ASSA ABLOY secures Germany Olympic with Aperio technology

Editor / Provider: ASSA ABLOY | Updated: 3/6/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Security at one of Germany's leading Olympic training facilities has been transformed by ASSA ABLOY. Aperio wireless locks ensure a safe environment for the elite athletes at the training facility in Heidelberg.

Laborious day-to-day management of an old-fashioned mechanical master key system at the Olympiastutzpunkt Rhein-Neckar has been eliminated by the switch to an electronic access control system using Aperio wireless locks from ASSA ABLOY.

“The system provides noticeable relief from the time-consuming management of keys,” says Daniel Strigel, Director of the Olympiastutzpunkt Rhein-Neckar. “It also provides added security in the residential area, fitness center and swimming pool areas.”

To make the transition as seamless as possible for the athletes, their existing ID smartcards with integrated MIFARE RFID chip were encoded with access rights for the new control system.

Harald Johannsohn, whose company installed the system, says: “With the online wireless escutcheons at entrance doors, the customer is provided with a solution in real time. Users also operate the offline cylinders on a variety of interior doors using the same card. Therefore, the solution is truly tailored.”

The Olympiastutzpunkt Rhein-Neckar is one of 19 elite centers across Germany, and is used as a training venue for future Olympians and Paralympians in 13 different sports, including boxing, swimming and athletics.

Tyco sells ADT Korea to The Carlyle Group for $1.9B

Editor / Provider: Tyco | Updated: 3/4/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Tyco announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to sell Tyco Fire & Security Services Korea and its subsidiaries that form and operate the Company's South Korean security business ("ADT Korea") to The Carlyle Group, in a cash transaction valued at approximately $1.93 billion. The transaction is expected to close in Tyco's fiscal Q3 of 2014, subject to customary closing conditions including required regulatory approval.

ADT Korea is a provider of advanced security solutions in South Korea, serving approximately 475,000 small-and-medium-sized businesses, commercial and residential customers. The business provides central monitoring services, with video surveillance and dispatch, access control and other customized security solutions as well as guarding services. The business is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, with approximately 7,500 employees and a nationwide network that includes 69 branches.

"We are pleased to announce the sale of ADT Korea in a transaction that provides value to our shareholders," said George Oliver, Tyco's Chief Executive Officer. "While ADT Korea is healthy and profitable, this transaction represented a unique opportunity to realize the value generated in the business over time and redeploy it to further enhance our portfolio and maximize shareholder value. We continue to execute on our three year strategy which positions us to deliver a 15% earnings per share CAGR in fiscal 2015."

"ADT Korea is a leader in the South Korean market, with a strong management team and highly dedicated employees. We thank them for their contributions to Tycoand know they will continue to thrive within The Carlyle Group."

Tyco's net cash proceeds from the transaction are expected to be $1.85 billion. The proceeds will allow Tyco to increase cash deployed for earnings-accretive activities, such as strategic acquisitions, share repurchases and organic growth initiatives, as well as other corporate purposes.

Financial Highlights:
For fiscal 2014, ADT Korea is expected to generate revenue and operating income of approximately $600 million and $125 million, respectively, with an EBITDA margin of approximately 30%, contributing annual earnings per share to Tyco of approximately $0.20. Tyco's financials will be re-cast to report this business as a discontinued operation.

As a result of the transaction, the Company expects that approximately $0.05 of EPS in the second fiscal quarter will now be reflected in discontinued operations. Therefore, the Company is updating its EPS guidance solely for this reclassification. The Company now expects EPS from continuing operations before special items for the second fiscal quarter to be in the range of $0.39 to $0.41 compared to original guidance of $0.44 to $0.46. The Company will provide an update on full year guidance during the quarterly earnings call to be held in April.

2014 security industry growth driven by customer service

Editor / Provider: Memoori | Updated: 3/5/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

Financial results for the major manufacturers of security products in the Q4 of 2013 and Q1 of 2014 show a steady growth in revenues and profitability. There is also confidence to forecast that this trend will continue for the rest of 2014.

Few had forecast growth rates much above double figures through organic growth, only  those that are intending to grow faster through acquisition or have annual revenues below $100m. Sifting through their annual reports there is little to find about major new innovative products that will allow them to rapidly increase market share; but a steady flow of incremental improvements showing that product performance will improve to meet customer needs.

The recent annual report on the Security Business showed that the first 3 quarters of 2013 outperformed what most stakeholders had forecast; despite setbacks in economic fortunes in the western developed world. In the first 3 quarters of 2013 it grew by 8% and this marginally increased for the remainder of that year.

This performance was built on the same factors that delivered growth in 2012 – a combination of strong growth in IP Video Networking products, buoyant markets in Asia, solid growth in North America and higher levels of penetration in vertical markets such as transport, retail and health and education.

A little more light at the end of the tunnel would suggest better trading conditions in 2014 right across the developed world causing security equipment buyers to have more confidence that 2014 is the time to replace their old systems; provided they can be sure that their replacements improve the effectiveness of security, reduce operating costs and deliver an improved ROI on the investment.

In this article, 3 leaders are examined in their field; Axis Communications in IP Video Surveillance, HID Global in Access Control and the current fastest growing Video Surveillance company Avigilon, showing how they have created strong robust companies through different business models that should deliver winning performances in 2014.

Axis Communications founded in Sweden in 1984 pioneered the development of IP Network video cameras and brought it to market in 1996, maintained a strong R&D programme since then. It has so far grown solely through organic growth. It is the only company that we have identified in the security industry of its size that has achieved year on year growth without acquiring its rivals.

Even when it recently diversified into Access Control it did not do this through acquisition. Throughout the last 10 years it has gained a reputation for reliable high quality products, which sell at a premium. Its products get to market through all distribution channels and it spends a lot of effort in working with those channels to make sure that the benefits of their products are delivered to the end customer.

With such a large number of manufacturers in the video surveillance business it is hard to produce product differentiation across the whole range but Axis is regarded as supreme at the higher end of the market in the enterprise class where maximum security is vital. In the middle market they face challenges where “OK” cameras at lower prices are regarded as good enough by a lot of end users.

Avigilon founded in 2004 with sales currently running around $200m is approximately a quarter of the size of Axis but its growth in 2013 was 100% and has a market capitalization of around $1 Billion.

This is, to say at the very least, a remarkable performance. Currently they operate at the other end of the size spectrum to Axis with some 95% of customers being in the small to medium size category with only 5% enterprise class clients. They do not sell direct and have a very strong relationship with dealers and system integrators. Their phenomenal growth has to be more than a good product and marketing. It is most likely to be a combination of faster growth in midmarket and building up loyalty through their distribution channels by not selling direct. They have forecast revenue of $500 million by 2016.

In 2013 they acquired 2 companies. RedCloud Security, an innovative provider of web-based, physical and virtual access control systems. Through the acquisition, Avigilon adds a complementary product line to its end-to-end high-definition surveillance solution and provides the Company with access to a growing segment of the global security market. Despite it being a different product it fits in neatly with their existing distribution network.

Avigilon announced a definitive agreement to acquire the video analytics company VideoIQ, for cash consideration of US$32 million. Founded in 2006, VideoIQ has grown to become a leader in real-time intelligent video analytics solutions for security and business intelligence applications. VideoIQ has a developed portfolio of video analytics intellectual property, with 23 patents granted or pending, trade secrets and know-how.

It fits in directly with their existing business. Both of these acquisitions should deliver much more revenue than both companies achieved in 2013 and at the same time will provide their system integrators with a more comprehensive solution.

HID Global, a major subsidiary of Assa Abloy, a global leader in door opening solutions. Founded in 1994 Assa Abloy has grown from a regional company to an international company with annual sales of $7.2 billion (2012) a 12% growth on the previous year, mainly achieved through an astute acquisition programme involving 150 acquisitions. HID Global sales in 2012 are estimated at ￡3.3 billion having increased their contribution.

Assa Abloy acquired HID (Hughes Identification Devices) in 2000 and over the last 13 years has incorporated some 15 companies into the HID organization. Starting with Access Control products through Motorola Indala they have progressed to identification technologies with Active Identity being a major acquisition in 2010.

Since then major acquisitions have included LaserCard, IdenTrust, Lumidigm and Codebench. The combination of the companies' has made HID Global a worldwide leader in secure identity solutions that use multispectral imaging technology, software, and biometric fingerprint sensors to authenticate identities with a high degree of certainty.

HID Global have delivered growth over 12% in the last 2 years despite difficult trading conditions and are now have a strong cash flow and good financial stability to continue growth through organic means and acquisition.

Latin America Repgroup reaches agreement with Milestone

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 3/4/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), announces that the Latin America Repgroup (LAR) has signed a sales representation agreement that includes all of the Latin American regions. LAR is the largest manufacturers' representative for electronic security in Latin America.

Milestone and LAR have signed a representation agreement for all of the Latin American and Caribbean territory. This partnership is being realized with the aim to reinforce the sales and go-to-market activities that these 2 companies undertake to promote and strengthen trade relations with major dealers, systems integrators and end users in the security sectors of Latin America.

Eric Fullerton, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Milestone Systems, says: “We see a commoditization going on in the IP video space. For Milestone it becomes a question of achieving a broader and deeper presence in the local markets to deliver better service to our partners and customers – not just as a pure technology sales approach but with more people interaction to sell solutions locally.”

“We will provide higher touch levels with more ‘feet on the street' and better service for our Latin American partners, who are the differentiating factor in our 2-tier business model,” adds Manuel Nylen, Milestone's Vice President of Field Sales, Americas . “LAR will be representing the full portfolio of Milestone products, covering all segments of the market. We will still have factory representation (Milestone sales managers) and LAR is a valuable supplement to our own resources.”

With over 10 years in the Latin American market, LAR has become the largest manufacturers' representative in the electronic security industry, meeting the needs of system integrators and security equipment dealers within CCTV, IP, Access Control, and Fire. LAR has offices in Texas, Mexico City, Guadalajara, Chihuahua, Colombia and Venezuela.

Glenn Patrizio, Director of LAR, states: “We are very proud of this agreement because Milestone Systems has proven to be a company at the forefront of technology and innovation. Milestone also supports our approach to business through maintaining trained teams in the vendor products that we represent, to always be knowledgeable about the major challenges, risks and opportunities in the security industry.”

The agreement between Milestone Systems and Latin America Repgroup takes effect as of March 1, 2014.

Axis announces 9 promotions in US expansion plan

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 2/27/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Axis Communications, supplier in network video, announced 9 promotions in its North American team as a direct result of the unveiled U.S. Expansion Plan designed to bring the company closer to its partner network and mutual end-customers.

Axis' 3 National Sales Managers have been promoted to Business Area Managers and are responsible for the planning and execution of all operations originating from their Business Area office:
* Karl Radke, Midwest
* Bill Wendlandt, West
* Ted Wilkinson, Northeast

Additionally, 6 Axis Regional Sales Managers have been promoted to Area Sales Managers to provide leadership, direction and support to the sales team in their respective Business Area:
* Chris Cavey, South Central
* Steve Darragh, Mid-Atlantic
* Tom Kelley, Northeast
* Kyle Reinoehl, Midwest
* Steve Stanberry, West
* Paul Thompsen, Southeast

As part of the Expansion Plan, Axis designated 6 Business Areas in the U.S., namely the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest, South Central and West. Operations that thrive on regional knowledge and face-to-face interaction have moved to each Business Area – including sales, field sales engineering, local event marketing and Axis Communications' Academy training. Additionally, each Business Area will have a dedicated customer-facing office complete with a customized Axis Experience Center, training facilities and boardroom-style meeting rooms.

With Axis offices outside of Boston (Northeast), Chicago (Midwest) and Los Angeles (West) planned to open in 2014, Wilkinson, Radke and Wendlandt were promoted on January 1 to manage all operations in their respective Business Area. Each will continue to report directly to North American Director of Sales Larry Newman, who is based out of the North American headquarters in Chelmsford, Mass. As Axis opens the remaining three Business Area offices in the coming years as part of the Expansion Plan, additional Business Area Managers will be named at that time.

Axis Area Sales Managers will report directly to the individual Business Area Managers and are responsible for managing the sales teams in each of the 24 newly defined sales regions. For Business Areas that do not yet have named Business Area Managers – Mid-Atlantic, Southeast and South Central – the Area Sales Manager is responsible for managing field sales as well as field sales engineering and will also report directly to Newman.

“Our U.S. Expansion Plan enables us to think globally while acting locally so that Axis and our partners can keep pace with the growing opportunities in the IP video and access control markets,” said Newman. “These well-deserved promotions came with a lot of internal competition as our Business Area Managers and Area Sales Managers will play a vital role in ensuring our U.S. partners have the local resources they need to succeed while helping make the world a smarter, safer place.”

Biometric access control solutions

Editor / Provider: Alf Chang | Updated: 2/21/2014 | Article type: Tech Corner

Biometrics has become one of the most prominent technologies in access control because it is reliable, convenient and secure. Secutech 2014 features Asia's biggest gathering of access control equipment, including biometric solutions from some of the leading manufacturers.

The 4 characteristics of biometric access control solutions are:
1. Speed and stability: Using infrared sensing, users can have their credentials quickly scanned without having to actually touch the scanners. In addition, most environments have little negative impact on the reliability of biometric credentials or the accuracy of scanners.

2. Convenience: Most biometric scanners use an all-on-screen design that lays out all controls in a single touchscreen display. The UI is also usually optimized for usability and convenience. Since leading manufacturers serve a global customer base, their devices generally feature multiple languages for users to choose from.

3. Security: Biometric access control systems are generally designed to protect facilities from backdoors in the system and coerced users. Depending on the security level, systems may use multiple authentication methods—such as requiring a user to also input a passcode or swipe an ID card—or require multiple people to be simultaneously authenticated. Systems can also be configured to include backdoors, such as different actions for different palms, to serve as a silent alarm in the case of coercion.

4. Integration: IP networks greatly increase the viability of creating an IP-based all-encompassing smart home system through the integration of biometric access control, alarm, video surveillance and other systems.

Comparison of 4 major authentication methods for access control.

Authentication Method	ID Card	Fingerprint Scanning	Retinal Scanning	Vascular Pattern Recognition
Security	Easy to counterfeit; no built-in permissions	High security	One of the most accurate biometric technologies, due to its unchanging nature	More secure and reliable
Reliability	Relies on network software to process information from subsystems	Accuracy is impacted by moisture, dirt and other artifacts on fingers	Fewer false positives and negatives	High accuracy
Convenience	Requires maintenence and operation of central management system; easy to lose	Wide range of applications; users are not require to carry additional accessories	Fast	Less intimidating

For detailed information on Access Control and Biometrics, please register for Secutech 2014

Morpho (Safran) launches software solution for access control

Editor / Provider: Morpho (Safran) | Updated: 2/20/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Morpho launches M2A, a software application designed to build reliable biometric databases and manage a network of intelligent Access Control and Time & Attendance biometric terminals.

With a fast growing demand for secure, biometric-based solutions in the world of physical access control and workforce management, a flexible tool capable of following security and IT industries advancements is a must. M2A (MorphoAccess Administration) is Morpho's answer to meet customers' needs, today and tomorrow.

Trustworthy user databases
Its fresh, intuitive, web-based interface ensures seamless and scalable deployments, from small installations with a single administration station to large sites requiring client/server architectures.

By using Morpho's unique, advanced, task-specific tools for user enrollment, M2A ensures the highest quality biometric data is captured to create trustworthy databases and maximize the performance of the biometric system. User registration workflow includes biometric and demographic data collection, portrait acquisition and creation of badges using industry standard contactless technologies.

M2A implements a straightforward process (configuration, group management, user record broadcast, etc.) to administer the whole range of MorphoAccess terminals, which includes fingerprint and multimodal (finger vein / fingerprint) devices.

Simplified workforce management
The application makes workforce management easier with the capability to:

Schedule employees access time slots, program remotely terminal Time & Attendance function keys, monitor and store transaction logs in a central database able to interface with payroll applications. In addition, the M2A real-time tracking function can be relied on to know who is on site, anytime.

“We are very proud to introduce M2A, an essential component of our new Access Control and Time & Attendance ecosystem. It paves the way for our new range of devices… the 1st unveiled being the MorphoAccess SIGMA Series”, says Francoise Tondeux, Product Manager at Morpho.

Napco releases new CA3000 version 2.9 software for robust access control

Editor / Provider: Napco | Updated: 2/20/2014 | Article type: Security 50

ContinentalAccess, a division of Napco Security Technologies, has recently released new CA3000 version 2.9 software, that not only provides robust access control functionality and seamless integration with alarms, locking and a growing list of video systems, but offers a host of many new sought-after features.

These features include: the ability to run the CardAccess 3000 and associated applications as Windows services and the ability to control access to the CardAccess GUI using Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP). Support for the Continental's new and robust Super-Speed 16 door Accelaterm Controller is also available. Plus, more video integration partners have been added to their growing list, now including Pelco, HiTron, Milestone, Dedicated Micros, as well as Salient & Integral.

New CA3000 v2.9 also includes many enhancements to the existing features, providing the front-end of Napco Fusion, it is the complete seamless interoperable solution for Gemini Intrusion & Fire Systems, Access Control, Video and Wireless Locks. The CardAccess 3000 version 2.9 software also provides additional support for sister division, Alarm Lock's Trilogy Networx locks, now in both cylindrical and mortise models, with the utilization of a Door position contact and Request To Exit (RTE) button feature.

Continental offers training classes across the country and free online webinars, as well as retrofit rebate programs and cost-saving software upgrade plans.

Need for security mass notification in higher education

Editor / Provider: Eifeh Strom | Updated: 2/19/2014 | Article type: Hot Topics

Deadly violence on university campuses is an unfortunate reality. Less than one month into 2014, 3 reported incidents of gun violence were reported in the U.S. — 2 of the incidents lead to 2 deaths. However, deadly attacks are not limited to gun violence — a stabbing attack in 2013 left 14 injured at Lone Star College–CyFair in Texas, U.S.

In the aftermath of the violent shooting at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007, which tragically resulted in the deaths of 33 people, campus safety was thrust into the spotlight. In 2012, Virginia Tech was fined $27,500 by the US Department of Education (DOE) for failure to issue a timely warning on campus the morning of the shooting in compliance with the Cleary Act. In January 2014, the DOE fined Virginia Tech an additional $5,000 for the incident. Immediately after the Virginia Tech tragedy, many universities invested in mass notification systems. However, Pascale notes that mass notification systems have not evolved much since then. Pascale explained that despite the initial rush to acquire mass notification systems, the ability to use them and integrate them with other forms of technology such as SMS, telephone, email, outdoor warning systems, internal public address systems, digital signage, etc. has not made any significant leaps. “I think we're going to see more integration and a need for it in the near immediate future as colleges and universities struggle with having the responsibility to make timely warnings and emergency notifications to their community,” said Pascale. The next step, however, is figuring out how to do it and how to accomplish it at an affordable price.

One of the most publicized and successful mass notification integration projects was done by Florida State University (FSU). FSU already had an emergency notification system in place — “FSU Alert” boasted 32 different methods of emergency communication delivery, which include but are not limited to outdoor warning sirens, indoor warning sirens, SMS text messaging, E-mails, strobe lights, digital signage, desktop alerts, and social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc); however, management of all these different systems was a challenge. Although the multitude of systems was meant to cover a wide variety of pre-approved scenarios, a delay in notification was occurring because there were too many systems to fuddle through.

In order to streamline the system, FSU sought a solution that would enhance and integrate with their existing system. In cooperation with Siemens, who configured the central activation system, FSU was able to consolidate the 19 primary and secondary delivery technologies of the FSU Alert System so that they could be activated from a single point. Located in the FSU police department's communications office, a box with a panel of pre-scripted scenario buttons allows personnel to send out the appropriate notification with the press of one button. Known as the “EZ” button, this one button mass notification system has cut down message delivery time to less than three minutes. The FSU “EZ” button has since become a prime example for both universities and the security industry.

Retrofitting for the Future
Based on a survey of 616 projects, CP&M reported that 12.9 percent of the $1.3 billion spent on renovations in 2012 was spent on security equipment. More specifically, a survey on what types of renovations and upgrades US residence halls were considering in the next 3 to 5 years showed that 43 % were considering adding and/or upgrading their camera/surveillance systems, 36 % were considering the same for their access control systems, and 27 % their sprinkler/fire alarm systems. However, it was also noted that the extent of new and upgraded systems has been stunted due to budgetary restrictions. In addition to monetary challenges, retrofitting buildings on college campuses can be a complicated task. Oftentimes colleges are forced to retrofit older and sometimes historic buildings that are hundreds of years old, according to Pascale. “In many cases, it can cost anywhere from two to five times the cost of initial construction. With limited budgets, due diligence is critical as it's important to get it right the first time.”

Another difficulty with retrofit projects is that they frequently involve older buildings that are less likely to have the advanced technological capabilities needed for newer technology. “In a way, new projects are easier to scope out and deploy since the ideal architecture is designed from scratch. Most cases, however, are retrofits which demand an assessment of current technology, the remaining lifespan of such and the true benefit they might still provide,” said Lawrence de Guzman, Director of Global Sales Operations, Verticals, OEM, and Key Accounts at Milestone Systems.

Open Systems and Integration
The importance of integration has been a hot topic in the security industry and the education sector is joining in on the conversation. “We see a need and attempt by many institutions to integrate disparate systems and leverage technology as a force multiplier while creating operational efficiencies,” Pascale pointed out. “In many cases, individual departments have installed their own systems and there is little centralization or standardization.” However, facilities of all kinds hit a speed bump when trying to find compatible systems. That is why open systems are playing a key role in integration.

“There is a distinct trend towards open platforms, which enables beneficial integrations with other systems, thereby empowering a total solution into more than just the sum of its parts,” said de Guzman. In particular to higher education, Scirica noted, “Campus security officials seek VMS platforms that easily integrate with other security and non-security systems, such as video analytics. An open architecture approach and a commitment to open standards help manufacturers deliver VMS platforms that will be able to work with other systems as organizational and security needs grow.”

Rising up to Challenges
Every vertical has its own set of unique challenges and requirements. In order to properly and successfully address these issues, it is important for manufacturers and systems integrators to work together. “We believe integrators and manufacturers should act as partners with a common goal of establishing trust with an end user,” said Loy. “At the same time, integrators should rely on their manufacturers to play a valuable support role to help them assess and respond to customer expectations. Customer satisfaction depends on the best efforts of everyone involved in a system sale.”

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Higher education strengthens security
Security in higher education faces unique challenges

Kantech new EntraPass v6.01 integrates with exacqVision VMS

Editor / Provider: Tyco | Updated: 2/18/2014 | Article type: Security 50

Kantech, part of the Tyco Security Products business unit of Tyco, the world's largest pure-play fire protection and security company, announces the release of EntraPass v6.01 security management software, continuing to build on the portability, scalability and flexibility of the solution.

EntraPass v6.01 features an integration with the cross-platform, open architecture exacqVision video management system (VMS) from Exacq. By integrating the exacqVision VMS with the EntraPass v6.01 access control system, customers can view, manage and play back video linked to access control events, as well as perform traditional access control functions such as lock and unlock doors, through a single platform.

“The integration of exacqVision VMS into this latest edition of EntraPass results in a more powerful, yet still user-friendly interface,” said Scott McNulty, Senior Product Manager, Kantech. “The outcome is an ideal solution for customers who may not be full time security professionals, but who need an intuitive solution that they can turn to after an incident has occurred.”

Along with exacqVision, EntraPass v6.01 also integrates with American Dynamics DVRs and NVRs and DSC PowerSeries and MAXSYS intrusion alarm panels.

Corporate and Global Editions of EntraPass v.6.01 offer enhanced functionalities in the EntraPass Web platform that delivers remote, convenient access to common security tasks and reporting from a standard web browser, as well as the EntraPass Go mobile app, which enables security administrators to interact with the EntraPass software using a variety of mobile devices, such as iOS and Android platform smartphones and tablets.