IDIS marks 25th Anniversary by producing ‘tech’ innovations film

Surveillance solutions developer IDIS has marked its 25^th Anniversary (and cementing its position as Korea’s foremost in-country video manufacturer) by producing a celebratory ‘tech’ video and running a prize draw. The company also plans on making more donations to charities and other good causes, orchestrating a series of innovative ‘tech’ launches and introducing a Premier Partner Programme for systems integrators and distributors.

The celebrations kick-off this month with the release of the video, which commemorates a quarter of a century of innovations that have helped to improve lives for people and communities around the world, while at the same time delivering security and efficiency benefits for organisations operating across and within multiple sectors. The film also looks ahead towards future possibilities.

The video is running on the IDIS YouTube channel as well as on the company’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, giving followers the opportunity to participate in the celebrations and offering the chance to win Amazon vouchers.

End-to-end solutions

Since 1997, IDIS has built a reputation for high-quality, end-to-end solutions and achieved consistent year-on-year growth through a strategy of close collaboration and mutual loyalty with a global network of partners.

IDIS now operates across 50 countries, with more than two million recorders and over 17 million cameras installed, and supports its end users with reliable single-source, true ‘plug-and-play’ ‘tech’. Through the years, the business has won the trust of distributors, system integrators and end user customers due to the delivery of a responsive personal service spanning everything from proof-of-concept demonstrations through to long-term customer support.

Since 2019, IDIS has also been praised for its ‘Create a Better World’ campaign, which has seen video equipment donations made to community groups, social welfare projects and charities. One of the latest good causes set to benefit is the Kurnell, the NSW Men’s Shed depression support-focused organisation, whose premises will now be protected by an end-to-end IDIS video solution supplied by distributor Hills Limited as it builds back from a break-in and the theft of equipment.

This year, IDIS has also donated Apple Watches to individuals for their outstanding actions during the pandemic, including those who administered vaccines, delivered COVID test kits to peoples’ houses and took meals to those who were sick or isolated.

Technology launches

Technology launches unveiled during this 25^th Anniversary year will include the latest Artificial Intelligence (AI) Retail Box release, which gives retailers all the benefits of AI-powered business and customer intelligence without the usual price tag, easy and affordable options for public display and spot monitoring, new parking management solutions and a range of edge AI cameras.

“As we mark 25 years of success,” commented Joon Jun, president of the Global Business Division at IDIS, “the whole IDIS family is coming together to celebrate and look forward to an even brighter future. We all know that imagining, designing and manufacturing the best solutions is a shared endeavour that involves many committed people working in partnership. All of us here at IDIS are looking forward to the next 25 years of delivering innovations and earning the trust of those whom we help to protect.”

*More information on IDIS’ solutions is available online at www.idisglobal.com

National Security Inspectorate makes final preparations for The Security Event 2022

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is in the process of making final preparations for The Security Event, which takes place from 5-7 April at the NEC in Birmingham. The specialist certification body for the security and fire safety sectors will be sharing important updates on industry standards with professional installers and integrators and also taking the opportunity to discuss specific queries on a one-to-one basis on Stand L20 in Hall 3.

Installers are invited to visit the NSI’s stand and spend some time learning how more than 2,000 companies across the UK are benefiting from the NSI serving as their not-for-profit, specialist certification body, helping them to improve their business’ performance.

Advisors will be on hand to explain the straightforward application process, costs and timescales.

NSI approved companies and invited guests attending the show on Tuesday 5 April will also be attending a private drinks reception taking place at 3.30 pm.

Matthew Holliday, the NSI’s director of approval schemes, and John Davidson (approval schemes manager for systems), will both be presenting in the Fire and Security Installer Theatre. Holliday will talk about ‘BS 8418:2021 for Detector-Activated Surveillance Systems – The Game Changer For Police Response’ (Tuesday 5 April at 2.00 pm) and ‘Cyber Security: Are Security Systems Affected?’ (Wednesday 6 April at 11.15 am).

John Davidson will be talking about ‘Fire Risk Assessments and Evacuation Alert Systems – A Certification Body’s Perspective on Demonstrating Competence’ (Thursday 7 April at noon). 

Holliday will also be participating in the opening panel session in The Security in Practice Theatre at 10.30 am on Tuesday 5 April, with the subject matter being ‘The State of the Industry: What are Today’s and Tomorrow’s Priorities?’

Continual improvement

NSI CEO Richard Jenkins commented: “Continual improvement is one of the most effective ways in which to raise standards within the security sector and we look forward to sharing knowledge and expertise at The Security Event in Birmingham. It promises to be a lively and informative three days for UK installers, showcasing the latest technologies, products, services and insights. Our own presentations have been carefully considered to give installers the latest information on topical subjects. We very much look forward to meeting industry contacts old and new.”

*Register for free tickets

*Find out more about The Security Event and co-located events

The NSI’s reach spans the four nations of the UK and Eire. It counts premium local providers as well as the UK’s premier security and fire safety providers among its clients.

The organisation delivers a robust and continuous audit regime of approved companies through a dedicated team of in-house experts to verify compliance with relevant British and European Standards, Codes of Practice and certification schemes developed by industry bodies and associations.

End users who choose to contract with NSI approved companies can be assured of security and fire safety services that will be delivered to the highest standards by businesses committed to quality and continual improvement. 

Gallagher introduces voice-operated risk assessment app

Insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firm Gallagher has introduced RiskTalk: a user-friendly, voice-operated risk assessment app designed to help UK businesses cut down on the time and expense of undertaking workplace safety assessments and benefit from increased reporting reliability.

The Health and Safety app helps businesses to perform fast and efficient risk assessments and manage the risks posed on site to the health, safety and welfare of their employees and visitors to their premises.

The app allows end users to record observations and report hazards by simply speaking into their phone or a tablet device, thereby removing the need for completing lengthy paperwork. Through a set of prescribed questions, RiskTalk guides users through the process of assessing and identifying risks present in the work environment and detailing how they will control them.

RiskTalk has been introduced by Gallagher for workplace Health and Safety assessments

RiskTalk also makes the process much easier for managers to review risk assessments. Users can take photos in-app and send recorded voice memos straight to a cloud storage system, with managers able to approve assessments by using a voice sign-off feature. 

Reports can be generated via the app, thereby avoiding the need for a lengthy data entry process which can then be converted to PDF files if hard copies are required. In-built speech recognition technology can understand and process recordings in 220 languages, ensuring accessibility for a wide range of users.

All entries are time, date and author stamped – making it easy (in the case of a Health and Safety-related incident) to locate risk assessments and prove that they were completed in full prior to the event occurring.

The app works offline, allowing users to conduct risk assessments and store data while working in areas with limited or no network coverage.

Time commitment

Undertaking risk assessments is a significant time commitment for businesses. Research commissioned by Gallagher and conducted last month among 200 UK firms found that one-in-two companies (ie 49%) are concerned they’re not carrying out risk assessments thoroughly enough to protect their organisation, employees and clients, which potentially leaves them without a strong defence in the event of legal actions, insurance claims and Health and Safety Executive enforcement action.

Cost was highlighted as another frustration among businesses regarding the completion of risk assessments. Over two-fifths of firms (ie 45%) feel that completing risk assessments is an expensive process, costing their business an average of £1,500 per annum. This could be due to paying wages for employees undertaking assessments or for contractors who need to be paid to conduct them.

Neil Hodgson, managing director of risk management at Gallagher, said: “We’re delighted to be bringing this innovative risk assessment tool to UK businesses. It’s easy to use, makes the process of undertaking risk assessments quicker and more reliable and businesses will benefit from increased peace of mind that, in the event of an incident, they’re more likely to have a robust defence. This is particularly important when you take into account the fact that 50% of UK firms are unsure as to whether they’re completing the risk assessment process correctly.”

Hodgson added: “Evidence of risk assessments carried out and the steps taken to mitigate any identified risks can be crucial in the defence of an insurance claim for personal injury or illness, or intervention by the Health and Safety Executive or another regulatory authority. Penalties can be significant. Over £250 million worth of fines have been paid by businesses across all industries to the Health and Safety Executive over the last five years alone for non-compliance with regulations, with the average fine costing £135,000.”

*For further information visit https://www.ajg.com/uk/risktalk/

Reliance High-Tech and Secure Logiq form partnership to promote use of specialist surveillance servers

Reliance High-Tech, the independent security technology integrator, has formed a new partnership with Secure Logiq. Over the last decade, Secure Logiq has become established as an advanced manufacturer of state-of-the-art HD servers that are purpose-built for surveillance-based applications. Reliance High-Tech’s customers will now have access to technology that can process data from up to three times as many cameras as some of the most commonly used servers.

Secure Logiq’s long-standing experience in both the IT and security sectors sits well with Reliance High-Tech’s own background and, as such, both companies aim to change the perception of server technology, highlight its fundamental role and make it a key consideration when it comes to system design. Not only does this benefit the end user in terms of enhanced functionality, but it also means less time specifying, configuring, installing and commissioning.

“Reliance High-Tech only works with Best-in-Class technology providers, so I’m delighted to have formed this partnership with Secure Logiq,” commented Tom Clarke, sales director at Reliance High-Tech. “The worlds of security and IT are now more closely aligned than ever before and we share the view that only servers that have been specially designed for surveillance purposes can create a system that’s fully optimised, energy efficient, reliable and secure. Working with Secure Logiq means that we can add more value and give our customers an unrivalled level of service.”

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Secure Logiq offers a range of off-the-shelf devices alongside a custom build service. Its UK-manufactured servers are specifically optimised to efficiently handle multiple streams of HD video data, with a range comprising 1U, 2U, 3U and 4U devices that enable the recording of more channels at a faster rate and the ability to store data for extended periods.

For example, the top of the range HPS-4U-XL Series offers over one Petabyte of storage, three advanced RAID 6 arrays and dual redundant ‘hot swap’ power supplies for total peace of mind in mission-critical applications.

Uptime is everything

For Reliance High-Tech’s customers, it’s fair to state that uptime is everything. Their surveillance technology must be fully operational on a 24/7 basis. Leveraging Secure Logiq’s Logiqal Healthcheck utility, coupled with Reliance High-Tech’s extensive IT monitoring capability, enables an “unprecedented” level of proactive support for customers. 

In the unlikely event of malfunction, the combination of Secure Logiq’s detailed design configuration and Reliance High-Tech’s ISO 27001 and ISO 22301 experience results in fast, effective, secure and robust systems that are proactively monitored.

This means that Reliance High-Tech’s team members have all the information they need to address any issue immediately, proactively, securely and with information security at the very heart of every action.

Missing piece

“Many installers still specify traditional IT servers that simply do not offer the level of processing, storage density, resilience, throughput and overall performance required by modern surveillance systems,” explained Robin Hughes, Secure Logiq’s co-founder. “We provide the missing piece of the HD surveillance jigsaw with servers that are specifically designed for this purpose.”

Hughes added: “Our dedication to innovation and the highest standards of customer service and support are shared by Reliance High-Tech. Together, we will ensure that end users receive the best value and maximum return from their surveillance investment.”

Tom Clarke concluded: “The marriage of Secure Logiq’s standards of excellence with Reliance High-Tech’s IT capability, service capability and advanced monitoring services delivers a new level of system performance, integrity and pre-emptive maintenance and support which we’re extremely excited to introduce to our customers.”

*For further information visit https://reliancehightech.co.uk/

Hanwha Techwin launches temperature detection thermal camera

The dual-purpose Wisenet TNM-3620TDY camera from Hanwha Techwin is equipped with QVGA thermal imaging and HD capabilities designed to help businesses operate safely during the COVID-19 era.

The TNM-3620TDY is a bi-spectrum, multi-channel device which incorporates a QVGA-class thermal imaging camera and a 2 MP video surveillance camera. As such, it can detect heat and measure temperature with a very high degree of accuracy, while providing visual verification of people within its field of view.

In body temperature mode, the QVGA-class thermal imaging camera is able to estimate a person’s temperature within a range of 30⁰-45°C, with +/-0.5⁰C accuracy. When supported by black body technology, the accuracy increases to +/-0.3⁰C, allowing the TNM-3620TDY to provide a strong indication that a person may have a fever.

Offering support for deep learning AI-based face detection functionality, the TNM-3620TDY can measure the temperatures of up to ten individuals in real-time at a distance of up to 3 metres, with operators able to choose to view either the captured thermal images or standard HD video images.

IEC 60601 certification

The TNM-3620TDY is compliant with a series of device technical standards for the safety and essential performance of medical electrical equipment published by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

In addition, Hanwha Techwin has completed the FDA facility registration process and device registration for the TNM-3620TDY in respect of FDA 510(k) clearance which is in progress.

In normal radiometric mode and with a high degree of accuracy, the thermal imaging camera detects and measures changes in temperature within the -20⁰C to 130°C range. End users are able to set up detection zones to cover specific areas of interest within the camera’s field of view. This provides a powerful tool which generates alerts when there’s a threat of fire in recycling, waste management and landfill-type facilities where spontaneous combustion may occur. A detected change in temperature may also be a warning that machinery in factories, processing plants, cold stores or utilities is faulty.

In addition, a spot detection feature enables operators, via a web viewer, to click on any pixel within an image and obtain a measurement of the temperature of the area covered by that pixel.

WiseStream II technology

The TNM-3620TDY supports H.265, H.264 and MJPEG compression formats, as well as WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which dynamically controls encoding, balancing quality and compression according to movement in the image.

Bandwidth efficiency is improved by up to 75% when compared to current H.264 technology when WiseStream, which is unique to Wisenet cameras, is combined with H.265 compression.

The 2 MP video surveillance camera features a set of Intelligent Video Analytics which include directional detection, motion detection, enter/exit, virtual line, audio detection and camera tampering detection.

The TNM-3620TDY has a Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC slot which allows up to 256 GB of video or data to be stored at the edge should there be any disruption to the network. Video evidence, which potentially might have been lost, can therefore be retrieved when the network connection has been restored.

Capability to deliver

“Regretfully, some so-called ‘fever screening’ solutions devised by other manufacturers have attracted negative publicity,” said Uri Guterman, head of product and marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe. “In my view, this is because they’ve been oversold in terms of what they’re capable of delivering.”

He continued: “Although we’ve often been the first to market with new product developments and technologies, in this instance we’ve taken the time to develop the TNM-3620TDY and ensure that it’s fit for purpose. We highly value the trust our customers and business partners have in our ability to provide solutions which do not compromise on performance and quality. In this respect, they can be confident that this camera will meet, if not exceed, their expectations.”

In conclusion, Guterman stated: “The TNM-3620TDY is a great addition to our suite of COVID-related solutions, which includes face mask detection, occupancy monitoring and AI deep learning-based social distance measuring applications.”

Dahua’s TMAC integration with PAC access control helps keep workplaces safe

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.

*To access a copy of the integration visit http://pacgdx.com/products/dahua-tmac-integration-with-pac

Eagle Eye Networks appoints David Barr as enterprise sales manager for EMEA

Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in smart cloud video security, has appointed David Barr as enterprise sales manager for Europe in order to build the enterprise market segment throughout the region.

Barr has 30 years of experience in the security industry, joining Eagle Eye Networks after 17 years with Xtralis ADPRO, which in recent times was acquired by Honeywell. 

In his new role, Barr will work with Eagle Eye Networks’ global and EMEA end users and partners to develop their strategy as the security market transitions from an on-premise recorder market to a true cloud market for video surveillance. 

“This change isn’t happening overnight, but the great thing about Eagle Eye Networks is the possibility to start with a hybrid on-premise and cloud solution where clients can immediately see the benefits of the cloud without investing in new hardware,” explained Barr.

David Barr

“Eagle Eye Networks works with more than 3,500 existing analogue or IP cameras. Even DVRs can now be directly connected to the cloud. This is a game-changer for those companies wishing to upgrade their video surveillance, migrate to the cloud for additional cyber security and better manage their operations in a multi-site environment.” 

Rishi Lodhia, managing director for the EMEA region, added: “The creation of this new role and the experience David brings to Eagle Eye Networks illustrates the company’s continued growth and commitment to support enterprise customers within the region. Enterprise customers are transitioning rapidly to the cloud due to easy API integrations and open platform capabilities.”  

This appointment follows the recent announcement of an investment in Eagle Eye Networks of $40 million from Accel such that the business can further develop its cloud solution and Artificial Intelligence capabilities globally.  

Genetec unveils ‘Innovate Everyday’ webinar series for end users and integrators

Genetec, the developer of unified systems for enhanced security, operations and intelligence, has announced a new series of webinars designed to assist end users and system integrators in navigating these testing times.

The sessions outline ways in which customers from various industries are repurposing their existing physical security systems in order to solve specific pandemic-related issues. In addition, they will cover ways in which Genetec is evolving its own solutions to address critical new requirements.

The details for the upcoming webinars are as follows:

Thursday 16 July

Privacy now and after COVID-19 Amid a public health crisis, the global pandemic is raising questions about privacy. How can technology help?

Tuesday 21 July

Physical security innovations to help during the pandemic In this session, experts will discuss the new reality and how technology is being developed and deployed

Tuesday 4 August

Delivering new innovations Experts from Genetec, Quanergy and HID will discuss collaborative innovations that are supporting end users in the current environment

Tuesday 18 August

Identity as the new perimeter Experts will discuss why identity is now the backbone to infrastructure management and the enforcement of security policies

Wednesday 26 August

Machine Learning: Making sense of data Data scientists will explain the use of machine learning to improve product performance, give users greater insights into their physical security data and enable organisations to more effectively automate their processes

*For more information or to register for any of these webinars visit https://www.genetec.com/innovate-everyday

**Watch the promotional video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=auYzGXGbxgE&feature=emb_logo

AMG Systems continues expansion drive with appointment of two regional sales managers

Transmission solutions specialist AMG Systems has announced the appointment of Steve Dunning and Rob Kidd as regional sales managers.

Dunning’s new role will see him supporting the North of England and Scotland. His previous security industry experience includes systems integration, manufacturing and, latterly, sales roles at Pro-Vision and EET Europe.

Focused on the adoption and configuration of IP CCTV systems, Kidd’s career has developed by dint of working for companies such as Axis Communications, Anixter and Comnet. Based in London, Kidd’s new role encompasses supporting AMG Systems customers in the South of England and Ireland.

“Working closely with installers, system integrators, end users, specifiers and consultants, my focus will be to develop sales and increase the awareness of AMG Systems as a UK manufacturer of environmentally robust Ethernet, wireless and fibre optic transmission solutions,” said Dunning.

Kidd commented: “In short, I will be looking to establish AMG Systems as the UK’s ‘Go To’ manufacturer for industrial transmission equipment, helping to make advanced network configuration simpler for everyone.”

Commenting on the two new regional sales manager appointments, Steve Clarke (AMG Systems’ managing director) explained to Security Matters: “We’re welcoming Steve and Rob to our highly experienced team. AMG Systems is building a solid platform to implement its expanding portfolio of high-performance transmission products. The appointment of the two new regional sales managers will support our drive to deliver first-class customer support across all of the regions in which we operate.”

Security challenges in telecoms sector met head-on by access control systems

As Catherine Laug explains, the telecoms industry has grown at such a remarkable rate that it’s now a key part of our everyday lives. At present, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented requirement for almost all industries to operate a ‘working from home’ policy and to provide the general public with an increased access to online services, in turn making the telecoms industry even more vital.

A major impact of this fundamental change is the presence of a growing number of telecoms facilities, which are proving to be the cornerstone of service delivery. Equipment is often located in isolated areas, so strict access control systems are needed to keep any vulnerability to an absolute minimum.

Telecoms companies cover vast expanses of land to keep the service up-and-running for their customers. This involves several tens of thousands of plants and facilities, from mobile phone towers through to street cabinets for the wired network. This underlines the value of a standardised access control strategy to simplify access to all sites.

Now, maintenance technicians no longer need to worry about accessing the numerous facilities during their daily inspection rounds. Once configured, single electronic key solutions guarantee access to the right place at the right time, allowing technicians to focus their attention on the task at hand.

Specific access processes

For their part, operators are assured that their field teams, often comprised of sub-contractors, can carry out all maintenance work during specified times in line with their specific access processes.

Most of the facilities requiring protection are outdoor sites particularly exposed to wind, sun, snow and sea spray. That being so, access control systems must be able to withstand corrosion caused by bad weather. End users can now specify a certified and conceptual solution to this challenge with cylinders that meet the requirements of the EN 1670 corrosion resistance standard with a, IP66-67-68-69 rating designed to guarantee maximum protection.

In point of fact, the latest generation electronic keys also use inductive technology for contactless information exchange between the key and cylinder. With this technology, the electronic key can transmit access rights to the cylinder even if the humidity at the site has corroded the surface of the lock. In other words, bad connections no longer prevent information from being transmitted between the key and lock.

At some telecommunications towers, access is restricted to those authorised to work at height. Software is now available that liaises with the operator’s information system, collecting select information from the various user profiles to limit access to authorised individuals. This allows operators to use the software to assign access rights for specific areas based on the technician’s profile and authorisation.

To improve on-site control activities, electronic keys work with specific apps and new technology (ie RFID and beacons, etc) to send technicians verification messages about their access rights or required safety instructions (such as wearing a helmet and abiding by the buddy system, etc).

Similarly, users can interact with the central system and submit on-site attendance reports and flag up anomalies errors, etc. These bespoke features are designed to meet ever-stricter security requirements in companies and, importantly, accommodate the latest Government guidelines.

Sub-contracting and shared access sites

Sub-contractors are an increasingly common fixture in both maintenance activities and emergency call-outs. Several officers may well require daily access to a number of scattered, remote facilities.

The access control system is further complicated by the fact that sites may be shared by different businesses. Water towers, for instance, are often used to support radio masts.

It’s now possible to deliver an effective response to multi-activity sites with just one electronic key being needed for countless locks. Officers no longer need to carry large bunches of keys between sites. Instead, they can access the right place at the right time with maximum security.

Communication infrastructures may be the prime target for large-scale attacks wherein those parties involved are looking to compromise the country’s economic potential. They may also attract various types of vandal, tempted by the challenge of scaling facilities or the apparent vulnerability of street cabinets.

Today’s access control solutions are invaluable when it comes to protecting facilities from harm. Electronic cylinders and padlocks have CEN 1303 certification with the highest level of resistance to drilling and, therefore, vandalism.

What’s more, a lost or stolen electronic key can be disabled on a swift footing to prevent any unwanted intrusions. In certain solutions, the built-in reporting feature in the system software aims to report any attempts to gain access outside specified time ranges or in out-of-bounds areas, thereby detecting any anomalies.

Catherine Laug is Group Head of Marketing at LOCKEN