phone Apps with reliable ARC connectivity. With end user convenience and a guaranteed response to an alarm, CSL Connected also discourages self-monitored systems that bypass ARCs.”

Evans added: “We’re delighted to win this award alongside our CSL Connected Partners. It’s testament to the hard work of each of our companies in delivering this project to the industry.”

The Special Commendation in this category was presented to Nocturna Ltd for its Sentinel range of night vision solutions, which provide crystal clear low light imagery up to 100 metres away, increasing search capabilities at night and the successful early detection of those individuals either lost or injured in low visibility scenarios. Solutions in the range provide essential support to security, military and ‘blue light’ personnel in addition to civilians worldwide.