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30,000 Products Meet the ONVIF Conformance Requirements for Interoperability

ONVIF, the leading global standardization initiative for IP-based physical security products, has announced that more than 30,000 product models in the $120B global physical security market meet the ONVIF conformance requirements for interoperability.

This new milestone means that the number of ONVIF conformant, interoperable products has doubled in the last three years and tripled since 2018. Security system integrators and end users around the world rely on products that conform to ONVIF interoperability standards to create security systems using best of breed components, regardless of manufacturer, to meet the specific needs of their organizations.

“The demand for open systems is growing exponentially as organizations increasingly prioritize interoperability and freedom of choice for their security systems and beyond,” said Leo Levit, chairman of the ONVIF Steering Committee. “The rapid growth rate in ONVIF conformant products exemplifies that market demand as well as to the work of our member companies that have established these successful specifications.”

As a technical alliance, ONVIF creates interoperability specifications that provide standardized communication pathways for several security and surveillance industry use cases, including basic and advanced video streaming, metadata handling for video analytics, video recording and storage, as well as physical access control. Companies that are members of ONVIF contribute to committees and specialized working groups to create these specifications, and are currently working on new ONVIF standards, known as profiles, in the areas of cloud connectivity, IP audio and advanced metadata.

ONVIF membership is open to manufacturers, software developers, consultants, system integrators, end users, and other organizations looking to help shape the future of physical security technology.

Founded in 2008, ONVIF is a leading and well-recognized industry forum driving interoperability for IP-based physical security products. The organization has a global member base of established camera, video management system and access control companies. ONVIF offers Profile S for streaming video; Profile G for video recording and storage; Profile C for physical access control; Profile A for broader access control configuration; Profile T for advanced video streaming; Profile M for metadata and events for analytics applications and Profile D for access control peripherals.

Further information about ONVIF conformant products, including member companies and their conformant models, is available on the ONVIF website: www.onvif.org.

Simplified serenity: Secure self-service at Iceland hotel.

Hótel Hálönd – Akureyri, Iceland

Akureyri is the “Capital of North Iceland” and is the second largest urban area outside of Reykjavík. Situated at the head of Eyjafjörður, one of the longest fjords in Iceland, and with Hlíðarfjall mountain as a backdrop, it’s no surprise that the town is also a hub for adventure tourism.

At the base of Hlíðarfjall with views over Akureyri sits Hótel Hálönd, a new self-service hotel. Local, certified ICT Partner, Securitas Iceland were challenged to keep the property secure and provide guests with an automated check-in process, to minimize the need for staff onsite helping keep hotel rates down.

Challenge.

  • Accessible, but secure feel for visitors and staff
  • Automatic delivery of guest access codes
  • Remote monitoring and notifications for staf

Solution.

  • Protege GX with keypad readers for keyless entry
  • Data Sync sends PINs to guests 15 minutes after booking
  • Email/mobile notifications for staff if response needed

“Not many people believed in our idea of an unmanned hotel, but Securitas changed that with a smart technology solution from ICT. “

– Írena Sædísardóttir, Hotel Manager at Hótel Hálönd

Outcome.

Find out more. Server-based access control system, Protege GX, uses Data Sync to talk to the hotel reservation system. This software licence allows easy bi-directional integration with external data sources. At Hótel Hálönd it syncs customer bookings and access rights to the hotel, so when guests are confirmed, access codes are automatically sent within 15 minutes. It also ensures that PINs are only usable for the booking period and deleted when guests leave.

The tSec Keypad Readers connected to each door means that each unique guest PIN can be used to access guest rooms, ski/bike equipment storage, and other areas. Video surveillance also makes it easy to monitor and ensure the safety of guests in the hotel.

This solution delivers considerable cost savings as Hótel Hálönd has minimal staff, so guests benefit from competitive prices. They also have the freedom of no key or card to carry, easy access to communal areas, and no check in and out formalities.

“Protege GX meets all the customer’s needs. The flexible, modern technology makes it easy to bring self-service to life for the hotel.”

– Hafþór Harðarson, Product Manager at Securitas

Effective Strategies for Managing False Fire Alarms

False fire alarms can lead to substantial financial costs, operational disruptions, reputational harm, and even put lives at risk, Vladimir Zrnic, Regional Sales Manager for Europe at Advanced explains.

False alarms are a persistent issue that cost UK businesses over £1 billion annually. The implications aren’t just financial; repeated false alarms make people complacent, delay reactions in real fire emergencies, and put both lives and property at risk.

European fire services are already under increased pressure from issues such as wildfires, which have burned almost twice as much surface area in Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, and Greece compared to last year, and false alarms can divert them from these real emergencies.

False Alarm Strategies
Effective false alarm management begins with a thorough fire risk assessment and proper fire system design. Two primary approaches are detector technology, which screens false signals, and intelligent fire panels, which analyse sensor data to verify alarms. State-of-the-art systems integrate these methods to significantly reduce false alarms.

Intelligent fire panels

Combining data from detectors with an intelligent fire panel enhances false alarm management. Multi-sensor detectors can switch between heat and smoke modes, and double-knock programming ensures alarms are verified by multiple detectors. Advanced’s AlarmCalm system, featured in panels like MxPro 5, Axis EN, and Go, includes software detector technology that allows time to confirm the presence of fire before triggering a full fire alarm.

Intelligent fire panel applications

Apartments: False alarms often stem from everyday activities like cooking or shower steam. With AlarmCalm, if a verification sounder is activated by cooking smoke, a resident can press the AlarmCalm button to silence the sounder allowing residents to manage these alarms, reducing unnecessary evacuations.

Shopping Centres: In environments like supermarkets, where bakery ovens and other heat sources are common, if smoke from an oven activates a multi-sensor detector a verification countdown timer can begin. If the smoke clears and no heat is detected the system will return to normal, avoiding unnecessary shop evacuations.

Manufacturing: High temperatures, dust, and chemicals in manufacturing plants can trigger false alarms. Here, verification delays help ensure that alarms are genuine, if no further detectors are activated the system will reset, reducing disruption and maintaining productivity.

Offices: Varied occupancy offices can also benefit from flexible programming. With AlarmCalm, virtual building areas can be created independent of traditional fire zones, false alarm management can be tailored to specific needs to enhance safety and efficiency.

False alarms are more than just a nuisance—they compromise safety and incur substantial costs. Robust solutions like AlarmCalm combine advanced detection and intelligent fire panel technology to significantly reduce false alarms across diverse settings. By implementing such systems, businesses can protect their operations, reputation, and most importantly, their people.

For more information on Advanced’s AlarmCalm, visit: https://www.advancedco.com/solution/alarm-calm/

Mobile Children’s Heart Hospital Receives Bespoke Advanced Fire Protection

A mobile children’s heart hospital, built in El Salvador, was recently equipped with an Advanced wireless fire safety system, ensuring top protection for children undergoing heart surgery, their doctors, and staff.

Run by Kinderherzen, the mission of the hospital is to ensure that children born with serious heart conditions receive the treatment they need to go on and enjoy healthy lives. Kinderherzen operates in Germany and mobilises doctors to provide critical care for young patients in areas of the world with limited medical services.

Working alongside fellow Halma company Crowcon, Advanced was approached to devise a reliable fire safety system that would be easy to install, uninstall, and reinstall as the mobile hospital moved between locations across Europe.

For speed and ease of setup, Advanced’s innovative solution was to create a bespoke, wireless fire alarm system. At the centre of the installation is an Axis EN single-loop panel paired with a translator and 19 devices including point detectors, sounder-beacon bases, and call points covering various rooms within the hospital.

The system was pre-programmed at Advanced’s headquarters in Newcastle upon Tyne (UK) and shipped to El Salvador, ready for immediate fitting to minimise on-site setup time.

The wireless nature of the system not only simplifies the installation process but also provides flexibility for future expansions or reconfigurations of the hospital layout. This adaptability is particularly important for a mobile facility that may need to adjust its setup based on the specific needs of each location it serves. The ability to quickly and efficiently adapt the fire protection system without extensive rewiring or hardware changes ensures that high safety standards are maintained at all times.

Despite logistical challenges, the installation process was incredibly efficient thanks to the use of special mounting plates for the control panel, translators, detectors, and sounders, which reduced setup time to less than half an hour.

Speaking about the project, Paul Duffy, Technical Services Manager at Advanced, said: “We are extremely proud to support Kinderherzen in their mission to provide critical medical care to children in need. Given the temporary nature of the hospital, the fire alarm system needed to be robust but highly versatile. The reliability and ease of use of Advanced equipment make it perfect for this unusual brief, ensuring the ideal combination of mobility, performance, and safety.”

This Axis EN wireless installation ensures Kinderherzen staff can carry out their essential work with peace of mind that their team, facilities, and patients are protected by the highest standards of fire safety.

To learn more about Axis EN, visit: www.advancedco.com

For more information please contact:

Vladimir Zrnic

vzrnic@advancedco.com

+44 (0)345 894 7000

A versatile device for adding digital access management to doors and more

London, August 2024 – Having doors with mechanical security can be a drag on the effectiveness and efficiency of facilities management. While wiring ever more locks to make access control more flexible is expensive and disruptive, a wireless solution built for compatibility can be the answer.

It takes a few minutes to swap almost any mechanical cylinder for a digital cylinder and connect it to an access control system. The battery-powered Aperio® C100 Cylinder can equip almost any door without the need for cables. The same device can secure server racks with digital access control. It works seamlessly with almost any EAC system, via Online, Offline or OSS-standard integration.

The flexibility benefits of digital access with the Aperio C100

By supplementing an EAC system with C100 devices, facility managers continue to control every lock and user from their existing software interface. They can deploy a C100 at almost any interior door — including wooden, metal or glass doors — as well as server racks and almost any other opening with a regular locking cylinder. The C100 supports all standard RFID credentials, as well as cutting-edge mobile technologies.

“It’s easier than ever to go keyless — to save time and money at a time when budgets have never been tighter,” says Robert Eriksson, Head of Product Management at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “As well as fast, cost-efficient installation, a C100 uses much less energy than comparable wired devices, because it is powered by standard batteries.”

The Aperio C100 Wireless Cylinder is a robust device suited to almost any medium- to high-traffic door — and has already proven reliable in all types of demanding locations. It is easy to install wire-free, and so makes an ideal choice for both retrofit projects and new buildings. And with the Aperio hardware platform designed for interoperability, it is straightforward to integrate C100 cylinders with almost any new or existing security system.

The Aperio C100 in action

The C100 is already trusted in all kinds of settings, where end-users all over the world benefit from seamless integrations with more than 100 different security and access systems — offline, online or with a mix of both within the same system.

At the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Grenoble, for example, Aperio C100 cylinders are installed in several hospital buildings. Previously, the open nature of the site posed a risk of intrusion. With Aperio, one immediate result was to drastically reduce theft from the premises. Online integration ensures hospital security managers can access door information in real time, even removing a swipe card’s permissions remotely, if required.

Stavanger’s new Concert Hall deployed Aperio to streamline access for a variety of user groups, including an orchestra, admin staff, up to 200 contractors and thousands of music fans. At different times, users need tailored access to 180 rooms, from auditoriums, rehearsal rooms and wardrobes to offices, a sauna, the canteen and an archive. Aperio digital cylinders give building managers the reliability and flexibility they need to manage all this traffic safely and efficiently.

At Luminy’s suburban campus, university administrators selected Aperio cylinders to secure doors in their new buildings. The laborious process of changing locks and reissuing keys — part of the daily workload with mechanical locking — has gone. Because Aperio locks are built for interoperability, they are flexible enough to integrate with the university’s room scheduling software as well as its ARD access control system.

“Since we installed Aperio, we have not had a break-in,” says Cédric Lopez, Maintenance Manager at Luminy.

“In hospitals and banks, theatres and universities — plus museums, offices, schools, public buildings and almost anywhere else — the versatility of the Aperio C100 Cylinder has brought security to people and assets, as well as peace of mind to facilities managers,” adds Eriksson.

Summer Security: New Palm Readers & Smart Cylinders

Greetings! As summer approaches, we are excited to share valuable updates and security solutions in this month’s newsletter. In this issue, meet part of the dedicated team behind our Quality Control, and RMA processes. Gain valuable insights into their expertise and discover the recent service enhancements we have implemented to provide you with a smoother and more efficient after-sales experience.

During the summer, facilities may experience higher visitor traffic or temporary staff. Manage high visitor traffic with the new Armatura Palm Reader. Secure and efficient, this palm recognition device (AMT-PVS-50) grants access without physical cards or keys and integrates seamlessly with third-party solutions.

Also, the CY21 Series digital locking cylinder offers the perfect solution for enhanced security without the hassle. These easy-to-install smart cylinders combine all the functions and designs of a smart access control system as standard, providing convenient keyless entry and management for homeowners. Their sturdy construction ensures reliable operation throughout the summer season.

Finally, our team will be showcasing our latest security solutions at Security Essen and ZUKUNFT PERSONAL EUROPE in Germany. Stay tuned for details on booth location and event highlights – we look forward to meeting you there!

New Bosch Acquisition Strengthens Position in Building Automation

Bosch Building Technologies plans to acquire DMS Digitale Mess- und Steuersysteme AG, headquartered in Ettlingen, Baden-Württemberg, Germany. DMS AG offers solutions and services in the areas of building, industrial, process and room automation as well as building and energy management.

According to the company, corresponding agreements were signed by Bosch and DMS AG on July 18, 2024. It has been agreed that the purchase price will not be disclosed. The acquisition is subject to approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.

With the purchase of DMS AG, Bosch Building Technologies intends to further strengthen the important growth area of building automation. The acquisition complements the 2019 and 2022 purchases of GFR Gesellschaft für Regelungstechnik und Energieeinsparung – now Bosch Building Automation GmbH – and Hörburger GmbH. Last year, Bosch Building Technologies grew by 25 percent in the building automation sector in Germany, significantly outperforming the market.

With the acquisition of DMS AG, Bosch Building Technologies has added the important area of process automation to its range of solutions, becoming a full-service provider for industrial manufacturing companies. The portfolio includes integrated and cross-domain solutions in the areas of building security, building automation, energy efficiency, sustainability consulting and digital services.

“With DMS AG, another building automation specialist with highly qualified and experienced associates complements our system integrator business. Together, we want to expand our existing portfolio for industrial customers and develop new forward-looking solutions and services that will enable the economical and sustainable operation of industrial buildings through to production,” says Thomas Quante, president of Bosch Building Technologies.

“We are very pleased to be part of Bosch Building Technologies in the future. Together, we can generate new added value for industrial customers,” says Jörg Hössl, CEO of DMS AG.

G4S’s Key Role in the Launch of One of Serbia’s First Smart Cities

Preventing traffic accidents, flooding and copper cables from being stolen in one fell swoop may sound improbable but Pančevo, a city near Serbia’s capital, is hoping to have accomplished just that. What’s made this possible? Pančevo has embarked on a venture to become one of the country’s first smart cities, with an end goal of improving quality of life for local citizens through efficiency and sustainability gains.

Systems integrator

 As the systems integrator, G4S Serbia played a key role in this project. In short, this required the company to design and procure solutions for three specific problems the city was trying to address after being awarded a public tender. To help make its designs feasible it chose to partner with Bitgear, a Serbian startup that specialises in sensors for a range of uses.

Integrated Electronic Security Systems Engineer Vladimir Ilic, who worked on this contract from the start, says G4S’s involvement in smart cities is a natural progression for the company given its experience in delivering electronic security systems, which also centre on technology and data.

Flood prevention

Flooding is one of the three issues that officials were keen to address given the city’s antiquated drainage system and its close proximity to a major river. Bitgear sensors were installed around the city to monitor water levels which set off an alarm once a certain threshold is reached, enabling blockages to be dealt with in a timely fashion.

The sensors are also capable of detecting when manhole covers have been opened, helping stop the theft of copper and fibre optic cables. Vladimir says: “The theft of cables can be costly for telecom companies to replace; thieves can steal as much as 1km of cables if a street is that long. It causes significant service disruption to customers too.”

Smart traffic solutions

 Downtown, G4S has implemented a smart traffic solution at one of the city’s busiest road crossings to help prevent road traffic incidents. It is linked up with the local police database allowing automated tickets to be issued to drivers that run a red light or are speeding.

Elsewhere at two well-known traffic accident blackspots, sensors capable of measuring the microclimate have been activated. The ground temperature is then displayed and, depending on the conditions, drivers are encouraged to slow down. At a later date, sensors will be added which can measure air quality and pollution rates.

Privacy concerns

While the benefits of smart cities are evident by what’s been achieved in Pančevo, the concept has its critics, not least around privacy concerns and the collection of big data. In response to this, Vladimir says: “Most of the equipment we’ve installed are sensors. Where we are using video, the cameras have been carefully positioned to monitor traffic violations and not to identify individuals. We are also prohibited from using any facial recognition technology.” He continues: “Another key benefit of smart cities is that real-time, complex data can be easily collected without the need for a data analytics team.”

Future smart solutions

Vladimir and the team believe these solutions could easily be replicated in other cities and are exploring what else can be implemented in Pančevo as it continues its transformation into a fully fledged smart city. Initial ideas include installing information kiosks across the city to help visitors find the nearest pharmacy or hotel, for example, as well as displaying which trails are open for walking in the nearby mountains.

Explaining why G4S is an ideal partner for this type of project, Vladimir says: “We are a one-stop shop covering all needs. As well as being a systems integrator, we can screen alarms into our control room should the customer want this, and provide patrol and response if needed.”

Case Study: Transforming Security and Efficiency for Tenaris with UltraVision

Tenaris, a leader in stainless steel production, operates multiple sites in Romania. Increasing operational efficiency in high-volume compliance vetting procedures is a continuous challenge for modern companies, including our client.

 The Challenge

With numerous entities collaborating with Tenaris around the clock and a growing need for enhanced security and safety in related operational procedures at its two main facilities, the leadership aimed to implement a swift yet robust technological solution for access procedures. Key objectives included digitizing internal approval processes and securing access for all contractors and suppliers employees.

Innovative Partnership

UltraVision Consult bridges the gap between software programming and physical and electronic security solutions. For Tenaris, this competence was pivotal. Our team understands safety protocols, mastering existing access control platforms, and developing customized strategies tailored to each client’s specific needs.

The Solution

Tenaris required complete ownership of the solution. Within two months, we developed the Tenaris Web Portal, followed by a month-long implementation period. The portal integrates with SAP and is based on the Microsoft SharePoint application, featuring custom functionalities for an enhanced user experience. Internally, the company hosts and manages the portal for security, ensuring seamless operation.

Our team integrated the features of Tenaris WebPortal with their existing access control system. This system manages physical access on all premises. Another smooth integration was developed with the customer’s kiosk solution, which manages and facilitates safety communication, training, validation, and monitoring, ensuring compliance with current procurement and supply legislation.

Key functionalities include:

  • User Management
  • Application Settings
  • Order Management
  • Document Management
  • Document Control and Authorization Workflow
  • Blacklist Management
  • Resource Management
  • Access Request Creation
  • Reporting
  • External Interfaces

 The Investment

The investment achieved self-sustainability within a short interval in the same fiscal year. It has operated continuously for the past three years, proving efficiency and accuracy at higher rates while successfully replacing manual operations.

Key Takeaways

Tenaris now relies on this digital solution to manage blacklists, streamline document workflows, and vet processes, resulting in significant operational efficiency and cost savings. Additionally, the system ensures compliance with legal requirements, enhances overall security, and reduces the need for extensive manual oversight. The ease of integration with existing systems and the robust, customizable nature of the solution further contribute to its long-term value and effectiveness.

Senestar: Getting Ready for the EU Critical Entities Resilience Directive

The European Union’s Critical Entities Resilience Directive (CER) is a framework for strengthening the resilience of critical infrastructure against physical threats, be they natural or man-made, accidental or intentional. It covers a wide range of industries and sectors, including but not limited to energy, transportation, water treatment, and datacenters.

The CER requires that public and private organizations designed as critical infrastructure perform a security risk assessment and implement corrective actions. The directive also requires active cooperation and reporting within each sector’s applicable governing bodies. Adopted in 2023, regulatory enforcement is expected to begin by the end of 2026.

CER was introduced alongside NIS2, an updated cybersecurity framework. Like CER, NIS2 is concerned with the resiliency of designed critical entities, with both directives automatically applying. As both directives should be handled in parallel, a comprehensive risk assessment, one that takes both physical and cybersecurity considerations into account, is recommended.

Is Your Organization Ready?

There is a strong business case for meeting CER requirements – physical security is a substantial part of organization-level risk assessments and a key part of business continuity plans.

The CER process can be divided into four steps:

  1. Perform a physical security risk assessment.
  2. Create a resilience plan that describes the planned mitigation measures.
  3. Implement the plan.
  4. Monitor effectiveness and periodically reassess.

 A security fence along the perimeter of a facility is the first line of defense. But, by itself, it is only a minor deterrent to determined intruders – they can cut-through or climb it in seconds. Even without accessing any on-site buildings, intruders can threaten service, cause extensive damage, steal supplies, and/or injure themselves or others.

In addition to effective assessment and response tools, critical entities require scalable solutions that are suitable for deployment across large numbers of sites, are ultra-reliable, maintain a low nuisance alarm rate, and incorporate robust architectures that avoid downtime and unscheduled maintenance visits.

 Senstar offers a range of products that bring intelligence out to the perimeter. Intelligent lighting functions as an active deterrent while sensors and surveillance cameras detect and locate intrusion attempts. Perimeter detection enables a range of security responses, including triggering the site’s alarm system, queuing up camera systems, and engaging deterrence devices like audio messages or additional lighting. Interior areas can also be protected. As Senstar sensors share common communication protocols, a mix of sensors may be deployed at a site without adding additional infrastructure.

Securing Critical Infrastructure

With over 40 years of experience securing critical infrastructure worldwide, Senstar has the knowledge, European presence, and comprehensive portfolio needed to assist organizations in mitigating security vulnerabilities. Our perimeter intrusion detection, video management software, video analytics, and access control solutions are cost-effective, field-proven, and highly regarded throughout the critical infrastructure sectors.