Exacq VMS integrates with Citysync ALPR

Editor / Provider: Exacq Technologies | Updated: 4/10/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Exacq Technologies is pleased to announce the integration of CitySync license plate recognition (ALPR) software with the exacqVision VMS.

Users can now utilize CitySync's industry ALPR solution directly from the exacqVision client. License plates are scanned using CitySync's line of specially configured IP cameras and the CitySync software running on a third party computer or directly on select exacqVision servers. License plate information is converted to serial data which can be searched using the exacqVision client.

The CitySync automated LPR solution assists the law enforcement, security and parking sectors by reading vehicle license plates, checking them against computer databases and then storing the data in a sophisticated back-office system called Jet-BOF.

"Integrating with CitySync provides our users with a powerful and easy-to-use solution to record license plate data," notes Dave Underwood, President of Exacq Technologies. "The partnership between Exacq and CitySync will provide a highly effective tool that combines both video and data evidence from the same user interface."

Mobotix cameras now compatible with Wavestore VMS

Editor / Provider: Mobotix | Updated: 4/9/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Mobotix announces its enhanced integration with Wavestore VMS. The technical collaboration allows Mobotix to pursue opportunities within the hybrid and legacy systems market due to Wavestore's support of analog surveillance cameras.

The integration offers Mobotix resellers and customers the opportunity to leverage existing investments as they transition to IP technologies. WavestoreUSA clients can now take advantage of the cost savings derived from hemispheric and 360-degree cameras from Mobotix. A single 360-degree camera enables customers to save on infrastructure and security personnel because it reduces the number of cameras required for a typical surveillance installation.

Wavestore VMS facilitates the viewing and recording of original fisheye images captured by the Mobotix hemispheric camera, and simultaneously displays dewarped views alongside captured images from other cameras in a multi-image display. The original pictures captured by the 360-degree cameras are stored unaltered in case video data must be presented in a court of law. A single 360-degree image is transmitted regardless of how many dewarped views are being displayed on the WaveView client, saving bandwidth and ensuring very fast image updates and a streamlined user experience.

Joint customers will also benefit from the decentralized Mobotix concept, which incorporates a high-speed computer into every camera to reduce network bandwidth. Video is processed in the camera itself, and images do not have to be transferred continuously. The integration between WavestoreUSA and Mobotix allows for the combination of high-resolution and decentralized storage benefits with the open architecture, scalability and reliability of advanced VMS functionality.

Tomorrow's distribution model

Editor / Provider: Memoori Business Intelligence | Updated: 4/7/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

The traditional distribution model for physical security products right across the globe was often referred to as “box shifting;” it offered products off the shelf but with few value-added services, according to a recent Memoori Business Intelligence report. This is now rapidly morphing into a sophisticated system delivering value-added services that its clients are now demanding.

There are five main reasons why the change in the structure of the physical security industry is causing the distribution model to change.

1. Manufacturers have over time extended the range of their products, which now have a rich layer of features and capabilities. The supply chain must be able to understand and identify where their clients can benefit from them.
2. A strong brand and channel infrastructure giving reach and efficiencies. Marketing across the globe can now be achieved by small companies through the Internet at lower cost and this has increased the number of suppliers and solutions.
3. The pace of innovation is speeding up. Edge based storage and advances in analytics are creating more and more applications for IP video.
4. Open standards are starting to take a hold. This will open up competition even further and will reduce the barrier to smaller companies. Real competition will then kill off weaker companies and consolidation will come about through open market forces.
5. Increasing demand for full integration across all aspects of physical security solutions and now the business enterprise.

The channels of distribution in the physical security industry are changing to take account of these factors, particularly in the video surveillance sector, where IP network products have taken a major leap forward in the last three years requiring new skills for designing and installing systems. In the vast majority of cases the manufacturers don't want to be directly involved in providing these services to the end user and they therefore require the distribution chain to take on these responsibilities.

This has required new and existing suppliers to set up under the broad classification of distributors but broken down into resellers, system integrators and solution providers. Normally they buy directly from the manufacturer and some have a strong partner relationship to one or a few brands. The term distributor is still used by larger companies from the traditional supply chain and new ones from the information and communication technologies (ICT) business, but these companies now offer to supply all the components necessary to deliver a solution to installers. In addition, many of these companies will also operate straight online sales. Finally, a few manufactures normally having specialist products selling to a few verticals have opted to sell direct to the end user and install themselves. So one size does not suit all. However, for those manufacturers that want to obtain huge global scale (hundreds of millions in revenue) they need to operate through all the distributor channels, but not confuse the market by selling direct.

Since 2006 there have been major changes across the developed markets of the world in how products reach the end user. Our research shows that the value of product passing through the distributor channel has fallen off drastically from over 50 percent in 2006 to around 30 percent in 2011. Their market share has been taken by direct sales to resellers, system integrators and solution providers which have increased share to approximately 50 percent in 2011. The installer system integrator route has been joined by specialists from the ICT industry, and it would appear that the distributors have lost most of their share to these companies that have partnered with the manufacturers of IP network products to offer packaged solutions.

Whilst these trend appear to be most marked in the developed markets of Europe and North America similar trends are now being realized in Asia, and at the same time are now taking place in the access control market; but as yet it's not as pronounced. Getting IP network products to market is going to be a challenge for distributors and one they will have to meet because it will eventually take 100 percent of the business.

These changes are not so startling when taken over a six year period, but their consequences are now being felt, with the recent exposure of weaknesses in the distributor chain and the major European distributor Norbain's demise and fall into receivership. IP network products do not lend themselves to the traditional box shifting treatment of analog products and require more sophisticated application of skills; but few distributors have seen the need to work with the manufacturers to acquire the necessary skills.

Distributors that have become more IP savvy, such as the AES Group and Digitalcom in Thailand and Tri-Ed / Northern in the USA have been able to maintain their share by taking on more system integrator duties especially with regard to system / network design and commissioning. But not all distributors have taken up the challenge and have opted to beef up their eCommerce operations, which may well work provided they can achieve scale on this low margin business.

There is a place for the distributor but not in the traditional role, at least not for long. Knowledge is paramount, especially in a market increasingly connected through integrated building and security environments and bringing together packages that meet these needs and the IT services that they require is now necessary across the distribution network.

The Controlware Group has provided IT communications networking solutions since 1980. During this time Controlware has accumulated extensive experience in the design, delivery and maintenance of cost-effective IP networks. Since 1997 they have also specialized in the integration of applications such as IT security, storage and video surveillance systems. They can now offer total packages of IT communications networks, CCTV cameras, encoders, VMS, recording, and video content analytics systems. They work closely with installer and integrator partners to provide security systems for users from all vertical markets. Their value-added services range from consultancy, product advice and supply through to systems design, project management, commissioning, maintenance and installation through their channel partners.

Alliance and partnership is playing a major role in winning market share in the security business as manufacturers extend the range and depth of their alliances and partnerships with other manufacturers of adjacent products and their system integrators and solution providers. More formal arrangements of sharing data within the distribution chain has resulted in many new solutions for the end users going well beyond improving security. In the last 12 months we have identified more alliance arrangements between manufacturer's distributors and system integrators, working together to provide a solution for a particular vertical market and sharing the development and promotion costs.

Some 2012 IFSEC exhibitors showed a number of case studies on how business intelligence can be gained through IP video surveillance systems brought together through partnerships. Two companies Axis Communications and Panasonic had displays showing how, in particular vertical markets, they had used video streams to provide business intelligence. In both case the concept was instigated by the camera manufacturer as a means to increase sales, but they have worked with other suppliers of surveillance products and access control systems to produce a seamless solution that fitted the needs of the end user. In addition, they have worked with system installers and distributors not only to orchestrate the marketing sales strategy, but identify new applications where they can add value for the end user.

The trends show that alliance has moved on from just joining different manufacturer's products together to providing a total solution between all the stakeholders and is driven by what the end user needs in order to deliver real benefits over and above improving the security performance. So if you want to compete with the top camera manufacturers you not only need to be up there close on performance, but also drive innovation in providing solutions that deliver more value-added and a quicker ROI for the buyer. The distribution network has a vital role in making this happen.

Increasingly the shape of the market is changing as security systems supplied for new projects are increasingly delivered as fully integrated systems, whereas in the past they were supplied as three separate and discreet systems. This has changed the balance within the routes to market with more of this business going through resellers, system integrators and solution providers.

We believe that as the physical security manufacturing business further consolidates the distribution network will be forced to follow suit, and over the next five years we shall see fewer but larger distributors playing an enhanced role. The market share of the resellers, system integrators and solution providers will increase as systems become more sophisticated and integrate with the business enterprise.

Indiana day spa improves customer service with HD surveillance

Editor / Provider: IQinVision | Updated: 4/4/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The Woodhouse Day Spa in Indiana recently replaced its analog video system with an IP video surveillance system consisting of 34 IQinVision megapixel cameras and Exacq Technologies mobile VMS to enhance security and customer experience. The cameras were deployed in public areas, at the check-in and check-out counters, in the retail shop, laundry room, and outside the front entrance of the 929 square meters (10,000 square foot facility). No cameras were installed in any treatment rooms. Homeland Technology Group is the integrator for this project.

About four years ago, Ryan and Sarah Lindemann, the spa owners, installed an analog video surveillance system. “The facility is quite large and we wanted to keep track of where everyone was,” said Ryan Lindemann. “Unfortunately, that system proved cumbersome, it was difficult to retrieve the video we wanted, and the image quality was bad.”

Lindemann explained that the new IP system is utilized 90 percent of the time for live monitoring and the balance is incident review. Staff can monitor video at the check-in and check-out desks, the employee break room has a monitor. Staff has become good with monitoring. The spa wanted to keep things quiet and restful, with most staff wearing headphones for efficient and quiet communication in locating staff and dispatching staff to guests in need, added Lindemann.

During initial installment of the video surveillance system, most of the staff thought it was used for employee monitoring, but soon learned it could enhance customer experience and help them work more efficiently, said Lindemann. The video system has been used to review video of when an item went missing, or if a guest questions whether a treatment went the prescribed amount of time. The video system also provides a deterrent against the possibility of employee theft.
 
Lindemann also pointed future additional uses for the IP video surveillance system, which can help the couple spend more quality time with family, when they have their second child. “We can monitor camera views on our iPads and iPhones and on our PCs at home,” said Lindemann. “My wife sees the potential to use the video system to keep on top of activity at the spa so she doesn't have to rush back to full-time work as quickly as she did with our first child.”

Connecticut housing authority helps improve quality of life with HD surveillance

Editor / Provider: IQinVision | Updated: 4/1/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Established in 1948, the Milford (Connecticut) Redevelopment and Housing Partnership has recently deployed a total of 282 video surveillance cameras with Exacq VMS at nine developments to improve quality of life, increase safety, and streamline administration throughout their extensive housing projects. The majority of cameras installed at the state and federally-supported housing were IQinVision HD cameras. The partnership has a total of 465 housing units, a mix of mid-rise apartment buildings and single-family dwellings, spread over six federal projects and four state projects. Valley Communications is the integrator for this growing project.

In 2007, the Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives, who had grown up in public housing, initiated an effort to improve security at the state's subsidized housing developments. Anthony Vasiliou, Executive Director for Milford, offered to do a video surveillance pilot project for the state. With the success of the pilot project, Milford expanded the number of cameras (which will soon increase to 300) and the project's goals to include better housing lease enforcement and maintenance cost reduction.

IQeye cameras are deployed in building entrances, hallways and stairwells, laundry rooms, common areas, elevators, and to monitor parking lots and outdoor public spaces. “We can monitor all areas of interest, and we can follow someone from parking their car to the unit they are visiting or living in—this provides us with crucial information to monitor and enforce our lease agreements,” said Vasiliou. Talking about his experience with the IQeye 5 megapixel cameras for ALPR, Vasiliou noted the cameras great zoom capabilities.

The cameras are managed by Exacq VMS. The housing partnership has 58 terabytes of storage with a goal of at least 30 days retention. Vasiliou and staff can view video on a central monitor, on office smart boards, and on individual designated computers and mobile devices. “Our entire operation is centralized,” said Vasiliou. “We monitor everything from one location, so we don't need a high-priced manager on site at each development…We've achieved greater efficiencies and we've become a lower-cost provider of public housing.”

In addition to enforcing lease agreements, video surveillance helps administrators: to combat illegal dumping; monitor vagrants in corridors and prevent unauthorized use of community rooms. These have improved living conditions for the residents while at the same time increased the partnership's revenue, through rent and fees paid, and substantially cut maintenance costs. Tenant involvement has also increased. “Tenants have a real tendency to not want to be involved, but now that we have cameras, they are much more willing to report incidents because we don't need them as witnesses,” explained Vasiliou. The housing authority has also seen a major reduction in their legal fees as the cameras assist in gathering evidence, and enables the housing administrative to take care of incidents on their own, said Vasiliou.

Keep an eye on Brazilian juvenile rehabilitation

Editor / Provider: Hikvision | Updated: 3/29/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

Beginning in early 2011, 23 juvenile detention facilities in Rio de Janerio, Brazil have deployed Hikvision Digital Technology both analog and IP video surveillance equipment to help monitor inmates. Local system integrator, Interimagem, implemented the systems consisting of Hikvision Digital Technology IP cameras, mini domes, analog cameras, to meet the different needs of the two different types of facilities, Degase and Criaad. The system integrator worked in partnership with Hikvision official distributor in Brazil, VMI Sistemas de Seguranca.

Degase, the first type of detention facilities was reserved for more serious juvenile offenders. The facility has a higher number of inmates and faces higher risks of violence and vandalism. There are a total of six such facilities located within Rio de Janerio. One of the challenges was preventing inmates from disabling, manipulating or vandalizing the cameras at the low ceiling facility, said Alvaro De Souza, CCTV Manager at VMI.

For indoor monitoring, 2-megapixel vandal-proof mini network domes were installed in corridors and rooms to prevent camera tampering. The cameras come with alarm system that notifies security control room of camera tampering. In addition, 5-megapixel network cameras were placed indoors at key access points and other areas of high importance. The cameras 5-megapixel function reduces infrastructure costs, and could be placed in higher locations to prevent tampering, said Alvaro De Souza.

At Degase, 540 TVL IR bullet cameras housed in IP66 rating enclosures that met Brazilian government's request for weather-proof cameras were deployed for outdoor surveillance. The cameras utilize 40 meter IR distance range, with D/N and automatic color or black/white capability. The final touch to the center's surveillance system was a H.264 compression card. “This card saves on video storage capacity by utilizing the card's motion detection feature with analog cameras, and using an IP camera's internal motion detection ability,” Mr. Souza noted.

The second detention facility, called Criaad, is referred to as a semi-liberty facility used by less-serious juvenile offenders. There are 17 Criaad facilities located throughout the state of Rio de Janeiro and require lower level security than Degase. As with Degase – and for the same reasons – Criaad's primary outdoor cameras were 540 TVL IR Bullet Camera. The detention facility also used a Hikvision standalone DVR. “One helpful feature of the DVR is when a system crash is imminent; an alarm automatically sounds, allowing the DVR to automatically save its video data and information is not lost,” said Souza.

Tying this solution together is Hikvision's VMS – a full platform, capable of controlling not only DVRs and compression boards in the same interface, but also IP cameras. This software can manage up to 256 pieces of equipment (cameras, DVRs, etc.). The installation of the system has curbed and eliminated vandalism, prisoner riots, and other misbehavior.

Infinova/March Networks VMS now accommodates Panasonic IP cams

Editor / Provider: March Networks | Updated: 3/29/2013 | Article type: Security 50

March Networks is pleased to announce that its Command VMS is fully integrated with Panasonic's industry leading IP video cameras. The certification provides systems integrators and customers with faster, more simplified system deployment, and the flexibility needed to support diverse security requirements without sacrificing existing technology investments.

Integrating its standards-based Command VMS with best-in-class security products and systems is a priority for March Networks. The proven certifications reduce installation time and costs, and make it easier for organizations to adopt a March Networks Command solution complete with a full-featured, browser-based software client. The integration with Panasonic's ver1.33 API cameras incorporates features including audio capture, H.264 and M-JPEG video compression, motion detection, logical alarms and robust I/O and PTZ control.

"The integration with March Networks' Command video management software further broadens the accessibility of our advanced IP cameras by providing a proven, cost-effective IP video solution," said Charlie Hare, National Category Manager, Security and Mobile Video Solutions for Panasonic. "As a result, existing customers and partners benefit from the capabilities the combined solution offers and the flexibility to address a wide variety of security requirements."

Cali beach club shaded from risk

Editor / Provider: Hikvision Digital Technology | Updated: 3/27/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Founded more than 75 years ago, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club in San Diego, California recently upgraded its security by integrating two Hikvision Digital Technology HD cameras and VMS with existing analog and cabling infrastructures. For more than 15 years, ACS Cable Systems has been supporting the club's cabling infrastructure, and the club sought to integrate a security system into its network.

The main challenges encountered in the project was covering security on the large premise and integrating the system into ACS cable network. Two cameras were deployed on the ceilings to cover the extensive ground. One was a 2-megapixel mini dome camera, and the other a vandal-proof network camera with a wide-angle view of 101 degrees to 30.4 degrees. Essentially, the existing analog PC based DVRs were maintained and upgraded to an embedded DVR, which makes the most out of the legacy analog system.

The system is managed with Hikvision VMS, which covers the HD cameras and DVR's to achieve a well integrated video surveillance system. The software functionalities include multi-live video, playback, event alarms, remote configuring, and multi-level user management.

The new IP cameras enabled security personnel to have a comprehensive view and complete control from a single workstation through the VMS remote client software. Camera feeds were sent in real time and recorded for further investigations if needed. Data integrity in its legacy system was maintained and the new scalable system could serve the club for many years to come.

Milestone promotes sales manager to Sales Director for Asia

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 3/27/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP VMS, has appointed Sunny Kong as Director of Sales in Asia.

“Milestone Systems is the market leader in open platform IP VMS in Asia and we are expecting an annual growth of 30 to 40 percent over the next five years. I find the Asian market very exciting because the requirements and expectations vary from region to region. Therefore, in my new role as Director of Sales, one of the primary tasks will be to continue developing the channels of our mainstream markets and to set up new ones in developing markets such as Vietnam and the Philippines,” says Sunny Kong.

Kong comes with more than 19 years of experience as a manager of sales, business development, products and support. He has worked more than 10 years with CCTV and IP video surveillance at Prowler International and Milestone Systems, where he was Sales Manager of APAC the last four years.

Kong holds a Bachelor of Science in Computing with Management from Bradford and has demonstrated that he is a talented strategist. He has had great success with setting up channel partner models and building good relations with the Manufacturer Alliance Partners of Milestone Systems.

Eric Fullerton, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Milestone Systems, is pleased that Sunny Kong has been promoted to Director of Sales in Asia: “Sunny Kong has proved to be an excellent Sales Manager at Milestone Systems and has demonstrated strong leadership all the way. He is the perfect person to continue elevating the sales of our open platform software in the Asian market.”

German theme park plays it safe

Editor / Provider: SeeTec | Updated: 3/26/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

Featuring 100 attractions in 13 European theme areas and five hotels, the 94 hectare Europa-Park in Rust, Germany integrated its security system into a comprehensive building management solution to improve security and park management using SeeTec VMS. This allows all cameras and subsections to be accessed and operated centrally from one control station. Additionally, the system should be able to cover the perimeter security from one single source. Malsch installer vi2vi implemented the system.

“A large compound like the Europa-Park is difficult to manage decently without proper technical support,” explained Reinhard Egner, Consulting Engineering of Europa-Park “That's why we need to be informed about all the incidents occurring on our premises.” The park management began searching for a video solution in 2008 that could meet demands beyond safety concerns such as theft prevention and divergences between visitors.

As a basic prerequisite, the project management stated the integration of all applied systems, including a burglary and fire alarm system and the SeeTec software. SeeTec software met all the requirements of a centralized solution, and is future-proof with its scalability features, and the multi solution platform offers a variety of extension options, so that individual customer requests and needs can be taken into account easily, said Mathias Bechler, PM for vi2vi. SeeTec is linked to the security and building management software by means of the multi solution platform, so that information is gathered in SeeTec and made available for the user via Advancis's PSIM software.

Hence, a smooth cooperation of both systems is ensured. VCA is used as a further component of the platform. Thus, the surveillance of the park fences is based on virtual tripwires, which guarantee the security of visitors accidentally straying from the preset paths, but also secure the park against trespassing outside the opening hours. As soon as the markings are crossed, the security staff in the control station receives an alarm notification and can react immediately.

In order to preserve the visitors' privacy, the park operators rely on the segmentation of the security staff in several authorization groups. Thus, settings have been applied in the SeeTec configuration, which for instance allow particular users to browse through the recordings, but not to edit or export them. With the SeeTec mobile VMS and  web-based VMS, the security personnel also uses mobile access options to be informed actively about incidents and to be able to react immediately when walking across the grounds.