#AxisInnovates The latest news & views from Axis in the UK and Nordics
Issue 8
step a s m e t s y s Audio udio a f o e r u t u f into the sy a e d n a t r a with a sm ion t u l o s k r o w t ne ge 6 side! Pa
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A sustainable supply chain Page 10 The show must go on The Odyssey Complex solution story Page 14
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Contents Editorial 3 Event review 4 Focus - Audio solutions 6 What’s new 8 Sustainability 10 Retail 12 Solution stories 14-21 Technical support 22 Training & Certification 24 Online channels 27 Editor Kristina Tullberg kristina.tullberg@axis.com Tel: +46 46 272 1800 www.linkedin.com/ in/kristinatullberg Publisher Atul Rajput www.axis.com
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EDITORIAL
The benefits of a partnership approach to security By Atul Rajput, Regional Director, Northern Europe, Axis Communications Atul Rajput: www.linkedin.com/in/atulrajput Welcome to the eight edition of Axis’ Northern Europe partner magazine, #AxisInnovates. As the security needs of businesses change, our strategies and solutions must evolve with it. The challenges our customers face continue to evolve, ranging from the growing complexity of ensuring supply chain cyber security, to keeping pace with new regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Approached in isolation, any one of these challenges may seem insurmountable. By working in collaboration with our partners, however, we can ensure we are working within a framework for innovation – bringing together best-of-breed solutions, sector expertise and the combined knowledge of leading companies in the network camera and security industry. Rising to industry challenges Cybersecurity is currently topping the agenda for many within the security and surveillance industries. This is to be expected, with the dramatic rise in connected IoT devices and recent sophisticated threats such as botnets using unsecured IoT cameras and DVR technology to mount sophisticated attacks. There is now a collective responsibility to be accountable for the security of products at every touchpoint in the security supply chain. With the GDPR set to place the industry under even greater scrutiny, it will be more important than ever for manufacturers, suppliers and end users to work together to ensure solutions are secure by design, and secure in the way they are deployed. Encouraging open standards and innovation through partnership, Axis and its partners enable freedom of choice and ensure the right solution is delivered to meet unique business needs and face industry challenges head-on.
By partnering with specialist technology companies, such as the 37 that attended Axis’ Partner Showcase events earlier this autumn, we can reach far beyond our core traditional security competencies. This enables us to broaden and strengthen our solution offering to deliver a smarter and increasingly intelligent world. The leading voices in network security The Partner Showcase events demonstrated not only the latest cutting-edge security technology for a connected world, but also discussed cybersecurity and GDPR best practice. Experts were on hand to demonstrate how working with Axis and its partners supports businesses wishing to stay a step ahead of these trends, as well as tune in to the latest technological updates such as the latest in retail analytics, behavioural analysis, sustainability and the shift from forensic to real-time. The 2017 Axis Partner Showcase events represented a truly worthwhile investment of time for system integrators, installers, distributors, consultants and end users. In this issue of our partner magazine, you can read a summary of the event, and don’t forget to watch the video for a recap.
Watch the video: http://bit.ly/2xj0lmQ
“As we move towards the end of 2017 and look forward to a prosperous and exciting 2018, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your continued support and wish you and your families a joyful and relaxing festive season. I hope 2018 provides us all with the opportunity to continue striving towards this goal. At a time of the year when we cherish spending time with friends and family and take stock to reflect back on our achievements over the last 12 months, Axis takes great pride in the contribution we strive to make through innovating for a smarter, safer world.”
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EVENT REVIEW
Technology for a smarter, safer world on display at Axis Partner Showcase Daren Lang, Regional Manager Business Development, reflects on the recent Axis Partner Showcase events in Lund and Manchester, demonstrating innovative technology that is helping European businesses become safer and smarter. Daren Lang: www.linkedin.com/in/daren-lang-611b6a1a/ At Axis we value partnerships. Collaboration allows us to work closely with other leading technology providers to offer end-users a best-of-breed solution that not only secures their business, but also enables them to utilise video and audio data to become increasingly smart. That is why we recently hosted two Axis Partner Showcase events in the UK and Sweden. 37 of our technology partners attended to showcase their innovations, discuss the issues faced by different market segments, and advise how only the best technology can help address the challenges they face.
The importance of education and collaboration to ensure security
“The greatest threat to a company’s security comes from vendors and suppliers. 63% of breaches occur because of vulnerabilities in third-party equipment.” Those were the words of Steve Kenny, Business Development Manager at Axis Communications, during his talk at the event. “Education and collaboration are crucial to help alleviate the risk,” he continued. “While the shift from analogue to IP has created many efficiency and security benefits, companies must do more to ensure the technology they provide will comply with standards set out by the GDPR, (General Data Protection Regulation).”
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Steve Kenny also discussed the pertinence of getting simple tasks right. “WannaCry crippled the NHS because it didn’t have up-to-date systems, but those firmware updates had been available for months. Security can’t be viewed as a burden in this instance; it must be seen as vital to continued operation.”
The rise of smart audio technology
Traditionally, audio technology was a cumbersome analogue solution, difficult to use and requiring ongoing maintenance. Håkan Hansson, Global Product Manager Audio at Axis Communications, introduced our latest technology to delegates at both Partner Showcase events, including the AXIS C8033 Network Audio Bridge and 2N SIP® Mic. “In regards to audio, the future really is here. No longer do we have to rely on out-dated, difficult to use analogue technology. Network audio is incredibly easy to use and we can plug our new solutions straight into an IP network, so it can work seamlessly alongside other IP security devices, such as network cameras and access control. Håkan Hansson continued, “We know that more than 90% of crimes can be prevented by live call-outs alone. Just letting somebody know that they are being watched is a great way to deter potential thieves and others, like vandals looking to wreak havoc. Furthermore, in retail, live public announcements can energise customers in store and background music, which can be programmed remotely, enhances the shopping experience.”
Machine learning has arrived
One of Axis’ technology partners demonstrating its innovations at the Partner Showcase was iCetana. The company utilises machine learning to help turn vast surveillance infrastructures into effective, dynamic live monitoring systems.
Rob Tyrrell, Head of Business Development, Europe at iCetana, said, “One of the problems our customers face, especially when dealing with vast infrastructures such as public transport networks, is that there are so many different video feeds to monitor. It is so easy for a potential incident to go unreported. “That is why we’ve developed technology that helps identify what ‘normal’ activity is within a scene. It then automatically creates an alert if ‘abnormal’ activity is recognised. This is sent to security teams so they can analyse the scene and act upon the information if necessary. This means that operators are only monitoring video footage of interest, helping them to ‘cut through’ the data noise.” Axis and our partners innovate at a tremendous pace. It is therefore of critical importance to keep our channel partners and end-users up-to-date with the latest technology and trends. Our partners are all experts in their fields; bringing them together under one roof highlights exactly how we aim to utilise technology to facilitate a safer and smarter world.
Watch the Partner Showcase video overview: http://bit.ly/2xj0lmQ
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FOCUS - AUDIO SOLUTIONS
Step into the future of audio – a smart and easy network solution By David Needham, Sales Manager UK and Ireland David Needham: www.linkedin.com/in/david-needham-4b37482a/ This year Axis has launched a series of products in the field of networked-based audio. I decided to find out more about what audio really is and what it means for the industry, an industry that is rapidly moving towards a world of IoT. I met with Håkan Hansson, Product Manager for our audio products and based at our Swedish headquarters.
For customers that want to integrate security with other business functions, the addition of audio provides that added value they are seeking. Not only is audio a perfect addition to a physical security system, but Axis has redefined the concept of network-based audio to include announcement and background music capabilities. Innovation is in our nature. New developments are always on the horizon and Axis leads the way in the development of cutting-edge network security technology. IoT and network audio are no longer visions of the future. They exist today, and we are beginning to see real benefits. What is the Axis audio offering? To illustrate our audio technology, we must break it down into three distinct areas.
Håkan Hansson Audio Product Manager
Håkan, what is Axis’ vision for network-based audio? A couple of years ago, we started to study the world of network audio technology and quickly came to the realisation that the field suited our Internet of Things (IoT) strategy for network-based security products. That is because network-based audio is the perfect addition to an existing security solution. At Axis, we are always on the lookout for new opportunities and we are confident that by developing network audio products, we have created a flexible and future-proofed solution that benefits both installers and end users.
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Audio for security A network-based audio system is the perfect addition to a video based security installation. Perimeter protection is a great example of this. Imagine if a potential intruder climbs a fence; the camera alerts a security guard to give a warning to the intruder - “We can see you, you are trespassing”. More often than not this type of warning is sufficient, preventing the need for additional security measures. Another usecase can be within loss prevention, when for example a person access the wrong door - “wrong way”. A public-address system In certain environments, including schools, retail stores, hotels and public buildings, there is a need for informative messages and updates to be sounded. This may be as simple as calling a teacher or student to a classroom, such as “Student/teacher X to classroom 2”. Never has this been as easy as it is with network audio technology. Furthermore, messages can be automated when used in conjunction with queue management software.
Background music Our audio technology can support retail stores and hotels, among other, in their need for background music. With pre-set volume and music choices, the solution allows for central and remote control, meaning better management of background music. The music can be combined with scheduled and live announcements, further helping to enhance the customer experience. Research has shown that productivity, mood and behaviour are positively influenced by music, something that can be actively exploited in retail and manufacturing environments. What are the advantages of network-based audio technology? Our audio solution is a complete all-in-one system. No additional hardware is required, meaning a smooth installation process with minimal storage space needed. Fewer components also mean lower costs. The system has no controls, which is a great benefit to a system’s maintenance as fewer mistakes can be made. System management and fault search are both easier to control. Each speaker can be directly integrated within existing data network. This can then be managed remotely via a PC or laptop. Products can be added and removed easily and effectively. PoE (Power over Ethernet) means only one cable is needed per product to supply power to the unit and transmit sound and data.
We strive to make innovative technology simple and accessible. This simplicity is a great advantage to our customers; if you can install a network camera, you can also install an audio system alongside it. It is easy to add and remove speakers as configuration takes place centrally. For example, in an office environment the customer does not have to set sound zones and volume levels in advance. This process can be managed afterwards. This means the customer is not tied to a system which becomes expensive and difficult to renew and refine. At Axis, we understand flexibility is critical. Since Axis network audio systems are based on open standards, they can easily be integrated with other system for optimal efficiency. From our kettles to our fridges, in today’s high-tech society intelligence is at the centre of what we do. That is why we have developed network-based audio products with intelligent functions. These applications can be loaded into our devices via the Axis ACAP platform. One example is sound analysis which can detect abnormal sound levels, such as a scream or gun shot. In this scenario, the audio system can generate an “alert”, which provides security teams information about abnormal activity which may require further investigation. Read our White Paper – An introduction to audio: www.axis.com/files/whitepaper/ wp_audio_intro_71069_en_1709_ hi.pdf
Traditional analog speaker system:
Axis network audio portfolio Music streaming
@ Offline playback
Scheduled announcements
MP3
Event triggered announcements
Axis network speakers
Complete high-quality audio systems in a single unit. They’re perfect for background music and for live and scheduled announcements in stores. > All-in-one speaker system > Quick installation with just one network cable (PoE) > Easy music streaming > Scheduled and customized playlists > Scheduled or live voice announcements > Future-proof with openness and integration
> Clear, long-range speech > Simple installation with network cable and PoE > Easy integration with major video management software > Supports SIP (VoIP) > Ensured reliability with Auto Speaker Test > Outdoor-ready
> > > > >
A simple-to-install outdoor loudspeaker that provides clear, long-range speech for remote speaking in video surveillance applications.
Axis network speaker system:
All-in-one
Line level audio cable Tone control / Equalizer Network cable
Streaming box Network cable
> Play your music 24/7 > Play recorded announcements > Schedule playlists with music and announcements
2N SIP Mic
Amplifier
Line level audio cable
An audio application for playing background music and announcements in stores. It comes pre-installed on Axis network speakers and has everything you need to schedule playlists with music and announcements.
AXIS C3003-E Network Horn Speaker
Speaker Speaker audio cable
AXIS Audio Player
Network PoE switch
AXIS 2N SIP Mic is an all-in-one network microphone console that give you a smart and easy way to turn your Axis network speakers into a complete public address system. All-in-one microphone console 12 configurable buttons for 12 zones Pre-recorded or live announcements Quick installation with just one network cable (PoE) Future-proof with openness and integration
AXIS C8033 Network Audio Bridge
A smart and easy solution that connects and combine analog and network audio systems. You’ll be able to play music from analog sources in your Axis network audio system, and add Axis network speakers to your analog system, which means you can reap the many benefits of our speakers while protecting the value of your investment in analog audio equipment. > > > >
All the benefits of network audio PoE for easy installation Based on open standards Easy integration with other IT systems
Network switch
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WHAT’S NEW
Radar technology – On-target detection In issue 7 of #AxisInnovates we introduced AXIS D2050-VE Network Radar Detector, and the product is now available for purchase.. Using radar technology for detection can reduce the number of false alarms and increase detection efficiency in conditions with poor visibility. AXIS D2050-VE Network Radar Detector is Axis first available radar-based motion detector. Owing to its advanced tracking algorithm, it is not only an affordable complement to security cameras, but it can also add valuable features to a surveillance system. Read our White Paper: www.axis.com/files/whitepaper/ wp_radar_71132_en_1710_lo.pdf
Watch the video: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=ENt-_rGqRO4
AXIS P3375 LVE Network Camera – addition to our popular AXIS P33 family AXIS P3375-LVE is a day-and-night fixed dome that provides HDTV 1080p video. Equipped with WDR – Forensic Capture to handle scenes with strong variations in light, Lightfinder technology for exceptional light sensitivity, and integrated IR illumination with OptimizedIR, this outdoor camera delivers outstanding video quality in any light conditions. It supports Axis Zipstream technology, which significantly reduces bandwidth and storage requirements. AXIS P3375-LVE is a discreet, IK10-rated vandal-resistant camera equipped with I/O ports and support for two-way audio. It comes with a varifocal lens and remote zoom and focus, which facilitates installation and fine-tuning.
AXIS Device Manager – Saving time managing and securing devices AXIS Device Manager is an on-premise device management tool that offers security installers and system administrators an easy, costeffective and secure way to perform device management. It is suitable for managing all major installation, security and operational device management tasks and is compatible with most Axis network video, access control and audio devices. As important, you can use it manage up to a couple thousand Axis devices on one site – or several thousand devices on multiple sites.
AXIS Device Manager will be available for download on December 13th. Discover more: www.axis.com/products/axis-device-manager
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AWARDS
And the winner is... We are extremely happy and proud to share with our readers that during November 2017, Axis received two highly prestigious awards. AXIS D2050-VE Radar Detector was considered the most innovative product in the Alarm & Detection Product category by the Detektor International panel of judges. The award was presented at the 18th Detektor International Awards Ceremony on November 21, 2017. The judges said: “With this IP-based radar technology product Axis has once again introduced a true game changer – this time for the perimeter protection market”.
The same week in London, Axis received first prize in the category CCTV product of the year at the Security & Fire Excellence Awards in London, with AXIS Q1659 Network Camera. Jimmy Ek, Sales Manager Nordics, received the prize and took the opportunity to announce a big THANK YOU! To the dedicated R&D team in Lund, Sweden, that made this happen.
Katherine Bramwell, Distribution Account Manager UK, showing off the beautiful prize sculpture
Atul Rajput, Regional Director Axis Northern Europe on stage, proudly accepting the first prize on Axis behalf.
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SUSTAINABILITY
Ensuring the highest standards throughout the supply chain By Jens Strinsjö, Business Development Manager A&E Program, Nordics Jens Strinsjö: www.linkedin.com/in/jensstrinsjo/
Axis sets the highest standards for itself in terms of sustainability, corporate social responsibility (CSR), and business ethics. But we also rely on a significant number of key suppliers to help create and deliver our solutions, and if any one of those fails to meet the same standards, our own business is undermined. One critical mechanism we have to ensure that standards are met throughout our entire supply chain are Supplier Audits. Ausra Reinap, Senior Environmental Engineer at Axis, and a member of the company’s Environmental Council, leads the team that undertakes Supplier Audits in relation to environmental responsibility, CSR, and ethical business practices. I caught up with Ausra to hear more about the Audits, and whether our suppliers see them as a positive thing, or something to dread…
Ausra Reinap Senior Environmental Engineer All Axis suppliers must sign our Supplier Code of Conduct, which seems pretty rigorous, so why the need for Supplier Audits too? The Supplier Code of Conduct is indeed rigorous!
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It is based on our own Code of Conduct and the UN Global Compact’s ten principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. If suppliers adhere to it, then we’re happy that they’re behaving in a way that does meet our exacting standards. But it’s easy to sign up to a Code of Conduct. It’s far tougher to ensure that your business practices continually measure up to those standards. And, to be fair, some suppliers don’t always understand how they might need to change or alter their business practices to adhere to the Code of Conduct. That’s where the Supplier Audits come in. So Axis sees Supplier Audits as pretty important, then? They’re absolutely critical. Our customers expect Axis to meet those standards that we set in reducing the environmental impact of our business and our products, and acting in a responsible and ethical way, but if any one of our suppliers doesn’t meet the same standards, Axis can’t claim to. A supply chain is exactly that: a chain. If a single link is weak or broken, then the entire chain will fall apart. An ‘audit’ always sounds quite intimidating; like it’s a test that needs to be passed, and with the auditors trying to find points of failure. Is that how our Supplier Audits are designed, and also how they’re perceived? Not at all. Though very detailed and quite demanding, the audits are designed to be collaborative. We, of course, have a vested interest in ensuring our suppliers meet Axis very high standards of environmental performance, CSR and business ethics, and they genuinely see the audit as the opportunity to improve how they operate, if they’re not already working to those standards.
How often are suppliers audited, and what would happen if a supplier refused? For our key suppliers – contract manufacturers and critical suppliers – we like to audit once a year. I’m delighted to say that no supplier has ever declined the request to audit them! If they did, of course, it would raise serious questions about our desire to continue working with them. OK, so run us through how the audit works. As I say, we’ll have given the supplier notice, and provided a detailed agenda that we’d like them to prepare to run through along with a self-assessment form containing number of questions related to the supplier’s environmental management system, health and safety processes and labor rights. We tend to be on site for around two days, and because of the breadth of areas we cover, we’ll talk to all levels of personnel from shop floor to top management responsible for Health and Safety, Human Resources, Quality Control, and Environmental management system. We’ll also always undertake a factory tour. We’re really looking for areas of improvement, and very much work in a spirit of collaboration.
What happens if a supplier fails to meet the standards we expect? Following every audit, we produce a report of our findings and any actions we need to see taken to improve those areas highlighted as not meeting the standard. These need to be achieved within six months of the audit, which we assess though a follow-up audit. So, overall, the audits are seen by suppliers as a positive thing? Indeed. The vast majority of our suppliers welcome the audits. In many ways, we can act as consultants to their business, sharing best practice from other suppliers, providing training and support, and increasing understanding. It genuinely feels like we’re making a real difference to their businesses, which in turn makes a difference to ours.
Download Axis Sustainability report for more information on our sustainability work: www.axis.com/about-axis/sustainability/ reports/2016-sustainability-report
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RETAIL
Axis and The Metropolitan Police Service combine to win ‘Best Collaborative Solution’ at The Fraud Awards
The gong was awarded at Retail Risk in October and highlights Axis and The Metropolitan Police Service’s combined efforts to reduce crime in retail through intelligent technology. The award recognised the pair’s ongoing commitment to deter and detect crime in retail environments by optimising camera placement & configuration to ensure fit for purpose images for the purposes of identification of offenders. The Metropolitan Police Service and Axis Communications are working closely together to deliver the Camera Optimisation for Retail to Improve Identification project (CORII), which aims to identify a single, fit for purpose, optimised camera configuration that will generate images that the police can use to make identifications (either automatically through the FR system or by more traditional means) that lead to arrests, convictions and thus reduce crime. The total cost of crime in retail was £660m in 2016, of which £458m was attributed to theft. The CORII project included a full review of best practices for the capture, identification, storage, sharing and use of intelligence gathered by facial recognition technology. This facilitated the development of a framework for high street retailers on how to best utilise IP technology to reduce crime. Although not part of the CORII project, Axis’ network cameras, access controllers and video door stations can be easily combined with facial recognition technology to identify real-time security incidents, enabling immediate action to be taken by security and loss prevention staff. Atul Rajput, Regional Director, Northern Europe at Axis Communications, states, “This award demonstrates a real and positive step towards greater collaboration between high-street retailers. We anticipate that the value of the CORII project to the retail community will be huge.”
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“This initiative joins together the police and business community in a true partnership that will better inform and enable the security industry and retailers to positively impact organised crime.” Axis and The Metropolitan Police’s collaboration is promoting surveillance best practice to facilitate the genuine reduction of crime for all retailers, as opposed to merely displacing crime from those that are using sophisticated network camera analytics to stores that aren’t. The focus is to encourage a wider deployment of technology in all stores on UK high streets, leading to the overall reduction of organised retail crime. Atul Rajput continues, “We can help reduce retail crime by creating an appropriate framework for the use of surveillance and facial recognition technology within high-street stores. Through the correct use of network security technology, retailers can share intelligence to ensure that crime across all stores is reduced. Greater awareness of the latest security technology available will be crucial to help achieve this.”
“CCTV is in common use today but we are not always getting the best out of it. The results of this trial will create guidance for CCTV users when designing or changing their systems. We don’t have to wait for new technology; we can prevent and detect more crime today by improving the way that we use technology that is already available.”
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SOLUTION STORY
The show must go on – redefining security at Belfast’s premier entertainment venue The Odyssey Complex New IP camera technology ensures a safe and secure environment in lowlight conditions during events. The Odyssey Complex is Northern Ireland’s premier entertainment venue. The 23acre site hosts concerts by international musicians, exhibitions and sporting events, as well as being home to the Belfast Giants ice hockey team. The impressive site, which comprises the SSE Arena, a Pavilion including restaurants, shops and a cinema, the W5 Science and Discovery Centre and a 1,500-space car park, attracted over 1,000,000 visitors in 2016. Ensuring the public’s security and safety is therefore of paramount importance, as well ensuring compliance with best practice procedures for crowded places. Almost two decades on from the implementation of an analogue CCTV security system, Diamond Systems were re-engaged by The Odyssey Complex to ensure the ongoing safeguarding of its guests. This included a complete overhaul of its legacy CCTV system, including a six-month upgrade to full HD IP. The installation ran smoothly from start to finish, with no reported downtime. Moving with the times – new technology for a connected world This installation featured over 140 new cameras throughout the entire complex. This compared to 110 analogue devices that were utilised within the previous system, creating additional coverage for entrance and exit points, as well as new bar and VIP areas recently added to the ever-expanding complex. After testing various technologies from a variety of vendors on the market, Axis was chosen for its consistently high performance, fantastic customer support and the vast range of devices available to support the complex’s diverse camera requirements.
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Steve Snoddon, Managing Director at Diamond Systems, states, “We installed the original CCTV system 17 years ago when the complex was first developed. While providing value at the time, technology has progressed at such a rapid pace since that it was time for us to revaluate the technology available to support its requirements.” This rapid progression has led to an increased number of cybersecurity headaches for those implementing IP technology. As hackers seek new ways to access companies confidential data, ensuring the cybersecurity of IP technology is vitally important. The installation at The Odyssey Complex was therefore subject to Axis’ cybersecurity policies and guidelines. Steve Snoddon continues, “We wanted something that would not only incorporate today’s leading technology and maintain a high level of cybersecurity, but also prepare us for the complex’s security needs of the future. As the leading entertainment venue of its kind in Northern Ireland, the Odyssey’s security requirements are continuously evolving. Our commitment to really understand
the business, and partnering with leading technology organisations such as Axis, ensured we could deliver a solution that was tailored to its needs.” Security excellence in line with entertainment venue needs The Odyssey Complex’s new system is one of the most modern within Northern Ireland; an installation of this size required a bespoke solution to suit the needs of the entertainment industry. One of the tools employed to facilitate this was Axis’ Lightfinder technology, providing the lighting sensitivity needed to give life-like colours in low-light conditions. Its noise reduction feature, outperforming many other platforms on the market, supports the cameras’ fantastic image quality. This is critical during concerts, when the arena is typically dark and individuals can prove difficult to identify. Many of the outdoor cameras installed also use an innovative speed dry function to shake off water residue from the lens. This is useful in outdoor locations as often bad weather meant the complex experienced droplets which restricted visibility.
“Our analogue system was no longer as innovative as it once was; upgrading to HD IP camera technology made complete sense to us as we strive to maintain our status as the leading event facility in Northern Ireland.” Brian Hughes, Group Head of Facilities at The Odyssey Complex
The use of this function is possible because of Axis’ commitment to working with the highest quality technology components. Brian Hughes, Group Head of Facilities at The Odyssey Complex, explains, “Through the use of intelligent applications such as Lightfinder and Zipstream, we can be confident we have the technology to support our unique security needs. Working closely with Diamond Systems and Axis, we were also keen to ensure the system has capacity to include analytics in the future. This could include customer footfall and queue management, bringing benefits in terms of operational effectiveness, guest satisfaction and of course, visitor safety.” Beyond safety and security, the installed IP technology has also been used during Belfast Giants hockey matches. The large screens within the SSE Arena often display members of the public for features such as ‘Kiss Cam’, keeping the audience entertained during half time.
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SOLUTION STORY
More efficient rescue operations at fires thanks to a network security solution Unique streaming solution saves lives.
By: Lars Hansson, Key Account Manager, Denmark Lars Hansson: www.linkedin.com/in/lars-hansson-3b123b52/ The emergency services in Copenhagen have around 1000 employees distributed between 13 different addresses in the Danish capital. The emergency services provide support for around one million citizens in eight municipalities with firefighting, to prevent and remedy injuries to people and damage to property. Previously the emergency services had a traditional system using radio to communicate with the internal operations centre during rescue operations. ”Communication under very stressful conditions is difficult,” says Magnus Mattsson, Operation Commander, Emergency Services in Copenhagen. ”It can be difficult to get all of the important information out quickly in the initial chaotic phase of a fire, and many decisions have to be made quickly.”
The emergency services wanted help with a streaming video solution to streamline their work. Amongst other things, the internal operations centre wanted to be able to send reinforcements and to support the rapid intervention team more quickly, in the event of a need for additional vehicles and personnel.
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Major support in stressful situations The emergency services engaged Incendium, who supply technology for streaming solutions in real time. In the rear hatch of the vehicle an AXIS P12 Network Camera was installed together with an AXIS P8221 Network I/O Audio Module and an AXIS T83 Microphone. The camera automatically triggers via the I/O module to start a live stream to the Command Central when the rear hatch opens and stops streaming when the rear hatch is closed. The images are transmitted to the operations centre using a VPN solution. The users login via a computer. ”The streaming of images in real time allows the incident commander to immediately share important information about the extent and nature of an accident, including information that may be difficult to communicate via radio. The internal operations centre gets a good overview and information to allow them to act quickly,” says Asger Plaehn, Sales Manager at Incendium. A technical challenge was that the image transmission should not be abruptly interrupted. The solution uses a normal mobile network, but is based on being able to use mobile networks from several different operators simultaneously, using four SIM cards, adapted and optimised for video streaming. This way, an uninterrupted image stream and video signal in HD quality at high speed are ensured, even out in the countryside. It is an easily-accessible solution that does not make any major technical demands of the staff, but is simple to use.
”We often work under very stressed conditions so it is important that we can fully focus on the rescue operation itself,” says Magnus Mattsson. Each command and control vehicle has two cameras: one in the windscreen and one fitted at the rear of the vehicle. ”When we stop the vehicle, the camera in the vehicle‘s windscreen can film what things look like when we arrive at the accident site, where the fire is burning and how intense it is. The operations centre is provided with all of the information and we can communicate with operations command at the same time,” says Magnus Mattsson. Fitting cameras to vehicles that move quickly and are exposed to difficult weather conditions places great demands on the cameras, such as withstanding vibration and large temperature variations between cold and heat. ”Axis cameras are stable, reliable in operation, dependable, have sharp image quality and good wide range, are simple to install and have an unobtrusive design,” says Asger Plaehn. The cameras are very sensitive to light, which is necessary when filming fire at night when there are great differences in light in the same individual image.
“Axis support is very helpful, fast and good at finding the right type of solutions.” Asger Plaehn, Sales Manager at Incendium
Simplicity in focus When a fire alarm sounds, the incident commander starts the streaming with a simple press on the first camera. The coworkers in the operations centre and other key personnel can then follow events in the front camera in real time, from the moment the emergency response vehicles rolled out of the fire station. The incident commander’s rear camera is aimed at a whiteboard at the rear of the vehicle, and it starts filming automatically when the tailgate is opened. The incident commander uses the whiteboard to create an overview of the situation with sketches and satellite images, assembles the emergency services personnel and goes through the rescue operation. ”The internal operations management can see the whole course of events in both cameras and also make a longer-term assessment, how the fire may be expected to develop in one or two hours’ time and what action needs to be taken,” says Magnus Mattsson. The operations centre can assess whether reinforcements are needed, analyse the risks of fire spreading and start evacuation of people in adjacent buildings, if necessary. ”Sometimes you need to call in an external expert. For example, if we suspect
a building may collapse then a building engineer can be given access to the video images and analyse them to determine whether we need to evacuate a property. If we can avoid evacuation, we save troubling the people involved as well as save money,” says Magnus Mattsson. More efficient emergency services and improved public service information ”Using video images has made a fantastic difference. The solution has provided incredibly huge benefits and has given us completely new opportunities to streamline our work so that we can save more lives,” says Magnus Mattsson. The camera solution also allows an improved analysis and evaluation after the event as well as documentation of the course of events and the response operation. The emergency services can better plan the resources needed in the long term. The internal operations management can more quickly inform the people affected and alert the general public. “In general, there is a great need for information in society on how citizens and society are affected in the event of a fire or accident. Now the internal operations management can quickly use social media to send out a tweet if they assess something is important public service information”, says Magnus Mattsson.
“Video is a fantastically effective way of conveying what’s happening. I believe that streaming solutions will become even more widespread during the coming years.” Magnus Mattsson, Operation Commander, Emergency Services in Copenhagen
In addition, the solution has meant an increased focus on how the emergency services personnel act and react in pressured situations. ”Before you start filming, it’s of great importance to have an internal discussion on morals and ethics. In extremely pressured situations you sometimes say things that may be misunderstood and which are risky to use out of context. Everything is included when the communication is streamed live,” says Magnus Mattsson. Copenhagen emergency services currently have around 80 emergency response vehicles and they plan to install a streaming solution in all vehicles, and in all fire engines during the first phase.
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SOLUTION STORY
Chester Zoo rationalises, networks and centralises its security operations By: Nick Platt-Higgins, Key Account Manager, Axis UK Nick Platt-Higgins: www.linkedin.com/in/nick-platt-higgins-14533ab0/ Axis Internet-of-Things solution offers improvements to security, animal welfare, visitor safety and online marketing at Chester Zoo. Nick Platt-Higgins, Key Account Manager at Axis interviews Nigel Peers, Security Manager Dublin Zoo. What was the mission with this project? Chester Zoo wanted to upgrade its security provision across its expanding site. An ageing CCTV estate needed to be improved and coverage extended. All cameras needed to be networked to enable centralised control and management in a new control room. This new system needed to support the zoo’s professionalised security team - helping them to spot and act on security threats more rapidly and proportionately. The new system also needed to support more comprehensive Nigel Peers, Security Manager perimeter security, as well as visitor and Chester Zoo staff health and safety monitoring. Describe the solution you choose The completion of the two-year project saw the installation and networking of 300 Axis network cameras, combined with several Axis horn speakers. The new IP camera system transmits video to the zoo’s new IP-based centralised control room supported by Milestone XProtect® video management software. Axis Gold partner NW Systems completed installation, configuration and integration work for this entire project. New Axis cameras were installed within some animal enclosures, to support keepers’ animal welfare and research work. Axis cameras were selected for their versatility and robustness, meaning that they could be deployed inside as well as outside enclosures - even in low light conditions due to Axis Lightfinder technology. Special attention was paid to camouflaging camera housings to make them blend in.
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What can you say about the result? The comprehensive IP camera system has been instrumental in the day-today running of the zoo. The IP camera system has helped Chester Zoo to rationalise, network and centralise its security operations, underpinning a professionalisation of the zoo’s security team so that the zoo now meets the highest international standards for securing crowded places. The versatility of Axis cameras helps to provide high quality video images to meet zoo keepers’ specific operational and research needs, as well as helping the zoo’s security team to spot and act on security threats faster than before, tightening perimeter security, optimising retail operations and preventing losses at the zoo’s many shops and eateries.
“Chester Zoo now has a video security platform which is highly reliable, expandable and future-proof. We know that whatever our requirement in terms of security intelligence, video analytics and integration, it’s now possible with our new IP video system. Speed and appropriateness of response to threats is now assured.” Nigel Peers, Security Manager, Chester Zoo
Watch the Chester Zoo video: https://youtu.be/Ar0aOZMoTCw
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SOLUTION STORY
IP camera technology facilitates enhanced quality of life at Swedish residential home By: Carl Staël von Holstein, Key Account Manager Sweden Carl Staël von Holstein: www.linkedin.com/in/carl-staël-von-holstein-1545a24 Hagalidsgården needed a reliable and safe solution to visually monitor the health of its residents at night. It was imperative that the solution was reliable, but also easy for nursing staff to operate. After a review of the technology available, the residential home chose specialist security systems integrator Viser to deploy the camera solution. The new system includes AXIS M1605-L Network Cameras with IR functionality and Wide Dynamic Range. These allow the cameras to achieve better image quality even in the dark, a critical factor to help monitor residents late at night. The cameras are connected to an existing motion alarm system which can detect unexpected movements during the night and send alerts to staff members. Hagalidsgården purchased the solution as a service from Viser, who are responsible for the operation of the system and monitor it 24 hours a day. The cameras give alerts via portable devices such as smartphones. The staff can see images on the local network and determine if they are required to check-in on a resident. Facilitating a better night’s sleep Hagalidsgården’s residents require ongoing care and supervision. Every night, residents are monitored by staff to ensure they are sleeping soundly and do not require any support. As standard, these visits occurred three times per night during regular inspection rounds. This often involved nursing staff checking for signs of breathing in very close proximity to a patient, as on occasion residents who were seriously ill have passed away during the night.
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Ulrika Stefansson, Project Manager for welfare technology at residential facilities in Västerås City, said, “Previously, residents were disturbed at night quite unnecessarily. When residents wake up in the middle of the night it can be very frightening for them to notice a stranger in the room, often extremely close to their
face when checking for signs of breathing. Hagalidsgården wanted the people in need of supervision to get help more quickly and for the number of unnecessary visits at night to decrease. This new system means we can now monitor sleep activity remotely, helping our residents get some much-needed rest.” Allocating resources more efficiently The new system has given Hagalidsgården the opportunity to provide an improved working environment for staff at the residential home. The new system has helped staff work much more efficiently thanks to new working methods, meaning they are able to provide better care to residents. “We are very pleased that our new working methods and increased access to safety enhancing technology has helped us improve the quality of life for the elderly,” said Ulrika Stefansson. “The residents now get a better night’s sleep as they are no longer disturbed unnecessarily. We can now ensure that those awake and up at night can do things for themselves. If we can see via the camera that they can manage without interference, this reinforces their independence and helps free up staff time for those more in need.” Ulrika continued, “This solution means we know the right person is receiving the right help. Not only is this better for residents who can be allowed to enjoy a more independent lifestyle, relatives are also happy to know their family members are getting the best care when they need it.” Furthermore, Hagalidsgården had 32 wall brackets installed for the cameras, one for each apartment. This added a level of flexibility to the system so staff can easily move the cameras between the apartments, meaning they only monitor those residents with the greatest need.
Safety-enhancing technology Hagalidsgården wanted to increase security and improve quality; both the quality of life for the residents as well as the work environment for the employees. Axis technology was key to helping achieve this due to its reliability, easeof-installation, high image quality, cost effectiveness and simplicity to use. Oskar Staf, Concept and Business Development at Viser, said, “The cameras are incredibly secure and the traffic is encrypted to safeguard customer integrity. Working with solutions and products from Axis gives us the reassurance that the data created is kept away from prying eyes. Furthermore, Axis support staff are very receptive and responsive; they are only ever a phone call away if we have any questions regarding device functionality. “I am certain that the use of security technology to improve healthcare is a trend that is only going to grow. Cameras can be easily integrated with other devices, solutions and functions. For example, connecting the cameras to sensors and motion alarms, as well as different types of access control devices, is a way to avoid having to use locks at dementia care facilities,” continued Oskar Staf.
“I am certain that the use of security technology to improve healthcare is a trend that is only going to grow. Cameras can be easily integrated with other devices, solutions and functions. For example, connecting the cameras to sensors and motion alarms, as well as different types of access control devices, is a way to avoid having to use locks at dementia care facilities.�
Read more about our solutions for healthcare: www.axis.com/solutions-byindustry/healthcare
Oskar Staf, Concept and Business Development at Viser
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
“You’d better call technical support…”
3 technical support statistics that will change how you do business. By: Markus Lai, Manager Sales Engineering & Training Markus Lai: www.linkedin.com/in/markus-lai-a0055312/ A phrase which strikes fear into many professionals, but which should, in reality, be a quick and painless experience. An effective, efficient technical support function can be a differentiator against competition, and drive customer loyalty and satisfaction. Recent reports from customer service platform provider Gladly and research company Gallup highlighted some telling statistics that support the case for technical support being key to a fantastic customer experience and subsequent business success.
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78% of people purchase a brand or service because of support interactions With the rise of the internet and social media, people can more easily compare one brand to another, making companies work that much harder to differentiate themselves from competitors and vie for the buyer’s attention. Many products have been commoditized; differentiation comes through customer service and the interaction between us and our customers. Great customer support leads to great customer satisfaction. Nowhere is this more the case than with technology-based products, where support is less related to fixing something that’s broken, than helping the customer derive maximum value from the investment they’ve made. It is the positive nature of these interactions that ultimately build long-term loyalty. At Axis Northern Europe, we are aware of both the ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ aspects of great support. Of course, our technical support team needs knowledge and skills to resolve issues for customers, and being close to our headquarters in Sweden is of definite benefit. After all, this is where everything is designed, engineered and tested.
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But softer skills, such as having supporting staff fluent in every Nordic language in addition to English is key, too, in helping understand the detail of a customer’s request, and to explain the best way to move forward.
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93% of people who feel satisfied with how technical support resolved their problems see being trusted and valued as key Again, this statistic talks to exceptional technical support being a combination of specific skills and knowledge, with less tangible aspects. Those companies providing great support are the ones that take responsibility and offer fast, attentive and personal support, treating customers like people and not numbers. While these companies do analyze metrics – every business needs to - they place more emphasis on how customers feel having worked with technical support. To them, this is the true measure of success. The result being that we stay tuned into our customers’ challenges and work hard to ensure they are not only satisfied with the outcome but also with the overall support experience.
In fact, recent research supports this approach. Immediately after our support professionals ended a call with customers, we sent them a survey asking the caller to rate their experience with technical support as either “good,” “ok” or “bad.” Of the 1,810 respondents, 97 percent said they had a “good” experience with our staff. Only 16% of customers have near-perfect resolution experiences If you’ve ever received poor technical support, you’re not alone. A recent Gallup survey found that of the near 60 percent of U.S. adults who had a problem requiring customer support during a period of six months, fewer than 20 percent had a near-perfect resolution experience.
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One of the things we ensure at Axis is to foster a close relationship between our key account managers, sales engineers, and technical support. In doing so, everyone has not only the technical context, but an understanding of the business environment and, critically, insight into the customer itself. In many cases the Support engineers know the customer who is calling and its not uncommon that they have met, this if anything builds trust and commitment.
In our view, there are several fundamental factors to providing exemplary technical support: >
Product awareness: Excellent sales and support professionals understand the intricacies of their company’s products, such as how they work and technical glitches they may experience. However, they also know when and where to find answers if they can’t immediately solve a problem. For example, they may reach out to a colleague for assistance. An important factor in this is the level of training we give our technical sales and support professionals, with their proximity to HQ being helpful in staying across latest product developments.
> Positive attitude: Sales and support professionals should feel enthused to work with you and be willing to go the extra mile to help you solve a problem. In the Northern Europe sales offices the support engineers are located in the same buildings as the sales organisation and they are a big part of our business from start to finish with many examples of relationships and direct contact with customers. > Patience: Support specialists should never rush you off a call. Some problems, after all, take time to resolve. Instead, they should have the patience to work diligently, methodically, and efficiently to answer your questions. A clear indication of this at Axis is that our Tier 1 level of technical support has an outstanding first call resolution rate of 31 percent. > Great communication: Professionals must clearly communicate why a problem exists and how they plan to address the situation. Poor communication can lead to false assumptions and cause customers to make mistakes while on site. In turn, this can cost professionals time and money, and even their clients. Again, the multi-lingual nature of our technical sales and support team is critical to this, allowing our customers to communicate confidently in their native language.
So, if you are referred to technical support anytime in the future, reflect over the fact that you are now interacting with someone that has the tools, knowledge and network to help you, and more importantly, understands the situation you are in. The statistics prove what we intuitively know to be true: that great customer service and technical support, particularly in relation to expensive, complex solutions, can be the critical difference between a company seeing value in its investment,
The single biggest security threat of 2018 will be the failure of businesses to implement a structured cybersecurity strategy. GDPR is coming and to ensure compliance, we encourage all businesses to conduct a thorough audit of their supply chains to ascertain potential vulnerabilities, including unhardened IoT and CCTV devices. and them considering another option.
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We did our homework! In Axis Innovates, issue no 7, we encouraged our readers to give us feedback on what topics you wanted to see next in our Academy training portfolio. We engaged our partners and customers in different ways to get your opinion and let you speak your mind about our offering.
I am happy to announce that during next year we will have dates for analytics training as well as cybersecurity training for our partners to sign up and participate in. You will most likely get communication around this but if you want to know more please feel free to contact us at any time.
I can say that the answers reflect the current market trends and that I am very happy with the amount of responses we got. The answers differed slightly depending on where we got the information. On a sunny golf course in Stockholm, during the annual Detektor Skyddgolf event, the feedback ranged from basic networking to advanced analytics configuration. In a congress hall during a security event in Denmark, the answers were more what I expected; not surprising at all to be honest!
I also want to congratulate Thomas Nilsson from Guardab
The top three answers for future Academy offerings where: > Video analytics > Cybersecurity > Basic networking All highly relevant to our day-to-day work and something the team and I have looked into.
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who participated in our Academy competition guessing the amount of people that have participated in an Axis Communications Academy Training in Sweden during the past 5 years. The correctansweris5005.Thomasreceivedacomplete AXIS Companion system to play around with, enjoy! Thanks again for helping us out and taking part, we really appreciate it. We did our homework so let us meet up in the classroom for the next session. Best regards,
Markus Lai
TRAINING & CERTIFICATION
Classroom trainings offered Through a combination of theory-based teaching and hands-on exercises, Axis Communications’ Academy offers a variety of different courses. Below you can find an overview of some of the courses available. Follow the links below to find dates and locations. Network Video Fundamentals
System Solutions
Pre-certification
A comprehensive course, covering the essentials of network video. Topics such as basic camera installation, image usability, bit rate optimization and video analytics are explored in theory lessons combined with hands-on labs.
System Solutions provides hands-on design and configuration experience in creating a complete security system. You’ll develop a better understanding of the solution including video management software, access management, audio and video analytics. You’ll leave the classroom confident in developing end-to-end solutions built and configured with IP based products.
Have you decided to become an Axis Certified Professional? We will help you prepare for the test. You can sign up to this pre-certification course, which will prepare you for the test so that you feel comfortable with taking it.
You will learn a wide variety of video surveillance basics, such as: > Camera technology and setup > Selecting the appropriate camera type and placement > Ways to save bandwidth and storage > Intelligent applications Who should attend? Professionals working with system integration and network video design. Designing Network Video Solutions Designing Network Video Solutions covers many important aspects of designing a network video surveillance system. Topics such as surveillance goals, camera placement, video analytics, network performance and storage solutions are discussed. All theory presented is put into practice in a comprehensive lab session. After the training you will: > Understand the cornerstones of a network video system > Understand how product selection and camera placement effect the usability of a system > Be able to make decisions on product, placement and storage solutions based on customer needs > Be able to use Axis’ system design tools to facilitate the design process Who should attend? Professionals working with network video design. We recommend all students to first attend Axis’ Network Video Fundamentals.
You will learn how to: > Create a complete video solution with a select core components such as video, audio and access control > Integrate SIP and VOIP products to further enhance the solution offering to the customer > Configure users, groups, and schedules for access control using AXIS Entry Manager Who should attend? Individuals that will sell, support, install, configure, or manage a complete video system solution. Axis Video Management Software
Our distributors also host classroom trainings. Contact your distributor for more information and available dates.
Register for an Axis Academy course! NORDIC COUNTRIES: www.axis.com/learning/ classroom-training/nordiccountries/registration
UK & IRELAND: www.axis.com/gb/en/ learning/classroom-training/ united-kingdom/registration
Axis Video Management Software is a technical course, giving you the skills you need to successfully deploy and manage AXIS Camera Station. You will learn how to: > Plan, install and use AXIS Camera Station > Set up events > Navigate between live view and play back recordings > Handle camera and parameter management Who should attend? Professionals working with system integration and network video design. It is recommended to have attended the Network Video Fundamentals classroom training.
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NO. 1 VIDEO MANAGEMENT SOLUTION We make the world see how to improve safety and well-being in society. We pioneered IP video surveillance technology and have been leading the pack ever since. Our open platform paired with solutions from over 1,000 technology providers equals endless possibilities.
See for yourself at an event near you. www.milestonesys.com/events/
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ONLINE CHANNELS
Go online! Secure Insights If you are a buyer or user of security solutions, then you have come to the right place. We created this blog to help businesses like yours learn the ins and outs of surveillance, getting insights to intelligent security solutions and show how it can help you gain business intelligence. All to support our vision of a smarter, safer world. Most importantly, our blog is your blog, too. It is meant to be a place for the entire Axis community to meet and exchange ideas. So please jump in and join the conversation!
We’d love to hear your suggestions for topics you might like to see from our technical and business experts, or for you to consider developing blog posts that might be suitable to share here. Bookmark this page and check back regularly for updates and new ways that you can contribute. We look forward to hearing what you have got to say. Visit the Axis blog! www.axis.com/blog/secure-insights/
Discover AXIS Camera Station Watch the videos and discover different aspects of an end-to-end solution using AXIS Camera Station such as efficient design of surveillance systems, easy video handling, integration of other IP products and much more. There are currently 5 educational videos that will give you good insights in the world of AXIS Camera Station: > > > > >
Design made simple with AXIS Site Designer Incorporating door station, audio and IO Recorders, desktop terminals and switches Video management made easy Expansion with access control interaction
Watch the videos: http://bit.ly/2irDy35
Webinars are a winning concept At Axis Northern Europe we provide our customers, partners and other stakeholders with an easy and accessible way of learning more about the trends, solutions and topics that concerns our industry today.
Educate and be efficient at the same time: Welcome to attend your local Nordic webinar! Attend a webinar: www.axis-communications.com/ axisinnovates_webinar
#AxisInnovates webinars are available in all Nordic countries and are held in all local languages. Register to attend the webinar of your choice and if the time slots do not suit your busy schedule, or if you have missed the latest webinar you can register anyway and we will send you the recorded version.
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About Axis Communications Axis offers intelligent security solutions that enable a smarter, safer world. As the market leader in network video, Axis is driving the industry by continually launching innovative network products based on an open platform - delivering high value to customers through a global partner network. Axis has long-term relationships with partners and provides them with knowledge and ground-breaking network products in existing and new markets. Axis has more than 2,700 dedicated employees in more than 50 countries around the world, supported by a global network of over 90,000 partners. Founded in 1984, Axis is a Sweden-based company listed on NASDAQ Stockholm under the ticker AXIS. For more information about Axis, please visit our website www.axis.com.
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Š2017 Axis Communications AB. AXIS COMMUNICATIONS, AXIS, ETRAX, ARTPEC and VAPIX are registered trademarks or trademark applications of Axis AB in various jurisdictions. All other company names and products are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. We reserve the right to introduce modifications without notice.
