Identive smart tickets for skiing

Editor / Provider: Identive Group | Updated: 3/26/2013 | Article type: Security 50

While waiting for spring to bloom, many across the North are still hitting the slopes. A number of ski resorts have adopted RFID so lift tickets can be kept in skiiers' pockets enabling lift gates to open automatically. Though a fixture at many European slopes, RFID tickets are beginning to emerge in Aspen, Solitude, and a handful of other US resorts.

Identive RFID tickets are increasingly being employed for authentication and access control in transportation and other environments, improving efficiency and convenience while helping to quickly and safely process high volumes of travellers or visitors

Iveda opens innovation lab

Editor / Provider: Iveda Solutions | Updated: 3/26/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Iveda Solutions announced the opening of its Innovation Lab at the Taiwan campus of the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI).

David Ly, President and CEO of Iveda Solutions, and Dr. Cheng-Wen Wu, VP and General Director of Information and Communications Research Laboratories at the ITRI, participated in an all-day event, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony to commemorate the opening of the lab.

At the ceremony, Ly said, "It's an honor to be here. I thank everyone for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to many years of continued innovation, and more importantly, the commercialization of all the great technologies we have here."

Iveda was introduced to the ITRI by Megasys, its subsidiary in Taiwan. Shortly thereafter, the two entities signed a collaboration agreement to work on specific cloud-based video projects. In the past year, the team has made remarkable progress.

The all-day event included joint presentations by ITRI's and Iveda's engineers on the progress of cloud video projects they have been working on.

"I am very supportive of the collaboration between the ITRI and Iveda. Beyond the development of innovative 'intercloud' video technology, this relationship is very unique because it also represents innovation in business strategy for the ITRI," said Ching-YenC Tsay, Chairman of the ITRI. "With Iveda's experience and knowledge of what end users really want, together we can develop technology to address real-world needs. This collaboration allows for faster adoption and commercialization of innovative products and services."

The ITRI is a nonprofit R&D organization engaged in applied research and technical services. Founded in 1973, the ITRI has played a vital role in transforming Taiwan's economy from primarily labor-intensive industries to high-tech industries. The ITRI has aggressively researched and developed countless next-gen technologies, including WiMax wireless broadband, cloud technologies, solar cells, RFID, light electric vehicles, flexible displays, 3-D integrated circuits and telecare technologies.

As the future of cloud computing rapidly matures, the ITRI and Iveda are combining strengths in technology and marketplace awareness to better identify and integrate innovative technology solutions that leverage the scalability of the cloud.

UK university upgrades sustainable student housing on RFID

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 3/20/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

The University of Liverpool in the U.K. recently made the decision to secure its 749-room student accommodation with an RFID-based door control solution from Assa Abloy. The solution allows for the simple upgrade of mechanical locks so that they can communicate with an existing access control system. Vine Court, a development that received an "excellent" BREEAM rating, forms part of the university’s extensive sustainable accommodation program, comprising shops and a 250-seat restaurant. Residents benefit from rainwater harvesting, solar thermal water heating and low-energy lighting and heating systems.

Assa presented the most cost-effective and easy-to-install security solution because it can be fitted without the need to modify any doors. "Aperio appealed to us because of its innovative design and ability to work as an integral part of the wider AGS security solution – which can encompass hard-wired, wireless and fire-free access control,” said Darren Clark, Senior PM at the university.

The offline locking solution allows for easy egress via the door handle when required and supports the client's Mifare RFID credentials. It was also important to the client that the system could be migrated to MIFARE microcontroller at a later time – without necessitating a change of door hardware. Other products used to secure the student accommodation include wireless door escutcheons, the new Union master key system and night latch cases.

Synectics UK SI arm appoints former Axis director MD

Editor / Provider: Synectics | Updated: 3/11/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Quadrant Security Group, part of Synectics, has appointed Phil Doyle, a security and IT management expert, new MD.

Doyle joins the security systems integration company from global network video business Axis Communications, where he held the post of Regional Director for Northern Europe - specializing in IP-based surveillance and intelligent security systems for sectors including banking, public space, national infrastructure, education, industrial, healthcare, retail and transportation.

Spanning more than 17 years, Doyle's career has also seen him hold senior positions at market leading technology firms including chip and pin business of Thales, and electronic surveillance and RFID specialist, TAG. Having also played an integral role in developing the "analog to digital" market for multinational telecommunications company Nortel.

"I'm passionate about technology. But what really interests me is the service side of the industry, being able to build long term relationships with clients to really understand their business, their challenges and using this knowledge to advise on, and deliver, the best solutions. Historically that has been Quadrant's strength, and that is a great thing to build on. My task is to capitalise on this core strength and generate further industry awareness of the sheer breadth of the business' 'end-to-end' security offering." Doyle said.

Assa/HID introduces RFID-based laundry tags

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 3/7/2013 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global announced the addition of its industry and logistics SlimFlex Laundry tag solution to the expanding SlimFlex Tag family of broadband UHF RFID transponders. This introduction provides integrators with a rich feature-set of RFID tags that deliver the characteristics of the SlimFlex tag's durability and flexibility in a format ideal for automated tracking and inventory for commercial laundry and health care linens and supplies.

HID Global's laundry tags withstand the chemical exposure and high temperatures of repeated commercial washing, drying and pressing cycles, as well as medical-grade sterilization procedures. The small, thin, flexible white strip-shaped tag can be discreetly sewn into the hem of clothing or linens, unnoticeable to users during everyday operations. With a long read range of up to 8.2 ft. (2.5 m), laundry tags enable automated sorting, inventory and accounting for commercial cleaners, and improved tracking and infection control processes for health care linens and supplies.

Building upon HID Global's successful LogiTag family of LF and HF tags, SlimFlex Tags with UHF technology enhance the potential for laundry and medical asset tracking and automation systems. The unique thermoplastic elastomer used in SlimFlex housings is made from the same materials used to manufacture automobile pipes and hoses with the ability to tolerate repeated bending or torsion, while maintaining excellent performance characteristics.

All SlimFlex tags are waterproof and food compatible; they provide high resistance to aggressive liquids and UV rays; and the tags deliver reliable performance and reading stability in high heat and sub-freezing temperatures. SlimFlex Laundry tags also provide added heat resilience, withstanding up to 428° F (220° C) during ironing.

Assa Abloy/HID Global to showcase mobile access solutions at Mobile World Congress

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 2/26/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Assa Abloy and its Group companies will showcase its NFC-compatible locks, secure digital keys and identity credentials for mobile access at GSMA Mobile World Congress, the world’s premier mobile industry event, which takes place in Barcelona from 25–28 February.

Event organizer the GSM Association (GSMA) has invited Assa Abloy to participate in the NFC Experience, which will showcase a range of NFC services at Mobile World Congress. As a result, event attendees with NFC-enabled handsets will be able to take advantage of NFC technology at locations throughout the Fira Gran Via Conference Centre and the city of Barcelona.

Assa Abloy will demonstrate its mobile access solutions at Pod #1 of the NFC Experience Center, which is located in the heart of Congress Square and will showcase NFC-enabled handsets and their capabilities, as well as information on the NFC ecosystem.

Assa Abloy products that will be on show include award-winning Seos digital credentials and iCLASS SE readers from HID Global and Seos-enabled locks from Yale and VingCard Elsafe. The showcase will highlight the use of Seos digital keys to open doors to commercial buildings, offices, universities, hospitals, hotels and homes.

In addition, Yale’s Real Living locks will be included in the AT&T Digital Life apartment in the GSMA Connected City, a city street that explores how intelligent wireless connections are driving innovation in order to deliver economic growth, successful products, customer value and new business opportunities. Seos-enabled locksfrom VingCard Elsafe will be used to make it easy for conference attendees’ to access various meeting rooms.

During this year’s Mobile World Congress, 20 GSMA staff members will also be using their NFC-enabled smartphones with Seos and Assa Abloy’s Seos application to access their rooms at Hotel Santos Porta Fira. After staff members check in to the hotel using their handsets, they will receive their room keys straight to their phone via the Seos applet. To enter their hotel rooms, staff members just touch their handset on the NFC compatible Signature RFID hotel door lock from VingCard Elsafe. The Assa Abloy Seos ecosystem consists of interoperable electromechanical locks and readers, mobile phone applications, a secure digital key delivery mechanism and a Trusted Service Manager.

Austrian hotel boasts homey feel with concealed security design

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 2/23/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

VingCard Elsafe, an Assa Abloy company, installed the world's first concealed electronic door lock at 5-star Hotel Bristol in Vienna. The lock's minimalist design eliminates all lock hardware on the door, and encases all electronic components, including the reader, inside the door. The design covers the access device, making it practically "invisible" to hotel guests, which solves hotel design professionals' dilemma of blending lock hardware with hotel décor.

Although lock manufacturers made design progress in recent years by minimizing hardware and incorporating new technologies such as RFID and NFC, visible card readers remained on the door exterior. The minimalistic design could help hotels become more elegant and can fit in with the hotel's Art Deco design, said Matthias Winkler, co-owner of the 150-room hotel. The lock can help hotel designers stick to the current trend of giving hotels a more residential look.

VingCard RFID locking systems feature contactless capability via RFID-encoded communication and secure anti-cloning software. Additionally, NFC technology, which is expected to be in widespread use globally within a few years, was incorporated and will enable travelers to use mobile devices as room keys. The electronic lock also minimizes several other operational challenges inherent to guestroom-locking hardware, such as integration, installation and maintenance. The lock is compatible with VingCard's RF-online wireless door lock system that connects stand-alone electronic locks and other guestroom devices and systems, via a central property server.

VingCard Elsafe is confident in bringing this unique design and security solution to additional properties around the world, said Tim Shea, President.

Nedap announces 2012 financials

Editor / Provider: Nedap | Updated: 2/20/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The revenue of Nedap for the year 2012, at US$230.6 million (€ 171.9 million), was 13% up on 2011 ($204.3million). Corrected for the planned phasing-out of the traditional supplier activities, the growth in revenue was no less than 20%. Nearly all market groups - despite the difficult economic climate - managed to once more continue the solid upward trend of organic growth in revenue. The profit after taxes went up by 23% to $ 18.1 million (2011: $ 14.8 million). The earnings per share finished at $ 2.70 compared to $ 2.20 in 2011. Of the profit, 75% will be distributed as dividends. The dividend per share will therefore be $ 2.03 (2011: $ 1.65).

The market group AVI (Automatic Vehicle Identification, products for vehicle and driver identification and wireless parking systems) once more managed to achieve an impressive growth in revenue in 2012. With a complete range of long-distance recognition systems, AVI now offers the ideal solution for a whole variety of projects. The broad product portfolio - in combination with a further intensification of the marketing activities - resulted in higher revenue in virtually all countries where the market group is active.

Despite the difficult conditions in the retail market, the market group Retail (security, management and information systems for retail) managed to achieve a solid growth in revenue in 2012. The market group is becoming increasingly successful in developing attractive propositions for specific market segments, and winning clients for these propositions amongst leading retailers. To improve the quality of supply and distribution to multinational retailers, in 2012 a lot of effort was put into expanding the partner network. In addition, the Global Label Center in Hong Kong played an increasingly more important role for the propositions of the market group. During the year under review, the !FaST label was introduced, which is extremely effective for so-called "source protection". In addition to the fashion industry, where Nedap has always traditionally had a strong presence, the market group also explored excellent opportunities for growth in the food sector. On the basis of practical experience in supermarkets and megastores, the market group has developed a new anti-shoplifting system called !Sense. The market group is progressively moving further along the chain, from a supplier of just anti-shoplifting systems, to a partner for Store Technology. With Store !D, the market group offers retailers solutions that can help them to optimize their stock control with RFID technology.

After the robust growth in turnover during recent years, the Security Management market group (systems for access control, registration, payments, fire and intrusion alarms, surveillance, locker management, and biometrics) experienced a slowdown in 2012. The growth in turnover for security systems achieved by this market group with international clients was not enough to fully compensate for both the planned phasing-out of the activities of the former Education market group (attendance registration systems for schools) and the impact of the drop in the construction activity in the Netherlands. Over the past year, the trend of greater standardization in security systems pursued by major international enterprises has become more pronounced. Instead of trying to mesh together a multitude of local systems, there is now a shift towards the introduction of a single system for all branches. With the Nedap AEOS security management platform, the market group is excellently positioned to benefit from this trend. In 2012, the turnover from locker management systems also rose once more. More and more organizations are recognizing the benefits of using a single access pass for both doors and lockers. This all the more since office space will be used more flexibly with the spread of New Working methods.

BSIA guide on retail access control

Editor / Provider: BSIA | Updated: 2/19/2013 | Article type: Tech Corner

What is access control?
Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles in, out and around a building or site.

Access control is essential in the protection of people and assets and has the additional benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door to a large integrated security network.

There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating access control with other systems, such as CCTV and intruder alarms, allowing for cost savings and greater security benefits.

What risks does the retail sector face and how can these be countered by access control?
The retail sector faces a variety of threats all year round, including shoplifting, organized retail crime and dishonest staff, and these risks can increase significantly during busy shopping periods such as seasonal sales.

Recently, the BSIA carried out a survey of its members to discover the trends in retail security over the last year. Over 50% of respondents felt that the use of private security measures in retail had increased over the past twelve months, with a further 65% anticipating this use to increase over the course of the next year.

Members perceived the biggest threat to retailers to be shoplifting and petty theft, with theft by employees following in second. Online theft and armed robberies were also considered to be risks.

Retail environments are full of valuable assets, both on the shop floor and in the stock room. Access control systems are all designed to permit access only to people with the necessary authority to enter a particular area, ensuring that goods and people are protected and helping to manage known or anticipated threats.

Generally, systems are comprised of three main components:
1. The physical barrier – to physically restrict access to a building or area. This can be achieved through methods such as:
- Doors – secured by either a magnetic or strike lock, or can be revolving or sliding.
- Turnstiles and speedgates – designed to limit access to one person per identification device.

2. The identification device – there are a number of different technologies available to identify users of an access control system, including:
- A proximity card and reader via Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID: these cards can be programmed to work at a short or long read range
- A smart card and reader
- A swipe card and reader
- PIN pads
- Biometric devices such as fingerprint or iris scanning

3. The door controller and software – these are at the heart of the access control system and are used to decide who can gain access through which entry point and at what time of the day are they permitted. These can vary depending on the size of the system and how many readers or sites you are trying to control from one point. Some of the options include:
- A stand-alone door controller linked to a single door with no software
- A number of door controllers all linked together to a single PC to control one site
- A number of sites all interlinked together over a wide network area The added benefits of access control

Retail environments often incorporate large numbers of staff working varied shift patterns. Access control systems can offer a wide range of benefits, including Human Resource management and integrated security systems.

Time and attendance
Retail security does not necessarily just offer protection for the shop floor itself, but can encompass all stages of the supply chain – including staff offices, warehouses and even the delivery process. Naturally, various different employees and outside visitors are involved in these processes and access control systems can assist with staff management.

Badge/token technology can be used to record employee hours and monitor visitor movement within a specific site. If appropriate, these can be processed against working hours, applicable for both temporary and permanent staff – this can be useful for busy shopping periods when additional seasonal staff are employed temporarily. This can work in real time to feed transactions through to the company's payroll. Time and attendance systems also accurately help keep employers on the right side of the European Working Time regulations and manage holidays and absences effectively. Fast, accurate and easy-to-use, these systems are suitable for businesses employing just a few people, right up to large multinational companies.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition
To monitor the movement of vehicles around an area, CCTV-style cameras and computer software can be used to identify number plates of vehicles. Some systems can also store photographs of the driver and vehicle for subsequent analysis. This sophisticated software allows critical information to be passed to the police to assist in the pursuit, identification and capture of offenders should an incident occur. For example, if a shoplifter flees the scene of a crime via a vehicle, ANPR cameras situated around an area could help identify the criminal. Visual proof of parking offences with the corresponding time and date information is provided as evidence and to avoid disputes. Using a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) link, monitors are then able to identify the owner of a vehicle and process the offence automatically.

Fire roll call
Health and safety is a key consideration for any business. Since retail environments involve multiple staff members with varying shift patterns, it can be difficult to keep track of all employees during an emergency. Fire roll call technology generates a report containing crucial information in relation to who is within the building and potentially where they are. This software operates via the access control smart card or fob that an employee uses to gain access to or exit a building. In the event of an emergency, the fire roll-call software alerts occupants to the emergency whilst simultaneously activating the report at a safe pre-determined remote point.

Please note: In order for the fire roll call software to effectively carry out its function, employees and visitors must always present their card or badge. The use of smart card or RFID controlled turnstiles can help in this situation.

Integrated security systems
For maximum security, retail environments can benefit from a fully integrated access control system with CCTV, intruder alarms, fire detection and building management systems. One way to attain this is by adopting the use of Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which allows these systems to communicate with each other to maximize their effectiveness. Separate access control and intruder alarm systems, for example, could allow an employee to access an area that is set with an alarm.

However, unless the employee has the authority to unset the system, the access would result in a false alarm being activated – potentially causing panic in a retail environment. An effectively integrated system would recognize that the user does not have the authority to unset the system, so would not allow them in the area to begin with.

World's smallest UHF reader offers 2-meter read range

Editor / Provider: Nedap | Updated: 2/19/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Nedap introduces a groundbreaking UHF reader for hands-free building access. uPASS Access reads normal personal access badges at a distance of up to 2 meters. It operates with passive UHF cards (EPC GEN 2) and supports combi cards. uPASS Access is the perfect solution for doors that require convenience and security, such as office doors, high volume entrances, and disabled access. This ultra small reader is designed to mount on standard door mullions and is easy to integrate with any type of security system.

Until now, the access control industry was largely focused on the security aspect of readers, tags and cards. The convenience element has long been discarded. Existing technologies for more convenient long read range mostly are battery powered, have large reader antennas, or involve proprietary technology. With the introduction of uPASS Access these objections against widespread use of long range RFID now belong to the past.

With uPASS Access, Nedap adds convenience and ease of use as the new dimension in building access control. This offers security managers the ability to select the best appropriate access control solution for each individual situation: security when necessary, convenience whenever possible. uPASS Access is applicable in many situations, such as typical hands-free building access for staff in hospitals and lab clean-rooms, wheelchair users, employees in warehouses, and more high volume entrances in office buildings and at universities.

The uPASS Access contains an advanced and patented antenna design. The small shaped reader (15 cm height x 5 cm width x 4 cm depth) is specifically designed for doorpost mounting, has a read range up to 2 meters (6 feet), and supports reading battery-less UHF (EPC Gen II) access control cards. Nedap's portfolio holds various types of combi cards that combine UHF with HID, Legic, Mifare, FeliCa, EM and Nedap card technology. The new uPASS Access reader supports all common security industry standards for communication with access control systems. The reader can be used indoors and outdoors with an IP65 rating, supports Wiegand connections as well as RS485, Magstripe and RF.

Key benefits
uPASS Access offers hands-free identification of people in buildings. The key benefits are:
- Small reader design
- Read range up to 2 meters (6 feet)
- Industry communication standards (Wiegand, RS485, Magstripe, RF)
- Operates with passive UHF cards (EPC GEN 2)
- Supports combi card technology, UHF with HID, Legic, Mifare, FeliCa, EM and Nedap
- Suitable for indoor and outdoor use (IP65 rated housing)
- 3 color LED indication
- Beeper indication