October 21, 2026
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Home Articles posted by a&s Adria (Page 142)

Apricum Secures EU Funding for Digital and Green Transition Project

Apricum, a prominent Croatian company specializing in digital and green technology solutions, is delighted to announce its successful selection for an EU-funded project aimed at enhancing competitiveness through investments in the digital and green transition. The project, aptly named “Strengthening Competitiveness through Investments in Digital and Green Transition,” will empower Apricum to strengthen its production capabilities, stimulate market growth, and adapt to evolving industry trends while building on its know-how, certification, and international presence.

Apricum has been allocated a generous budget of HRK 11,274,403.38 (EUR 1,496,462.83503078) to implement cutting-edge digital and green technologies that are supposed to revolutionize its business model and foster sustainable growth. The primary objectives of this initiative include optimizing production processes, ensuring resource efficiency, minimizing waste generation, and establishing long-term market resilience.

KNX Systems at the Helm of Smart Homes

By embracing innovation and digitalization, Apricum intends to streamline its manufacturing processes while promoting a greener and more efficient approach to the production of KNX devices. Today, many smart homes are managed through the worldwide standardized system for building automation, KNX. In short, this means intelligently networking all devices in a building and controlling them from one or various locations, whether by mobile phone, tablet, or computer via the internet (Wi-Fi). This has been part of Apricum’s story from its earliest days as the company has been at the forefront of manufacturing components, modules, and complete KNX devices in Southeast Europe for many years.

Their share in the KNX bus system is a key building block in addressing tomorrow’s climate challenges. By spreading the KNX system, Apricum helps to achieve energy savings of up to 60%.

Apricum has successfully met the high-quality requirements of leading manufacturers, as proven through various audits. Furthermore, they are repeatedly certified in accordance with ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2015. The European Union had already recognized their achievements and innovation in high-tech solutions by co-funding the APRICUM-SECURE project – a module for secure encrypted management and electronic monitoring of infrastructure.

Apricum takes pride in its role as the lead applicant for this project. Its company members have more than 30 years of experience in developing KNX devices and maintaining the system.

Leveraging its expertise in developing KNX devices and supplying electronic components for smart home and infrastructure management, Apricum has consistently invested in advanced technology and human resources to enhance its product offerings.

Recognizing the importance of aligning production processes, business functions, and workforce with optimized technology and process management, this project aims to improve just that.

Part of the project is ensuring Apricum’s ongoing success and adaptability in the face of technological disruptions caused by the ongoing armed and trade conflicts, shortages, and inflation.

Digital Transition Will Minimize Human Errors and Waste Production Simultaneously

The project will contribute to the digital transition through various activities.

These include innovating component preparation processes, and implementing software solutions for optimizing and automating processes in a dedicated shop floor. Additionally, software-managed digital pick-and-place machines will enhance process tracking and optimization. The company will also innovate automatic and manual component assembly processes, integrating software solutions to reduce human error and minimize production waste.

Apricum will focus on integrating all manufacturing steps and thereby enhancing final product quality. By using state-of-the-art solder print systems, the need for cleaning and misprints is reduced, reducing waste and facilitating recycling. Reliable and precise pick and place machines avoid waste of components, saving resources. Modern automated optical inspection systems and intelligent reflow soldering ovens ensure minimum energy consumption combined with maximum production quality with high first yield rates.

The project includes the procurement of advanced equipment and software for digitizing the whole manufacturing process, enabling full traceability, and ensuring controlled quality.

Apricum will innovate the product end-assembly processes by implementing software solutions for machine management and process optimization. The project will also involve the integration of new digital technologies for product labeling and packaging, including efficient laser management software and engraving equipment.

The comprehensive digital transformation of Apricum will encompass production and related business functions. This includes integrating software solutions for document and project management, file management, and operational process optimization. Software for accounting process innovation and synchronization with the production process, machine management, and optimization, tracking the pick and place machine workflow, and optimizing business processes will be implemented.

From Germany to China: Strengthening Apricum’s International Presence

In addition to its remarkable achievements in the field of digital and green technology solutions, Apricum has also made significant strides in expanding its workforce and establishing an international presence. With its headquarters in Split, Croatia, Apricum has been successful in creating employment opportunities and fostering a diverse team of professionals dedicated to driving the company’s growth.

Currently, Apricum employs 40 individuals in its Split location, comprising the production department. Meanwhile, the company’s development segment is based in Germany, where it has witnessed substantial growth and assembled an international team. Alongside Germans and Croatians, Apricum now proudly boasts employees from Iran, Spain, and China, among other nationalities.

China stands as the largest buyer of Apricum’s products, accounting for an impressive 70% of the company’s output. The construction boom in China has created an extraordinary demand for Apricum’s offerings.

Finally, Apricum is thrilled to embark on this transformative project, which will not only enhance its competitive position but also contribute to the broader digital and green transition objectives set by the European Union. By embracing digital technologies and sustainable practices, Apricum is committed to creating a greener and more efficient future for the benefit of its customers.

About Apricum

Apricum is a leading Croatian company specializing in digital and green technology solutions. With a focus on developing KNX technology and electronic components for smart home and infrastructure management, Apricum strives to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to its customers. Apricum is committed to driving the digital and green transition in its industry through cutting-edge technologies and forward-thinking approaches.

Secom Invest $192M in Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo

Secom Co., Ltd, a $15 billion enterprise and one of the largest security integration companies in the world, invests in the two global cloud physical companies, Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo – accelerating the use of AI and improving safety and security.

Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud video surveillance and Brivo, the global leader of cloud-based access control and smart space technologies, today announced one of the largest investments to date in cloud physical security. Secom Co., Ltd one of the largest security integration companies in the world, according to Forbes Global 2000, has made a primary equity investment of $192 million in the two companies, $100M in Eagle Eye Networks and $92M in Brivo.

“Cloud and AI are the future of physical security”

Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo are independent companies majority owned by Dean Drako. Drako founded Eagle Eye Networks in 2012 and serves as CEO; he acquired a majority stake in Brivo in 2015 and is chairman.

“The Secom investment underscores that cloud and AI are the future of physical security,” said Drako. “Both Eagle Eye and Brivo will use a significant portion of the investment to further develop AI that dramatically improves the security of enterprises and businesses globally. The Eagle Eye and Brivo open platforms provide customers with choice, efficiencies, and innovation, all of which this investment will accelerate.”

As independent, open platform companies, Eagle Eye Networks and Brivo integrate with many third-party technology providers, including the leading property management and Proptech platforms. In addition, Eagle Eye and Brivo provide a fully integrated solution that global businesses use to manage risk, identify threats, and respond. The companies’ joint capabilities deliver real-time AI-enabled video and access control events analysis, optimizing safety and security.

The investment will boost R&D and expansion

Eagle Eye Networks will use the investment for continued development of its AI-based analytics capabilities such as Eagle Eye Smart Video Search, Smart Alarms, and Vehicle Intelligence, and to expand its worldwide operations.

Brivo will use the investment to grow sales and marketing, accelerate product development and scale support and operational functions, and evaluate strategic acquisitions. Brivo will also use the additional investment to continue expanding in Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, and enhance the smart spaces and AI functionality in the Brivo Access Platform for its enterprise, multifamily, and commercial real estate customers.

The wire-free way that access control transformed a historic building into modern flexible offices

London, July 2023 – “Work where others would like to work.” According to this principle, Satellite Office has been offering flexible offices in the luxury segment for 25 years. It is a pioneer for premium workspaces in the leading business cities of Germany and Switzerland, with four Satellite Offices in Berlin alone.

In addition to strict requirements for acoustics and equipment, Satellite Office locations also make no compromises when it comes to security.

Due to the flexibility that Satellite Office offers its customers, the workspace specialist was looking for an access solution that is flexible and able to work anywhere, at any time.

In addition, the solution had to be suitable for use in a listed building whose historical appearance and valuable doors must not be altered or damaged.

Easy installation and management with eCLIQ wireless locks

The building at Kurfürstendamm 15 was once a luxury cinema — “Gloria Berlin” — from where Marlene Dietrich attracted global attention in “The Blue Angel”. Today, it is one of the newest Satellite Offices, located inside a historic building renovated with great attention to detail, and including a roof terrace.

To filter and monitor building access, Satellite Office deployed the eCLIQ electronic locking system from ASSA ABLOY. The durable and timeless aesthetic of eCLIQ devices — available as both double and half-cylinders — combines high electronic and mechanical security.

With eCLIQ, the building manager can give users access at specific times only, enabling completely flexible working without overcrowding the workspace. This kind of “traffic management” is easy to implement with eCLIQ — but almost impossible with mechanical locks. Satellite Office uses CLIQ® Local Manager to manage their eCLIQ system. Its user-friendly interface is installed locally on a PC and ideally suited to managing Gloria Berlin and other Satellite Offices. From the convenient terminal, an office manager can issue, program or revoke an eCLIQ key whenever they need.

Another major positive for this heritage setting was eCLIQ’s ease of installation. Doors and components do not need to be wired: To install, a locksmith simply swaps out a door’s existing mechanical cylinder and inserts the eCLIQ device. It takes one screw to fix in place.

Power supply to eCLIQ electronic locks is provided by a long-lasting standard battery inside every eCLIQ key.

The remodelled KUD15 Gloria Berlin with eCLIQ access control received the best possible sustainability certificate from DGNB, Platinum — the first time this has been awarded to a listed building.

INTEGRATION, DIGITALIZATION, SMART SYSTEMS: SICUREZZA 2023 IN NOVEMBER WILL SHOW THE INNOVATION IN THE MARKET

SICUREZZA 2023, one of the leading Italian event for security&fire in Europe, will return at Fiera Milano from 15 to 17 November 2023.

With a wide representative proposal of the market, which will include leading national and international brands of all sectors – CCTV, Intrusion Detection, Fire Prevention, Access Control, Passive Security, CyberSecurity –  SICUREZZA confirms itself as a key appointment for business development, networking and professional training.

One of the key themes of this edition will be digitalisation, a cross-sector trend. Digital technology has revolutionised the security sector over the years – from video surveillance to burglar alarms – and today it involves every product area, including fire protection.

The development of digital technologies has led to a demand for customised and integrated solutions. Security systems are becoming increasingly interconnected, allowing centralised and remote management.

Moreover, digital solutions are very valuable sources of data, which can be analysed at different levels to provide useful information that can improve the management of processes, buildings and cities. Data management and protection, together with the control of critical infrastructures, have become key elements in ensuring a safe and functional urban environment. For this reason, security is becoming increasingly important as an enabling factor in the development of smart cities.

This evolving scenario dominated by those increasingly invisible, hybrid, interconnected and integrated security technology architectures that require even more specialised job figures, able to understand the context and the tools and who have cross skills, from digital to regulatory.

Today’s context requires constant updating and, for this reason, SICUREZZA is also a training event, with conferences and workshops, to offer insights into the new skills required in the sector. For this reason, like every edition, the training programme will be rich, providing a unique opportunity to learn about the most advanced solutions, to discover new skills and expertise, and to keep abreast of trends, regulations and scenarios.

MIBA: THAT EXTRA OPPORTUNITY

With the goal of boosting business opportunities for exhibitors and visitors, SICUREZZA will be part of MIBA – Milan International Building Alliance, and it will be held in conjunction with GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, the new appointment dedicated to horizontal and vertical mobility, ME-MADE expo, Italy’s leading event for the world of architecture and construction, and SMART BUILDING EXPO the home and building automation and technological integration event.

The synergy between these 4 events, which are the expression of the various markets that are called to interact and work together for the creation of efficient buildings, is the format through which the players of this industry will be able to discover the proposals of the most qualified companies.

The four international appointments will introduce the best of the evolution and innovation that is taking place in the building industry in its broadest dimension.

Do you want to discover more?

SICUREZZA online Catalogue, Ticketing and all info about the training program are available on www.sicurezza.it

Fire Alarm & Detection Market Set to See $56 Billion by 2030

The global fire alarm and detection market size is expected to reach USD 56.07 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 7.2% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new study by Grand View Research Inc.

The deployment of fire safety systems in homes and businesses more frequently is anticipated to have an impact on the expansion of the market. The market for fire alarms and detection is also anticipated to develop as a result of factors like an increase in the deployment of fire safety systems in educational institutions and rising awareness of fire detection among the residential and commercial sectors. Analysts also suggest that the market development will be fuelled by technological advancements, increased fire safety awareness, rapid urbanisation, and industrialisation. The commercial and industrial sectors are expanding, and people are becoming more conscious of fire safety, which has a good effect on the business environment.

To preserve lives and prevent injuries, it is vital to install fire alarm and detection systems in everything from homes to buses. Government initiatives to implement fire protection systems in the commercial and residential sectors are anticipated to drive the growth of the market. The market’s growth are anticipated to be constrained by the high initial costs of the systems as well as worries about false alarms and detection failures.

As stated in the new report, government support and initiatives are becoming more prevalent. Various businesses are increasing fire-related expenditures, but death tolls and property losses have also increased. The demand for advanced fire safety systems in fire-prone industrial settings, such as automotive, power & utility, mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas exploration, will drive the market growth over the years.

Asia Pacific region is expected to be the fastest-growing regional market during the forecast period.

Some of the more prominent players in the fire and detection market and mentioned in the report are companies such as, Eaton, Gentex, Halma, Hochiki, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Napco, Nittan, Bosch, Siemens, Space Age Electronics, and United Technologies.

Seagate to Pay $300 Million Penalty for Shipping Huawei 7 Million Hard Drives

Seagate Technology Holdings has agreed to pay a $300 million penalty in a settlement with U.S. authorities for shipping over $1.1 billion worth of hard disk drives to China’s Huawei in violation of U.S. export control laws.

Seagate sold the drives to Huawei between August 2020 and September 2021 despite

an August 2020 rule that restricted sales of certain foreign items made with U.S. technology to the company. Huawei was placed on the Entity List, a U.S. trade blacklist, in 2019 to reduce the sale of U.S. goods to the company amid national security and foreign policy concerns.

The penalty represents the latest in a string of actions by Washington to keep sophisticated technology from China that may support its military, enable human rights abuses or otherwise threaten U.S. security.

Seagate shipped 7.4 million drives to Huawei for about a year after the 2020 rule took effect and became Huawei’s sole supplier of hard drives, the Commerce Department said.

Even after “its competitors had stopped selling to them … Seagate continued sending hard disk drives to Huawei,” Matthew Axelrod, assistant secretary for export enforcement at the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security said in a statement. “Today’s action is the consequence.”

What’s next for access control and facilities management?

Connectivity and convenience are key priorities across multiple business functions and capacities — access control very much included.

 They also emerge as key themes in the latest edition of a key market report. Using new data collected from a survey of 400 security, facilities management and IT professionals around the world, the Wireless Access Control Report 2023 identifies trends set to influence this market over the coming years.

The new Report includes contributions from professionals at Omdia and Digital Access Solutions experts at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.

“A particular focus of the 2023 Report is access control’s potential impact on the wider business — as an enabler for business intelligence, cost efficiency and of course better sustainability performance,” explains Richard Sharp, Director, Product Line Management, Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA.

“The Report also highlights ways for security departments and consultants to contribute directly to strategic business performance.”

Drivers for boosting convenience and efficiency

Convenience — effectively just another way of saying “operational efficiency” — has triumphed. Technology end-users prize flexible, scalable technologies which are easy to use and to integrate with companion systems. In the Report survey, 93% of respondents agreed that compatible, integratable standards are important when choosing or recommending access control.

“Security is often assumed these days,” adds Sharp. “The role of access control is now to help businesses work smarter, saving time and costs in the process.”

The most important technology for convenience is the smartphone. Data from the 2023 Report highlights the growing deployment of mobile credentials in organizations of almost every size and type.

Among the organizations surveyed, 29% said they had already rolled out mobile credentials, in place of or (more often) alongside traditional cards, badges and the like. A further 40% expected to issue smartphone credentials within the next 2 years. According to Omdia research, “no other equipment type in the Physical Access Control (PACS) market is expected to experience a comparable growth rate.”

In most cases, the main motivation is convenience. Survey respondents placed convenience above both cost and security, when asked to list the benefits of mobile credentials. Even in cases where a rollout of mobile is not yet imminent, there is good reason to invest in mobile-ready solutions.

“Future-proofing every investment you make in access control technology, to ensure it offers the option of a future rollout of mobile credentials, is now essential,” says Sharp.

Are security teams ready for holistic cyber/physical security practice?

A growing number of businesses already adopt a holistic approach to security, combining cyber and physical under one internal roof. “It’s not enough to have an efficient, convenient and secure access control system if it doesn’t have the right digital (cyber) protection,” notes the Report. “If the digital part is insecure or flawed, the system is vulnerable, and the same goes for the mechanical part.”

For this reason, cyber-security compliance will soon be a condition of sale for any digital product launched within the EU — and therefore, given the size of the European market, relevant for manufacturers from all over the world.

Yet many ‘traditional’ security staff remain uncertain about relevant regulations, including the European Cybersecurity Act and NIS2, which hits its compliance deadline in 2024.

Indeed, presented with 4 important regional laws and directives which are (or soon will be) critical to cyber- and physical security, 55% of Report survey respondents did not recognize any of them.

Only 12% said they were fully prepared for the implications of cyber-security legislation.

“There is cause for optimism: this is at least a ‘known unknown’,” says Sharp. “It’s now the job of industry leaders like ASSA ABLOY to help customers and partners calculate their next steps in filling this important gap. Now is a good time to upgrade both systems and knowledge.”

How security managers can influence wider business strategy

Who are the main influencers for important decisions around security and access control technology, including budgets? According to Report data, all too often it is not the people who will commission and manage these systems.

However, a deepening focus on cost and workflow efficiency presents an opportunity for security managers and directors to show how their function can contribute to business success.

“Data gathered from security systems can be used in many other areas of the business, such as managing the hybrid working patterns of the staff and improving energy efficiency by only heating and/or lighting areas of the building which are occupied,” notes the Report.

Integration across building systems is critical. The flexible, scalable, interoperable system is about more than just convenience. According to Deloitte*: “The value of integration has long been ignored and those early adopters who have embraced advanced integration have seen those benefits, the reduced risk, and cost savings integrations create.”

Sustainability is another important area where access control decisions make a rapid impact. Wireless locking solutions are faster and less intrusive to install. They use much less energy during usage than wired solutions and usually require very little maintenance. Choosing wireless access control can be an important element in an organization’s sustainability strategy: 89% of survey respondents said their access control technology decisions would be influenced by sustainability concerns.

“Security can escape its silo,” Sharp adds. “Indeed, it must, if organizations are to thrive in the challenging economic climate ahead.”

The 24-page Wireless Access Control Report 2023 includes wider trends coverage and exclusive expert analysis. To download your free copy, visit https://www.assaabloy.com/group/emeia/campaigns/wireless-access-control-report-2023

City of London Police to Deploy Motorola Body Worn Cameras

The City of London Police force is set to roll out the Motorola VB400 body-worn cameras to its entire police force.

“City of London Police is dedicated to ensuring London is a safe and attractive destination, and the body-worn camera roll out will help our officers continue to serve and protect those who live in, work in and visit the city,” said Superintendent Neal Donohoe, City of London Police. “The new video technology will capture valuable incident footage that provides an objective record to promote transparency and accountability while also helping to keep our officers and communities safe.”

Known for its modern approach to policing, the City’s police force relies on advanced technologies to maintain safety and security throughout London’s bustling Square Mile which hosts around 8,000 residents and 513,000 transient commuters who travel in and out of the City each day. The new VB400 body-worn cameras will integrate seamlessly with the police force’s existing ecosystem of technologies to maximize end-to-end safety, security and productivity. Collaboration with the Pronto mobile digital policing platform will align video footage with other incident report information and connectivity with a wide range of sensors will automate recording when critical events occur, such as an officer pressing the emergency button on their MXP600 Tetra portable radio.

Designed to streamline an officer’s workflow, after a shift, officers simply place the VB400 into its dock where it will automatically upload footage of the day’s events into Videomanager evidence management software. Videomanager will store the data in-country and organize it with time, date and location details along with supporting incident data reported by officers.

“We’re proud to support City of London Police with an ecosystem of public safety technologies that help officers form a more complete picture of everything that’s happening around them,” said Fergus Mayne, country manager for U.K. and Ireland at Motorola Solutions. “Ultimately, clear and timely information helps them to work more efficiently and make better-informed decisions, leading to better safety and security outcomes for all.”

This is the latest in a series of Motorola Solutions’ body-worn camera deployments both within law enforcement and enterprises globally, including French Gendarmerie and National Police, London Ambulance Services, Malta Police, U.K.’s National Highways and rail operators, Metro Rio and Swedish Rail.

Interview: Leo Levit, Chairman, ONVIF

In an exclusive interview with a&s Middle East, Chairman Leo Levit charts the course of the ONVIF’s paradigm-shifting role in promoting interconnectivity, metadata processing, and IoT for the needs of the next-gen security industry

a&s Middle East

Mr. Levit, thank you very much for your time. At the very beginning, we would appreciate it if you could introduce yourself to our readership.

I am Leo Levit, Chairman of the Steering Committee of ONVIF. I am also the Director of Systems Integration for Axis Communications, a company I have been with for nearly 8 years. I am based in Lund, Sweden at the global headquarters of Axis. My background also includes positions at Ericsson and Sony where I also contributed to product portfolio and business growth.

What does ONVIF conformance mean, and how it works?

ONVIF develops and publishes interface specifications that manufacturers can implement into their products. Product conformance is based on at least one of the seven profiles developed by ONVIF. Manufacturers test the products using the ONVIF profile-specific test tools to ensure that the products meet the mandatory specifications of the profile. Only companies that are members of ONVIF at the full, contributing (including registered affiliates), and user levels are eligible to submit their products for conformance and have their products listed in the ONVIF conformant products database at onvif.org.

For system integrators and end users, the ONVIF conformance process provides a level of out-of-the-box interoperability between products that conform to the same profile. Today we have a database of more than 26,000 conformant products that the market can select from to build a security system from components of their choosing, regardless of manufacturer.

What are the mandatory features of a product to be conformant to the profile?

Each profile has its own set of mandatory features, and there are also different requirements for devices and clients for that profile, as the capabilities of software clients and hardware are different. For example, in Profile T, it is mandatory for both clients and devices to have media streaming ready out of the box, but PTZ control is mandatory only for clients such as a VMS, as not all devices will be PTZ cameras. The only mandatory requirement across all profiles is the ability for both clients and devices to perform queries to understand which features devices and clients support.

What is ONVIF’s role in deepening relationships between analytics, IoT, AI, and other technologies?

We have actually made great strides in this area in the last few years, with the introduction of Profile M, which address almost all of these technologies at a foundational level in terms of standardizing the handling of metadata and analytics events, providing access to IoT environments, and enabling cloud-based solutions. Bringing these basic capabilities into the ONVIF conformance process expands the choice of and accessibility to products and services for system integrators and end users. As the industry continues to adopt these types of solutions and as these technologies advance, I would expect future ONVIF profiles to address the needs in these areas.

Are you encountering inappropriate competition in this area or products claiming a non-existing ONVIF certificate?

ONVIF has been the de facto standard for IP interoperability for physical security for many years so it’s only natural that we have seen some false claims of conformance. This is fairly common among certification and conformance-based organizations. However, we take these very seriously and consistently monitor for false claims as well as enable the public to report false claims directly to ONVIF, through a reporting tool on our website. We are continually refining our processes to be as robust and reliable as possible.

How is the security industry using meta-data today, and are you satisfied with that direction?

I think the security industry and the greater technology sector are at the beginning of understanding how to truly harness the possibilities of metadata. Our industry’s video devices are some of the most powerful sensors, capable of collecting massive amounts of metadata. So right now we are very good at collecting metadata, but the need to analyze and interpret this information is in its infancy. This is where standardization comes into the picture, as this will allow for greater innovation in this area and the ability to scale the solutions that are developed.

Two years ago ONVIF adopted the GitHub open-source development platform. How has that strategic step been reflected in your operations since then?

The primary driver of moving specification development to GitHub was to reduce the administrative burdens on our volunteer members who oversee this process as well as to provide increased transparency to the ONVIF Core Specification development, which has always been publicly available on our website. Anyone with a GitHub account can now make suggestions on these specifications, including contributions from software engineers and developers from other disciplines, such as cloud services, AI, and IoT. This move to open source will enable us to bring new developments to market more quickly with increased accessibility to ONVIF specifications and because of the automation available via GitHub for the detailed, process-oriented work required to produce technical specifications.

Do you plan any upgrades to the existing profile-based model to improve interconnectivity?

Profiles are developed based on a set of features from the ONVIF Core Specifications that enable companies to develop a functional product solely on the profile specification. This profile concept will not change. What we have done is introduce a concept called an Add-on, which is centered on addressing a specific use case. An add-on, by itself, is not comprehensive enough to qualify as a profile. These add-ons can be developed more quickly and allow member companies more flexibility when bringing new features to market that increase interoperability and fall under the ONVIF conformance process. As an example, we expect our first add-on to support TLS configuration, which is scheduled to be released this year.

How do you deliver the full benefits to cloud-based ecosystems at the time of their surge in popularity?

The ONVIF value proposition is to expand interoperability between different technologies and accessibility to those technologies to market players of all sizes, using our standards. With the cloud, our mission here is the same. It is important that we address what is specifically needed to help the industry expand into this area and diversify from the traditional device-to-client scenario that is keeping things on-premise. Determining the most suitable way to standardize the method of communication within different cloud components will be key.

Will the meteoric rise of AI have any short-term impact on the way you approach your goals, or is it still too early to predict the outcome?

I would say that it is definitely too early to predict the outcome, but there is no doubt that the growth rate in AI and the need to address the impacts with standards have accelerated our pace and refined our direction in this area. We see this as a natural progression of our support for the industry and also an opportunity to grow the scope of ONVIF outside of the traditional physical security realm into cloud and metadata. This includes how this information is communicated and received, stored and analyzed, and how the cloud aspects of this integrate with other components as part of a hybrid system.

Your position sounds like a very unique one. You have a genuine overview of thousands of products available in the market. What is the big picture you see? Where is this industry of meta-data processing devices and IoT as a whole heading?

Technology is developing at warp speed, much faster than the industry can adapt to on both the manufacturer and end-user levels. This includes AI technology and the shift from moving boxes to selling services and everything in between. From an ONVIF perspective, this will only continue as systems gradually migrate to the cloud, offering increased computing power for metadata and analytics and growing accessibility to larger IoT environments.

We have already set the stage for this transition in Profile M in two key areas.  Profile M conformant “devices” can now be physical hardware or a cloud- or server-based service or software, moving away from the traditional hardware device-to-software client paradigm. And because Profile M leverages MQTT, a common communications protocol in the IoT space, this opens up possibilities for new integrated applications and the ability to connect to different entities in an loT or automation ecosystem.

What will the main focus of ONVIF be in the following five years?

It is likely that working in the areas of metadata, IoT, cloud, and analytics will be at the forefront for the next five years, and probably many more after that. However, the work of ONVIF is driven solely by its members, and it is up to the members to determine new profiles, add-ons, or other similar initiatives. As these technology areas will be major drivers of the physical security industry, we can see areas of potential work, such as standardizing measures that ensure video integrity, as well as further support for metadata and cloud connectivity. One thing that is certain is that we will continue with our mission, which is to provide standardized interfaces for the interoperability of IP physical security products. This has guided us since our founding in 2008 and has led to the increasing number of conformant products that the industry can select from to build systems with components of their choice, regardless of manufacturer.

 

The Impact of ONVIF Conformance

ONVIF’s conformance process allows system integrators and end users to select from over 26,000 conformant products to build a security system tailored to their needs, regardless of manufacturer.

Out-of-the-box interoperability between products that conform to the same profile provides ease of integration and seamless functionality.

The ONVIF conformance process ensures adherence to mandatory specifications, promoting reliable and standardized communication between devices and clients.

 

Embracing Cloud and IoT with ONVIF

ONVIF’s adoption of the GitHub open-source development platform enables increased collaboration and transparency, fostering innovation and development in cloud-based solutions.

Profile M opens up possibilities for leveraging metadata, analytics, and IoT technologies, enabling the integration of cloud- and server-based services in addition to traditional hardware devices.

Standardization in communication methods within cloud components is a key focus area to enhance interoperability and drive the growth of cloud-based ecosystems.

 

Can Your Fire System Do This?

Fire detection and alarm systems are increasingly complex and sophisticated, benefiting from cutting-edge digital technology. As a fire alarm engineer working with these systems, it can be hard to keep on top of your electrical skills and the latest regulations/installation standards, let alone the many different features available.

Vladimir Zrnic, Regional Sales Manager for Europe at Advanced explains the diagnostic features of fire panels that can save you time, money, and hassle.

Despite many engineers being highly trained, without the right tools undertaking routine tasks can be challenging and time-consuming. Thankfully, the features of today’s fire panels offer tangible benefits, delivering versatility, ease of use, and time-saving capabilities that were previously unavailable.

 Standard logging versus trace logging

One of the first things to do to troubleshoot a suspected system fault is refer to the fire panel’s log. A high-quality system can quickly flag any system faults – within seconds in some cases. Although useful, standard logging gives only one part of the picture and provides minimal help in cases where the cause of the problem is not straightforward.

Trace logging is a feature of some modern fire panels that offers a more complete log of a fire system’s events covering the standard fire, faults, alarms, and pre-alarms as well as advanced diagnostic reports on corrupt data and device interrupts. This detailed view of a system’s faults can radically reduce the time it takes to establish the true cause of the problem, allowing you to implement a quick, effective remedy.

The process of fault-finding can be significantly more difficult when working with a fire alarm control panel that doesn’t feature a diagnostic logging mode. These panels may register a number of intermittent faults, without offering further traceability to these events. Commonly where a fire panel has a limited ability to trace a fault, issues within a system can go unresolved for long periods of time, placing the safety of occupants within a building or a site at risk.

Some fire systems give you the ability to transfer the panel’s event log to a PC where you can then use software, such as the Service Tool on Advanced’s Axis EN control panels, to drill down into specific events and information. Integrated software allows you to easily identify particular devices that are returning corrupt messages, and even lets you predict when faults are likely to occur. Once a problematic device or area has been identified, you are then able to investigate.

The oscilloscope

In cases where you are working across large sites, identifying disturbances on a loop can prove labour-intensive and time-consuming.

An oscilloscope built into the fire alarm control panel will not only relieve you of having to carry around additional equipment but also provides a graphical representation of the signalling voltages/currents and waveforms on the display. This gives a detailed view of the loop operational conditions which can’t be seen using multi-meters or volt meters.

As the only intelligent addressable fire alarm control panel in the world to offer an onboard oscilloscope, Advanced’s Axis EN panel provides readings from any loop, making it easy to identify forms of noise that may be causing faults. The oscilloscope also lets you easily use trigger addresses from the loop to identify issues and investigate. This is a particularly useful feature on large sites with multiple panel networks, such as high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hotels, or college campuses.

The multi-meter

A high-performance fire panel will provide you with powerful tools that enable you to quickly and efficiently access information in order to make key decisions. A multimeter is an instrument designed to take precise measurements of electric current, voltage, and usually resistance across the system.

In a well-designed system, all devices have the optimum voltage in order to be able to communicate back to the panel. However, if that voltage drops below a certain level, devices can drop off the system or report intermittent faults.

Uniquely, Advanced’s Axis EN fire alarm control panels come with an in-built multi-meter designed to measure all voltages and currents across the fire alarm system. For engineers, a multi-meter within the fire panel makes it easy to identify voltage/current levels in real-time without needing to set up a portable multi-meter or probing circuits, which speeds up the commissioning process.

What is next for diagnostics?

As technology evolves and the fire industry moves increasingly towards cloud communications and data analytics, we will continue to see a trend toward more digital-driven products and remote services. This evolution towards smarter systems will provide an even deeper insight into modern fire systems, ultimately improving safety as well as saving time and money for engineers and end users alike.

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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.