NYC credit union relies on IP-based HD surveillance

Editor / Provider: Avigilon | Updated: 3/21/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The Brooklyn Cooperative Federal Credit Union, New York City's fastest growing credit union, has deployed Avigilon's IP-based HD surveillance system. Spanning an entire block in the busy city, the credit union required a security system that went beyond traditional measures, remarked Bryan Schmode, Executive VP of Global Sales at Avigilon.

The credit union, which serves two of the borough's lowest income neighborhoods, needed technology to secure US$14.6 million (CAD 15 million) in assets, protect staff and members, and meet insurance requirements, while maintaining an open and accessible environment. The system was chosen under the recommendation of a board member, who was responsible for physical security at a large bank in Manhattan, explained Samira Rajan CEO at Brooklyn Cooperative. The Avigilon system's image quality, advanced management features, and storage capacity has met the union's open environment security demands.

The credit union can better meet requirements set by the insurance provider to lower premiums. With coverage of the ATM vestibule, Brooklyn Cooperative can resolve claims of debit card fraud to lower liability costs. The union can also monitor storage area and offices, protecting confidential information from theft or loss. Footage searches are also much faster compared to the previous video surveillance system. The union has also eliminated the risk of false alarms by monitoring the system remotely during off-hours before contacting police.

Brooklyn Cooperative has had no network bandwidth issues since deployment and plans to integrate its new branch when it opens later this year for central management. Monitoring fees are now a third of the cost of its previous security provider.

Sicily airport undergoes upgrade to enhance apron control

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 3/7/2013 | Article type: Infrastructure

The main airport in Sicily and the first in Southern Italy with high domestic traffic and several connections to mid-range European and extra-European destinations had an outdated video surveillance system that could no longer ensure ideal control of apron surveillance. The low-definition analog system it used did not offer sufficient image quality and left some of the airport's areas uncovered.

To salvage the former investment, management decided to resort to employing Axis video encoders to transfer the infrastructure to IP and integrate Axis HDTV digital cameras in strategic points that could cover all the airport's aprons. To provide enhanced efficiency and share information with other public safety institutions, the infrastructure of the network designed for the apron was separated from the local network.

With a low-budget investment compared to the cost of installing a new system from scratch, a larger area can be monitored and video quality is considerably improved. The greater reliability of the system has led to the substantial reduction of false alarms. Video information is shared with public safety institutions.

Work to adapt the former system followed two lines for development: first of all, the use of seven Axis video encodersin Axis 291 1U rack configuration made it possible to preserve the analog system in use and to make the most of all the advantages of digital technology, allowing also other agencies based at the airport to simultaneously switch on live play of the images captured by the cameras. Thanks to the resourceful advice of Axis experts and the work of Free Sat Telecomunicazioni srl technicians, it also proved possible to configure the analog domes for tilting and use both video transmission and telemetric data. Second, the installation of three Axis dome PTZ network cameras has contributed a number of zoomed details, like the reading of serial numbers of approaching aircraft, thanks to the optical zoom 18x combined with a digital 12x and high-resolution images of extensive areas, with HDTV and the visual field in 16:9 format.

The infrastructure dedicated to the video surveillance of the airport's aprons has been separated from the rest of the local network, so as not to interfere with the service information and to provide more safety and video streaming speed.

With the Axis video encoders, the analog cameras have returned to work properly, thanks to the reliability of digital systems. They will however, as soon as possible, be replaced with new Axis PTZ dome which, besides featuring WDR, like those already installed, to provide enhanced object visibility in the brightest and darkest areas of a scene, will make it possible to configure automatic patrol runs.

Asia Update: GKB evolves with passion and trust

Editor / Provider: Christine Chien, a&s International | Updated: 3/5/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

In the security industry, it is imperative for manufacturers to establish long-term relationships with each of their partners and clients based on trust. They must take into consideration the needs and demands of end users. Based on the belief that security products are meant to protect people, GKB makes customers its priority.

Solution Provider
Around 2006, Peter Jen, President of GKB, realized that security is not just about selling products. With the introduction of IP, clients may encounter integration problems for meeting specific application requirements and providers must be able to address these problems. A successful company should be able to provide a total solution for clients instead of single products. At the time, if GKB wanted to compete with other global brands in the long run, changes had to be made. Jen decided to reposition the company as a solution provider. However, GKB had been regarded primarily as a manufacturer of analog cameras, making the transition to being a branded solution provider difficult. Though many doubted him, Jen insisted on guiding his company in a new direction.

Undeterred by discouragement from internal and external sources, Jen continued to emphasize the importance of the transition, while simultaneously changing GKB's corporate culture. Jen stressed the importance of strong teamwork to his employees in order to succeed, just as solutions are able to function based on the ability of the products to integrate with each other.

Being a solution provider requires deep-seated patience, according to Jen. It cannot be rushed. The same applies to brand management. To understand each client's distinctive needs, GKB started working with local integrators in Taiwan. GKB repeatedly adjusted its products according to client feedback for deeper integration with other products according to marketspecific requirements. Finally, the staff was able to grasp customer demands and build internal teams. As systems involve hardware, software, and firmware, the company significantly increased the amount of experts required in those departments. GKB also worked with many R&D institutes and other security companies to boost its technologies. Its IP solution delivers a comprehensive network-based surveillance solution for video collection and management required by large and multi-site security installations by incorporating its cloud NVR, self networking cameras, and managing software.

Trust and Communication
GKB's emphasis on trust and integrity were a great fit for the integrator-centric market and brand marketing. For system integrators, product reliability is top priority. Meanwhile, there is frequent communication between them and their manufacturing partners. Once there is absolute trust between the SI and its partner, full and effective communication can be achieved. In the project market, where customizable solutions are expected, only teams who are passionate about what they do are capable of providing the necessary solutions.

In order to benefit several long-term ODM clients in America, GKB does not have many other partners. To mainly promote its clients' products, GKB agreed to an open cooperation in order to create maximum value on both ends.

Complete Product Lines
GKB manages its EMEA branches and its new Phillipine branch established last year. In 2013, GKB plans on opening three more branches in Europe. Currently, GKB has four business units: analog products, IP products, fleet management, and early detection fire alarm systems. The fleet management systems are jointly developed with its Canadian partner in charge of markets outside of America and Australia. Its early detection fire alarm system, which took six years to develop, received the Factory Mutual Award from America and is EM54-certified in Europe. Traditional smoke detectors sense a fire when it is already too late. The early detection system targets this problem and pre-empts fire-related disasters especially in large, spacious areas through the detection of fire and smoke with existing video surveillance systems to replace traditional smoke detectors.

Nedap explains wireless parking sensors

Editor / Provider: Nedap | Updated: 3/4/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Nedap strongly increased its footprint in the world of parking as a direct result of the SENSIT: wireless ground sensors that detect real-time vehicle occupancy at each individual parking spot.

Real-time parking data benefits
SENSIT offers a network of wireless ground sensors that detect the real-time occupancy of every single parking space. The system provides accurate data about the current parking situation to manage traffic flow efficiently, to create service for visitors and a better utilization of existing parking facilities.

Accurate parking sensor solution
People who are interested in innovative parking solutions understand these benefits and recognize the potential applications, but often are not yet aware of 'the reasons why' SENSIT is that accurate. Different elements ensure the impressive performance of Nedap's parking sensor system, such as:

1) double sensor technology (magnetic sensor + infrared eye) provides high accuracy levels under all weather conditions
2) fast, robust and scalable wireless network
3) proven battery lifetime of >5 years
4) 8 years of field experience in multiple installations world wide
5) different sensor models for on- and off-street parking applications
6) easy to integrate into third party systems through documented SOAP interfaces
7) real-time data output improves performance of traffic, guidance and enforcement software
8) the system is fully wireless. No cables are needed, not for sensors, not for peripherals

Real-time parking information is an essential component of efficient traffic and parking management. When cities are able to map out the total overview of parking occupancy visitors can be accurately informed about travel times, access routes and parking availability via dynamic signage on-street, smart phone apps or on-board navigation systems.

HID now compatible with Amag management software

Editor / Provider: Amag Technology | Updated: 3/4/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Amag Technology, an access control, IP video and intrusion detection solution provider, announces that certified partner, HID Global, has certified its EasyLobby Secure Visitor Management (SVM) v10 software with Amag's SymmetryTM v7.0.1 Security Management System, which combines the latest generation of visitor management software with Amag's newest version of Symmetry access control software. Amag and HID Global cooperatively tested and certified this integration.

"Our customers will find true value in having Symmetry v7.0.1 integrate with HID's EasyLobby SVM software," said Amag Technology, Extended Business Solutions Program Manager, Shae Taylor. "We are thrilled to be working closely with HID on this integration and look forward to continuing our relationship and providing our customers with such a sought-after solution."

"HID Global is pleased to extend our partnership with Amag Technology through the integration of our EasyLobby SVM software with their Symmetry software," said Howard Marson, VP and GM with EasyLobby, an HID Global business. "In addition, HID's collaboration with Amag Technology allows them to be a valued EasyLobby SVM software reseller partner."

The Symmetry/EasyLobby integration offers many features: 
- Automatically populate visitor/cardholder information in Symmetry from the EasyLobby 10 client
- Automatic creation of visitor/cardholder credential with pre-defined access code
- Automatic enable/disable visitor/cardholder credentials
- Options to define multiple customer codes and multiple company assignments
- Easy and intuitive user interface for configuration of the integration
- Requires DataConnect license
- Ability to issue a temporary access card to employees who may have forgotten their ID badge for the day

What it means to be a VAR

Editor / Provider: Jill Lai, a&s International | Updated: 2/26/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Prospects and margins for distributors have been less than ideal in recent years. Some, however, are finding new ways to survive and thrive by adding value to their products, systems and services. a&s talks to neaMetrics, a South African VAR of Korean biometric solution provider Suprema, about its strategy in a fiercely competitive market.

neaMetrics, established in 2004, offers various software-based solutions, including those for drivers' licenses, homeland security, criminal clearance and more. In its early stage of development, its products were bundled with expensive, market-dominating hardware. To make its solutions more accessible in the South African market, neaMetrics started to look for more affordable products that deliver similar quality. Suprema's products form the largest portion of neaMetrics' distribution portfolio, for the company's willingness to understand specific customer needs and to work together to achieve desirable results.

neaMetrics is a technology-driven distribution company with strong software development skills. It has a support service team, enabling it to deliver tailored turnkey solutions. “We opted to work with our partners to deliver solutions that seamlessly integrate video management with our access and time/attendance portfolio,” said Walter Rautentbach, MD. “This ensures that we don't have to break the supply chain through pure referrals and enables us to deliver on end-user needs.”

On Guard
South Africa is an early adopter of fingerprint technology, with large-scale deployments since the 1990s, as the country has been long plagued with public-security problems. Guarding services are widely accepted, and sales revenues nearly double every year. The utilization of fingerprints for time/attendance and access control in the private sector has also shown exceptional growth over the past decade. Although fingerprints have been utilized for criminal clearance in the guarding and security sectors for many years, they had never been sufficiently cost-effective for time/attendance and operational management.

Based on market-specific requirements, the company developed a solution that utilizes Suprema's hardware and rostering software, and is packaged as a complete solution, which effectively paid for itself within a year of implementation. Since its introduction in 2011, the company has seen deployment growth exceeding 200 percent annually.

Mobile Management
Time/attendance can be a real hassle for corporations that manage guards, construction sites and mine fields, as personnel can scatter across large premises and require different skills or certain certificates. The often harsh environmental conditions and occasional “buddy punching” make it even more difficult to manage with generic time/attendance solutions. This created an opportunity for neaMetrics. All aspects of user experience were considered thoroughly, including the number of people who would use it and the critical environments (outdoors, limited power supplies) where the time/attendance system would operate under. The customized system offers mobility to Suprema's fingerprint terminal in an IP65-rated housing, making it ideal for outdoor or harsh-environment wear and tear.

To address power issues, the system utilizes a 4000 mAH, 15V DC, lithium-ion battery, for an operational time up to 16 hours and a standby time up to 20 hours. Its voltage operating range of 12 to 15V DC makes it rechargeable with a car battery charger. The system enables authentication with any combination of fingerprint, PIN and card. Weighing 1.82 kilograms, the system is light and portable, and the TCP/IP platform along with Wi-Fi or GPRS allows operators to communicate wirelessly and gather records as needed.

Now, neaMetrics has made the unit available internationally through Suprema's network of distribution partners, adding earning potential and value back to its technology partner.

UK spray maker upgrades access control and fire safety on IT platform

Editor / Provider: TDSi | Updated: 2/25/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

To integrate its security, access control and fire safety systems and provide the most rapid of response times, leading producer of spray finishing technology, Finishing Brands UK is using TDSi's controllers and access software, installed by security expert Onetec.

Finishing Brands UK, based in Bournemouth, Dorset, is using the powerful integration ability of TDSi's access software and highly reliable and user-friendly access controllers to provide a secure building services solution, protecting the firm's manufacturing and Research and Development facilities from intruders and the threat of fire.

Reflecting on the completion of the project, Dave Feast, Director at Onetec commented, "Finishing brands UK has a reputation for excellence and its state-of-art facility in Bournemouth requires a modern, highly organized and efficient security, access control and integrated building services system to protect its people and investments. Having carefully surveyed the site we recommended the company use TDSi's controllers for controlling doors and access software to oversee the site's full security network."

Onetec's installation encompasses 20 doors at the site and caters for 300 authorized users who use TDSi proximity mullion readers to gain entry. With excellent reliability and a reading range of up to 150mm, TDSi readers are highly reliable and make it simple for permitted staff to move easily around the building, whilst being vandal resistant to frustrate any attempts at vandalism or unapproved entry.

To offer a cost-effective installation process, Onetec installed TDSi access software on Finishing Brand UK's existing IT system, using a virtual server setup. This means the security system is still kept safely separate from the rest of the company's IT storage, but didn't require the installation of additional unnecessary IT hardware. The installation also includes TDSi access controllers which are ideal for the application, as Dave Feast explained, TDSi controllers offer a powerful, user-friendly and cost-effective way to remotely control doorway access via either a WAN or LAN connection. They are also straightforward to install, being commissioned through a TCP/IP port and are fully integrated with access software for constant monitoring at a central point  which means doors can be sealed or opened either to deal with an intrusion or to protect occupants in the event of a fire or other emergency situation.

Mobotix aligns with Ingram Micro's Avad in new distribution agreement targeting HA market

Editor / Provider: Mobotix | Updated: 2/21/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Mobotix announced a new distribution relationship with Avad, an Ingram Micro subsidiary and a leading distributor of customer electronics and Pro AV products. The strategic agreement authorizes Avad to deliver the complete line of Mobotix IP technologies to the security and home automation markets.

Under the new North American agreement, Avad will market, sell and support the Mobotix suite of networked security devices including the hemispheric camera, double hemispheric camera and 6-megapixel dome camera. Avad will also help drive new business opportunities within the home automation market as an authorized distributor of the Mobotix IP video door station.The IP door station equipped with a high-resolution camera that utilizes Mobotix hemispheric technology to achieve a 180-degreefield of view, two-way communication and integrated keyless access. By aligning with Avad, Mobotix can build upon existing business while identifying new avenues for growth for its complete line of networked technologies.

"The home automation and security markets are merging together as users and technology providers find new ways to combine technologies for increased efficiency," said Cynthia Menna, Senior Manager of Commercial Sales for Avad. "Mobotix has an outstanding reputation as one of the premier providers of integrated IP-based security solutions and its products will provide our dealers with profitable solutions designed to easily integrate with various systems and devices."

Mobotix will now have access to Avad's robust network of more than 15,000 professional integrators and its 24 North American branches. The local branches deliver comprehensive sales and support to provide dealers with the tools and information necessary to provide systems that exceed customerexpectations and ensure profitability.

"Our advanced security products, together with Avad's security, home automation and IT expertise, will fuel new opportunities forresellers and integrators across North America," said Steve Gorski, GM for the Americas, Mobotix. "By aligning with Avad, we are able tap into their extensive market reach while building upon our goal to ensure that customers can benefit from our cost effective and industry-leading IP-based innovations."

French housing complex gets peace of mind

Editor / Provider: Milestone Systems | Updated: 2/19/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

Milestone Systems open platform IP VMS has been installed with Samsung network cameras in a surveillance system that has brought peace and confidence to the citizens of a neighborhood in Eastern France affected by criminal disturbances.

Mulhouse Habitat is a social housing complex in the Les Coteaux quarter of Mulhouse, France, with high-rise buildings, common around the outskirts of big cities. Most of the inhabitants had long been victims of intentional violence and degradation committed by a minority. They wanted a better environment with peace and security.

The group of buildings is managed by three companies, with nearly a hundred entrances where many problems concentrated. These zones were easy for delinquents and drug traffickers to compromise through the destruction of lighting, access control and video surveillance systems, turning them into hot points shielded from the eyes of security patrols and outdoor cameras - and a daily hell for residents.

Certain entrances had a higher concentration of these problems, depending on the logistical needs of the traffickers. Attempts at renovation and better lighting had poor effect, and isolated success would be met by migration of the problems to other entrances. In the scope of securing the property and bringing more peace for the residents, Mulhouse Habitat decided to renovate all of its building entrances and equip them with new video protection.

This operation received subsidies from the Inter-ministerial Fund for the Prevention of Delinquency (FIPD) for the entrance video protection, and from the National Urban Renewal Agency (ANRU) for the replacement of entry doors, mailboxes and intercoms, bringing the entrances electrical installations up to standard, and repairs in the corridors and stairwells. The housing company called for bids to furnish the new video system with fixed IP cameras, a data transport network, and a local storage and processing solution, as well as a centralized management system.

The French systems integrator Spie was retained for several advantages. Steve Lohr, Sales Manager for Security Systems at Spie East, explained: “We answered this tender with top names in video surveillance: Milestone, world leader in open platform IP video surveillance software, and Samsung, renowned for their HD and megapixel cameras that integrate numerous functionalities based on Samsung processors. Spie responded as a complete solution provider with video surveillance, electricity and intercoms.”

The system was deployed over 2012. It is a scalable solution, the specifications requiring expandability to allow for the later addition of at least 25% more cameras and 30% more capability in data processing and storage without additional cost other than that of new cameras and their wiring connections.

Cutting-edge technology
134 IP cameras were installed over 31 entrances. Each entrance holds one outdoor camera incorporating infrared lighting that films only the intercom plates and the front of the entry hall. Other cameras were installed inside, and in elevators. The chosen Samsung iPOLiS IP camera models are vandal-proof fixed-dome SNV-5080R and flat-dome SNV-5010, both with 1.3 megapixels and HD 720p progressive scanning, in H.264 format. Housed in solid cast-aluminum cases with polycarbonate domes, they are very resistant to vandalism, dust and water spatters.

The SNV-5080R domes are effective even in the dark thanks to 15 infrared LEDs, and feature a motorized variable-focus glass lens. The flat SNV-5010 domes have a fixed lens with a wide field of view that is perfect in elevators. Both cameras have SSDR extended dynamic range, BLC back-light compensation, SSNR III noise-reduction, and integrate intelligent video-analysis algorithms for the detection of scene changes, line crossing, entering/leaving a zone, and appearance/disappearance of objects.

Since the buildings under surveillance are scattered and far from the recording and processing locations, the new cameras were connected to a fiber-optic network, which was already in place for the parking lot cameras. On-site, the cameras are connected through network switches and the cables are protected by metal or armored ducts.

Milestone was chosen for its ability to work with a large number of cameras and devices in the network, which ensures great expandability to the system, and for its high performance in large installations with multiple servers: the software optimizes the bandwidth usage by reducing the amount of data throughput in the network. Continuous recording is done by the Milestone XProtect Enterprise software running on Windows servers installed in a secure bay. The video images are retained for 2 weeks and set to be automatically deleted thereafter. Milestone XProtect software also fully supports the Samsung HD and 1.3 megapixel images.

Milestone XProtect provides functionality for quickly finding an event in the recordings, which saves a lot of time and conserves operator resources better allocated to surveillance. Furthermore, transfer of encrypted video evidence to CD guarantees the authenticity of images, and includes a software viewer that enables the police to use or share them easily.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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