Guide for Construction Products Regulation EU305/2011

Editor / Provider: Euralarm | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Euralarm has launched a guidance document for the Construction Products Regulation EU 305/2011. The document provides guidance on the requirements and implications of the implementation of the Construction Products Regulation. The information is provided for the benefit of Euralarm members and for those who are involved in the manufacturing, supply and installation of fire detection and fire alarm equipment.

As part of the EU's Better Regulation initiative, the CPR provides more clarification of the concepts and the use of CE marking; introduces simplified procedures, which will reduce the costs incurred by enterprises, in particular SMEs.
The Construction Products Regulation EU 305/2011 replaces the Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC as per July 1, 2013 and lays down harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products.

Compliance with the CPR includes a Declaration of Performance (DoP) as a basis for CE marking for all products placed on the market as of 1st July 2013. By affixing the CE marking to a product, manufacturers indicate that they take responsibility for the conformity of that product based on its declared performance.

The DoP is issued by the manufacturer and needs to contain the complete list of all essential characteristics as defined in the applicable harmonised product standard. DoP need to be available, per product, product family or any other grouping of products decided by the manufacturer.

CE Certificates of Conformity, issued under the former CPD are still valid. There is no need to have certificates of constancy of performance available for products tested and certified before July 1st, 2013.

In addition to a DoP generated under the CPR, CE Declaration of Conformity may still be required according to applicable EU Directives like EMC, LVD, R&TTE, ATEX, and others.

There is no technical impact on any products due to the CPR. However CE marking and accompanying documents need to be checked according Article 9, CPR. Declaring at least one essential characteristic only is allowed; the use of this declaration need to be monitored carefully by the user due to the fact that a “reduced functionality” declared as NPD does not make sense in many cases.

Argentinean country club deters crime with IP eyes

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Founded in 1969, the 235–hectare Los Lagartos Country Club in Buenos Aires, Argentina deployed an integrated IP-based video surveillance system consisting of Axis Communications network cameras, fixed PTZ domes, video server and Netcamera VMS to deter crime at its sports and residential facilities. The club has 616 housing units, 380 families of resident members, and sporting facilities including 27-hole golf course, 30 tennis courts, six fields for soccer, hockey, squash and equestrian facilities and others. Local installer Cameras Overnet implemented began implementing the project in early 2007, and new equipment is currently being added to the system.

With its large surface area and concentrated sporting, social, and cultural activities, this country club found it necessary to install a modern, agile, and flexible video surveillance system that would: Allow for real-time monitoring of events affecting security at access points, perimeters, and public areas to provide greater protection for critical areas of the country club. In addition, the system needs to perform video surveillance from a central monitoring room and facilitate remote access to images captured at various points throughout the facilities. Serve as an additional deterrent to crime that complemented other security systems and allow for the retrieval of archived images for security audits.

A preliminary study was conducted in each sector of the country club to determine the points to be monitored, analyze the current network, and determine the infrastructure needed to achieve the client's security objectives. After the study was completed, the project moved on to the implementation phase and the deployment of the proposed solution. Camaras Overnet professionals also conducted training sessions to ensure that the club's security team was fully prepared to handle all aspects of the new system.
 
In addition, because it is based on an open architecture, the system supports new enhancements and updates. The Axis network cameras, fixed PTZ domes and video server were installed outdoors, equipped with protective housings. A video recording system controlled by Netcamara VMS was also employed.

The club now can control, monitor, and save images captured by cameras at each of the sectors. Cameras Overnet suggested that the solution architecture should be installed in a centralized fashion (several locations managed from one central operating point). This means that live and recorded images from any camera can be accessed from the control center. The level of security at the country club has been significantly improved, which is reflected in a better quality of life.

German office lease operator turns to interoperable access control system

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Munich-based Design Offices, a provider of temporary office space rents in Germany has recently deployed an interoperable and scalable access control system consisting of HID Global IP-based card reader and multi-layered security readers. For the project, Design Office partnered with Swiss system integrator, Performance Buildings. Performance Buildings currently operates in Switzerland, Germany and in the USA.

As part of their technology offering for tenants, Performance Buildings and Design Offices were looking for a technology solution provider that met their standards for a secure office access system that was interoperable, convenient, customizable, future-proofed, and at the same time easy to use and delivered cost benefits.

“We're not just offering rooms, we're offering end-users of the office space– tenants or temporary ‘on-demand' end-users of the office space, a secure environment where they can work, meet, hold conferences and provide training sessions in a location where they feel comfortable, and for us, which includes offering all the technological solutions they need in today's modern world,” said Phill Handy, Managing Director from Design Offices.

“So, for example, we wanted to be able to offer 24-hour access to rooms, automated check-in and check-out services but without having to provide staff or all the paper-based procedures,” Handy explained.“We also wanted people to be able to book rooms on the move, so it was critical that easy-to-use online options were available.”

Performance Buildings in Germany selected HID Global products because it was the only company with the ability to support their cutting-edge IT architecture and provide the flexibility that they required. The core solution implemented was an IP-based card reader that meets the demands of open architecture, IP-centric environments and provides fully distributed intelligence and decision making right to the door, leveraging the IT infrastructure to the maximum extent possible.

“The addition of the IP-based card reader provides the access intelligence to do much more than open doors with cards,” said Vishal Mallick, CEO, Performance Buildings. “The fact that it is open and IP-based allows us to integrate the card reader device into our IT-centric architecture and use authenticated credentials to drive lighting, climate and audio visual systems today, as well as room bookings and facility management task allocation in the future.”

In addition, the access control system provided tenants flexibility in using a range of new and existing access card technologies, such as contactless proximity cards and smart cards, or more advanced technology such as NFC smartphones to access the office building and rooms. Office visitors could also be provided access to office workspaces via Performance Buildings touch screen that was enabled by HID Global's IP-card readers to open doors. Furthermore, the IP-based card readers also allowed for cost efficiencies, as the initial investment outlay was reduced through the reader's use of PoE. Finally, HID Global's open architecture based OPIN application program interface (API) was highly cost-effective and required relatively little effort to create a robust integrated solution with the IP-based readers or controllers.

“With its (IP-based card reader) API, it could be easily integrated into our software and installed,” explained Mallick. “Also, HID Global's multi-layer security readers allow us to have one standardized product for the vast majority of buildings due to its interoperability with a range of legacy and existing smart cards in our facility.”

With a robust system that powered Design Offices' shared workspaces, Performance Buildings reported that it had seen a ROI within six-months of their deployment in Munich and improved efficiencies by reducing paperwork thereafter. As the company continues to expand, the use of HID Global solutions will continue to broaden. “We're going to take their combined solutions with us when we move to Dusseldorf, Berlin and Hamburg and we're doing this because it allows us to be more efficient while providing our clients – existing tenants or temporary clients ‘on-demand' with the security, privacy and ease of use that they've been looking for,” said Handy.

Albanian university-hospital complex upgrades to IP-based video surveillance

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Founded in 1993, Our Lady of Good Counsel, Catholic university-hospital complex based in Tirana, Albania recently upgraded from an analog camera system to an IP-based video surveillance system consisting of Hikvision Digital Technology network cameras and six NVRs to improve security and ensure physical safety of patients.

Prior to the implementation Hikvision's surveillance solutions, the five-building complex utilized simply analog cameras to address its need for security. However, these analog cameras were unable to capture sufficient details of activities in the video footage. Specifically, face recognition was impossible and even license plates were hard to decipher. Furthermore, security personnel did not have access to the monitoring system. “We considered increasing the number of cameras, but the problem clearly was not the coverage, but rather the quality of surveillance,” said Nikolin Gjonaj, Head of Security at Our Lady of Good Counsel.

Three-megapixel IR bullet cameras were installed in the complex to ensure proper capture of activities on the premises. Detected motion can be configured to trigger alarm. The 3-megapixel outdoor mini dome and 2-megapixel mini dome  boast vandal-proof housing, which gives added physical protection. Like the 3-megapixel IR bullet cameras, these network cameras support the common network protocols, ensuring maximum integration in a complex-wide, and in this case, all five buildings, surveillance system. The three cameras provide the necessary and impeccable image detail to capture activities, including faces of individuals within range, license plates and many other minute details.

To complete the system, the eight channel standalone NVR and 5-megapixel resolution NVRs ensure the detailed camera footages are recorded efficiently and effectively for viewing. Four 5-megapixel NVRs were installed in the monitoring office, enabling security personnel to have full access to the system, while two standalone NVRs were installed in each security guard room. The NVRs were integrated with the entire network via fibre optic cables.

“ Now we can see everything clear from a far distance,” said Gjonaj, who also explained that in the past the large areas and distances among buildings made it impossible to monitor activities. In addition, the cost efficient installation was a much-welcomed bonus to the project. Incidentally, the system is highly scalable and will serve Our Lady of Good Counsel for many years.

Flir launches fast thermal cams for R&D applications

Editor / Provider: Flir Systems | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The Flir A35x0sc/A65x0sc-Series are thermal imaging cameras that are equipped with a cooled detector. They are ideal tools for industrial R&D. For those applications that need better image quality, more sensitivity and a higher frame rate than what can be obtained from a thermal imaging camera with an uncooled detector. When higher frame rates and better image quality are required Scientists can choose among the Flir X8000 or X6000 series.

The Flir A35x0sc/A65x0sc-Series cameras are all featuring Mid-Wave Infrared Cooled detectors, thus being able to see through or at materials that no other uncooled Long-Wave camera can, like certain types of glasses or plastics.

The Flir A65x0sc produces crisp thermal images of 640x512 pixels. Users that do not need this high image quality for their application can choose the Flir A3520sc which produces thermal images of 320x256 pixels.

External triggering allows synchronization of the image capture to the most fleeting events. It is also possible to configure one camera to be master and others to be slave for applications requiring more than one camera.

All Flir A35x0sc/A65x0sc-series cameras work on a snapshot mode: all pixels are registering the thermal event simultaneously. In case of moving objects or on motion applications, such cameras can avoid image blur that would occur if a non-snapshot camera would be used.

GigE Vision is a new camera interface standard developed using the Gigabit Ethernet communication protocol. GigE Vision is the first standard to allow for fast image transfer using low cost standard cables even over long distances. With GigE Vision, hardware and software from different vendors can interoperate seamlessly over GigE connections.

The Flir A35x0sc / A65x0sc cameras work seamlessly together with Flir ResearchIR/ResearchIR Max. It allows for viewing, recording and advanced processing of the infrared data provided by the camera. Each camera comes standard with a basic version of Flir ResearchIR.

Axis ranked No. 1 in video encoders and network cameras

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications retains its global market-leading position in network cameras and security cameras and has also taken first place in video encoders. This is shown in a new report from information and analytics firm IHS.

“We have further strengthened our position due to our long-term strategy of continuous releases of innovative network video products and the fact that we offer high-quality security solutions in a global market in conjunction with our loyal partners,” says Ray Mauritsson, President of Axis Communications.

“IHS estimates continued high market growth, however, slightly lower than previously, over the next five years. IHS also indicates the market today is more fragmented, with many vendors offering network video products for security solutions.”

Axis is still ranked number one and is global market leader in the network cameras and security cameras categories. The security cameras category includes both analog cameras and network cameras. Last year, Axis further strengthened its market position by taking first place in the video encoders category, a video encoder is a product that is connected to an analog camera, which makes it possible to use the advantages of a network solution.

According to IHS, network cameras will account for more than 50 percent of global surveillance camera sales by 2014. This may be compared to network cameras' share of global sales in 2012, which amounted to approximately 40 percent, according to IHS Research.

Argentinean highway toll booths operator identifies vehicles with smarts

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

Four Aumar-operated toll plazas along the 647 kilometer corridor of highways in the province of Buenos Aires in Argentina recently deployed eight Axis Communications network cameras with Neurallabs ALPR to help identify about 16,000 vehicles that are exempt from tolls or qualify for special rates. The system was designed by system integrator Telectronica.

In July 2011, a new concession was created for highway linking Routes 2, 11, 63, 56, and 74. Within this corridor there are four tollbooths: Samborombón, La Huella, Gral Madariaga, and Mar Chiquita. The Concession Agreement stipulates that users residing within a 10 kilometer radius of a toll plaza are exempt from tolls, and there is a different rate for those who live in certain parts of the coast.

At first, different technologies such as ID cards or RFID tags were considered to meet this need. However, these options involve high investment costs that are difficult to recuperate. It was therefore decided to test ALPR technology with different types and brands of cameras. After several tests, Neurallabs ALPR was completed with Axis network cameras, with image control and shutter control software. Initially eight sets were installed: four at the La Huella toll plaza, two at the Madariaga plaza, and two at the Mar Chiquita plaza.

With the implementation of ALPR technology and Axis IP cameras, Aumar succeeded in automating vehicle identification for most residents within the zone in question, and the system achieved an extremely high recognition rate. Furthermore, the solution allowed the concessionaire to improve both its auditing processes and security.

“At first we were a little skeptical regarding recognition rates and processing speed after everything was integrated into the toll collection system; we even thought that cars might have to stop for the system to recognize and authorize them,” said Claudio Reynaga, System Administrator, Aumar. “But the numbers show us that the recognition rates are excellent, and users can go through the plazas without stopping, just as if there was a free-flow type system in place.”

Following these excellent results, AUMAR evaluated the use of the same technology for other applications. “ALPR technology is very interesting to us and allows us to think of many applications: for example, to measure average vehicle speed between toll stations, or using it as a backup in electronic toll lanes when the device tag is not recognized but the license plate is,” said Reynaga.

British brewery migrates to scalable access control system

Editor / Provider: Grosvenor Technology | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Robinsons Brewery, an independent family brewer in UK, recently upgraded its ageing access control system at facilities in Stockport and Bedbury to Grosvenor Technology's scalable network access control system consisting of HID cards and network door controllers. The new access control system was installed by Advance Security UK.

The original access control system at Robinsons' Unicorn Brewery in Stockport and Packaging Center at Bredbury was rapidly becoming obsolete when, with the assistance of their electrical contractors Piggott & Whitfield, they approached Advance Security to help update the system. Advance Security immediately recognized that the flexibility of the Janus technology was the ideal solution for the project. However, before they could even start the upgrade, the original system failed and Robinsons had problems with a new batch of cards, as Des Collins, Robinson's Health, Safety and Security Advisor explains:

“We had a batch of cards from our existing supplier that was delivered without the magnetic strip being programmed. When we couldn't get a response from the suppliers Grosvenor stepped in and designed an encoder that allowed us to program the cards ourselves, saving us time and money...Advance also made some temporary repairs to the system to keep us going during the upgrade – all free of charge.”

A phased approach has been adopted that allows the system to be upgraded with minimum disruption and to accommodate available budgets. The access control system also allows Robinsons to upgrade existing swipe card readers to proximity readers. Dual function HID proximity cards that also include the magstripe technology, work on both systems.

Robinsons has realized additional savings by using Grosvenor's Ethernet version door controllers. These are installed directly onto the brewer's existing LAN without the need for extensive new wiring. Each IDC can control two doors/locks and interface to a wide range of industry standard card readers and lock mechanisms. Every card profile associated with a specific IDC is downloaded to the controller to ensure uninterrupted access to the buildings in the event of a network or power failure. Each new version of access control software maintains backwards compatibility with previous versions of controllers, maintaining a client's investment with existing access control hardware that may have been installed over the last 15 years.

Infinova partners with Dell for server and storage solutions

Editor / Provider: Infinova | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Infinova and Dell join hands to provide its partners a one stop solution for video surveillance, server and storage needs. With this association, their partners would now be able to target small scale, mid-sized and large scale installations, with a bundled solution of Infinova VMS and Dell server and storage options available for each of these segments, and that too at an affordable cost. Infinova and Dell will closely work together to ensure deliverance of complete support to their partners into the designing, implementation and pricing support for all their projects.

Infinova's solution encompasses a wide spectrum of product technology to meet the security needs of government, industry, banking, retail, and service companies across the globe. Infinova's industry experience in HD megapixel, IP, analog and fiber optics reinforces its reputation for flexibility with both integrators and end users. With its latest acquisition of Canadian Based Surveillance Company March Networks, the combined ranking now stands among the top 10 largest video surveillance security players in the industry. Since Infinova is a manufacturer, they have full control over the design and specification of its products. This gives their channel partners, the flexibility to meet specialized project requirement, where customized solutions are needed.

Dell, an information technology company, provides a range of technology solutions worldwide. The company offers rack, blade, tower, and hyperscale servers for enterprise customers and value tower servers for small organizations, networks, and remote offices; networking solutions; and storage solutions, including storage area networks, network-attached storage, direct-attached storage, and backup systems. In addition, the company offers support and extended warranty services, enterprise installation services, and configuration services; and infrastructure and security managed services, cloud computing and infrastructure consulting services, and security consulting and threat intelligence services. Further, it provides applications services, such as application development and maintenance, application migration and management, package implementation, testing and quality assurance functions, business intelligence and data warehouse solutions, and application consulting services; business process services comprising back office administration, call center management, and other technical and administration services; and system management, security software, and information management services. It serves corporate businesses; educational institutions, government, health care, and law enforcement agencies; small and medium-sized businesses; and consumers directly, as well as through retailers, third-party solution providers, system integrators, and third-party resellers.

Infinova and Dell will be catering to its customers and channel partners across Africa, ME and SAARC countries.

Assa Abloy borrows a $1.2B syndicated loan

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 6/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Assa Abloy has together with 14 banks entered into a syndicated multicurrency revolving credit facility amounting to $1.2 billion (EUR 900 million). The facility has a tenor of at least five years and its main purpose is to refinance an existing facility amounting to nearly  $1.5 billion maturing in 2014.

The credit is to primarily serve as a strategic back up facility and can be utilized in optional currencies such as EUR, GBP, SEK and USD.

The new facility is currently unutilized.