23 minute read
Product & Industry News
Extend control, reduce costs and improve security with Brivo Access and Aperio® wireless locks
Replacing legacy mechanical locks with wireless electronic devices adds security and increases control without the expense or inconvenience of cabling doors. Now, new and existing Brivo Access customers can grow the scope and day-to-day benefits of their system by integrating Aperio® wireless locks from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.
Brivo Access customers can now operate more doors in their access control system by integrating battery-powered Aperio devices online to extend its reach. The seamless, real-time integration of Aperio helps customers become more cost-efficient and secure.
“Now Brivo customers can extend their system by securing more doors, lockers, servers, fire doors and more wirelessly. Replacing mechanical locks with Aperio devices, or equipping currently unsecured doors, gives them real-time control over many more openings,” says Piet van den Bossche, Business Development Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.
Business benefits from access control integration
Integration can benefit organisations in many ways, including cost control, employee convenience, energy efficiency and enhanced security. As a new whitepaper on integration explains: “One key benefit of integrating is a more streamlined operations workflow. Professionals are only required to manage and understand a single application, and software updates can be delivered directly to one platform, rather than several.” *
Almost any interior door, including wooden doors, glass doors and fire doors, can be equipped with an Aperio device and integrated with a Brivo Access system. Devices from the Aperio range available for integration include the award-winning wireless handle (H100), escutcheon (E100), cylinder (C100), security lock (L100) and an updated server rack lock (KS100).
These multiple hardware options allow Brivo users to select the most appropriate lock for the specific needs of each door.
“Brivo is proud to partner with ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions and continue to deliver valuable integrated solutions to modernize security while delivering exceptional employee and tenant experiences,” says Ingo Meijer, Regional Director of Europe at Brivo.
For convenience and continuity, site users can unlock Aperio devices using their existing standard credentials, including iCLASS, MIFARE and LEGIC options. They can also open existing and Aperio-secured doors via their Brivo Mobile Pass.
Fast installation and secure integration
Because Aperio locking devices are wireless and battery powered, they can be installed quickly, without breaking walls or disrupting everyday work at the premises. In one recent ASSA ABLOY benchmarking study, labour costs for installation were estimated to be 80% lower for wireless locks versus comparable wired locks**. For a large project, this can easily add up to large cost savings.
Aperio integration with Brivo is online, which gives facility managers control over many more doors in real time. Brivo ACS300, ACS6000, or ACS 6100 control panels connect via IP with the Aperio AH40 communications hub. Each hub connects over the air with up to 64 Aperio wireless devices, enabling live communication between the system and every Aperioprotected door or opening.
To learn more about the integration of Aperio® wireless locks with Brivo Access, sign up for a free expert-led webcast here
New pop up accommodation for rough sleepers secured with SALTO
Rough sleeping is the most visible form of homelessness and the number of people sleeping rough across the UK, particularly in its larger cities, has increased in recent years.
While it is far from being the only form of homelessness, a new initiative from The Salvation Army -who have partnered with a specialist Lancashire based company ‘Protectal’ - is seeing the pioneering use of so called ‘NAPpads’ being used to offer pop up accommodation to rough sleepers.
Background
The causes of homelessness and rough sleeping are many and varied but the increasing cost of rents, the affordability of housing alongside a shortage of affordable homes plus a range of social and health factors have led to a year on year increase.
The Salvation Army already offer accommodation to people who are homeless through their lifehouses (supported accommodation) and churches. Here people can find basic accommodation, meals and keep warm and safe for the night - but they wanted to do more.
Each NAPpad is self-contained with toilet and wash facilities, a metal security door secured by SALTO, window, power point, heater and LED light. They are also fitted with non-invasive ‘vital life signs’ sensors that can detect if the occupant stops breathing, enabling emergency services to be alerted and giving an ambulance crew the chance to save a life.
What did they need?
Colin Dilloway, Director of Access Control & CCTV at SALTO Partner TMB Systems, says, “We already do a lot of work with The Salvation Army so we were very pleased to be invited to be part of this initiative. The customer needed a portable solution that was selfcontained so we established that a cloud-based system was the best solution. SALTO had just such a product in the form of their SALTO KS Keys as a Service cloud access control platform.”
Solution
“The NAPpad is fitted with a weatherproof KS connected SALTO wall reader with integral pin keypad, working alongside an Eagle Eye Networks integration with a CCTV camera. A pin number given to the rough sleeper by a Salvation Army support worker is entered into the keypad which then releases a maglock on the door via an online connection giving them access to the pad” Dilloway concludes.
SALTO KS delivers reliability and recognised stability to cloud access control. It provides a flexible management system that requires no software installation nor cost of a fully wired electronic product - an online device with an Internet connection is all that is needed.
Steven Brackfield, Procurement Manager for The Salvation Army, comments, “This first trial of the NAPpad concept means we can keep people safe as well as warm and dry by providing dignified sanctuary away from the insecurity and uncertainty of a night on the streets. Tackling homelessness will take a lot of work, but with this first step assisted by the use of technology from SALTO and TMB Systems, we can not only offer a warm bed, a locked door and safety but also a chance to meet our support team to explore more permanent housing and support options for the individual.”
For further information about the NAPpad please visit here
Maxxess adds facial recognition authentication to eVisitor with SAFR integration
New integration supports hybrid working with enhanced convenience and security for access control
Maxxess has added advanced facial recognition authentication to its eVisitor visitor management solution for access control, with off-the-shelf integration to RealNetworks’ industry-leading SAFR® technology.
Maxxess eVisitor has established itself as one of the most flexible, secure visitor management solutions available, with frictionless and touchless access, removing many of the old inconveniences visitors, staff and contractors encountered to access premises, workspaces, guest Wi-Fi and corporate networks, as well as facilitate hassle-free time and attendance.
Now, with SAFR’s powerful facial recognition technology, organisations can ensure smoother and frictionless access with the assurance of increased security across their estates. Using the same biometric authentication is also strengthening network security for home and hybrid workers.
Maxxess eVisitor is used widely in commercial, hospitality, healthcare, universities, and mixed-use developments, with a range of edge devices such as facial readers, video intercoms and kiosks, allowing visitors to enter secure areas more easily without the need for old-style access cards or fobs.
SAFR facial recognition takes this convenience to a new level, providing powerful, biometric verification. Built for privacy with AES-256 encryption and offline deployment options, organisations can choose for biometric data to be completely anonymized or allows visitors, staff, and contractors to set specific limits on how long data is stored when they opt-in. This gives users privacy assurance and the flexibility to enrol as and when they need to access company workspace.
SAFR can also be used to ensure that only authorised employees can access specific IT applications or view and work with sensitive data, including those working remotely or at home. If the authorised user moves away from their screen – or if another trigger event occurs, such as somebody shoulder surfing, or if a door to a corporate or home office is left open in the background – access can be set to immediately time out.
When SAFR is integrated into the broader Maxxess eFusion security management platform, it also enables security operators to benefit from automated watch lists by leveraging existing video surveillance solutions. By opting in staff and visitors, managers can customize real-time alerts and notifications for VIP guests to improve customer experiences. It also allows security control room staff or security officers on patrol using smartphones or bodycams to identify and respond to unauthorised people on-site or present in restricted areas, preventing security incidents and losses. SAFR supports organisations to better provide duty of care through safer and more secure workspaces that ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff.
“With the addition of SAFR facial recognition, eVisitor makes it even faster and easier for visitors, staff, contractors, and temporary workers to get into the areas where they are authorised to be,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director, Maxxess EMEA. “It also gives them secure access to the facilities and workspaces they need, from secure areas, storage, and meeting rooms through to visitors accessing Wi-Fi, and staff and contractors being able to connect to corporate networks as needed. It also allows IT managers to enable bring your own device (BYOD) policies, while simultaneously supporting staff to benefit from flexible, hybrid working more securely.”
Ajax Systems opens plant in Turkey
Ajax Systems, the Ukrainian developer and manufacturer of professional security systems, opens its first plant abroad — in Istanbul, Turkey.The new 8300 m² plant will produce the entire lineup of Ajax devices, duplicating the current production in Ukraine. Ajax Systems has already started to form a local manufacturing team. At the first stage, it is planned to hire at least 400 people. The plant expects to produce at least 150,000 devices per month.The company was planning to launch new production facilities abroad long before the war; it is the logical continuation of production scaling.
“The opening of a new plant in Istanbul is a strategic step planned by the company and aimed at diversifying production facilities. We chose Turkey based on a combination of factors: the availability of manufacturing professionals, infrastructure, the free economic zone conditions, the level of taxes, the quality of contractors, and proximity to our major markets. The new production will strengthen the Ajax product development and accelerate access to new markets. We strongly believe that the diversity of talents and cultures creates the best products and solutions. And we have always counted on local teams. Therefore, we are pleased to announce that today we are opening our first manufacturing vacancy in Turkey”
General Manager, Manufacturing Plant Operations. Aleksandr Konotopskyi, CEO of Ajax Systems
Ajax Systems has completely resumed the existing manufacturing and product development in Ukraine. The company is actively hiring specialists for the plant and expanding its R&D team. This production facility remains in Ukraine. In addition, the company has its own logistics hub in Poland and develops its local teams in the strategic markets of Spain, Italy, the UK, Germany, France, UAE, South Africa, and other countries.
For further information visit https://ajax.systems
Hanwha Techwin upgrades and expands its Wisenet Q series cameras
Hanwha Techwin is adding 12 new 4-megapixel cameras to its Wisenet Q series. Together with existing 2 and 5-megapixel Wisenet Q models, the new NDAA compliant cameras are designed to offer an affordable solution for virtually any high camera count video surveillance application.
The H.265 cameras, which have built-in IR illumination, are equipped with an Open Platform chipset and have a suite of Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA), which includes tampering, directional detection, defocus detection, virtual line, enter/exit and motion detection.
Other key features include Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which performs at up to 120dB to produce clear images from scenes containing a challenging mix of bright and dark areas and WiseStream II, a complementary compression technology which when combined with H.265 compression, improves bandwidth efficiency by up to 80% compared to current H.264 technology.
The cameras support Power over Ethernet (PoE), which saves time and reduces installation costs, as it negates the need to run separate cabling and to install a power supply at each camera location. They also have an SD/SDHC/SDXC memory slot which allows up to 128GB of video or data to be stored at the edge, should there be disruption to the network. Video evidence, which might have been potentially lost, can therefore be retrieved when the network connection has been restored.
Uri Guterman, Head of Product & Marketing for Hanwha Techwin Europe, said: “The introduction of these new models, which supersede our existing 4PM cameras, means that depending on their requirements, customers can now specify any 2, 4 or 5-megapixel Wisenet Q series camera and benefit from advanced technology and innovative features that you would not normally expect to find built into keenly priced cameras”.
For further information please visit https://bit.ly/38QCiTP
Qognify helps to ensure passengers safety and security at Václav Havel Airport Prague with Qognify
Qognify, a leading provider of video and enterprise incident management (EIM) solutions, today announced that Prague Airport, a. s. has selected Qognify EIM (Situator) to interconnect its security systems and provide security control room personnel with a single incident management interface, as well as the ability to verify the validity of identification cards using mobile devices throughout the airport.
Prague Airport, a. s. is a company that operates Václav Havel Airport Prague in the Czech Republic. The international airport is one of the fastest growing in Europe, in the 10-25 million passenger category and handles over 15 million passengers, with direct flights to more than 160 destinations worldwide. Approximately 2,400 people are employed by the airport with an estimated additional 14,000 people working for companies operating at the airport or linked to its operations.
One of the core values of Prague Airport, a. s. is to ensure and continuously improve its superior level of air travel safety. The airport operates many security systems, and it wanted a platform to interconnect them, to correlate information and enable security scenarios and procedures for dealing with incidents to be set up. In doing so, it would provide the security control room staff with one effective tool, providing an overall overview, the ability to manage situations and speed up incident response.
This new platform has been built with Qognify EIM – an Enterprise Incident Management solution from Qognify that has been proven at many of the world’s largest and busiest airports for more than 10 years. Using Qognify EIM, airport safety and security systems including CCTV, electronic access control, electrical fire alarm, emergency alarm system, perimeter security, oversized cargo entry control, errand system and airport mapping have been integrated.
These systems that were previously running in isolation now communicate bi-directionally with Qognify EIM, giving security control room personnel a single incident management interface. Now, when an alarm is triggered from any of the interconnected security systems within Qognify EIM, alerts are clearly displayed and presented to the security control room personnel on an on-screen map. From this single interface they can take the necessary action, whether that is to clear and reset the alarm, or to dispatch available resources to the incident. Appropriate guidance is automatically presented on-screen in the form of a checklist, to ensure all the required actions and procedures for dealing with the event are adhered to in line with airport best practice and the latest regulation.
Qognify EIM is not confined to the security control room, with it also being used by personnel on their mobile devices to verify the validity of identification cards of employees in the airport area, as well as for assigning tasks and sending support materials.
Oliver Schmidt, Sales Manager EMEA, EIM at Qognify states: “Qognify EIM is perfect for an international airport such as Václav Havel, that want to take a more holistic approach to handling incidents. By integrating and optimizing its many security systems, through our enterprise-class software solution, it is able to provide the airport with enhanced situational awareness.”
The entire Qognify EIM solution is fully localized in the Czech language, enabling further possible future expansion and connection of new systems or technologies.
Amthal plays its security part at trestle theatre
Amthal has upgraded security for Trestle Theatre with an access control system incorporating networked control, software and proximity ID cards, all without compromising on the historic ambience of the chapel building.
St Albans based, with a 40-year history, Trestle Theatre run out of Trestle Arts Base with a mission to inspire creativity for all through participation and dialogue.
Trestle moved into Trestle Arts Base over 20 years ago, a 100 year old converted chapel, it houses 84 (end on) to 120 (3 sides) seat flexible theatre space, rehearsal studio, cafe, offices and a meeting/function room.
Says Clare Winter, Executive Director for Trestle Theatre: “We are committed to providing a secure and welcoming space for everyone to access here at the Arts Base, so any security installed had to be carefully considered with regards its impact on our users as well as the aesthetics and architectural style of this remarkable building.
“Amthal understood this and following a thorough site survey, designed the access control system around our needs. The installation process was quick and the new system is easy to manage and ensures complete access, safety and security. We are also safe in the knowledge it’s future proofed so that as we continue to develop the site, the level of protection can continue to grow with the facilities available.”
As the Arts Base continues to develop the quality of experience for all who visit, the site management team is also conscious of ensuring controlled access and protecting the assets of the building premises for the benefit or all who visit and work on site.
Following an initial site survey to understand the unique requirements of the site, Amthal installed a Paxton access control system incorporating an IP networked control solution, software and proximity ID cards to offer ultimate door entry and controlled access management.
David WIlliamson, Sales Manager at Amthal added: “Trestle Theatre was clear in a desire to partner with a company and develop a long professional relationship to maintain the high level of protection required at their premises, with ongoing streams of staff and visitors at all times of day and night.
“Amthal shares this vision, which is why we go the extra mile to ensuring security solutions fit the requirements of buildings in terms of functionality, flexibility, scalability and management. Trestle Theatre is also a great example of how the very latest access control solution that can be installed seamlessly in such a beautifully converted chapel building, with no effect to the architectural design. “
Independently owned, Amthal Fire & Security is dedicated to satisfying end user needs for security safety and convenience offering design, installation, service and remote monitoring of advanced electronic fire & security solutions, including intruder, Fire, Access and CCTV systems.
Amthal Fire & Security is accredited by the Security Systems and Alarm Inspection Board (SSAIB) United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) and British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE.)
For more information, please visit www.amthal.co.uk
With the introduction of the XProtect Incident Manager in 2022 R2, users will be able to manage incidents directly in their VMS and connect video footage with incidents as they unfold.
In the latest product update of Milestone System’s XProtect 2022 R2 video management software, Milestone introduces several new features and capabilities. These include managing and monitoring incidents with the click of one button, offering the Essential+ version of XProtect on AWS Marketplace starting on July 5, and improving license plate recognition to include style recognition. With this latest product update, Milestone Systems continues to raise the bar on higher performing video technology software and meet the market’s rising demand for comprehensive, best-in-class, turnkey video technology solutions.
XProtect Incident Manager
The new XProtect Incident Manager enables users to capture any live feed with a single click. When the incident is over, users can stop the capture and start filling in incident details. Incident types are fully configurable, allowing users to define incident types and details for reporting. Configuration options include free text, drop-downlists, dates and time fields, and several other options. Previously recorded footage can also be added to an incident to strengthen the evidence.
Milestone XProtect Essential+ on AWS
With the new release of Milestone XProtect 2022 R2, the Essential+ version of XProtect will replace the previous version in AWS Marketplace. Users will now be able to have all XProtect 2022 R2 product variants on AWS for optimized storage and transmission. The 2022 R2 version will be added to the previous version in AWS Marketplace, beginning July 5.
Improved License Plate Recognition (LPR)
XProtect 2022 R2 features enhanced license plate style recognition. Different countries have distinct license plate types and formats for various types of vehicles. The updated LPR feature enables users to recognize, sort and bundle license plate types by analyzing motor vehicles more efficiently. Depending on the country’s plate style, users will be able to distinguish trucks from private cars, or even police cars, limousines, trucks and buses form each other. Similarly, some countries have separate plates for gas driven or electric cars that will now be readily identified.
Choosing the right Door Closer to free your building from unseen barriers
When it comes to access for everyone, no matter their size, age, strength, dexterity or abilities, not every door closer is created equal. Installing the right one — for access through an entrance or interior door — can be the difference between making buildings accessible and simply swapping one barrier for another.
When every important door opens with less effort, building owners offer a more equal experience and encourage participation in the workplace or public life. However, not every door closer will do this job well enough.
4 factors to consider when choosing the right door closer
Architects, specification teams, security managers and builders consider many factors before choosing a door closer. From an accessibility point of view, the following four can serve as a useful checklist for improving the inclusiveness of a design:
Opening force: for genuinely barrier-free accessibility, the force required to open the door should be as low as possible
Closing force: the door should close fully and automatically, for user convenience, energy efficiency, building security and to comply with fire protection rules
Closing delay: the final closing section can be a danger point for finger trapping, too quick closing which obstructs users, or damage which could impact performance, so a door closer should be able to adapt to maintain accessibility
Flexibility: no two doors or buildings are the same, so the door closer should allow variation where feasible in any of the above Often overlooked, aesthetics is another important consideration. A modern door closer must be discreet, with a contemporary design that blends into its surroundings. It should not make the building look like an “institution”.
Barrier-free access: let Cam-Motion® technology do the work
Door Closers with ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion technology provide ergonomic opening for everyone who passes through them. Unlike traditional rackand-pinion door closers, Cam-Motion Door Closers with guiderails require a push-force that falls rapidly. Cam-Motion mirrors the power of a human elbow, where torque also reduces sharply as the arm extends. This translates into much easier opening and greater comfort.
ASSA ABLOY Door Closers offer optional closing delay, which allows extra time for any user to pass through the door. To protect the frame and prevent banging into walls, the back-check function as standard across the range slows the door’s final opening section before shutting tight. They are tested to meet EN 1154 standard for fire and smoke protection and fulfil barrierfree building requirements.
“In meeting all these important accessibility criteria, Cam-Motion Door Closers do not sacrifice any durability,” says Andreas Gmelin, Product Management and Business Development Director, EMEIA Door Closer Product Unit at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “Door Closers are often deployed at a building’s busiest doors. They need to be tough.”
To learn more about the accessibility benefits of an ASSA ABLOY Door Closer, visit here
AUCSO celebrates record attendance
The University of Leeds was the backdrop for this year’s 36th annual AUSCO (Association of University Chief Security Officers) Conference, which drew a record number of 230 delegates including AUCSO members and guests.
It was the first in-person Conference since 2019 for AUCSO, the leading organisation for security professionals working in higher and further education around the world.
The AUSCO Conference gave delegates the opportunity to participate, network and derive maximum benefit from the 3-day programme. The social networking event at the Royal Armouries was one of the highlights of the Conference, and delegates particularly enjoyed the entertaining jousting session with knights in full armour battling ‘to the death’.
There was an excellent line-up of experts in the field of security and risk speaking at the Conference plus over 40 exhibitors supplying services to the sector, giving delegates the opportunity to explore new ideas and innovations. These included The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, Crime Stoppers and ProtectEd.
AUCSO Chief Operating Officer Julie Barker, said:
“The speakers for the Conference were chosen to reflect pertinent current issues and those emerging within the sector and wider industry today. It was fantastic to listen to Nicky Old from Universities UK talk about the opportunities and challenges currently facing the HE sector including; student and staff mental health and wellbeing, suicide prevention, drugs: supply, use and prevention, as well as sustainable funding for universities, fair access, quality and value, and the ongoing issues relating to pay and pensions. The Office of Students provided an excellent session and update on their work on ‘Harassment and sexual misconduct in higher education’, which was published in 2021. We are delighted with the breadth of content from all our speakers and that the Conference has been such a success. Here’s to next year’s!”
One of the key note speakers was Figen Murray, the mother of Martyn Hett, who was killed at the Manchester Arena terrorist attack in May 2017. Since the attack, Figen has worked tirelessly to promote peace, kindness, and tolerance by speaking at schools, colleges, and universities. Figen is the force behind Martyn’s Law, a legislation requiring publicly accessible locations to improve security against the threat of terrorism.
Nick Aldworth, former UK CT National Coordinator for Protect and Prepare and London’s CT Protective Security and Preparedness Lead during the 2017 terrorist attacks joined Figen on stage. In 2019, Nick joined forces with Figen and Brendan Cox to campaign for the UK Protect Duty, a law requiring venue operators to consider the risk of terrorist attacks and to take measures proportionate to the risk to protect the public.
AUCSO Chair, Les Allan said:
“The AUCSO 36th Annual Conference was an outstanding success and I would like to extend our gratitude to everyone involved in the behind-the-scenes preparation for the event. This includes our sponsors and exhibitors for their support, the guest speakers for their time and willingness to engage with AUCSO, but most of all to our delegates for continuing to participate in our Association and support our continued growth year-on-year.
“We are especially pleased that our engagement with speakers at our Conference is leading to new and enhanced collaborations with Universities UK, The Office for Students and the Suzie Lamplugh Trust.”
Plans are already underway for the 37th Annual Conference 2023, which will be hosted in Edinburgh by Heriot-Watt University.
