Dubai landmark building manages vehicular access with simultaneous ALPR and RFID tags

Editor / Provider: Nedap AVI | Updated: 12/21/2012 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

At 829 meters, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, is currently the tallest man-made structure in the world. With more than 5,000 people moving in and out of this landmark building every day, fast and efficient traffic flow is vital to its day-to-day security management.

The client requested a car identification system capable of simultaneously identifying vehicles through the use of number plate recognition and RFID tags. This would allow security staff to quickly identify incoming cars, which would in turn reduce the wait time to enter the parking structure and thus increase the overall comfort experience for the residents of and visitors to the 900 apartments within the Burj Khalifa.

Nedap's TRANSIT readers offered the client reliable and robust solutions. Not only can they withstand the tower's harsh climate, TRANSIT readers fill all of the client's needs and require practically no maintenance. The client is particularly pleased that despite multiple lanes at each entrance to the underground parking area, the TRANSIT readers are capable of precisely tailoring the read range and read area, all while operating on multiple frequencies (to prevent interference and cross readings).

By relying on Nedap's Long Range solutions, the Burj Khalifa has yet another characteristic that reflects the strong and innovative image of this world-renowned building.

RFID-based security tech checked into 6-star Czech suite

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 12/13/2012 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

VingCard Elsafe, the global provider in hospitality security and part of the Assa Abloy Group, proudly announces that Prague's most glamorous hotel has selected RFID security technology among its launch amenities. One Room Hotel (ORH)—located 66 meters above the ground in Prague's tallest building, Tower Park Prague in the Czech Republic.

As its name suggests,ORH is a single suite of 6-star quality that commands a breathtaking view of Prague's historic Zizkov district. Following a complete renovation of the iconic Tower Park Prague, the building now features an upgraded lookout observatory, restaurant and bar to complement ORH. The property boasts the hotel industry's premier modern luxury amenities, including the Signature RFID locking system from VingCard Elsafe.

VingCard Elsafe's suite of RFID locking systems feature contactless access control via RFID encoded communication and secure anti-cloning software. Recent advancements to VingCard Elsafe's RFID technology have enabled RFID locks to read keycards from more than twice as far as before. Additionally, VingCard Elsafe RFID solutions are designed to be easily adapted to NFC.

In addition to the RFID locking system, ORH also deploys a bespoke version of Elsafe's Infinity II RFID safe in a luxurious white finish. State-of-the-art Infinity by Elsafe UL-listed safes employ the latest locking technology, including anti-tamper labyrinths and solid-steel hinges, placing it on par with the most secure in-room safes in the world. With its audit trail, spring-loaded door and Flash-RAM memory, the safe is perfect for protecting guests' valuables, and the attractive, adaptable design makes it ideal for any hotel environment.

"ORH is honored to offer our guests the use of distinctive VingCard locks, which are the most advanced available and which provide high user comfort through their contactless identification protocols," says Roman Lain, owner of ORH. "The Elsafe Infinity II RFID safes are likewise a leading product in their category. The safes are fully compatible with Signature RFID locks, meaning a guest need only use a single card for both. This makes the VingCard Elsafe products indisputably the premium security technologies in the industry, and a perfect fit for the world's most exclusive hotel."

Looking beyond the 2012 ranks

Editor / Provider: By Tevin Wang and Judy Wang, a&s International | Updated: 12/6/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Consensus among the physical, electronic security industry is that the marketplace out there is highly fragmented and support-intensive. Cream of the crop, by unbiased financial performance, is not easy to muster, let alone gathering a representative 50. In this feature, a&s looks into the 2012 Security 50 who survived and/or thrived, to highlight changes, trends and directions for the near future.

The 2012 Security 50 ranking was based on 2011 financial results. 2011 was supposed to be a “rebound” year, and yet not everyone passed with flying colors. Some gained momentum, sales and market share, while others continued their struggle to find the best approach to defying declining revenues.

Video surveillance, compared to other product groups, had fairly strong revenue growth with an average of 19.5 percent. Avigilon saw its revenue grow to US$59.1 million, up 86 percent from 2010; its gross profit also grew a whopping 89.7 percent. Asian manufacturers Hdpro and Vivotek have also scaled the ranking ladder. As a matter of fact, nine of the top 10 companies for revenue growth are dedicated providers of video surveillance solutions. Chinese manufacturer Tiandy Digital Technology made its debut in this year's ranking; this company is coming on strong with 50.1-percent and 60.6-percent growth in revenue and profit, respectively.

The average revenue growth for the access control manufacturers on the Security 50 ranking was a mere 0.5 percent. Access control giant Assa Abloy (Global Technologies division) clinches the spot as top player again with $826 million in revenue, up 14.8 percent from 2010. According to its financial report, demand for RFID devices rose sharply in 2011, as it upgraded its numerous customers' previously installed locks, which used a magnetic stripe card locking system, to more secure, flexible and user-friendly locks that employ RFID. SimonsVoss Technologies also performed well, growing 18.4 percent in 2011. Korean manufacturer Suprema posted considerable revenue growth, up 21.9 percent from 2010 to $36.4 million in 2011, while another Asian vendor RCG restructured and suffered.

In profit growth, the top 10 include IP video solutions providers Avigilon, Mobotix and Synectics, security and safety systems provider Napco Security Technologies, and Asian elite Hdpro, Tiandy, Hikvision Digital Technology, Dahua Technology, Kocom and Win4Net.

Fast Growing Companies
Last year was quite significant for Avigilon, Mobotix and Arecont Vision. Avigilon achieved 86-percent growth, the highest among the 2012 ranking. Mobotix grew 35.9 percent, and Arecont Vision rose 25 percent. All three are pioneers in multimegapixel cameras and are enjoying the growth phase of the network camera product life cycle.

Avigilon
“In November, we went public on the Toronto Stock Exchange,” said Keith Marett, VP of Marketing and Communications. “In less than a year, we doubled our ITO price. In this day and age, that's a significant achievement to be able to deliver those kinds of results to shareholders. In 2011, Avigilon was named the fastest growing software company in North America by Deloitte's Fast 500 ranking.”

Mobotix
“Mobotix is like Apple,” said Magnus Ekerot, CEO of Mobotix. “We have full control of what we want to be. Putting standards aside, we should think about end users; they should have the freedom with installations and no extra fees for buying management software. Why we do something different is for the sake of end users. We also think about how we can help systems integrators and distributors make money and keep the margin they should have.”

Arecont Vision
“When it comes to surveillance, pixels (resolution) are all that matters,” said Becky Zhou, VP of Sales for APAC. ”Think about how much area can be covered by a camera. For a VGA resolution camera, you get about 1,500 pixels per dollar. For a 10-megapixel camera, it is about 1,800 pixels per dollar. This is more cost-effective, and the ROI is better. The megapixel camera is right in the initial, high-growth phase of its product life cycle. We are expecting more growth in the near future.”

EU Results, Surprisingly Good
For European companies, the average revenue growth was 17.4 percent, which is roughly 6 percentage points higher than the year before. Despite the financial struggles in southern Europe, double-digit revenue growth was posted by Assa Abloy, Axis Communications, Geutebruck, Mobotix, Milestone Systems, Nedap, Safran Group, SimonsVoss, Synectics and TKH Group, averaging at 22.3 percent.

It is worth noting that the three German companies that made the 2012 ranking — SimonsVoss, Mobotix and Geutebruck — all enjoyed consistent, uninterrupted growth, thanks to their strong domestic market and high market presence, averaging an uptick of 23.7 percent.

Minor Bumps in APAC
The average revenue growth from APAC companies, on the other hand, had somewhat lost momentum. Over the past three years, Korean and Taiwanese companies, which used to be the security world's go-to-factories, have been facing stiff challenges brought on by global financial and economic crises and the rise of Chinese manufacturers. Hikvision and Dahua, apparent locomotives of Chinese security manufacturing, have intensified the price competition for their geographically adjacent opponents. Over the past three years, the 10 Korean companies have been able to hold on to and remain in the Security 50 ranking, while two of the nine Taiwanese companies dropped out of the ranking this year.

Interestingly, with an average 17.5-percent revenue increase, the ranking's Korean manufacturers outperformed the overall average growth of 14 percent. While Hdpro's exceptional 83.7 percent lifted the bloc's average, ITX Security's 11.7-percent dip was a clear indication that the days of siloed analog devices are numbered.

Taiwanese players, in contrast, did not enjoy a fruitful 2011, the average revenue growth was a mere 8.8 percent, and three out of the seven Taiwanese companies suffered revenue losses. Dynacolor, Yoko Technology and Everfocus Electronics reported 16.4 percent, 16 percent and 12.3 percent revenue losses, respectively. Vivotek and Geovision, on the contrary, represented a small number of Taiwanese companies who did well in 2011 and invested in IP-based and vertical-specific solutions, with revenue increases of 62.1 percent and 27 percent, respectively.

Despite the successes of Hikvision and Dahua, another prominent Chinese (Hong Kong) company, RCG, encountered a severe organizational and financial struggle, with a revenue decline of 54.2 percent. Average growth for Chinese companies also turned lukewarm in 2011, which might be an implication that the domestic market has slowed, and those looking to grow will need to figure out how to make their mark in the international market.

Warning Sign
The average gross profit margin from 2012 Security 50 was a humble 12.6 percent, a clear warning sign that the security industry is following in the footsteps of the IT industry in terms of ever-decreasing profits.

To stay profitable means to differentiate and stay unique. Mobotix enjoyed a 76.8-percent gross profit margin to lead the top 50, followed by Milestone Systems' 75.8 percent — these were just two stellar examples from many in terms of system architecture and channel distribution.

Rob banks of security threats

Editor / Provider: By Christina Phillips, a&s International | Updated: 11/26/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Banks are responsible for the security of countless personal, corporate and national assets, making them obvious targets. Conditions in today's economy unfortunately attract more unwanted attention to vaults and online transactions, and financial institutions are demanding more up-to-date security solutions and services that are closed in terms of protectability and yet open in terms of expandability. In this feature, a&s looks at modern security measures and protocols for valuable-handling establishments, discussing how various technologies should be deployed and integrated.

According to the FBI, there were 5,014 bank robberies reported in the U.S. alone in 2011. In 1,242 of the incidents, the use of a firearm was involved. In all, these acts of violence resulted in 30 people being taken hostage, 88 injuries and 13 deaths. During these incidents, more than US$38 million was taken, and only about $8 million or 21 percent was recovered and returned to the financial institutions. That is to say, the average loss after the recoveries was $5,952 per incident. What's wrong with this picture?

Of the incidents, video surveillance cameras were operational 97 percent of the time, and alarm systems were triggered 89.5 percent of the time. In spite of the security systems in place, a small percentage of the cameras (1.5 percent) and alarm systems (1.3 percent) did not properly capture footage or activate. Even more alarmingly, approximately 1 percent of the victim financial institutions did not have cameras, and another 1 percent did not even have an alarm system. “Those statistics tend to be downplayed,” according to one industry source. “On average, 20 percent of all cameras in large bank networks are not operational because management does not even check whether cameras are working, unless something comes up that requires going back to the video footage. Cameras may not be operational for a number of reasons: they might have been accidentally disconnected, moved due to maintenance or janitorial work, degraded due to normal wear and tear, maliciously sabotaged or simply covered by dirt or a spider's web.”

This year in particular, the banking sector has been hit with a great deal of fraud, from issues with ATM skimming to major hacking attacks. "Financial institutions and the banking industry at large are aggressively seeking more secure and effective ways to secure sensitive information and authenticate the identities of their customers to minimize exposure to fraud," observed Anthony Antolino, CMO at Eyelock. 
 
                                                                                                                           (Source: Frost & Sullivan)

Divide & Conquer
For better security, a holistic approach — both physical and logical — is often adopted by bank security managers and their trusted systems integrators. In practice, different areas or choke points of an establishment require different products or features to maximize security coverage and facilitate incident resolutions or investigations.

Entrance and ATMs
Most, if not all, banks are located in highly visible locales and are almost always encircled by glass, which allows full saturation of the sun's rays into the bank. While this may provide a pleasant environment for customers waiting in line, the possible image contrasts wreak havoc for surveillance cameras. Direct sunlight into the lenses virtually “blinds” cameras by washing captured images into a brilliant, undetectable white or shrouding them in darkness. Newly waxed or glossy flooring can also reflect unwelcomed light into the lenses.

Analog and IP cameras alike, those nasty shadows, glares, reflection and direct sunlight have always been the Achilles' heel of video surveillance; megapixel and HD cameras with their superior quality images exacerbate the problem. Image how easily such “evidence” can be thrown out of a court of law. For this reason, more and more countries have regulations that stipulate the use of WDR-enabled cameras for entrances and ATMs, in order to capture true footage that facilitates proper facial feature identification for prosecutions.

Many ATMs are equipped with two day/night cameras. One of the cameras (usually a vandal-proof dome) is clearly visible. In addition to being a crime deterrent, it is also used to capture a subject's face at a 1:1 ratio, undistorted. “This camera is positioned at a precise angle in order to capture a clear and unobstructed image of the user's face, and as it turns out this angle also captures a clear view of the number pad, so the password input process is also inadvertently captured,” said one industry executive. He recommended an easy and effective way to circumvent this — use one hand as a “shield” to cover the other hand while the password is being keyed in. He also indicated that some ATMs, by means of VCA, will issue an alarm when more than one person's face is present.

The second, hidden camera is used to provide wide-angle viewing. “It is preferred to replenish cash during regular business hours, as frequent foot traffic creates natural obstacles for potential perpetrators, thus minimizing threat of the operation,” said Jerry Feng, Head of Security and Investigative Services for Taiwan, Citibank.

Financial institutions are typically passive as opposed to proactive. Many banks tend to wait until they have been attacked with a skimmer before they take any type of action. Losses associated with skimming incidents have risen, and these skimming losses cost US banks about $1 billion annually. This averages to about $50,000 per incident, and this does not include expenses relating to investigation or affected customer notification efforts.

Ironically, many anti-skimming devices used by banks actually look very much like the skimming devices that criminals use. This is particularly worrisome to discerning customers. Newer anti-skimming kits, which consist of a small control panel installed inside the ATM, trigger an alarm that can generate audible and visual warnings on the control unit and screen when a skimming device is detected. In addition, newer kits, which can be integrated with a bank's alarm and video surveillance, also emit a magnetic pulse that prevents the skimming device from reading a cardholder's data and password.

Useful ATM Security Measures:
* Surveillance cams with WDR capability for high-contrast scenes; 600 dpi minimum
* Motion detectors for camera/DVR and light activation
* Vibration and temperature sensors and alarms
* Audio recording during events or when the sound level surpasses the preset threshold
* Two-way, live communication with the central control and/or patrolling guards

Lobby and Counters
Aside from deploying typical surveillance cameras, bulletproof glass and panic buttons, a growing number of banks opting for VCA to monitor both suspicious activities and business operations/VIPs can be witnessed. These days, installations are requiring more cameras than ever before, translating to even more recorded video. As a result, events and activities might be easily missed, and suspicious behavior is not noticed until after a crime has been committed. A quality and properly installed surveillance system with facial recognition capability, among other VCA features, will enable a financial institution to better cope with customers with disgruntled expressions, unexpected long lines, suspicious loitering and so on; such a system can also ensure staff members man their appropriate areas, recognize blacklisted people and maintain access control of restricted areas, said an industry source.

VCA for security and business operations:
- Recognize faces that are of registered VIPs, blacklisted or concealed
- Alert management to long lines or disputes
- Detect and identify suspicious activities:
   * Trajectory tracking, such as straying from the customary path after entering/leaving the bank (for example, not   heading toward the counter upon entering the premises)
   * Loitering or walking back and forth
   * Frequent head turning akin someone who is surveying the environment
   * Idle objects, lack of or even too much movement (for example, someone stands still for an unusual period of time)
   * Not doing what they should be doing (for example, someone is at the ATM, but is not making any transactions)
   * Particular types of body movement or clothing

Watch Your Back
One of the most common security risks in access control is simply user carelessness, such as a misplaced badge or token, or not closing the door right away for tailgating. “Security management for banking is a discipline unlike any other; it is always a good idea to have a ‘twin,' meaning that it requires two bank personnel's physical attendance in order to unlock and access the vaults and cash depositories,” Feng said. Citibank actually had its RFID entry cards custom-made, so it is virtually impossible to duplicate them without proper authorizations.

“A dependable method to counter the false use of access control cards would be the use of dual-factor authentication, for example facial recognition plus access cards,” said Charles Smith, Product Manager at Omniperception.

The greatest risk in any security system is the staff, cautioned Michael Brown, IT and Computers Director for VideoControlRoom. Vulnerabilities include staff opening or closing a branch; early mornings when there are few people around and the alarm is disarmed; the authorities may be slow to respond due to rush-hour traffic. “System designers need to think of security from all risk angles and cover the people aspect just as much as the ‘armed state' intrusion aspect.”

UPS
Security and video surveillance systems for financial institutions are mission-critical, given that they must be available 24/7. For this reason, UPS systems are a must. A well-maintained power protection system will ensure the integrity and availability of power to critical installations, such as intrusion detection sensors, fire sensors and bank vault sensors. “The highest priority is clean power, which means investing more in quality power-filtering UPS systems,” Brown added.

Seismic Sensors
Seismic sensors can detect both heat variations and vibrations resulting from attempts to disturb solid structures such as ATMs, bank vaults and safes — even in noisy environments. In addition, some seismic sensors are even equipped with light-sensing features. An added advantage is that they can be installed in existing legacy security systems to offer a higher level of protection over traditional shock sensors, which often lack the ability to discriminate between ambient vibrations and real attacks (such as heavy strokes from sledgehammers, repeated knocks from hammer and chisel attacks, drilling, mechanical cutting, acetylene torches, diamond drills and hydraulic jacks).

Unlike auxiliary/emergency power systems or standby generators, reliable UPS systems will provide near-instantaneous protection from power interruptions. While the primary role is to provide short-term power when the input power source fails, most UPS systems can, to a certain degree, correct common power problems such as:
- Voltage spike or overvoltage
- Momentary or chronic reduction in input voltage
- Noise, defined as a high-frequency transient or oscillation

Assa Abloy wireless locks compatible with HID Global Genuine

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 11/23/2012 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global, a provider for secure identity solutions, announced that parent company Assa Abloy′s innovative Aperio wireless lock family can deliver all of the benefits of the Genuine HID value proposition for performance, value and service, including interoperability with Seos credentials from HID Global and Assa Abloy, and with the HID Global iCLASS SE reader platform. Aperio lock technology enables doors to be integrated into an access control system without having to install wiring, make any structural changes to the doors, or modify existing access control credentials or system software.

Assa Abloy's Aperio locks have been Genuine HID Technology (GHT) certified and further extend the industry's broadest portfolio of end-user options for creating trusted, advanced and dependable secure identity solutions. Aperio lock technology provides organizations with an easy way to wirelessly link mechanical door locks to new or existing access control systems so that the doors can be opened with RFID cards rather than keys. As a certified GHT, Aperio also supports HID Global's iCLASS SE platform, which is the benchmark for highly adaptable, interoperable and secure access control solutions, and includes Seos credentials for improved security, privacy and portability. Additionally, Aperio locks support iCLASS, MIFARE and DESFire, as well as low frequency 125 kHz HID Prox and EM410x technologies.

By certifying Assa Abloy's wireless lock family as a GHT, Assa Abloy and HID Global give Aperio customers the assurance that these products are supported by a wide array of innovative and interoperable solutions that have been enhanced by an international network of partnerships and alliances and are manufactured in worldwide ISO-certified facilities. This Genuine HID commitment also means that all products are backed by the industry's strongest delivery-and-response platform plus global product warranty and agency certifications. Aperio customers also benefit from interoperability with the HID Global iCLASS SE platform and Seos credentials. Based on open standards, the iCLASS platform ensures that technology investments can be leveraged in the future, and that today's access control solutions will work with future products including those using NFC-enabled smartphones and other devices.

“Aperio products with Genuine HID Technology will enable a wide array of revolutionary new security solutions for our customers,” said Chris Bone, VP of Access Control at Assa Abloy EMEA. “Aperio's Genuine HID Technology certification gives customers the assurance of an exceptionally high level of quality and service, and extensive options for creating an access control infrastructure that includes wireless electronic locking technology, among other current and future capabilities.”

“This certification brings the world's most successful lock brand into the industry's top access control portfolio,” said Kerry Reid, VP of HID Connect at HID Global. “Combining Aperio with Genuine HID Technology significantly broadens the range of innovative products and solutions that we can offer our customers to help them meet their secure identity needs, and further demonstrates the power of HID Global and Assa Abloy's collective technology innovation and leadership.”

HID Global and Assa Abloy continue to reinforce the value of their combined portfolios for customers who have rapidly converging requirements for physical and logical access control systems, door opening solutions, locks and security products. The two companies' combined portfolios also extend to mobile access control and locking solutions that work with NFC-enabled smartphones and other mobile devices. The collective offering includes readers and locks, secure tokens for logical access control, and the Seos ecosystem of interoperable products and services for the over-the-air issuing, delivering and revoking of digital keys that enable mobile devices to open doors to homes, hotels, offices, hospitals, universities, and industrial and commercial buildings.

HID Global RFID enables waste and recycling industry to increase efficiency

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 11/22/2012 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global, a provider for secure identity solutions, announced that its industry and logistics RFID tag solution combined with HID Global readers have been chosen by the AMCS Group, a supplier of software solutions to the waste and recycling industry to help customers optimize their waste management processes, reducing costs. HID Global's technology enables improved data collection reporting and tracking, resulting in an increase in waste collection efficiency and enhanced customer service.

HID Global worked with the AMCS to develop a solution that would provide their customers with the most advanced technologically, integrated solution that successfully meets the waste collection industry's challenges to improve efficiency, reduce costs, enhance customer service and retention, and increase the bottom line. The AMCS identified a need for reliable and durable RFID technology to better deliver real-time tracking to ensure accountability for services provided and quick resolution for bin loss or damage.

A number of customers who have implemented AMCS' RFID solution have reported a drop of 80 percent in call queries within their respective call center. This is a direct result of having vital collection data available at the fingertips of the call center's staff. HID Global has partnered with AMCS for five years and has developed a custom solution to meet all of AMCS' needs.

“There has been a huge shift in how the waste management industry manages its business since the introduction of RFID technology,” said Jimmy Martin, CEO of AMCS. “RFID is now an indispensible part of AMCS' solutions and our future development. Our three main criteria when selecting an RFID tag supplier were durability, quality and responsiveness – HID Global was at the top of this list in all of them.”

Suprema releases box-mountable IP-based access control reader

Editor / Provider: Suprema | Updated: 11/14/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Suprema, a global provider of biometric and RFID security solutions, reveals Xpass Slim (XS) in white color and announced that it will be available for shipping from December 2012. XS is a gang box mountable IP access reader and controller which comes in a sleek and aesthetically designed housing and is now available in choice of black and white colors. XS features multi-smartcard reading technology, network interfaces and built-in controller functions. The device is perfectly sized to fit switchbox (gang box) with super slim design (11.4 mm thick) and sealed in a rugged IP65-rated waterproof structure.

XS's multi smartcard reading feature provides reading of various smart card standards including Mifare CSN, iCLASS UID, Felica IDM, ISO14443 A/B CSN and ISO15963 CSN with a single device. On the network side, Xpass Slim provides TCP/IP (or RS485) interface, Wiegand and an internal relay for direct lock interface, which brings significant cost savings in installation and maintenance by leveraging existing network.

The design of XS is focused on satisfying both aesthetic and practical aspects. It features 3D triangular design, multi-color LED indicator and extra slim profile of 11.4 mm. Measuring 80 mm of height and 120 mm of width, the device is designed to fit switchbox for most US, EU and APAC countries to provide easier installation.

“The white variant of Xpass Slim brings a new dimension to its already-outstanding design, and will give more choices to end users those who also care design and color of their security devices to match its surrounding interior,” said Young S. Moon, CMO of Suprema. “With extended choice of colors, Xpass Slim now offers customers greater benefits in design and technological substance,” Moon added. In addition, XS is fully compatible with the BioStar, Suprema's IP based access control management system. Suprema is increasingly focusing on developing “IP based distributed access control system' to answer trends and needs from the security industry.

HID offers cloud service for managing NFC tags

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 10/31/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Biometrics and integration, key to health care security

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 10/16/2012 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Access control, particularly biometrics, is a key focus in health care facilities. As part of the mainstream push to user-friendly solutions that are easy to understand and use, open systems and plug-and-play devices are opening up their lead in popularity contests. Video analytics continue to simmer on the sidelines, while cloud-based systems and technologies, despite the hype, have yet to come into their own. a&s takes a look at the major technologies shaping the health care world.

 

Major smart-card issuance efforts, such as a recent US government initiative, are resolving issues, including lack of reader infrastructure. Commercially, smart cards finally benefit from reader infrastructure that goes beyond physical access to encompass logical access. Part and parcel of this effort are mobile phones, used for both access and payments.

 

Putting his money on smart cards is Matthew Conrad, Director of Global Innovation and Customer Experience for the Health Care Practice, Ingersoll Rand. “The number of credentialed applications in health care facilities is increasing rapidly.” Once just used to gain entrance to parking garages or secured areas, credentials (cards or keyfobs) now grant access to computer networks and other electronic information — payments in the cafeteria, vending machines, time and attendance, authorized access to pharmaceuticals or patient records.

 

Eric Assouline, Export Sales Manager at CDVI, also points to access control innovation in RFID and biometric technologies. “Manufacturers have not yet taken full advantage of these technologies,” Assouline said, as trust issues remain. “While biometric and RFID technologies have improved over the past 10 to 15 years, improvements still need to be made.” For example, 256-bit encryption is helping foster end-user confidence.

 

More than a pretty face

Next-generation biometric technologies could be worth US$14 billion globally by 2017, at a CAGR of nearly 20 percent. With major improvements in sensors and applications, sales globally are already $6 billion annually, with the U.S. accounting for $2 billion to $3 billion alone. Biometrics deployments in the health care sector have traditionally been “extremely difficult and problematic,” said Phil Scarfo, VP of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Lumidigm. “Most conventional biometric systems fail to operate reliably in harsh environments. Frequent hand washing, heavy use of chemicals and cleaners, wearing of latex gloves and demographic issues make accurate biometrics enrollment and authentication challenging.”

 

Multispectral imaging, according to Scarfo, uses multiple wavelengths of light and advanced polarization techniques that extract unique fingerprint characteristics from both skin surfaces and subsurfaces, effectively addressing environmental issues. “The fingerprint ridges on finger surfaces have their foundation beneath the skin's surface in capillary beds and other subdermal structures.” The visible fingerprint, he added, is merely “an echo of foundational inner fingerprints.” Unlike surface fingerprint characteristics that can be obscured by moisture, dirt or wear, inner fingerprints lie undisturbed and deliver more consistent, tamper-resistant results.

 

For John Davies, MD at Time and Data Systems International (TDSi), other innovative players include China-based Hanvon and ZK Software. Another notable business, in his view, is Germany-based Cognitec, which excels in high-end facial recognition algorithms used in video analytics. According to IMS Research, the market for video analytics will reach $600 million by 2015. Following increased use of motion detection and camera-tampering applications, it anticipates increased market differentiation and heightened demand for more sophisticated applications. However, despite the drop in processing costs, Davies does not see the technology as being ready for mass acceptance. “Biometrics via video analytics is still not quite there.” Coupled this with the fact that the health care sector is slightly behind other government-funded and managed critical infrastructure, he sees more widespread adoption taking place several years away.

 

User-friendly integration

Scarfo sees system complexity as creating new needs. “Hospitals are busy places with hundreds, sometimes thousands, of people logging onto multiple systems several times a day from different locations. While authentication solutions must comply with extensive regulations, they must also be convenient, secure and reliable. Providing convenient, secure and reliable authentication solutions to hospital systems is a challenge.”

 

Security directors often manage multiple security systems that operate independently and do not communicate. According to Conrad, this leads to duplicated efforts, increased risk and difficulty making informed decisions. “Health care providers want solutions that connect disparate systems, drive enhanced communication, enable task automation and workflows, and provide important information and data when and where needed.” The key is to integrate not only physical security systems but also building management and business systems. “Doing so improves productivity, intelligence and visibility to operations.” 

 

Developing global solutions to integrate access control with video surveillance and other electronic security equipment and systems is a must, Assouline said. “That is why we are moving to develop high-end, performance-based algorithms that enable real integration. While integration has long been a buzzword, it is only now that intelligent products and systems can truly ‘talk to each other.'”

 

One major area in this arena is ready-to-use, plug-and-play systems. Panels, according to Assouline, can be prewired and preassembled, and the power supply can be included in the controller. “There is no need for complicated configuration. There is no complicated installation. Installers find that they can do more jobs without extensive training.”

 

According to Davies, the natural instinct for companies is to try to lock their customers into proprietary systems. “You can smile at your customers, but if they find that their feet are nailed to the ground when they get up to leave, you are not really developing customer loyalty.” Digitalization and harmonization are not the only potential issues; project complexity is another source of frustration and cost overruns. “Often, not enough time is spent planning. What happens is that, two or three years down the road, someone thinks of a new need that no one considered before. Accommodating these new requirements is what really adds to the cost.”

 

Still in the clouds?

While many talk about cloud computing, enterprises have been slow to take it up due to perceived security concerns. Companies are making increasing efforts to hone mobile strategies to enable employees to use mobile devices. This is putting pressure on IT departments to develop appropriate security infrastructure.

 

“Cloud” is now just about as much of a buzzword as “integration,” Assouline said, while fully admitting that the technology offers many advantages. “We have seen many companies moving toward this technology, and everyone seems to like it. Cloud-based systems offer many more services and, most importantly, redundancy; if one system goes down, the rest are 100-percent safe.”

 

Over the next five to 10 years, cloud-based systems will become increasingly accepted and relevant, Davies said. These systems have not yet reached their full potential, given the “reticence of end users.”

 

“Many data security personnel are not ready to give up control.” Davies finds this attitude somewhat contradicting to daily activity; many shop online regularly, providing credit card and bank information without any hesitations. The big issue with video surveillance is the sheer volume of data and requirements of decent playback speeds. That said, in 10 years, Davies believes that cloud-based systems will represent a 35- to 40-percent share of the market.

 

Florida resort for kids locks threat out with Assa Abloy systems and safes

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 10/10/2012 | Article type: Security 50

VingCard Elsafe, the global hospitality security and part of the ASSA ABLOY Group, announced their continued involvement with Give Kids The World Village (GKTW) in Kissimmee, Florida. In their latest charitable contribution, VingCard Elsafe provided 140 Signature RFID locks to outfit the resort's villas and VISIONLINE software for the front desk.

Installation of the security solutions took place in earlier this month. JakobHardrick of National Installations and Service in Winter Park, Florida volunteered his company's time to complete the entire installation of VingCard Elsafe Signature RFID locks at each of Give Kids The World's villas. Give Kids The World Village officially opened in 1989 and has today grown into a 70-acre resort housing 140 villa accommodations, entertainment attractions, whimsical venues, and fun specifically designed for children with special needs. Located near Central Florida's most beloved attractions,

Give Kids The World provides children with life-threatening illnesses and their families with weeklong, fantasy vacations at no cost. It is due in part to the generous donations from individuals and corporations such as VingCard Elsafe that has allowed Give Kids The World to welcome more than 115,000 families from all 50 states and over 70 countries since its inception.

VingCard Elsafe has been working in partnership with Give Kids The World Village since outfitting the original villas with electronic locks in 1989. Through the years, they have kept the villas up-to-date with new technologies, including a previous installation of Classic by VingCard magnetic stripe locks and Elsafe in-room electronic safes. The newest contribution of Signature RFID locks and the patented VISIONLINE wireless locking system, provides the resort with the most advanced security technology available and coincides with various other renovations taking place at Give Kids The World Village, including the construction of additional villas and new commercial venues.

Signature RFID electronic locks by VingCard offer the latest Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology with the most flexible platform for future applications like NFC cell phone keyless entry. By retrofitting existing magstrip locks to the latest in RFID technology, Give Kids The World Village will bolster ease of access with contactless keycards and increase security with Signature RFID's advanced aniti-cloning solution. Providing a locking system that is simple to use was a top priority for Give Kids The World since their star guests are children with illnesses, who at times have limited abilities.

“I encourage you to visit the Give Kids the World Village and see for yourself the joy that this organization is bringing to children and families in need that would otherwise not have the chance to experience anything like this in their lifetimes, “says George Winker, VPof Sales North America for VingCard Elsafe. “Once you understand the good that Give Kids The World is doing, you can't help but want to get involved. Early on, VingCard Elsafe recognized the organization's desire to provide the very best of everything for their special guests, and our latest contribution of locks will help keep these families safe while offering more convenient Villa access.”

Also being donated by VingCard Elsafe is VISIONLINE software for use by Give Kids The World operational staff. VISIONLINE will be used as a stand-alone system to remotely manage keycard access, alert the property when doors are left ajar or lockset batteries are low, and run audit trail reports.

“We are incredibly grateful to VingCard Elsafe and National Installations and Service for this generous donation,” said GKTW President Pamela Landwirth. “This upgrade to our front desk software and villa security system is part of a $100 million Village Campaign to renovate and refurbish all of our villas and expand our capacity so we can fulfill the wishes of even more children in the coming years.”