Gate Safe-accredited installers now able to gain FISS-CSCS card

Gate Safe, the charity which has led the campaign for improved automated gate and barrier safety since 2010, has joined forces with the Fencing Industry Skills Scheme (FISS) and the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) to enable Gate Safe-accredited installers to access the FISS/CSCS installer card.

Gate Safe installers who have achieved a Level 2 qualification diploma in fencing, undergone an approved health, safety and environment training course, completed the CITB Operative Touch Screen Test and passed the Gate Safe training within the last two years (the IOSH certificate will be required as proof of the training date) will be eligible to apply for the blue card via Lantra Awards, the awarding body for land-based industries here in the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.

The recognised card scheme will enable Gate Safe-trained installers to access employment/business opportunities within the construction sector, where the FISS/CSCS card is now a frequent prerequisite for site access.

Commenting on the news, Gate Safe founder Richard Jackson said: “Gate Safe has always strived to seek out recognition for its IOSH-approved training to enable a more stringent and informed approach towards automated gate and barrier safety via established industry competency schemes. The FISS/CSCS card sits alongside the existing Gate Safe Aware Electrotechnical Certification Scheme card rolled out in 2013, which itself enjoys a high profile within the electrotechnical sector. These cards provide our trained installers with the necessary credentials to enhance their business prospects, while also enabling the sharing of Best Practice for automated gate safety on site.”

All enquiries for a FISS/CSCS card should be made via Lantra Awards (telephone: 02476 696996).

Existing card holders can add the Gate Safe accreditation to their card for £30 including VAT.

New cards featuring the FISS and Gate Safe accreditation are valid for five years and cost £60 including VAT.

Evolution launches new Professional Services division

Integrated fire and security systems business Evolution has launched a new Professional Services division designed to provide a range of specialist IT security and software support services for new and existing clients, as well as third party integrators and installers.

The Professional Services division will support clients with server and operating systems upgrade planning and implementation and secure and resilient cyber network design and testing. It will also focus on advanced system programming and migration and maintenance services.

Headed by Evolution’s technical director Derrel Beasley, the Professional Services division will build on the company’s 25 years’ experience of providing clients with solutions that meet the needs of today and tomorrow, with the continual development of complex and integrated solutions and cyber secure systems that protect valuable private data and meet the necessary compliance regulations.

Beasley feels that Evolution’s IT and security knowledge and experience is recognised throughout the industry. “With modern integrated security and fire systems now fully immersed in ever-evolving and often cloud-based IT systems, the requirement for trusted and proven expertise in the design, delivery, management and support of these systems has become essential.”

He added: “I’m excited that we can now offer our IT security design, management and support expertise to all end users and other security integrators around the world with complete confidentiality.”

*Further information is available online at www.evolutionsecurity.com

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.”

Fire Technology Ireland unveiled as Nittan’s Elite Partner of the Year

Nittan Europe, the UK manufacturer of conventional and addressable fire detection products, has announced that Dublin-based Fire Technology Ireland (FTI) is the company’s Elite Partner of the Year. At the same time, the business has expanded its Nittan Elite Distributor Programme with the appointment of Eurotech Fire Systems.

Nittan’s Elite Programmes have been developed to acknowledge and reward a select group of installation partners and product distributors that have shown commitment to promoting the Nittan brand and undertaken product training to a high level in order to ensure the highest standards of customer service.

A well-established, highly respected company serving Southern Ireland, FTI’s projects range from complex multi-loop, multi-panel analogue addressable systems down to simple conventional systems. The company prides itself on providing exceptional value for money coupled with some of the best products on the market.

“This is the third consecutive time that FTI has been awarded the Nittan Elite Partner of the Year accolade,” commented Lee James, general manager for product marketing at Nittan Europe. “It’s a remarkable achievement, and particularly so bearing in mind the stiff competition, as well as testament to the company’s strong sales performance and clear commitment to staff training and close co-operation.”

Specialist distribution

All Nittan’s products are sold through specialist distributors, with only those businesses that can clearly demonstrate in-depth product knowledge and excellent customer service being eligible for the Nittan Elite Distributor Programme. 

Eurotech Fire Systems – a privately-owned company based in Waterlooville, Hampshire – has now been awarded that privileged status.

Established ten years ago, the very first fire detection system to which Eurotech put its name was Nittan and, throughout the time since, Eurotech has shown outstanding commitment to the Nittan brand and products. 

Eurotech’s managing director Michelle Agius stated: “To be recognised for our sales and support is very much appreciated by the Eurotech team.”

Underpinned by quality support

Lee James went on to inform Risk Xtra: “Nittan has built an enviable reputation for first-class fire detection products, but it’s essential to back that up with quality support. Our Elite Programme identifies those installers and distributors that demonstrate loyalty to Nittan and have taken the time to invest in the brand by undertaking rigorous training on the full product range.”

He concluded: “As a manufacturer, our end user contact is minimal. These customer-facing companies are often the first experience people will have of Nittan so their product knowledge and commitment to Nittan is exceptionally important and deserves to be recognised. The key benefit for Elite Programme members is that we can direct new customer enquiries to them as we know they’re a safe pair of hands.”

Bosch’s PA and voice evacuation solutions now available in UK through ADI Global Distribution

Bosch Security & Safety Systems Limited – part of Bosch Building Technologies – has announced that its Public Address (PA) and voice evacuation products portfolio is now available to the UK market through Residio business ADI Global Distribution. 

Andrew Pigram, UK general manager for Bosch Security Systems, explained: “The combination of Bosch’s 60 years of global experience in developing communication systems combined with ADI’s 30 years of delivering extensive global distribution provides our customers and the marketplace with complete peace of mind.”

ADI stocks a broad portfolio of PA and voice evacuation systems from Bosch, including a wide range of loudspeakers for a range of applications, underpinned by the enhanced features, build quality and reliability that today’s security professionals have come to expect from Bosch.

Andrew Pigram

ADI offers “industry-leading” support on these systems, including guidance on product selection and pre-sales support in the form of site surveys, system design, pre-build and configuration and commissioning via a dedicated ADI project support team.

Hemant Trivedi, regional director for the UK and Southern Europe at ADI, commented: “This collaboration will enable system integrators and installers to confidently pursue new market opportunities and add devices for end users to their existing installs, from smaller retail and commercial applications right through to sports stadiums and larger Shopping Centres.”

To ensure customers receive dedicated support in the field, there will be a comprehensive training roll-out around the UK providing hands-on demonstrations across the local ADI branch network as well as at the ADI Expos throughout the year.

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.

IDIS Europe’s partnership strategy pays off with reported 78% sales growth

IDIS Europe has reported record sales growth for 2018, with a 78% rise attributed to successful projects with long-term partners and continued investment in technology and support services.

Contributing to this success the company, which is Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance manufacturer, was the supplier for major contract wins in the retail, healthcare and education sectors.

Since opening its European headquarters in Brentford in 2013, IDIS has established a strong technical support team and wide sales networks and the company has worked hard to develop profitable partnerships with security installers, system integrators and distributors.

“Our core strategy as a company is to pursue sustainable growth alongside our partners as a one-stop supplier for video solutions,” urged James Min, managing director of IDIS Europe. “This means working together to ensure customer satisfaction, delivering better value and better technology.”

James Min

For security installers and system integrators, IDIS is now focusing on reducing Total Cost to Serve, giving them complete, easy-to-source video solutions that offer more profitable implementations and predictable revenue streams. Going forward this is a priority,  stated Min, and it will be achieved by continuing to invest in video technology that eliminates complexity and earns the loyalty of end users.

“The most encouraging thing is that, whenever customers switch to IDIS technology, they find that it gives them higher performance and a lower total cost of ownership. They also know that we’re working on new forward and backwards compatible technology to meet their future requirements.”

Once on board, customers tend to upgrade, but not switch away from IDIS, which is good news for installers. “We saw that with our new 12 MP Super Fisheye camera, launched last year as a step up from of our original 5 MP model. This has proven attractive for lots of our established customers as well as new users. It’s already our best-selling unit.”

For the integrator, IDIS’ model of simple-to-install technology from a ‘one solution, one company’ supplier means more realistic and attractive maintenance and service agreements. True plug-and-play performance was developed to reduce complexity for engineers installing and maintaining systems and, in turn, reduce cost and disruption for end users. The IDIS Ultimate Warranty also offers greater long-term protection for both parties.

“Anything that helps us to earn customer loyalty results in more sustainable long-term business,” added Min. “We also recognise that our installation partners make a commitment to IDIS when they invest their time on engineer training and product knowledge, so it’s important that we repay that commitment by supporting them to open up new opportunities.”

Looking ahead, IDIS predicts that strong sales performance will continue in 2019, with more major projects in the pipeline and new technology launches making it an attractive proposition to expand existing systems as well as install new ones.

BT Redcare unveils new next generation alarm portfolio for premises protection

BT Redcare, one of the UK’s largest suppliers of alarm signalling services, has revamped its portfolio of products to provide businesses and households alike with faster, smarter and easier ways of protecting premises.

The business has launched three new next generation alarm signalling products which can be used to monitor a range of risks, including physical break-ins, fire, gas leaks and flooding. A fourth product will be launched early in 2019 to complete the new portfolio.

Customers will benefit from a much faster experience end-to-end, from the installation of their new security system through to connectivity, signalling and fault reporting.

The products are also easier to use with the introduction of a new app for installers which allows for faster customer set-up, while a new app for end user customers allows them to receive notifications and alerts.

The new products have also been designed to be more environmentally friendly, requiring less energy to run and using recyclable packaging.

The products have comprehensive levels of security built-in with end-to-end encryption, while 24/7 technical support and a ten-year warranty provides customers with the high levels of reliability and reassurance they need from their alarm system.

The portfolio comprises the following new products:

Essential: This is the entry-level package which offers a fast and affordable wireless security alarm signalling system. It’s also monitored by security experts who will keep an eye on customers’ premises 24/7.

Advanced: This package comes with two signalling paths to provide twice the reassurance and is ideal for low-to-medium risk sites with the flexibility to upgrade if required.

Advanced Extra: This offers the same features as Advanced, but with even faster reporting times. If there’s a fault with the connection, the experts will be alerted in just 180 seconds.

Ultimate: This is BT Redcare’s premium product which covers every level of risk. Underpinned by resilient and future-proof IP broadband and smart 4G connections, the product boasts a built-in broadband hub and superior levels of security and reliability, with battery back-up to keep the system running even in the event of a power cut. It also has faster response times, with its enhanced monitoring capabilities alerting security experts about any connection issues within just 90 seconds.

John Ware, general manager at BT Redcare, said: “We’re introducing faster, smarter and greener ways of protecting businesses and homes underpinned by the best fixed and mobile networks in the UK. We’ve designed our next generation portfolio based on feedback from Alarm Receiving Centres, installers, insurers, businesses and homeowners. With our products meeting the very highest standards in the industry, we can provide our customers with the peace of mind they’re looking for in an alarm signalling system.”

Advanced video surveillance solutions from IDIS showcased at Security Essen

The very latest advances in secure surveillance technology, engineered entirely in Korea, are being demonstrated by IDIS on Stand E10 in Hall 5 at Security Essen, which runs from 25-28 September.

The IDIS Total Solution is increasingly being preferred by major end users globally because it offers the advantages of secure, exclusively Korean design and manufacturing, as well as “outstanding performance” in all applications.

Important innovations on show at Security Essen include IDIS’ flagship DirectIP solution, a full array of IP cameras (including Full-HD and 4K models), NVRs, network accessories and monitors, new privacy masking features to support end user compliance with data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the IDIS Center (which typically delivers 50% cost savings on centralised monitoring systems in comparison with server-based solutions) and “game-changing Artificial Intelligence”.

Deep Learning Analytics

Proving to be the biggest draw for visitors this week is the latest iteration of IDIS’ Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) technology that has opened a new door to the future of video analytics with “groundbreaking” 96% accuracy combined with a 200 ips speed allowing for the analysis of 32 channels simultaneously.

These exciting advances in video analytics make IDLA “more accurate, faster and more scalable” than competitive offerings. IDLA provides agile appearance searching, object detection and classification (for example people, cars and bicycles) intrusion detection, as well as loitering detection: all adapted to fit a 16:9 ratio.

The IDLA engine offers this “unrivalled accuracy” thanks to its advanced deep network architecture. IDLA is easy to set up and use simply by setting the region of interest and sensitivity. No calibration is needed.

Further, since IDLA doesn’t require additional processing power, end users can progress legacy hardware and cameras to transform their existing surveillance system into a powerful Artificial Intelligence solution.

Version 2.0 will be commercially available early next year. End users will be able to access both standard and advanced functionality, such as appearance search, through a single and affordable licence. Object detection and classification, intruder detection and loitering analytics are already available for users of the IDIS Solution Suite VMS.

IDIS DirectIP

Making its major exhibition debut in Germany, IDIS DirectIP is a true plug-and-play, end-to-end IP surveillance platform which offers “industry-leading” ease of use and performance. Consisting of IP cameras, NVRs, network equipment and totally cost-effective IDIS Center software, IDIS DirectIP is a complete package that’s easy to install, secure, flexible and scalable. It’s compatible with legacy systems and supports third party and ONVIF protocols for maximum installation flexibility. DirectIP provides users with Best in Class performance. Combined with the seven-year IDIS Ultimate Warranty, it’s affordable and cost-effective to run.

Visitors to Hall 5 are also learning about how IDIS Dynamic Privacy Masking is supporting users in complying with privacy legislation. IDIS Dynamic Privacy Masking securely masks areas of interest without transcoding, allowing end users to protect the privacy of selected individuals, for example bystanders, in any video footage which is being used as evidence in a Court of Law.

Together, these advances offer end users, installers, consultants and distributors new levels of system-building flexibility and security with significant cost advantages.

Joon Jun

Joon Jun, president of IDIS’ Global Business Division, stated: “IDIS technology is now recognised as a trusted and premium brand. It’s being adopted by major users around the world. This success is thanks to our commitment to highly secure manufacturing – which is exclusively Korean – and innovative design which keeps us at the very forefront of the video surveillance sector.”

Dahua welcomes high-level UK trade and investment delegation to China

Dahua Technology’s global headquarters in China was recently visited by a senior trade delegation from Leeds as part of a trip to capitalise on existing trade arrangements and reinforce a long-standing relationship between the region and the Chinese city of Hangzhou.

Among the Leeds City Region delegation were representatives from Leeds City Council, Kirklees Council, the West Yorkshire Combined Authority, Bradford Council, the Universities of Bradford, Leeds and Huddersfield and businesses from the region. In addition to discussing co-operative business opportunities, the visitors also enjoyed a tour of Dahua’s headquarters, including the cutting-edge demonstration room.

The visit comes on the back of Dahua Technology’s UK subsidiary opening a new office in Leeds to provide support for local distributors, integrators and installers, as well as deliver training and client demonstrations.

“This trade and investment mission will build on our long and prestigious relationships with our Chinese partners,” said Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council. “We saw a hugely positive outcome of this activity with the announcement that Hangzhou-based Dahua is opening an office in Leeds. They join Hisense, which has its UK headquarters in Leeds, and Silver Cross owner Fosun. We want to encourage more investment and trade between our cities.”

Significant growth

As part of a presentation to the delegation party, Jason Zhao (Dahua vice-president and general manager of the Overseas Business Centre), said: “We’re very honoured to be part of this historical development, having held a relationship with Leeds before we were even established in the UK. Three years ago, we opened our first UK office with only a few people and even fewer local employees. We’ve had significant growth over these past three years, whereby we now have over 40 people supporting the UK and Ireland markets. Three of them are staff hired from Leeds and the surrounding area.”

Hangzhou and Leeds have been partnered since 1988, co-operating in the fields of business, education and culture and resulting in links between many businesses and public bodies.

The Leeds City Region covers Barnsley, Bradford, Calderdale, Craven, Harrogate, Kirklees, Leeds, Selby, Wakefield and York. It has a £1 billion-plus Local Growth Deal to boost jobs and growth across the region. It’s also home to the UK’s largest regional financial centre and has a digital technology sector now worth more than £6.6 billion.