French retail chain streamlines staff tracking with modern access system

Editor / Provider: Access Control Technology | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

French retail chain Hyper U is using an access control solution from Access Control Technology (ACT) at one of its largest stores, a 4.94 acre (20,000-square meter) property with 200 full-time personnel at the western town of Savenay in the Loire Estuary. The integrator for the project is Nantes-based 2Acom, who installed the equipment in two phases to cover the store's 60 doors. The equipment is working in conjunction with intruder alarms, video surveillance, and perimeter intrusion protection.

Hyper U wanted to control and log movement of staff around the shop floor, office block, delivery areas, car parks, lifts, stock rooms and perimeter. The client also needed a hierarchical rights management system so that staff would only access certain groups of doors associated with their job function and at appropriate times of day according to their shift. Hyper U found the flexibility they needed in ACT's door stations, door controllers, readers and access control software.

The software allows supervisors to create 71 user groups, so promoting complete visibility of staff movement and enhancing health and safety at a store with long opening hours where there is activity 24 hours a day. While the human resources department can intervene if workers are not in the right place when they should be, the access control system also contributes to staff welfare by creating an audit trail. This ensures that workers do not become stranded in remote areas or spend excessive amounts of time in locations such as refrigeration rooms.

The door security also ensures that prospective thieves remain on the shop-floor and are denied entry to areas where high-value items are stored. It should be noted that French supermarket retailers make extensive use of the concession system whereby there is a gallery of ‘boutique' suppliers of items such as smart phones and tablet computers operating under the same roof. Areas that are commercially sensitive (e.g. cashier's office, luxury electrical goods) as well as loading bays where the presence of vehicles puts a premium on safety have a twin level of security with both keypads and proximity readers being used.

Napco lock division revenues grew 20% in 2013 Q1

Editor / Provider: Napco | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologiesannounced financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Highlights:
- Net sales for the quarter were $17.2 million, unchanged from the year-ago period. Gains from door-locking product revenues were offset by decreases in revenues from intrusion products and, to a lesser, extent, access control products.
- Sales within the Marks brand of products grew 29% in the quarter, representing the third consecutive quarter of growth in this unit.
- Sales of NAPCO's high-margin commercial locking division and recurring revenue products delivered continued growth versus a year ago with StarLink2 recurring revenues increasing 20%, sequentially.
- Year-to-date (nine month) gross margins were relatively flat compared to last year (27.1% vs. 27.6%) despite $1.5 million in lower revenues due to weakness in the intrusion division and an incremental $700,000 in R&D investment in the current year.
- Debt, net of cash, has been reduced by $21.0 million from $35.9 million to $14.9 million since acquiring Marks in August of 2008. $2.4 million of this reduction occurred in the past nine months.

As a result of the lower debt levels and reductions in interest rates, net interest expense for the nine months decreased by $449,000 or 51% to $440,000 as compared to $889,000 for the same period a year ago.

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco stated, "For the third consecutive quarter, our Marks product line delivered a quarter of solid growth and is recovering nicely. We saw an up tick in our high-margin commercial locking division revenues as well as increases in recurring revenue from installations of StarLink2. These gains, however, were offset by lower revenue from the Intrusion product line as demand from distributors remains temporarily subdued, owing to continued effects of 'Superstorm Sandy' in some of our key markets, the consolidation of a few large intrusion distributors and decreased demand from one of our large intrusion dealers. Napco's StarLink2 wireless GSM alarm communicator continued to grow sales again this quarter, fueling the steady growth of products, which provide Napco with recurring revenue income. There is a strong and growing trend in the industry to install GSM-equipped signal communication versus traditional wired phone lines. We are seeing this same focus on technology in all areas of our industry and it is a primary reason we continue to invest heavily in research and development to deliver the next generation of technology-driven security products. For example, iBridge and iRemote comprise a suite of recurring revenue services, allowing consumers to remotely control their security systems, video cameras, thermostats, door locking, and lighting remotely from any smart phone or PC. Home automation is driving demand for this series of products and we are poised to benefit from this trend.

"Looking ahead, we expect our investments in next generation access control technology to contribute to our revenues beginning in the June quarter. In particular, we are pleased to announce that iBridge product shipments to dealers have now begun, and based on growing interest from distributors and installers, we expect solid sequential growth from this technologically advanced product throughout the remainder of this year and beyond. As iBridge begins to contribute to our Intrusion division's sales, combined with continued strength in our locking division and expected growth in our access control segment, we expect to deliver top-line growth, which should ultimately translate to even faster bottom-line expansion. As we move into the fourth fiscal quarter, historically our strongest quarter of the year, our optimism remains strong as we have the right products, supported by best-in-class technology, and the advantage of a low-cost manufacturing capability." Soloway concluded, "Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Continental access control booked a significant contract with a major university to install and integrate over 1,500 Networx wireless locks to enhance campus security and provide state-of-the-art access control. This sale, which represents the largest single order ever for Continental access control, and is among the largest in the history of our Company, validates our commitment to serving this important segment and we believe this could be the first of several in this growing market. We secured this contract, based on superior technology, our ability to deliver it quickly and also our ability to customize the product to meet the university's exacting architectural specifications. We are hard at work to deliver as much of this as possible in the fourth quarter, and we expect additional orders from other universities who are looking to improve on-campus security using state-of-the-art technology. As a recognized leader, we are well positioned to meet this demand."

UK hospital tightens the electronic screws on drug dispensation

Editor / Provider: Nedap | Updated: 5/10/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

The Darent Valley Hospital in U.K. has recently chosen Nedap's security management platform to secure their drug cupboards. Access to the drug cupboards can be managed within the platform, via the standard integrated locker management functionality. This micro-level access control functionality is putting an end to key-management.
 
The hospital's Intensive Therapy Unit housed 16 cupboards with key based locks. Approximately 65 nurses hold keys for the drug cabinets. Due to the frequency of use, the locks were wearing out, causing disruption while locks were replaced, getting extra keys cut and issuing keys to people working across different shifts.

The key based locks in the existing cupboards were replaced with Nedap MIFARE electronic locks, integrated into the security management platform. The staff were provided with MIFARE smart cards instead of keys. This solved the problem of locks wearing out and brought key-management to an end.

In addition, locker management enables access to the drug cupboards to be managed from a web-based software application. As each person is registered within the system, the user-friendly software application enables a supervisor to quickly and easily check who has accessed the drug cupboards at any time. In this way, it became not only an extremely practical, but also a secure solution with full audit capabilities.
 
Currently the hospital uses the locker management functionality of the security management platform to secure their drug cupboards. In the future, the hospital could choose to easily expand the system with other platform features, such as access control, intrusion or video surveillance.

Tyco Security redefining security experience

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 4/30/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Tyco Security Products, part of Tyco,  will introduce several new innovations at IFSEC 2013 that extend the company's commitment to creating intuitive ways for customers to instinctively manage their holistic security environments.

Leading the innovation charge for the company is a new feature-rich hybrid intrusion platform from DSC. The new hybrid system, PowerSeries Neo, redefines intrusion security by combining the flexibility of a modular, hardwired system with the simplicity of wireless devices, resulting in the most comprehensive hybrid system available in the market today.

American Dynamics also has big news. It is introducing a new suite of VideoEdge recording platforms, including a powerful Hybrid, along with client management systems that dispel the “big business only” mentality, and provide a refreshing way for customers to interact with and manage their video. Married with the vastly growing portfolio of Illustra IP cameras, American Dynamics now offers IP solutions for a wide variety of applications.

Kantech, well-known for its fresh, ultra-easy approach to security, will showcase its latest version of EntraPass which includes support for the EntraPass Go mobile app and EntraPass Web, an intuitive web browser interface – providing the ultimate in security portability and flexibility.

CEM Systems will showcase emerald, the industry's most advanced multifunctional intelligent access terminal. As an innovative touch screen reader and controller in one, emerald provides built-in VoIP intercom functionality and intuitive remote applications that uniquely provide information tools and security intelligence at the door.

Many of the other brands of Tyco Security Products are introducing important new technologies, all developed with intuitive management in mind:

Software House will showcase its new single-reader version of the popular iSTAR Edge Controller. This new controller utilises PoE to leverage existing network infrastructure, which dramatically reduces installation costs – costs that can quickly get exorbitant for a company looking for an enterprise solution.

CEM Systems will also exhibit version 6.7 software release of the powerful AC2000 integrated security management system, offering a host of integrations and enhanced AC2000 WEB functionality. CEM's industry leading Power over Ethernet Plus (PoE+) access control solution will also be on display along with CEM's intelligent reader range, including the S3030 portable hand-held reader.

Elpas is introducing new Intrusion Detection Transmitters as well as Asset Protection Tags for laptops that provide real-time monitoring and tracking of high value mobile assets.

Visonic will debut PowerMaster interactive, offering enhanced interactive capabilities that allow simple and intuitive control of the Visonic PowerMaster system. Relying on the Visonic's unique PowerManage platform, PowerMaster interactive provides a complete suite of remote mobile devices, enabling service providers to manage their customer base efficiently and cost effectively, whilst allowing end users convenient and remote interaction with their smart home devices.

Bentel Security will introduce, among its wide range of intrusion systems and devices, the new ABSOLUTA M-TOUCH touchscreen keypad that provides a 7” full colour display with easily customised, intuitive menu driven screens. The new ABSOLUTA App, available in free and PRO versions, enables users to quickly and efficiently control their ABSOLUTA control panels remotely from anywhere through their smartphone.

Thermal imaging moves to the consumer market

Editor / Provider: Submitted by Flir Systems | Updated: 4/18/2013 | Article type: Hot Topics

Flir's M&A and investment strategy is multifaceted and many criteria are evaluated in the decision making process. The acquisition of Lorex Technology supports several of Flir 's key strategic growth objectives. Flir's overall objective is to bring infrared imaging into homes, workplaces, and the lives of people everywhere. Lorex Technology is a market leading manufacturer of home and personal video surveillance products with very strong and successful retail sales channel relationships. As Flir continues to drive the price lower for infrared thermal imaging cameras and viewers, Lorex's retail channels and advanced e-commerce capability will provide widespread access to consumer markets for Flir's new thermal camera products.

Flir will inject infrared thermal imaging technology into both the Lorex and Digimerge video security product lines, which will expand the customer and application base for infrared imaging, and also provide a differentiated product platform for Lorex to ensure their leadership position in the do-it-yourself video surveillance market segment. Lorex has well-developed component sourcing processes, rapid product development cycles, and volume manufacturing capabilities. These key competencies contribute to Flir's penetration of the consumer electronics market.

Traffic
The use of thermal cameras in intelligent transportation system (ITS) applications is growing rapidly as it proves to be a superior solution. Thermal cameras are unaffected by darkness, sun washout, shadows, and many weather effects that traditional visible light cameras are susceptible to.

Traficon is the leading provider of video-based intersection control and roadway incident detection products. Traficon's core capability is its video image processing software for ITS applications. This technology requires little modification to be applied to security and other applications, so the Traficon acquisition brings high-performance video analytics capabilities to Flir. Thermal cameras are often paired with video analytics for perimeter intrusion detection applications. Combining Traficon's video analytics capabilities with Flir's thermal camera technology completes the task of integrating a powerful roadway monitoring solution for cities and municipalities around the world.

Thermal imaging is applied in two primary application areas in the traffic market: detecting the presence of cars at intersections for the control of traffic signal lighting, and along highways and roadways for automated incident detection applications. Thermal imaging provides clear video images during daylight as well as nighttime hours, and it is unaffected by shadows, bright sunset, and is largely unaffected by weather conditions. Therefore, thermal imaging is a more accurate means of detecting the presence of vehicles and people at intersections, and it allows city transportation managers to monitor roadways 24 hours per day, seven days per week.

Future for Thermal Imaging Technology
The video images created are data-heavy in that the pixels provide both an image as well as temperature information. For security and safety applications, being able to see clearly with no lights is a cost-effective solution. With the ever reducing prices for infrared thermal imaging cameras, using thermal cameras will become much more cost-effective compared to installing lighting for video cameras in a long run. Also, thermal cameras are a “green” technology because they contribute to the reduction in the use of expensive and energy-intensive lighting equipment.

Well-established and mature commercial vertical market segments include industrial manufacturing, power generation, building inspection, and critical infrastructure that require a high level of perimeter security. Emerging commercial markets include high-volume sectors such as consumer electronics, automotive, maritime, and light commercial security systems. Flir expects to see continued growth in each of these sectors.

Home Security Market
Flir believes thermal imaging will become a standard component in all security systems, including home security systems, as prices for thermal cameras drop. Thermal imaging requires no light, so advancements in technology will be able to replace all supplemental illumination required for video cameras to operate, whether it be white visible light or invisible IR illuminators for both indoor and outdoor applications.

Additionally, thermal images can be coupled with video analytics to create a very effective automated motion detection solution, one that will have a much lower false alarm rate than current visible light solutions in the market.

Home security and situational awareness, such as baby and elderly monitoring, is a rapidly growing market. Flir believes the unique benefits of thermal imaging will appeal to anyone using those types of products.

Management of Acquired Companies
“We have acquired nearly 20 companies in the last eight years, so we are experienced at folding in new products, people, and customers into our existing business,” said Andy Teich, President of the Commercial Systems Division at Flir Systems. “Given that a company's employees are its most critical asset, we focus on communicating clearly to the people that are operating the business we have acquired, how and why they were acquired, and what it means to them personally. This is critical to the success of these investments. Understanding the business' processes, product development, delivery cadence, and the factors that can disrupt the flow of a newly acquired business is also critical. We often do not impose significant change on our acquired companies and usually trust the management teams to continue to operate as they have. Where we do make adjustments is around supply chain sourcing, costs control, and manufacturing efficiency.”

Tyco Security/DSC releases hybrid intrusion detection platform

Editor / Provider: Tyco Security Products | Updated: 4/18/2013 | Article type: Security 50

DSC, part of the Security Products business unit of Tyco, has introduced the new and ground-breaking PowerSeries Neo hybrid intrusion detection platform, the most comprehensive hybrid system available in the market. PowerSeries Neo redefines intrusion security, combining the flexibility of a modular, hardwired system with the simplicity of a wide range of wireless devices, delivering a suite of products that is powerful, easy to use and simple to install.

Designed to cut operational costs for dealers and provide ultimate reliability for end users, this exceptionally flexible platform leverages a powerful combination of various state-of-the-art technologies infused with PowerG 2-way wireless communication. The PowerSeries Neo platform delivers secure, reliable communications channels, innovative alarm verification solutions and a robust remote service software suite.

With solutions for a full spectrum of installations, the PowerSeries Neo system offers a fully customizable solution with a range of control panels and PowerG-enabled, easy to install wireless devices. At the core of the system are four new control panels, ranging in capacity from 16 to 128 zones and two to eight partitions. Each panel starts with six or eight hardwired inputs, 2-4 hardwired outputs and PTSN communication onboard, with the capability for expansion, additional features and services. PowerSeries Neo offers a full range of optional cellular and/or IP communication methods to aid in the industry's transition away from traditional phone lines.

PowerSeries Neo also introduces the industry's most complete suite of support software, enabling security professionals to significantly reduce time and costs involved in system installation and maintenance. Based on DLS5 Downloading software, programs such as Remote Diagnostics Software allow dealers to diagnose, inspect and maintain the system without having to travel to the customer premise, and new System Administrator software enables easier end-user system maintenance.

The new PowerSeries Neo platform is also primed to reduce the incremental costs of false alarms by employing innovative, regionally compliant alarm verification solutions such as visual verification, two-way audio and sequential detection, while also offering additional RMR opportunities to dealers.

Italian housing complex keeps eye on underground parking with IP control center

Editor / Provider: Axis Communications | Updated: 4/16/2013 | Article type: Residential & Consumer

The Aventis Tecnoliving housing complex, recently constructed and located in a strategic position for access to amenities and key location in the new heart of Brescia, Italy, deployed a closed-circuit video control system to give residents and visitors using its underground parking facility peace of mind, at any hour of the day or night. The system is based on a one-Gbps LAN network with around 39 Axis minidomes, a control room with remote connection, and VMS in its parking area. The system integrator for the complex is P.A. Integrated Systems.

The system covers both underground parking levels, the first of which is reserved for residents and the public, and the second, used almost exclusively by the stores that are located within the complex. The low light fixed domes were positioned to cover areas of particular risk: three cameras for each of the four sets of stairs present at every level, six cameras for the passageways on each floor, one for the entry and exit ramps on the first floor and two for those on the second. “Point-to-point” architecture is used for this system. The anti-vandal fixed dome model chosen has exceptional light sensitivity, and provides high quality video and color images even in low light conditions, a feature useful for identification purposes.

The control room in the stairwell uses Axis VMS, which allows users to schedule recording as required, making video data available in real time, and permitting 24-hour remote viewing. “The video surveillance architecture, equipped with Axis cameras, is discreetly integrated, with intrusion detection systems and home automation technology within apartments and shops,” said Cesare Allegri, Manager at Aventis.

The solution adopted led to the perpetrators of a car theft being identified, and the system guarantees the safety and security of the entire area without the need for on-site staff. The video surveillance system can also identify the location of traffic jams in the car park and detect the reason for these in real-time, while simultaneously collecting anonymous data for the study and analysis of vehicle flows. Looking at the future, the housing complex has requested that a further extension of the system be considered.

12th century Spanish uni gets 21st century smarts

Editor / Provider: AxxonSoft | Updated: 4/16/2013 | Article type: Education

The University of Salamanca, the oldest university in Spain, and one of the fourth oldest universities in Europe deployed a smart surveillance system composed of Axxon's VMS and Brickcom IP cameras to monitor its new four-story building at its technology park. The building covers more than 2.20 acres (8,900 square meters) of floor space.

The new building needed an effective security and surveillance system. The university wanted a flexible next-generation system with support for IP cameras and easy scalability, as well as integration with the building's access control system: this integration helps to prevent burglaries, vandalism, and unauthorized intrusions. This is why the new system was built around Axxon VMS, which can later be upgraded to the full-fledged VMS package for handling larger sites. Since lighting conditions inside and around the building constantly change, it was necessary to install ultra-sensitive cameras that can capture high-quality D/N video.

The VMS was coupled with Brickcom 1.3-megapixel HD outdoor bullet camera and vandal proof domes. The dome is an IP anti-vandal camera with a Sony back-illuminated CMOS sensor for increased image brightness in low-light scenes. The domes have an IP67 rating for weather- and vandal-proof ruggedness for surveillance that is effective both indoors and outdoors.

Bosch storage devices now compatible with Amag Technology software

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

Amag Technology, an access control, IP video and intrusion detection solution provider, announces that Certified Partner, Bosch Security Systems, has certified its IP video storage appliance, video recording manager, and video recorder 700 series with Amag's security management system. Amag and Bosch cooperatively tested and certified this integration through Amag's Extended Business Solutions Program.

"The Amag/Bosch integration gives our customers a state-of-the-art video recording solution to ensure all video is securely stored for later retrieval if necessary," said Extended Business Solutions, Program Manager, Shae Taylor. “Bosch's recording solutions offer high quality, easy to use solutions to help better secure an end user's buildings and properties."

"We're working closely with Amag Technology to provide customers with easy and seamless integration of live and recorded Bosch H.264 IP video streams within the Amag security management software,” said Brad Eck, Integration Manager, Bosch Security Systems for North America. “Combining the superior imaging and reliable performance of our products with the powerful management features in the Amag platform will help end users achieve advanced operator efficiency, greater facility control and improved situational awareness."

Users will find many benefits of the integration including:
- Viewing live and recorded video in the Symmetry client
- Associating access alarms and events to video automatically
- Live video pop-ups on alarm
- Configuring trigger commands associated with video devices
- Displaying cameras on Graphical Maps

Magal/Senstar receives Lenel factory certification

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

Senstar announced that it joined the Lenel OpenAccess Alliance Program (OAAP) and received factory certification for Senstar's Network Manager. Senstar's Network Manager integrates with the OnGuard access control system and allows for seamless integration of Senstar's perimeter intrusion detection sensors in projects that also deploy OnGuard.

"Senstar has completed required factory testing at Lenel to validate the functionality of its interface to OnGuard. Senstar has a wide range of perimeter intrusion detection sensors, which allow for end-users to customize security solutions based on their needs,” said Gidon Lissai, director of strategic alliances, Lenel Systems. “We look forward to their continued involvement in the Lenel OAAP."

"Senstar has invested a lot in its Network Manager to enable easy integration to any third party software application through a rich and tested SDK, since integration via software is by far better than through relay boards and input hardware" states Stewart Dewar, Product Manager at Senstar. "This integration creates a plug-and-play scenario for our common community of installers; with the growing demand for Lenel's OnGuard access control, both companies will reduce installation costs and better serve the market".