Zicam Integrated Security selects Wisenet as preferred video surveillance brand

Zicam Integrated Security Ltd – one of the UK’s fastest-growing installers of electronic security systems – has selected Hanwha Techwin as its preferred single source provider of IP network video surveillance solutions. 

“As a systems integrator always looking to innovate and provide end user clients with added value from their video surveillance systems, we’ve decided to work ever-more closely with Hanwha Techwin,” stated David Salisbury, managing director of West Midlands-based Zicam Integrated Security, which has specialised in state-of-the-art surveillance and detection security systems for over 25 years now.

Salisbury went on to state: “While we always offer objective advice to end user clients in respect of the best cameras, recording devices and VMS available to meet their specific requirements, we’ve found for most projects we’ve been involved in over recent years that, via authorised distributors, we’ve been able to source everything needed from the Hanwha Techwin Wisenet product range.”

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Remote monitoring

Although Zicam Integrated Security is able to take advantage of the full Wisenet range when recommending the most suitable products for specific applications, the business has recently been specifying Wisenet P Series AI cameras for almost all projects where the video surveillance systems are being remotely monitored.

“In addition to the superb quality of the 4K images captured by these cameras,” continued Salisbury, “they’re also equipped with deep learning AI video analytics which deliver a high level of detection accuracy while minimising false alarms. This is proving to be extremely valuable to our clients, such as DHL, in terms of them efficiently and cost-effectively protecting their assets, people and property.”

STEP Partner

As a Gold level Hanwha Techwin STEP Partner, Zicam Integrated Security is able to benefit from the support offered by the partnership programme, including an enhanced five-year warranty, access to a wide range of technical support resources, lead sharing and co-marketing activities.

Ben Speakman, UK country manager for Hanwha Techwin Europe, observed: “We’re naturally delighted that a knowledgeable and highly professional systems integrator such as Zicam Integrated Security has committed to recommending Wisenet-branded products to its clients wherever possible. We’re very much looking forward to helping the Zicam team capitalise on the new business opportunities being created by our next generation products, many of which are equipped with deep learning AI video analytics.”

*For more information visit www.zicam-security.co.uk

Genetec Clearance camera registry streamlines public-private collaboration

Genetec – the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions – has announced an update to its camera registry module for Genetec Clearance, the digital evidence management system that facilitates collaboration between public safety agencies, corporate security departments, businesses and the general public.

Video evidence is an invaluable tool to help investigators review events, assist the public and solve crimes. However, the methods used to retrieve recordings from privately-owned cameras can be cumbersome and time-consuming as they rely on security officers manually collecting video from the scene.

The camera registry module for Clearance offers an entirely digital and automated experience to facilitate this process on a much swifter basis and provides a new avenue for law enforcement to work closely with residents and businesses in their community.

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“Genetec Clearance is now our overall case file with everything in it, including all of our evidence and case-related documentation,” said Captain Mike Bell, Identification Division Commander at the Galveston Sheriff’s Office in Texas. “Where we used to keep paper records, we now store everything digitally in Clearance including crime scene photographs, patrol photos from mobile phones, interviews and all of our reports and records. Using Clearance means that, when we have to work with case files for whatever reason, all of the data we need is right there at our fingertips.”

Digital public safety

The module allows cities and agencies to create a digital public safety programme whereby businesses, public institutions and residents can enrol to assist with investigations. Once participants have registered their cameras, detectives can rapidly locate cameras nearby investigations and request recordings to facilitate evidence collection.

Recordings are provided voluntarily by participants and are sent back to the authorities through a secure web portal. Video exports from any camera system may be shared such that business owners and residents can continue to use their existing equipment without incurring any additional costs to participate in the programme. Detectives can then review and preserve videos received from these requests directly from Clearance.

Erick Ceresato, senior product group manager at Genetec, told Security Matters: “Investigators are under a great deal of pressure to solve cases. Our goal is to provide cities and public safety agencies with the technology that helps them to reduce the time spent on mundane tasks and provide methods for them to collaborate more effectively with businesses and the public.”

Cresato added: “We’re pleased to offer solutions like Genetec Clearance that can be used to build closer partnerships within communities and better leverage the full potential of evidence that’s available to improve public safety.”

*Further information about Genetec Clearance is available online at https://info.genetec.com/clearance-camera-registry-features.html

Genetec introduces Security Center v5.10 unified security platform

Genetec – the technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations and business intelligence solutions – has recently unveiled version 5.10 of its flagship unified security platform designated Security Center.

Among many new enhancements, this major release allows more system components to run in the cloud, thereby reducing the gap between cloud and on-premises security systems. It also makes it easier to connect external systems and tap external data for use in dashboards, maps and investigations without relying on complex and specialist integrations.

The new version of Security Center brings enterprise video surveillance customers new options to facilitate their migration to the cloud as well as support flexible hybrid cloud architectures. Taking a step further towards unified, enterprise Video Surveillance-as-a-Service, the new version of Security Center Omnicast – the video management system of Security Center – enables the seamless use of tiered cloud and on-premises storage to manage short- and long-term video archives according to customer needs.

In addition, it gives configuration flexibility and reporting capability and supports various scenarios for real-time or on-demand access to video footage stored in the cloud. Depending on its recency and criticality, video can either be stored in high performance storage for fast access or long-term storage to support flexible cost options as well as data compliance. To ensure maximum security, ingested video blocks are encrypted on-premises and then moved to the cloud using encrypted communications channels.

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“Last year accelerated the digital transformation of organisations big and small, inside and outside of the security industry,” explained Francis Lachance, director of the video and appliances product group at Genetec. “Omnicast Cloud Storage is not just terabytes in the cloud. It’s a complete collection of media services that deliver the flexibility and sophistication enterprise customers need to successfully move to a hybrid cloud video surveillance architecture.”

Sipelia Communications Management, the module of Security Center that enables SIP-based communications between operators and intercom devices, has also been enhanced to offer support for cloud-based deployment.

Record Fusion Service

Security Center 5.10 introduces a new no-code solution to connect external data sources to enhance an operator’s situational awareness. The new Record Fusion Service feature offers a simple and fast path to integrate third party data streams from private or partner record publishers. Users can define tailored record types and consume data from a variety of sources including KML, JSON and CSV documents, or otherwise set up a REST application listening point to which these external services can push records.

The Genetec Record Fusion Service can be used across the entire unified platform to enhance awareness and response, provide contextual information on dynamic maps, be visualised in operational dashboards, in investigative reports or in the unified monitoring interface.

The service supports a broad range of applications, from displaying user-defined and filtered information on a map with custom graphical elements through to combining various records from a wide variety of sources to create custom aggregate records that are useful to specific operators or roles.

The Record Fusion Service increases agility, enables highly specific and relevant data to be quickly and easily added to the platform and makes security operators more efficient in accessing timely contextual information.

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Mobility features

Security Center 5.10 further taps mobile devices to reinvent the way organisations accomplish routine tasks on-the-go. Genetec Mobile, a unified app that enables users to access cameras, doors and ANPR units from their smart phones, now supports Genetec Mission Control incidents as well as standard operating procedures. This allows end users to trigger or view active incidents on maps or in list format and record incidents in the field to notify colleagues in the Security Operations Centre.

A new specialised portal is also available to help customers manage mustering during evacuations. The Evacuation Assistant app connects to Security Center Synergis (the access control system in Security Center) such that, when an evacuation is triggered, the system automatically starts to monitor the safety status of all personnel and visitors. When people arrive at the safety area or muster point, they can badge their credential at a fixed or mobile reader, notify the ‘muster captain’ that they’re safe or inform them that someone might be at risk. If someone is shown not to have been evacuated, the system will then trigger a response so that security personnel can take immediate action.

*For more information about Security Center 5.10 visit: https://resources.genetec.com/blog/security-center-5-10-is-here

Quanika-Anixter global distribution deal set to streamline Axis Communications and Milestone integrations

What’s being described as a “landmark” global distribution deal signed between Anixter and Quanika opens up a ‘one-stop shop’-style supply route for major integration projects, making it easy to incorporate Best-in-Class Axis and Milestone video technology with Quanika’s access control and visitor management software. The deal enables off-the-shelf integration with a wide range of third party systems. 

The global distribution deal with Anixter streamlines delivery of major integration projects across both the private and public sector markets. ICT and security systems integrators can now purchase Quanika software direct from Anixter to integrate a full choice of vendor technologies, ensuring efficient procurement and giving them everything they need for project delivery.

Quanika software meets the security, safety and operational demands of companies ranging from SMEs through to corporate enterprise, Government and multi-site applications, duly enabling off-the-shelf integration with a wide range of vendor technologies and systems.

“The addition of Quanika software to Anixter’s global product portfolio provides compelling options for systems integrator customers to deliver end-to-end security and safety integrated solutions,” explained Phil Campbell, European sales director at Quanika. “With Quanika Enterprise, users are no longer constrained by having only a limited number of cameras and devices from which to choose. For the first time, Quanika allows integrators to scale-up AXIS Camera Station VMS to manage larger and multiple sites from a single user interface, while adopting powerful Milestone XProtect functionality for facilities and specific channels where it’s needed the most.”

Quanika’s solutions have been deployed and developed at high-profile sites across Europe, and the company has gained a growing reputation for being able to adapt its off-the-shelf software quickly, adding new integrations to meet site-specific challenges.

Campbell added that the agreement with Anixter will also help integrators and their customers to adapt to the challenges now facing all organisations. 

“Operational efficiency is now more important than ever, while our straightforward approach towards corporate-wide systems allows people to work more safely, flexibly and securely in today’s challenging environments,” he observed. “We now look forward to working with Anixter’s customers to deliver seamless solutions on major projects around the world.”

*For more information on Quanika’s solutions visit quanika.com or email info@quanika.com

Hanwha Techwin appoints Soon-Hong Ahn to president’s role

Soon-Hong Ahn has been appointed president of Hanwha Techwin. Previously head of sales and marketing and former president of Hanwha Techwin America, Ahn’s extensive knowledge of the video surveillance industry and expertise in global marketing have been significant factors in the company’s high growth achievements in a competitive marketplace. In turn, this has laid the groundwork for expanding the business globally.

Commenting on his appointment, Ahn explained: “Looking back over the past year, we have laid a solid foundation for qualitative growth by demonstrating an impressive performance in three areas, namely sales growth, efficiency and investment in our future. This has been achieved with the ongoing support and encouragement of the Hanwha Group. An excellent example of this has been the opening of our new facility in Vietnam which has enabled us to strengthen our global competitiveness by improving manufacturing efficiency.”

Soon-Hong Ahn

Ahn continued: “2020 marks the beginning of a new decade during which we will be devoted to becoming a ‘Global Top Security Solution Provider’ by presenting new benefits to our customers through a variety of products and services based on leading-edge technology in video and intelligent security.”

Elaborating on that last point, Ahn noted: “Our plan for the immediate future is to maintain stable growth hinged on qualitative growth strategies, while at the same time incorporating core technologies based on mega trends, such as the Internet of Things, Artificial Intelligence and 5G, into our video surveillance solutions and creating new business opportunities for system integrators and business partners.”

Yeon Chul Kim, Hanwha Techwin’s previous president, has now been appointed president of Hanwha Systems.

Xellip2’s integration with Milestone VMS affords “seamless control” for end users

Castel’s open protocol Xellip2 IP intercom has been integrated with Milestone’s Xprotect video management system (VMS) to offer “seamless interoperability” between systems.

The ONVIF-compatible Xellip2 features a 1200 x 800 wide-angle HD camera. Sporting a sleek and contemporary design with backlit and flushed nameplates, the Xellip2 has two output relays and two inputs for third party integration. It also features two Ethernet ports (one PoE plus an additional one for serial/bus architecture type and loopback).

Other highlights include echo and noise cancellation, a built-in induction loop for compliance with disability discrimination legislation, audio feedback and call status LEDs, power back-up, a built-in web browser and the ability to record audio and video.

The integration enables all the components of the intercom system – ie camera, microphone, speaker and button – to be monitored and controlled from the Xprotect interface.

The VMS enables users to record video via the event button or via motion detection, record audio, trigger actions via the rule engine (such as the display on a matrix or on Xprotect’s dynamic image wall), send pre-recorded messages to the intercom’s speaker, reassign an alarm and display a flashing icon in the case of detection.

“Interoperability between Castel’s intercom systems and video management systems is now a key demand from our markets, with developments in the latest Xellip2 intercom range offering the perfect answer to this challenge,” explained Atmane Bensghir, business development manager at Castel. “This integration with Milestone’s VMS puts end users firmly in control, enabling them to manage their video entry and security systems using a single interface.”

The easy integration of the Xellip 2, combined with the XProtect access module, enriches the Milestone Smartclient with an integrated intercom client. This module allows the display of a pop-up alert to pinpoint a call made from an intercom.

Milestone Access pop-up notification enables video monitoring at the relevant intercom and two-way audio communication with the intercom directly from the Milestone Smartclient, as well as the opening of a door and association of intercom information with access control data.

*Readers of Risk Xtra who would like to test the Milestone solution can register at www.milestonesys.com and request a partner account for free demonstration licences

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

Tyco champions 2018 Technology Days programme ahead of dedicated C•CURE event for end users

Tyco, the security products division of Johnson Controls, reports that its 2018 Technology Days programme is proving to be a big hit with UK system integrators.

Large numbers of integrators keen to learn about the latest generation of Tyco access control, intruder detection and video surveillance solutions attended Roadshow events at Brands Hatch and the Knockhill racing circuit in Dunfermline during July.

Tyco’s Mobile Exhibition Unit and fleet of demonstration vans are being put to good use at the Technology Days, the next one of which will take place at Oulton Park circuit in Cheshire on 14 September.

Local venues

“System integrators lead busy lives and tell us they don’t always have the time to travel perhaps halfway across the country to attend exhibitions to see demonstrations of new products and technologies,” said Gordon Morrison, GB sales director for the Tyco access control and video brands.

“Our mobile showrooms give us the opportunity to provide ‘hands-on’ demonstrations for system integrators and their end user customers at locations convenient to them. While the Mobile Exhibition Unit is best used at public venues, we’re able to make the demonstration vans available for system integrators in support of their customer-targeted open days.”

C•CURE event for end users

In addition to the Technology Days, Tyco will also be holding a C•CURE End User Event. Many of the large companies who use the C•CURE 9000 security and event management platform have been invited to attend the day which will take place in London on 12 September.

“With the support of key technology partners, we’ll be highlighting how customers can gain maximum benefit from their electronic security solutions with help from C•CURE 9000,” added Morrison. “Equally important, the event is also intended to be a forum for end users to discuss their experiences of using C•CURE 9000 and provide us with feedback on what new features they would wish to see incorporated into future versions of the platform.”

Next generation models of Illustra Flex 3MP IP cameras provide “seamless video capture and viewing experience”

Johnson Controls is introducing the next generation of Illustra Flex 3MP mini-dome, bullet and box cameras with features such as P-iris lenses and TrickleStor technology to provide optimal image quality and reliability, and the convenience and efficiency of bandwidth management of the camera using Illustra IntelliZip compression technology.

Going beyond H.264 and H.265, the embedded Illustra IntelliZip technology monitors and then adjusts system streaming parameters, matching the camera’s field of view activity. The video quality is automatically adjusted when motion is detected to ensure detail quality is maintained. When activity ceases, the video adjusts and optimises the bitrate, in turn helping to reduce network bandwidth usage and video storage requirements.

The new Illustra Flex cameras feature the aforementioned TrickleStor, allowing the cameras to record video at the edge of the network even if an outage takes place. The camera will detect an interruption or stoppage and begin to record video to its SD card. Once the connection between the camera and NVR resumes, TrickleStor will then transfer the video from the SD card to the NVR to ensure uninterrupted video.

The true Wide Dynamic Range function available across the Flex family line allows cameras viewing a scene with high-contrast lighting to balance shadows and highlights in order to maintain crisp image detail. This feature is ideal for camera deployments where windows or doors are areas of interest.

The family of Flex 3MP cameras is also equipped with a P-iris lens system that works in conjunction with custom software algorithms to provide optimal image quality and sharpness in all possible lighting conditions.

“Providing a high-quality, seamless and economical video experience is at the heart of these latest Illustra Flex introductions,” said Stuart Bettle, video product marketing manager for security products (EMEA) within the Building Technologies & Solutions Division at Johnson Controls. “Whether it’s P-iris to ensure the clearest image, TrickleStor providing end-to-end recording failover or IntelliZip to maximise bandwidth, we’re focused on meeting the needs of our customers on every front.”

The small, aesthetically pleasing Flex 3MP mini-domes are available in indoor and outdoor versions, the latter IP67-rated for protection against dust and water damage and also featuring IR illumination for improved low-light viewing.

The bullet model also offers an IP67-rated enclosure that protects against dust and water damage, making it a top choice for parking areas, garages, loading docks and other areas exposed to the elements. These models also serve as an exterior solution for schools and small-to-medium retail stores, banks and office buildings.

The Flex 3MP box camera is a flexible solution adaptable for any installation or application requirements.

*For more information about the Illustra Flex line of cameras visit illustracameras.com

84% of small businesses call for intelligent video surveillance as existing systems “fail to protect premises”

A survey¹ of small businesses in the UK has discovered that 84% of retail, office and hospitality owners are looking for video surveillance with high resolution images and intelligent features such as remote monitoring to provide superior security for their premises.

85% of respondents also stated that high quality and reliability would be important purchasing considerations when looking to invest in video surveillance.

The survey demonstrates a wide consensus among small business owners that current surveillance solutions in place are not viable to provide the necessary proof of crime at a time when the cost of shop theft is at an all-time high². It also reveals that new technology is sought to provide the required security level within a given business.

Axis Communications carried out the survey in order to establish small business owners’ key challenges regarding video surveillance and how they believe it could be improved. In addition to stating that high quality images and the ability to access footage remotely on a smart phone or other device is desirable, 70% also suggested that ease-of-use is also high on the agenda.

In light of accessible intelligent technology, 82% of small business owners are considering new video surveillance technology for their premises in order to provide a more up-to-date solution.

The survey results also demonstrate the challenges currently faced by small business owners in regards to their existing video surveillance solutions. A number of factors were revealed as unsatisfactory within their present set-up, including poor quality of images and difficulty of use.

These small business owners reported facing issues with their current video surveillance including “bad quality of system”, “lack of ability to monitor outside of premises” and providing “limited proof of crime”. This feedback further confirms the desire for more intelligent surveillance solutions to help protect businesses and make staff feel safe.

Atul Rajput, regional director for Northern Europe at Axis Communications, observed: “Pioneering technology and the benefits that come with it shouldn’t be limited to corporate entities. With the help of dedicated IT and security installers, the network camera is becoming more accessible and affordable for the small business than ever before. Many small business owners have an awareness that high quality, intelligent solutions are available and are looking for guidance as to how they can make the most of this to protect their premises and, ultimately, their bottom line. A rise in theft and the continued improvements in technology such as remote monitoring and high-quality images are only set to exacerbate this situation.”

Rajput continued: “As legacy video surveillance solutions become obsolete, we’re witnessing a shift in the ways small businesses adopt new solutions. Once regarded as a standalone investment, many now consider IP cameras as a vital upgrade that forms a part of their larger IT infrastructure. Along with this, end users are also looking to remotely access live and pre-recorded video footage anytime and anywhere. The ultimate benefit of this is a solution that delivers information rapidly and cost-effectively and that can benefit from the latest applications as and when they become available.”

References 

¹Research was conducted by OnePoll independent market researchers on behalf of Axis Communications between 22 July and 10 August 2016 via an online survey. 500 UK business owners of companies with 1-20 employees that would be involved in the decision to purchase video surveillance equipment for their company premises were surveyed

²http://brc.org.uk/news/2016/cost-of-theft-for-retailers-at-highest-level-since-records-began