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Memoori: The major trends shaping the physical security as we move into 2023

Memoori Research Senior IoT and Security Analyst Owen Kell shares his insights on the trends that will shape the physical security industry in the year ahead.

By: Owen Kell, Senior IoT & Security Analyst, Memoori Research

Ongoing geopolitical & trade tensions threaten to put the brakes on Chinese expansion

China’s leading video surveillance giants have become increasingly dependent on foreign markets. In terms of global revenues, giants Hikvision and Dahua Technology have retained their dominance through 2022, reporting strong overseas sales growth in H1 2022, and generating revenues of over $16.7 billion in 2021.

Their future growth is, however, threatened by a combination of weak domestic demand (largely due to the knock-on effects of the Chinese government’s increasingly controversial zero-Covid approach and resultant regular lockdowns of major cities), ongoing trade tensions between China and the West, and a weakening global economic outlook.

Tensions over alleged human rights violations and the ongoing trade war between China and the U.S. has seen continued legislative moves, new sanctions, and tit-for-tat trade barriers erected that have hugely disrupted the flow of both physical security products and key product components critical to ongoing innovation between the two nations, as well as the ability of their respective manufacturers to trade in their respective markets.

Furthermore, the recently announced US government export restrictions imposed on leading chip designers NVIDIA and AMD will stymie China’s ability to cost-effectively carry out the kind of advanced computing required to remain competitive in the fields of computer vision and natural language processing AI.

Restrictions on Chinese physical products sales to particular market verticals (or indeed a total bar on sales of all of a particular company’s technology) continue to increase not only in the U.S., but also in other Western nations, and it seems that the geopolitical and trade tensions are set to get worse before they get better.

Chinese chipmakers are not yet capable of replicating the performance of these advanced NVIDIA and AMD chips, so as a result, Chinese AI researchers may be forced to revert to using multiple lower-end chips to replicate the processing power.

AI adoption goes mainstream

After several years of false dawns and over-hype, through a series of incremental steps, AI-enabled solutions have become increasingly commercially viable in the physical security space. The pace of change over the past 12 months has been particularly remarkable, with new research papers that push the boundaries of what is possible being released on virtually a weekly basis.

We have observed significant improvements in terms of the speed, accuracy and cost of machine-learning solutions for practical applications in security-related fields including complex facial recognition, cutting-edge video surveillance scene processing, audio analytics and robotics/drones, to the extent that leading AI algorithms in several areas now far exceed human capabilities for several use cases.

While the most advanced AI relies on significant computational power and processing capability, a combination of improved edge processing capabilities at the device level and flexible access to increasingly affordable cloud-based computing resources now make accessing these innovations a viable option for many firms.

The race is now on between vendors to integrate next generation AI-enabled security functionality into end-user focused applications in a way that facilitates accessibility, practicality and ease of use for everyday security scenarios. AI is increasingly replacing the manual effort required for some roles, with data interpretation that formerly required human input now being handled algorithmically, automating processes or steps to make managing security that much easier.

For security staff, this will lead to a reduction in the amount of time spent monitoring screens or watching out for alarm notifications, and more time spent conducting higher-value work. AI will be leveraged to help analyze, evaluate and prioritize data feeds, and then provide real-time prioritization and recommendations on security issues requiring the attention of the security staff.

Making this kind of AI functionality accessible to security professionals will also require integration of AI/ML tools into existing software and platforms in a way that minimizes the need for coding or technical expertise to operate, as well as providing accessibility through multiple media including handheld devices.

While concerns over the ethical usage of AI and algorithm biases will persist, the increasing levels of integration of AI tech into all manner of everyday services and solutions (particularly into digital media generation) will lead to increasingly widespread acceptance of the technology in society as a whole.

An increasingly cyber-conscious customer base

Smart buildings are experiencing an explosion in the volume of IoT devices being deployed, as well as ever-increasing levels of convergence between IT and OT networks. These factors, combined with the growing sophistication of malicious actors and increased reliance on cloud services mean that smart buildings are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cyberattacks.

The last 18 months have seen a huge rise in ransomware attacks, as well as rising costs per incident of cyberattacks on businesses around the world[1]. All too often, IoT-enabled building automation or physical security systems have acted as the “soft underbelly” of organizational cyber defense, with multiple high-profile cases of security breaches serving to highlight the risk and vulnerabilities posed.

At the customer level, awareness of cyber risk, cost implications and even the adverse effect of cyber risks on building owners/operators’ ability to effectively insure their buildings, is steadily increasing. We have observed increasingly strict cyber policies adoption among more sophisticated clients over the past year to mitigate these growing threats, with many companies adopting a “Zero Trust” approach to network architectures, as well as continuous verification as well as investments into systems hardening.

Here again, AI will also play an increasing role – both in cyberattacks and cyber defense.

Memoori’s recent report into AI & Machine Learning in Smart Buildings found that AI tools and building blocks for launching an offensive AI-driven cyberattack have already been developed by bad actors, with several incidents identified by researchers indicating that AI had been used to execute attacks faster or to gain deeper access into a system. In terms of protecting against the threat, AI is increasingly being deployed to provide cyber-risk analytics for improving organizational resilience and understanding cyber risk by improving threat intelligence, prediction, and protection as well as enabling faster attack detection and reducing the need for human cybersecurity experts.

As demonstrable cybersecurity capability moves from being a “nice to have” to a “must have” in the eyes of an increasingly cyber-conscious customer base, security solution vendors seeking to differentiate themselves will need to invest in areas including security by design, gaining cyber certification, demonstrating cyber standards compliance, and independent testing and validation of their products to help differentiate their offerings.

Other trends to watch out for in 2023

Other trends we’re actively monitoring that we believe will continue to significantly impact the market for Physical Security include:

  • Ongoing global supply chain woes, which look set to continue well into 2023, impacting stock levels, price inflation and component availability.
  • Continued blurring of the lines between cloud and on-prem physical deployments as increasing numbers of end users embrace hybrid deployment models for at least part of their security solution.
  • Rising demand for security systems integration and interoperability for better reporting and control of other building/business functions for applications including occupancy analytics, energy efficiency and improving the employees or tenant experience.

The ideas presented in this article draw on the findings of several recent Memoori’s research reports into cybersecurity for smart buildings, IoT in smart buildings, and AI applications for smart buildings, and will form part of Memoori’s forthcoming annual research into the Physical Security market, due for publication in December 2022.

[1] https://www.ibm.com/security/data-breach

Novaira Insights: Video surveillance market growth continues; price has increased, too.

Video surveillance is a key element in security. So how has the video surveillance market fared recently, and how is it expected to perform in the years to come? asmag.com spoke with Josh Woodhouse, Lead analyst and Founder, and Jon Cropley, Principal analyst, of Novaira Insights, which recently released a video surveillance market report.

By: William Pao, Senior Reporter

According to the report, “The world market for video surveillance hardware and software,” the global video surveillance market grew 16.4 percent in 2021. An easing of restrictions on movement and efforts to meet pent-up demand post-COVID were cited as some of the key growth drivers. Indeed, amid project resumptions and construction booms in various parts of the world, a continuation of growth in the video surveillance market is all but expected.

Price hikes resulting from supply shortages

However, the report cited the global average price of a network camera increased by over 7 percent last year, making 2021 the first year in which the global average price of a network camera increased rather than decreased. A main reason cited by the report was a shortage of components used for production of video surveillance equipment, resulting in higher prices for those components; this then forced video surveillance equipment vendors who were unable to absorb such cost increases to raise the prices of their own equipment.

Especially, vendors were faced with a shortage in semiconductors, which are the basis for image signal processors and SoCs that are key components in IP cameras.

CHIP Act may help somewhat, but not in short term

“A shortage of semiconductors was particularly problematic. However, there was also shortages of resistors and materials such as some plastics and metals,” Woodhouse and Cropley said, adding that the CHIP Act recently signed into law in the United States may improve the chip shortage situation somewhat, but not anytime soon.

“It is likely that the CHIP Act will lead to greater production of semiconductors in the U.S. in the longer term. However, it will take years for new production facilities to be built and for volumes to ramp up. The impact of the CHIP Act is therefore likely to only start being felt towards the end of the forecasts in our report (our forecasts run to 2026),” Woodhouse and Cropley said.

According to both, general inflationary pressures will force vendors to increase prices yet further in 2022 and 2023. This, then, is expected to produce an impact in the video surveillance market. “SIs and end users will purchase fewer surveillance cameras than they would do if prices weren’t rising. This will mean that camera unit shipment growth will be lower in 2022 than it was in 2021. Growth will then be even lower in 2023 than it was in 2022,” Woodhouse and Cropley said. “The global average price of a network camera and an analog camera is forecast to fall again in 2024. However, a more prolonged period of high inflation presents a serious risk to this forecast.”

As for next year, the report said the global video surveillance market for hardware and software is forecast to grow at 11.7 percent in 2022 and will be worth an estimated US$28.2 billion. “We are forecasting much lower growth in 2023 followed by gradual recovery with growth increasing from 2024 onwards,” Woodhouse and Cropley said.

Cloud adoption increases, especially in U.S.

Technology-wise, a gradual trend to using the cloud for video surveillance also continued in 2021, particularly in the Americas region where the market for cloud video management software exceeded $150 million, the report said. It forecasts the number of cloud-connected surveillance cameras in the Americas will grow on average over twice as quickly as new network camera shipments between 2021 and 2026.
Especially, the report found the United States has been quicker to adopt cloud for video surveillance than most other countries in the world. Woodhouse and Cropley explains why this might be.
“It is down to a mixture of factors. A major factor is that it has many organizations with distributed sites, each with a small number of cameras. Furthermore, these organizations operate in a large country using a common language and a common set of rules on data residency, privacy etc. Bandwidth availability and cost have been more favorable than in some other countries too,” they said.

OSSA: Orchestrating the Digital Data Flow

Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA), a collaborative initiative focused on creating a framework for standards and specifications in the security, safety and building automation space, shares their thoughts on the unfolding trend that will change the security industry in the year to come.

By: Gijs van den Heuvel, Chair of Marketing at the Open Security & Safety Alliance (OSSA) and Manager Strategy and Partner Collaboration at Bosch Security Systems

As an industry alliance, we have a good idea of what’s in the works by our members when it comes to innovating across important areas within security, safety and beyond. OSSA representatives hail from some of the most influential companies in this space – such as Bosch, Hanwha Techwin, Milestone Systems and VIVOTEK – and together are determined to continue bringing forth an open, data-driven ecosystem.

The IoT is all about connecting things to make life easier, more intelligent, more intuitive and more productive. OSSA workgroups have projects underway that are primed to unify and elevate the market as a whole, so that there will be headspace to grow for all participants.

Already, OSSA organizations specified hardware and software conditions to make it possible to run third-party (AI) analytics applications securely on existing, brand-agnostic computer vision devices (starting with cameras). Working together spurred a handful of specifications for building common components (e.g., for core system requirements, cyber security directions and application interface APIs) that can be utilized jointly.

Now, a notable future trend our members are funneling expertise into is bringing about new levels of data and information sharing to all we do when it comes to smart cameras and related IoT devices. How can we achieve next-level dissemination of extremely valuable data flows sensed by products that collect data in their brand-specific siloes? How do we establish open but secure pathways to easily share and uniformly interpret data to connect the dots when it comes to surveillance and activities being captured and contained on edge-computing devices?

Millions of “things” generate, accumulate and house heaps of factual insights that – unfortunately all too often – remain untapped and stagnant once recorded. If corralled, connected and optionally given an artificial intelligence/ML scrub, this information brings a bigger picture of what transpired across, for example, surveillance systems. Taking frames or moments from various devices and drawing relationships between them to form a cohesive “data flow” opens up a massive new corridor of IoT-based possibilities. According to our group, there resides tremendous value in making data from one source consistently interpretable for another.

Imagine harnessing content from a camera that captures a car and applies its license plate app to read the details. This car crosses in front of the building, and minutes later another camera across the facility records an individual scaling a fence in the vicinity where the car was last detected. Finally, a third camera on the opposite side of the building records an individual onsite in an unauthorized area, and an open platform app detects a gun in hand. The system immediately then alerts security personnel about a potential threat. Tying this crucial information together seamlessly across a natural path of data flowing from security and safety devices takes us to a new frontier delivering not only what’s “seen” but more importantly what’s “sensed.” This is the future if device manufacturers and other stakeholders participate in an industry-driven ecosystem.

OSSA members are working on a set of generic, vendor-neutral data Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) to enable this type of uniform consumption and data interpretation across cameras or computer vision gateways in adherence with OSSA standards. It is also designed to apply across other device types within the IoT security and safety domain to provide a loose coupling between any pair of send/receive applications that collect, digest and interpret data. Enabling content from various brands and device types to be interpreted in an open forum brings newfound levels of storytelling and safety to our security situations.

Coupled with progress that continues around allowing for easy integration of third-party AI analytics applications on “Driven by OSSA” video cameras and gateways in an agnostic fashion, OSSA facilitates cooperation on many levels. There’s a front-row seat for anyone interesting in expanding this collaboration framework to together lift our industry to new levels of openness, innovation, interoperability and success.

The role of access control in enabling more flexible working

London – December 2022: A recent Future Forum survey found that 58% of knowledge workers already follow a hybrid work pattern: “Flexibility is the expectation — and increasingly the norm,” the report concludes*. Further growth in flexible working is a certainty. These changing work patterns make flexibility in security ever more critical. Choosing the right access control solution will make a big difference.

 Office-based working, telecommuting, work-from-home (WFH), co-working spaces and hotdesking: All these habits and schedules are now part of the mix, almost everywhere.

As the fixed “working day” declines, people come and go at different times, with changing schedules, irregular patterns and a mix of different places where they work. This presents a challenge which many existing access control systems and workflows were not built to meet.

Many of the old certainties are replaced by questions. How can I now ensure the right people — and only the right people — get seamless access when they need? How do I foster a sense of comfort and safety among workplace users — and peace of mind for the facility managers — even as people come and go in less predictable day-to-day patterns?

The role of access control: same demands, new challenges

Access control has always been critical for building security. Changing work patterns, however, mean monitoring and filtering who can go where — and at what times — is becoming even more essential. They ensure staff and visitors move safely and conveniently into and around the workplace.

Mechanical lock-and-key security has established centuries of trust. It works. But it is neither flexible nor intelligent enough to meet these new challenges.

Electronic access control, on the other hand, has this flexibility. And the quickest way to implement it — to enable a fast, efficient move to secure hybrid working — is wirelessly.

The wireless advantage for modern workplaces

The control enabled by wireless, battery-powered door locks managed by intuitive software gives facility managers the power to issue more fine-grained access permissions. Employees, contractors, cleaners, event attendees and visitors can all get the access they need — no more and no less.

Credentials may be programmed to unlock doors during specific timeframes, so staff enter only when scheduled, for example. Facility managers can regulate daily access to keep building occupancy within capacity.

Last-minute or emergency changes to access rights are no problem, because credentials have flexibility that mechanical keys do not. With the remote management functionality, office managers can perform any operation remotely, even if they are away from the premises. In case of an emergency, they could lock or open doors remotely, for example.

Mobile credentials offer even more: They can update over the air in an instant, via software which can provide control in real time, from anywhere and around the clock.

“An access system which offers this degree of control, and more, is much easier to adopt than many business owners and managers imagine,” says Mikel Gaztañaga at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions.

“It can provide the backbone for more efficient management of people and their security as work becomes more flexible. The right solution should also integrate with important flexible office services like support ticketing, room bookings and more.”

Wireless, battery-powered devices are fast to install and run without any mains connection. They are easy to retrofit without damaging walls and use little energy during use, unlike equivalent wired doors. Their cost-effectiveness enables fitting at many more doors than would be feasible with any alternative solution.

Flexible access control required for a flexible co-working space

In the co-working sector, flexible access to offices is a priority. As “fixed” space rented by corporations begins to fall, co-working spaces are expected to keep growing. In one recent survey, 69% of large companies “identified flexible office space as the most in-demand amenity of the future”**.

To stand out from the competition, the founders of ULab in Alicante wanted the latest in security, accessibility and design to create their 21st-century business centre***.

Flexible and wire-free, a SMARTair® system gives ULab real-time access control via credentials which are easy to program and reprogram. ULab managers chose Openow™, the Mobile Key solution for SMARTair. It gives workspace residents an option to carry virtual keys on their smartphone. It’s slick, efficient and gives ULab users and managers even more flexibility.

SMARTair software manages access for ULab’s 100 daily users. They also have the flexibility to welcome many more visitors when the event space is full.

“In addition to regular daily traffic, weekly traffic can almost multiply by 10 if an event is held,” says Enrique Burgos Pérez, Director at ULab. “We needed an access control system as flexible and convenient as SMARTair.”

To learn more about how access control can help support a flexible working model, you can download our solution guide at https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/smartair-coworking

Free webcast: Learn how BIM and specification support makes life easier for architects and building managers

London, November 2022 – Facilities and security managers, architects, building managers and many others can benefit from the time-saving support provided by a BIM and specification partnership. A webcast on December 8th introduces the process for a non-specialist audience — and explains how partnership frees up time and reduces project costs.

 “No prior expertise is needed,” says Marc Ameryckx, BIM Development Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “That is the main message of our next webcast.”

From doors and door closers to wireless electronic access control, ASSA ABLOY has solutions for almost any building or opening. “This range gives us uniquely broad-based knowledge about standards and certifications,” explains Mark.

During the webcast, experts from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions will explain how their knowledge can help all building stakeholders — from architects to facility managers — to save time and money in building specification.

“Leaning on our expertise streamlines project management for both new-builds and retrofits. Our partners deliver faster, better and more cost-effectively.”

The value of a specification partnership

Specifying door and security solutions can be complex and time-consuming. Partnering with an expert helps architects, facility managers and other stakeholders complete their projects more time- and cost-efficiently.

When they choose ASSA ABLOY, architects enjoy personalized support from a dedicated, locally based specification team. It frees up designers’ time to focus on their core task: delivering their vision for the finished building.

ASSA ABLOY specification experts help ensure issues around fire safety and barrier-free accessibility are built into designs as early as possible. Because teams are based across ASSA ABLOY’s global network, they bring expertise on local issues, standards and certifications — and can attend in-person project meetings.

In addition, ASSA ABLOY offers in-depth support for six global green building certifications: BREEAM, LEED, Green Star, WELL, DGNB, HQE*.

Understand benefits over the full building life-cycle

The advantages of a BIM and specification partnership extend beyond the design and build stage. It also creates a legacy store of knowledge which benefits facilities management, health and safety, maintenance, refurbishment and more over the lifetime of the building.

The webcast — which is free to attend — will introduce stakeholders to these benefits in an accessible, non-technical way.

“Our expertise in every solution around the door helps to simplify some of the most painful processes in building design and management,” adds Mark.

“The main motivation for this webcast is to show non-specialists how they will really benefit from partnership with a specification expert.”

ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions’ BIM and Specification live webcast takes place at 11am CET on December 8th.  Everyone who registers also receives a link to download a recording of the webcast at a later date. Register now at https://app.livestorm.co/assa-abloy-opening-solutions/door-solutions-in-bim-data-and-collaboration-are-the-keys-to-success

MOBOTIX video technology 100 percent NDAA compliant

MOBOTIX AG confirms that all MOBOTIX products and systems comply with the requirements of the United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) and are 100% NDAA-compliant.

The NDAA Section 889 contains a new set of guidelines that allow for increased protection against espionage and hacker attacks. In addition, there are named Chinese companies that produce components used for telecommunications purposes, (including security products) that will be no longer be acceptable.

For clarification purposes, MOBOTIX does not use any SoC (System on Chip) or any other components that are capable of processing software from Chinese companies. Furthermore, MOBOTIX products that are sourced from its OEM partners (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are also 100% NDAA compliant. MOBOTIX has clearly demonstrated a defined 3-step self-certification process that its products and systems do not contain forbidden components.

“MOBOTIX technology is not only a world leader from a quality perspective, but also from a data and cyber-security perspective.  It has always been extremely important for us not to use components from risky suppliers to protect the security of our customers and partners through our own design.” explains Hartmut Sprave, CTO of MOBOTIX AG.

HEP Group once again relies on cooperation with MSR-Electronic

Using energy once, profiting twice – that is the principle of combined heat and power (CHP). Whereas electricity and usable heat were usually generated separately so far, cogeneration combines these processes. The result is that less fuel is required overall. Its application offers enormous potential for climate protection and conservation of resources. The increased use contributes to reducing CO2 emissions and lowering the demand for primary energy.

The Croatian energy company HEP-TE-TO Sisak

HEP TE-TO Sisak (HEP Group) is a Croatian energy company in the Sisak Moslavina district, south of Zagreb. It has been engaged in the generation, distribution and supply of electricity for more than a century. For the last decades it also deals with the distribution and supply of thermal energy and natural gas.

The entire thermal power plant consists of various production units. The highly efficient combined heat and power unit EL-TO, Unit C. This is powered by natural gas, generates electricity of 235 MW and a thermal output of 50 MWt. Natural gas is an ideal fuel for CHP plants and at the same time a naturally occurring gas consisting largely of methane gas. In the gas-processing industry, gas warning systems from MSR-Electronic can reduce fire and explosion risks immensely, as they provide very early warning of dangerous situations.

Copyright HEP Group

Stationary gas detectors for safe methane gas monitoring

MSR-Electronic develops and produces reliable fixed gas detectors. The permanent monitoring and storage of the measured values serve the primary explosion protection and thus the safety of human life and equipment. Once again, after a carbon monoxide gas detection system in 2016, the HEP Group relies on MSR-Electronic and this time on a methane gas monitoring application.

PolyXeta PX2 gas detector

The PolyXeta2 PX2 gas detector by MSR for the ATEX zone is used for detecting methane gas leakage. The microprocessor-based gas sensor with output signal as well as alarm and fault relays (all SIL2 certified) monitors the ambient air for combustible gases and vapours using: an infrared sensor element and a catalytic sensor element (pellistor). Analog signal values (4–20 mA), such as measured values and alarm activation, are sent to the DCS (Distributed Control System). The digital signal of the detector is sent to the ventilation cabinet to activate additional fans and to shut down the air chambers.

The 4–20 mA / RS-485 Modbus output signal makes the sensor suitable for connection to: PolyGard2 gas controller series from MSR-Electronic, other controllers from MSR-Electronic, and automation devices from MSR. As an option, the PolyXeta2 sensor is also available with LCD and relay output.

Sensors with LCD have an integrated calibration routine that is started from the outside by means of a permanent magnet without opening the housing. In the event of an alarm or error, the backlight changes from green to red. The calibration of sensors without LCD display is carried out via the handy MSR calibration device STL06-PGX2 or the PC software PCE06-PGX2.

The methane gas detectors were installed near the gas turbines and in the final gas filtration area at unit C, in zone 2, by the Croatian MSR partner Aurel d.o.o.

Further information on MSR products can be found in the current online catalog or in the webshop.

MSR-Electronic’s methane gas detector PX2

MSR-Electronic’s methane gas detector PX2

 

Smart cities market predicted to grow by almost 15% to 2027

According to a research report published by Marketsandmarkets, the smart cities market is expected to grow from USD 511.6 billion in 2022 to USD 1024.4 billion by 2027, at a CAGR of 14.9% during the forecast period.

The smart cities market is growing due to the rising need for public safety and advanced communication infrastructure, growing adoption of connected and smart technologies, rising energy optimisation requirements, and intensifying citizen engagement.

Smart transport

By smart transportation solution, passenger information management is expected to register the fastest growth rate during the forecast period. The passenger information system is an important link between passengers and transit service providers and keeps travellers updated quickly and precisely. It focuses on the current location of the bus, estimated arrival time and departure time, and vacant seats and keeps the passenger updated. It is an electronic operating tool that provides its passengers with, at any given time, visual and acoustic information to passengers on a route, both automatically and programmed manually.

Building automation

In terms of the actual smart buildings, it is the commercial sector that the analysts estimate will account for the largest market share in 2022. The HVAC, smart lighting, and monitoring are some of the important factors affecting the comfort and productivity of employees in commercial settings. HVAC control systems provide precise temperature control and improve the air quality in commercial buildings. The automation of building temperature, security, and maintenance increases the overall efficiency of commercial buildings. The energy performance of commercial buildings is a major challenge for the commercial sector as these buildings consume higher energy and generate more waste in the form of carbon and other solid wastes. Therefore, appropriate and tailor-made solutions are needed for optimised energy performance to reduce building energy consumption without compromising comfort or security.

Dynamic urbanisation

Geographically, Asia Pacific is projected to be the fastest-growing market for smart city solutions due to the adoption of new technologies, rising investments in digital transformation, and growing GDP in the Asia Pacific countries. Developed economies, such as China, Japan, and South Korea, which are the most technologically advanced, are the highest contributors to the smart city market in the region. The region also constitutes major economies, such as Singapore, Australia, and India. As the world’s most dynamic region for urbanisation, Asia Pacific is home to a majority of developing Asia Pacific members experiencing rapid urbanisation. Major vendors such as ZTE, Huawei, and NEC Corporation have already invested huge amounts in telecom infrastructure, and this spending is expected to increase. Due to the large number of 5G deployments and initiatives taken by major Asian mobile operators to resolve the problem of high bandwidth requirements, the smart cities market in the Asia Pacific is expected to have enormous growth in the coming years.

Main market players

The major vendors covered in the smart cities market include Cisco, IBM, Siemens, Microsoft, Hitachi, Schneider, Huawei, Intel, NEC, ABB, Ericsson, Oracle, Fujitsu, Honeywell, Accenture, Vodafone, AWS, Thales, Signify, Kapsch, Motorola, GE, Google, TCS, Nokia, Samsung, SAP, Tomtom, Appway, Ketos, Gaia, Takadu, Flamencotech, Xenius, Bright Cities, Maydtech, Zencity and Ixden.

MOBOTIX completes MOBOTIX 7 camera series with three indoor models

MOBOTIX completes its MOBOTIX 7 camera series with the MOBOTIX v71, c71, and p71 indoor cameras. Maximum MOBOTIX 7 performance without needing costly weather protection enables lower system prices than outdoor versions. In addition, the indoor models can be operated particularly energy-savingly in PoE Class 3 (max. 12.95 W). Depending on the application area, in many cases, the maximum illumination intensity or peripheral devices supplied via USB are not required. It is easy to switch to the higher PoE+ class for full power requirements via the camera software.

Best image quality day and night

The hemispherical c71 has a detailed 360° HiRes image sensor with 4K resolution, automatic day and night switching, and IR light. The v71 and p71 indoor domes – with and without domes – are available with 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) or maximum light-sensitive 4MP Ultra LowLight day & night sensors and lenses with 15° up to 120° (120° only for p71) horizontal viewing angle.

The new p71 is particularly eye-catching. It not only impresses with its distinctive design but also does without a dome, which completely avoids potential light reflections and thus guarantees the best possible view. For indoor applications with maximum lens and vandalism protection, such as in public buildings, the robust dome variant v71 with IK10 polycarbonate dome is recommended. In general, the wide range of lenses, the use of high-quality components and materials (e.g., aluminum housing), the additional IR LEDs integrated into all models, and the high-resolution light-sensitive sensors ensure reliability, durability, and brilliant image quality in all lighting conditions.

Far more than just security applications

All new video systems are part of the open MOBOTIX 7 platform, designed to meet the most demanding challenges, using AI-based apps that enable customized and future-proof solutions.

“Video technology has long since gone beyond pure security applications,” said MOBOTIX CEO Thomas Lausten. “Our intelligent systems detect hazards, support processes and workflows, and relieve the burden on people and equipment in many applications. For example, in healthcare, the systems take over monitoring tasks for nursing staff, freeing them up to provide more intensive personal care. In industry, we have already been able to achieve impressive savings through targeted process monitoring for companies in various sectors,” says Lausten. “In some cases, the cameras pay for themselves in just a few months.”

This is made possible by appropriately powerful and expandable hardware and by the open software platform, on which even resource-hungry applications based on artificial intelligence can be operated with high performance. Each MOBOTIX 7 camera, therefore, comes with a comprehensive range of integrated applications. Optionally, applications from well-known partner companies and individual applications that fully meet a customer’s needs and areas of application can be developed and integrated.

“Our previous MOBOTIX 7 camera models were primarily designed as outdoor cameras. With the indoor versions, we now offer a more cost-effective option – also in the long term thanks to further reduced power consumption – for using MOBOTIX 7 applications wherever the complex weather protection of the outdoor models is not necessary,” explains Lausten.

Specifications of the MOBOTIX 7 indoor cameras

As is customary at MOBOTIX, the systems developed in-house are hand-assembled and intensively tested in Langmeil. Thomas Lausten is particularly proud of this: “Our “Made in Germany” quality standard, the diligence of each employee, and, of course, the cybersecurity that is constantly verified by penetration tests are essential factors that set us apart from our competitors as a MOBOTIX family.

Billion people without legal identity

The world’s population has now reached the landmark figure of eight billion people, according to the United Nations. However, one billion people still have no legal identity and are thus excluded from social participation and the opportunities of the modern world. About 237 million children under the age of five do not have a birth certificate. With this having serious implications for those individuals, Veridos is committed to supporting the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of giving all people a legal identity by 2030.

“A legal identity is the prerequisite for modern life in a connected world. Only a legal identity enables to uphold fundamental rights and participate in social, political and financial life,” explains Marc-Julian Siewert, CEO at Veridos. “We firmly believe that a legal identity is a human right. That’s why we are striving to develop both secure and innovative identity technologies that enable governments to guarantee this right to their citizens.”

Official identity documents, such as passports and birth certificates, do not only establish a sense of belonging for individuals, but they also guarantee them access to social benefits and services such as healthcare, education, humanitarian aid and financial support. They also enable them to exercise fundamental rights such as the right to vote or inherit.

Internationally recognized documents enable people to travel across borders for business and tourism. But they also allow them to receive medical care abroad or pursue specialized or technical education in  foreign countries. Finally, identities give citizens secure access to important services for economic growth, such as setting up a bank account.

For these reasons, Veridos supports the UN Sustainable Development Goal 16.9, which calls on all countries to provide all citizens with a legal identity by 2030. Veridos is a member of the United Nations Global Compact, a worldwide pact between the UN and companies for the social and ecological shaping of globalization.

Gas Detection in Commercial and Institutional Buildings

 Why it’s critical and how to make the right choice

By Renato Torres, EN-54 Life Safety Systems Portfolio Director, Honeywell

In most European countries, commercial and institutional buildings are not governed by strict regulations for gas detection. Gas detection is often not well understood or applied in these applications.

There are several challenges to implementing gas detection solutions in commercial and institutional buildings. Many gas detection systems operate independently of building management systems (BMS) or fire and smoke detection systems. This makes them cumbersome to manage and maintain. Building managers and fire engineers need flexible and scalable solutions that are easy to use and maintain.

Gas hazards in commercial and institutional buildings

Gas monitoring is critical in facilities like hospitals where oxygen is stored and used as part of normal daily operations. Storage facilities are another area of concern where oxygen leaks can increase the risk of fire or explosion.

Besides hospitals, light industrial plants use gases for production systems, welding or inert blankets. Industrial environments have the added complication of dust, water and other gases that might be present in the environment, which can be damaging to sensitive detectors and electronics.

Underground car parks also can pose a risk. Exhaust fumes contain carbon monoxide, which is particularly dangerous because it is invisible and has no odor. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)-powered vehicles may use underground parking areas, which adds the risk of an explosive atmosphere caused by an LPG leak.

What are the challenges?

Detection systems are critical for keeping workers and the public safe from toxic and flammable gases. Yet, regulations governing gas detection are not always in place, nor are they consistent from one area to another. In the absence of clear regulations, the onus is on facility managers and fire engineers to implement robust systems that will provide adequate warning of gas leaks. As such, it is critical to select the right technology partner that can advise on the best approach for their application.

Many facilities have smoke and fire detection systems, but gas detection systems are less widespread. If they are installed, they tend to be independent of other building systems making them more cumbersome to manage, thus potentially increasing the risk that a gas leak may go unnoticed. An integrated approach covering fire and smoke detection, gas detection, and building management could help facilities manage their risks comprehensively.

Hospitals and light industrial plants are not static. Wards get changed from one service to another, and new wings are added. Light industrial facilities also expand and can increase the volume and type of gases they use over time. Many legacy detection systems are not flexible or scalable, lacking the adaptability to meet the changing needs of an organization. Newer systems from leading technology suppliers can overcome these shortfalls.

Selecting the right gas detection solutions

Honeywell supplies gas detection solutions for commercial and light industrial applications, including parking garages and hospitals. There are three main solutions applicable to these environments:

PARK

The PARK system provides CO monitoring for parking garages. This gas detection system can sound audible alarms to warn people of danger. It can activate common ventilation systems when the CO level exceeds safe limits. A PARK2000 panel can manage up to 32 CO detectors, divided into up to two zones, and the PARK5000 model can manage up to 80 CO detectors, divided into up to five zones.

NFG-8

The Notifier NFG-8 system meets Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 1 using 4-20mA gas detectors and is ideally suited to the light industrial environment. This solution allows for three different threshold limits and several output options. For example, NFG-8 can control ventilation, activate warning signs, and communicate with third-party BMS devices.

AM4000G

The AM4000G is an addressable system that can cover the needs of an entire building, including its parking garage. Up to 396 sensors can be connected to the AM4000G on four loops using the reliable two-wire Fieldbus communication. This solution allows various hazardous conditions to be managed independently using complex cause-and-effect scenarios.

Key benefits

Benefit Description
Flexibility Honeywell gas detection solutions can scale from small systems for specific applications to large addressable solutions that cover all the needs of an entire building. They can operate as standalone systems for gas detection or integrate with other systems like building management or fire and smoke detection.
Reliability Honeywell is a global supplier of gas detection technology to buildings and parking garages. Experience with multiple customers across multiple industries and locations gives Honeywell unique insight into how products are used and enables solution designs that meet the needs of customers. Honeywell offers reliable gas detection systems that deliver consistent performance using the best available technology.
Rated casings Honeywell supplies both IP55 and ATEX-rated casings. IP55 casings are certified against dust or moisture ingress while ATEX versions can be used in dangerous environments, depending on the specific needs of the area. These solutions cover the full spectrum of needs for light industrial applications where some areas require rated casings and others do not.
Mobile application for calibration and maintenance A mobile application from Honeywell enables users to perform calibration, programming changes, and maintenance on detectors. This tool is easy to use and saves technicians time, especially when performing regular tasks like bump tests or limit changes.

Working with a technology partner

Many management teams for commercial and institutional buildings like hospitals and light industrial plants lack detailed knowledge of gas detection systems. It is advisable to work with a technology partner who understands their solutions and the environment in which these solutions are applied.

Gas detectors must be installed correctly to provide the desired protection. For example, CO detectors should be installed at an equivalent height to the average human. This is because CO has a similar density to air. It does not accumulate at floor or ceiling level; therefore, detection must occur at the height of most significant risk, where humans can breathe in the toxic gas.

All gas detectors experience drift over time. Their readings will become less accurate unless they are regularly checked and calibrated. Regulations do not always cover these critical aspects of the long-term effectiveness of gas detection systems. Trusted technology suppliers have the technical expertise to advise users on their system’s appropriate maintenance and calibration schedules.

Conclusion

Commercial and institutional buildings are not well regulated regarding gas leak detection, but this does not mean the risks are low. Gas leaks can cause serious incidents, like fires and injuries, including the loss of life.

Honeywell offers gas detection solutions for commercial and institutional buildings, including hospitals, parking garages, and light industrial plants. Its team of experts and channel partners can help advise on the best solutions to solve difficult problems.

Click here to find out more about Honeywell products.

 

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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.