NSI unveils “extensive programme” for IFSEC and FIREX International 2022

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) has announced an extensive programme of activity at IFSEC and FIREX International to ensure that installers/integrators and those interested in gaining third party certification have plenty of reasons to attend and visit Stand IF4050 at London’s ExCeL.

The UKAS-accredited certification body for the security and fire safety sectors will once again have a significant presence at IFSEC International and is encouraging those attending to take full advantage of the expertise on offer to visitors.

On the first two days of IFSEC International (ie 17 and 18 May) at 2.00 pm, the NSI will host an informal 30-minute session on-stand for security system and/or fire detection and alarm installers interested in becoming NSI approved such that they can find out about the application process.

Max Linnemann, the NSI’s director of certification services, will give an insight into key things you need to know when you apply, the due diligence process and eligibility criteria and how to ensure your application progresses as quickly as possible by avoiding the common mistakes.

Installers are invited to attend these sessions. No pre-booking is required.

‘Boardroom Talks’

For companies already holding approval with the Inspectorate, the NSI is joining forces with IFSEC International to host ‘Boardroom Talks’, an hour-long session taking place on Tuesday 17May at 11.30 am. This runs on the South Gallery in Room S13. Refreshments and luncheon is being provided for attendees. With an agenda curated specifically for senior leaders, the session will cover two specific topical business issues:

Changes in Procurement Rules, Outsourcing Services and Social Value

(Presenter: Jo Kenny, commercial lead at the Crown Commercial Service)

Meet the Sustainability Challenge: How to Embed Social Value and Net Zero

(Presenter: Sunil Shah, founder of Acclaro Advisory)

NSI-approved companies wishing to attend the ‘Boardroom Talks’ are requested to register in advance by sending an e-mail to marketing@nsi.org.uk Places will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis.

FIREX International 2022

Visitors attending FIREX International on Wednesday 18May are invited to join John Davidson, the NSI’s approval schemes manager (systems), who will present on the subject of ‘Fire Safety in Your Building: The Most Common and Serious Issues Facing Fire Risk Assessors’. This conference session runs at 11.15 am in the Fire Protection Association’s InfoZone Theatre.

The highly-respected Engineers of Tomorrow Competition for security and fire installer apprentices will once again be a key feature at this year’s event. Now part of WorldSkills (with the final taking place in November), apprentices will compete to demonstrate their technical abilities and understanding in front of their peers and industry colleagues in order to secure a place in the final.

NSI auditors will again be part of the adjudicating team, providing independent appraisal of those competing. The NSI encourages all visitors to ExCeL to support the industry’s future engineers and watch them in action.

‘Cash’, the NSI’s very much loved Turkmenian Eagle Owl, will be at IFSEC on Tuesday 17and Wednesday 18May. The NSI is encouraging visitors to ‘Swoop in for a Snap’ with ‘Cash’. Those who share their photos on social media and tag the NSI on Twitter or LinkedIn will receive a free gift on the day.

Compelling programme

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the NSI, stated: “IFSEC’s presence in the industry calendar is always greatly anticipated. Despite the pandemic forcing a break since the last in-person IFSEC back in 2019, we’re delighted to see the show return with such a compelling programme that brings the industry together.”

Jenkins added: “We look forward to welcoming industry colleagues old and new to our stand and to partnering with IFSEC in the ‘Boardroom Talks’, which we are jointly hosting for NSI approved companies.”

Visitors attending IFSEC International are invited to a Reunion Drinks Party taking place at Indigo at The 02 from 6.30 pm on Tuesday 17May. Complimentary drinks will be served on entry. Access is via the Emirates Air Line cable car.

*Register here to attend IFSEC International and its co-located events FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo, The Facilities Show and Intelligent Building Europe

IFSEC International announces SSAIB as official Installer Partner for 2020 event

Professional security installers are the essential lifeblood of IFSEC International and FIREX International. Long-standing event partners the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) has been named as the official Installer Partner for the 2020 shows, which take place at London’s ExCeL from May 19-21.

SSAIB is a certification body for security and fire alarm installation professionals, security guarding services and monitoring. SSAIB-approved companies are exclusively invited to IFSEC International and FIREX International 2020 in order to meet with trained SSAIB personnel and engage with over 500 leading manufacturers and suppliers of security and fire safety technologies and services.

IFSEC and FIREX are the perfect learning environments for SSAIB companies where they can spend three days totally immersed in state-of-the-art technologies, solutions and discussions all focused around the driving issues in security and fire. It’s where the entire security and fire communities always come together to collaborate, ask the big questions and find the practical answers to their current challenges.

The SSAIB will also use its time at IFSEC and FIREX to host its regional South East meeting, which makes it convenient for approved companies to make full use of their time at IFSEC, mixing SSAIB business with their own fact-finding and discovery missions.

The 2020 events also mark the return of the SSAIB to FIREX International, where representatives will be on hand to discuss various BAFE-approved certification opportunities in fire system design and installation, life safety risk assessment and the correct use and maintenance of portable extinguisher equipment. With the national agenda now firmly fixed on promoting certified life safety schemes and awareness, the SSAIB’s presence at FIREX International will rigorously contribute to the show’s stated aims of promoting expertise and guidance in life safety.

In line with the new decade, the SSAIB will once again host the official Installer Bar in IFSEC that will have a dedicated ‘Roaring 20s’ theme to herald 2020.

SSAIB CEO Alex Carmichael commented: “We’re delighted to be named as the official Installer Partner for IFSEC and FIREX International 2020. They are the premier events for both the fire and security industries and we would very much encourage our registered firms to visit us at ExCeL next May.”

Carmichael added: “We’ve also incorporated our South East regional meeting into IFSEC 2020 because it gives the many firms that attend our events the opportunity to immerse themselves in all the latest developments and technologies on show at IFSEC and FIREX. Not only can they do this and hear all the latest updates we’ll be sharing, but they’ll also be invited to join us at our Installer Bar for an informal catch-up.”

In addition, Carmichael observed: “The SSAIB has enjoyed a lot of success by lending its name to an IFSEC bar over the last two years, so we’ve decided to try and build on that further by making a welcome return to FIREX as well.”

Latest Nittan modules further expand capabilities of popular Evolution range

Nittan Europe, the specialist manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has announced a series of new interface modules to allow for improved connection of its Evolution range with even more third party equipment than ever before.

The six new interface modules cover a variety of interface applications, including those for door release, sounder control, communication with industrial plant and equipment and non-addressable detectors. There’s also a mini interface module for mounting within other equipment such as fire beam or aspirating detectors.

The main interface modules feature the same uniform design for aesthetic appeal, are all EEPROM-addressed (Programmer) and come complete with short circuit isolators. Many also have mains-rated relay.

The new interface modules were officially launched last month at FIREX International. They were on display at London’s ExCeL along with key Evolution products such as analogue addressable detectors (including the company’s patented, award-winning dual optical technology), audio visual devices, bases, Manual Call Points, isolators and existing modules, plus BS EN 54 Parts 2 and 4-compliant evo+ fire alarm control panels.

A tried-and-tested solution, the Evolution range combines “truly exceptional and reliable” fire detection with a “very high degree of protection” against unwanted false alarms. Its “highly flexible protocol” is resistant to interference and allows for substantial amounts of information to be transmitted at high speed.

Drone give-away by Inner Range at IFSEC International 2019

Access control solutions developer Inner Range will be rewarding lucky visitors to its stand with a drone on every day of this year’s IFSEC International, which runs at London’s ExCeL from Tuesday 18 until Thursday 20 June.

Delegates who watch a demonstration of an Inner Range product will be invited to enter their details into the manufacturer’s flagship product, Integriti, and the system will randomly select a winner at the end of each day.

Winners will receive a Holy Stone Mercury 3 racing drone, which can travel at 45 km per hour and transmit HD video and aerial photos in real-time. The camera, which has a 120-degree wide-angle lens, is easy to install or remove, while the drone is designed to reduce wind resistance for more stable filming conditions.

Inner Range has two demonstrations linked to IFSEC’s official ‘Show Me How’ series of presentations and trials. The first showcases how Inner Range’s entry-level access control system, Inception, can now integrate with the Milestone XProtect video management system. The integration allows the Inception controller to become the security and access mechanism supporting the Milestone system.

Inner Range’s enterprise-level intelligent integrated access control system, Integriti, will also feature in the ‘Show Me How’ series. Delegates can see how ‘user qualifications’ can boost Health and Safety procedures, or ease car park credit renewals by alerting users when qualifications or credits are about to expire.

Tim Northwood, general manager at Inner Range, said: “We love showing what our products can do and will happily demonstrate any aspect of our systems that people are curious about. To add an element of fun, anyone who has had a demonstration can enter our prize draw to win a racing drone. IFSEC is full of technology enthusiasts and drones are the latest gadget, whether people use them for serious business purposes or fly them just for fun. We hope delegates will like them.”

Inner Range’s Stand IF1030 will include eight large screens to demonstrate the manufacturer’s access control systems and software in action.

ONVIF makes plans to highlight member companies at IFSEC International 2019

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, will be exhibiting at IFSEC International 2019. The show runs at ExCeL in London from 18-20 June. The organisation will be joined by 40-plus ONVIF member companies.

As part of its presence at the exhibition, ONVIF will host the ONVIF Lounge on Stand IF2524, which provides charging stations for attendee use throughout the show. Representatives from ONVIF and various member companies will be present at the booth throughout the event to answer questions about ONVIF and provide insight on how they use the ONVIF standards for their businesses. Participating companies will include Hikvision, Costain, Synectics and TDSi.

“We’re happy to be exhibiting at IFSEC again this year, giving those who are unfamiliar with ONVIF the opportunity to learn more,” said Per Björkdahl, chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “ONVIF provides valuable tools that can make things easier for practising security professionals and their host organisations. We hope that, by having member companies present on Stand IF2524, attendees gain the inside track on what it means to be an ONVIF member.”

IFSEC International is Europe’s largest dedicated security exhibition, with more than 27,000 security professionals expected to attend this year’s event.

Founded in 2008, ONVIF has a global base of established member companies whi produce cameras, video management systems and access control solutions, in trun realising more than 12,000 Profile-conformant products.

ONVIF offers Profile S for basic streaming video, Profile G for edge storage and retrieval, Profile C for door control and event management, Profile Q for quick installation, Profile A for access control configuration and Profile T for advanced video streaming.

ONVIF continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions that ONVIF-conformant products can provide.

*Further information about ONVIF-conformant products is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

TDSi appearing with BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International 2019

Integrated security manufacturer TDSi will be appearing on both the BSIA and ONVIF stands at IFSEC International 2019, which runs from 18-20 June at London’s ExCeL. TDSi’s team will be available to discuss its latest products with customers and partners on the BSIA Stand (IF2755) and ONVIF Booth (2525) throughout the event.

John Davies, managing director of TDSi, commented: “We’re delighted to be appearing with the BSIA and ONVIF at IFSEC International. At this year’s event, we’ll be highlighting our new GARDiS security software and upcoming hardware range. The new GARDiS controller will be fully ONVIF compliant (Profile A and Profile C) and perfect for integrating with a variety of security and access control systems.”

John Davies

The GARDiS range was launched at the end of last year with the first version of the access management software and was recently updated by GARDiS Version 1.1, which provides extra functionality and support for installers and end users. A prototype of the new GARDiS Controller (the first hardware in the range) was also unveiled in April this year and will shortly be available to order.

Davies added: “IFSEC International will provide the perfect opportunity for visitors across the UK and internationally to learn more about the benefits of the TDSi GARDiS range and to discuss specific requirements or project needs with our team. The event is a must-attend for anyone in the security industry, providing access to world-renowned industry leaders and networking with security directors and managers, installers, system integrators and distributors from across the globe.”

IDIS determined to focus on video cyber security at IFSEC International 2019

Network security and the threat of ‘cyber loopholes’ should be a top priority for video surveillance users, IDIS will tell visitors at IFSEC International. Launching a cyber security advisory video ahead of the show, the IDIS team at ExCeL in London from 18-20 June will also be on hand to demonstrate and explain how IDIS technology goes a step further to strengthen the resilience of traditional surveillance network processes.

IDIS will be highlighting the dangers of cyber attacks and the common vulnerabilities found in many surveillance set-ups – as well as showcasing a full range counter-measures – on Stand IF1110.

Users should plan for three specific risks, states the company: data access loopholes, data transmission weaknesses and the integrity of recorded footage.

“IDIS has consistently led the way in addressing cyber security concerns, taking a multi-pronged approach from R&D through to customer installation,” said James Min, managing director of IDIS Europe. “We’ve developed a rich, layered and comprehensive set of technologies and features to ensure maximum protection for end users.”

Visitors will see how IDIS DirectIP – the cornerstone of the IDIS Total Solution – closes-up widespread vulnerabilities and serves as a proprietary mutual authentication system for all IDIS IP products. IDIS DirectIP speeds up implementations and streamlines cyber security by eliminating the need for engineers to manage multiple IP addresses and associated passwords during implementation. It therefore mitigates human error and the common malpractice of saving passwords in vulnerable spreadsheets.

Using peer-to-peer technology, IDIS’ ‘For Every Network’ technology also lets engineers deploy and configure secure, multi-site surveillance solutions that use centralised monitoring and control without in-depth knowledge of routing or networking.

IDIS will also highlight the cyber security essentials for transmission and recording together with its own patented and proprietary technologies which prevent activities such as snooping, modification and the destruction of data.

James Min

In addition, visitors to Stand IF1110 will learn how IDIS ensures the integrity of video recording, with its advanced ‘Chained Fingerprint’ technology authenticating footage such that it can be submitted to the police and the courts as evidence.

“Combined with these technologies, our industry-leading training programmes are helping installers and integration partners to work knowledgeably with devices and networks to ensure maximum cyber security for our end users,” concluded Min.

Vanderbilt to showcase all-new ACT Enterprise solution at Security Essen

Vanderbilt, the state-of-the-art security systems specialist, will showcase the latest version of ACT Enterprise at Security Essen 2018. Along with demonstrations of the access control software solution, visitors to Security Essen can explore the full range of products that Vanderbilt has to offer at Stand 6D90, with a significant focus on increased integration across the company’s products and, indeed, with third party systems.

The latest ACT Enterprise features – which include integration with Vanderbilt’s award-winning SPC intrusion system, a rules mapping engine and a smart phone app – were previewed at IFSEC International in June and received a wave of positive feedback from visitors to the show at ExCeL.

“Our ACT Enterprise Apple and Android compatible apps mean real-time monitoring, user management and administration from your smart phone,” stated Andrew Fulton, head of the access control product line at Vanderbilt. “You can enable and disable alarms, lock and unlock doors, authorise users and check who’s in and who’s out from wherever you are. Security has never been more convenient, and you’ve never been more in control.”

Rules mapping

One of the key features is the ease-of-use and simplicity of ACT Enterprise’s rules mapping to enable advanced configurations of various system inputs and outputs across the access control system, as well as integrated video and intruder elements of an integrated system.

Michael Moyna, technical product marketing manager at Vanderbilt, observed: “The use of rules mapping simplifies the implementation of more complex events/alarms and associated actions for the installer/integrator by permitting the creation of logical relationships between system elements via a drag-and-drop interface. For the end user, the addition of rules mapping ensures that system interactions can be seamlessly introduced on a system-wide basis, thus enabling a higher level of added value to be realised, both for security and business-based functionalities.”

Integration will continue to be a priority, with a significant focus being placed on technology partnerships that enhance Vanderbilt’s functionality and reach in the market. On top of ACT Enterprise’s integration with SPC, the solution now also integrates with ASSA Abloy’s Aperio wireless components.

In addition, the much-touted SPC-Milestone plug-in will be on display. This plug-in enables users to control SPC from within the Milestone system. The plug-in is aimed at improving the customer experience by providing a bi-directional communication strategy with the enhancement of a robust surveillance solution in line with the ethos of ‘the customer first’. The SPC Milestone plug-in features options such as filters for event transmissions and remote interaction based on customisable command profile, while ATS/ATP logs offer transparent communication.

New wireless devices

Vanderbilt’s newly-released SPC Wireless devices, which include detectors, panic buttons, fobs and a transceiver, will also be on show at Security Essen. The devices feature sleek and modern lines to complement the interior styles of many environments, such as retail stores. This range of products was designed in response to growing consumer Internet of Things trends and, as a result, presents a significant revenue opportunity for installers in boosting their SPC portfolio offering.

“Installs for Vanderbilt’s SPC Wireless devices were designed to be hassle-free,” explained Ross Wilks, head of marketing communications at Vanderbilt. “In contrast, a wired solution can take, at a minimum, a day’s work when it comes to fitting cable. By reducing time on site, Vanderbilt’s SPC Wireless can enable installers to get more work done elsewhere, essentially meaning more profits from more jobs.”

Vanderbilt will also be sharing its expertise in Software-as-a-Service solutions, with ‘How To’ demonstrations on ways that installers can derive the most out of the company’s award-winning solutions, namely ACT365 and SPC Connect.

*Security Essen takes place between 25-28 September. For more information on Vanderbilt’s attendance at the event visit https://vanderbiltindustries.com/events/essen

Hikvision awarded Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation by National Cyber Security Centre

Hikvision has been awarded Cyber Essentials Plus status – the highest accreditation in the programme. Operated by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), the Cyber Essentials scheme is an independently assessed accreditation supported by the Government. The scheme is designed to carry out rigorous testing of Internet-enabled products connected to a given company’s infrastructure – in this case that of Hikvision – in order to ensure that, when connected to a network, those products are safe, secure and don’t provide a risk to devices on the rest of the network.

In partnership with five independent test houses, the Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation process covers a number of different areas to ensure users of Internet-enabled devices are assured of the highest level of protection against potential cyber threats and attacks. These independent test houses assess products through internal testing and vulnerability scanning. Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation is only awarded when testers are fully satisfied that the tested products don’t pose a risk to the wider network.

“Cyber security is really hot topic in the security industry so naturally we’re delighted to have been awarded Cyber Essentials Plus status,” explained Gary Harmer, sales director for Hikvision UK and Ireland. “As the only manufacturer in our industry to have received this level of accreditation, it’s confirmation of the confidence we at Hikvision have in our own operations.”

Hikvision will continue to work with the NCSC and other authorised bodies to maintain, develop and enhance the security of its products, operating environments and processes.

*An earlier version of the Press Release suggested that the Cyber Essentials Plus status relates to products and has caused some confusion. To clarify, Hikvision has been awarded Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation, which relates directly to the security and robustness of its own infrastructure within the company’s UK operation. It was never Hikvision’s intention to mislead the reader with any inference that the accreditation related in any way to the company’s own products. Hikvision sincerely apologises for the unclear statement about the award

*To find out more about Hikvision’s plans for enhanced cyber security, visit Stand D300 at IFSEC International between 19-21 June. IFSEC International runs at London’s ExCeL

C-TEC to sponsor 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference at FIREX 2018

C-TEC is sponsoring the 5th International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference at this year’s edition of FIREX. Billed as a must-attend event for anyone involved in designing/managing fire risk or firefighting in tall buildings, the three-day conference will take place at London’s ExCeL from 19-21 June.

Andy Green, C-TEC’s marketing manager, said: “As a leading manufacturer of world-class life-safety systems, we’re well qualified to sponsor the International Tall Building Fire Safety Conference. Delegates will be invited to a networking lunch on our stand on Wednesday to see live demonstrations of Hush2, the latest version of C-TEC’s revolutionary hush button fire alarm solution for flats, apartments, HMOs and other domestic dwellings.”

C-TEC will also be showcasing CAST, its powerful new own-protocol fire detection and alarm system. Created to meet demand for powerful, yet cost-effective addressable fire systems, CAST panels are designed to integrate seamlessly with an extensive range of C-TEC-manufactured fire detectors, sounders, Call Points and interfaces.

Other innovations to look out for include the company’s high-performance range of EN54-23 certified VADs and an advanced range of hybrid digital power supplies.

*To find out more about FIREX 2018 visit https://www.firex.co.uk