OPTEX adds further functionality and flexibility to REDSCAN Pro LiDAR Series

Sensor manufacturer OPTEX has launched a new firmware update for its award-winning REDSCAN Pro LiDAR Series, in turn delivering a number of additional features that further enhance the sensors’ functionality.

The ONVIF-compliant REDSCAN Pro Series – which includes two models, namely the RLS-3060V with a range up to 30×60 metres and the RLS-50100V featuring a range of up to 50×100 metres – provides highly accurate detection in both outdoor and indoor environments without any ‘gaps’ or the detection reliability otherwise ‘fading’ with range.

The upgraded firmware features dynamic event filtering, which allows for alerts to be configured to meet specific detection criteria or logic. Alarms can be raised based on the sequence of zone detection, such as a target entering a specific zone first of all and then a second one. The technology filters events and focuses on what really matters to the security team.

The REDSCAN Pro LiDAR Series has undergone a firmware update

In another scenario, for instance in a logistics or warehouse environment, an intelligent logic can be created based on the height of vehicles positioned by the loading bays. Delivery lorries or trucks entering the detection zones would not trigger any alarms, but smaller vehicles such as vans or cars would do so.

New modes

New modes have been added to the REDSCAN Pro panoramic assistance camera module. To help adapt to further applications and also to varying privacy restrictions, the camera images can be set in mosaic mode, which pixelates the image to make individuals non-identifiable, or all-black mode (to render a black screen for both viewing and recording footage).

As well as upgrades to the user interface, the new firmware update includes enhancements to the Event Log feature, enabling the import/export of video footage from one REDSCAN Pro sensor and replaying these detection events on another unit, thereby further enhancing the visual verification process.

Masaya Kida, managing director of OPTEX EMEA, has stated that OPTEX remains “totally committed” to further enhancing its suite of leading detection solutions for the company’s customer base.

“We are always striving to improve and enhance our solutions to meet the needs of our customers,” asserted Kida. “The new and updated firmware for our REDSCAN Pro LiDAR Series enhances its flexibility and functionality, making it the ideal solution for a wide range of applications.”

*Effective immediately, all newly produced REDSCAN Pro sensors will be equipped with the firmware update (Version 2.0). Customers with the previous version of the firmware can contact OPTEX’s technical team via e-mail at tech-support@optex-europe.com for information on how to upgrade

Static Systems Group appoints new managing director

Static Systems Group – the Halma plc subsidiary specialising in alarm and communication solutions for the healthcare and custodial sectors – has announced the appointment of Rosie Cunningham Thomas as the company’s new managing director. Cunningham Thomas boasts more than 20 years of strategic and operational leadership experience gained in global corporates, SMEs and start-ups.

Over the past 12 years, Cunningham Thomas has specialised in leading and scaling early stage, innovation-driven health technology companies through critical growth stages to full commercialisation and clinically evidenced market acceptance.

Cunningham Thomas has prior medical CEO experience at Episurf Medical AB, ToHealth Ltd and FreeHand 2010 Ltd. Prior to her business leadership roles, she held several senior commercial positions at Bard BD and Smiths Industries’ medical division.

Most recently, Cunningham Thomas was the CEO at NuVision Biotherapies, a leading regenerative medicine company which develops life-saving biomaterials.

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Rosie Cunningham Thomas

Commenting on her new role, Cunningham Thomas stated: “I’m delighted to be joining Static Systems Group as it starts its next growth phase as part of Halma plc. The Turner family legacy is impressive and, together as the Static Systems Group, we can honour this legacy while also building for the future, in turn creating sustainable and lasting value.”

Cunningham Thomas is a dual UK-US national having emigrated to the UK to marry her English husband. She’s a pharmacist and earned a pharmacy degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and studied business management at the University of Pennsylvania.

Cunningham Thomas will be based out of the Static Systems Group facility in Wolverhampton.

*Further information is available online at http://www.staticsystems.co.uk

Frocester Group attains prestigious National Security Inspectorate Gold award

Frocester Group has joined an elite group of companies that have met the most rigid and stringent standards for security and fire system design, installation, and maintenance. The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) Gold award that has just been bestowed upon the Tetbury-based business represents months of hard work by the fire and security teams and demonstrates the robustness and commitment of the Group itself to offer customers the highest standards.

Frocester Group security director Tom Allerton commented: “We’re very proud of the whole team to have achieved this landmark and proud to give our customers the assurances this award brings as we continue to offer and provide the very best levels of service. The NSI Gold award will help Frocester Group continue to grow and provide satisfaction and confidence for our customers.”

Tom Allerton (left, security director) and James Joyce (fire director) of the Frocester Group

The NSI Gold award requires ISO 9001, the internationally-recognised quality management standard. Periodically reviewed to ensure technical requirements continue to meet the standard, the award covers the screening of individuals, intruder and hold-up alarm systems, CCTV, access control and fire detection and control systems. The award now sits alongside the Safe Contractor approved status gained by the Frocester Group’s security and fire divisions.

Kings Secure Technologies opens NSI Gold-accredited Technology Monitoring Centre

The Kings Secure Technologies Cat II, fully-NSI Gold accredited Technology Monitoring Centre securely monitors millions of events on a second-by-second basis. The company’s commitment to providing a comfortable, functional and industry-leading space for the well-being of operators, and the need to deliver on a continued quality of service promised to clients, meant that a refurbishment was an absolute must.

The revamped Technology Monitoring Centre is now open. There have been substantial cosmetic improvements, while the entire network has undergone a complete upgrade, with a new cloud telephony system at its heart. Operators can listen to, assess, record and process every alarm, guaranteeing the fastest possible response for customers in accordance with BS 5979.

Speaking about the refurbishment, Kings Secure Technologies’ Technology Monitoring Centre manager Eddie Atkins told Risk Xtra: “Our commitment to the well-being of our operators and to deliver the premium service we promise to our customers is of paramount importance to Kings. Our aim is to answer 95% of telephone calls within 20 seconds. With the new technology and working environment that we now have in the Monitoring Centre, our performance is just going to become stronger and stronger.”

Kings Secure Technologies is a technology-focused business that prides itself on leading with innovation and customer care. This investment in its Technology Monitoring Centre and colleagues is the latest step in its determined business approach.

*For more information visit www.kingsltd.co.uk

 

Smurfit Kappa synergises lone worker protection across all UK sites thanks to ANT Telecom

The Smurfit Kappa Group plc, the corrugated packaging company, has unified its complete lone worker protection solutions across 19 UK sites with the assistance of ANT Telecom.

ANT Telecom has been working with Smurfit Kappa since 2011 and initially provided lone worker devices across five of the company’s sites to protect employees when working alone. These devices are designed to provide lone worker ‘SOS’ and ‘Man Down’ facilities in both normal and harsh environments whereby end users can raise an alert when the device’s in-built panic button has been pressed or the tilt mechanism activated.

Nigel Elias, UK HSE manager at Smurfit Kappa, said: “The well-being of all of our staff is something we take very seriously and ensuring protection for our workers, especially when they’re working alone, is paramount. ANT Telecom’s lone worker devices have helped reassure our staff of their safety and give them the confidence that, should an incident occur, an alarm is triggered.”

More recently, Smurfit Kappa wanted to enhance the lone worker solution and protect lone workers across its other sites. “We needed a way of ensuring that an alert had reached the correct response team and had been dealt with in a timely manner, with complete visibility of the alarm’s audit trail,” explained Elias.

In response, ANT Telecom presented its Automated Incident Manager, a critical alarm management platform that integrates with the hand-held lone worker devices. The solution automatically distributes the triggered alarm’s information to designated local response teams and escalates the alarm if it’s not acknowledged, thereby ensuring the incident is dealt with without delay. 

Elias continued: “Alerting selected responders for each location is key for a multiple-site organisation such as ours. The hosted version of the solution was ideal due to its rapid deployment capability. The effectiveness of immediate alerts and scalability quickly prompted our decision to roll out the solution, along with lone worker Protector devices, across 19 of our sites, in turn enabling us to implement a more effective and robust lone worker process across the group.”

Elias went on to state: “Our workforce isn’t wholly comprised of lone workers. Therefore, a challenge for us was educating staff that, when they’re working on their own, they need to be protected should an incident occur. With ANT Telecom’s help and the business’ consultative approach, we’ve built awareness of lone worker safety right across the company. This is something that has helped the business immensely in terms of improving employee morale.”

To reinforce this further, ANT Telecom provided each individual site with a well-structured training initiative for how the system works. Representatives have worked closely with Smurfit Kappa’s staff and continue to monitor the solution across the myriad sites involved in order to ensure that it’s maintained and working effectively.

Klaus Allion, managing director at ANT Telecom, observed: “We’re thrilled to be working with Smurfit Kappa in building a reliable and wide-scale solution across its sites to increase the Health and Safety of lone workers. We’ve provided Smurfit Kappa with an overall solution that puts both lone workers and stakeholders’ minds at ease. Should an alarm be activated, the response time is going to be rapid.”

Halma plc joins Fire Section at Euralarm

The Board of Euralarm has announced the newest member of the organisation. Halma plc is to join the Fire Section of Euralarm and will now benefit from Euralarm’s services in terms of representation towards European institutions and standardisation organisations. This includes the monitoring of legislative and standardisation issues relevant to the industry.

Halma plc will have access to the extended network of national associations and major companies in the electronic fire safety and security sectors which form Euralarm’s membership. The new membership for Halma plc will create opportunities for both sides as it also strengthens the association.

Halma plc is a global group of technology companies. Its Fire and Security Division provides products that protect both lives and property. Within the fire detection and alarm sector these products include wired and wireless fire detection (smoke, heat, gas, multi), audible and visual warning devices, beam and flame detectors, single or networked control and indicating systems.

In the field of security, the company offers wired and wireless security product solutions covering end user applications from small residential projects through to large-scale commercial premises.

Companies joining Euralarm gain a unique insight into what’s happening on other European markets and the opportunities that they might offer. They not only tap into the political expertise and understanding of the EU policy, but can also make personal connections with technical and political experts and potential business partners.

Being a member of Euralarm enables companies and associations to gain expertise on standardisation. Members have their voice heard in Brussels and can support and direct standardisation and legislative processes.

Euralarm represents the electronic fire and security industry, providing leadership and expertise for industry, market, policy-makers and standards bodies. Founded in 1970, Euralarm represents over 5,000 companies valued at 67 billion Euros. Euralarm’s members are national associations and individual companies from across Europe.

GJD appoints ezCCTV.com as national distribution partner

GJD, the designer and manufacturer of external detection and LED illumination equipment, has announced the appointment of ezCCTV.com as its new national distribution partner. Based in Hertfordshire and an authorised official Hikvision distributor, ezCCTV.com supplies digital and IP surveillance solutions.

Models in GJD’s D-TECT range of detectors reliably detect people and easily integrate with third party VMS providers and CCTV systems. The product range performs well in all weather conditions without fail or false alarm.

Commenting on the new partnership, Greg Stuttle (GJD’s business development manager) observed: “GJD is confident that our product range will be popular with ezCCTV.com’s customers. GJD is wholly committed to delivering a responsive and reliable service. ezCCTV also takes this approach, so we believe the company will be a great partner. We’re looking forward to a long and successful working relationship.”

Camera analytics has driven demand for reliable human detection. For their part, GJD’s products have been capturing genuine alarms for over 30 years, providing both end users and installers alike with peace of mind that critical events will never be missed and that false alarms will not occur.

Joss Cohen (left) and Greg Stuttle

Joss Cohen, sales director at ezCCTV.com, told Risk Xtra: “We’ve partnered with GJD as the company’s products incorporate functions not found on any other similar products. GJD’s IP technology also integrates with Hikvision. This is a perfect fit for our customers and aligns very well with our strategy.”

The D-TECT motion detector range is designed for intruder monitoring, CCTV surveillance and other alarm warning requirements. The detectors provide both volumetric and long-range narrow field of view sensing plus remote programming.

D-TECT IP detectors integrate with Hikvision’s I Series and K2 Series NVRs, which are said to deliver “remarkable advantages” for end users including quick and efficient installation, minimum maintenance and remote access. Installers can change detector settings via a secure web-based interface.

Other products in the GJD range include Clarius PLUS LED illuminators. These produce powerful and even illumination, in turn assisting reliable detection and deterrence. Clarius IP provides smart lighting solutions, which can be integrated with IP cameras and CCTV systems. Every Clarius light includes a lens diffuser pack so the beam spread can be easily adjusted on site.

Shining a light on Raytec and Wavestore’s systems integration move

The recent announcement that Wavestore’s open platform Video Management Software (VMS) has been successfully integrated with Raytec’s lighting solutions means that operators are now able to match the security requirements for individual locations throughout a site with a wide range of lighting options managed directly from Wavestore’s front-end ‘one screen, total control’ display. 

Raytec and Wavestore’s technical teams have worked closely together to develop an intelligent lighting solution which can be controlled via Wavestore’s VMS by simply clicking on fully-customisable buttons. The solution also enables the ideal lighting for each situation to be automatically selected when a moving object is detected or by metadata-triggered events from other systems and software, such as access control, ANPR, alarm sensors, cameras, face recognition and other forms of video analytics.

“There are so many different reasons why our end user clients may need supplementary lighting and this smart solution provides them with the flexibility to choose from a long list of options which exactly meet their requirements,” explained Enrico Bizzaro, head of integrations for Wavestore.

Minimising energy costs

“Our clients tell us that minimising energy costs and light pollution is important to them, so this integrated solution has been designed to ensure lights are only turned on when needed. This could be, for example, at an access control reader location in order to visually verify the identity of a card holder or to enhance the ability to read the number plate of a vehicle entering a site. Lighting is also quite often used to add to the deterrent factor of a video surveillance system and, in this respect, operators can choose different options such as SOS, Hi-Lo and Wave light effects.”

The benefits offered by the deep level of integration between the two technologies are available  as standard across Wavestore Premium, Wavestore Enterprise and Wavestore Ultimate channel license levels. 

First to support Hybrid LED illuminators

Wavestore was the first VMS to support Raytec’s Hybrid LED illuminators which bring the benefits of White Light and infrared technology into a single unit. With less cabling required, the 2-in-1 solution reduces installation costs as well as negating the capital cost of deploying two separate lighting units.

Wavestore enables the Hybrid LED illuminators to be controlled individually or as a group with all commands, such as scheduled on/off timings and brightness, securely authenticated by Wavestore in order to prevent unauthorised access to the illuminators over the network.

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.”

Small Business Network advocates use of private security firms to support police

Following the latest budget, which highlighted increased funding for terrorism prevention despite recent cutbacks in other areas of police funding, the Small Business Network (SBN) of professional security companies has highlighted an opportunity for the private security industry to support public services.

“While the Budget saw extra money for the prevention of terrorism, the selling off of other police assets and the reduction in officers on the street has made life difficult when it comes to the prevention of other criminal activity,” commented Abbey Petkar, spokesperson for the SBN and managing director of Magenta Security. “The police are doing a fantastic job with limited resources and, for our part, we are perfectly placed to support them.”

Through client contracts already in existence, security companies across the UK can deliver for their clients while working in partnership with local police forces to spot and stop criminal behaviour.

Abbey Petkar

“Whether it be a CCTV supplier, an alarm company or security officers, the industry is already working to prevent criminal activity. We are on the look-out for vulnerabilities in the community that could affect clients as well as opportunists looking to make the most of any situation. A closer working relationship with the police can only improve this,” continued Petkar.  “In fact, there’s even an opportunity for those companies who have been properly certified to undertake work on behalf of the police, supplementing their forces and needs as appropriate.”

Ultimately, the SBN believes the current challenges faced by police forces across the country are an opportunity for the security sector. The Security Industry Authority’s ongoing desire to improve quality in the sector means the companies exist with the requisite skills and oversight to support public services in a professional and cohesive way. The SBN fundamentally believes that public security should not just be the responsibility of the police. Instead, everyone should do their part, working together to ensure safety for all.