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Benchmark August 2024
7 NHS Trusts Adopt Synergy’s Multi-Site Surveillance Synectics has expanded its healthcare portfolio, with two additional NHS trusts selecting Synergy software
9 Access Control Considerations for SMBs Premium security solutions have traditionally been limited to enterprise customers, leaving SMBs vulnerable to risks.
10 Axis Fire and Security use Pyronix CarDefender
CarDefender proves to be the right choice by expanding security beyond the property with its selectable detection modes.
14 IDIS enhances Security for Indian Railways’ Expansion IDIS video ensures the Railway Protection Force operates 230 of the safest stations.
16 Nicol Corner Integrates Net2 Access Control System for Seamless Management
Paxton’s flagship access control system, Net2, was chosen for its scalability and features.
18 Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024
Benchmark seeks your input to find the deserving winners from a pool of products and companies.
20 London Heathrow Airport
Enhances Operations with Genetec Solutions
Maximising technology investments, combining various business and security systems into one platform.
21 Hanwha Vision Secures
40,000 Homes for Domofrance
This software’s scalability allows Domofrance to manage more than 1,200 cameras remotely
SECURITY TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATORS
August 2024
Welcome to the August 2024 edition of Benchmark e-magazine. This month, we spotlight cybersecurity - a hot issue gaining traction as the digital frontier continues to expand.
In our feature webinar, System Q’s Managing Director Mike Isherwood offered an insightful discourse on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Isherwood unpacked pressing topics such as zero-day exploits and CCTV hacks and provided an in-depth look at global cybersecurity standards, including UL cybersecurity assurance, NDAA compliance, and the UK PSTI Act. The webinar also examined the risks and benefits of integrating AI into security systems, emphasising the necessity of safeguarding against corporate espionage. Notably, the UK is leading in ethical AI standards, with institutions like the Bristol Robotics Lab at the forefront.
A significant highlight of the webinar was the introduction of System Q’s new partner, TVT, which enhances its offerings in the security market.
YOU CAN REGISTER HERE TO WATCH THE WEBINAR ON DEMAND.
In regulatory news, the UK’s transition from the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) to a fully digital network has been postponed to January 31, 2027 - instead of the initially planned date of December 31, 2025. This delay provides additional time for the security industry to adapt to the forthcoming changes, particularly in integrating security systems with the new digital infrastructure. The shift promises to modernise telecommunications, with companies like BT spearheading the effort through services like Digital Voice.
This month, our case studies showcase innovative applications of security technology worldwide. Indian Railways, Asia’s largest rail network, is implementing IDIS video solutions with advanced facial recognition and AI-powered analytics to enhance security and operational efficiency.
Meanwhile, a UK-based company selling second-hand vans turned to Pyronix’s CarDefender to address significant security challenges. Despite the complex shared site environment, it effectively reduced theft.
Bullets seem to be on trend in product news. Axis Communications has unveiled an all-in-one outdoor-ready bullet camera with 8K resolution, promising unparalleled detail and ease of installation. Hanwha Vision introduces its first explosion-proof AI camera, the TNO-C8083E, which combines advanced object detection with robust cybersecurity measures.
3X Logic’s new camera lineup also offers high-definition quality and intelligent software designed to enhance business insights.
Stay informed and ahead of the curve with Benchmark e-magazine, which brings you the latest in security technology, trends, and case studies from around the world.
Don’t forget to check out the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024 finalist and cast your vote. There is still time until the end of September! Vote Now!
The recipients of the Benchmark Innovation Awards will be unveiled on October 7th.
To get in touch about editorial opportunities, please book a call on my calendar:
These NHS Trusts, which have not been disclosed, will utilise Synergy as the foundation for multi-phase, multi-site system upgrades.
The first project aims to unify and improve surveillance across two major hospitals and one community facility within one of the UK’s busiest Trusts. This Trust’s three sites, covering over 130 acres, include diverse facilities such as one of the country’s largest trauma units, a busy A&E department, dedicated teaching facilities, and specialist health units.
With Synergy, operators at any of the sites can view video footage from the entire estate, and teams at the two hospitals can
Synectics has expanded its healthcare portfolio, with two additional NHS trusts selecting Synergy software to enhance their surveillance and security management.
control any of the surveillance cameras. The upgrade to Synergy will support multi-site security management and offer advanced capabilities to enhance the security of staff, patients, and visitors.
The system provides advanced incident management tools, on-screen guidance, and a mapping system that can switch from
Discover why cybersecurity is a hot topic for the security industry
On our latest webinar, System Q’s Managing Director, Mike Isherwood, shared his insights on the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Isherwood’s diverse business background spans IT distribution, telecommunications, and security, bringing a wealth of experience to the table. His career highlights include being part of BT Business’s 21CN team and developing Home Office ESN-compliant software, showcasing his expertise in advanced mobile and telecoms infrastructure. Isherwood (pictured), a Cisco Certified Specialist with a strong foundation in IT infrastructure, networking, and security, has also made significant contributions to software, hardware, and firmware development. His academic pursuits demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning, with multiple certifications from
A glimpse into noteworthy security innovations, finalists for the BIA2024
Benchmark is the authoritative hub for the latest business insights, cutting-edge technology advancements, company spotlights, and event highlights. To continue informing the industry and helping guide its improvement, we have the Benchmark
Innovation Awards 2024 (BIA2024), set to recognise outstanding advancements in the security industry, highlighting innovations that push the boundaries of technology and user experience. Each category features an impressive list of finalists showcasing products that redefine their respective fields. Who wins is decided by the votes of our readers, making your participation
Place your vote here!
Access Control for Small Businesses: Balancing Security, Budget, and Simplicity
The challenges for small businesses are many — and that is especially true when it comes to security solutions. Unlike their larger counterparts, SMBs often have tighter budgets and smaller teams. A single security breach, even a seemingly minor one, can be devastating for a small company. Financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions can cripple an SMB’s operations and potentially force closure. This is why prioritising robust security is crucial for SMBs.
Yet, premium security solutions have traditionally been limited to enterprise customers, leaving SMBs vulnerable to risks. It’s important that as an industry, we democratise access to advanced security
News headlines are often dominated by major cyberattacks and security breaches targeting large corporations. These breaches often lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal repercussions. But the reality is, cyber threats and security breaches don’t discriminate by company size. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), the backbone of the European Union’s economy (according to the EU’s latest Annual Report of Small and Medium Enterprises, SMBs make up over 99%), are equally vulnerable.
Axis Fire and Security use Pyronix CarDefender
A company specialising in the buying and selling of second-hand vans, each worth approximately £15,000 and totalling around £375,000, faced significant security challenges. Their premises were part of a larger site shared with other businesses, and the main entrance was commonly breached, leaving the company vulnerable to theft. Traditional perimeter security was not feasible due to the shared access. The high demand for the vans, both as complete units and parts, made the site a lucrative target for criminals.
After experiencing four van thefts in a short period, the company sought a security installation firm to find an effective solution within a limited budget. After consulting with several firms, they chose Axis Fire and Security as they had an ideal solution: Pyronix’s CarDefender.
System Enhancement
The company already had a Pyronix Enforcer control panel and a few BatteryCams in their office, and integrating the new solution with the existing system was highly appealing. Axis added two external PIR sensors in the yard and installed 25 CarDefenders across the fleet of vans.
Five CarDefenders were designated for vans in Area 1, which were used during the day and secured only when the alarm system was activated, typically in the evenings when the office was closed. The remaining 20 CarDefenders were installed on vans parked in
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Explore contemporary CCTV system design and installation, including cutting-edge features like ANPR, face detection and integration with Google & Alexa. Corporate training options are also available.
Barox Joins Genetec Technology Partner Program
barox Kommunikation AG, a global manufacturer of professional switches, PoE media converters, and IP extenders, is excited to announce its membership in the Genetec™ Technology Partner Program (TPP). This partnership marks a significant step in integrating barox’s network management plug-in with the Genetec™
Hanwha’s SolidEDGE AI camera named PSI ‘Technological Innovation of the Year’
Security installers have chosen Hanwha Vision’s SolidEDGE AI camera, an edgebased VMS recording solution, as the ‘Technological Innovation of the Year’ in publisher Professional Security Installer’s (PSI) 2024 Premier Awards.
The annual prestigious awards programme recognises the very best products and suppliers in the industry. Installers are invited to consider product features, benefits, ease of installation, and service when voting.
The SolidEDGE offering is a Solid State Drive-based AI camera – an ideal and innovative serverless VMS recording solution for businesses.
Highly efficient, robust and cost-effective,
Read the full article here
Security Center, enhancing network diagnostics and reducing security network support costs.
The Genetec TPP enables barox to build secure and reliable integrations with Genetec solutions. By leveraging the latest tools and support, barox has seamlessly integrated its technology with the Genetec Security Center VMS platform. This collaboration aims to promote the
Read the full article here
IDIS enhances Security for Indian Railways’ Expansion
Indian Railways, Asia’s largest rail network, is upgrading its technology infrastructure with IDIS video solutions integrated with facial recognition to support its extensive growth plans. Currently managing around 14,000 trains across 65,000 miles of track and serving 9.5 million passengers daily, the rail network aims to handle up to 40% of global rail activity by 2050.
Indian systems integrator M2M Cybernetics has rolled out the IDIS video solution in partnership with IDIS Securitatem Solutiones Pvt Ltd, a joint venture with IDIS. The initial phase focuses on 230 high-traffic stations in the eastern region. The upgrade includes 4K cameras, AI-powered video analytics, and facial recognition, and hundreds of platforms are now equipped.
Monitoring is centralised with a command and control room at every fifth station, allowing the Railway Protection Force to oversee all locations simultaneously. This setup features IDIS Deep Learning Analytics (IDLA) for advanced motion, loitering, and object detection, and integrates Herta Security’s facial recognition technology for real-time identification.
The system’s efficiency is enhanced by IDIS Intelligent Codec and MAT compression technology, reducing data bandwidth by 30% without sacrificing image quality. Motion
Benchmark
SECURITY TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATORS
Benchmark eNewsletter
Benchmark is aimed at informing those in the electronic security market who specify, install, design, develop, manage and use technology about the latest trends and solutions for improving the performance and efficiency of their systems and helps to generate new avenues and perspectives for applications.
The daily e-newsletter delivers security news updates in a regular feed directly to the Inbox of the Benchmark’s worldwide subscribers. Registration to receive Benchmark’s e-newsletter is free-ofcharge and ensures that readers are kept up-todate without needing to search online for the latest information.
Nicol Corner Integrates Net2 Access Control System for Seamless Building Management
Nicol Corner, based in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, South Africa, is home to a six-star fitness club, prime office space, and an award-winning rooftop restaurant. This is the first building in South Africa to have its glass façade fully incorporate fritted glazing, saving 35% on energy consumption.
Developed by Nicol Corner (Pty) LTD, this 11-storey mixed-use commercial building encompasses approximately
22,000 m of floor area. The project involved collaboration with industry-leading partners and the specification of world-class equipment, including a high-spec, bespoke security and access control system.
Paxton’s flagship access control system, Net2, was chosen for its scalability and feature-rich solution that integrates easily with other leading security products. Paxton, an international security technology manufacturer with nearly 40 years of experience, is known for developing userfriendly access control products.
The project required an access control system capable of managing hundreds of doors and accommodating frequent
Configuration
Flexible
Integrate
Professional access applications
Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024
barox RY-LGSO38-10 tackles high data load and security in video networks
barox has recently introduced the RYLGSO38-10 10Gb SFP Light Core Ethernet switch. This new addition to their 10Gb Ethernet switch range is a promising candidate for the Network and Connectivity category at the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024, recognising networking solutions’ innovations crucial for security systems.
Developed specifically for applications with high data loads and network security, such as Video over IP and video streaming also in conjunction with multicast, the RYLGSO38-10 is a 19 switch with a robust 200Gb backplane, offering 10 x 10Gb port capability. This switch integrates extensive security features designed to protect the switch itself and network traffic. High CPU performance and fast memory ensure that the RY-LGSO38-10 can efficiently handle maximum port security and data loads.
One of the standout features of the RY-LGSO38-10 is its ability to support jumbo frames up to 10,240 bytes, even at 100 Mbit/s. This feature is crucial for
ups simultaneously. Whether the camera pans, tilts, or zooms, users can maintain situational awareness and ensure that nothing is missed at any moment.
Hikvision’s TandemVu PTZ cameras boast a next-generation design that integrates multiple lenses into a single security camera. This innovative approach allows the cameras to provide both a comprehensive overview and detailed close-
The TandemVu PTZ by Hikvision has been recognised by the security industry as a worthy finalist in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2024 for the Surveillance CCTV category, highlighting its cutting-edge design and advanced features.
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London Heathrow Airport Enhances Operations with Genetec Solutions
London Heathrow Airport, the UK’s busiest, handles nearly 80 million passengers and 14 million tonnes of goods annually. To maintain operational efficiency across its four passenger terminals and one cargo terminal, the airport employs over 76,000 people who manage 1,300 daily flights, support 89 airlines flying to 239 destinations in 89 countries, and secure a 1,227-hectare site.
Unified Security and Operational Efficiency
Danny Long, IT Product Owner at Heathrow, explained that the airport operates much like a small city, managing not only traditional airport security but also roads, retail spaces, train stations, a bus terminal, offices, a church, fuel stores, an electrical network, and other infrastructure. To achieve real-time video monitoring and flexible application support, Heathrow partnered with Genetec to design a comprehensive system.
The Genetec Security Center, a unified platform, enables the management of cameras, sensors, and security technologies
Hanwha Vision Secures 40,000 Homes for Domofrance
Domofrance faced a major challenge in ensuring the safety of over 40,000 homes spread across hundreds of residences in the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. According to the head of security at Domofrance, they needed a solution that aligned with a comprehensive security strategy, featuring a high-performance, reliable, and scalable system to support growth.
Soditel, a long-standing partner of Domofrance and an expert security and safety company based in Pessac in Gironde, recommended Hanwha Vision’s solutions. Thanks to the quality and versatility of Hanwha Vision cameras, Soditel has
Domofrance, a subsidiary of the Action Logement Immobilier group, has been a significant player in social housing in Nouvelle-Aquitaine since its establishment in 1958 in Bordeaux. To ensure the safety of its tenants and residences, Domofrance has chosen Hanwha Vision’s video surveillance solutions.
successfully deployed security systems in over 50 Domofrance residences throughout the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The integration with Wisenet Wave software has enabled the establishment of a unique control hub that centralizes access to cameras and recordings,
i-PRO appoints Javier Martinez as New Area Sales Manager for Iberia
i-PRO EMEA announced the appointment of Javier Martinez as the new Area Sales Manager for Iberia. This strategic move highlights i-PRO’s commitment to expanding its presence in Spain and Portugal, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the forefront of the company’s operations in the region.
With over 20 years of dedicated experience in the security industry, Javier Martinez is set to play a pivotal role in enhancing i-PRO‘s customer service and product delivery across Iberia. His extensive background in helping clients find the best security solutions positions him as a valuable asset to i-PRO’s ambitious growth plans in the area.
ASSA ABLOY Promotes Vermeulen to National Accounts Manager for Locksmiths UKI
ASSA ABLOY has promoted Jacques Vermeulen to National Accounts Manager for the newly established Locksmiths UKI – Commercial Group. This move highlights ASSA ABLOY’s commitment to improving service and strengthening relationships with auto-locking customers, lock wholesalers, and national accounts in the UK and Ireland.
With over eight years of experience at Mul-T-Lock, part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, as a Regional Sales Manager, Jacques brings a deep understanding of the locksmith industry to his new role. Jacques expressed his enthusiasm for the position, aiming to provide innovative solutions and exceptional support to national locksmith
i-PRO’s focus on providing top-tier AI-driven video surveillance solutions tailored to the specific needs of clients in these vibrant markets.
Javier Martinez is based in Barcelona, Spain, and is eager to leverage his deep industry knowledge to support and collaborate with customers in both Spain and Portugal. His appointment underscores
Customers looking for the best in AI video surveillance technology now have a dedicated expert to turn to. Javier’s role will involve guiding clients through i-PRO’s
Advanced Security Measures Protect Tractors and Heavy Equipment Distributor’s Expansive Facility
Kubota Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Kubota Corporation headquartered in Osaka, Japan, specialises in distributing a wide range
of tractors, heavy equipment, and related machinery across Canada. Recently, the company faced a significant challenge in securing its expansive new corporate headquarters and distribution facility, spanning over 16,085 square meters. This facility includes extensive warehouse and office spaces and outdoor areas for storing valuable equipment and trailers.
The primary concern was to implement a robust security system capable of
Light Bulb Building Introduces Mobile Acccess Integration at Workspace with HID
Smart Spaces has partnered with trusted identity provider, HID, to make access to Workspace’s The Light Bulb building in South West London fast, simple and secure by making door access credentials available in Google Wallet for all SME customers who lease offices and studios at the centre.
Today, any registered Android smartphone user can gain quick and seamless access to The Light Bulb by holding their device near any NFC-enabled HID Signo reader, with doors then opening automatically.
Smart Spaces is the first HID Technology Partner to carry out such a Google Wallet integration project, with Workspace the first customer in the world to benefit from this innovative technical collaboration.
A FTSE 250 company, Workspace owns and manages 4.6 million sq. ft. of flexible office space across 76 locations in London – home to some of the Capital’s brightest young companies who rent and design their own space and join a vibrant community of other businesses.
Chris Boultwood, Workspace’s Head of Technology, says, “Our customers are agile,
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Hanwha launches 5MP AI Explosion-Proof Camera
Hanwha Vision has introduced its first explosion-proof AI camera, the TNOC8083E. This compact 5MP camera features AI object detection and classification, enhancing situational awareness and reducing false alarms.
It holds multiple explosion-proof certifications, making it suitable for high-risk environments like oil refineries and grain mills. Weighing just 4.78kg, it is significantly smaller and lighter than comparable models, facilitating easier installation. The TNO-C8083E offers enhanced video quality with technologies such as wide dynamic range and low-light noise suppression, and includes advanced video compression to reduce bandwidth usage. It also features robust cybersecurity measures, ensuring secure operation and data protection.
Read the full article here
Axis bullet camera offers pin-point accuracy
Axis Communications has introduced a new all-in-one, outdoor-ready bullet camera with 8K resolution. This camera is designed to provide extreme detail over long distances, offering enhanced protection for people and property. Equipped with a custom-made telephoto lens, it excels in long-distance surveillance and delivers
high pixel density even in low-light conditions. The camera has many applications and comes ready out-of-the-box with a mounting arm for easy installation and PoE out for connecting and powering another device without additional cabling.
Linn Storäng, Regional Director Northern Europe, Axis Communications, commented, “This new bullet camera is a very versatile addition to the Axis range of network cameras. With a powerful custom lens, it’s suitable for a
Read the full article here
3xLOGIC ecosystem expands with the launch of four new cameras
3xLOGIC has launched four new camera and imager solutions with high-definition quality and intelligent software to improve business insights. Each camera offers unique features tailored to business needs, including fixed lens capabilities, AI analytics, enhanced visual performance for poor lighting conditions, and more.
VeriGO offers convenient and safe mobile ID documents
VeriGO MobileID allows users to have all their important ID documents with them at all times, securely and conveniently stored on their smartphones. This modern solution enables government authorities to provide their citizens with an efficient and convenient way to digitally manage all their government documents. The ultimate aim is to enhance security for both public and private usage through streamlined digital verification processes.
Verifying one’s identity with official ID documents is essential for checking into a hotel, travelling, or renting a car. Instead of relying only on physical documents and their security features, VeriGO MobileID uses innovative technology with unique encryption processes to quickly and easily verify the authenticity of documents electronically.”
Read the full article here
VISIX™ Dual Thermal/Visible Light Imager combines visible light and thermal imaging with edge-based deep learning analytics for enhanced security and real-time monitoring, revolutionising surveillance for improved efficiency and effectiveness. This Dual Imager integrates a 5MP, 4mm visible light sensor with a 56-degree field of view, and a 320240 resolution thermal imager in a single
Read the full article here
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Benchmark is the security industry’s trusted digital platform for integrators, managers, specifiers and users of bespoke and innovative security solutions helping to improve ROI and the effectiveness of technology across multiple vertical disciplines.
Long established in the market, the easy to navigate website is the central hub of the Benchmark portfolio with essential updates, articles and technology news.
