23 minute read
Meet the installer
Meet the installer Security life with Jamie Allam of Integrated Protection Maintenance Services
What would be a typical project for you? There is not necessarily a typical project for us. We are lucky in our scope of works that we are able to operate in a variety of industries, including prestigious residential properties that operate with smart home and mobile first security and fire integration.
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For commercial premises, we are also currently working in partnership with Facility and Security teams who are trying to negotiate the dynamics of the new working environment, including the new blended working. It has significant consequences for access control and managing complex processes such as an evacuation, safety test or even just the usual flow of people.
In between, we also operate across a number of sectors, including retail where we look to secure shopping centres alongside a number of individual units, through education for primary and secondary schools. Do you have any ‘go to’ technology and manufacturers? Over the years we have built some significant relationships with key distributors alongside long term manufacturer relationships. We believe we work in loyal partnership on both accounts, giving and gaining business from each other. And we hope this will continue for the future success of the supply chain as a whole.
We work with partners who we know can provide our customers with innovative new security technology products, that embrace the latest innovations alongside the need for remote and mobile-first monitoring.
These include but not inclusive to Texecom for intruder and Salto, Paxton and BPT for access control. We embrace Avigilon and Dahua Technology for CCTV.
We are also very proud to have recently become part of the Honeywell Gent Network, with exclusive access to supply its extensive range of fire detection systems. Each supplied to the
Name: Jamie Allam
Job title: Director Time in security/fire: 14 years Company: Integrated Protection Maintenance Services (IPMSL) Location: Coleshill
Areas of expertise: Fire safety, CCTV, intruder alarm, access control and system transfer. Services from initial design and specification through installation to project completion, maintenance and monitoring Accreditation: NSI Silver & Safe Contractor
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highest possible standards to deliver most advanced fire detection and alarm systems.
What is the best thing about working in this industry? From the day we formed IPMSL parent company Amthal we pledged to ‘protect what’s precious,’ and I believe this is the best thing about working in this industry. Whether it is a family property or a business operation, we know that our products and services operate to protect people and assets. Ultimately, we can make a significant difference to their safety and security and this will always be important.
Is third party accreditation beneficial to you? Yes, we believe it is absolutely critical. It proves our competence to our partners and our clients. It also ensures that our design and installation meet all required legislation. We work very hard to ensure we keep up to date on changing regulations as well, to ensure our work is future proofed.
Essential, it’s so important for us, that it forms part of our own core mission. In our desire “to provide unrivalled quality and customer service,” third party accreditations give our customers peace of mind that we will deliver what we say we will as a credible business. Do you think there is an engineer skills shortage? Any trouble recruiting? Without a doubt! It has been well documented that the UK is facing its biggest skills shortage for a generation, with a talent gap across a range of professions. And the construction industry, a key economic driver, has been particularly hit hard. From our perspective, the biggest issue with the skills shortage in the industry is that people have no long term experience and a lack of engineers understanding the specific disciplines of the industry, instead being trained as ‘multidisciplined’ which often does not suit the intricacy of design in security and fire safety.
One way we have countered this from day one of our establishment is by investing in an annual apprenticeship programme to encourage jobspecific skills, this is both in our engineering team and across our administration and sales teams . This has proven its value time and again, with the majority of our apprentices being kept and promoted by Amthal, even to senior management positions.
So successful, we are finding new ways to evolve the programme, including most recently embracing a ‘fast track approach’ to an apprentice joining us. He had several transferrable skills that could be embraced by our industry and we are looking forward to seeing his growth within our team.
Are there any common requests from customers that give you problems? One of the many issues we face is the uncertainty of requirements. New and existing customer understanding, when the initial enquiries are made, is often very different to what is actually required. It is our job to ensure we are prepared as a company that eats, sleeps and breathes fire and security - for all eventualities to adapt to the customer and offer the best advice and way forward.
Another issue we face is managing expectations, especially when there is a request to be on site as quickly as possible, often next day. We always try to provide design and quotations in advance and highlight works programmes, but this is often met with a demand to start on site tomorrow.
What is the security/fire industry’s biggest myth? Understanding the real dangers of fire is really where we need to educate. It’s often believed that the flames of a fire are responsible for most of the casualties. As we know this isn’t the case.
The smoke from a fire needs to be the top concern highlighted, as this is what can fill a building or property in a short amount of time with dense black cloud and cause maximum damage and harm.
In such an event, the smoke blocking out the light can lead to confusion and isolation within the flames for anyone involved. In the worst case scenario, it is how most deaths in a fire occur.
The education must centre around the products available to ensure people can get out of
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an area before the smoke fills, to ensure the best possible and safest outcome.
What impact has smart/home automation had on your business? Amthal’s business was born in the residential sector with intruder alarms installation, and we have seen the smart evolution of products, creating the smart home world, filled with devices that can be controlled by homeowners from their mobile and outside their home.
The biggest impact we believe this has had is on consumer awareness of the capability of smart technology and the Internet of Things, which you can’t have a smart home without, that is transferred over to the business world and other sectors.
What we have also seen from our own perspective is the skills sets of our teams, especially the new generation coming into the work place (Millennials and now Generation Z) as the connected generation, who live on their mobile phones and love the internet.
They understand all things smart and digital, especially IP and programming with more software driven integration and platforms, a clear winner for the technologies now entering the fire and security industry.
What would make your job easier? I think this links back to the skills shortage question.
For us, it is always about balancing growing our team with the ability to keep to our core values of delivering high quality security systems, that reflect the technology available. And this will become even more critical following our acquisition and growth potential.
This is why we commit to apprentice programmes to ensure we have the best talent to achieve our customers’ requirements.
As the CEO at Amthal, it’s also important for me to say that passion is critical to my job and what makes me want to come to work. I have been in the industry for a long time and it still excites me with the changes occurring.
So whilst there are inevitably challenges, I am proud of what has been achieved in terms of sector growth and team development, aligned with a strategic growth plan. I look forward to continuing this for the company, our team and our clients to benefit.
What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic security/fire product? We always love to embrace new technologies and stay at the forefront of innovative design to inform our customers of latest product advances, being particularly excited at the moment about RFID capability and also analytical CCTV.
However, for my ‘ultimate fantasy’ electronic security product, I have always thought of the possibility of an invisible barrier that could surround a building. Today, there is naturally perimeter security systems or a beam but both, realistically, can easily be overcome by the determined criminal. Imagine a force field barrier that remained invisible offering total protection to the building.
What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself? Just to go for it! My advice would be to have confidence in yourself regardless of age or experience and push yourself out of your comfort zone every day. But also at the same time to learn from others that have been in a similar position, as there are so many opportunities to gain free advice.
Will England ever win the World Cup again? Yes!
If you won £25,000 what would you do with the money? It is a conservative, arguably boring response, but I would invest it in a cash flowing asset that I could reap the rewards from over and over again.
What’s so good about PSI Magazine?
Do you want to target security installers with your next marketing campaign? Here are some handy points to consider:
PSI is the only UK magazine aimed solely at the installers/integrators of electronic security technology PSI is the only UK magazine that carries independent, third-party product testing PSI was the first UK security magazine to launch a regular podcast PSI interviews NSI Gold approved security installers to promote excellence PSI is the host of the Premier Awards, recognising innovation and contribution to the industry PSI has targeted advertising campaigns that include print, online, podcasts, e-blasts and social media PSI was the first magazine to launch an Open Door programme giving advertisers control over their online presence on the PSI website
From our own research we discovered that:
Two thirds of PSI readers claim to have been influenced by the magazine when it comes to purchasing decisions Almost 40% of installers that read PSI do not regularly read any other UK security magazine
These are just a few of the reasons why PSI (Professional Security Installer) is the best platform for you to promote to security installers. And we didn’t even mention the PSI Golf Day!
If you want to reach installers, PSI should be your first choice
November 2020 – £4.00
www.psimagazine.co.uk
Professional Security Installer
MEET THE INSTALLER
Iain Stringer of Synectics Security
PSI PREMIER AWARDS 2020
The winners are announced! PRODUCT TEST
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FACING THE FUTURE
How the Cloud is transforming security
Cloud security applications are transformative for businesses, enabling smart buildings with remote access control and sophisticated 24/7 monitoring. The granting and revoking of access can now be done instantly from anywhere; each individual does not need to be escorted personally. Cloud also allows for complex video analytics, which can detect, track and classify the behaviors of people and vehicles on the premises. Push notifications can alert you to suspicious behaviors so that security management can intervene before situations become dangerous. Additionally, cloud-based systems can provide greater insight into day-to-day activity, such as when and where employees or vendors have accessed certain spaces, or even if a door was left open.
For security dealers, the power of the cloud is all about account insights. Data from internet-connected security systems can now be accessed remotely, allowing for quick identification of customer issues on individual accounts. Some issues can even be handled remotely, which can help security dealers avoid service calls.
Additionally, cloud is enabling business growth and customer loyalty by allowing dealers to identify customers that aren’t subscribed to but might benefit from certain services, or who don’t have certain peripherals installed but are capable of adding them. For more visit: www.security.honeywell.com
Latest IDIS VMS improves visual awareness, incident response and investigation
IDIS has released IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) version 3.5, its most powerful enterprise-class VMS yet. New features and service modules are designed around increased situational awareness, efficient response coordination, and speeding up investigations. Improving real-time monitoring, text-to-speech allows operators to configure verbal multilingual notifications to pre-determined events.also benefit from real-time pop-ups based on the GPS location of a triggered alarm, providing enhanced wide-area awareness from cameras ranging from a 10 to 100 kilometre radius. A new centralised audio feature enables control of multiple devices, giving security teams the capability to automate audio alerts for day-to-day operations, and issue warnings in the event of a security or safety breach or emergency situation. A new Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) service also enables seamless and stable video and voice relay to third-party devices and software without an SDK or API, increasing system flexibility and helping security teams coordinate responses to threats and incidents.
To speed up investigations, IDIS Person Match extracts a person’s characteristics based on deep- learning video analytics from multiple streams to present a clear timeline of events and last known locations. Synchronised Playback also presents operators with precisely time-synched screen views of video streams across single or multiple sites, removing the need for manual configuration, and reducing stress and complexity particularly during time-critical events. For more information on IDIS Solution Suite go to www.idisglobal.com/index/iss
Open Door is an online service from PSI that provides in-depth information from a selection of market leading companies. Here are some of the highlights from the pages of Open Door.....
Does connectivity always have to be complicated?
The Texecom Connect SmartCom is an Ethernet and Wi-Fi communicator that facilitates the Texecom Connect app experience by connecting any Premier Elite control panel to a local area network.
In today’s connected world your customers will be used to 24/7 remote access to a host of technologies and the ability to monitor and manage systems using personal devices such as smartphones and tablets. Security systems are also expected to be fully remotely accessible and many DIY systems are fully operated by mobile technology, but can professional systems also be managed by an app? And what about the complexities of always-on connectivity?
Texecom has solutions that deal with these issues and both enhance the service you can offer your customers when specifying modern, professional alarm systems boasting simple set-up and user experience.
SmartCom and SmartCom 4G Communicating exclusively using outbound connections, the Texecom Connect SmartCom removes the need to open any router ports, ensuring simplicity of installation and maximum security. As such, any installation that has a reliable internet connection can benefit from Texecom Connect with the addition of the Texecom Connect SmartCom.
Texecom’s new SmartCom 4G system adds new connectivity options for Premier Elite systems improving connection reliability. Providing access to Texecom Cloud and Texecom Connect services via single path (4G) or dual path (4G plus Ethernet or Wi-Fi), the SmartCom 4G is always on, always ready, and always available. Use the QR code for more information
Reducing crowding and improving security with integration
Integrating lift controls with an access and security system is a practical solution, whatever your budget, says Tim Northwood, general manager of Inner Range.
For customers with several sites and/or thousands of users, a high-level lift integration with our enterprise-level intelligent integrated access and security system, Integriti, provides a seamless, unified solution to manage access very efficiently.
High-level lift integration means the lift can read user credentials from entry turnstiles, or door readers. The lift’s ‘destination control’ software takes into account where each of the building’s lifts are, the user’s designated ‘home floor’ as well as where other users are going/due to go, and instantly calculates the quickest lift for the new user. The user is then immediately directed to the most efficient lift. If users have access rights to more than one floor, they can update their preference in the lift itself.
The integration works with access cards, as well as QR codes – including those on mobile phones – meaning visitors can benefit from the high-level lift integration as well as regular users.
Anyone accessing the building will be swiftly directly to the quickest lift, and access can be touchless too – another benefit during the pandemic. In addition, the integration ensures tighter security around accessing different floors because this is all directly controlled by the integrated system.
Lift integration with entry-level access control For customers with single sites, such as small businesses, using our entry-level integrated access and security system, Inception, some lift integration is also possible.
Users must present a valid access card to call a lift, and/or when choosing a floor from inside lift. This process restricts which floor selection buttons users can press, ensuring only legitimate users can access pre-agreed specific floors. The integration allows Inception to keep a record of ‘button feedback’, showing where users have been, which is helpful for both security purposes as well as tracking user movements if any infection is recorded.Visit: www.innerrange.co.uk
APPLICATION
Seamless access control upgrade for LV Insurance
With a requirement to prevent unauthorised access through tailgating to maintain the security of staff and visitors, insurance provider LV was seeking a security solution at five of its office locations; Brentwood, Bristol, Huddersfield, Ipswich and Leeds.
The solution required should not only offer a security but be aesthetically pleasing and provide a seamless user experience.
Working alongside key installation partners, Avanza Intelligent Security, Fastlane Glassgate 150 turnstiles were chosen to be installed across all locations. Each LV installation also included integration with the existing access control systems which allowed staff to use their current access cards to gain entry via the new turnstiles, with the card readers integrated into the stainless steel turnstile enclosure.
Charlie Salamone, Director at Avanza Intelligent Security, commented: “Each of the installation locations provided a variety of challenges, particularly as LV required turnstiles to be installed at a number of entrance/exit points around the building, including on different floors. We worked with the Fastlane team to conduct onsite surveys to ensure each install could be carried out in the most straightforward manner, with the least disruption to staff.
“Each of the turnstiles was fitted using a freestanding floor protection system, this removed the need to drill into the floor which was a much more appealing solution for the client. Overall, the Glassgate 150 from Fastlane met the client’s brief, offering a high-tech entrance security system combined with a compact, stylish turnstile design.”
Surveillance system installed in smart distribution centre
A large warehouse and distribution centre is benefitting from a 64-camera video surveillance system from Dahua Technology.
The site is the main UK warehouse for Pets Corner, a nationwide chain of over 150 stores dealing with pets, pet food and accessories. The 43,000 sq ft warehouse in West Sussex was opened last year and supplies all the UK stores and the company’s online business. The objectives for the surveillance system are to monitor the health and safety of workers, reduce stock damage and shrinkage, and protect lorries parked in the yard overnight.
The cameras, installed by Urban Security Systems & Fire, comprise a mix of Dahua Starlight domes and AI bullet cameras. All have a minimum of 5MP resolution and feature AI analytics, enabling features such as face recognition, ANPR, content analytics, incident detection, people counting and heat maps. Cameras use H.265 compression and edge analytics, with low light performance. Cameras were colour-matched to blend in with the interior of the building by the distributor Oprema. The cameras are installed internally and externally, at the top and bottom of each aisle and at all delivery entry and exit points. The system is monitored out of hours by Southern Monitoring.
Power is delivered over Ethernet cable, so reducing and simplifying cabling requirements. Using ePoE cameras enabled the integrator to run cable over 95m in distance, and in one case as far as 160m. Other Dahua equipment installed was a 64TB NVR, three managed ePoE Ethernet switches, and a 24-port Gigabit L2+ managed ethernet switch.
Andy Lloyd, Director of Urban Security Systems said: “The PoE type cameras greatly assisted with the design and installation of the cable infrastructure and kept costs down, negating the need for additional PoE switches due to the length of cable runs.”
Graham Denny, Director of Logistics at Pets Corner, said: “When building our new National Distribution Centre, we wanted a system that would not only give us maximum security but assist in maintaining operational and health and safety standards. The results from Urban Security Systems are excellent, providing us with outstanding video imagery, which is simple to use on my laptop, desktop and phone.” “The PoE type cameras greatly assisted with the design and installation of the cable infrastructure and kept costs down”
APPLICATION
Glasgow Science Centre invests in video surveillance
The Glasgow Science Centre has invested in a new video surveillance system from Hanwha Techwin to help create a safe environment for visitors who wish to enjoy the Centre’s facilities which include over 400 interactive exhibits, planetarium and a space zone.
The contract to install the new video surveillance system, which features cameras sourced from Hanwha Techwin, was awarded to integrator Scottish Communications Group, who installed the original analogue CCTV system when the Centre first opened in 2001.
Stuart Leslie, Sales Director of the Scottish Communications Group said: “The old analogue system had done an excellent job over the years helping to keep visitors safe by ensuring staff and contractors comply with health and safety procedures. However, in terms of features and functionality, as well as the image resolutions of the cameras, the system was not able to deliver the benefits offered by the latest cameras”.
A total of 68 new Wisenet cameras have been installed at the Centre by Scottish Communications Group, 48 of which have been deployed as replacements for what was the old existing analogue cameras, whilst 20 additional cameras have been installed in new locations to negate any blind spots and give the Centre’s control room operators greater situational awareness. 40 cameras were selected from the Wisenet Q IP network series which, with built-in IR illumination, are able to capture 2 and 4megapxiel images, regardless of lighting conditions. These bullet and mini-dome cameras also feature Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which performs at up to 120dB to produce clear images from areas that present a challenging mix of bright and dark areas, such as the Centre’s reception area where strong sunlight is able to stream in.
The remaining 28 bullet, PTZ and mini-dome cameras have been selected from the Wisenet HD+ analogue series and are able to deliver 2megapixel HD images over coaxial cables. Wisenet HD+ cameras can support the transmission of HD images using standard coax cabling - without any latency or image loss - at distances of up to 500m.
Images from the cameras are recorded on either a Pentabrid ‘hybrid’ recorder or a Wisenet NVR, with each of the five devices offering up to 12 terabytes of storage.
“The safety and security of our visitors is always our top priority”, said Roddie Galbraith, Facilities Manager at the Centre. “We have therefore invested in the latest technology in order to significantly upgrade the capabilities of our video surveillance infrastructure and, in doing so, provide our security colleagues with a powerful tool which will allow them to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents. We believe we now have a video surveillance system which will be fit for purpose for many years to come”.
Two Darlington schools upgrade life safety systems
During the summer of 2021, not only were the teachers at two educational settings preparing for the start of the new school year, but both school sites were undergoing an upgrade to their life safety systems with Hochiki’s fire detection devices.
Two Darlington schools Rydal Academy and Longfield Academy required modernisation in their life safety systems which would change the system from closed protocol to open protocol, allowing any qualified fire safety engineer to work on the system and devices rather than being fixed to one brand. Hochiki's ESP Intelligent range was prescribed for both schools. Optica Fire & Security won the contract to carry out the projects at both schools.
Both school sites are large, but Longfield had the added complexity of networking across several spread-out buildings and over multiple floors inclusive of classrooms, staffing areas, dining area, school halls, library, a sports hall, and swimming pool, which all required new cabling as well as where appropriate the upgrade of the existing. With the added pressure of the six-week summer holiday deadline looming this was quite a complex project for the team to undertake. As well as fire and repeater panel installation, there were over 800 Hochiki devices installed across both sites, with a life safety system designed to meet a category L3 requirement - the standard for school settings where there are lots of classrooms and corridors to consider, plus outside spaces.
Longfield also required the devices to perform multiple functions, and the entire network was programmed for ‘cause and effect’ to include a class change system. Based on pre-programmed timetables, to signify the end of a lesson or lunch sessions for example, the Hochiki sounders would activate, utilising a different tone to the fire alarm. This is possible via controls within the ESP products that include variable volumes and tones that allow the system to be tailored to the application specifics.
