April 24, 2026
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SICUREZZA 2023: THE SECURITY & FIRE SECTOR MEETS IN ITALY

The event, one of the most important in Europe for the sector, is just around the corner. SICUREZZA will take place at Fiera Milano, Rho, from 15 to 17 November.

 With less than two months to go before its inauguration, SICUREZZA 2023, the biennial international exhibition dedicated to security & fire solutions, unveils its program providing a preview of the topics and protagonists of an edition that promises to be a major opportunity to understand the market trends and to evaluate the most innovative solutions for protecting people, goods, and cities.

In a panorama of great changes, three are the keywords for this project: digitisation, integration and professionalism, all topics around which will revolve many novelties featured at the fair, both in terms of product offerings and conference workshops now involving every sectors.

Three days to discover the most innovative solutions, meet the brand leaders and discuss about the market trends and upcoming scenarios.

All the information about the event, the ticket office and the list of participating companies are already available online at https://expoplaza-sicurezza.fieramilano.it/en?_locale=it

TRENDS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Digitisation is driving the security sector towards a profound transformation. Just think of smart cameras, integrated home automation solutions, intrusion or fire alarm systems manageable by APP, the use of IOT and artificial intelligence, predictive or remote maintenance. These novelties also change the role of security managers, installers, and system integrators who are now called upon to develop an increasingly wide-ranging set of technical skills, including advanced IT training and specific regulatory knowledge.

SICUREZZA 2023, as always, will gather all these aspects completely and thoroughly, outlining in its space – physical and conceptual – the most up-to-date trends.

The products on display will be key: the number of participating companies has grown compared to the last edition, thanks also to new entries and the return of major brands.

Therefore, this will be a particularly interesting and highly representative edition for every sector, and this will make it possible to analyse the current scenarios, take stock of future ones and review the best technologies available today for the various fields of application.

MIBA’S HOLISTIC APPROACH

Something entirely new in this edition is the fact that SICUREZZA will be part of MIBA-Milan International Building Alliance, a strategic alliance that brings together four events linked by a single element: the evolution of buildings and cities. Together with SICUREZZA there will be the GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, dedicated to horizontal and vertical mobility, the SMART BUILDING EXPO, Italy’s event for home and building automation and technological integration, and ME-MADE Expo, Italy’s leading international event for innovative and sustainable solutions for buildings and envelopes (which will last an extra day as usual, until 18 November).

MIBA was born from an assumption: the role of the building is changing and with it the construction industry. In fact, a building is no longer a simple container, but a service provider; a premise that calls for ever closer collaboration of the various sectors involved in design, material selection, mobility, system installation and security systems, with the shared objective of creating comfortable, safe, welcoming and sustainable environments.

In this context, MIBA’s cross-sector offer to provide a holistic and comprehensive view of the latest trends in the various sectors, at a time when achieving the goals of innovation and sustainability requires convergence and cooperation between professionals and related markets.

On the other hand, the advantage is also practical; visitors can access four trade fairs simultaneously in one location.

NEW TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES:

THE PARTNER OFFER, MIBA AND THE CYBERSECURITY ARENA

Another majoy highlight of SICUREZZA 2023 will be, as always, its training schedule that thanks to the collaboration with publishers, associations and international stakeholders, will make it possible to take stock of market scenarios, regulations, certification and new professional skills.

An opportunity for professional growth amplified, this year, by all the MIBA fairs that visitors can choose to attend according to their interests.

Grouped into three thematic sections – innovation, sustainability, and regulations – the global conference schedule will offer unique training opportunities for professionals, sometimes even offering training credits.

The Cyber Security Arena is back too. In a market of customised, integrated and interconnected solutions, the arena offers a broad overview of the challenges in digital security and data protection through in-depth meetings and practical sessions. The Arena will host Cyber Security Talks, in-depth discussions with industry experts on current and future scenarios, and Cyber Security Tips, a pragmatic half-hour format, aimed at providing practical information on risk analysis tools, main trends in cyber attacks and cyber-awareness.

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions Acquires Kinetron

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA has acquired Kinetron, a leading specialist in motion-based energy harvesting systems for self-powered products, as part of its efforts to accelerate growth and continue its journey as a leader in digital access solutions.

“Kinetron is a strategic technological addition to the ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA division and will reinforce our offering in energy harvesting locking solutions that are energy efficient, maintenance free and environmentally friendly. It will provide complementary growth opportunities for our digital access solutions business segment, where we drive innovation to deliver profitable sustainable growth,” says Neil Vann, EVP & Head of ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“Kinetron brings 35 years of experience in developing and manufacturing motion-based energy harvesting systems that enable self-powered intelligent products and facilitate the growth of electronic and IoT solutions in a sustainable way. Their mission of ‘Energy Harvesting Excellence’ comes together nicely with our vision for Digital Access Solutions (DAS) to create an access control ecosystem, that connects all our Assa Abloy hardware through one interface in a sustainable way, so we can continue to improve people’s lives even further,” says David Moser, SVP & Head of Digital Access Solutions EMEIA.

Kinetron was established in 1984, with its main office located in Tilburg, Netherlands.

Collaboration between Teledyne FLIR and Quanergy

Quanergy Solutions, a leading provider of 3D Lidar security solutions, has established a strategic partnership with Teledyne FLIR, a global leader in designing, manufacturing, and marketing thermal imaging infrared cameras. This collaboration offers a seamlessly integrated solution that stands uniquely poised to tackle intricate security challenges faced by critical infrastructure environments, including utilities, data centres, and airports.

These locations often feature uneven terrain and numerous obstacles, compounded by inadequate lighting conditions that hinder situational awareness. In response, users have histerically increased the sensitivity settings on their existing systems, resulting in a surge of false alarms and costly on-site guard services. Quanergy’s Q-Track is a seamlessly integrated solution that combines Quanergy’s long-range 3D Lidar sensors with advanced perception software. This solution provides users with hyper-accurate 3D intelligent proactive awareness to reduce false alarms and save lives.

The FLIR Elara DX-Series multispectral pan/tilt/zoom (PTZ) security camera provides full situational awareness in the most punishing environments. Combining thermal and visible light imagers, the Elara DX-Series gives operators the ability to monitor large areas in complete darkness, glaring light, and adverse weather. Multispectral cameras’ detection and identification capabilities help integrators provide solutions for challenging imaging problems at critical infrastructure sites and remote facilities.

This new integration allows Q-Track to send object location, both relative and absolute, to a FLIR thermal camera such as the DX-Series PTZ camera which combines thermal and visible light images. This enables a ‘Slew to Cue’ event-to-action workflow where the camera, powered by the actionable intelligence from the Lidar system can continuously track a bad actor throughout the entire perimeter of a site, regardless of the harsh weather conditions or bad/no lighting.

Thanks to Q-Track’s innovative object stitching mechanism the solution can also track objects in areas that have a lot of obstacles. Multiple Quanergy sensors can be stitched together to form a mesh network where an object’s information can be passed from sensor to sensor so that users never lose sight of any potential threats.

Matt Strautman, Director, of Global Business Development – Security, Teledyne FLIR, said: “The partnership with Quanergy gives us the opportunity to present a complete solution in specific areas where we cannot use our sensors for detection. The combination of our two sensors not only helps with threats of intrusion but improves safety by quickly locating and tracking targets in all types of dangerous situations/terrains/areas.”

Everyone should be able to open doors in comfort. Cam-Motion® door closers ensure they can

London, September 2023 – At every step of a building design or specification process, stakeholders have a choice. Decisions made at this stage materially impact the building experience far in the future. For this reason, many regulations aim to protect the accessibility rights of all kinds of users, young and old, ambulant or wheelchair-using.

One key European guidance document which promotes accessibility for all is CEN/TR 158941. To meet the recommendations of this technical report, door closers must offer a rapidly decreasing opening force. The force a user must apply should reduce by 40% when an opening angle of 60° is reached.

Compliance with CEN/TR 15894 gives architects, building managers and users confidence that a building design makes occupants safer; and that the interior is reliable and user-friendly, with special attention paid to children, the elderly and the disabled.

When every important door opens comfortably, building owners offer a more equal experience and encourage participation. Fitting the right door closer at an entrance or interior door can make the difference between a truly accessible building and one which simply swaps one barrier for another.

But not every door closer can do the job which building designers and retrofitters require.

Remove barriers to access with Cam-MotionÒ technology

Rack and pinion door closers with guide rail may be hard for less-able building users to open. Many won’t have the strength to exert the necessary opening force in comfort.

Cam-Motion can help. Door closers equipped with ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion technology guarantee ergonomic and convenient opening for everyone. Unlike traditional rack and pinion guide rail systems, Cam-Motion guide rail door closers need a push-force that falls rapidly. They exceed the recommendations of CEN/TR 15894 by mirroring the power of the human elbow, where torque also reduces sharply as the arm extends. This creates a much more comfortable opening experience without sacrificing the force required to close properly to meet other safety standards.

“Typical symmetric and asymmetric rack and pinion door closers with guide rail are not able to match this performance,” explains Andreas Gmelin, Product Management and Business Development Director Door Closers at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Critically, the door also closes fully and automatically, for user convenience, energy efficiency, building security and to comply with fire protection rules. No one should have to pull hard to shut and maintain a building’s fire protection.”

ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion door closers also offer optional closing delay, giving users extra time to pass through. To protect the frame and prevent banging into walls, backcheck function as standard across the range slows the door’s final opening section.

Maximum convenience and safety for the long term

Cam-Motion door closers also maximize specification and installation flexibility. Their symmetric cam design allows fitting to either frame or door, and on hinge or non-hinge side; no compromises or installer workarounds are needed. A range of models can equip single- and double-leaf doors.

In meeting these important accessibility criteria, they do not sacrifice durability or fire resistance. All ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion devices are tested to EN 1154 standard for fire and smoke protection. Optional built-in smoke detectors and electromechanical closing offer enhanced protection.

To learn more about ASSA ABLOY Cam-Motion® technology, visit https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/solutions/topics/door-closers/technologies/cam-motion

SMART BUILDING EXPO 2023: EVEN MORE ROOM FOR INNOVATION

At a particularly favourable time for the sector, the event is getting ready for its fourth edition with plenty of special areas and training events

Milan, 19 September 2023. For a supply chain with enormous potential, an exhibition capable of supporting and training professionals in the sector: SMART BUILDING EXPO, the home and building automation and technological integration event organised by Fiera Milano and Pentastudio, looks forward with optimism to its fourth edition, scheduled to take place at Fiera Milano (Rho) from 15 to 17 November 2023, ready to offer to trade operators not only a rich exhibition programme, but also many valuable opportunities for training and getting up to date on an evolving sector.

The figures speak for themselves: the Italian Smart Building market is worth 130 billion euros. Every 100 euros directly invested in the sector a further 187 euros cascade takes place, with an exponential effect on the economy. This means that today Smart Building generates 39 billion added value. In terms of employment, too, the effects are many: for every 100 jobs, the Intelligent Building sector triggers 178 jobs for a total of 278 full-time employees (Source: European House Ambrosetti, 2023).

In this context, professionals cannot lag behind. This is why SMART BUILDING EXPO is preparing for an even more representative edition, given the number of participating brands, with a schedule of events and initiatives designed to provide space for professional training at every level.

THE 2023 EDITION

SBE’s proposal can be summarised by two keywords: innovation and integration. Thanks to a growing offer (30% more companies compared to the last edition), the event will showcase products, solutions, and technologies that today enable buildings and cities to evolve into a smart approach, transforming themselves from simple spaces into service providers – from health to education, entertainment, and mobility – offering a very important return in terms of energy efficiency, safety, comfort and sustainability.

SMART BUILDING EXPO 2023 will see the debut of four Innovation Squares created with the support of associations and publishing companies to provide a vertical insight into markets revolving around the evolution of building and smart cities:

Renewable Energy Area

Entrusted to the care of the prestigious publication Rinnovabili.it, the Renewable Area will address some of the hottest topics of the energy transition, from the role of artificial intelligence to that of Renewable Energy Communities in the national decarbonisation process, and finally to the use of low-enthalpy geothermal energy.

Home and Building Automation Area

Entrusted to the care of the Smart Buildings Alliance Italia, the federation that promote the intelligent buildings sector within the Digital City, the Home & Building Automation Area will offer a cross-section of the hottest themes in the sector: from network architecture to digital building infrastructure, with a presentation of the R2S (ready to service) protocol, from edge computing at the service of the building to the concept of digital energy.

 System Integration Area

Entrusted to the care of the AIBACS (Italian Association of Building Automation and Control Systems), the System Integration Area will focus on the key issues related to the use of BMS and BACS systems for the integration of the main building systems, presenting a cross-section of the main protocols in use and the professional skills that are essential to ensure the optimal operation of a smart building.

AV Playground Area

Managed by the magazine Connessioni, the contents of the area dedicated to the world of professional audio-video wants to establish contact between technology and application manufacturers and the so-called end users, meaning the vast range of areas where the use of professional audio-video systems represents an increasingly important resource.

 PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: THE ADDED VALUE

SMART BUILDING EXPO 2023, through a programme of training events that will take place over the three days of the exhibition, will provide a comprehensive insight into the complexity of the sector.

Flagship of the programme is the third edition of the Milano Smart City Conference that will take stock of the innovation of Italian cities in a smart key and the contribution of technologies in this process. The event doubles this year: a first technical session will take place on 14 November at the Milan headquarters of ASSIMPREDIL-ANCE, while the second session will be held on 15 November afternoon, the opening day of SBE.

SBE will also discuss Energy Communities, thanks to the collaboration with the Italian Council of Industrial Engineers, which will offer a workshop entirely dedicated to a topic that is revolutionising the face of cities.

Unimpresa Impianti, instead, will offer an in-depth look at the NRRP and subsidised finance measures, while a reflection on the ongoing energy revolution will be carried out by Rinnovabili.IT and ANIE Rinnovabili.

Finally, ALA Assoarchitetti will discuss the relationship between new technologies and architecture with a focus on Building 4.0.

MIBA, A SYNERGY BETWEEN RELATED MARKETS

With the goal of boosting business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors, SBE 2023 will be part of MIBA – Milan International Building Alliance, that will bring together four events in a single occasion: GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, the new event dedicated to horizontal and vertical mobility, SICUREZZA, the exhibition of reference in Italy and among the first in Europe dedicated to security & fire, ME-MADE expo, the leading international event in Italy for innovative and sustainable solutions for the construction industry and, of course, SMART BUILDING EXPO.

The synergy between these events, which are the expression of various markets called to interact and work together for the creation of efficient buildings, offers the parties operating in this industry the opportunity to discover what the most qualified companies have to offer thanks to an expo that will spread across 8 halls. Visitors to SBE will have the opportunity, with a single ticket, to visit the other 4 events and participate in the various training events of interest at each of the other expos taking place simultaneously.

Interview: Florin Marica, Managing Director, UltraVision Consult

UltraVision Consult’s strategic approach is to bridge the competency gap between manufacturers/distributors and installers/system integrators in building solutions using the best combination of technology to meet end-user needs and generate added value for our partners. Our services meet the needs of the regional market for pre-sales, design, configuration, deployment, training, and post-sales support

By: Damir Muharemović; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

 a&s Adria: Mr, could you present yourself to our readers: when did you start working for UltraVision Consult, what is your role/what are you in charge of, and your educational and professional background?

Marica: Greetings to all your readers. I am Florin, the Managing Director and founder of UltraVision Consult. I am responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of our company and ensuring the provision of top-notch security and safety solutions to our clients throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

I embarked on my professional journey in the industry in 1999 and throughout the years, I was part of extraordinary teams which offered me the possibility to learn about various technologies, build and deliver complex solutions in the field of electronic physical security, traffic management and homeland protection.

Through my professional history I was involved in various roles including Business Development, Chief Operations Manager and Area Manager for Romania and Bulgaria, in leading companies from local and global market as UTI, Frigotehnica, GE Security and UTC Fire&Security. These experiences provided me with valuable opportunities to develop and cultivate my administrative, managerial, and interpersonal abilities.

Regarding my academic background, I am an engineer having a Bachelor’s degree for electronic and telecommunication from Politehnica University of Bucharest. Additionally, I have successfully completed a Master’s degree in Business Administration and Economics, followed by MBA in Economic Development. The combination of my educational background and business experience has prepared me with the necessary knowledge and competences to effectively navigate the intricate dynamics of our industry and steer our company towards achieving success. I’m an active member of ASIS International, Romanian Chapter which has a substantial contribution to enhance my skill set, knowledge basis and being up to date with the latest advancements in security management.

a&s Adria: Tell us about your company: when did it all start, what were its most important milestones, how many employees and offices do you have, which European markets do you supply, etc.?

Marica: Our journey started ten years ago, in July 2013, as I recognized an emerging demand for sophisticated and comprehensive security and safety solutions in Central and Eastern Europe. As in many other similar cases, at that time I was not ready or actively looking to start my entrepreneurship adventure. In less than a month, the opportunity was in front of me, and I decided to pursue it. At that time, I was leading the regional business of one of the top manufacturing companies in the security industry, worldwide, UTC Fire&Security. After their decision to divest local offices in EEU I have decided to continue serving the industry and building an indirect type of business, supporting and developing partnerships with local and regional installers and system integrators.

UltraVision Consult’s strategic approach is to bridge the competency gap between manufacturers/distributors and installers/system integrators in building solutions using the best combination of technology to meet end-user needs and generate added value for our partners.

Since then, our team has expanded to include more than fifteen committed employees who are aligned with our mission to deliver high-quality services and products that bring value-added to our partners. Our company is based in Romania, but we have business partners all over Central and South-Eastern Europe.

One of our most significant milestones was becoming a partner of Prysm, the maker of AppVision PSIM, who appointed UltraVision Consult as the value-added distributor for their software suite in countries throughout Central and Eastern Europe countries.

The first AppVision PSIM project began in 2014 in Sofia, Bulgaria. Since then, our team has developed dozens of projects in the region, most of them with the assistance of certified partners. We have provided integrated solutions for a variety of verticals, including utilities, defense, manufacturing, office buildings, entertainment facilities, industrial facilities, agriculture, government entities, and critical infrastructure.

We initiated investments in software development skills and resources in 2016. Soon, our company begins to provide customized software solutions and modules for system integration, new communication protocol drivers for AppVision, and software-to-software operations. Among the drivers developed in-house for our partners’ projects are DSC Neo, Paradox Evo, Bentel FC5xx, Telenot C400, Spica Time&Space, Metra, and radars (Elta Systems & C-Ram from RADA) and many others. In 2023, our team plans to release new protocol drivers and integration features with AppVision for video systems (Intellio and LuxRiot), perimeter security (FFT), and additional software connectors for external systems (ERPs, Business intelligence dashboarding).

Our company has implemented and is maintaining a transparent and effective Quality Management System and is certified ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015, and ISO 45001:2015. EcoVadis has also awarded us a Gold Medal for our achievements in sustainability in 2021.

We have partnered with industry leaders such as Axis Communications, Prysm, Milestone Systems, Camtrace, ACRE Security, Metra, TagMaster, Elka, TISO, and Spica. These partnerships have upgraded our service offerings, ensuring that our clients have access to a wide range of reliable solutions. We are now better able to provide our clients with optimal solutions as a result of our collaboration with a number of highly regarded companies in the global security industry.

 Focus on Central and Eastern Europe

a&s Adria: When we talk about the markets you supply, UltraVision Consult is therefore primarily oriented towards the markets of Central and Eastern European countries.

Marica: For the time being, our primary markets are located in Central and Eastern Europe. We are actively engaged in ongoing efforts to identify and pursue potential avenues for growth, with the aim of extending the reach of our services and providing cutting-edge security and safety solutions to additional geographical areas.

UltraVision Consult’s services meet the needs of the regional market for pre-sales, design, configuration, deployment, training, and post-sales support for physical access solutions, video surveillance, transmission products, fire detection and alarm, intrusion detection, buildings and industrial automation, and advanced integration with various software platforms.

We contribute to an organization’s strategic decisions, whether public or private, critical or commercial infrastructure, in order to align internal procedures with legislative regulations, as well as its own security strategy and business plan for operational optimization and resource efficiency. The UltraVision Consult team has a high level of competence in designing, customizing, and implementing integration and information software solutions. AppVision PSIM (Physical Security Information Management) is our primary open platform today.

a&s Adria: Physical Security Information Management, an open software platform that unifies technologies and equipment from different brands, is at the core of your distribution business. What does Prysm Software’s AppVision PSIM software suite with a unique control and management system ensure for the operators?

Marica: AppVision is a software solution developed for proactive and centralized security and building management purposes. This solution facilitates interoperability among diverse systems, consolidating a wide range of safety and security equipment, including video surveillance, access control, and intrusion systems. It also integrates Building Management Systems and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems, such as Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and elevators providing the operators with information, command, and control of processes. The system has the ability to seamlessly integrate with various third-party applications, including cybersecurity tools, ERP, CRM, and emerging technologies like drones, robotics, and analytics.

The distinguishing factor of AppVision lies in its open architecture. The platform provides customers with the opportunity to personalize and modify it according to their specific projects, thereby granting them the desired level of independence. AppVision is a neutral tool that operates independently from the systems it integrates. This unique feature provides clients with the flexibility to choose their preferred hardware brands without any limitations.

Additionally, AppVision is a flexible, multifaceted platform that has the capability to seamlessly integrate with any current or future downstream application through an API or an SDK. The design of this platform is future-proof, guaranteeing its viability and benefits as technology continues to evolve.

Our collaboration with Prysm Software and the implementation of AppVision facilitate projects of various scales, ranging from smaller configurations to highly intricate systems.

a&s Adria: You mention that you deal with hundreds of processes “in a unified way”. How did you achieve unifying and not just integrating hundreds of often incompatible system manufacturers, especially taking into account that AppVision’s manufacturer Prysm Software states only “guaranteeing the integration and control of equipment and applications”?

Marica: Our solutions integrate multiple processes through diligent effort, strategic approach, and innovative technology. The AppVision platform offered by Prysm Software goes beyond the scope of merely ensuring integration and control of equipment and applications.

Compatibility issues often arise when dealing with multiple technologies, systems, and infrastructures. In this context, the open platform AppVision is especially important because it provides a flexible framework for customizing your project using an embedded C# intelisense engine. Through an open API and documented SDK, certified partners are trained to deploy their own development for new protocol drivers, features, and interfaces. AppVision’s partner community actively contributes to the software suite’s compatibility, integrations, and features. AppVision PSIM’s native features, such as its own physical access control management module, “cause-effect” links, scenarios, and alarm management workflows, are essential tools for achieving unified infrastructure.

AppVision Mobile App

a&s Adria: AppVision 4.8 represents a leap forward in technology, software features, and useful tools. What features, integrations, and enhancements come with the new version?

Marica: The AppVision 4.8 update represents a significant advancement in technology, software features, and practical tools, all aimed at enhancing your ability to oversee security, safety, and technical management systems.

One of the significant new additions is the AppVision Mobile App, which is now accessible on the Android platform as well as an iOS version, available on the Apple Store. Additionally, the newest version also implemented an HTML5 client for AppControl, increasing operational efficiency and providing a seamless user experience. Measures such as the implementation of temporary passwords and double authentication have been introduced to strengthen the security of the system. The platform’s usability and performance are boosted by the implementation of advanced filters and an update to .NET 4.8.

The inclusion of Terra Explorer is an additional noteworthy feature, providing the option of 3D cartography with the Geographic Information System (GIS) functionality. This upgrade enables operators to efficiently navigate and effectively manage their security systems with exceptional clarity and precision.

 a&s Adria: One of the strong points is the new mobile client application for Android. What does it include?

Marica: The newest features of AppVision are designed to maintain the security, integrity, and reliability of your operations without compromise. Indeed, the strongest point of the update is represented by the mobile client application for Android, also available on iOS.

This application offers a live chat functionality that enables operators to effectively communicate with one another from different workstations. Designed with field agents in mind, the app can function as a “bodycam,” enabling agents to initiate a live session with office colleagues or record and send chat content. Users can share alarm reports, PDFs, images, videos, and even their current location using the chat feature. There is an emergency button that, when pressed, sends a notification with GPS coordinates for safety purposes. In addition, agents can manage alarms, acknowledging or escalating them as needed, supervise access control by opening and closing doors, and view live CCTV camera feeds. They can also control PTZ while viewing a single stream.

a&s Adria: Have you increased cyber security and in what way?

Marica: AppVision’s roadmap prioritizes continuous improvement of information security features. Today, the software is compliant with OWASP’s top ten vulnerabilities and has received ANSSI certification (France’s national cybersecurity agency). AppVision’s cyber security features include secure communication between servers and clients via REST web service + HTTPS encryption, customer-defined password policies, and two-factor authentication (email or text message).

a&s Adria: In addition to the presented novelties above, the new version of AppVision also comes with integrations with some of the most used access control and video surveillance systems. Can you name some of those integrations and what are their benefits for end users?

Marica: The system’s versatility is improved by the integration of these features, which increases its efficancy in catering to diverse user requirements and settings.

The integration with ASSA ABLOY SmartAir, a provider of wireless access control solutions, offers our clients a consistent way to efficiently manage and control access points through the AppVision platform. The functionality provided is of great value in high-security environments, such as corporate offices, government facilities, or healthcare institutions.

The video integrations portfolio now includes a new driver, Network Optix Witness VMS, which can monitor live video streams and retrieve archived recordings through the AppVision platformNX. Witness is a reliable and scalable global solution for intelligent video surveillance. IndigoVision ControlCenter, an update to Genetec Security Center 5.11, and a beta version of the Intellio video system are also new in our portfolio.

AppVision 4.8 also includes integration with Spica Time&Space, delivering full user and access right management and providing our partners with an advanced level of access control. This integration also includes the workforce time management module, which is one of the most innovative time and attendance and human resource planning solutions available in our market. The combined technologies, AppVision and Spica, provide a flexible and scalable solution that can be customized to meet the specific requirements of any client, regardless of their operational scale, that needs to address extensible access control as well as time planning and management.

The integration with Suprema BioStar, a globally recognized leader in biometrics and security, brings forth advanced features to the platform, including fingerprint and facial recognition. As a result, there is an increase in security levels for access control and identification, effectively reducing the possibility of unauthorized access.

a&s Adria: As a scalable product, AppVision’s PSIM can meet different customer needs. Depending on the size of an installation, AppVision offers flexibility by making available several types of licensing. What are those types, what do they include, and how is the differentiation made and evaluated?

Marica: The flexibility and scalability of AppVision make it a highly suitable option for organizations of various sizes. AppVision provides various licensing options based on the scale and complexity of the installation.

Through its INITIAL version, the suite can be easily licensed for small and medium architectures. This option allows partners to target projects addressing small-size sites with up to 4 integrated protocols (drivers). We can consider a store or supermarket, a bank, or an industrial site as examples, with the potential to federate them all into a single, unified infrastructure. The licensing structure defines two types of installations for medium and large projects: Professional and Enterprise. The total number of server license points, as well as the total number of cameras, access control readers, and audio channels included in the license, determine the size.

The differentiation and evaluation process is typically carried out through a thorough assessment of the customer’s unique requirements, the scale and intricacy of the security infrastructure, and the extent of integration needed with other systems. This guarantees that every customer receives a customized solution that precisely aligns with their requirements and financial resources.

a&s Adria: What were some of the latest most complex and significant case studies that the Ultravision Consult team has participated in over the past years?

Marica: In a recent case study, our team had the privilege of collaborating with a prominent entity in the FMCG sector. The company, which has extensive operations in both manufacturing and corporate sectors, initially faced the challenge of not having a centralized and unified system for access control policies. UltraVision Consult implemented the AppVision product in order to seamlessly combine access control and video verification throughout their factory and office premises. The outcome was a comprehensive and cohesive access control policy that could be uniformly implemented across all levels of the organization. In addition, safety needs that were previously overlooked, such as fire evacuation procedures, have been optimized through digital means, resulting in a prompt and effective response.

Furthermore, we have had the opportunity to collaborate with a prominent entity in the utilities industry, specifically in the field of freshwater supply and sewage. Our security solution has been successfully implemented in a total of 20 locations and it has effectively eliminated the requirement for human resources, resulting in streamlined security operations and significant budget savings. The investment demonstrated a commendable return on investment, achieving self-sustainability within a year. The decreased reliance on salaries as an ongoing expense has resulted in a more precise and reliable financial projection.

Lastly, we are currently involved in an ongoing project for a swiftly growing online casino and gaming organization. The company has experienced significant growth over the past two years, with the number of employees increasing from 1,000 to 3,600. Our responsibility has been to effectively oversee access control and integrate security systems, while continuously adapting to their ever-evolving and rapidly advancing nature.

a&s Adria: What are the most important global trends that define the PSIM market? And according to that, what can we expect from Prysm Software and UltraVision Consult in the years ahead?

Marica: Based on our observation, it is apparent that the post-pandemic era has caused substantial growth in the regional market. The ongoing pandemic has highlighted the inherent vulnerabilities associated with human reliance on physical security processes, such as patrols, interventions, and operations. The potential interruption or unavailability of human resources during such periods may lead to notable security breaches or disruptions. The increased awareness of this issue has prompted a shift towards solutions that reduce reliance on human involvement, resulting in a significant growth in our business. We have observed significant organic growth in the licensing sector, with a consistent annual increase of at least 25% since the beginning of the pandemic.

Regarding the trends, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are playing a crucial role in the advancement of PSIM systems. These technologies demonstrate proficiency in responding to current situations and possess a high level of capability in predicting and mitigating future ones. Through the analysis of patterns and the identification of anomalies in real time, AI and ML technologies play a crucial role in expediting response times, thereby improving overall security and device integrity. The timely identification and management of potential breaches can effectively prevent downtime and ensure the continuity of business operations.

In addition, the integration of AI and ML with PSIM is leading to the growing prevalence of predictive maintenance. This technological advancement allows organizations to further optimize their maintenance schedules, resulting in improved system efficiency. By implementing this approach, the durability and dependability of the security systems can be significantly improved.

The use of social media for security management is becoming more and more common in PSIM solutions. By carefully monitoring and analyzing data from these platforms, people can gain important situational awareness and improve their ability to spot potential threats with greater effectiveness. This is made even better using language decoding apps and multilingual help, which can spot potential dangers by analyzing geographical data, words, and phrases mentioned on social media platforms.

The PSIM market is witnessing a notable trend in interoperability and mobile access. Modern Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) solutions have been specifically developed to facilitate smooth integration with pre-existing systems. These solutions provide organizations with the flexibility to adapt and accommodate their evolving security requirements. The adoption of mobile-friendly design facilitates better responsiveness and control, empowering users to conveniently manage security from any location and at any time.

a&s Adria: How about the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models?

Marica: Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is increasingly moving toward Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models. These models promise simpler deployment and license acquisition and renewal. Prysm recognizes that this is a significant shift and is working to take the initiative in this regard. It is expected that it will require more time to develop a solution that meets the highest standards of reliability and quality.

The market for Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) is projected to experience significant growth, with an estimated increase from US $1.19 billion in 2022 to US $3.41 billion by 2029. This growth indicates a strong belief among investors and a growing awareness among businesses regarding the criticality of implementing effective security management systems. The increase in demand for advanced Physical Security Information Management solutions arises from a growing recognition that proactive and efficient security management, with the ability to anticipate and address potential threats in real time, is now an essential requirement rather than a mere luxury. PSIM providers are consistently striving to innovate and adapt their solutions to effectively meet the ever-changing security needs. This commitment ensures the continued growth and success of the thriving industry.

As the impact of integrated security systems grows significantly in the realm of cybersecurity, AppVision, ensures compliance and fortified defense against cyber threats, continuously gaining momentum and attracting further investment from PRISM to provide a high level of security. At UltraVision Consult, we recognize that the global trend in the security sector leans heavily towards streamlining operations, whether in individual systems or across complex platforms. Our continuous focus on developing efficient solutions aligns perfectly with this direction, seeking to simplify operational elements and increase user efficiency in an ever-changing environment.

a&s Adria: What is your opinion on the Adriatic region security market and how do perceive your company’s position in it? What are your plans in this area, are you looking for a regional partner? Are you planning to exhibit at the largest regional conference and exhibition Adria Security Summit?

Marica: We acknowledge the Adriatic region’s security market as a dynamic and rapidly developing sector, characterized by a growing emphasis on commercial security, cyber security, artificial intelligence, and other intelligent solutions. Through our regular participation in the Adria Security Summit, we have gained valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of the industry. This has enabled us to maintain a leading position by staying up to date with the latest trends and innovations.

We perceive our engagement in these summits as a valuable occasion for both acquiring knowledge and expanding our professional network. Additionally, it serves as a platform to highlight our own progress and achievements. UltraVision Consult is honored to be a valued member of this thriving community. We are enthusiastic about the market’s potential to excel in various security domains, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to contribute to and participate in this transformative journey.

We are highly enthusiastic about our forthcoming participation in the Adria Security Summit. As frequent attendees for the past three years, we intend to uphold the tradition by establishing our booth to accommodate interested individuals seeking to explore our product and its diverse range of applications.

Regarding the regional partnership, our objective encompasses several different fronts. We are currently seeking potential partners who possess a strong interest in creating additional value through projects, regardless of their level of complexity. Our objective is to proactively collaborate with these partners in order to raise product awareness and expand its potential applications among end users.

Our strategic plan for the Adriatic region aims to cultivate a strong network of partners. This will allow us to tailor our approach to each market based on its specific needs and traits. As a result, our approach involves identifying and collaborating with committed partners, fostering product awareness, and customizing our strategy to suit the distinctive characteristics of each market within the region.

Incedo™ Cloud enhancements: new EAC-M90 updater controller for high flexibility with building access

London, September 2023 – In today’s dynamic business landscape, where offices, manufacturing plants, co-working spaces, and multi-use facilities co-exist, organizations face an array of challenges, including the need for agile and future-proof access control. The rise of hybrid or flexible work arrangements, coupled with demand for optimized space utilization, requires businesses to carefully consider their access management solution.

With the right solution, organizations can seamlessly secure virtually any entry point using either offline electronic locks or real-time online devices. Together with a range of credentials, Incedoä Cloud enables users to access authorized areas using smartphones, smart keys, or smart cards, all managed securely from a single, flexible, and scalable platform.

Introducing the EAC-M90 Incedo Updater Controller: Boosting Offline Control

The EAC-M90 Updater Controller empowers security managers with complete control over Aperio wireless locks and ASSA ABLOY Signo readers. It enables updates to credentials, including PULSE programmable keys with RFID capability, ensuring access permissions remain up to date.

When integrated with an ASSA ABLOY Signo reader, each access event triggers the Incedo system to collect event logs, update individual access permissions, or revalidate credentials, including our range of smart cards or battery-free smart keys, with the same credential working across connected/online and offline readers, enhancing security site-wide.

The EAC-M90 incorporates HID Seos® technology and OSDP v2.1.7 protocol to ensure high security in every interaction between credentials, updater/controller, and the system. With the EAC-M90 and Incedo software, security and facilities managers achieve comprehensive and flexible control over their premises, without requiring a fully online system.

Making facilities management more flexible

Facility managers benefit from the ability to oversee multiple device types, or even sites, within a unified system. Expanding access control, whether online or offline, to additional access points is simple and efficient, ensuring smooth onboarding. For flexibility, the Incedo Cloud control panel offers secure administration from anywhere with an internet connection. Regular and secure cloud software updates are automated, simplifying the maintenance process.

One significant advantage of Incedo Cloud is the high flexibility it offers security managers, who can deploy online and offline management at different access points within their facility. For instance, high-security access points like entrances and sensitive doors, such as those leading to labs or server rooms, can benefit from real-time control, while lower-security areas, like meeting rooms, utilize offline devices for cost-effective access control, without the need for cables or communication hubs.

Incedo ensures that all aspects of security are managed seamlessly from a single, integrated software interface, combining the benefits of real-time control with the straightforward deployment of offline electronic access management.

Implementing Incedo access control is straightforward: Businesses select hardware including the new EAC-M90 updater controller from a vast range, to add flexibility to their security system and control virtually any access point, including doors, cabinets, lockers, gates, server racks, and more.

To learn more, download here a datasheet on EAC-M90 Updater Controller.

Securitas Expands Global Agreement With Microsoft

Securitas has signed an expanded 5-year agreement to provide data centre security for Microsoft in 31 countries, solidifying a strong relationship.

Securitas has been delivering security solutions for Microsoft since 2005, building a foundation of trust and collaboration. The global agreement, which began in November 2016, includes risk management, comprehensive security technology as a system integrator, specialised safety, and security resources, guarding services and digital interfaces, as well as global account management.

The agreement, effective from July 1, 2023, reflects Securitas’ commitment to mutual success. With shared values centred on trust, ethics, and sustainability, Securitas builds on a stable foundation for providing exceptional services while promoting a secure and inclusive environment.

“Securitas and Microsoft are a great match”, continues Magnus Ahlqvist, President and CEO of Securitas. “We have developed a strong relationship with Microsoft over the years thanks to our extensive global presence, industry expertise, and solid governance. Through our consistent dedication, we have gained insight into their requirements, enabling us to deliver exceptional security solutions.”

Looking ahead, Securitas has outlined long-term goals for the collaboration. Innovation and the integration of technology are key focus areas for Securitas to achieve an optimal balance between guarding and advanced security solutions.

“Trust is paramount in our industry”, says Mark Plesnicher, Head of Datacenter Physical Security, Microsoft. “We are confident that Securitas will ensure that our data centre physical security programme remains innovative, robust, and effective. They have demonstrated stability as a collaborator, assisting us in navigating the challenges of our swiftly expanding business. We recognise the value of our relationship with Securitas and anticipate its future growth.”

This expanded contract between Securitas and Microsoft marks an important milestone in their relationship. With a shared vision, strong cultural alignment, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Securitas and Microsoft are poised to achieve great accomplishments together.

HID Global Aims to Acquire Evolis in France

HID Global has made public its intent to acquire Evolis, a prominent manufacturer of card printers and related supplies. This strategic move merges two key players in the desktop printer market, enriching HID’s printer portfolio, expanding its geographic influence, and augmenting its capacity to cater to diverse industry needs.

Evolis specializes in the creation, production, and distribution of printers and software for personalizing physical credentials. With an established network of partners, Evolis has secured a robust global position in instantly issuing physical credentials, including ID cards, access control badges, payment cards, and personalized credentials.

The proposed purchase price for a full acquisition of Evolis stands at EUR 228.6 million, translating to EUR 43.75 per share of Evolis.

Björn Lidefelt, EVP and Head of HID, expresses excitement about this prospect, stating, “I am looking forward to welcoming Evolis into the HID family. Joining forces with a strong industry player like Evolis would enable us to better meet our customers’ needs and provides complementary growth opportunities across product, geographical, and vertical market presence.”

Evolis History

Founded in 1999 and headquartered in Angers, France, Evolis is recognized for its printers and software dedicated to personalizing physical credentials. Employing around 380 individuals, the company operates an efficient manufacturing facility spanning 110,000 square feet. Its established distribution network has solidified its position as a global leader in instant issuance of physical credentials across various sectors. Evolis’ revenue primarily stems from card printers and supplies, supplemented by software offerings such as Cardpresso, Badge Studio, and Edikio. The company also produces printers tailored for kiosk compatibility, a factor that aligns with HID’s expansion goals.

Craig Sandness, SVP and Head of Secure Issuance at HID, emphasizes, “Incorporating Evolis into HID’s Secure Issuance business would reassert our expansion and commitment to leading the desktop printer space. Thanks to Evolis’ strong knowledge of the market, as well as its highly complementary product offering, we look forward to enhancing our offerings to meet a growing population of customers across industries and locations.”

Evolis and HID: Synergistic Advancement

The plan is for Evolis to join HID’s Secure Issuance Business Area, under the leadership of Craig Sandness, operating as its distinct Business Unit. Evolis would leverage HID’s sales and global functions to amplify its offerings.

Emmanuel Picot, Co-Founder and President of Evolis, envisions promising prospects in this collaboration, stating, “Since 1999, our ambition has been to be and continue to be the global leader in decentralized printing of personalized cards. Together, we look forward to creating even more value for our customers, combining our expertise and know-how to create new development opportunities. This would be a big step forward for Evolis, and we are very excited at the prospect of joining HID with the ambition of being stronger together.”

Uniview EasyStar IPC Series

Most crimes happen at night because of the ultra-low light environment that provides favorable circumstances for criminals. The key information about vehicles, such as plate number, color, and brand of a vehicle may be useful for police or other people in need. Yet, there are some key differences here.

By: Tsing Tang, Director for Eastern Europe, Zhejiang Uniview Technologies; E-mail: tangsiqing@uniview.com

Images captured by regular network cameras (without IR light) in standard operating mode are usually too dark to offer useful information. Furthermore, regular cameras in IR mode use infrared light to improve image quality at night and in low light. However, users still cannot get information about object colors. Finally, there are EasyStar cameras that deliver colorful & bright images with complete information.

EasyStar Series

In 2019, Uniview launched a brand-new EasyStar camera series. The EasyStar series belongs to the Easy series which targets the entry-level surveillance market with excellent starlight-level imaging performance at an attractive price. They are capable of presenting high-definition and colorful starlight-level images.

In 2021 Unview launched a new series Colorhunter in EasyStar which can achieve better image quality at night with built-in white lights. There is also a smart dual-light mode which makes this new Easy Colorhunter series even more powerful.

In 2023 Univew launched two new models in the Easy Colorhunter series. With the F1.0 aperture and 1/1.8″ sensor hardware design, they are the most powerful cameras in the EasyStar series. In addition, the ultra-long night IR distance that goes up to 50 meters (bullet models only) can offer the smoothest user experience. Besides, the 4MP models support UMD(Ultra motion detection) which can reduce false alarm rates.

The Entry-Level Choice for Low-Light Scenarios

The EasyStar cameras are a great choice if you look for entry-level products with great night vision.

To meet the market demand, EasyStar cameras are packed with a variety of features. Backside-illuminated CMOS sensor makes EasyStar series cameras more sensitive to light. These cameras offer excellent performance in low-light environments. Colorful images are available at the minimum illumination of 0.0005 Lux.

EasyStar camera supports ultra-motion detection based on the detection of different objects which can easily help end users to filter false alarms. Easy Colorhunter series gives users more choices as a smart dual light mode can effectively reduce light pollution at night.

Applications

The Univew EasyStar cameras are positioned as the entry ­level product series for the SMB market. They are also suitable for many scenarios such as crossroads, squares, stadiums, parking lots, etc.

For more information please visit www.global.uniview.com.

If you have any business queries, please contact chenkexin@uniview.com

ISSUES

Global Security d.o.o.

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Tel: +387 (0)33/788-985
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Web site: www.asadria.com
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ID no: 4201142740001
ISSN 1986-5

a&s Adria – professional security magazine for providing total security solutions is a monthly circulating publication and a licenced representative of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media for Adriatic region, which consists of following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.