The Ins and Outs of Buying and Using Biometrics

Editor / Provider: Submitted by TDSi | Updated: 7/12/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

Finding the Right Biometrics Solution
Initially the options for Biometrics were fairly limited, with fingerprint readers being a popular choice. However, the market has expanded rapidly in recent years to offer other choices or combinations of choices that ensure that the highest levels of security can be maintained, keeping a step ahead of efforts designed to beat the security protocols.

Finding the right Biometric solution for the job should involve careful planning and advice from expert installers. A combination of different methods can offer the best solution across a site, making the most of different locations and being well suited to the traffic likely to use them. Traditional fingerprint readers should not be discounted, they still offer a cost-effective, secure and reliable access control, however they may not be suitable for all conditions (places that are dirty, wet or harsh and restrict physical contact for example). Some of the rising stars and future options of Biometric control include:
● Facial Recognition – Using the unique shape and rendering of the human face, these are already becoming a popular and easy-to-use option. Modern readers can operate in virtually all light conditions (including the dark by use of an inbuilt light) with a False Acceptance Rate (FAR) of less than 0.0001% - offering great flexibility combined with impressively high levels of reliability and security. Facial recognition is ideal for most situations, generally a user's face is highly visible and there is no need to touch the unit which makes it ideal for clean rooms, operating theatres or anywhere else that contamination (from key cards for example) would be undesirable.

● Sub-dermal Recognition – Building upon the fingerprint idea, these readers ignore the top layer of skin and instead focus on lower levels to make their assessment of authentication. This is an ideal solution in environments where harsh weather or other issues may damage or in some way change the fingerprint and make it difficult to read. Examples of possible locations include heavy industry plants, aggregate works and quarries, off-shore oil rigs and building sites.

● Vein Recognition - Taking the idea of internal Biometrics scanning a step further, these readers look at the unique pattern of veins and blood vessels (within a user's finger for example) to provide highly reliable authentication. Because the size and shape of circulatory system doesn't change (in adults), Vein Recognition avoids the potential problems of scanning external features, which can change due to environmental, aging or even health issues.

● Hand Geometry – Another take on the unique dimensions of a user's hand, the technology ascertains the size of the fingers, thumb and palm for authentication – providing an alternative to a fingerprint reader.

● Iris Scanning – Unlike facial recognition, these scanners concentrate specifically on a single point, using the complex shape of the eye's iris to authorise access. Because of its complex nature, Retina Scanning is mostly employed in specialist, high security applications that demand specialized security – such as national defense installations for example.

● Heart Recognition – An upcoming Biometrics technology based upon the unique results of an individual's ECG reading, this is ideal for high security environments. There are also different options for readers, from finger scanners to contactless chest mounted straps with wireless connectivity to access control systems. Heart Recognition offers a highly secure, reliable and user-friendly solution that is convenient even in harsh or remote environments and ideal for military deployment for example.

● Walking Gait Analysis – Another upcoming Biometrics technology that analyses the way an individual walks to ascertain identity and authorization. Unobtrusive, Walking Gait Analysis does however require the space for the user to be able to walk within the authentication zone and is therefore better suited to open environments or large interior spaces – but could find favour in large public areas such as airports of sports venues for example.

Integrating Systems to Realize Benefits Beyond Security
As already mentioned biometrics readers are a useful tool when it comes to compliance and measuring the flow of people in relation to productivity. It is also a very good way of accounting for staff movements in regards to Time & Attendance records. Whereas a tokenbased clocking in system can potentially be abused (for instance; ‘buddy' use, whereby employees fraudulently clock in for another employee), Biometrics readers require the individual in question to be present to clock in. In instances of high security (such as a bank) or environmental sensitivity or danger (such as a laboratory or nuclear installation for example) it is advantageous to be clear if individuals were indeed present at key times.

In facilities that cater for children, the elderly or other vulnerable people Biometrics can be used not only to stop unauthorized individuals from entering but also to stop vulnerable individuals from entering dangerous areas or leaving the security of the site unattended.

The accuracy of Biometrics systems can also be very useful for use with building fire and evacuation systems. In the event of a fire or similar emergency, knowing exactly which people are where, can be a crucial in evacuation or rescue situations. It is also very easy to ‘lock down' certain areas to prevent people wandering into dangerous parts of the building (through fire or even into contaminated sectors).

Different Biometrics systems can also be integrated together to offer the best solution. For example a bank may only need simple MIFARE card readers or fingerprint readers for lowlevel secure areas (such as meeting rooms) but will definitely want to increase the security of access control (perhaps using facial recognition) around any areas containing money or records. Using lower cost options alongside cutting edge solutions can be an excellent way to make the most of the access security budget.

Potential Issues with Biometrics
Inevitably there can be sensitivities from some sectors on the issue of holding private Biometric data, which is akin to medical records. Whilst the benefits of using Biometric readers are undeniable, any data that is collected has to be carefully and securely stored to prevent any loss, theft or other potential misuses which will contravene UK and EU data privacy laws. Local laws can also affect the ways in which data is stored - in France for instance, security data has to be stored on a card which is then kept by the user. There are also obvious ethical issues on holding data that could be used, or misused, in other circumstances where somebody's identity or location at a certain time is in question. Any organization that uses Biometric readers and stores the information from them needs to be fully aware of the legal and ethical obligations from doing so and to be sensitive to any potential objections or anxieties that could surface from it.

As mentioned earlier in this paper, Biometric access control needs to offer a worthwhile return on investment. If an older token-based system provides a reliable service that works well in the context it is used then the expense of upgrading to a Biometric alternative may not be worthwhile. Similarly, for lower security situations it may be prudent to avoid any potential ethical problems (as above) and to use a token-based system which is cost-effective and simple to use.

There may also be some situations where it simply isn't practical to install an expensive and relatively fragile detector – perhaps due to very extreme environmental conditions or even the threat of vandalism in some urban areas. However, used effectively Biometrics are a highly valuable tool in providing excellent access control.

Conclusion
Whilst Biometrics access control may, at first glance, appear to be revolutionary (and no doubt some solutions are avant-garde in their approach) essentially they simply offer new, highly secure and convenient ways to stop unauthorized individuals or groups entering restricted areas.

The choices and their benefits are numerous, so any organization considering them should look closely at their overall access control needs before deciding if Biometrics will offer a sound return on investment. For high security needs, Biometrics systems offer very attractive False Acceptance Rates and by doing away with keycards and tokens give users greater freedom.

Whilst there are drawbacks (for some access control situations Biometrics may be too expensive or even too fragile), these new systems are shaping the direction and the future of the access control market.

Stockholm Property Company Upgrades Access System Using Assa Abloy

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 7/9/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Property company Vasakronan is updating the access systems in two large buildings in central Stockholm. In the historic environment of the Westmanska Palatset conference center, the access system was switched to ASSA ARX one year ago. Now Vasakronan is continuing its modernization project in the Klara Zenit retail and commercial office block.

Klara Zenit is a property at the heart of the action, a modern city block occupied by retail, service commercial and residential uses with a total of 70,000 m2. The downtown Stockholm location requires high, stable security for the large and complex Klara Zenit block, where certain areas are difficult to visually monitor. Therefore Vasakronan is now upgrading its old RiTA access system to ASSA ARX. Vasakronan would like to have contactless readers, a more modern IT platform and an integrated telephone entry system.

Residents can easily use the touchscreen to reserve laundry times on the digital schedule board. The system uses the same contactless tags for identification that also provide access to the front door and the elevator. The ARX access system can also handle the new entry phones that are being installed, which will make it convenient for residents to receive visitors. Fewer separate security systems translate to easier administration and management.

Another part of the access system update involves domains for some of the commercial tenants. Businesses that have their own access systems for their own premises can manage building access. They can use the same cards or tags in either system, making it convenient for users.

The access system also controls access to the different floors in the nine elevators. Office tenants can use the card reader in the elevator to manage employee access rights to the floors.

Finally, Vasakronan wanted to create a cohesive access system for the entire block, which entailed replacing about one third of the code readers from another brand. The previous locking system was also replaced with an ASSA system.

Cloud Video in Demand?

Editor / Provider: a&s International | Updated: 7/11/2012 | Article type: Tech Corner

The cloud is a tantalizing opportunity for video surveillance. By doing away with hard disk drives (HDDs) and storing everything to the cloud, gone is the most costly and failure-prone part of a video system. IMS Research estimated the global market for video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) was worth more than US$500 million in 2011, up 25 percent from 2010. It predicts the VSaaS market could surpass $1 billion by 2014, yielding rich rewards for service providers.

Business Models
Cloud surveillance is being offered by dealers, telcos, alarm-monitoring companies and even manufacturers. Viewing is the main purpose, rather than total security, with crucial differences between each offering.

UK distributor Norbain launched a VSaaS service aimed at the small surveillance installation market of one to six cameras, or the residential and SMB market. “It is designed to be installed by a professional installer with professional equipment, but the live/playback/monitoring is to be carried out by the end user in most cases,” said Andrew Pigram, Technical Director at Norbain. “It's to make sure your camera selection is correct. Users know that alarms or any triggers are correctly positioned, so you don't get many false alarms or recorded footage with nothing on it.” Telcos have the advantage of bandwidth, making hosted monitoring a natural extension of their services. Cox Communications launched a trial security service in Tucson and Phoenix, Arizona, which has seen “good” early results. “Cox Home Security is supported by wireless and broadband infrastructure,” said Todd Smith, Director of Media Relations for Cox Communications. “Our solution includes the option of video components and broader home automation. This is a natural fit for us given our communications -- video, broadband, phone – relationship with customers already and allows them to stay connected to their homes when away.”

Manufacturers have the technical expertise and security background to distinguish their VSaaS offerings. “We previously were not a hosted video service provider, but we are now. We saw it as a natural fit for our business,” said John Smith, Senior Customer Marketing Manager at Honeywell. “We are a step below central monitoring for 24/7 monitoring. Our system is an automated system with smart analytics or sensors to detect people where they aren't supposed to be.”

Honeywell's offering has potential to be the one of the largest. It is available in North America, including the U.S., Canada and Mexico, and will be rolled out to EMEA in 2013, Smith said. An APAC offering is in development, which could make it a global cloud offering. “Honeywell is in a good position for access control, intrusion, video and full ID badging,” he said. “We hope to offer all services in the cloud.”

Pros and Cons
While VSaaS looks promising, the level of support differs greatly between offerings. Most telco packages only cover cheap webcams and merely host the video, not watch it. In the event of a fire or other emergency, the homeowner or shopkeeper will not be notified. Real-time security notification is still the trump card of central monitoring stations. However, security dealers and manufacturers offer more robust surveillance equipment and correct placement, ensuring a consistent viewing experience compared to a telco.

Who Wants Hosted Video?
Defining a target audience for VSaaS greatly affects how the final product looks. VSaaS holds far more mass-market appeal than enterprise-grade PSIM, requiring the user interface to be as intuitive and friendly as possible.

The residential market holds potential in the U.K. “The upper end of the residential market have intruder alarms in 50 percent of homes,” Pigram said. “So there's opportunity to add surveillance to those properties. It's not just for verification of alarms, but to give users information, such as of their pets left in the house and to see if they're all right.”

Most people are understandably squeamish about surveillance in their homes, which is why Honeywell focuses on business owners. “We sell it primarily in a commercial space; retail; quick service such as fast food and convenience stores; office buildings; professional buildings for doctors and chiropractors; and light manufacturing,” Smith said.

Honeywell examined market needs and found commercial users were maintaining their equipment more reactively. “With traditional video, a lot of people would go back and look back into their system, but the DVR failed, wasn't recording or the camera went out,” Smith said. “With the service, we found out customers needed to be notified when equipment wasn't working. They can know when a camera went offline, as the system can send notifications to the dealer and users.”

Business owners with multiple locations are a key target for VSaaS, which allows them to store video to the cloud, rather than buying a recorder for each shop. “You may have a chain of muffler stores, where the business owner with eight locations wants to check each location,” Smith said. “We provide a single login for the user. … We want to make it light upfront so it's not a heavy investment in equipment for the user, to lower the barrier of entry and capture RMR from these types of services.”

The target VSaaS customer will not be a large retailer or have a big security budget, but wants to view video remotely at an affordable rate. “VSaaS is OK for SME and residential customers with one to four cameras; not for corporate, but we're not seeing that market going to VSaaS,” Pigram said. “I'm less concerned in selling VSaaS to an existing market, as we're selling services to brand-new customers.”

Benefits
VSaaS is not intended to replace alarm monitoring centers, but delivers viewing anytime, anywhere. It reduces capital outlay for DVRs and NVRs, and saves maintenance cost on spinning HDDs, Pigram said. Efficiency is being touted in some offerings, but the energy savings do not equate to a payback for the service provider.

However, the mobile “always-on” world is driving uptake. “Some of the things driving hosted video for residential are consumer electronics with tablets and smartphones,” Pigram said. “The customer is happy because they can utilize something they've bought, and we're happy because we don't need to provide a viewing platform. It reduces capital outlay and clutter in the house. The end user does not need to buy a DVR and monitor.”

The cloud's visibility and availability on mobile devices benefits VSaaS. "The biggest thing I've seen driving adoption is perception," Smith said. "Social media drives services. You see content being delivered in the cloud."

Vicon Introduces New Cost-Effective Options for IP VMS Systems

Editor / Provider: Vicon Industries | Updated: 7/6/2012 | Article type: Security 50

Vicon Industries, a leading designer and producer of network video management systems, has introduced new pricing for its ViconNet IP video management software, providing free and low-cost options for systems with less than 25 cameras. Software is offered at three levels: ViconNet JUMP, ViconNet ZONE and ViconNet PEAK. All versions are open-platform, supporting third-party ONVIF compliant cameras.

ViconNet JUMP supports up to 6 network cameras. There are no per-cameras licensing fees. Compact, low-cost, pre-loaded NVRs are also available.

ViconNet ZONE is offered at two levels, supporting either a maximum of 16 or 24 network cameras. Designed for mid-sized systems, competitively priced ViconNet ZONE may be purchased as software only, pre-loaded NVRs, or as part of bundled packages that combine a pre-loaded NVR with a selection of IP cameras.

Both ViconNet JUMP and ViconNet ZONE offer all the features and functionality of enterprise-scale ViconNet but can only operate as a single NVR system. Users of these smaller systems maintain the ability to integrate with third-party access control software and make use of Vicon's virtual matrix display solution. Remote access is available through a convenient browser-based interface. Enterprise-scale ViconNet has been rebranded as ViconNet PEAK and continues to offer support for systems of unlimited size.

“With the launch of ViconNet JUMP and ZONE, we look forward to reaching a whole new group of end-users, whose security needs are just as critical but must be supported by lower budgets,” stated Bret McGowan, Vicon Senior V.P. of Sales and Marketing.

Orion Security Solutions Becomes CNL Software Channel Partner

Editor / Provider: Submitted by CNL Software | Updated: 7/5/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

CNL Software has signed Orion Security Solutions as a channel partner. Orion offers complete solutions in closed circuit television, intruder alarms, access control and covert technologies. It designs, installs and maintains integrated systems for some of the UK's leading organizations both in the private and public sectors.

Orion has a track record of delivering tailored security solutions to meet the exact requirements of its customers in industries including retail, public sector and corporate security. Under the CNL Software Channel Alliance Program (CAP), the partnership will enable Orion to offer its customers integrated PSIM solutions based on the IPSecurityCenter PSIM platform.

“We have been protecting people, property, profit and brands for a number of years and we are now looking to find new, innovative ways to help our customers evolve their security operations in these challenging times”, commented Paul Speariett, IT Director at Orion. “PSIM is a growing trend in Physical Security and the demand is led by organizations who want more from their security systems. We selected IPSecurityCenter not only for its ability to integrate security assets but because it collects, manages and reports key information to all stakeholders involved with physical security, loss prevention and risk management. Every customer is unique and faces different risks and we need to ensure that any platform we offer has the flexibility to meet each of these.”

Keith Bloodworth, CEO of CNL Software added “Security breaches whether physical or cyber have huge consequences, from brand damage to litigation. Our work has been focused on lowering the threats to physical security operations and in turn reducing corporate risk. We look forward to working with Orion to help create secure working environments for a large number of global brands and public sector organizations in the UK.”

Security Complications at Bustling Metro Stations

Editor / Provider: Tevin Wang | Updated: 7/10/2012 | Article type: Infrastructure

Busy metro stations at prime locations attract retailers and other businesses. The increase in multipurpose metro stations has brought commercial opportunities, along with security/safety risks and management complexity.

Mass transit can be a complex scene. “As a fast moving and complex environment, a metro station retail area is difficult to monitor and almost impossible to assess for suspicious activity using security staff and surveillance alone,” said Skip Dunnett, Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Consultant at Digital Barriers.

Dunnett added. “Scene change analytics running over surveillance cameras could monitor routine patterns in and around retail outlets and assist security staff to identify areas and times where a threat might arise.” This analysis would be useful for station managers as they would be able to identify high-risk areas in the station more readily.

Actions Speak Louder Than Words
A regular program of updates on the threats and risks faced by the metro station will enforce a collective responsibility for security and encourage better practices. Centralized training and awareness briefings provided by the metro station security managers will help instill a sense of worth in the retail security staff who are often lowly paid and lack proper training, said Skip Dunnett, Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Consultant at Digital Barriers. “The coordination of all reports, be it electronic or verbal, is vital to the security within this multidimensional environment. Whenever possible, only one control room should exist, and this is also where all retail security reports and concerns should be directed to. This also helps enrich the threat and risk picture for the station as a whole.”

Integration and Configuration
Getting useful information to the right people in a timely manner is crucial for metro systems, especially with scores of fast moving passengers. “There is a strong pattern in integration. Cameras and surveillance intelligence are synchronized to ensure physical safety in unplanned events such as station evacuations,” said James Chong, CTO and Senior VP of Strategic Innovation, Vidsys.

A mass transit system is an expensive, integral part of public infrastructure — safety and evacuation must be an integral consideration with security, said Patrick Lim, Director of Sales and Marketing, Ademco Far East (an Ademco Security Group company). “For example, surveillance can be integrated with evacuation systems, thus offering intelligent information for a path of escape. Relevant doors can be remotely or automatically unlocked, and communication systems can work in tandem to provide automated information displays or announcements that can facilitate orderly evacuations.”

“Linking the communications of safety, evacuation systems and security infrastructure will allow for correlation and verification of critical data coming into the control room,” said Adlan Hussain, Marketing Manager, CNL Software.

Evacuation systems, however, are inherently insecure, as faked emergencies could become major security vulnerabilities. Conflicts might thus arise during the integration and configuration of security and fire safety systems. “In practice, security systems are set to ‘fail open' in the case of an incident, thus creating an opportunity for exploitation,” Dunnett said. “In order to overcome these weaknesses, security managers must understand the operation and methodology behind these evacuation systems so as to, ideally, influence their design during the planning and installation. If this early involvement is not possible, understanding the safety system will assist the design of any retrospective security protection. Security planners can ensure that access control to key operation assets or high-value targets can be maintained in any given situation. For example, consideration should always be given to evacuation routes, and steps taken to ensure that key assets are not placed in these areas. Other techniques include the protection of key areas by the use of one-way flow access control and the automatic lockdown of vulnerable IT systems.”

Centralized Command
In bigger subway systems — and especially in older systems — there are not always centrally located operating systems. “For instance, fire controls utilize local systems, while rail, power and evacuation control and information are not always connected,” said Jeremy Brecher, VP of Technology Services at Diebold Security. During incidents, however, communication networks must be able to cope with overflowing data and voice commands.

“The importance of communication has been elevated since 9/11, especially when it comes to the protection of first responders. Unfortunately, radio signals and other forms of communication are still used in many subway applications, and the problems aren't always highlighted until a real emergency occurs,” Brecher said. “Generally, most highly complex environments should include their own backhaul delivery for information instead of shared delivery. If the system does utilize shared delivery, there should be a very well-designed quality of service and prioritization incorporated into the system.”

An alternative is the installation of a redundancy management system that will not only control the flow of vital data and voice commands but will also manage the inherent redundancy within any command and control system to allow for a greater flow of potentially time-critical information, Dunnett added.

“This is where IP networks become important and provide long-term cost savings, too,” Lim said. “In the past, transport systems had an enormous amount of different cables; it could be very costly to provide redundancy. With IP technologies, it is more cost-effective to have redundant and armored protection for transmission.”

Team Effort
Surveillance and physical security concerns are responsibilities of security managers, but public address, evacuation, notification and radio systems, on the other hand, are under the purview of other departments, highlighting again the need for clear and constant communication among all parties from planning through implementation and operation. “It also highlights the need for security managers to play a key role in training the operators and ensuring that the systems they have implemented will be correctly operated and maintained by the operators and transit authorities,” Brecher said. “Ensuring that proven technologies are correctly implemented the first time leads not only to a cost-effective application, but also increased effectiveness of the tools. Ultimately, this results in a more secure environment.”

Maintenance and Training
Getting the systems up and running after a thorough risk assessment is not the end. “Conducting continuous system maintenance and risk evaluation throughout the operation is equally important,” said Armine Beybutyan, Product Sales and Marketing Manager, Korenix Technology (a Beijer Electronics Group company).

Identifying training needs and service requirements is an ongoing process. “Working hand-in-hand with transit authorities to ensure they understand the system will ultimately determine how effective it is on a day-to-day basis,” Brecher said.

Secutech International 2012 — China's Perspective

Editor / Provider: Evangeline Xie | Updated: 7/6/2012 | Article type: China Corner

The event is Asia's largest international exhibition and conference for the electronic security, info security, fire and safety industry sectors. Celebrating its 15th anniversary this year, the exhibition is no longer just a sourcing fair, but a center of innovation and a propeller of industry.

Overall Performance
No other show like Secutech catering to the full supplying chain of the industry. It is designed as a manufacturing powerhouse by offering lens, image sensor, the DSP and codec to the integrated solutions for various applications. Unlike other largescaled international exhibitions which emphasis the quantity, Secutech is characterized by good quality that is also the screening standard for the exhibitors.

This year attracted more than 25,510 visitors from 97 different nations. There are 56 Chinese exhibitors taking an active part in the event, such as the well-known brands Dahua and Hikvision as well as some other quality companies. Beside the first tier's nice performance, second-tier players also presented an eye-catching demonstration.

Michael Chen, Vice President for Zhejiang Dahua Technology, recognized that Secutech has offered an international stage. “It is a good platform to show products and new technology, as well as to network,” he explained. “I am happy to see different products here and to have a chance for sharing experiences with exhibitors from Japan, Korea and Taiwan.”

New Highlights
Secutech is designed to be a manufacturing powerhouse, providing a platform for all exhibitors to showcase their new products of the year. Visitors can find the latest innovative products from video, storage device, access control, lens and more. New products from Chinese exhibitors are among this year's highlights.

Video Surveillance
Sunell showcased its 720P/1080P megapixel network mini dome with IR and fixed lens, 720P/1080P megapixel network eyeball camera with compact base, 720P/1080P megapixel network bullet camera with cable management bracket, easy installation and adjustment.

Another Chinese manufacturer TVT has refined its products from front-end to back-end. The company releases its total solution of network products as well as HD-SDI. With its adoption of Hisilicon chips and the outward design, TVT products have highlighted the overall performance of Chinese manufacturers.

Youguan CCTV Technology showcased its new vari-focal IR high speed dome and HD-SDI vari-focal IR high speed dome, both are of the third generation. When it comes to HD-SDI, there are several exhibitors foreseeing its future demanding. “We showcase our latest HD-SDI camera at the show,” said Sales Manager of OFK Technology. “We expect HD-SDI will have more demanding in the future while the market and few technological concerns have been solved. From Secutech, lots of buyers are also paying attention to its development.”

Lens
For the part of lens, Ricom and Leading can be excellent players. The release of the megapixel lens after the earthquake has met the Japan's market niche, those lenses are welcomed by many manufacturers from Korea and Taiwan due to the top quality and original technology.

Leading showcased its 10-megapixel 1/2.3-inch 5.4mm no-distortion lens, 5-megapixel 1/1.8-inch fisheye lens as well as 5-megapixel lens for intelligent transportation system. “Europe and America is our target market, we aimed to provide the perfect optical solutions for the high-end customers within the shortest time,” said Beth Wu, Vice President of Xiamen Leading Optics. “To-date, we can realize high definition in the front-end part and our quality is being credited compare to other foreign brands,” added Wu.

How to Better Serve Customers
Sunell put much strength in the promotion of network camera, which can be judged by its elaborate booth. Its general engineer of R&D also joins the overseas exhibition around the world for acquiring multiple demands of foreign buyers.

TVT has business all over the world now, but it sees greater chance in Europe now than that in other countries. They believe the value is mainly incorporated in complete solutions, reliable quality, and right products at right price. “We will definitely enhance our communication with customers. All the service is about how to make our customer profitable at low risk,” said Joe Qiu, Overseas Business Director of TVT.

In Qiu's opinion, to get this target done, they need more engineers for better software and hardware, more technical sales for better education and communication, and also need more serious quality control to maintain the delivery quality.

“We designed the mechanical parts, hardware, and software. It's different in following aspects in the IR technology and the mechanical design,” said Eddy Que, General Manager of Youguan, “we make the lower part rotating, thus reduce the burden of rotation and speed could be higher. Also it avoids breakdown of BNC cable as the cable will not rotate together with the dome.”

Additionally, the company has set up channels in Europe, North America and Middle East for shortening the distance with customers, which are the key point of its overseas market are located in Europe and North America, where the integrity and consistency are what matter.

Other Highlights
Giant Alarm System Company showcased multi-frequency remote control duplicator and rolling code receiver. “Using the special duplicators which are produced by our company, all users can copy to have new transmitters which can be used directly and the new ones will work well and won't send same codes as original ones,” said Pan Defeng, General Manager of Giant Alarm System. “Adopting the rolling code encoder program which is written by our company gives controllers top security since other companies' products can't copy our transmitters.”

“Nowadays, there are more and more competitors who can produce at cheaper price, the market is not made-in-China, in such case, how to fix our market, improve our service and innovate our products would be a great challenge,” said Pan. “We need to search new opportunity to enlarge our market share, so our biggest challenge is how to enter into emerging market and catch it,” added Pan.

Anson showcased its network security recorder (NSR), which integrates DVR, video surveillance, access control and alarm function. Medium and small-scaled security project can be accomplished with only one NSR, allowing system stability and cost-effectiveness in the application.

Challenge and Expectation
It seems still so gloomy ahead for the world economy. The security industry inevitably cannot be influenced from the turmoil. Moreover, the industry is also shaping not only from the technological front but also from the business model front.

“At the transitional period from analogue to high definition, the refinement of the product line will impose some pressure manufacturers. Therefore, manufacturers need to move ahead with their in-house values, in terms of innovation and quick responding to the mainstream,” said Zhao Bin, General Manager of Anson.

“Increasing competition on the pricing brings impediment for the application range of middle to high technology products, as well as new production development, this is the challenge we are facing right now.” said Ann Wu, Vice President of Sunell.

TVT finds the biggest challenge now is to differentiate themselves from others, technically and commercially. “It is important to be special and make your customer feel the difference,” said Qiu, “Another challenge is how to process information in a better way with our customers, and to respond to market demands more efficiently.”

According to Que, presently, there are too many suppliers on the market, some are good, and some are not. The problem lies in the fact that buyers can't tell which are good or not, which are real. “Youguan's strength is R&D and technology, and we need to make more effort to promote us, to let our customers know how we are different,” added Que.

Youguan adopts the technology from Germany and Japan, the IR can zoom in and out simultaneously with the zoom module, according to the light condition. And also the IR lamp is 3rd generation IR technology, the IR light is more uniformly distributed and avoid flash light effect of traditional IR LED. The company made a special IR compensation light for wide angle at short distance, which guarantee clearer image.

On the contrary, there are still numerous Chinese suppliers who still being ignorant to buyers' requirement and reluctant know-how to market in overseas market. Compared with the manufacturers from Taiwan and Korea, the performance of some Chinese players seems a bit rough occasionally in terms of the technical personnel, marketing and expertise.

Manufacturing is the undeniable advantage for most of Chinese suppliers. Generally speaking, the Chinese-made quality has improved greatly. However, we expect more and more Chinese suppliers paying more attention to business quality and in the near future, more buyers will be gratified with business with most of Chinese manufactures.

Anson Debuts NSR at Secutech International

Editor / Provider: ANSON | Updated: 7/4/2012 | Article type: China Corner

Anson are continuing to revolutionize the security industry with the NSR. Showcasing the NSR at Secutech International attracted even more interest from buyers all around the world with its security-centric integrated system.

The Network security recorder (NSR) is an embedded solution which integrates video, access control, intrusion alarms and intercoms. This stand-alone platform allows users to manage all security devices just through this platform alone. Developed by Anson, this all- in-one system also allows users to manage and control the system via LAN or WAN or with the use of the Network Security Management (NSM) software.

The product supports eight-channel video and eight-channel alarm, four-group reader and lock inputs, as well as eight-channel door-contact inputs. The device can record D1/ CIF images with the use of H.264 / MPEG-4. With the unified functions of a DVR, access controller and alarm panel this provides a new integrated product experience for users.

Time Management
Time management is a key advantage of the NSR, with the use of several security products time differences will occur, each device will have its own timing and processing. However, this can be solved with the use of the NSR as all is integrated into the one system which creates a more efficient and stable system with consistency.

NSR Vertical Markets
The NSR can be applicable to different vertical market due to its versatility. From the access front, the NSR can manage card holder attendance sufficiently when combined with NSM. It supports multiple day attendance and three work-shifts. This can be applied to the retail sector and schools where monitoring attendance and accumulating statistics is compulsory.

With integrated video monitoring, this is particularly suitable for correctional facilities, which can also be incorporated with access control to monitor and record those entering and leaving the premises. In addition, the NSR supports four to eight cameras, which delivers real-time video at 25-30 fps. The NSR can effectively replace the function of a DVR as it can record footage and allow play back when required. These features are applicable for the banking, especially for ATM machines where recording and storage is vital.

Integration and Functions
This revolutionary system differs from traditional software integration, just by connecting to the NSR'S standard connector, the system can connect to DVRs, NVRs, access control systems, video door phones, alarms and other security devices. Should any one device fail the system will not be affected.

For small security projects installing one NSR is sufficient to handle one set area. Larger projects will require several NSRs in order to cover different areas. With such an innovative and revolutionary device which integrates all security equipment through just one platform can create a more stable system and at the same time lowers costs.

UK Distributor Norbain Acquired by Newbury Investments

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Norbain | Updated: 7/3/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

With annual revenues in excess of US$150 million (￡100 million) and growing, Norbain is one of Europe's key distributors of CCTV, IP video, access control and intrusion detection equipment. Headquartered in Reading, Berkshire, the company employs more than 240 people throughout the U.K. in various sales offices and at its distribution center in Manchester. Each year, the company's international sales division sells into 77 countries across five continents.

Newbury Investments is part of a substantial family business which trades extensively across North America, U.K. and Australia in distribution. The shareholders acquired their first UK business, Edmundson Electrical, a leading UK Electrical distributor in 1979.

Newbury Investments has ive trading subsidiaries:
- Deta Electrical Company
- Decco
- Stearn Electric
- UK Cables
- UK Electric

With a turnover of circa $480 million (￡320 million) and net asset value of $120 million, prior to the acquisition of Norbain, Newbury Investments is a financially strong group which will underpin Norbain and allow Norbain's suppliers, customers and employees to be confident in its future trading. “We are confident that Norbain's best-in-class operations combined with Newbury Investments' financial strength and complementary distribution experience will secure our future growth strategy.” stated Barry Shakespeare, MD of Norbain.

Trying Times, Prettier Prices

Editor / Provider: Hayden Hsu | Updated: 7/3/2012 | Article type: Hot Topics

Cost-effectiveness sells, especially during financially trying times. With government spending cuts slowing down infrastructural development and the private sector strapped for cash, security solution providers of all sizes are busy seeking and identifying the next “blue sea.” In the meantime, small-and medium-size end users are in for a treat, as more affordable and efficient solution offerings are made available.

Axis Communications
Phil Doyle, Regional Director of Northern Europe
With our cloud, more cost-effective and low-light offerings, we are better enabled to reach partners and installers with smaller business operations. We've been “cloud-friendly” for more than nine years, so it just shows we were right all along. Globally, we will continue to invest in technology and innovation; as proof, 13.6 percent of our revenue last year was earmarked for such efforts.

Canon
Julian Rutland, Director of Visual Communication Products and Solutions for Europe
General economy is quite hard, and people are taking the time to evaluate new brands and alternatives. We're a relatively new kid on the block, so that helps. Compared to last year, we're enjoying an upward trajectory of 800percent. With the shift to IP, the channel is learning, and we're also learning, to work hand in hand and move in the right direction. System integrators usually don't have the time to test everything, so we test and integrate for them to make sure everything is compatible. Thanks to our consumer electronics, we have the upper hand in image processors (with analytics) and lens specs in terms of overall pricing. We are a full member of ONVIF, working with more and more VMS brands, and incredibly committed to delivering the kind of promise, quality and training that our channel partners and end clients expect of us.

Honeywell Security
Tony Makosinski, Head of Marketing for the U.K. and Ireland
We're seeing growth in residential burglar alarm products, due to higher crime rates. The fact that Honeywell has a myriad of solutions across the board does help. Mirroring what has spiked demand in the IT market, we now provide DVR-like cloud storage with user-friendly interfaces, making it easy for our partners to sell monthly plans rather than big, initial investments. Storing and managing on the cloud has also helped shorten time to market and further green initiatives. System checks and maintenance are done automatically. If there's something wrong, an email will be generated and sent to the responsible technician automatically, minimizing unnecessary truck rolls. For certain legally mandated system checks and tests, the cloud saves the trouble of emptying out the entire building during such procedures.

Navtech Radar
Philip Avery, MD
Single-unit prices of radar systems cannot be compared to regular surveillance cameras. But, think holistically. Radar provides 360-degree coverage and significantly cuts down numbers and costs of guards, tours/patrols, trip wires, intrusion detectors and cameras. There's no trenching required, further reducing installation time, service disruptions and related expenses. We own all the key technologies (hardware, software algorithms, signal processing) and can tailor to specific system integrator requirements. For example, we managed to cover an airfield in Romania with just two radars. This is the kind of message that needs to be heard when people are scrambling to find the next best, more affordable alternative.

Opgal
Yair Sakov, VP of Security Business
Thermal cameras are not security cameras. Helping our partners understand the technology — the breadth of our offerings, picture quality, innovation — and transforming them into our extensions in the field do take a lot of resources. A lot of security solution providers sell on fear, uncertainty and doubt; we sell on the value of being able to see clearly and cost-effectively what's going on at critical locations like airports, seaports, railways and energy plants in challenging environmental and lighting conditions. Five years of market education and evangelization are really paying off: the company was ranked No. 2 in market share by the latest IMS Research report on thermal cameras. Although there's a lot of cautiousness in the market at the moment, the private sector and emerging markets in Asia and Latin America are luckily still buying. Examples include interesting flame detection applications from garbage disposal sites and commercial buildings. We will continue to preach about security being like insurance and make sure our partners will never lose any project to the No. 1 in this market on price.

Panogenics (AMG Group)
David Myers, MD
This business unit was founded by the founder of Grandeye and is a sister company of AMG Systems (fiber transmission). Our new product is nicknamed the “time machine.” With just one unit, there are 14 streaming possibilities, and you can go back to any recorded, HD, 360-degree footage to zoom in and dewarp, easily replacing four to eight traditional cameras. The management software was developed in-house, and we are integrating with Wavestore, Axxonsoft, Xtralis and more to target verticals like retail, transportation, education and health care. Our new firmware that's coming up will also be ONVIF-compliant, opening up even more possibilities and cost savings.

 Texecom (Halma Group)
Clym Brown, Marketing Director
Our business is about solving problems. Right now, it's about getting more than 1,000 installers across Europe up to speed on the new confirmed alarm standard, via road shows and workshops. We have new, conformant equipment for different market sectors: small to medium residential units, medium commercial establishments, and high-end infrastructure projects. One common characteristic of our new solutions is getting more done with less devices (and money). The home automation media server, for example, controls lighting, entertainment units and the alarm system all on one panel. Our top-end, self-healing, auto-rerouting mesh system gets signals across industrial or commercial sites with changing and challenging environments, which reduces false alarms and related penalties. And yet we keep everything simple, to minimize installation time/cost and maximize user enjoyment and energy savings. For instance, our dual-detection system of 32 devices can be set up and activated with just one touch and within two seconds.

Time and Data Systems International
John Davies, MD
The UK and European access control market is growing at about 4 percent; we are growing at about 15 percent in this market as well as overseas in the Middle East and Asia. We compete with different Tier-1 brands in different regions, but all at a lower, mid-point price, in verticals like education, finance/banking, health care, telecommunications and commercial buildings. Our cost-effective solutions provide reliable features, tailored functions with adjustable Web interfaces and add-on software and database tools; the flexible look and feel enhance user experience considerably. It's critical for access control solution providers like us to be able to work with specialists in architectural design, audio/visual, structural cabling and IT/IP infrastructure early on in any given project; it's our reputation on the line, so we need to make sure there are no surprises down the line. We already have video integration capabilities and are looking to biometrics, NFC and the cloud for new possibilities and opportunities.

Tyco Security Products
Leon Langlais, Product Management Director for Residential and Small Business, Tyco Security Products
Everyone is affected by the economy, but our intrusion detection business has had three straight years of double-digit growth. Our unified, all-in-one-box server solution was designed specifically for the small- to medium-size market, with an average application requiring 20 to 100 readers and 8 to 32 IP cameras. At aggressive price points, we address all the issues that installers care about: speed of installation, quality, reliability and third-party integration, so that they can continue to grow with us even in difficult times. For example, the fact that no wireless repeaters are needed (thanks to the Visonic acquisition and complementary market synergy) and installation time is cut from two weeks to two days makes it rather easy to sell, even to the cost-conscious bunch. Battery life of wireless products is also extended to five to eight years with corporate-grade reliability, eliminating unnecessary installer dispatch and user headaches.