In Security Magazine August 2024

IN SECURITY

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Open the door

Unlock the door from your phone with the Paxton Entry App

The international security technology brand Paxton is launching the Paxton Entry app, a mobile app for their video door entry system, in October.

Gareth O’Hara, Paxton’s Chief Sales Officer, said: “The Paxton Entry app is a new and exciting addition to our product range. The app has been developed to enhance our popular Entry system and is easy-to-install as well as simple-to-use and manage online.

“The app means that Paxton installers now have the opportunity to create recurring revenue streams, earn more rewards, and offer their customers new and innovative

functionality when using their smart device.”

Speak to Visitors & Open the Door Wherever You Are

Using the Paxton Entry app, end-users can now answer the door from their phone or tablet. With a simple screen tap, users can see and speak to their visitors, allowing them to verify the caller’s identity for security reasons. Users can then grant or deny access from their smart device. This is possible wherever you are in the world with an internet connection.

The app offers the ultimate convenience of remote visitor management. For example, if the

user is away from their desk, or away from the office, or even on a trip outside of the country, they can still speak to visitors and open the door.

Pete Harrop, Managing Director at Origin Solutions Ltd, said: “The Paxton Entry app provides a very useful feature, enabling Reception to answer calls from the Entry panel whilst away from their desk.”

Flexible & Scalable

The new app can be used alongside all Paxton’s Entry monitors to give users more choice and flexibility. Alternatively, they can choose to simply use the app on their smart device without the need for a dedicated monitor, meaning Paxton

installers can offer their customers a more cost-effective door entry solution.

The Entry system and the Paxton Entry app are also designed to be scalable to meet any site requirements. You can have more than 59,000 app users on one individual Entry site. In addition, calls from multiple Entry systems can be answered from a single phone or tablet, making it easy to control access across more than one building without a common network.

Generate Recurring Revenue for the First Time

For the first time, Paxton Entry offers Paxton installers the opportunity to generate regular recurring revenue from any Paxton door entry installations. The new app involves a

low, fixed cost monthly user license fee of £2.50 or €3.00.

There is no limit on the number of Paxton Entry app licenses that an installer can provide and manage, allowing them to maximise their recurring revenue with Paxton Entry.

Simple Online Management via myPaxton

All Paxton Entry sites and app users are managed via the new cloud-based platform, myPaxton. The user-friendly myPaxton portal provides simple online administration of the Paxton Entry app, including user and site setup, and payment management.

Peter Gale, Director at Cohort Security Solutions Ltd, has installed the Paxton Entry app at the office. He said: “It’s very simple and intuitive.

I think anyone with basic computer skills would be able to do it. It’s straightforward, easy to set up and easy to navigate.”

To provide convenience to installers and their customers, if the end-user has an in-house IT or Facilities team or works with an agency, they can register as a System Manager on myPaxton to manage Paxton Entry app users.

Installers can also contact Paxton’s Technical Support team directly from the online portal or by phone, with cloud diagnostics available when needed.

Compatible with Existing Entry Systems

Paxton Entry is not just for new customers. It is also compatible with existing Entry sites with no additional

hardware installation or disruption. Installers can offer Paxton Entry to pre-existing sites as long as the Entry firmware has been updated, providing more benefits to their customers.

Exclusive Paxton Rewards Discounts

Installers who are part of Paxton’s customer loyalty programme can enjoy a discount on the Paxton Entry app license fee, depending on their current partner tier.

Paxton Rewards gives installers a chance to earn points when buying and installing Paxton products, attending free installer training, and submitting case study suggestions.

John McKay from RD Fenner & Co. said: “Paxton Rewards is an excellent programme, simple to use. It’s

helped to promote my business and gain new customers.”

The more points they earn to climb up partner tiers, the more benefits Paxton installers can unlock, such as a company listing on Paxton’s website which end-users visit to search for installers. The points collected can also be spent on Paxton products, branded merchandise, and Amazon vouchers.

Get Started With the Paxton Entry App

The Paxton Entry app is available with Paxton’s video door entry system, Entry. The Entry system is easy to install and provides a true plug-and-play door entry solution. It comprises only three simple components: an external panel, a

door control unit, and an internal monitor or the new Paxton Entry app, or a combination of the two.

With a range of standard, vandal-resistant, and touch panels, with flush or surface mount options, Paxton’s video door entry system can be tailored to suit any building, whatever the budget.

Neil Matthews from MAS Systems Ltd said: “Paxton’s Entry system is a real plug-and-play solution, which we feel is its biggest selling point - it’s so simple to install.”

Visit Paxton’s website to find out more about their video door entry solution and the benefits of the new Paxton Entry app and the business opportunities it presents to Paxton installers.

Stavanger Concert Hall

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Leading casino operator looks to IDIS video for secure growth

Merit International opts for advanced IDIS surveillance tech with assurance of AI video future-proofing

Leading Balkans casino operator Merit International has deployed an advanced IDIS video solution at its newest luxury casino and hotel resort, the Starlit development in Budva, Montenegro. The company, which has a USD$1bn-plus portfolio of hospitality and gaming resorts in Northern Cyprus, Croatia, and Bulgaria, is aiming to set new standards in security, customer service, and business efficiency

The 2,500-square-meter Starlit Resort & Casino is the company’s third and most ambitious development in Montenegro. A penthouse-level gaming area with stunning sea views, the resort also encompasses a luxury hotel complex, private residences and high-end guest facilities.

The end-to-end IDIS video solution, installed by Volga Electronics Ltd, comprises more than 90 NDAA-compliant cameras, including 5MP IR domes and compact PTZs with true WDR and two-way audio; four 64-ch ready-to-install IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) servers with dual power; plus, all network accessories including specialist surveillance keyboards. The solution ensures HD coverage of the entire hotel and casino, including gaming tables, slot machines, and surrounding areas, allowing real-time monitoring of all transactions and activity.

ISS federation services enable a centralized monitoring and management environment, and distributed control functionality, linking Merit’s various

casinos and resorts and providing enhanced situational awareness. The VMS also supports integration with the casino’s ERP software, with transaction data overlayed on recorded video for efficient incident investigation. Merit is also testing AI-powered analytics including people counting and heat maps. The modular IDIS VMS infrastructure and plug-and-play installation of devices make it easier and faster to deploy deep learning analytics and target existing and new areas as required.

Koray Ozyildirim, IDIS Türkiye Country Manager, confirmed that the resort would be taking advantage of this future-proofing capability which is a benefit of all IDIS technology.

“As well as ensuring the safety and satisfaction of guests, and providing a deterrent to would-be criminals, the IDIS solution opens new routes to harnessing AI-powered video analytics, for example with people counting, which can help to improve staff and resource allocation, as well as by taking a more proactive approach to security.

“The casino already has data collection systems, but heat maps can provide a unique extra layer of business intelligence – for example, allowing directional footfall and dwell time metrics to be compared to customer spending patterns; and revealing the most-used areas where customers spend time even when they are not spending money.”

For more information about IDIS solutions, please visit www.idisglobal.com

Hanwha Vision cameras assist olympic athletes in France

Located in the French suburb of Talence near Bordeaux, within a 15-hectare estate, the Centre for Resources, Expertise, and Sports Performance (CREPS) of Bordeaux is a local public training institution specialising in sports and youth training. The institution, which hosts nearly 450 athletes across 25 training areas, chose Hanwha Vision and its cameras to assist coaches in the training and preparation of athletes.

The objective: enhancing athlete performance with video analysis

The CREPS of Bordeaux regularly welcomes delegations of French and international athletes who come to prepare for major events, such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games, World Championships, and European Championships. To improve athletes’ performance, video intelligence is used by the institution, offering athletes the ability to review their training sessions, playback actions, and complete recordings of their sessions for later analysis. The challenge was to find cameras with a performance level that met the different requirements of various sports disciplines.

In the CREPS of Bordeaux’s fencing hall, which hosts Olympic and world medalists for training, the most challenging task was finding a camera capable of capturing the entire combat area, including 14-metrelong pistes with little space for positioning. This camera needed to ensure image quality without distortion and with precision, particularly for sabre fencing where

bouts often occur at the ends of the piste.

The solution: implementation of high-resolution 180° panoramic multi-sensor cameras

E-Novon, a company specialising in sports video and a long-time partner of Hanwha Vision, tested different types of cameras in real situations to meet coaches’ needs. “After analysing with the coaches, the PNM-9022V camera was the most suitable due to its angle with minimal guaranteed distortion,” according to Romain Briffa, Director at E-Novon.

Offering a 180° view reconstructed from four highresolution video sensors, this camera provides a highly detailed image across its entire field of view, without distortion. Additionally, it requires very little space behind the filmed scene.

Conclusion: CREPS enhances its cutting-edge video tools for greater efficiency

After evaluating several solutions, Cyril Faucher, Coordinator of the Performance Support Mission within the high-level department of CREPS, concludes: “Due to the quality and fluidity of the images, the solution provided by E-Novon and Hanwha Vision fully satisfies CREPS in optimising training in the fencing hall.”

Currently being deployed for fencing and modern pentathlon training, this solution opens up promising perspectives thanks to the insights being made available, including in tracking fencers on the piste, providing statistics, and more.

A versatile device for adding digital access management to doors and more

Having doors with mechanical security can be a drag on the effectiveness and efficiency of facilities management. While wiring ever more locks to make access control more flexible is expensive and disruptive, a wireless solution built for compatibility can be the answer.

It takes a few minutes to swap almost any mechanical cylinder for a digital cylinder and connect it to an access control system. The battery-powered Aperio® C100 Cylinder can equip almost any door without the need for cables. The same device can secure server racks with digital access control. It works seamlessly with almost any EAC system, via Online, Offline or OSS-standard integration.

The flexibility benefits of digital access with the Aperio C100

By supplementing an EAC system with C100 devices, facility managers continue to control every lock and user from their existing software interface. They can deploy a C100 at almost any interior door — including wooden, metal or glass doors — as well as server racks and almost any other opening with a regular locking cylinder. The C100 supports all standard RFID credentials, as well as cutting-edge mobile technologies.

“It’s easier than ever to go keyless — to save time and money at a time when budgets have never been tighter,” says Robert Eriksson, Head of Product Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “As well as fast, cost-efficient installation, a C100 uses much less energy than comparable wired devices, because it is powered by standard batteries.”

The Aperio C100 Wireless Cylinder is a robust device suited to almost any medium- to high-traffic door — and has already proven reliable in all types of demanding locations. It is easy to install wire-free, and

so makes an ideal choice for both retrofit projects and new buildings. And with the Aperio hardware platform designed for interoperability, it is straightforward to integrate C100 cylinders with almost any new or existing security system.

The Aperio C100 in action

The C100 is already trusted in all kinds of settings, where end-users all over the world benefit from seamless integrations with more than 100 different security and access systems — offline, online or with a mix of both within the same system.

At the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Grenoble, for example, Aperio C100 cylinders are installed in several hospital buildings. Previously, the open nature of the site posed a risk of intrusion. With Aperio, one immediate result was to drastically reduce theft from the premises. Online integration ensures hospital security managers can access door information in real time, even removing a swipe card’s permissions remotely, if required.

Stavanger’s new Concert Hall deployed Aperio to streamline access for a variety of user groups, including an orchestra, admin staff, up to 200 contractors and thousands of music fans. At different times, users need tailored access to 180 rooms, from auditoriums, rehearsal rooms and wardrobes to offices, a sauna, the canteen and an archive. Aperio digital cylinders give building managers the reliability and flexibility they need to manage all this traffic safely and efficiently.

At Luminy’s suburban campus, university administrators selected Aperio cylinders to secure doors in their new buildings. The laborious process of changing locks and reissuing keys — part of the daily workload with mechanical locking — has gone. Because Aperio locks are built for interoperability, they are flexible enough to integrate with the university’s room scheduling software as well as its ARD access control system.

“Since we installed Aperio, we have not had a breakin,” says Cédric Lopez, Maintenance Manager at Luminy.

“In hospitals and banks, theatres and universities — plus museums, offices, schools, public buildings and almost anywhere else — the versatility of the Aperio C100 Cylinder has brought security to people and assets, as well as peace of mind to facilities managers,” adds Eriksson.

Replace key bunches with one customizable, programmable key. Update mobile workers’ permissions via app. Trace every key use. Equip any access point. And never change your locks again. eCLIQ makes your life easier. Scan the QR code to see how.

Experience a safer and more open world

Genetec unveils Cloudlink 110, a compact cloud-managed video bridge for low-density deployments

Streamlines video management across remote sites, reduces hardware complexity, and enhances operational efficiency within hybrid cloud environments

Genetec Inc. (“Genetec”), a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today announced the launch of Genetec Cloudlink™ 110, the latest addition to its line of cloud-managed security appliances. This compact device is specifically designed to simplify video management in low-density deployments, providing a versatile solution that enables customers to transition to cloud or hybrid environments at their own pace.

With a micro form factor, support for up to eight cameras, and 1 TB of local storage on an ultraendurance micro-SD card, Cloudlink 110 is designed for smaller sites within larger deployments and locations with limited hardware space.

The Cloudlink 110 enhances video workload optimization and seamless cloud integration, ensuring interoperability between local and cloud environments in hybrid deployments. Supporting both local and cloud storage, it enables efficient communication between satellite locations and centralized headquarters. Its flexible hybrid storage also offers a straightforward transition to cloud or hybrid environments. By enabling organizations to use their existing cameras, Cloudlink 110 reduces the need for significant new hardware purchases.

This makes Cloudlink particularly well suited for

sectors such as retail, where it can simplify operations across multiple store locations; cities, where it helps government agencies manage security within tight budgets; and healthcare, where it supports the remote monitoring of smaller facilities like satellite clinics.

“We are transforming physical security with our hybrid cloud solutions,” said Christian Morin, Vice President of Product Engineering, Genetec Inc. “Our multi-workload appliances, capable of handling video, access control, intrusion, and more, allow organizations to achieve their business objectives with a single device. As we expand our solutions, these appliances will be the cornerstone of resilience and performance, unlocking broad capabilities to meet evolving security needs.”

Ease of use is central to the design of the Cloudlink 110. With cloud-managed automatic updates, customers benefit from the continuous delivery of new features and updates to ensure that the system remains secure and running at top efficiency, with minimal intervention. This eliminates concerns about compatibility issues or disruptive upgrades, allowing customers to focus on their core operations without the need for specialized technical expertise.

The Genetec Cloudlink 110 is now available globally through the Genetec network of accredited channel partners. For more information about the Cloudlink 110, please visit: https://www.genetec.com/productreleases/cloudlink-110.

For more information visit www.genetec.com

Paxton is officially carbon neutral

Security technology manufacturer Paxton becomes carbon neutral certified in the UK, France, Germany, and South Africa.

Paxton has measured its first ever carbon footprint and embarked on a clear and focussed reduction plan to improve its impact on the environment. Working with Carbon Footprint Ltd to ensure accurate data reporting, Paxton recorded a total of 2,541 tCO₂e produced in 2022, equivalent to approximately 1,550 economy return flights from Heathrow to New York.

While introducing several operational changes that reduce carbon, Paxton has invested in three global projects that actively prevent carbon from reaching the atmosphere and that best reflect its company values –helping to provide safe water at a project in Zambia and investing in solar and wind farms in Thailand and India.

Adam Stroud, CEO at Paxton, said: “Limiting our impact on the environment is important to everyone at Paxton and we know it matters to our customers too. This is the first step on our journey to become a net zero company, something we plan to do well in advance of the 2050 limit. We are all focussed and working hard to make the right environmentally conscious decisions to achieve this.”

Paxton has already made some significant changes to how it operates both prior to, and in direct response to, its carbon footprint report. This includes switching

global shipping of product component from air freight to vastly more efficient and low carbon sea freight. Paxton’s 2022 carbon footprint report identified that nearly 57% of emissions produced came from upstream air freight so this has been an important adjustment.

Paxton also now runs all its UK buildings on 100% renewable energy tariffs and has invested in solar panels for the new Paxton Electronics Centre.

Other changes include a review of its travel policy to ensure mindful and economical business travel, incentivising their team to make greener choices. Currently 98% of all Paxton company vehicles are electric or hybrid with a goal to reach 100% as soon as possible.

Paxton is also proud to sponsor the Freedom Flight, an initiative dedicated to accelerating the development of the first zero carbon 100+ seater passenger flight from London to New York. This autumn, the Paxton team are invited to take part in planting a tree for every employee globally. Paxton’s journey to net zero is being driven by its Green Team, a group of employees fully trained on carbon literacy. Their efforts coincide with the release of its Environmental Policy earlier this year.

To find out more about Paxton’s journey to net zero, or request a copy of its carbon neutral certificate visit the website

HID Signo Readers line expands to further meet physical access control needs

Latest Signo models provide options to meet varying climate condition, aesthetic and budget demands HID, a worldwide leader in trusted identity solutions, announces the expansion of its signature line of Signo™ Readers to include models that meet varying customer needs – from harsh conditions and stylistic preferences to streamlined, economical requirements.

The latest Signo models include:

• Signo Readers available in white – provide a very clean, minimalist, and modern look, offering architects, designers, and anyone looking to blend their access control readers into new environments with a bright and neutral aesthetic.

• Signo Mechanical Keypad Readers – provide a highperformance, reliable option for harsh environments, ideal for use cases where cold and wet weather conditions require gloved hands or when users may have low visibility. They also provide an option when there is a preference or specification for a traditional mechanical device.

• Signo Express – distills the essential capabilities from the Signo line to deliver a simplified and costeffective solution for secure physical access control.

“Signo Readers are designed with versatility in mind to satisfy the increasing demand for customization,” says Cristian Cotiga, VP of Product Management for Physical

Access Control Systems at HID. “These latest models provide customers even more ways to meet their unique and evolving security needs.”

Helping Organizations Meet Dynamic Security Needs

HID Signo Readers feature a sleek, upscale design and deliver innovative features to help keep organizations secure, including:

• Highly versatile — Support for the widest range of credential technologies, including HID Mobile Access via native Bluetooth and near field communication (NFC) capability. Also features Apple’s Enhanced Contactless Polling (ECP) to support credentials in the Apple Wallet, and support for mobile credentials in Google Wallet.

• Enhanced performance — Secure storage, plus a surface detection feature that enables the reader to automatically recalibrate and optimize read range performance.

• Connected to the future — Out-of-the-box support for Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) for secure bidirectional communication. Each reader is also designed to be connected and managed remotely without “sneakernet” or the need to be physically touched.

Learn more about the latest Signo models here

Assured Fire and Security boosts growth with BigChange Mobile Tech

Assured Fire and Security, the Essex-based installer of electronic fire and security systems, is driving nationwide growth using the latest mobile working technology from BigChange. Assured, formerly Elan Fire and Security Systems, has already expanded its business by 60 percent since implementing the 6-in-1 cloud based solution. Using live linked mobile devices running the BigChange app, Assured has increased engineer productivity, reduced operational costs and improved management visibility of the field service operation.

“Our previous system, despite being the specialist software package solution for our sector, was server based and poorly supported,” commented Paul Salmon, Managing Director of Assured Fire and Security. “It required on-site servers to run, a dedicated computer to access and it could take days for anyone to get back to us from the technical support team, on even the most basic query. Remote access was a big no-no as they always informed us it was never designed for that. And for anything outside of the ordinary, additional “Modules” had to be purchased at great costs, along with additional support subscriptions.

“BigChange is like a breath of fresh air,” he continued. “From the first demo to a call to the Roadcrew support team at 3 in the morning, I just love everything about it. BigChange is changing the way we run our business and will support our growth ambitions for years to come.”

Assured has been using the BigChange job management system, which incorporates a mobile workforce app, customer relationship management (CRM), job scheduling, live tracking, financial management, and business intelligence tools in one integrated platform, for around 2 years during which time the business has grown significantly. The cloud-

based solution offers 24/7/365 access from any internet enabled device and connects field engineers, in realtime, with back-office systems using the BigChange app. Fleet solutions, including vehicle checks, driver behaviour alerts and real-time tracking, are helping Assured compete with larger players in the sector in terms of professionalism, health and safety and responsiveness, whilst intelligent scheduling and resource allocation are improving engineer efficiency and reducing running costs. Assured is also benefiting from BigChange’s integrated CRM system which allows it to maximise sales opportunities and manage existing customers, and undertake marketing campaigns with minimal admin resources.

“For us it’s all about automation,” Salmon concluded. “BigChange has introduced digital workflows and processes to all aspects of our business which has allowed us, as a relatively small organisation, to compete and often outshine, the larger operators.

“BigChange means we can concentrate on what we do best – installing the best possible systems, with the best possible service and the best possible support. This has contributed to an overall increase in business of between 60 and 70 percent.”

At the forefront of the fire and security sector Assured is a family run business with more than thirty years’ experience. Based in Essex with an office in central London, Assured is an NSI / NACOSS Gold and Fire Gold installer, working with domestic, industrial and commercial customers across the UK. From individual homeowners to million-pound estates, local Councils to nationwide garage chains, Assured can tailor systems to individual requirements ensuring round the clock protection from unwanted intruders, personal attacks, fire and flood.

Future-proof, fast digital access with the new SMARTair® i-reader

Digital access should be quick, secure and convenient. It also needs to be comprehensive: not every opening in a building is suited to a cylinder, escutcheon or security lock. The new SMARTair i-reader brings streamlined digital access to anywhere locking or blocking is automated — from entrance doors and turnstiles to lifts and car parks, including outdoors.

It’s easy and seamless to add the i-reader to any new or existing SMARTair digital access system, whatever SMARTair management option is in use. Retrofitting has been simplified. A choice of model sizes and mounts adapts to different locations and applications. Plus, recognizing a growing focus on greening building operations to meet sustainability targets, it consumes up to 70 percent less energy than previous models.

With the new wall reader, security managers choose real-time control by reliable SMARTair technology already trusted in premises of all kinds, all over the world. Building users can have confidence that they are sharing the space only with authorized employees and visitors.

“This latest addition to the SMARTair range will help more businesses enjoy the efficiency, security and convenience benefits of digital access,” says Mikel Gaztañaga at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “With ASSA ABLOY, they can digitalize with confidence.”

Ease of use and contemporary aesthetics

The new SMARTair i-reader is designed from the ground

up to meet the challenges of controlling and filtering access in any organization. It enables fast, hassle-free access via a range of credentials, including cards, fobs, badges, and mobile keys stored securely on a user’s smartphone. Because a Bluetooth Low Energy hardware is integrated within the reader module), the new i-reader is mobile ready from day one for deploying mobile keys today, or down the line – thereby futureproofing investment in the device.

When fitted at parking barriers, a user’s mobile credential is detected from up to 5 metres away, for driver safety and convenience. At the same time, encrypted communications, enhanced security and upgraded firmware combine to combat the latest security threats and keep everyone else out.

As well as security and access management, the new i-reader has been built with both usability and contemporary aesthetics in mind. Clean lines and a fresh, robust design (IP56, IK09 certified; customizable LED) blend with other devices in the SMARTair family to harmonize design and minimize ongoing maintenance needs.

“Our new SMARTair i-reader employs the latest digital technology to keep people and assets safe,” adds Mikel Gaztañaga. “It’s another tool to help organizations of every size and type prepare their access for what’s ahead.”

Gallagher Security unveils

‘The Hub’, an interactive showcase of their award-winning security technology suite

In a company first, Gallagher Security UK is excited to announce the launch of their new interactive customer demo space, ‘The Hub’.

Officially opened in July, The Hub takes over the top floor of the company’s European Headquarters at their Warwick office and provides a fully immersive experience of Gallagher’s extensive security solutions suite.

Designed to enable End Users, Channel Partners, Tech Partners and Consultants to experience Gallagher’s solutions, integrations, culture and gain further insights into the company, the space is a dedicated and engaging environment.

Notably, the ability to demonstrate Gallagher’s award-winning site management platform, Command Centre in multiple different environments and vertical scenarios, allows the team to showcase their integration capabilities with more than 20 industry-leading Technology Partners.

Gallagher Security Sales Manager-UK South, Gordon Swallow is looking forward to connecting with more customers through The Hub, he says, “Gallagher has always prided itself on how our Command Centre solution is a platform for integration. Increasingly we

became aware that to really showcase this, we needed our own state-of-the-art space to show what we can do, and the idea for The Hub was born.”

The Hub features a demo wall with six new vertical solution pods including healthcare, education, mobile and cloud, data centres, business solutions and multitenant environments which complement the existing Access Control, Perimeter and High Security pods. Further Tech Partner integrations from Stratus, Milestone, Axis, Commend, Traka, Suprema, and Halo are also showcased.

“Our European HQ in Warwick is in a fantastic location. It offers ease of access to more of our existing and potential customers in the UK and EU; having four international airports within a 1.5-hour drive, just an hour on the train from London and with three national rail stations close by,” says Gordon.

He adds, “The potential for customer engagement in this space is huge. It will also serve as a major event space for us in our own facility. Following on from the success of our own Integrate 23 event, and with capacity for more than 150 people, we plan to host more expo events for End Users, Channel Partners and Consultants.”

More NHS trusts opt for Synergy’s Multi-Site surveillance

Synectics has increased its rapidly growing healthcare portfolio, with two more NHS trusts opting to enhance its surveillance and security management with Synergy software.

The undisclosed NHS Trusts will use Synergy as the foundation for multi-phase, multi-site upgrades of their systems.

The first project will help one of the UK’s busiest Trusts unify and improve surveillance across two major hospitals and one community facility.

The Trust’s three sites, covering over 130 acres, encompass diverse facilities, from one of the country’s largest trauma units and busiest A&E departments to dedicated teaching facilities and specialist health units.

With Synergy in place, operators at any of the sites can view video footage from across the entire estate, and teams at either of the two hospitals can also control any of the surveillance cameras.

In addition to supporting multi-site security management, upgrading to Synergy will deliver sophisticated capabilities for improving the security of staff, patients, and visitors.

Advanced incident management tools, on-screen

guidance, and a mapping system that can switch from OpenStreetMap to detailed internal floor layouts ensure operators will have what they need at their fingertips to rapidly pinpoint incidents, better manage security responses, and ensure all pertinent footage is prioritised on screen and recorded for evidence.

While smaller in size, the second NHS Trust’s use of Synergy is equally ambitious. Following initial upgrade work at the Trust’s primary facility, phased works will bring two further sites – a postgrad centre and a new-build location – into the same system.

In both NHS Trust deployments, Synergy will facilitate further migration to IP cameras, support the use of legacy technology, and guarantee the seamless integration of additional capabilities as required –including video analytics and an increased number of system inputs.

Brett Longley from Synectics commented: “Our multisite surveillance provides better awareness across entire estates, which is increasingly popular in our industry. Flexible solutions, like Synergy, are essential for phased improvement plans. This flexibility is a major reason we’re quickly growing in healthcare settings.”

Biometric basics

The rise of biometric touchless security in commercial properties

The landscape of commercial property security is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the increasing adoption of contactless access control systems, particularly those utilising biometric technology. This shift offers substantial benefits for property and security managers responsible for office buildings, warehouses, and other commercial spaces. Ultimately, biometric access control systems are creating a more secure, user-friendly, and efficient experience for tenants and property managers alike.

Beyond the pandemic-accelerated adoption due to hygiene concerns, the advantages of biometric systems eliminate the need for physical keys or key fobs, which can be misplaced, stolen, or require costly

reprogramming. This translates to a more streamlined security operation for facilities managers, a reduced administrative burden, and a lower need for physical key management.

Biometric Basics

Biometric authentication offers a highly secure and convenient alternative to traditional access control methods. Common biometric methods used in contactless access control include facial recognition and fingerprint identification, as well as iris recognition.

Facial recognition utilises cameras to capture facial features and compare them against stored templates. Advanced systems can even detect subtle changes in facial expressions ensuring accurate identification even in challenging

lighting conditions. Fingerprint recognition employs sensors to scan fingerprints and verify them against saved data. Modern fingerprint recognition technology captures high-resolution images, making it more resistant to unauthorised use. Additionally, hand geometry systems measure the unique dimensions and contours of a person’s hand. Affordability and ease of implementation make this a popular choice for many applications.

Iris recognition is another secure method that involves cameras capturing images of the iris, the coloured part of the eye. Due to each iris having unique patterns and details, iris recognition is considered one of the most secure biometric methods.

Biometric benefits

Biometric authentication systems offer enhanced security, convenience, hygiene, efficiency, scalability, and seamless integration with existing systems. Unlike physical tokens or passwords, which can be compromised, biometric credentials are unique to each individual, providing a high level of security. Additionally, biometric systems eliminate the need for physical tokens or passwords, streamlining the access process and reducing the likelihood of errors or delays. By reducing the need for physical contact, contactless biometrics also minimise the risk of germ transmission, making them ideal for high-traffic environments.

Furthermore, biometric systems can automate access control processes, freeing up time for security personnel to focus on

other critical tasks. These systems are also highly scalable, easily accommodating changes in building occupancy or access requirements. Finally, biometric technology can be seamlessly integrated with existing security infrastructure, allowing for centralized management and monitoring of access control activities.

Case Study

Holliday Wharf & Canal Wharf in Central Birmingham is a bustling apartment complex of 143 properties and home to 400 residents. The development is located in a region that has experienced rapid growth and redevelopment, with a surge in new bars and restaurants opening, and new student accommodation also housed in the area. With the recent influx of nightlife, hospitality outlets, and a growing student population,

the management company perceived the development complex was facing increasing security concerns.

James Clayton, Chair of Holliday Wharf Management, emphasised the legal responsibility to ensure the safety of residents. “With the influx of people into the area, it was imperative that we prioritise our residents’ security,” he said. “We needed a system that would not only protect them but would also enhance their living experience.”

The security challenges included incidents of unauthorised access, coupled with increasing concerns about package theft and personal safety, all of which highlighted the need for a more robust access control solution. Wharf Management determined that a comprehensive overhaul of the access control system was imperative to protect residents and their assets. In

response to these concerns, the company sought the expertise of Urban Stream, a specialist security installer, to develop a tailored security strategy and install a new system.

Dale Taylor, of Urban Stream, explains, “The Wharf Management team identified several pain points within their existing security infrastructure. Our goal was to develop a comprehensive solution that would not only resolve these issues but also exceed their expectations.”

Working in partnership with the CIE system design team, Urban Stream implemented a full Akuvox access control and door intercom system. This state-of-the-art system replaced traditional key fobs and pin readers with advanced facial recognition technology. Residents now enjoy seamless access to the

building and car park through the power of facial recognition access credentials.

The Akuvox system provides a robust and secure door entry and resident intercom system that encompasses a bespoke-built database management and analytics reporting system, ensuring comprehensive control over access permissions and live reporting. By eliminating the vulnerabilities associated with physical keys and PIN codes, the system significantly enhances security while offering unparalleled convenience to residents.

The positive impact of the new system is evident. Residents have expressed their satisfaction with the increased security and ease of use. The advanced facial recognition technology has added a layer of sophistication to the complex,

elevating its appeal and value to potential buyers and tenants.

Future Trends

As biometric technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in commercial building security and the transformation of the way commercial buildings are secured. Biometrics offers a secure, convenient, and efficient solution that addresses the evolving needs of modern businesses. As technology advances, these systems are likely to become even more prevalent in commercial facilities, providing a new standard for access control and security.

To learn more about the project, read the full story on www.cie-group.com.

More Than Access Control

Maxxess eFusion software opens up limitless possibilities, taking you beyond feature-rich, enterprise-level access control to give you all the benefits of a total security and safety management platform – without the cost or complexity.

Ready-made to integrate more than 60 leading technologies, off-the-shelf, Maxxess eFusion now lets you combine access, video, fire, intruder, visitor management, building systems, widely used databases and site-specific applications.

www.maxxess-efusion.com

Wellbeing in the office

Joanne Milne-Rowe, Sales Director at Codelocks, discusses the ways smart lock technology can play a role in supporting different wellbeing initiatives

Office workers have been returning to their offices in droves, which has put increased attention on workplace wellbeing.

Joanne Milne-Rowe, Sales Director at Codelocks, discusses the ways smart lock technology can play a role in supporting different wellbeing initiatives.

A few years ago, all we saw in the news was the ‘great resignation’. Now we have another ‘great’ to deal with. According to Virgin Media O2’s

yearly Movers Index, 2023 was the start of the ‘great return’ as office workers returned to their normal offices after working from home. The data shows that now over 40% of employees have returned to a five-day in-office work week.

Just as we heard a lot about the great resignation and employees’ wellbeing, the great return is prompting similar talking points as people are once again confronted with the downsides of office life. The knock-on effect of these downsides

has been a demand for better initiatives and policies to support employees’ wellbeing. If they have to return, many employees feel they need to be supported.

The forms of support vary from hybrid working to gym memberships or hot desking between office locations. Common to them all is the need for effortless access control and flexibility as people find their way back to shared spaces and open-plan offices. In many instances, the responsibility of making things

run smoothly falls on facilities managers, office managers, and installers. To ensure success, smart locking solutions are a necessity. And as we’ll see, many organisations have used them with notable results.

Meeting in the middle – compromise and access control

The return to the office has not been welcomed by all. There are clear dividing lines between employees and leaders. Gartner research shows that 48% of office employees believe that return to office (RTO) policies prioritise what leaders want over what employees need. The only solutions that avoid things like quiet quitting and plummeting wellbeing are ones where employees and leaders meet in the middle.

Hybrid working, where employees spend several days in the office and several days at home, is the perfect agreement. It boosts employee productivity while also allowing in-person collaboration.

To facilitate hybrid work policies

and preserve employee wellbeing, offices need access control solutions suited to the task. They must be flexible, integrate smart technologies, and be easy to use.

Faced with this challenge, one UK County Council decided to create ‘hot lockers’ for their hybrid employees that could be shared by different people on different days at varying times. They used Kinnarps lockers combined with the Codelocks KitLock KL1100 RFID lock. The locks allowed facilities managers to give all employees unique, card-based access to each locker, saving time and money needed to cut thousands of unique locks for individual lockers. Thanks to the RFID technology and central control system, the facilities managers are also capable of overseeing employee access for all lockers simultaneously and remotely.

As for employees, the process of using the ‘hot lockers’ is frictionless. They simply use their card to access and lock the locker when they need to store their belongings. When

they’re not in the office, the locker is available for other employees to use.

The added benefit of a system that uses the KL1100 RFID is that it can be implemented across several office sites, giving employees the freedom to choose which office they want to work from. The Council’s employees are free to move between locations, which can shorten their commute or allow them to collaborate with different colleagues in person. Organisations can use a similar system to support regional or national team days that boost collaboration and company culture. Employees across a company can meet in one centralised location with secure storage for their belongings without facilities or office managers having to coordinate new card access for them.

Wellbeing benefits beyond the office Employee wellbeing goes beyond the four glass walls of the shared office, which is why we are seeing many organisations offering gym

facilities for their staff. An active lifestyle has many health and work benefits that can’t be overestimated.

According to the NHS, a short interval of exercise will fight off tiredness at work late into the afternoon. While regular exercisers are 129% more likely to report feeling more productive at work. On top of this, exercise improves employees’ attitudes towards work itself. Seventy-three per cent of employees who exercise in the morning say they are more satisfied at work. Having exercise facilities at work, therefore, improves employee performance and makes the office a more desirable location to work, which is why Sópers House wanted to renovate its offices to give employees and visitors gym access.

As a co-working space, Sópers House needed a solution that, like the County Council, allowed keyless temporary access to all shared lockers. It was crucial to the success of the project that coin-,

key- or padlock-operated locks commonly found in gyms were not used. The solution was the KL1000 G3 from Codelocks, a stylish digital keypad-based lock with key override functionality.

For office workers, keyless access is a massive bonus. Many high-street gyms require people to bring their own padlocks. When you forget it, they make you buy one at an inflated price. As well as being an unnecessary expense, this is also frustrating. For a workplace gym, this would not help with morale. The KL1000 G3 keyless entry eliminates the need for padlocks and coins, the money they might cost, and the frustration that can come from them.

Due to the keyless access, the facilities managers have saved a significant amount of time not having to manage the locks too. The locks largely take care of themselves, and the additional capacity has given them time to

focus on other high-priority tasks. The same goes for gym staff, who, rather than dealing with locks, can focus on supporting gym users. And, if something does go wrong, such as an employee leaving their belongings behind or forgetting their temporary access code, the key override function means the problem can be swiftly resolved.

From hassle-free access to effortless key override, both Sópers House and the County Council remind us that when it comes to employee wellbeing, the less friction, and more flexibility, the better. As things are made easier to use, and employees are given choice in how they use them, employee morale and productivity is likely to increase. Locks like Codelocks’ KL1000 G3 and the KL1100 RFID are supporting wellbeing initiatives in many organisations – visit codelocks.co.uk to learn what they can do for yours.

Providing leadership in standardisation

Advancements in technology and industry practices as well as changes in regulatory agendas and directives make it necessary to continuously initiate new standards and update existing standards to ensure they remain relevant and effective

In this context, leadership in standardisation is a crucial factor for achieving the desired benefits and outcomes both for industry and society. That requires the ability and willingness of an actor to initiate, influence and shape the development and implementation of standards that are relevant,

effective, and legitimate. Euralarm provides that leadership in standardisation.

Standardisation, the process of developing and promoting, and possibly mandating standards, processes and regulations has a long history and might be called as old as our human race itself.

During Greek antiquity, standardized units of measurement were found to be convenient for trade within the Mediterranean region and these units became increasingly common to different city states. The establishment of such shared concepts and meanings is a precondition for cultural interaction.

It wasn’t until the late 18th century that standardisation was for the first time thoroughly systematised. Attempts at large-scale setting of norms and standards gained momentum and introduced an entirely new rationale to the process of standardisation. Jumping further forward in time, Europe nowadays has three European standards bodies: CEN (Comité Européen de Normalisation, 1961), CENELEC (Comité Européen de Normalisation Électrotechnique, 1973), and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute, 1988). The technology standards that they provide, focus on ensuring quality, reliability, consistency, compatibility, interoperability and safety.

Importance of standardisation

The work and results of these European standardisation organisations (ESO’s) are intricately linked to the work and goals of the European Commission. Standardisation has played a leading role in allowing goods, services, money and people to move freely between EU countries, making life easier and better for Europeans and business. This is the EU Single Market and is one of the pillars of the European Union. Standards support market-based competition and help ensure the interoperability of complementary products and services. They reduce costs, improve safety, and enhance competition. Due

to their role in protecting the health, safety, and security, standards are important to the public. The EU has an active standardisation policy that promotes standards to better regulate and enhance the competitiveness of European industry as well as to advocate EU values.

Indeed, the success of the market-driven and consensus-based European standardisation system has had significant economic benefits in the development of specific industries. Above all, standards allow businesses of all kinds and sizes to enter the international market.

Not a static or uniform phenomenon

Whereas uniformity is the goal of standardisation, the process of standardisation itself isn’t uniform nor standardised at all. It is influenced by numerous factors, such as technological change, market dynamics, consumer preferences, regulatory frameworks and societal values. Therefore, standardisation requires constant adaptation and coordination among different actors, such as industry, government, academia, civil society and international organisations.

There are several megatrends that are currently affecting the fire safety and security industries as well as the standardisation for these industries. The threat of trade wars constantly lurks and protectionism

reigns supreme. Inflation has been high in recent years and the supply chains have been regularly disrupted. Moreover most sectors are experiencing labour shortages. Additionally, there is a growing focus on sustainability and an everincreasing emphasis on digitisation.

Green and digital Europe

All these developments have led to a tsunami of new (European) regulations. Two important ‘drivers’ behind this are the Green Deal and the Digital Decade, reflecting the green and digital transition of Europe. Under the umbrella of these programs a wide variety of regulations is introduced having an impact on all aspects of our industries, ranging from products and project design to installation, operations and response and maintenance. Examples of regulation under the Digital Decade with a high impact are the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, Data Act, the Delegated Act of the Radio Equipment Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act. An overview of the impact of the several regulatory acts is shown in the table below.

Examples of regulation under the Green Deal with a high impact are the regulation on Eco-design and the requirements for sustainable products (ESPR), the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) and the Battery Directive. An overview of the impact of the several ‘green’

regulatory acts is given in the table below.

Leadership in standardisation

Many of the regulations such as Cybersecurity, AI, Data Transparency, are so-called horizontal in nature, meaning that they cover a broad number of sectors. While these are not directly focussed on our industry, they are affecting it, and this is creating numerous challenges for our industry. The lack of knowledge on these subjects and the shortage of expertise to deal with these is apparent. Euralarm is supporting companies and national associations that want to meet those challenges thereby establishing leadership. That role is filled in a variety of ways. First, Euralarm initiates new standards through the bodies in which it is represented. For example, two service standards that were first issued by Euralarm as guidelines were later elevated to European standards. Today, EN 15763 specifies minimum requirements for service providers as well as the competencies, knowledge and skills of their involved staff charged while the EN 50710 defines the requirements for the provision of secure remote services for fire safety systems and security systems.

Secondly, Euralarm is leading the actualisation of existing standards to ensure they evolve with technological, social or economic developments. A good example is

the overhaul of the requirements for intruder and hold-up alarms as defined in EN 50131-1. The outlines of this overhaul were drafted by Euralarm as a memo in 2020.

Following that first draft Euralarm provided the relevant Technical Committee (CLC/TC 79/WG 1) with conceptual drawings for a futureproof and function-oriented standard. Euralarm was then actively involved in compiling the new text for the adapted standard.

Finally, Euralarm closely monitors the development of horizontal standards and acts where necessary to adjust the development. An example of this was given by Euralarm’s involvement in supporting Technical Committees that faced the impact of cybersecurity regulations. For example, Euralarm provided Guidance and explanatory documents to the CLC/TC 79 community to ensure that the different players in Security and Fire Safety understand their roles and responsibilities with regards to Cybersecurity. It also ensured that RED DA standards (prEN 18031 series) are in line with the requirements of alarm systems. The same goes for monitoring the activities in artificial intelligence (CNC/CLC/JTC21), intervening where necessary to ensure that developments in artificial intelligence don’t conflict with the requirements of security and fire safety systems and services.

Both standardisation and regulatory level

Euralarm’s involvement is not only limited to standardisation level but also relates to regulation. With the Data Act, for instance, Euralarm played a significant role in limiting the mandatory sharing of data for security systems and avoiding conflicts with National Regulations on security. The same goes for the Digital Product Passport (DPP) where Euralarm is ensuring the compatibility between DPP requirements under other regulations, such as the Eco-design Directive for Sustainable Products (ESPR), CPR and Battery Regulation.

Prepare

yourself

The tsunami of new regulations will affect the security industry in all European countries. Therefore, it is of vital importance to stay informed, either via national associations such as APSEI or Euralarm via webinars, guidance papers, articles and training courses. For the individual companies it is of utmost importance that they ensure that their personnel are qualified to cope with these new types of regulations. For those looking for support, Euralarm will gladly provide leadership on the topic of standardisation.

For further information please visit www.euralarm.org.

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Introducing the Chief AI Officer

Why the next big job in security is the Chief AI Officer

By John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product

There is much excitement around the potential of AI to transform entire industries, from streamlining operations to creating new

revenue streams. Indeed, as research from global vision solution provider Hanwha Vision reveals, AI is a top investment priority for leaders to drive innovation, increase profitability and improve security.

Yet these benefits can only be realised if there is sufficient trust in the AI being used and the insights it delivers - among people, who give

consent for their data to be collected and analysed, and employees who will act on AI’s results and recommendations. What’s more, some employees may also worry that AI could take their jobs, and so consequently disengage with AI implementation.

Unlocking AI’s operational efficiencies and revenue potential can create momentum across your workforce, which will prove critical for AI’s long-term success across all industries. That is why many organisations are increasingly looking to appoint a senior figure to champion the responsible use of AI and, ultimately, see the companywide view of how AI can augment the workforce.

Introducing the Chief AI Officer

Research shows that more than one in five (21%) organisations are planning to hire a Chief AI Officer for their leadership team. The Officer’s remit is anticipated to expand far beyond IT to encompass all uses of AI

in the company.

Security leaders are increasingly partnering with their IT and operations counterparts as video security systems become increasingly complex, move to the cloud, and deliver added value through AI and analytics. Therefore, the Chief AI Officer is expected to take an active, interested role in the adoption and use of AI-enabled video across the organisation.

Interest in AI-enabled video

AI-enabled video will be particularly attractive to the Chief AI Officer because of the business valuebeyond security - that it promises. Retail, manufacturing, and smart city leaders recently surveyed by Hanwha Vision expressed eagerness to use AI-enabled video to support wider operations such as health and safety, maintenance and staffing schedules, optimisation of store layouts, city planning and optimised traffic flow.

In fact, AI-enabled video is now

deemed a major asset in overcoming common business hurdles such as finding new efficiencies, cost control and managing complicated supply chains, with nearly one-third (31%) of leaders backing it, according to Hanwha Vision’s research. For comparison, this is almost double the number (17%) of leaders turning to automation and robotics to address their business needs.

A unique skill set

A Chief AI Officer will possess unique skills, including the ability to align AI with business goals, create use cases, engage stakeholders with AI plans, ensure AI use complies with local and global legislation, and the technical knowledge needed to invest in and deploy AI solutions.

As the most senior person responsible for governing the use of AI, they will drive the training required to help people work alongside and oversee AI. Crucially, they will also be responsible for communicating with stakeholders

about AI’s use of data and the protections put in place to keep it secure.

Balancing use and identifying reliable partners

Of course, the Chief AI Officer will be highly AI and data literate and will stay abreast of new AI developments

to assess how their strategy impacts the use of AI in their organisation. They must also balance the benefits and risks of AI and be able to communicate this to stakeholders. They will know which manufacturers to work with based on their attitude to responsible use, ethical manufacture, and

commitment to cybersecurity. A strong business acumen will also allow Chief AI Officers to evaluate and demonstrate AI’s return on investment (ROI). Research shows that for every $1.00 (US) invested in AI across companies, an average of $3.50 is returned. This impressive ROI is the result of greater insights, productivity gains, and automated workflows.

Security’s ally

As AI becomes ever more prevalent, a Chief AI Officer will no doubt join your company in the coming years. Having this individual in your corner will prove invaluable, as they will bring deep AI and business expertise to your use of AI, including video. In turn, they will help you extract greater value from the data collected by your security system.

Furthermore, as the regulatory environment shifts, the Chief AI Officer will be able to guide their organisations as they navigate the introduction of new laws around the use of AI, such as the EU’s Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), which passed into law in March 2024 and comes into effect later in the year. By spotting patterns, identifying trends and alerting managers to the situations that deserve their attention, AI and the Officer responsible for its use will transform how you do business.

John Lutz Boorman

Ulisse

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Be alarmed

A third of homeowners now more concerned about home security than pre-pandemic

• 32% of homeowners more concerned about home security than pre-pandemic

• Burglary when not at home topped concerns at 59%, followed by when at home, 43%

• 46% of homeowners admitted they did not have an alarm installed

• Carbon monoxide monitoring (45%) and sync with smart tech (43%) had added appeal to homeowners

• Modular build and ops to upgrade

over time resonated with half of alarm specialists questioned

With an increase in hybrid and remote working, and many people having spent more time at home over the past few years, a recent survey by Resideo2 has highlighted that 32% of homeowners feel more concerned about home security than they did pre-pandemic.

The survey of 1,000 homeowners investigated the level of concern felt

by homeowners, as well as looking into the technology and features that now held the most appeal when it came to choosing an alarm system.

Greater anxiety regarding home safety was consistent across most consumer age groups. However, it was the younger age group of 18 – 24 years that now felt the most worry as 47% said they were now more anxious about their home safety and security than before the pandemic. Interestingly, it was

men who admitted they now felt more apprehensive than they did in 2019, with just under two fifths of men (39%) vs over a quarter of women (27%) stating a heightened awareness.

Location wise, the Southwest (45%), London (41%), West Midlands (38%), East of England (38%) all felt increased concern for their home security.

Interestingly for security experts, more people questioned admitted to not having a security alarm installed - 46% said no vs 44% with a yes. Particularly noteworthy when compared to the amount of people who said they worried about being broken into when not at home (59%).

Changing priorities

The survey by Resideo also delved into UK homeowner priorities and found home safety meant more than protecting against theft; providing additional selling opportunities that alarm installers can discuss with customers.

When asked what they feared

most, burglary when not at home still resonated as the top concern amongst those questioned at 59%. However, this was closely followed by break-ins when they were at home, where 43% were worried about finding unwanted visitors in the property when they were there.

The term ‘safety’ went further too. The risks posed by fire and carbon

monoxide leaks were not far behind theft, with 41% listing this as a worry. Here, recommendations for products with wider capabilities had real appeal and the ability to incorporate carbon monoxide monitoring as part of the alarm system featured highly in the answers across all age groups (45%).

Being able to control and check in

on the alarm system also resonated. Integration with other smart home appliances influenced 43% of those surveyed, especially in the younger age groups. Just under a third felt that best-in-class accreditation had an impact when deciding on an alarm system to purchase.

Professionals Choice

To complete its review, Resideo also spoke with 100 alarm specialists3 regarding what was important to those charged with installing alarm systems.

Here, the ability to scale up over time using a modular offering featured highest – coming joint top with half of installers questioned. Remote monitoring (42%) and remote maintenance (42%) also played a part in the decision-making process to maximise efficiencies once the job was complete too.

The installers questioned

confirmed that the addition of extra features was resonating with their customers base too, with somewhat important (42%) and very important (32%) topping the responses to this question. This increased to half of installers from the East of England who cited these extra features as ‘very important’ for their customers, and 43% as somewhat important.

Martin Wilson, North EMEA Regional Director at Resideo commented: “With more time now spent at home our perception of what makes us feel safe has widened. Being able to deter burglars entering your home when not there remains a priority for many, but it is interesting to find that people were also concerned about being targeted when in the property. Taking that even further, what constitutes feeling safe now draws in fire and carbon monoxide too, to create a more all-round feeling of security.

“As a professionally installed and monitored security and life safety platform for residential and small business applications, our new ProSeries platform offers the ideal solution to meet the needs raised in the survey. It is modular by design and incorporates seamless hardware and software at its core.

“Our award-winning and trusted ProSeries solution has been protecting homes and businesses across America and Canada since 2020. The introduction of a version specifically tailored for the European market is good news for security installers, homeowners and small businesses, who want to protect what matters most.”

For further information on the latest range of modular alarm systems, please visit Resideo.

Adria Security Summit 2024

The book you can’t put down

Nine years ago, in Sarajevo, the story began for what is now the largest gathering of security professionals in Southeastern Europe. That’s how long it took for the Adria Security Summit to return to the place where this narrative began. Today, this story is read worldwide in more than 40 countries. It’s compelling, dynamic, and holds readers’ attention.

By Damir Muharemović

The author of these lines was there at that meeting when the idea of launching an exhibition and conference for the industry we’d been reporting on for a decade was first

introduced. Nearly every member of the editorial team laid out reasons against it. Such a project wouldn’t succeed: we didn’t have enough capacity, resources, a strong enough market, or sufficient interest from global manufacturers. Trade shows across the region were already losing ground, and many would soon disappear. Even major European exhibitions, like those in Essen and London, were losing momentum. Too many reasons against it, and too few in favor of it.

Test of Quality and Perseverance

That year was, for a small group of people, a test of confidence and

the quality of their work. It put relationships with companies and individuals to the test: how solid was this collaboration, and could we offer something new that would help businesses grow? This led to the idea of combining an exhibition, offering equal opportunities for all, with a strong conference program featuring the most skilled experts in the region. Regional chambers and security associations backed the project, and so did manufacturers, distributors, installers, integrators, and users. Thus, Adria Security Summit celebrated its first anniversary.

Twenty-four exhibitors filled the space, while 393 visitors toured the

booths. Even today, compared to most regional conferences, it was a great success. The idea was for the Summit to become a truly regional story, with each chapter told annually from a different city and country— Belgrade, Šibenik, Ljubljana, Skopje, Zagreb... Each year saw a larger audience, more diversity, and greater challenges. Recognized by Messe Frankfurt, the organizers of Intersec, the Summit earned the “Powered by Intersec” distinction, growing its organizational efforts, using software platforms, expanding networking options, increasing team size, and widening its range of services.

A Record Number of Exhibitors

Today, after nearly a decade of work, Adria Security Summit returned to Sarajevo, its birthplace, gathering close to 3,200 guests and 170 exhibitors and sponsors. It has become the largest security industry gathering in Southeastern Europe, with growth of about 714% in visitor numbers and 608% in exhibitors since its first edition. Most importantly, it was filled with satisfied faces of industry professionals, buzzing with conversations, new distributorship and dealership agreements, and plans for future projects.

Almost an Equal Number of International and Regional Visitors

The growth in attendance compared to last year’s edition in Ljubljana is noteworthy. Visitor numbers increased from 2,800 to 3,200, representing a 14.29% rise, while exhibitors and sponsors grew from 150 to 170, a 13.33% increase. Visitors from the host country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, made up 34.54% of the total, followed by guests from Croatia (5.89%), Serbia (5.31%), Montenegro (4.93%), and Slovenia (4.39%). Notably, the Summit attracted a record 43.70% of visitors from outside the Adriatic region, a considerable increase from last year’s 17%. To illustrate, the number of non-Adriatic visitors rose from 476 in Ljubljana to 1,398 this year, marking a 193.7% jump. This year, the doors of the Hotel Hills Convention Center in Sarajevo welcomed attendees with travel documents from over 40 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, China, Taiwan, Germany,

Spain, Austria, France, Netherlands, Turkey, Norway, Canada, Poland, Russia, Greece, United Arab Emirates, and more.

Across all nine editions of the event, this proportion naturally varies, with Bosnia and Herzegovina (18.72%), Croatia (17.20%), Serbia (17.06%), and a combined 22.01% from Slovenia and Montenegro making up three-quarters (exactly 74.99%) of visitors. Guests from outside the Adriatic region account for 22.14%, with the remainder from North Macedonia and Kosovo. It’s important to note the recent surge in international visitors and the fact that the Summit was only held once in Skopje, affecting overall attendance from that country.

Thus, Adria Security Summit has truly become an international event while retaining the advantage of rotating host countries, as local visitors still account for around one-third of attendees each year. This approach significantly shifts the composition of security professionals each time, creating great benefits for those seeking new partners by connecting with new people annually. The Summit has affirmed its position as the leading regional event for knowledge sharing, innovation, and business opportunities in security and related sectors.

Also, it is important to highlight that nearly a quarter of attendees (22.04%) are decision-makers (owners and directors), with an additional 18.19% having significant influence in decision-making, totaling 40%.

In the Company of the Best

A record 170 exhibitors and sponsors filled the exhibition hall at this year’s Adria Security Summit, the largest in the event’s nine-year history. This included numerous security companies from the prestigious Security 50 list of top global players, as well as leading regional firms. Most exhibit their products and solutions annually, underscoring the Summit’s effectiveness as a fertile environment for business growth. The diamond sponsors, Alarm automatika and Konica Minolta, and platinum sponsors, including ACS, Bosch, Canon, Check Point, El.Mo., Huawei, and Suprema, held special places among exhibitors, along with

gold sponsors like Advancis, AFP, ASSA ABLOY, Atlas IT, BH Telecom, EGAL, Hikvision, ISS, KM Trade, Middle Point, Motorola Solutions, SALTO, SEC ONE, Tecnoalarm, Telemach, and Tenzor.

Buyer Delegations

Pushing the organizational envelope is now an established practice at the Adria Security Summit. This year, end-users had the opportunity to participate for the first time in a dedicated buyer delegation program. Over 150 end-users from various industries visited manufacturers’ booths and negotiated partnerships with the assistance of Summit staff. This initiative was well-received by exhibitors, whose goal was to reach the right people to showcase their offerings. For this purpose, a VIP lounge was set up, allowing delegation members and other prominent guests to engage in more private discussions. Additionally, the exhibition area included a dedicated pavilion for police equipment, with exhibitors specializing in cybersecurity and fire protection grouped together for the first time.

Inaugural a&s Adria Awards

This year’s conference program included the inaugural awards ceremony by a&s Adria magazine. Nominations were accepted in ten categories. Avigilon won for best solution in both video surveillance and access control with its Alta cloud solution. Alarm automatika took the award in intrusion prevention with a hybrid intrusion protection system integrated with fog, while Honeywell’s Li-Ion Tamer system for lithium-ion gas detection led in fire detection. SmartVES was awarded the best public address and evacuation system, again in Alarm automatika’s nomination, while “Renata” by Herzegovinian company IT Odjel was recognized as the best software. ARMADA’s AI engine module received top votes in cybersecurity, and the most innovative product was awarded to Senstar’s Multisensor. Tenzor’s “Aura” project won for best case study, and Damir Car, security manager at Rimac, was honored as the most outstanding security manager. The awards were based on scores from an international expert

jury and audience votes in an 80:20 ratio.

Conference Program: Leveraging Knowledge to Tackle Security Challenges

The conference segment of the Adria Security Summit 2024 in Sarajevo was marked by a robust program addressing key security challenges and technological innovations. At the opening ceremony, Mahir Hodžić, the Summit’s General Manager, reminisced about the humble beginnings in 2015 when the event gathered only 393 visitors and 24 exhibitors. “We promoted the entire region equally from Seoul, Tokyo, and Hong Kong to London and other European cities. In the same way, we are bringing the security industry to the region,” emphasized Hodžić. Today, with the Summit counting nearly 3,200 visitors at 170 booths, even skeptics recognize it as a central regional and even international event for promoting the security industry, with its conference program playing a significant role, featuring top experts and thought leaders from the security and related industries.

The first day of the conference featured a presentation by Jacek Weglarz from Konica Minolta, who highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in analyzing the vast amounts of data generated

by security systems. AI was presented as a key technology for addressing complex challenges, such as facial recognition in public spaces.

Zero Trust Approach

During the Summit, a panel dedicated to the security of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was held, with experts discussing the specific security challenges these organizations face. Fernala Sejmen Banjac from DISTI moderated a discussion highlighting the importance of basic security measures, such as network segmentation and multi-factor authentication. “Whether it’s small and medium-sized enterprises or large corporations, they are now adopting a general approach in which no one is trusted anymore,” stated Lejla Tulić Ivojević from Artco Group, emphasizing that SMEs must take a strategic approach, using preventive measures to minimize risk.

The topic of protecting critical infrastructure attracted special attention, given the new EU regulations CER and NIS2. Ines Cero from Alarm automatika stressed that regional cooperation is crucial for compliance with these requirements, especially in countries like Bosnia and Herzegovina, which have not yet adopted all necessary laws in this area. She provided examples of solutions that Alarm automatika

offers, including advanced perimeter protection systems and the integration of LPR cameras for traffic monitoring, which are critical for the security of critical facilities.

Smart Solutions for Lower Crime Rates

The panel on smart cities titled “Smart City Is a Safe City” shed new light on the challenges and opportunities in the digitization of urban environments. Georgi Krastev from Milestone Systems presented examples from Poland, where the application of their software platform resulted in a reduction in crime rates, while Tiberiu-Cristian Nicolae from Bosch emphasized the importance of ecological and security solutions that enhance the quality of life in cities. “Smart cities require the integration of various subsystems to enable authorities to manage more effectively,” said Krastev.

In conclusion, we can say that despite the diversity of topics, the conference segment of the Summit was connected by a common thread: the desire to create a unique base of concrete knowledge on tackling security challenges and extracting best practices and values from this inevitable and ongoing struggle through discussions about innovation, regulation, and cooperation.

P R E P A R E D

F O R I P V O I C E ?

Mitigating risk, protecting your customers A call to installers

DIRECTORY

The ASSA ABLOY Group is the global leader in access solutions. Our offering covers products and services related to openings, such as locks, doors, gates and entrance automation solutions. This also includes expertise in controlling identities with keys, cards, tags, mobile and biometric identity verification systems.

www.assaabloy.com

azena accelerates the next generation of smart security and safety solutions through joint innovation with customers and partners. Our goal is to be the leading open platform and marketplace for smart security and safety solutions. The platform we offer is based on a camera operating system that powers cameras from various manufacturers on the market.

www.azena.com

Club Car boasts nearly 60 years of industry-leading innovation and design, initially focused on golf cars and then expanding to commercial utility vehicles and personal-use transportation.

www.clubcar.com

Innovating for a smarter, safer world by combining intelligent technology and human imagination, at Axis Communications we offer solutions based on sight, sound and analytics to improve security and optimize business performance.

www.axis.com

Buildings today don’t only provide a safe, functional place for people to live and work. They can also cater for – and even respond to – their needs, while helping them work more efficiently and sustainably. At Bosch Building Technologies, we are at the forefront of these new developments.

www.boschbuildingtechnologies.com

With a full HD camera and an optically stabilized, 40x zoom lens from FUJINON, two high-performance components are integrated into one system. This innovation is the result of years of experience in digital cameras and a dedication to the highest optical quality.

www.fujifilm.eu/fujinon

Hanwha Techwin Europe, formerly Samsung Techwin Europe, offers robust and reliable video surveillance products designed to meet the current and future needs of security professionals. Our cameras, video recorders and other devices are built to exacting standards which reflect the heritage of precision engineering associated with the Samsung brand.

www.hanwha-security.eu

HID powers the trusted identities of the world’s people, places and things. We make it possible for people to transact safely, work productively, and travel freely. We are passionate about helping people use a verified, trusted identity to make it more convenient and safer for them to get to where they need to go and achieve what they want to do in everyday life.

www.hidglobal.com

Maxxess Systems delivers innovative SaaS and security management software solutions that combine otherwise disparate physical security, communications, business intelligence and data integration capabilities onto one unified management platform.

https://maxxess-systems.com

Panasonic i-PRO Sensing Solutions

Corporation of America a global leader in professional security solutions for surveillance and public safety, is launching their new name, i-PRO Americas Inc., and taking a unique approach to best navigate the evolving business environment and technology demands of the professional security industry.

https://i-pro.com/eu/en

As a trusted advisor and reliable partner, as a system integrator, service provider and a product vendor, Siemens offers energy-efficient, safe and secure buildings and infrastructure. With our people, our global footprint and our technical expertise, it's our passion helping you to create the perfect place – your perfect place.

www.siemens.com

Transforming teaching and learning with creative solutions to engage and inspire every student. Learning’s becoming more interactive. More immersive. More collaborative. At Sony we’re working with universities, colleges and schools to create richer, more rewarding educational experiences for today’s students and teaching staff.

https://pro.sony.com

At Mayflex we lead the way in the distribution of Converged IP Solutions. Bringing together ‘best-in-class’ Infrastructure, Networking and Electronic solutions. We’re a growing international force, enriched by the skills, expertise and unique personalities of our people. Globally owned but with a family and local feel.

www.mayflex.com

With over 30 years of experience, we design and manufacture marketleading security solutions for a range of buildings. Around 25,000 buildings each year are secured globally with Paxton products. Our global Head Office is based in Brighton, we have colleagues in 12 countries and we export to over 60 countries worldwide.

www.paxton-access.com

From its inception in 2001, SALTO was created with one objective: to devise a world-class access control system that was simple to use and extremely efficient, giving users the ability to control all their access needs and secure all their doors without complex and expensive wiring.

www.saltosystems.com

Videx Security is a leading manufacturer and supplier of access control systems across the UK. We are experts in the door entry market. Videx and our team of estimators, technical support and designers are focused on making and providing high quality products and support to customers.

www.videxuk.com