Security & Safety Things launches second App Challenge for development of creative customer solutions

Security & Safety Things has announced the launch of its second App Challenge to spur additional creative development in video analytic applications. Participating developers now have the opportunity to submit proposals for apps designed to address specific security, safety and business optimisation use cases in the retail, transportation, sports stadiums, entertainment and healthcare verticals.

The apps will be designed to run on smart cameras using the Security & Safety Things open camera operating system and the open Internet of Things platform, which enables cameras to run a variety of applications simultaneously to perform different functions. The camera OS is based on the developer-friendly Android Open Source Project.

“While many vertical markets share a core set of operational needs, individual organisations also have unique requirements based on the nuances of their location, customer base or other circumstances,” explained Adam Wynne, head of the Security & Safety Things Innovation Accelerator based in Pittsburgh. “We are calling on the collective creativity and unique perspectives of the developer community to help solve distinct customer challenges, whether that’s a standalone solution or one based on a combination of different applications.”

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Different use cases

For this year’s challenge, a variety of systems integrators responded to a Security & Safety Things survey asking for customer needs and challenges in four vertical market categories. Based on this feedback, developers will be tasked with creating innovative video analytics applications to address a host of different use cases, including:

*Unmanned aerial detection for drones and other flying objects in stadiums or during large events

*Suspicious behaviour analytics for the detection of fighting or stealing

*Customer conversion and ‘out of stock’ analytics in retail spaces

*Cargo protection for the detection of vandalism and theft in car parks and other facilities

*Hygiene and PPE checks in healthcare facilities, as well as anomaly detection for unusual behaviour in Care Homes

Three winners will be chosen by an invited panel of 20 prominent integrators and awarded individual prizes. Winners will also be invited to showcase their solution at the Security & Safety Things stand at escon 2021 (depending on the COVID-19 situation). All participating developers will be able to benefit from various co-marketing opportunities with Security & Safety Things throughout the duration of the challenge.

The winning apps from the 2020 App Challenge provided solutions for retail and commercial buildings, transportation and Smart Cities, manufacturing and also logistics categories. Overall, the challenge resulted in 20-plus new applications being added to the Security & Safety Things Application Store.

Timeline for entries

Developers can submit multiple proposals for more than one vertical by 26 April. Proposals will be reviewed and the most promising will be chosen by the panel to proceed with development. Developers will have from 29 April until 31 July to create their solution(s).

Once developed, the apps will need to be uploaded to the Application Store by 31 July. Security & Safety Things and the panel will test and review the apps.

Winners will be selected by the end of August.

*Developers can apply by submitting their proposals online at: https://info.securityandsafetythings.com/app-challenge

Security & Safety Things “sparks new era” in video surveillance with commercial availability of supported cameras

Security & Safety Things is “set to reshape innovation in video analytics and computer vision” with the commercial availability of a number of new IP security cameras from a variety of vendors that leverage the Security & Safety Things open and secure Internet of Things platform. This new generation of security cameras will employ the free Security & Safety Things camera operating system, which enables the cameras to run multiple Artificial Intelligence-enabled applications in parallel.

The apps automate the analysis of video data to produce valuable operational intelligence for business optimisation as well as provide easy-to-deploy tools that can aid in re-opening measures from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Organisations of all sizes around the world need flexible and easy-to-deploy solutions that enable compliance with constantly changing pandemic-centric Health and Safety mandates and provide future value to ramp up and optimise their ongoing business operations,” stated Hartmut Schaper, CEO of Security & Safety Things.

He continued: “Companies can now deploy cameras running the Security & Safety Things operating system and use a selection of apps from our Application Store to detect the absence of facial coverings in a retail environment. The next day, that same camera can help the same retailer optimise merchandise placement based on store footfall, in one store or throughout the enterprise, along with further optimisations.”

First camera manufacturer

This month, Qisda/Topview will be the first camera manufacturer to launch a camera running the Security & Safety Things operating system, followed in quick succession by AndroVideo, who will also start shipping its own Security & Safety Things-enabled cameras in Q2.

Bosch is making its INTEOX camera line available as of July followed by Vivotek and BSTsecurity, who plan to ship a bit later in Q3. The first devices from Hanwha Techwin that run the Security & Safety Things operating system are expected to be commercially available in Q4. Security & Safety Things, Hanwha Techwin, Vivotek, Bosch, Qisda/Topview and AndroVideo are all members of the Open Security and Safety Alliance.

The free Security & Safety Things operating system is built on the Android Open Source Project. It leverages the expanding processing and analytic power of modern IP cameras to exponentially increase the amount of operational intelligence that can be mined from traditional IP-based surveillance footage.

The applications that can be installed on these cameras, both in an on-premise as well as a remote setting, are created by highly specialised third party developers and available through the platform’s open Application Store. This already features more than 50 applications from more than 35 developer partners, with more than 30 additional apps expected to be available the store very soon.

Typical use cases

In addition to pandemic applications, use cases include the detection of weapons, behavioural analysis, payment systems for garages, drone threat detection and even identifying objects presented for purchase in a cash register transaction for cashier-free retail environments.

Together with some of its camera and system integration partners, Security & Safety Things is already running projects in a live setting. These projects use, for example, heat mapping and queue analysis in retail stores and automated payment processing and license plate recognition for barrier-free traffic.

These types of applications are running in pilots with the parking management solutions provider Peter Park as well as with the leading mobility provider SIXT.

*More information about the Security & Safety Things platform and how businesses can benefit from the platform can be found at www.securityandsafetythings.com

**For an overview of the Artificial Intelligence video apps currently available for the Security & Safety Things-supported cameras, the Application Store may be viewed at https://store.securityandsafetythings.com

 

Send For Help Group ranked in The Sunday Times’ Fast Track 100 league table for second year running

Award-winning lone worker protection provider Send For Help Group has been ranked as one of Britain’s most successful private companies by The Sunday Times for a second consecutive year.

The 21st annual Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league table champions the UK’s top performing private companies based strictly on financial performance with the fastest-growing sales over their latest three years. Send For Help Group has been placed 80^th.

Founded in 2010 by brothers James and Will Murray, the Send for Help Group has prominently featured in the national press throughout the year as a real success story. Business continues to go from strength-to-strength. The company is now independently verified as the largest lone worker protection provider in the world.

Operating through its subsidiary brands Skyguard, Guardian24 and the recently-acquired Peoplesafe, Send For Help Group uses key fob-sized GPS personal safety alarms and mobile phone Apps to provide 24-hour personal protection for more than 150,000 lone workers and individuals who are at risk.

Send For Help Group showed turnover this year hitting £8 million, up from £6.1 million last year with profits of £2.4 million, representing an increase of 121% on the previous year.

CEO James Murray commented: “We’re delighted to be included in the Fast Track 100 for the second year running. It’s been another busy, yet exciting year for the Group and that’s reflected in this accolade. It’s a real honour to have our hard work and determination as a business recognised. This has been a big year for the Send For Help Group. We added a third brand to our growing portfolio with a successful and seamless transition, expanded our office premises in Surrey and continued to recruit new talent across the company. We will not rest on our laurels, though. Our aim is to always improve, as individuals, as a business and in terms of our service offering.”

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.

Texecom launches Texecom Connect security and automation platform

Texecom’s new connectivity platform, Texecom Connect, allows security professionals to deliver enhanced smart solutions for commercial customers without compromising on core security principles. With Texecom Connect, security installers are able to offer end user customers a secure system with the additional benefits of automation, smart management and flexible control, all from Texecom’s established and familiar Premier Elite range of control panels.

The Texecom Connect concept is a very simple one. At its heart is a professional quality graded intruder alarm system that uses the proven Premier Elite range of control panels. Along with the intruder alarm system, security installers can offer a more immersive experience for the customer, allowing them to take control of the system, along with other peripherals such as video, lighting and power management.

Texecom Connect is compatible with all Premier Elite control panels including legacy systems (via a firmware update). Texecom Connect enhances Premier Elite alarm systems with the addition of an App, smart communicator and API. Together, these allow end users to engage with their intruder alarm solutions in an intuitive and flexible way, ensuring that advanced security, building control and site automation can all be managed easily and securely from any connected and authorised iOS smart phone or tablet device.

For end users, Texecom Connect aims to transform the user experience. The Texecom Connect App is designed to provide an environment where end users actively want to interact with their system solutions.

For security installers, Texecom Connect ensures that, while smart functionality can be added to increase the value of the system, this doesn’t impact upon, nor compromise the performance of the graded professional intruder alarm systems.

Clym Brown, marketing director at Texecom, said: “Texecom Connect introduces a choice of connectivity options to transform the user experience, enabling intruder alarm systems to deliver customer value every day. Texecom Connect uses technology to make people’s lives easier, not more complex. The Texecom Connect App has been carefully designed to allow end users access to an array of custom features and to tailor their App experience for their own personal and particular needs, without the need for them to resort to complicated programming.”

Leading charity RNIB turns to Guardian24 for lone worker protection via smart phone app

The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has turned to Guardian24 to help the organisation make good on its Duty of Care towards the charity’s lone workers by equipping them with the latest in smart phone app technology. That software enables all solution end users to quickly and discreetly raise an alarm in the event of an emergency scenario, even when the phone’s keypad is locked.

The RNIB deploys a large number of staff who visit people in their homes and offer support to meet the needs of blind and partially-sighted individuals. However, the majority of these staff work alone. As there’s no immediate help at hand, lone working staff are immediately exposed to a greater risk of injury, assault or accidents.

The RNIB wanted a cost-effective solution to help improve individuals’ personal safety regimes, particularly as some of the staff are visually and/or hearing impaired themselves.

As one of the most well-known and respected charities in the UK, the RNIB fully understands the importance of lone worker protection, both from the perspective of personal well-being as well as that of the charity’s own reputation.

Users of Guardian24’s smart phone application can leave details of their movements and whereabouts via their mobile phone. If a user fails to notify the system when they finish a task, Guardian24 will attempt to contact them. If they don’t answer and their safety cannot be verified, Guardian24 will then escalate the incident (thereby conforming to the RNIB’s personalised emergency procedures).

If a user feels at risk, they can also call for help via the ‘Panic Alarm’ function by pressing an assigned key on their mobile device. They’re able to do so even if the device should be locked or in standby mode. This will call Guardian24’s dedicated 24-hour Alarm Receiving Centre.

Using the GPS capability of the phone, the lone worker can also be easily located. All recordings are saved and may be used as evidence in court if required.

The application is easy to install on all major smart phone operating systems and is supplied with a wealth of options including GPS tracking and locating services.

No hardware is involved so the service is extremely cost-effective. There are often budget challenges, particularly for charities who aim to apportion the majority of income on their core objectives. With Guardian24’s smart phone application, there’s no upfront cost and only a minimal service subscription to pay.

That last point isn’t lost on Glenn Hurst of the RNIB Supplier Management Team. “There will always be budget challenges in getting something like this approved,” said Hurst, “so the more cost-effective the solution, the better it is for all concerned. However, it’s also about finding the right balance for lone worker provision based upon employee needs. Some of the staff at the RNIB using this service are visually and/or hearing impaired. This service meets their needs as well as providing an excellent, easy-to-use lone worker reporting and monitoring tool.”

Guardian24’s marketing director Will Murray added: “Every organisation in the UK is required to fulfil a legal and moral Duty of Care towards their employees. Safe working arrangements for lone workers are no different to organising the safety of other employees. The RNIB recognises this and has acted accordingly by adopting a lone worker protection solution.”

GPEN survey finds 85% of mobile apps fail to provide basic privacy information

A survey of over 1,200 mobile apps by 26 privacy regulators from across the world has shown that a high number of apps are accessing large amounts of personal information without adequately explaining how people’s data is being used.

The survey by the Global Privacy Enforcement Network (GPEN) examined the privacy information provided by 1,211 mobile apps. As a member of GPEN, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office examined 50 of the top apps released by UK developers.

The key findings of the research are as follows:

*85% of the apps surveyed failed to clearly explain how they were collecting, using and disclosing personal information
*More than half (59%) of the apps left users struggling to find basic privacy information
*Almost one-in-three apps appeared to request an excessive number of permissions to access additional personal information
*43% of the apps failed to tailor privacy communications to the small screen, either by providing information in a too small print or by hiding the information in lengthy privacy policies that required scrolling or clicking through multiple pages

A survey of over 1,200 mobile apps by 26 privacy regulators from across the world has shown that a high number of apps are accessing large amounts of personal information without adequately explaining how people’s information is being used

Examples of good practice

The research did find examples of good practice, with some apps providing a basic explanation of how personal information is being used, including links to more detailed information if the individual wants to know more.

The regulators were also impressed by the use of just-in-time notifications on certain apps that informed users of the potential collection (or use) of personal data as it was about to happen. These approaches make it easier for people to understand how their information is being used and when.

ICO group manager for technology, Simon Rice, commented: “Apps are becoming central to our lives, so it’s important we understand how they work and what they are doing with our information. These results show that many app developers are still failing to provide this information in a way that is clear and understandable to the average consumer.”

Rice added: “The ICO and the other GPEN members will be writing to those developers where there is clear room for improvement. We will also be publishing guidance to explain the steps people can take to help protect their information when using mobile apps.”

The ICO has published its Privacy in Mobile Apps guidance to help app developers in the UK handle people’s information correctly and meet their requirements under the Data Protection Act 1998. The guidance includes advice on informing people how their information will be used.

Research carried out last year to support the guidance’s launch showed that 49% of app users have decided not to download an app due to privacy concerns.

View the full results of the GPEN survey