Quality Essential Distribution – the company focused on CCTV, access control management network infrastructure solutions for its customers – has announced the internal promotion of Ian Garden to the role of sales director.
Garden joined the company nearly three years ago as sales manager and, during the last 12 months, has played a key role in building a strong sales team and contributing to the wider growth of the business.
Matt Philp, QED’s managing director, said: “Ian is a vital member of the team and has proven himself to be a strategic sales manager. Ian will help us to achieve the ambitious sales growth we’re targeting, all the while supported by the strong team here at QED.”
Ian Garden: promoted at QED
Commenting on his new role, Garden said: “This opportunity for me comes at an exciting time for QED. We have an excellent product range and my strategy is to focus on putting customers first. It’s so important to listen to customers and ensure they receive the best possible service.”
Quality Essential Distribution offer a wide range of security products and prides itself on offering the best solution to suit any size of installation. The business recently announced plans to consolidate its supply chain and fine-tuning its product offer to better suit the needs of the ever-changing security market.
*Further details on the QED Group are available online at www.qedgroup.co.uk
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.”
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.
Motor Fuel Group (MFG), the UK’s largest independent forecourt operator, has entrusted Wisenet cameras manufactured by Hanwha Techwin to help protect its major investment in electric vehicle charging hubs.
With the sales of electric vehicles growing, MFG is accelerating its plans to offer ultra-rapid, electric vehicle charging bays with up to 12 charging bays at each location across its 900-plus station network. Dedicated Wisenet video surveillance systems are being installed to detect and deter vandals, as well as maximise the customer experience by helping MFG personnel to quickly identify if any charging equipment has been damaged.
Andrew Edwards, group infrastructure director at MFG, explained: “Reflecting the wish of many drivers to own eco-friendly vehicles, we expect the sales of electric vehicles to continue to rapidly increase year-on-year, which is why we’ve made a commitment to lead the market with the provision of fast, clean and 100% renewable energy.”
The contract to install the Wisenet systems was awarded to AGE CCTV, a division of AGE Electrical Services Ltd. “We’ve been installing new video surveillance solutions and upgrading existing systems at MFG forecourts for over 15 years,” explained Jason Gargiulo, managing director of AGE CCTV. “In all cases, we’ve used Wisenet cameras in line with MFG’s decision to single-source cameras and recording devices from Hanwha Techwin.”
Gargiulo added: “It was just a simple matter of working with Hanwha Techwin’s pre-sales and technical teams in order to specify which Wisenet camera from the company’s extensive range would best assist MFG’s personnel to observe close up detail of any activity occurring at the charging hubs.”
Bullet cameras
Depending on the number of charging bays at each location, AGE CCTV has installed one or more 5 MP Wisenet QNO-8080R bullet cameras.
The QNO-8080R is a true day/night camera equipped with built-in IR illuminators which enables it to capture superb quality images regardless of the lighting conditions. It also benefits from enhanced Wide Dynamic Range functionality which performs at up to 120 dB to produce clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas (which normally results in overexposed or underexposed images).
With many MFG electric vehicle charging sites being unmanned, authorised MFG personnel are able at any time to remotely access the live images captured by the H.265 Wisenet QNO-8080R cameras or retrieve the recorded video of any incidents. They can do so from a desktop PC or laptop by using Hanwha Techwin’s management software or conveniently via their smart phones or tablets by making use of the Wisenet mobile app.
The images are transmitted over 4G technology and, in this respect, the WiseStream II complementary compression technology built into the QNO-8080R models is proving to be a significant benefit. Bandwidth efficiency is enhanced by up to 75% compared to current H.264 technology when Wisestream II is combined with H.265 compression.
MFG has never hesitated to invest in the latest technology to ensure that its people, property and assets are kept safe and that the highest quality of service is provided for its customers.
Andrew Edwards concluded: “We’re delighted with how AGE CCTV and Hanwha Techwin are continuing to work in partnership to help us achieve our key objectives as a business.”
Johnson Controls has announced the introduction of eight additions to its popular Tyco Illustra Flex camera series. With enhanced image processing, improved low-light capability and secure boot protection against cyber attacks, the new NDAA-compliant Illustra Flex Gen3 cameras are designed to provide high performance and cost-effective solutions for virtually any video surveillance application.
The Illustra Flex Gen3 is capable of connecting into the Johnson Controls OpenBlue platform, a complete suite of connected solutions for sustainability, new healthy occupant experiences and safety and security solutions.
With a small footprint, the Illustra Flex Gen3 cameras provide a choice of bullet, indoor mini-dome, outdoor mini-dome and compact camera formats. The new 3 MP models will supersede existing Gen2 3 MP Illustra Flex cameras. The 8MP (4K) models, which feature a built-in suite of intelligent video analytics for enhanced situational awareness and faster response (as well as facilitating exception reporting) complement the 4K Flex Gen2 cameras.
The external cameras are equipped with built-in adaptive IR illuminators which enable them to capture crisp, clear images day or night, regardless of lighting conditions, at distances of up to 40 meters, while the compact cameras’ IR illuminators are effective up to 15 meters.
Security solutions developer, designer and provider Videcon has just launched its all-new Concept Pro ColourSmart camera range, the models within which provide end users with clear, full colour imagery 24 hours per day.
The complete CCTV range combines Videcon’s deep learning technology and powerful software to allow footage to always remain in colour with clear and crisp imagery, day or night.
The ColourSmart cameras have a larger lens and image sensor which allows them to let in as much light as possible, software that provides a crisp and clear image and a warm white light which will activate if there isn’t sufficient ambient lighting to keep the image in colour.
Each camera is also equipped with the aforementioned deep learning technology, which means that sensors focus only on events that matter. This technology allows the cameras to distinguish people and vehicles from other moving objects.
Videcon’s managing director Matt Rushall commented: “We’re very excited to be launching our new Concept Pro ColourSmart range of cameras and we do hope this is the start of our customers seeing their security in an entirely new way. Our team has been hard at work ensuring the cameras have the best colour imagery possible. The deep learning software and its compatibility with other security systems renders this a security solution that’s for everyone at all times.”
Winsted Control Room Consoles has announced the appointment of Andy Graham as the company’s new sales director for the EMEA region. This appointment is part of a reorganisation of the leadership team serving the business.
The aim of the reorganisation is to further strengthen the company’s long-standing customer relationships and embolden the brand further across the EMEA region. Joining Winsted from Legrand, Graham brings over 25 years’ experience to the role from his time in the AV industry.
Andy Graham
Speaking about his appointment, Graham informed Security Matters: “I’m really excited to be joining Winsted at such an important time. I’m very much looking forward to building on the success the brand has already achieved by working with our partners and customers alike.”
Lee Schalk, vice-president of sales at Winsted, commented: “On behalf of everyone here at Winsted, I’m delighted to welcome Andy to the company. He’s highly regarded within his field and will be a huge asset to the team, giving us the ability to better serve our customers. We’re thrilled that Andy’s on board and wish him every success in his new role.”
Comelit has extended its security offer for end users by delivering a wireless intruder alarm system. Designed to seamlessly operate with its inclusive app technology, Secur Hub allows businesses to not only control their door entry and CCTV, but also their intruder alarm regime.
The Italian security specialist, which is well known for its high specification solutions, has launched Secur Hub as an intruder alarm system natively connected to the Comelit Cloud, which itself encompasses both Wi-Fi and LAN connectivity.
Secur Hub operates a high-performance, two-way radio link between the control panel and the sensors. It allows up to 16 IP CCTV cameras with HD resolution to connect to the control panel for users to view in live stream mode via the Comelit app and facilitates the recording of four cameras on alarm events for visual verification.
Francesca Boeris, Comelit’s UK managing director, explained: “To maintain and grow our position as a premier security specialist, we’re constantly evolving our solutions to present future-proof technology that keeps people and their places of work protected, in turn using the Internet of Things to deliver the latest app-friendly solutions.”
Boeris added: “We’re also conscious of the need for simplifying the installation process to enable more installers to be able to offer this smart technology. Secur Hub’s functional design extends to all devices that communicate with the control panel and allows the system to be installed quickly. The support of a built-in intuitive wizard offers instant peace of mind and security.”
Setting the system
Specifically designed for quick installation, Secur Hub doesn’t require ports to be opened on the router – even for the app – for both system management and for viewing any connected CCTV cameras.
Via the app, end users can set or unset the alarm system, check the status of each sensor and organise notifications or view the control panel event log.
Boeris concluded: “Secur Hub is an exciting and innovative launch that really uses the best of our technology to offer a smart solution with the kind of stylish design that installers have come to expect from us. When combined with the Comelit app, it presents the perfect solution for the end user.”
Tavcom Training is launching the first in a series of virtual classroom training courses to add to its existing classroom training portfolio. The programme kicks off with two fundamental courses: the BTEC Level 3 course focused on Intruder Alarm System Design and the BTEC Level 3 course concentrating on CCTV System Design and Planning.
Delivered via Zoom through online interactive lectures and workshops and guided by the same expert instructors as the physical classroom courses, learners will have the chance to gain an accredited certification in a live environment without having to travel.
Andrew Saywell, business development manager for Tavcom Training, informed Security Matters: “We understand that a lot of our learners come to us for the high standard of training we deliver here at Tavcom. We wanted to find a way in which to provide that high standard of classroom learning to the many individuals who cannot travel at present. Our new virtual classroom courses are a solution to this problem. Delivered by and in partnership with our lead tutors, they’re fully interactive and designed to provide practising professionals with the necessary skills required to carry out the key elements of their role.”
Saywell continued: “The launch of our accredited virtual training courses is just one element in a series of developments that we’re implementing in order to increase the accessibility of Tavcom Training courses to learners on a global footing. Now more than ever, it’s easier for security professionals to gain a worldwide recognised qualification.”
Not only will learners be able to interact with other members of their class and ask questions as they would in a normal classroom situation, but they can also expect to receive all of the typical benefits of traditional face-to-face training including full tutor support, training resources and protected soft copies of the learning material distributed prior to course commencement.
Essential course
The BTEC Level 3 in Intruder Alarm System Design is the first course in the portfolio to be delivered virtually. This is an essential course for technical specifiers, sales engineers and consultants who wish to work lawfully within the new legislative guidelines and determine the risk assessment of each installation on which they’re working.
Learners on the course will be taught the skills required to carry out risk assessments and surveys in accordance with current British Standards and their European equivalents in combination with design and planning exercises that will introduce all of the necessary new grading requirements.
The Intruder Alarm System Design course is scheduled to take place virtually on 15-17 February and will cover the following core topics: completing security risk assessments, an overview of detection devices, control and indicating equipment, signalling devices and considerations, the planning and design of systems, European Standards, insurance requirements, alarm verification techniques, equipment grading criteria, producing system proposals and information on how to conduct practical site surveys.
Learners can expect to undertake focused morning and afternoon sessions interspersed with project work requiring a level of independent research.
Designing CCTV
The CCTV System Design and Planning BTEC Level 3 course is designed for all those who have the task of designing and planning small or large CCTV systems while ensuring compliance with the latest international standards. This course will provide learners with the experience and knowledge necessary to offer solutions for a variety of clients’ CCTV requirements.
The course will be of particular interest to specifiers, consultants, sales personnel and CCTV system project managers.
It’s scheduled to take place virtually between 15-18 March. Throughout the course, learners can expect to cover the following core topics: an overview of CCTV technologies and products, developing an Operational Requirement, risk assessments and site surveys, CCTV system design and product selection, effective lighting for CCTV applications, legislation, industry standards and Codes of Practice, system planning (costing, installation, commissioning and maintenance), system documentation (specification, drawings, commissioning and handover), writing system proposals and, last but not least, the tender process (with a keen focus on pre/post tender meetings and presentations).
High standard of learning
Kevin Matthew, operations director for Tavcom Training, explained: “Delivery in a live virtual classroom has many of the benefits of face-to-face learning without the inconvenience of travel. This is a very important consideration for those whose need for accredited and quality training hasn’t changed, even if their ability to join a classroom course has due to COVID-19 restrictions.”
Matthew continued: “Learners will participate in the same way that they would in the classroom, interacting with each other and the qualified course tutor, as well as receiving the high standard of learning and support associated with Tavcom Training’s courses.”
In conclusion, Matthew observed: “This is just the start of a series of virtual classroom courses that we’re looking to develop in order to meet the ever-changing needs of security industry professionals.”
*Course prices start from £395 (excluding VAT). This includes a formal BTEC accreditation. Upon completion of the course, learners will also receive formal Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points. **Further information is available online at https://www.tavcom.com/
360 Vision Technology – the UK manufacturer of rugged HD, radar and thermal imaging PTZ cameras – has now entered into an enhanced partnership with Zitko and its Talent Programme (a growing alliance of tech providers, educators and manufacturers, all of whom are dedicated to attracting and developing the next generation of fire and security engineers).
With regard to developing and deploying CCTV technologies for the most demanding security requirements and physical conditions, Zitko Talent’s course content will draw on 360 Vision Technology’s expertise in the field of surveillance camera and detection technology.
360 Vision Technology will be running generic course modules on CCTV theory, applications and system design considerations, as well as providing certified product training to Zitko Talent trainee engineers working with their products.
The partnership is active immediately and comes as Zitko Talent welcomes its first quarterly intake of trainees. These include graduates, career changers and experienced engineers entering from other industries.
Developing new talent
“I’ve worked with Zitko to resource engineering positions for several years now and we’re very pleased to be supporting its new Talent initiative,” enthused Sara Fisher, sales director at 360 Vision Technology. “Developing new talent is the only way in which to solve the looming technical skills shortage and we’re determined to give trainees the strongest possible grounding in CCTV. We’re really looking forward to working with our colleagues across the industry with a view towards making the programme a resounding success.”
George Zitko, managing director at Zitko Consulting, responded: “Manufacturers can play an immense role in developing the next generation of fire and security engineers and it’s terrific to have 360 Vision Technology on board. I cannot think of a better and more innovative company to lead on the subject of CCTV education. The business has a formidable technical team and an outstanding track record having delivered some of the most challenging CCTV solutions seen anywhere in the world. Welcoming them to the initiative is another major milestone for Zitko Talent.”
PAC has produced an integration guide for Dahua’s Thermal Monitoring Access Control (TMAC) terminal to allow easy checking of an individual’s temperature as well as confirmation that a face mask is being worn when someone’s entering a building or any area secured by PAC access control. This integration guide is for use in the UK, Europe and the APAC region.
As businesses continue to adapt to the current COVID-19 measures, building managers need technology to help them enhance the safety of building occupants. In conjunction with other measures and procedures, and as part of an overall strategy, thermal monitoring and automated face mask detection presents an additional method for controlling security and adherence to safety measures by visitors to a given building.
PAC’s long-standing tradition of security integration with Time and Attendance, CCTV monitoring and other building and occupancy control services is now extended to the Dahua TMAC terminal, which has the functionality to check a person’s temperature and determine if a face mask is being worn when they’re entering a building or specific area.
This integration with Dahua’s TMAC allows access rights for individuals to be dynamically managed. By taking an output from the Dahua TMAC into the PAC access control system, access rights can be withdrawn for anyone not meeting the safety standards required to gain entrance.
Integrators will find set-up simple, with only some basic wiring and a few configuration settings within the Dahua TMAC required in order for the system to be ready and active. For end users, access control list set-up and management are also easy with a single access control system provided for the management of all secured areas and entrances.
Multifactor authentication supports the Dahua temperature and mask checking functionality before being able to use the PAC access control ID device to unlock the secured entrance.
A single keyholder database enables the clear demarcation of building controls as the PAC access control system is used for all access control and the Dahua TMAC is effectively employed as an added check for temperature and mask wearing.
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