Smarter Response to Threats

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 10/13/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

What makes a physical security information management platform good or bad? Reliability and cost-effectiveness are key issues, as well as an intuitive user interface suited for different operators.

Physical security information management (PSIM) expressly exists for situational awareness. A good platform has the potential to prevent situations from getting worse. In the event of a fire or other life-threatening scenarios, an integrated response may save countless lives.

However, a PSIM solution with a complicated user interface can create problems for operators to navigate and respond quickly, said Alf Chang, Senior Consultant for A&S magazines.

Good PSIM should unite systems into a holistic platform. “PSIM needs to have the ability to seamlessly fetch all data and then translate that in a single, analytical presentation and archival form,” said Bhaskar Ganguly, Global Marketing Director for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Automation and Control Solutions, Honeywell International.

PSIM systems must account for human psychology, especially in crises. “During an incident, it's imperative that the operators get all of the information they need in a way that is easily understood, without being overwhelmed with noncritical data,” Ganguly said.

Any platform for convergence should be simple to operate. “A system that requires less interaction with the operator is normally the best solution,” said Ken Pereira, CEO of OneBerry Technologies. “Automation is the main ingredient that makes or breaks a solid PSIM solution.”

Ease of use is achieved through intuitive features and extensive automated processes. “Workflows f o r ope r a t o r s on one GUI are essential, combined with the flexibility of portable communication integration,” said Stephen Moody, Security Development Manager, ViS Security Solutions. “This allows for incident control and the efficient deployment of operatives on the ground.”

A good solution should meet user needs and apply the most simple and efficient architecture, said Daniel Kok, Business Development Manager for ADC Technologies International. Conversely, a bad solution would include too many components from multiple vendors, which system integrators have no control over.

System Stability
A good PSIM platform should keep running, even if one of its subsystems goes down. “There have been a number of instances when a certain module or component did not meet the requirements of the project during actual usage,” Pereira said. “And when this particular module failed, the whole system was affected. It is advised that clients should go with a complete system that has been extensively tested. The key to a reliable system is decentralization.”

A modular approach can prevent installations from coming to a grinding halt, such as offline operation of building and security systems at certain times, Chang said.

Good networking practices can keep systems from crashing. “While system availability can never be 100-percent guaranteed, the risk of failure can be significantly reduced by incorporating standard IT redundancy and failover architectures,” said Brandon Arcement, Manager of Global Security Technology, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls.

Along with network redundancy, users can use secondary verification techniques. “For example, an alarm can be validated through secondary sensing like video or access details,” Ganguly said. “In cases when a particular subsystem fails, there is always another sensing point available to the user.”

Customized Solutions
PSIM offers powerful functions, which are not required by every user. Providers need to design customizable but flexible solutions that are tailored to users or applications. A network infrastructure capable of supporting communications across a wide range of verticals would be optimum, said John Moss, CEO of S2 Security.

Computer Network Limited (CNL) uses template modules for specific vertical markets, enabling flexibility and reduced cost. “The advantage of this is the end user only pays for what they want,” said Matthew Kushner, President of the Americas for CNL. “If they need additional functionality in the future, they just need to add modules.”

Modules or business logic templates save administrators time. “These templates repurpose common actions and responses, and are also fully customizable,” said Larry Lien, VP of Product Management, Proximex. “Administrators and integrators can reuse these standard templates or create their own as necessary.”

As there are currently no PSIM standards, some providers make connectors for specific interfaces so systems can communicate. “As we build these connectors, they become part of a library of capability that is part of the commercial-off-the-shelf products,” said Bob Scott, Executive Director of Security Solutions Strategy for Intergraph.

Customers often bring their experience with hardware-based systems, which are notorious for underachieving. “With theses of tware-based systems , we encourage people not to overspecify the system since this can result in unnecessary costs,” said Kevin Daly, CEO of Maxxess Systems. “Once they understand how the system works, they can change it with little or no penalty. With software, you're better off undershooting requirements, getting used to the system and then getting additional functionality.”

Site-specific solutions are best addressed with flexible programming options, said Anand Mecheri, CMO of Siemens Building Technologies. “A rule engine is essential, to avoid proprietary customizations that become very hard to support over the life cycle of the solution.”

A set of rules and workflows can be programmed for one customer and sold to another user with similar needs. However, the client can claim exclusive rights to the solution, said Holger Maier, Product Manager for Building Integration System, Bosch Security Systems.

Multiple Stakeholders
PSIM platforms will be used by administrators and guards, who have unique needs. Authorization levels will also differ for sites with several stakeholders, such as airports with customs officials and law enforcement.

One system may be deployed, but use different GUIs. “You have to enable many protocol transfers in the system,” Chang said.

Administration and access rights are normally based on a hierarchical system, depending on the user's job function and needs, Ganguly said. A good system allows management

to assign authorization to individual users . “The system must be dynamic to the extent of being able to customize access rights for each operator, specifying what can be viewed and controlled, depending on the level of security privileges,” Pereira said. “This feature will allow management to determine the scope of responsibility and monitor the performance of each operator.”

Between Old and New
As PSIM must suit each project's needs, it requires careful planning and implementation. Most PSIM deployments are at new sites, as it is easier to put PSIM into a new site with nothing there, compared to a building with legacy systems. “If the owner wanted to substitute the original system with our system, this is in general more time-consuming,” Maier said.

Newer sites can select best-ofbreed products, making PSIM easier to integrate, Moss said. However, the cost of switching out subsystems may be prohibitive. The existing cable infrastructure, such as analog video lines, can limit upgrades as well.

Greenfield projects can include security in the planning phase. “All aspects concerning data management and integration among different devices must be discussed in detail to ensure that the security requirements are met,” Pereira said. “Locations of the different security devices like cameras and access controls must be part of the structural and electrical plans of new buildings.”

However, increasingly older buildings go through refurbishment for integration, Kok said. Arcement agreed, saying, “In fact, PSIM is often most valuable in facilities and organizations where an owner wants to leverage existing investment in disparate building and security technologies while still enhancing security operations through system integration.”

Regardless of whether the project is old or new, users will deal with stand-alone systems. “In today's world, it's all about sharing better information among systems and providing security operators and related stakeholders with an improved means of collaboration,” Lien said. “PSIM solutions bridge the gap between different technologies, improve processes, enhance security and save costs.”

Price Considerations The powerful performance of PSIM requires an initial investment, on top of existing equipment and subsystems. Most providers sell in modular packages, depending on the number of systems, features and licenses. Maintenance is usually charged separately.

Bosch sells by license, with several options. “The more doors, detectors, cardholders and cameras, the more the end customer pays,” Maier said. “With additional or customized features, you pay an additional price for it. And for the years after the warranty period, customized service maintenance agreements and service level agreements can be purchased to keep the system up and running for years.”

Pricing factors involved include systems, devices and how many manufacturers there are to support. Some installations could have three different ACS vendors, requiring additional integration. “This is largely dependent on the type of customer, as PSIM deployments vary a great deal, so different pricing structures are in place to suit different verticals,” Kushner said.

Going with one PSIM vendor can be cost-effective. “Normally, if the system requires more components to be integrated and the purchase is made under one contract, the cost savings may range from 10 to 30 percent, depending on the size of the project,” Pereira said.

Recurring support needs to be budgeted for. “We do have software support, with access to the help desk, updates and training, at an annual fee of 10 to 15 percent of software cost,” Daly said.

Intergraph combines licenses, maintenance and training in its pricing. “Our software is sold via a perpetual license fee — one time charge for licensed software, which is typically server-side and client-side software modules — with annual maintenance along with implementation services to configure, integrate, train and commission the system,” Scott said.

Users can decide what payment plans fit their needs. “Life cycle cost is always an important consideration when evaluating the purchase of a technology,” Arcement said. “As such, it's important that end users communicate which payment schemes and licensing structures work best for their organizations during the design process.”

Training Operators
PSIM is not plug-and-play and requires training to become familiar with its features. Training for operators can take two days up to two weeks, depending on the platform's complexity.

The system's complexity depends on the site's scale. “To get operators familiarized with the operational aspect of the entire system would depend on an individual's approach,” Kok said. “On the whole, we believe it will offer significant operational cost savings to the organization.”

While PSIM offers increased functionality, it should be straightforward to operate. “The interface and workflow of the platform should provide an intuitive user experience when designed and commissioned properly,” Arcement said. “It helps to have operators who are comfortable with a mouse and keyboard, but they certainly don't have to be programmers to be effective in the control room.”

Evaluation Criteria
PSIM providers usually look for experienced partners and integrators that are familiar with both electronic security and networking. “It is key to have long-term, stable partners when it comes to deployment of high-level, integrated solutions such as PSIM,” Mecheri said.

CNL's criteria include how long the company has been in business, average deal size and how many employees have relevant certifications, such as Microsoft and Cisco, Kushner said.

Maxxess offers training to partners but does not request third-party certifications from them. However, it can be helpful in some situations. “Networking issues are very significant, both in how they affect the performance of our system and how it integrates with other systems,” Daly said.

The integrator should also have a close relationship with the owner and understand the organization's business operations and security processes, Arcement said.

Along with networking skills, installers or integrators should have experience with the connected subsystems. “Many years ago, it was getting wires in a wall, then getting wires to the controller and some keystrokes. Today, this is the easiest part,” Maier said. “The challenging part is to design the optimal system and subsequently to program the functionality according to the customer's organization and requirements.”

System integrators should also evaluate PSIM providers. Irish integrator ViS Security Solutions partnered with Proximex after analyzing its system architecture, flexibility, cost and unique approach. “Proximex has taken significant steps in the U.K. and European region, which provides commitment and quality reassurance,” Moody said.

“We have also found the Proximex team to be proactive and contribute significantly to client requirements and system designs.”

Legacy Challenges
PSIM is undergoing growing pains, ranging from bringing systems together, keeping data manageable and planning for tomorrow. These challenges require time and effort.

Hybrid systems are a hallmark of PSIM for sites with existing equipment. “In an upgrade project, challenges tend to focus around the compatibility of integrating new technology with legacy systems,” Ganguly said.

Older systems can be thorny. “An end user asked CNL to integrate a system which does not have open SDKs or APIs. The manufacturer had developed its product in complete isolation of IT standards, to the point of anti-Microsoft,” Kushner said. “We managed to work around it, but it's the lack of standards that is the biggest challenge we are dealing with.”

A dearth of standards means interoperability is still a long way off.

“The challenges relate to evolving standards, evolving concepts of operations that support the use of integrated technology like PSIM, and the fact this is still an early market, so we are dealing with innovators and early adopters,” Scott said.

Human Touch
A PSIM platform may have countless slick functions, but still must be accessible to humans. Having the highest specifications will do no good if the interface is too overwhelming for practical use. “The challenge for Bosch is to bring a solution that connects to any subsystem and that can be customized to any user's needs, but can still be handled by our certified VARs and integrators,” Maier said.

As projects get bigger, the scope of PSIM becomes more complex. “The big challenge going forward is efficient use of people,” Daly said. “Organizations now are more distributed. It's not just one building or campus, but 40 to 50 sites being centrally managed, often with at least some information sent back to a central point. What you do locally and centrally can be a critical design consideration for these systems.”

It is important for machines to do what they do best — crunch data from multiple sources — while human operators decide on the most appropriate response. This frees up operators from tedious tasks and helps them work smarter.

Future-Proofing
Growth can be difficult to plan for in large projects. “A technical challenge facing PSIM vendors is enterprise scalability,” Kushner said. “Some systems have been designed without enterprise-level scalability in mind, and trying to add this capability is proving very difficult for some companies in the marketplace.”

The future is murky at best, throwing off the best-laid plans. “In a greenfield system, the challenge is to accurately predict and define customer requirements at an earlier stage,” Ganguly said.

A more abstract problem is proving futuristic PSIM systems are real solutions already in use. “Unfortunately, integration is something which has been put in front of end users many times before, and their expectations have been high, only to find very limited integrations,” Kushner said. “Thankfully, PSIM is changing this, and more end users understand that they can build systems that give them exactly what they want.”

Regardless of how the future pans out, integration will be the wave of the future. PSIM harnesses existing technology and networking capabilities, enabling better use of data in a timely fashion. With increased automation of tasks, security operators can see more and respond faster to threats.

Piecing Together the PSIM Puzzle

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 10/12/2010 | Article type: Tech Corner

Physical security information management (PSIM) promises to make life easier for security operators. Instead of managing systems separately, PSIM provides a converged platform, bringing the most relevant information to the fore while advising the best course of action. Operators can piece together the whole picture from many disparate systems. In the event of a fire, smoke detectors can sense the fire, cameras can offer video verification and the PSIM can list response measures for the operator to take. An integrated platform maximizes existing investments, combining multiple systems into one seamless interface. However, each provider has its own way of bringing multiple inputs into a cohesive whole, resulting in varying definitions of what true PSIM is.

Physical security information management (PSIM) is one of the hottest buzzwords in the industry. Sometimes referred to as “situational awareness” or “command and control,” more viable solutions show that convergence is now a real-life trend.

The benefits are clear for holistic management. Instead of tracking access control on one workstation, video on another and intrusion on a third machine, operators can have a bird's-eye view of all systems through PSIM. “Technologies such as video analytics and PSIM help automate video monitoring, filter out irrelevant information, and provide operators and guard forces with the data they need to make more intelligent decisions — typically referred to as ‘actionable data' in the language of IT; ‘situational knowledge' in the language of public safety; and ‘total domain awareness' in the language of homeland security,” said Aberdeen Group in a March 2010 study on video surveillance.

All the flowery terms mean one thing: Bringing the most important information to the operator 's attention. Instead of trying to watch 100 video feeds, control room staff can manage their time better and respond to issues faster. “With the same number of full-time equivalent staff , the topper formers in Aberdeen's study are able to support 3.3-times more cameras and 21-times more alerts requiring evaluation and action by guards or operators,” Aberdeen Group said.

PSIM does not replace human operators, but helps them make sense of multiple inputs more efficiently. “For example, an operator monitoring an unidentified object in the airport can simultaneously view pictures from multiple cameras, access video archives to trace the sequence of events leading to the placement of object and path it has taken, monitor the chemical identity signal from a robot explosive detector, and evaluate evacuation procedures from a crisis management tool,” said Bhaskar Ganguly, Global Marketing Director for Critical Infrastructure Protection, Automation and Control Solutions, Honeywell International.

PSIM, VMS, ACS
Management software such as VMS or access control software (ACS) keeps tabs on individual devices in a system, sometimes even integrating inputs from other subsystems like intrusion. However, such management platforms cannot integrate all — including elevators, climate control and lighting — and usually are proprietary. True PSIM is vendor-agnostic and should give operators a clear set of steps to follow, depending on what sort of emergency is taking place.

No universal definition exists for PSIM. “There are many unique features which clearly set a PSIM platform apart; most of which have been customer-driven to answer real business challenges and provide bottom line value,” said Matthew Kushner, President of the Americas for Computer Network Limited (CNL). “It's surprising how far some VMS and ACS companies are willing to stretch the description so as to add ‘PSIM' to their product labels.”

A converged management platform needs to do more than pull in feeds of alarm data, video images and card usage. “A true PSIM solution provides a much higher level of integration, providing a bidirectional interface with an auditable database management system,” Kushner said. “This level of integration is the only way to provide local sites with complete command and control, regional managers with overall situational awareness and senior management a dashboard view of how a security situation could impact their business's bottom line.”

System-specific management software has limited functionality. “There are many VMS and ACS platforms that offer integrated solutions in a box,” said Brandon Arcement, Manager of Global Security Technology, Building Efficiency, Johnson Controls. “They typically don't have the flexibility of a PSIM software, as engineers are frequently focused on priorities other than just third-party integrations, and they are somewhat constrained by the application and control logic code at the base of their software.”

As ACS and VMS address specific system needs, they are less complex compared to PSIM. “With an open PSIM, you can include almost everything,” said Holger Maier, Product Manager for Building Integration System, Bosch Security Systems. “On the other hand, some ACS solutions integrate just video and intrusion, but are much easier to install for VARs and system integrators.”

Genuine PSIM solutions correlate relevant data from more security systems better than any other type of software. “Because PSIM solutions are built to support a variety of systems and technologies, the operator display and flow of information deliver a much more holistic view of the environment,” said Larry Lien, VP of Product Management, Proximex. “It's not focused on just video or alarm information, but connects and correlates information from many various sensors and systems to give operators the most relevant data in order to respond better to incidents.”

System Integration
There are a number of ways to integrate systems into PSIM. Some PSIM providers team up with hardware manufacturers to support their solutions, while others work exclusively with software companies. This results in different degrees of integration in the final management platform.

There are three ways to integrate systems for PSIM. First, there is hardwired integration, Arcement said. Then there is standard protocol integration, involving protocols such as BACnet, Modbus, Lon or OPC.

A standardized OPC client in the PSIM communicates with any OPC server, making integration simple. “The subsystem can deliver any data from the connected detectors and cameras, so the PSIM can process and display this information,” Maier said. “On the other side, the PSIM can be programmed to control the many different connected subsystems from one common customized user interface.”

Finally, systems can be integrated with APIs or SDKs from the manufacturer, which is the most robust integration. “APIs expose more information than a standards document can and thus allow a developer to support more functionality in the integration,” Arcement said. “One drawback is that these integrations take time to schedule and develop, and they often need significant maintenance when subsystem versions change.”

The software approach usually pays off better than spending effort integrating with hardware. “The real play here is the integration of event information and controls; therefore, software integration is usually the way to go,” said John Moss, CEO of S2 Security.

SDKs enable system integrators and installers to create different user interfaces, such as for VMS, said Alf Chang, Senior Consultant for A&S magazines and a former installer. Most sensors are covered by standard protocols, so a Wiegand card reader will integrate with nearly all platforms.

However, the maintenance of multiple systems is complex. “If you try too much to optimize each piece of the system, the system can become quite fragile,” said Kevin Daly, CEO of Maxxess Systems. “Often, a looser integration does not bring with it as significant a penalty as you might think, since it can provide you with more flexibility if the system components change.”

Making New Friends
Integrating third-party software is not hard technically, but the manufacturer may not want to reveal all of its secrets. Thus, the PSIM software may be able to display the proprietary software, but cannot run all features natively, such as built-in analytics.

Integration with third-party systems is straightforward if the subsystems support industry standards. “ONVIF is a great example for such integration and will enable integration of not only network cameras but also serverbased analytics engines and access control going forward,” said Anand Mecheri, CMO of Siemens Building Technologies.

The PSIM platform's integration is as deep as system manufacturers provide through their SDKs and APIs. “The biggest obstacle is typically a multitude of different systems which give acceptable service at the local level, but due to the intentional proprietary nature of these systems, it's almost impossible to bring all of these systems together into a single system,” Kushner said. “Most security equipment manufacturers have made interoperability through a common GUI almost impossible.”

At a recent project, the user wanted to use Agent Vi analytics on Milestone Systems' and Cisco Systems' respective VMS systems. However, each system displayed the analytics so differently that additional manipulations were required for uniform operator response, Kushner said.

It is reasonable to expect most day-to-day functionality to be available in the PSIM, but usually not all features are transferred, Arcement said. It could be that the protocol or method of integration did not allow certain types of information to be transferred; the subsystem manufacturer chose not to expose that functionality through the shared API or the PSIM developer chose not to support a certain portion of the SDK.

Intergraph emphasizes emergency response, so only the most essential functions are integrated for operational needs. “Not everything needs to be integrated right away, if ever,” said Bob Scott, Executive Director of Security Solutions Strategy for Intergraph. “Our goal is to provide our customers with value by increasing their operational capability though integration and by providing a platform or framework that can grow and evolve with their needs.”

Real-World Technology
PSIM delivers real benefits, but is not for everyone. A small installation with four cameras does not require a command-and-control platform to manage an overwhelming number of inputs. In general, large projects facing higher risk, such as airports, nuclear power plants and hospitals, are more likely to benefit from using PSIM.

As construction has slowed down, has demand for PSIM gone down? Some experts believe so. “I expect the number of PSIM installations has been lower recently,” Chang said. “Most commercial high-rise buildings can use their own surveillance management software as an alternative to PSIM, at least for physical security installers.”

ADC, a subsidiary of Robert Bosch, thinks differently. “In Singapore's context, we've been seeing increasing prospects and tenders based on seamless integration,” said Daniel Ko k , Bus ine s s Deve l opment Manager for ADC Technologies International. “IT infrastructure serves as the backbone for communications of virtually all electronicsbased systems. As technology advances and is able to cater to a wider bandwidth at faster speed and reasonable cost, security products will naturally follow in tandem and leverage on the backbone.”

Other market players have also observed growth for PSIM. “We've seen the mature markets like North America and Europe use PSIM more frequently in existing facilities, while emerging markets like Asia and the Middle East have requested PSIM more frequently for greenfield construction projects,” Arcement said.

More users facing high risks have adopted PSIM. “These tend to be companies who are geographically dispersed or concerned with business continuity,” Ganguly said. “If the customer is building a new facility that he sees as being high security risk, he would likely invest in the latest technology to mitigate the risk he sees in a possible breach.”

PSIM is sometimes installed for efficient business management. “In some cases, customers have already built their primary security infrastructure and now want to use the available information productively and intelligently to earn returns,” Ganguly said. “This is possible only when a PSIM system is installed and used in day-to-day operations.”

The number of PSIM projects has increased significantly, particularly for existing buildings with disparate security and building subsystems that need to be incorporated into a new or additional installation, said Stephen Moody, Security Development Manager, ViS Security Solutions. Integrating multiple subsystems, however, requires significant resources and can face roadblocks for third-party equipment. In the next article, we examine what makes a PSIM solution good, along with cost considerations and challenges.

Bosch Provides Complete Security for Large Bulgarian Mall

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 9/24/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Bosch Security Systems has supplied all security technology for the Serdika Center in Sofia. The systems were installed by local partners. The new complex became one of the largest shopping centers in Bulgaria when it opened in March 2010. Besides 51,000 square meters of retail space on three levels, the Serdika Center also includes an eight-storey office complex with 30,000 square meters of office space, which should be completed at the end of the year, as well as 1,600 parking spaces.

In the shopping center, two modular fire panels from Bosch receive signals from around 2,400 fire detectors; another panel and more than 1,500 detectors are to be installed in the office complex. The redundantly designed panels not only monitor areas accessible to the public, but also critical areas like substations and ventilation shafts via special detectors. In addition, the panels control the smoke extraction and fire extinguishing systems in the entire building as well as escalators and lifts in the event of a fire alarm.

The public address and evacuation system, which has a total of 39 digital audio channels, is closely connected to the fire detection system. Announcements and evacuation instructions are issued via 2,200 loudspeakers in the shopping center and 1,400 in the office building. The system is set up redundantly and continually monitors amplifiers, microphones and loudspeakers as well as the corresponding lines to guarantee faultless operation at all times.

Bosch and its partners also implemented a video monitoring system, an intrusion detection system as well as a system for access control in the office building. The video monitoring system works with more than 100 cameras and a total of 14 monitors for service personnel. It covers the entire premises including the shopping center, the office building and the parking spaces and ticket machines.

”When planning this project, the security concept played a key role from the very start,“ said Vassil Jilkov, Technical Manager of Serdika Center Sofia. ”We set great store by reliable and integrated systems and thus decided to obtain all security technology from one source at an early stage. With Bosch and its local partners, we covered the entire range of security technology both in terms of products and expertise and can be certain that the systems will work together smoothly in an emergency. High level on safety is a standard for all ECE Shopping Centers.”

Bosch Security Systems Watches over Croatian Mall

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 9/24/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

A security solution from Bosch Security Systems has been installed in the Garden Mall in Zagreb, Croatia. 75 international and national retailers and service companies are represented on this retail complex, which covers an area of 38,425 square meters and offers parking space for 1,400 vehicles. The Bosch security solution encompasses customized surveillance, fire alarm and emergency evacuation systems to provide the security and safety for customers and employees. The solution was installed by Tehnozavod-Maru?i? of Zagreb.

The surveillance system consists of 64 cameras. In addition to providing antitheft protection, it offers features such as the monitoring of products and assets, assistance in managing manpower and operations and supporting safety equipment if an incident should occur.

The fire alarm system is based on the fire panel and incorporates more than 1,000 fire detectors. Together these allow control of fire detection throughout the shopping mall. The modularity of the system allows for easy extension and adaptation to country-specific regulations and conditions.

The voice evacuation system is based around emergency evacuation and digital public address system with 15 amplifiers and 600 speakers. It provides background music, prerecorded messaging and live speech calls. Besides creating a relaxed atmosphere for customers it enables the efficient evacuation of the entire complex within a few minutes if necessary.

“With the Bosch security systems, the Garden Mall meets the highest security and safety demands,” said Mile Nagli, who was the main designer of Garden Mall Zagreb.

Bosch Provides Comprehensive Security to Hungarian Mobile Operator

Editor / Provider: Bosch Security Systems | Updated: 9/16/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Bosch Security Systems has installed an all-embracing security solution at Telenor House in T?r?kbálint, Hungary, the headquarters of Telenor, one of Hungary's mobile operators. The solution consists of a centrally controlled, IP video surveillance system; an access control system for employees and vehicles; and an intrusion alarm system.

The access control system consists of 250 card readers for the admission of people and vehicles. In addition to the standard entrance control functions, the Bosch system is connected to Telenor's own visitor management system.

The video surveillance system consists of fixed network cameras and hybrid recorders. Network cameras are installed indoors and day/night cameras outdoors, both of which meet the strictest IP video requirements.

The intrusion alarm system comprises Bosch panels and detectors connected to the monitoring receiver via a security network. Within the intrusion system, antimasking detectors with integrated spray detection are installed in areas that require higher security.

Each subsystem is fully integrated into the building's overall security system managed by the building integration system, which in turn provides the central monitoring and display functionality.

Switching to IP Considered a Gamble to Some

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 9/14/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Many casino operators have yet to understand the full benefits of implementing an IP system, and some are weary of the new technology for legitimate reasons. Reliability will always be a concern, as is the overall cost of overhauling a system in a tough economy.

As with many other industries, the casino security market suffered the repercussions of the 2008 economic crisis. “In the past three years, there has been little growth. Not a lot of new construction has happened in Las Vegas, and many casinos in Macau have stopped buildling projects,” said Scott Schafer, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, Arecont Vision.

Now, the gaming market is getting back on its feet, but not at the rate that it has previously. “Many casinos had to stop mid-construction, or continued only to a point without opening,” said Kevin Bozarth, Global Sales EngineeringManager for Pelco (a Schneider Electric company). "In many of these cases, the security systems were already specified but became outdated after two to three years. Thus, the entire consulting, bidding, evaluating and design process for the entire system has to be redone."

Growth will depend on two aspects of the gaming market. “Part of the growth will lie in emerging gaming markets, such as Southeast Asia, and the other half will be in upgrades to existing markets, who were early adopters of digital recording technology,” said Gary James, Director of Business Development, Visimetrics.

The Allure of IP
HD technology adds to the allure of implementing an IP system. “HD cameras and systems are able to capture quality surveillance footage with good color representation and sharp details. Sharpness of the color footage is an essential factor in casino monitoring, as it should be able to capture the color of the chips in order to allow security personnel identify the specific value,” said Yoshikazu Hirano, GM for Security Solutions, Business and Professional Products Asia Pacific, Sony Electronics.

An IP system can go past surveillance and security to help with customer service. “A player rewards system, where players can be tracked and be given points to use anywhere in the world in an affiliated casino, is a great way to market a casino above others,” said Tommy Burns, CEO of Burns and Associates.

Added analytics is another aspect valued by casino operators. “Casinos represent some of the most difficult environments to monitor and require robust video management software to successfully overcome those obstacles,” said Marc Holtenhoff, CEO of Aimetis. “There are many solutions developed for these casinospecific requirements.”

The level of IP adoption depends on the client's individual circumstances. “For owners of casinos and other multiple properties, networkbased technology offers many advantages including centralized control,” said Jason Oakley, CEO of North American Video. “It is additionally a cost-effective, long-term strategy for utilizing technology to drive productivity and cost savings. Once network infrastructure is established for core security functions like video surveillance and access control, other solutions incorporating systems such as PoS, elevators/escalators and environmental systems can be added.”

Most casino security managers are progressive people, who realize new technologies can make their operations more efficient, said Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ademco Far East. However, there are a few issues that are hindering a swift shift into IP.

Barriers to IP
One of the biggest barriers to an IP system is the transmission. “Much thought need to be placed in choosing between a single network and multiple networks. The cost savings and convenience of a single network are obvious advantages; however, there is also the fear of overreliance on a single network,” Lim said. “This concern can be addressed by implementing an independent redundant IP network. This will require solutions that are able to support redundant networking in case of network failure, and the cost savings compared to traditional system wiring are significant if multiple systems are riding on these redundant networks.”

Reliability is a concern for casinos, as lost video equates instant fines upwards of US$100,000. There cannot be a single point of failure,

including the network switch, the digitizing/encoding technology and storage, said Ian Crosby, CCTV Product Marketing Manager, Bosch Security Systems.

As with all technology, people are wary until solutions have been tried and tested. “People do not wish to move out of their comfort zone and modify what has worked fine before,” Schafer said. This is why it is crucial for solution providers to educate and demonstrate any new technology and systems.

Certain companies allow their customers to check a system thoroughly prior to commissioning, said Konrad Hechtbauer, Director of Project and Application Development, Dallmeier electronic. "We have facilities to conduct the factory acceptance test, where customers can check the complete system, inc luding network infrastructure." Customers can gain optimal investment and cost transparency, which help dissipate some of the qualms about new technology. Customer support is another emphasis, with many companies offering seminars on operating the new system. “Customers should be supported from the start of the project planning, up to the technical implementation and beyond the project closure,” Hechtbauer said.

After seeing that IP solutions do work, casino operators need to consider the business aspect of deploying IP. “Decision makers have already formed strong relationships with analog camera manufacturers, so they will need to see how much better the ROI is from employing megapixel and HD cameras before they will make the decision to switch,” said Paul Bodell, VP of Global Business Development, IQinVision.

Money will be one of the biggest issues when considering the upgrade to an IP system, as less than 1 percent of the budget is spent on surveillance, according to Bill Miller, CEO of Reliable Security.

In this economy, the best option may be to phase slowly from an analog system to a hybrid system, and finally to IP. “Providers need to provide a simple, scalable way to make the migration to IP,” Holtenhoff said.

In order to do this, the new system architecture needs to align itself with the existing system design, said Sri Kurniawan, CTO of RCG Holdings. Users will not change their entire systems simply to implement HD capability. Instead, it needs to be integrated with existing systems, James added.

Casino operators need to be reminded that installing a new IP system may represent savings in the future. “The use of megapixel cameras within a casino allows multiple cameras to be replaced by a single high-megapixel camera,” Bozarth said. Compared to a few years ago, the prices for megapixel and HD cameras have fallen close to analog rates. Prices will hopefully continue to drop, so network cameras become more affordable.

Currently, there are still some concerns about latency and dropped frames. However, once these issues are solved, IP video security will dominate the market, Hirano said.

 

Satisfying Regulations

Casinos generate thousands of patrons, and large amounts of cash transactions take place every minute. Aside from the guests themselves, casinos also have to keep a watchful eye on their own employees and satisfy gaming commission regulations. “Surveillance requirements in gaming are driven not just by business and operational requirements, but also gaming regulations that set stringent specifications for the monitoring of gambling businesses and the performance of the surveillance function,” said Jason Oakley, CEO of North American Video. These regulations can  some times hinder or boost the casino market . “We have seen casino managers being tied down by gaming regulations that were introduced before digitalsys tems we r e developed for casinos, so the equipment cannot currently be used in full,” said Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision. “For example, many gaming commissions regulate that casinos have to operate surveillance on a closed network, when there are clear benefits in being able to access the system remotely. Modern network security functionality is now advanced enough to protect against unauthorized access, yet still closed networks are mandated.” Conversly, the gaming commission in Missouri recently mandated that all casinos in the state move to digital recording, spurring local casinos to upgrade equipment so they could comply with the new rules. These changes in regulations frequently prompt growth spurts among casinos in individual states, said Ian Crosby, CCTV Product Marketing Manager, Bosch Security Systems.

Swapping the Cards from Analog to IP

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 9/10/2010 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The daily operations of a casino require tight security and a reliable surveillance system. The “eye in the sky” never sleeps, monitoring risks such as cheating, fraud and theft on the premises. Having a reliable security and surveillance system is crucial for the daily operations of a casino, and many cases have been solved with recorded video. While analog systems have worked well in the past, advancements in IP have made networking a viable option for casino surveillance. Recently, a group of scammers partnered with a casino's dealer, threatening to walk away with thousands of dollars. Video analytics and a megapixel camera helped lead to their arrests.

Despite proof that IP is indeed valuable, decision makers are still hesitant about migrating. The upfront costs of an overhaul into the future with a fully integrated IP system remains an obstacle to wider uptake. Casino security and surveillance keep tabs on cash, people and property.

As soon as one steps into a casino, every movement is recorded. Surveillance cameras dot the ceiling like stars — every square inch of a casino floor is covered by one or more cameras. They work 24/7, sending a constant image feed back to the central control room for review. Casinos are facilities where large sums of money are exchanged and kept, which call for advanced surveillance and security systems to combat numerous risks, as well as keep patrons and employees safe.

Casinos built in the past have relied on an extensive wired network of analog cameras, operated by security personnel who would manually zoom in on suspicious areas. They would then keep a close eye on the area for any irregularities before confirming it was safe or if security personnel should be called to the scene. However, this method can prove to be time-consuming and tedious, since it is impossible for a handful of security personnel to keep tabs on more than 1,000 image feeds simultaneously.

Analog Systems in Need of an Upgrade
Full analog systems form the majority of security systems in casinos today. “Sixty to 70 percent of the casinos in Nevada still rely on analog systems,” said Tommy Burns, CEO of Burns & Associates. However, I P h a s abundant advantages over analog. “Analog is no longer wanted because storage is always an issue. More can be done with digital storage capabilities when using the right compression format.”

This is significant because gaming regulations determine the amount of time video footage is kept. “Casinos are required to store video surveillance recordings for a defined period of time — from one week to 30 days, depending on their location and state laws. As a result, many casinos must store thousands of video cassette tapes with recorded video,” said Ian Crosby, CCTV Product Marketing Manager, Bosch Security Systems.

It also expends unnecessary money and manpower. “ Casinoscould have 500 to 1,000 VCRs recording camera video. Each VCR requires a tape change every eight hours, and tapes have to be rewound and stored for seven days. On a typical eight hour shift, an operator would spend 60 to 90 minutes purely dealing with the tape changes,” said Oliver Vellacott, CEO of IndigoVision.

Gaming is the only market which still heavily relies on analog. “Airports, schools and other large installations which require constant surveillance have all migrated to IP. This is because IP products yield better performance, are easier to service and have lately become more available, whereas analog digital equipment is starting to become harder to find,” said Bill Miller, CEO of Reliable Security. “Analog digital hybrid systems end up with obsolete equipment, such as the matrix switch and analog input DVRs. IP systems have the type of advanced capabilities many users cannot find in an analog digital hybrid.”

Making the Switch
Casino operators understand the benefits of megapixel and HD cameras. “Opportunities for analog video systems in this important market are disappearing fast. IP is seeing a lot of growth, and it can be attributed to an increase in the number of casinos and casino security professionals who are unsatisfied with their existing SD cameras and are taking steps to upgrade them,” said Paul Bodell, VP of Global Business Development, IQinVision. “Prior to 2005, this wasn't an option since the low-light and frame rate performance of megapixel and HD cameras was not adequate. However, the best megapixel and HD cameras now offer full 30 fps with image quality that is better than analog cameras, and these cameras have the low-light performance capabilities that meet casino requirements.”

A casino's defense against risks cannot be lowered during upgrades and overhauls. “Video surveillance is the heart of the security system in a casino. No casino table is allowed to operate without the corresponding surveillance system running,” said Roger Tsang, District Manager for Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, ADT Security.

To achieve this, options include segmented replace mentor completing the installation and running it simultaneously, to ensure operational satisfaction before shutting down the old system. “The key to any upgrade is careful planning, specifying the correct products, equipment staging, installation scheduling and technology crossover. When this is done correctly, a complete system shutdown of the casino is not necessary, and virtually any new deployment can be done with minimum interruption and inconvenience,” said Jason Oakley, CEO of North American Video. “Hybrid video solutions are the logical path to provide a phased migration from analog to digital systems.”

Hybrid Systems Bridge Gap
epping up from an analog system to a hybrid system can be challenging. “The biggest challenges initially when trying to integrate a hybrid system is the existing infrastructure upgrades,” said Scott Bartlett, CEO of Southwest Surveillance Systems. “Once past that, the next hurdle is tying in HD cameras into an analog environment. To make this step easier, it is best to change the thought processes and talk to the digital recording system instead of the analog matrix, otherwise one will have to down convert the HD system to be viewed in analog format.”

For a transition, a hybrid system allows for analog reliability with better imaging from megapixel and HD cameras. “The hybrid solution lets you use a combination of analog and network cameras, DVRs and IP servers. It can complement the shortfalls of both IP and analog systems ,” s a id Johnny Law, Executive GM of Electronic Security, Hong Kong and Guangdong, UTC Fire & Security.

Prior to the advancements made recently, network cameras suffered from low-light sensitivity issues and did not have the PTZ capabilities casino operators were used to. “But as improvements are being made, and network cameras are deemed no longer inferior to analog cameras in terms of stability and functionality, it is pushing us even further away from the hybrid environment and into a full IP or HD environment,” Bartlett said.

The Lure of IP Systems
Casinos are calling out for IP systems and products after recognizing the numerous operational advancements they have over analog. “Fifty percent of the installations done over the past four to five years have been IP-based. They take up 10 to 15 percent of the overall casino market and will only grow from here,” Miller said.

The advantages of IP devices over analog are obvious. “IP solutions have better image quality, increased coverage area, longer recording times, smart search capabilities, Web-based remote viewing and can capture clearer images of moving objects,” Law said. “Slot machines and blackjack table areas are best equipped with IP video surveillance systems. Thus, such systems are widely installed because they can also reduce cost, use less cabling, provide flexibility and digital functions, and take up less video storage space by using file compression formats.

Currently, megapixel and HD cameras are the leading trend for casino security. “They can offer a resolution that is 10 or even 20 times higher compared to a traditional VGA network camera or VGA encoder. Casino operators can have fewer cameras installed by using megapixel cameras and still be able to enhance the video resolution and area that is being monitored,” Tsang said.

Some gaming regulations require all security cameras to record at 30 fps. This used to be unattainable using megapixel and HD cameras due to their high network bandwidth. “1.3 megapixel and HD cameras can now run at 30 fps without any problems. However, anything higher than that cannot get that many fps,” said Scott Schafer, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing, Arecont Vision. “Thus, higher megapixel cameras are being used in areas where frame rate is not a requirement, such as the floor area where only 10 to 15 fps are needed. Fifty percent of the cameras we sell are 1- to 2-megapixel, and 50 percent are 3- and 5-megapixel cameras.”

Aside from better image quality which helps capture small details, analytics also play a major part in the appeal of an IP system. Analytics can help catch minor movements and irregularities that could indicate foul play automatically, so security operators are alerted to a certain table at play.

High image quality is required for facial recognition to work, and as facial recognition technologies improve, casino operators are seeing it as a valuable tool for managing customers. “Facial and fingerprint records of VIPs can be registered with venue officials and stored in the database,” said Sri Kurniawan, CTO of RCG Holdings. “The nonintrusive automatic facial recognition system can continuously scan for faces via camera and inform the administrations anytime a particular known individual is entering a venue. Similarly, the system also recognizes blacklisted individuals and notifies the security team upon their arrival.”

However, facial recognition may not completely be ready for deployment. “I have yet to see a system work in a casino environment. The ceilings are too high and there are usually too many people coming through the doors at one time for any system to be effective,” Bartlett said.

Does Public Surveillance Deliver Real-Life Results?

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 8/23/2010 | Article type: Hot Topics

Video cameras put eyes in more places, but are we really seeing more? The brazen
Dubai assassination suspects were captured on video but have largely eluded capture.
A&S examines whether public monitoring is effective.

Caught in the act. Busted. Captured red-handed. Catching the bad guys is clear-cut in the movies, with a witness making sure the perpetrator is brought to justice. However, there are not enough people to stand vigilant at all times. The security camera becomes a sentry, keeping watch and recording what it witnessed.

More cameras are being deployed for evidentiary purposes. Specifically for terrorism, surveillance footage has helped nab suspects in the past. “Time and again the advantages of effective digital video evidence have been demonstrated through events such as the police investigation into 2005's London bombings,” said Pauline Norstrom, Chairman of the CCTV Section for the British Security Industry Association. “This massive intelligence exercise carried out by London's Metropolitan Police and surrounding forces was significantly aided by the presence of the surveillance systems covering the streets. Recordings from 28,000 cameras were cut down to seven hours of relevant footage to aid the investigation, and the pictures that were subsequently produced, such as those taken at Luton rail station of the 7/7 bombers on the irway to suicide missions, showed identifiable images of the perpetrators.”

However, seven hours of street footage requires quite a few eyeballs to watch it all. While the cameras placed the bombers at the scene of the crime, it took dogged police work to identify and capture them. A camera cannot be expected to solve everything, as it is just part of an investigation.

In the past year, surveillance came to the fore in January with the Dubai assassination. Local surveillance mandates yielded a near-perfect record of the hit on Hamas officer Mahmoud al-Mabhouh. The cameras faithfully recorded the perpetrators, who were remarkably bold.

“Team members walk through the airport, check in and out of hotels, get in and out of taxis,” said Bruce Schneier, security technologist and author, in a prepared statement. “They make no effort to hide themselves from the cameras, sometimes seeming to stare directly into them. They obviously don't care that they're being recorded, and — in fact — the cameras didn't prevent the assassination, nor as far as we know have they helped as yet in identifying the killers.”

While there is no way a camera can stop premeditated murder, it does seem odd that no one noticed the flurry of activity around Mabhouh's room. “Pervasive security cameras don't substantially reduce crime,” Schneier said.

Another high-profile event was May's failed bombing of Times Square, one of the most monitored places on earth. Faisal Shahzad set off a bomb in an SUV, which failed to ignite. He then simply walked away, while a street vendor noticed the smoking car and alerted the authorities. It took mere days to apprehend Shahzad, but not after operators reviewed footage from 80 cameras.

With all those cameras rolling but no one watching, it begs the question of whether public monitoring is effective. The answer comes down to why the cameras are there in the first place.

Practical Issues
A primary issue with cameras is whether they provide evidence-grade images. The British Standard BS8495 addresses exporting image data for evidence, so the footage carries weight in court, Norstrom said. This depends on image quality, authenticity and operator awareness, among other factors.

Another challenge in real life is integration. “Technology has limits,” said Chris Phinney, Senior Product Marketing Manager for Intrusion Systems, APAC, Bosch Security Systems. A city surveillance system will involve a camera capturing images, then software to analyze. Poor integration means the system will have limited performance.

An urban cityscape is also challenging. “The technology and the integration aren't keeping up,” Phinney said. “The reason is there are so many factors that need to be taken into consideration, like environmental factors. Video analytics are not yet intelligent enough to adapt to all these different environmental factors.”

While Hollywood movies show street cameras performing facial recognition despite the villain's clever disguise, reality is harsher. An indoor environment, such as the customs area at an airport, can control factors such as lighting and position, Phinney said. An outdoor camera mounted on a lamp post will also record images, but may be affected by sunlight, branches or wildlife. Matching a photo of someone from a street location to a database has limits, due to insufficient image quality.

Limited budgets mean outdated cameras are recording, but the images are too low-quality for evidence. Cameras also break, reducing them to expensive decorations. Even if there are high-resolution cameras providing identifying detail, they may not stream images in real time.

Video surveillance is primarily for evidence, but it is difficult to sift through footage. “Looking at the expansion in the scale of video surveillance being deployed in our urban areas, as well as the increased integration of mobile and fixed solutions, there is certainly a pressing need for ways of managing the sheer volume of video footage,” Norstrom said. “This is where we are seeing a growing interest in database-driven solutions which can allow for the successful archiving and retrieval of digital video evidence being generated on a daily basis across multiple sites and systems.” This includes embedding metadata for more effective searches.

Best Practices
Cameras placed out in the open do affect behavior. Public surveillance cameras and signs that indicate an area is being monitored serve as noticeable deterrents. “You can then argue: Is it a deterrent or crime displacement?” Phinney said. “For example, the bad guy sees the camera and decides not to mug the lady, so he goes down the road to commit a crime where there are no cameras.”

Any camera installation should be carefully considered. “The organization looking at this has to weigh the advantages for its specific application,” Phinney said. “Measuring success is about achieving the objectives that the organization has.”

An installation's purpose must be clearly delineated before equipment is specified. “When it comes to video surveillance, however advanced it may be, there is little doubt that care needs to be taken in terms of how it is specified, installed, operated and maintained,” Norstrom said.

“As with any type of technology, the reality is that video surveillance never operates in a vacuum, so it is imperative that steps are taken to ensure that any solution is ‘fit for purpose' and that there is a real appreciation of the ‘bigger picture' context in which the surveillance infrastructure is to be applied,” Norstrom said. “Whether it be public-space monitoring or commercially operated surveillance, many of the principles which underscore best-practice surveillance are the same.”

A holistic mindset is required for public monitoring. “Crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED) relies on whenever you design a system in a building to rely on natural surveillance,” Phinney said. “A characteristic of CPTED is open architecture, open viewing so everyone can see what's going on.”

This approach emphasizes natural barriers that are aesthetically pleasing. “No one wants a city center that's like a military bunker,” Phinney said. “You need to be able to adopt certain aspects of CPTED.”

It is clear technology aids the capture of wanted criminals. However, real-life implementations mean the technology faces real-world limitations. “The storage, the signage, the lighting — all of these different aspects — are part of a system,” Phinney said. “You don't look at cameras and say they don't solve problems; you need to have a holistic view.”

In cases where there are concerns over the surveillance system's ROI, it is important to look at the context, Norstrom said. Examining whether the installation measures up to best practices — how it was specified, installed and maintained — is important before “rushing to any rash judgments as to the efficacy of surveillance at a wider context.”

Ultimately, it goes back to education. “The knee-jerk reaction is put up a camera after a mugging,” Phinney said. “Next week, someone else is mugged, so the reaction is that the camera is no good. That camera needs proper lighting, a sign and a system that if you see something, you call this number. It's a different story when you also adopt the other measures to be much more effective.”

Surveillance cameras are still necessary, but only as part of the equation. A response plan must be drawn up to take action. “To ensure that any public-space surveillance infrastructure is effectively deployed and maintained, members of the general public should be encouraged to be ever-vigilant and to report their concerns to the police,” Norstrom said.

Surveillance does catch the bad guys, when deployed correctly. The evidence captured by cameras helped put away the London bombers, along with the perpetrators of the unsuccessful attempt two weeks later, Norstrom said.

However, effective monitoring requires forethought about what the cameras are meant to do. This extends into the response network, with a clear plan about what action to take.

Cameras will never find Osama bin Laden in a packed football stadium, but they can offer valuable assistance to the authorities.

Conway Camera Housings and Bracketry Cover UK Tunnels

Editor / Provider: Conway Security Products | Updated: 7/28/2010 | Article type: Infrastructure

UK-based surveillance manufacturer Conway Security Products supplied camera housings and bracketry to a Highways Agency project in Hertfordshire that is seeing the Hatfield Tunnel on the A1 motorway refurbished to meet new E.U. standards.

The two 1.1-kilometer tunnels are cut-and-cover structures whose legacy traffic control systems needed replacing. The upgrade is being overseen by a Skanska Balfour Beatty joint venture. The Hatfield Tunnel is part of the Trans-European Road Network and is being refurbished in time for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Conway provided the units for use within a tunnel control solution from P. Ducker Systems (PDS). The solution is a semiconfigured package with dual redundancy that allows infrastructure clients to retrieve and manage data for display and control purposes.

As the only camera housing manufacturer creating units from raw materials at UK, Conway were able to provide stainless steel products to exact specifications which met unusual site needs. Exceptional resistance to corrosion from traffic fumes and an ability to withstand unusual levels of vibration were prerequisites, demands that Conway satisfied as a result of working closely with some of PDS’s design team.

The enclosure used here is a variant on Conway’s stainless steel housing which in addition to traffic infrastructure locations, is used in coastal and marine environments where ingress of water and salt are a threat. The unit is manufactured to weatherproof level IP66 and is available in either 304 or 316 grade stainless steel.

The camera assemblies are mounted on bespoke stainless steel brackets that were designed and manufactured by Conway in co-operation with the project team at PDS. The bracketry had to be both adaptable to ensure the camera had an optimized angle of view while at the same time providing a solid platform to minimize movement caused by traffic. The housings are protecting Bosch network cameras which allow MPEG-4 and JPEG compression modes simultaneously, making them ideal for such applications.

Conway also designed and manufactured a washer unit completely from stainless steel with co-polymer fixtures and fittings to address the needs of the Hatfield tunnel whose harsh conditions demanded a custom solution.

Ricky Oliver of Conway said: “The Hatfield Tunnel project threw up interesting issues for PDS who shared these challenges with us. We worked with their design and management teams at all stages and delivered solutions to problems that were identified at the outset or in some cases emerged during installation. Having complete control of our design and manufacturing operations allowed us to support PDS thoroughly.”

Bosch Secures Shanghai World Expo 2010

Editor / Provider: SPONSORED BY BOSCH SECURITY SYSTEMS | Updated: 7/28/2010 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Bosch Security Systems provided full security for World Expo visitors with its
video surveillance and public address systems.

Bosch Security Systems is one of the principal suppliers of security equipment for the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China.

This event of global significance, which opened on May 1 and is scheduled to run until Oct. 31, is expected to receive between 70 and 100 million visitors. Within the 5.3-square-kilometer Expo site, exhibits from 192 countries and 50 organizations are on show. Over the six months the exposition will run, it will host around 20,000 cultural performances.

China Pavilion
The China Pavilion is one of the largest and most important buildings in the exposition and will be among the legacies to be left in place at the end of World Expo 2010. It highlights the host country's long-standing history and time-honored culture.

To protect visitors to the China Pavilion, nearly 700 Bosch high-performance cameras were installed inside and outside the pavilion to offer comprehensive real-time monitoring of areas, such as the surroundings, interior exhibition rooms and elevators. The Bosch Allegiant 8900 Matrix System was installed in the central control room of the pavilion. Offering full matrix-switching capability, the system displays video from any camera on any monitor and provides powerful alarm-handling capabilities.

Expo Axis
Connected to the China Pavilion, the Expo Ax i s i s the central boulevard of the Expo site and consists of steel-glass funnels with a 1,000-meter-long membrane construction.

The Expo Axis project is the largest single project at the Expo site and adopts a whole new architectural form. The Expo Axis has been fully equipped with a Bosch advanced video surveillance system, comprising more than 800 Bosch cameras. Another feature is a Praesideo digital public address system connected to more than
1,600 speakers installed within the structure's magnificent architecture.

Expo Center
The Expo Center is one of the most important permanent venues in the Shanghai Expo site and takes on the functions of an operational command center, Festival Conference Center, Press Center and the Forum Center. After the World Expo 2010, the Expo Center, with more than 60 meeting spaces, will become one of the leading international conference centers in the country. Bosch provided the DCN NG Digital Conference System for the Expo Center.

Transportation Hub
Shanghai Hongqiao Comprehensive Transportation Hub, spread across 26.26 square kilometers, is one of the most important city transportation projects associated with the Expo. It integrates airport, maglev train, city rail transport, intercity speed railway and highways. Thetransportation hub can serve up to 480,000 passengers per day.

The Praesideo public address and EVAC system from Bosch Security & Communications Systems provides reliable products and solutions for this site, covering most areas of Terminal 2, East Traffic Square (including metro, maglev train, bus stations) and West Traffic Square. Twenty-four sets of Praesideo Central Controllers (with redundancy) and around 10,000 various speakers are in place.