12 minute read
New launches for 2020
AJAX
New innovations for 2020
In July, Ajax held an online event to present its new technologies for 2020. Here is a breakdown of some of the announcements
The virtual presentation watched in 96 countries and held in nine languages covered the devices and software that Ajax had been working on in the first half of 2020. These included:
Two-factor authentication and session control No matter how advanced the security system is it has an Achilles heel – a user account that can be accessed by others. Ajax decided to add modern digital security tools and from early May all Ajax users can utilise default sessions control and an option to activate two-factor authentication. With these, attackers will not be able to access the user’s account even knowing a login and a password. And if an account is accessed from a suspicious device, the users will immediately be notified about this and will be able to terminate a session.
An alternative power supply Owners can now protect movable property without power supply – yachts, delivery vehicles, mobile containers, camper vans. The new PSU 12V and PSU 6V replace standard hub
power supplies, allowing users to power the devices from a battery.
Hub 2 Plus The new central unit has a processor that is four times more powerful than in a normal hub and has eight times more memory. It supports more detectors than the previous models – up to 200, including those with photo-verification, and more cameras – up to 100 pieces. LTE support is available for the first time. In total, there are four independent communication channels: 2х SIM (4G/3G/2G), Ethernet, Wi-Fi. In this way, even an abnormal series of failures or malfunctions in the network equipment will not prevent the system from communicating with the outside world.
Ajax CEO Aleksandr Konotopskyi takes viewers through the virtual presentation
AJAX
For a modern look, Ajax has introduced StreetSiren DoubleDeck, a wireless outdoor siren with a mount for a branded front panel
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Hub data import With the next update of the branded OS Malevich operating system, Ajax will have the Data Import function. If, earlier, the process of reconnecting all detectors from an old hub to a new one could take several hours, now, an installer should now be able to manage it in five minutes. Now, there is no need to reconfigure the central unit, dismantle and reconnect each device in the system, invite users, and define their rights. To import, users will only need access to the old hub and an internet connection.
OS Malevich 2.9 The release of OS Malevich 2.9 is scheduled for this August. The new version of the operating system will be available to the hubs of all models within a month. The OS update will also bring a number of additional features: • Temporary device shutdown will allow users to avoid false alerts if the devices are not working correctly • Pulse mode is a temporary power supply to a relay and the Socket smart plug. It will allow users to configure automation scenarios and home protection more comfortably. • Custom type alarms for the Button: The panic button can be programmed for a specific notification type – intrusion, fire, medical assistance, panic button, gas alarm. • Smartphone coordinates transfer: When the panic button is pressed, the coordinates of the smartphone will be transferred to the security company app. • Protection against accidental pressing for SpaceControl – A command from the key fob can be sent by double or long pressing. • Socket light indication setting: It will be possible to adjust/switch off the brightness of the plug lighting.
StreetSiren DoubleDeck Ajax has introduced StreetSiren DoubleDeck, a wireless outdoor siren with a mount for a branded front panel. It can display the logo and the contacts of a security or an installation company that is responsible for the security of the facility.
OS Malevich 2.10 Looking ahead, in the Autumn, Ajax will present a new operating system OS Malevich 2.10, which will contain a number of software solutions. After this update, alarm confirmation with multiple detectors will become available, and an optional two-stage arming/disarming mode will be introduced.
MultiTransmitter The new MultiTransmitter integration module allows the integration of third-party wired detectors into the Ajax system. It is now possible to connect 18 wired devices to it simultaneously and set up an alarm type for each of them.
There is no need to remove cables that have already been laid or to throw away the old detectors; cable devices will be connected to MultiTransmitter and will transmit alarms to the Ajax hub via the Jeweller radio network. Then, the hub will send them to the user’s smartphone and the security company’s monitoring station. There is an option to use groups, 24/7 arming mode, and even involve third-party devices in scenarios. Now, the user will also be able to add Ajax security system detectors, which will work together with the wired ones.
911: monitoring station For security companies and large corporate clients, Ajax presented a beta version of its own central monitoring station — 911. With it, any security company will be able to monitor alarms and there will be no need to worry about buying and configuring servers, organising network infrastructure, or dedicated IP. Just connecting a computer to the Internet and logging into the Ajax PRO account will be enough as all processing takes place in the Cloud.
INTRATONE
Digital developments This month PSI talks to Victor d’Allancé of Intratone about the access control market in the UK and trends in 2020
Victor d’Allancé, UK Country Manager at Intratone
The impact of smartphones on the access control market has been amazing. A homeowner can answer a call from their intercom anywhere in the world and choose whether or not to grant access
Last month we looked at how the property management sector is one area in particular that could reap significant security benefits by implementing more digital ways of working such as GSM solutions for access control. This month we continue the focus on this technology talking to Victor d’Allancé, UK Country Manager at Intratone, to find out about how the wireless systems are being received in the market.
How is the UK business doing? Intratone is a subsidiary of Cogelec, a company that has been inno v ating and manufacturing intercoms and access control systems in France for 20 years. We are recognised market leaders in France and have built a strong reputation across Europe over the years. The UK has always been a part of our plans – we actually hired our first UKbased sales rep in 2011. 2019 was an exciting year for Intratone. When I joined the team in April 2019, we had a small team who were generating good business, but one key focus has been to lay the groundwork for long-term success here in the UK. This has included: 1. Honing our strategy – we’re market leaders across Europe, and we have a business strategy that’s proven and effective. Naturally, to make it work in the UK, we’ve had to adapt to the market. Taking the time to really get to know the ins and outs of our partners and their businesses has helped us refine our strategy to the specifics of the UK market. 2. Finding our new UK HQ –finding a long-term
home for Intratone UK has been critical. It’s more than just an office, it’s a space that gives us the opportunity to grow our team, host our partners for meetings and trainings, and provide support for our customers. 3. Building out our team – making sure that we have the right people, in the right roles has been hugely important. We have a fantastic team of 20 people in the UK, with dedicated Area Sales Managers based in regional markets around England, Scotland, and Wales. Our London HQ is home to our Inside Sales, Finance, Marketing and Tech Support teams.
At the start of 2020, we hit the ground running. While the past few months have presented many unexpected challenges for everyone, demand for our solutions has stayed strong and we’re still on track with our ambitious growth targets and vision for the UK.
How has the pandemic affected the demand for access control? COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the market o v ernight. Lockdown and social distancing have shaken up old ways of working and pushed the market towards digitalisation. Traditional access control solutions just don’t offer the flexibility needed to respond to what is going on in the world today.
When the pandemic first started, our CEO told us to be prepared because the benefits of our technology would fit the demands raised by a situation like this, especially with the need for contactless access and to be able to work quickly and without disturbing the tenants.
Contact-free is a feature that is in large demand for access control. There is a lot of interest in our proximity readers and transmitters, which allow residents to gain access to entry points without touching any panels or touchpads.
Our online management portal allows housing associations and property managers to have complete oversight over their building access from anywhere. They can make updates in realtime – from changing resident details, to deactivating a lost key fob, to granting access to contractors – without having to leave their house or their office. While it’s a different way of working for some, this shift towards digitalisation allows housing professionals to take back control of their properties and their time.
Finally, we have seen a real increase in interest from the installer community. Our solutions help
installers get back to work – they are able to satisfy their customers by installing quickly and without having to go into properties to fit systems. They are able to complete installations while complying with social distancing guidelines. We are thrilled that our solutions can help keep the industry going and get installers back to work quickly and safely.
There are many ways to grant access, how can installer mak e the right decision? Installers hav e a big responsibility – their advice can directly impact the security of a pr operty and the safety of its residents. It’s important for installers to stay on top of innovations in the market and new technology, which is often much easier said than done, but it’s key to futureproofing their business and creating loyal customers.
In making access control decisions, the more you know about your customers, the better. What are their pain points? Why are they looking for a new system? Who are their residents? The better you understand who your customers are, the easier it is for an installer to identify the right system for the job.
Last, I’d encourage installers to challenge their customers – all too often, we see old, outdated systems being specified for projects, because “it’s what we had before”. By challenging customers to consider new technology, installers are in a unique position to really help transform the day to day lives of property professionals.
How has the rise in the use of smart phones affected access control? The impact of smartphones on the access control market has been amazing. A homeo wner can answ er a call from their intercom anywhere in the world and choose whether or not to grant access. When I first started in this industry, I told my friends and family about the technology and they said it sounded like such an obvious function –but the hard part is not the idea, it is making the system work and having a successful business.
The growth of mobile phone use has been stunning and for us it helps improve what we can do for customers. We know that before breaking in, most burglars ring the doorbell first to see if anyone is home, but thanks to the use of smart devices the homeowner can answer the door without being there so the burglar does not know that the house is actually empty, but he knows he's been seen and someone is aware that he is there. I would say that the popularity of smartphones and tablets has transformed the industry and, to be honest, I think we are only at the beginning of what these devices can be used for in the security sector.
How secure is GSM – can it be hacked? As you can imagine, this is a question we get asked quite often. Considering w e hav e been working with this technology since before it truly became mainstream, our development team in France has been able to adapt and evolve our systems as the technology has improved, to keep our systems as secure as possible. We implement industry best practices for data security, including secured https connections, hosting our data in secure data centres, strict control and management of our data, among other measures – all in accordance with GDPR. What’s particularly advantageous about our systems is that our GPRS and 4G modules are not connected to a particular provider’s data network, so they are not accessible in that manner. While we can’t speak to the security of other applications of GSM technology, as a company, Intratone takes the privacy and security of our customers very seriously, therefore we are regularly reviewing and improving our systems. I’d encourage installers to challenge their customers – all too often, we see old, outdated systems being specified for projects, because “it’s what we had before”
What does the future hold for the security industr y? I think that social distancing will continue to be the norm for some time meaning that contactless access contr ol will remain at the forefront of people's minds and take place as the preferred solution. Similarly, I can see the continued push towards digitisation and the use of technology for applications that were previously inefficient. Technology is meant to make our lives better and I think that is what we will continue to see this develop in the future as our social requirements change.
