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

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. 

NSI outlines partnership with Nineteen Group for The Security Event 2022

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI) is once again an official Event Partner of The Security Event and NSI experts are preparing to share important standards updates with professional installers and integrators throughout the show, which takes place from 5-7 April at the NEC in Birmingham.

The Security Event brings together over 200 exhibitors, providing an ideal opportunity for the industry to connect in person and keep up-to-date with the very latest technologies, products, services and insights.

NSI CEO Richard Jenkins commented: “We are delighted to be partnering with The Security Event again in what promises to be a lively and informative three days where visitors can experience innovative technology, learn from educational content, share insights and network.”

The National Security Inspectorate is once again taking part in The Security Event at the NEC

Jenkins continued: “Significant changes are taking place within the UK’s security sector, from the digital All-IP migration through to revisions in visual alarm confirmation and the ever-evolving cyber security environment. Whether installers are looking to take their first steps into gaining third party certification or wish to meet our team for expert guidance on the current standards, all are invited to visit our stand.”

Further, Jenkins affirmed: “Buyers of security and fire safety services are also actively encouraged to come and learn more about the importance of choosing NSI approved companies and the reassurance provided by the ongoing audit programme to which they would then commit.”

The NSI team will be on Stand L20 in Hall 3.

Fire and Security Installer Theatre

The NSI has been heavily involved in formulating the conference programme for the Fire and Security Installer Theatre and, indeed, some of the organisation’s representatives will be delivering a series of engaging sessions.

‘BS 8418:2021 for Detector-Activated Surveillance Systems – The Game-Changer for Police Response’ (Matthew Holliday, director of approval schemes, NSI). Tuesday 5 April. 2.00 pm

This presentation will highlight key drivers behind the latest edition of BS 8418, the standard for monitored CCTV systems capable of summoning a police response

‘Cyber Security – Are Security Systems Affected?’ (Matthew Holliday, director of approval schemes, NSI). Wednesday 6 April. 11.15 am

This will be a thought-provoking session on the need for cyber security in the security and fire sectors, considering not only the installing/maintaining organisation, but also products and touch points with the customer.

‘Fire Risk Assessment and Evacuation Alert Systems – A Certification Body’s Perspective on Demonstrating Competence’ (John Davidson, approval schemes manager for systems, NSI). Thursday 7 April. Noon

Following the publication of Dame Judith’s Hackitt’s ‘Building a Safer Future’ report and the ongoing Grenfell Tower Public Inquiry, there has been a hugely increased focus on the competency of contractors, and particularly so those contractors whose work could affect the fire integrity of – or life safety within – a given building. This session focuses on how third party certification can help to demonstrate competency.

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

**Register online for free tickets to attend The Security Event 2022 at https://rfg.circdata.com/publish/TSSES22/?source=TSENSI

Steve Riley appointed in key sales role for PAC-GDX and 3XLOGIC brands

Steve Riley has been appointed in key sales role for PAC-GDX and 3XLOGIC brands. Formerly with Risco for over seven years, industry stalwart Riley has joined the organisation with an ambition to grow market share across all brands by adding value to security solutions in the form of business intelligence.

On his new role, Riley commented: “It’s a very exciting time to be joining this organisation because we have several exciting product launches planned. I see so much potential in the integration of our brands and the resulting ability to offer solutions that very few companies can provide.”

He continued: “By harnessing the secure data which is on board many security systems already out in the field, we can provide valuable insights for end users, such as tracking how, when and where people move around buildings. This is the sort of information that can really assist with everything from COVID-19 procedures to energy savings.”

Steve Riley

Riley will also be re-shaping and re-energising the organisation’s channel engagement, developing new distribution partnerships and relationships with system integrators here in the UK and across Europe.

“Some of our brands have been associated with certain market sectors to date and they have dominated those sectors,” asserted Riley, “but interoperability across our brands and calibrating the right products to suit the application means that our security installers and system integrators can target any kind of business from SMEs right the way up to enterprise-level plcs.”

Welcoming Riley to the fold, Bill Hobbs (global sales leader for all brands) enthused: “Steve has joined us on the brink of huge growth potential for the company and his energy and management skills are a welcome addition at this exciting time.”

Ten-plus NSI-approved companies shortlisted for 2020 OSPAs

The National Security Inspectorate (NSI), a sponsor of the 2020 UK Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs), has congratulated the 13 NSI-approved companies shortlisted by the Judging Panel for their achievements within the security industry. The OSPAs are part of a global awards scheme currently running in eight countries and designed to recognise and reward outstanding performance.

In total, the 13 NSI-approved companies have over 50 shortlisted nominations across multiple categories including Outstanding Contract Security Company, Outstanding Security Installer/Integrator and Outstanding Security Officer.

 

The judging is a rigorous and transparent process designed to recognise exceptional company and individual performance in the private security sector.

This year, the NSI’s involvement has extended to the OSPAs Thought Leadership Summit. This takes place on the afternoon of the Awards Ceremony on Wednesday 26 February in central London. It’s a further opportunity to hear the thoughts of high-profile speakers and debate key challenges in the private security sector, such as supply chain integrity and ways in which to address the rate of improvement in false alarms.

Richard Jenkins: CEO at the NSI

Richard Jenkins, CEO at the NSI, commented: “The UK OSPAs highlight Best Practice and recognise the achievements of companies and individuals alike within the private security industry. We’re delighted to see so many NSI-approved companies recognised for their outstanding performance and in so many categories. Our congratulations go to all of the finalists whose achievements have been recognised this year. We wish them every success tomorrow. The NSI’s sponsorship of events and awards reinforces our commitment to recognising outstanding performance and raising standards across the security business sector.”

*Only limited places are now available for the Thought Leadership Summit which begins at 11.15 am. Places can be booked for only £45 +VAT including luncheon, entrance to the conference and exhibition and all refreshments. Visit https://uk.theospas.com/summit2020/

IDIS ranked among top security equipment manufacturers for 2020 OSPAs

Confirming IDIS as one of the most trusted suppliers of surveillance tech in the UK, the company has been named as a finalist in the 2020 Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs). Indeed, IDIS is the only video manufacturer to have been selected as a finalist in this year’s awards scheme.

Now Korea’s largest in-country video surveillance equipment manufacturer, IDIS has established a committed customer base in the UK by offering end-to-end video solutions that combine plug-and-play simplicity with advanced functions. It’s an approach that has seen its sales grow consistently every year since its 2013 UK launch. In 2018, year-on-year sales were up by 78%, with 22% consolidated growth across Europe.

UK OSPAs founder Professor Martin Gill CSyP FSyI informed Risk Xtra that IDIS and the other 2020 finalists had been identified by an independent panel of experts scoring against impartial and ethical judging criteria.

“All those who are finalists have reached a score threshold and those with low scores, or ranked lower than tenth equal, have been eliminated. This ensures our finalists represent the very best in the industry.”

From the early days of IP, IDIS took a different approach to its competitors. When many were talking about the advantages of open architecture IP surveillance and solutions on corporate networks, IDIS understood that there were drawbacks in that approach. Today, it’s almost universally accepted that, for many SME video surveillance applications, dedicated networks are better.

IDIS identified this reality correctly from the outset because the business wasn’t led by what new technology could do, but rather by what customers actually needed.

As a result, IDIS DirectIP was the first genuine, one-click plug-and-play solution which, at a stroke, removed a major burden on professional installers. IDIS believed there should be no need for engineers to learn how to handle networks and routers, or to manage passwords for each individual device. Supporting installers who don’t have an in-depth knowledge of networking, IDIS’ ‘For Every Network’ peer-to-peer technology allows engineers to deploy secure, multi-site surveillance solutions on a rapid basis.

IDIS has also led the way with other important innovations, including reducing the video storage and transmission burden for end users with its Intelligent Codec, a powerful compression technology that cuts bandwidth requirements by up to 90% when combined with motion adaptive transmission.

To make the migration to H.265 easier and more affordable for end users, IDIS developed a dual codec solution allowing simultaneous H.264 live viewing and H.265 high resolution recording. Another example of technical innovation being fitted to customer realities, not the other way around.

IDIS has also focused on improving value for end users, with its totally cost- and license- free IDIS Center VMS being powerful yet easy enough for non-specialist staff to use.

“IDIS innovations have a proven track record of providing targeted and original answers to specific problems faced by end users and installers,” explained James Min, managing director for IDIS Europe. “We’re delighted that our approach has been recognised in the 2020 OSPAs and look forward to the awards ceremony on 26 February.”

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.”

VCA Technology launches “powerful” AI video analytics solution

VCA Technology, the provider of video analytics, has announced the release of VCA Server, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-Deep Learning-based video analytics software suite providing a key upgrade to the company’s flagship VCA Core platform.

Offering simple integration with VMS and NVR manufacturers’ technologies, the new release ensures that sophisticated analytics can be set up and installed within as little as 15 minutes, allowing end users to significantly reduce false alarms with minimal disruption.  

Central to VCA Server is its Deep Learning filter which is pre-calibrated to immediately recognise vehicles and people, delivering an ‘instant analytics’ application. Its focus on ‘event filtering’ can, for example, distinguish foliage movement, shadows and changes in weather conditions from suspicious activity, enabling more accurate distinctions between true events and false positives. This makes it ideal for monitoring sterile zones and closed site installations, as well as managing perimeter protection remotely.

The VCA Core rule and feature sets are still available within the new release and, for high density sites such as airports and Shopping Centres that require a more comprehensive set-up, there’s still the option to use ‘Logical Rules’ alongside the extensive calibration features and the Deep Learning filter.

The new release is compatible with both remote and local servers and can produce basic data or more comprehensive metadata, depending on end users’ requirements.

Also available in a rack-mounted unit, VCA Server is suitable for projects from four to 64 cameras and ideal for applications with or without a VMS, where it would be used in conjunction with a local NVR, for example. This provides installers with an extremely cost-effective solution and enables them to use VCA Deep Learning analytics at a significantly lower cost than the industry standard.

Kevin Waterhouse, managing director at VCA Technology, explained to Risk Xtra: “There’s a misconception among integrators and installers that AI-based video analytics demand high processing requirements, making them cost prohibitive. However, our technology is compatible with all IP cameras of varying capabilities, as well as the most popular VMS and NVRs, greatly reducing cost and installation time. By quickly and seamlessly incorporating AI and Deep Learning into their existing portfolio, security providers can now future-proof their business by providing end users with intelligent and real-time video analytics.”

Waterhouse added: “For end users, the launch of VCA Server means that there’s now a more comprehensive solution that goes beyond just surveillance. With budgets being squeezed, companies are looking for surveillance solutions that can overcome industry bottlenecks and do more with less. This is where AI and Deep Learning significantly push the boundaries of standard video analytics.”

ONVIF focuses on common specifications for smart solutions at SiX 2019

ONVIF, the global standardisation initiative for IP-based physical security products, is going to be represented at the inaugural SiX (a new industry event for the security sector focused on growing security installation businesses and recognising smarter approaches towards security itself). Organised by Pro-Activ Publications (the publisher of PSI, Benchmark, Risk Xtra and The Paper), the event will be held on 5-6 November at EventCity in Manchester.

In a seminar entitled ‘The Importance of Common Specifications for Smart Solutions’, Per Björkdahl (chair of the ONVIF Steering Committee) will discuss how ONVIF specifications provide a common interface for video and access control products, allowing hardware from different manufacturers to work together. This results in simplified and streamlined integrations tailored to individual end user needs. This session will be part of the ‘Benchmark: Creating Smart Solutions’ learning track where each seminar is chaired by Brian Sims BA (Hons) Hon FSyI, Editor of Risk Xtra and The Paper.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunity of sharing with installers and integrators the detail of how ONVIF could be the key to them maximising the impact of the latest innovations in today’s solutions,” said Björkdahl. “At the end of the day, the security industry is working to make people safe in the most efficient way possible. ONVIF provides the groundwork to do exactly this by enabling security professionals to create Best of Breed solutions for end users, regardless of the manufacturer.”

SiX is a security event created specifically with the needs of system integrators and security installers in mind. The event provides attendees with access to forward-thinking manufacturers who can support them through the entire integration process: designing, specifying and implementing systems and solutions that deliver value for end users.
 
Founded in 2008, ONVIF is driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organisation has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies and more than 13,000 Profile-conformant products.

Per Björkdahl

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.

The organisation continues to work with its members to expand the number of IP interoperability solutions ONVIF-conformant products can provide. Further information about ONVIF-conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website at www.onvif.org

*Register for SiX 2019

ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control to exhibit latest access control solutions at SiX 2019

ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control will be exhibiting its latest security and integrated access control technology at SiX 2019. The show – which is organised by Pro-Activ Publications (publisher of Risk Xtra, PSI and Benchmark as well as The Paper) and runs at EventCity in Manchester from 5-6 November – is the UK’s only trade event dedicated to serving the ever-changing needs of security integrators and installers.

ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control will be exhibiting on Stand B8 alongside Abloy and HKC, highlighting the efficiency and ease-of-installation of its innovative access control solutions.

Among the products on show will be the eCLIQ, CLIQ Go, SMARTair and Aperio solutions, as well as the company’s electro-mechanical offering.

eCLIQ: the key to electronic locking

eCLIQ is a fully electronic key management system that delivers flexible and secure master key management to businesses, in turn solving key control concerns. The compact eCLIQ locking cylinder offers the highest levels of security. Featuring the widest range of different cylinder types, the system’s designed for every kind of use, from company entrance gates to securing alarm systems, lifts, doors and cabinets.

eCLIQ also helps solve the issue of lost keys, with end users able to update access authorisations when required. It’s easy to install, too, with no drilling required, and also offers a maintenance-free solution for up to 200,000 cycles.

As such, eCLIQ is “the only master key system a building will ever need”.

CLIQ Go: access control at your fingertips

CLIQ Go is a fully electronic locking system based on the highly successful and efficient CLIQ technology. The CLIQ Go app provides a high level of security and data protection, enabling control over building security from a mobile device. The flexibility of key management on offer here is said to be “unrivalled” when it comes to master keying for building security.

CLIQ Go provides both security installers and business owners alike with the capability to manage access control on the go. This end solution is achieved via a quick installation that requires no waiting at the door. Operators can also easily revoke access rights via the CLIQ Go app, thereby minimising the risk of lost keys.

SMARTair: easy access control

SMARTair is a wireless online or offline fully scaleable access control system that keeps end users in touch with who enters the building and where and when they do so, ensuring complete control of site security.

Also presented at SiX 2019 will be the new mobile app Openow, which becomes a smart phone’s secure virtual credential.

Aperio: cost-effective, integrated access control without wires

Aperio enables mechanical locks to be wirelessly linked to an access control system in a convenient and cost-effective way. With products meeting BS EN 179 and BS EN 1125 standards, Aperio can help schools, universities and commercial environments cut energy costs, reduce the time and money spent on maintenance and help deliver a flexible access control solution that can be easily adapted and updated when needed.

Part of the Aperio range, the new H100 door handle will also be on display. Packing the power and flexibility of wireless access control into one slim and cleverly designed door handle, the Aperio H100 offers easy retrofitting to almost any interior door. It integrates seamlessly with all the existing Aperio integrations and can work within an online access control system or offline as a standalone device.

David Hodgkiss, director of access control for ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware & Access Control Group, said: “SiX is an ideal platform to showcase our cutting-edge technologies and solutions for security installers and integrators. We’re thrilled to be exhibiting at the event. Our latest solutions allow installers to specify products that meet the challenges of a world in which security threats are increasingly widespread and complex. They form an unrivalled range that’s used around the world: one-in-ten lock and security installations use our solutions globally. We look forward to welcoming all visitors to the show at Stand B8.”

*Register for SiX 2019