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Vanderbilt & ComNet launch new online resource for customers

ACRE brands Vanderbilt and ComNet have recently released an Online Events and Learning page on their website, www.vanderbiltindustries.com/online-events. The launch of this new resource is in response to the current postponement of tradeshow events amidst the Covid-19 pandemic.

Speaking about the new online resource, Oleg Lesiv, ComNet Sales Manager – Eastern Europe, says: “I believe this new online resource from Vanderbilt and ComNet will greatly assist our customers during this time, and it matches our motto of supporting them on every step of their security journey. That is the primary goal of this new Online Events and Learning page.”

The resource takes a customer-first approach by highlighting and making available in one area Vanderbilt and ComNet’s customer value adds. These include free online training services, multilingual customer service support, and free product demonstrations.

Lesiv continues: “As a further way to reach our customers with news and information about our products during this time, we are also beginning to host multiple webinars. These will be delivered by our in-house experts and will be a great opportunity for our customers to engage directly with some of the top minds behind these products in our company. Our new Online Events and Learning resource page has all the details about our upcoming webinars and how customers can register to attend these online events.”

Award-winning products

The Online Events and Learning approach by Vanderbilt and ComNet is built on a foundation of customer-focused core values such as empowerment, collaboration, and high performance. The current fruits of these core values will be on display for visitors to the Online Events and Learning page to see. For instance, detailed and engaging webinars include ComNet’s Port Guardian and Vanderbilt’s cloud-based intrusion solution SPC Connect and access control system ACTpro.

ACTpro, in particular, embodies the customer-first and high-performance approach being talked about. It is a product that has continued to evolve based on customer requirements from the field, with its latest features including a “best-in-class” rules mapping engine and PoE Ultra controllers, plus Bluetooth readers and Biometric fingerprint readers that were recently added to the portfolio.

New webshop delivers

Also weighing in on the launch of the Online Events and Learning page is Vladimir Majer, Vanderbilt Sales Manager – South Eastern Europe. “This new online resource helps our customers and shows that Vanderbilt and ComNet are all-round solution companies,” Majer states. “The resource page contains numerous tools to help a buyer’s journey from start to finish. Also highlighted on our Online Events and Learning page is our webshop platform. This has been available to our customers for less than a year, but already it has proved very popular with our customer base,” Majer explains.

The webshop optimizes the goal to serve customers 24/7 and presents a simplified, intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and use. How-to videos assist with any questions that may arise, and an improved product hierarchy and centralized Asset Management System (AMS) ensure all support materials are relevant and up to date.

The Online Events and Learning page can be found at www.vanderbiltindustries.com/online-events.

 

 

BIROSAFE Security safes tested according EN 1143- 1 – ECB•S Certified

DPTU “BIROSAFE” DOOEL Strumica is an engineering company founded in 2001. The company is present in the business of manufacturing, sales and mounting of security, fireproof and bank equipment (security and fireproof safes, cabinets, doors and vaults, etc.)
BIROSAFE has offices and dealers in all the Balkan countries and is present on the markets of former Yugoslav republics territories (Serbia, Monte Negro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia), Albania, Bulgaria…
BIROSAFE produces and offers different types of security equipment: safes, cabinets, deposit safes, weapon safes, cash transfer safes, vault and vault doors, security doors etc.; as well as fire proof equipment: safes, cabinets, doors etc.
Usually the products are made by standard dimensions, but there is also a possibility for tailoring the products according to client demand.

In 2009 BIROSAFE became a member of “ESSA – European Security Systems Association, Frankfurt/Main” (www.ecb-s .com).
European Certification Body (ECB) GmbH is neutral certification body according to EN 45011. It issues the ECB•S certification mark which guarantees maximum security properties, according to European standards.
The ECB•S Certified products ensure quality and offer higher level of resistance.

Ever since becoming a member, BIROSAFE has successfully passed the tests for several types of products and has gained the following EUROPEAN CERTIFICATES, issued by “ECB•S – Germany”:
– EN 1143- 1 – for security safes and strong room doors;
– EN 1522 – for bulletproof walls, doors and windows;
– EN 1627 – for burglary resistant doors.

Security safes tested according EN 1143- 1

Why safes with ECB-S certificates?

The look and certification according to the European Standard EN 1143-1 suggest security – but the differences in quality are huge. During comparison tests with ECB•S certified security products, several safes performed poorly – said from ESSA / ECB•S.
Regarding the data, presented by ESSA / ECB•S, based on truly made tests, by far not all safes marked with certificates according to the European Standard EN 1143-1 have the quality of ECB•S certified security products. In recently completed comparison tests, some safes simply failed. For example: One safe marked with resistance grade III only reached the security level of an ECB•S safe of grade I. One safe of grade V complied at best with the ECB•S resistance grade II.
The loser is the user who puts his trust in inferior certificates.
A visible sign of the ECB•S certification is the certification mark. It gives orientation and ensures maximum security for the user.
Hence, our advice to everyone who is interested in buying a new safe is to be careful with his choice and to think twice when doing comparisons. A customer should not only compare prices but he should also compare quality. EN 1143-1 ECB•S Certified Burglary Resistant Safes insure quality and security in one. Purchasing a safe, means investing in your safety – this is why one should invest wisely.
Birosafe safes are manufactured in compliance with the European standard for security EN 1143-1 and they are ECB•S Certified.
Birosafe is the only manufacturer in North Macedonia for security safes with European certificates for security, issued by ECB-S Germany. These safes are manufactured by the European standard for security EN 1143-1 and are classified in different resistance grades. The huge selection of office and home safes for safety storage of values from different character, now enables the future user to choose the appropriate safe for his needs. The company follows the trends and creates series of safes which are at the same time, aesthetic and adequate for the most modern and well-equipped banks and other institutions from different sectors.

SMART INVENTORY MANAGEMENT HELPS RETAIL IN OPERATIONS, REDUCE SHRINK PROVE

Special Feature
Retailers today are looking for smarter, more time-efficient, more cost-effective ways of inventory management. Traditional methods of inventory management are time-consuming and prone to human error, which costs businesses time and money. By deploying smart inventory management solutions such as autonomous inventory robots, smart shelves, RFID, etc., retailers are able to reduce shrinkage and improve overall business efficiency. The average shrink rate in the retail industry in 2018 was roughly 1.4 percent, which translates to US$50.6 billion, according to the 2019 National Retail Security Survey by the National Retail Federation. The majority of survey respondents indicated that they will allocate more money to loss prevention efforts, with a majority of that going toward technology. The need for more advanced inventory management solutions in retail has driven retail technology providers to develop smarter, easy-to-use solutions. Furthermore, with new challenges facing retailers, these solutions may be the key to improving business operations and providing customers with a better in-store shopping experience.

Smart Inventory Management Provides Retailers with Real-Time Data
Utilizing smart inventory management, like autonomous inventory robots, smart shelves and RFID, is helping retailers become more operationally efficient and reduce shrinkage.

Smart inventory management is enabling retailers to make informed decisions based on real-time inventory data. Today, as the retail market shifts more toward omnichannel and cross-selling, the need
for accurate data has become more important than ever for retailers to make informed decisions. “Smart or real-time inventory is an innovative way to control cost and operations using data to minimize inefficiencies,” said Sergio Ramos Jubierre, Product Manager for Stockbot and Head of Retail at Pal Robotics. Traditional inventory management is done by hand, which Jubierre notes is only appropriate for small retailers (i.e., less than 500 square meters). However, on a bigger scale this method is costly and time consuming, as well as more prone to human error. By automating the inventory process retailers can not only save time and money, but also increase operational efficiency and reduce the dreaded retail shrink. In fact, a recent report estimates the global retail automation market will reach US$19 billion by 2023, according to MarketsandMarkets.

Autonomous Inventory Robots Provide Real-Time Data

Autonomous robots have found their way into an entire gamut of industries, including retail. Several robotics companies have developed autonomous inventory robots specifically to help retailers automate the inventory process and provide a plethora of other valuable data. Pal Robotics created Stockbot, its autonomous inventory-taking robot system for retail. Equipped with RFID and a vision camera, Stockbot provides retailers with the necessary data to make informed inventory decisions. The robot is able to autonomously move around and perform inventory while the shop is open with customers. Furthermore, it does not require any additional equipment or complicated setup. “Due to the high amount of data Stockbot is able to generate it has a positive impact on customers, employees and management,” Jubierre said. “By being able to localize products Stockbot positively influences the in-shop customer experience, and, therefore, the brand reputation as well.”

Smart Shelves Tell Businesses When to Restock

Smart shelves have been around since the early 2000s and have become an alternative emerging technology in the retail business. By utilizing various types of sensors (e.g., light, optical, weight, etc.), smart shelves not only keep track of current stock availability but can also measure customer interest and enhance the in-store shopping experience. Recently Amazon launched the Dash Smart Shelf aimed at small businesses. The shelf has a built-in scale that can be set up to automatically place orders with Amazon to restock when supplies are low; alternatively, it can send notifications to alert the business if automatic ordering is not wanted. Kroger, the US’s largest supermarket chain and world’s fifth-largest retailer, partnered with Microsoft to develop its EDGE smart shelf. The shelf is powered by Microsoft Azure and connects to IoT devices. The technology aims to enhance the grocery shopping experience by connecting to the customer’s smartphone shopping list and highlighting similar items on the shelf. It also allows Kroger to better manage its inventory and eliminate paper and tags by enabling stores to quickly change prices on digital displays.

Analytics Predict When to Reorder

Retail analytics are often integrated with a store’s point-of-sales (POS) system, analyzing data to help retailers better optimize their inventory and make pricing decisions. The National Retail Federation’s 2019 National Retail Security Survey reported that 55.6 percent of retailers surveyed have already implemented some kind of POS analytics across all its stores. “Analytics are now available closer to the retailer decision maker due to the ability to have more computing and cleverer analytics software close to the data user,” said Harley Feldman, Co-Founder and CMO of Seeonic. Feldman pointed out that more analyzed data will become available to retailers as analytics algorithms improve and computer processing power grows. He added that data capture will also continue to improve as better RFID tags are created to deal with distance, metal and liquids. Demand for RFID (radio frequency identification) is on the rise in the retail sector. This is partly a result of the growing need for real-time inventory tracking and the growth of omnichannel retailing, according to a report by Frost & Sullivan. Retailers have been using RFID for quite some time; however, as analytics have improved and the need for more data has increased, more and more retailers are adopting
RFID solutions. “Soft goods retailers are already beginning to see real benefits from RFID,” said Don Taylor, VP of Business Development at Newave Sensor Solutions. According to Taylor, some soft goods retailers are already quoting 10- to 30-percent inventory savings with RFID while keeping more goods on their shelves and improving inventory accuracy. “We have found that using real-time technology such as RFID, when compared to current inventory methods, is much more accurate,” Taylor added. “This technology provides more information to manage and track products and is far less labor intensive and more accurate.” He noted that audits in particular are highly inaccurate, being just a spot check. “The analogy is that audits are like a photo at one point in time compared to real-time smart technology that is like a video showing exactly what was happening over a specified period of time,” Taylor explained.

How RFID Can Improve Real-Time Inventory Management for Retailers Retailers are driving growth in the RFID market, using the technology for real-time inventory tracking and to improve customer experience.
Retailers are driving growth in the RFID market, using the technology for real-time inventory tracking and to improve customer experience.

Advantages of RFID in Retail

Harley Feldman, Co-Founder and CMO of Seeonic opined that using passive RFID tags is the best method for counting in-store inventory. He explained that using RFID tags gives retailers the ability to perform in-store inventory much more quickly and accurately than manual counting, while also allowing them to easily collect inventory data electronically. Data from RFID also provides retailers with the ability to use analytics to monitor store inventory, such as time-on-shelf by SKU or item, react to changes in demand more quickly, and monitor items from the time they enter the store until sold. Still, there are challenges to using RFID. For one, the technical limitations of 10 to 15 feet of read distance and difficulty with metal and liquid items can be problematic; although, future developments in RFID are expected to improve upon these issues. Then there is the issue of the item’s manufacturer needing to be the one to create and attach the RFID tags. Over the last few years, though, it has become more commonplace for manufacturers to place RFID tags on merchandise, especially in apparel, Feldman noted. The cost of an RFID solution is also a barrier — costs include readers, antennas, the tags, etc. “The tags are typically in the US$0.06 to $0.09 range and carry the SKU of the retail item along with a unique serial number for that individual item,” Feldman said. However, as the technology continues to develop and advance, and as demand continues to rise, the price for RFID is expected to decrease making costs more affordable.

RFID and Smart Shelves

To get around the issue of tagging each individual item, Newave developed a patented RFID system to track merchandise availability in real-time without tagging each item with an RFID label. This system focuses on grocery, convenience and mass merchandise retailers. Newave’s Smart Shelf system provides retailers with information on shelf item movement in seconds using the company’s patented wave RFID antenna technology. When an item leaves the shelf, Newave’s Smart Shelf sees it even when it is not tagged. Based on criteria set by the retailer for low inventory limits, the Smart Shelf software signals an alert in real time that can be sent on-site to store managers, or remotely to merchandising and loss prevention personnel as well as suppliers. It can also trigger an audio alarm message and a video capture alert within the store. “Newave’s Smart Shelf system strives to make it easy to get real-time in or out-of-stock shelf information available anytime to any authorized person or group,” explained Taylor. Such a system could greatly lower costs by providing on-shelf merchandise availability without the need for tagging the products on the shelf.

WHAT RETAILERS WANT IN A SMART INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SOLUTION
Retailers are looking for smart inventory management solutions to help reduce shrink, improve the customer experience and boost overall operational efficiency.

Today more than ever brick-and-mortar retailers need smarter, more efficient inventory management solutions. The most common methods of retail inventory management currently used are technologies and processes that have been around for several years. “Unfortunately retailers continuing to use these methods will still see out-ofstocks at a minimum of 4 to 8 percent of sales, and scanning bar codes for shelf management has proven to be very labor intensive. In many cases, retailers do not have the personnel to monitor and manage their inventories and shelf availabilities. This drives the consumer to other stores or online shopping,” explained Don Taylor, VP of Business Development at Newave Sensor Solutions To combat these issues and to keep customers coming into physical stores, retailers want to improve the in-store experience by reducing out-of-stocks, personalizing in-store ads and having store personnel focus on customer needs. Retailers are also looking for solutions capable of automated tracking of shelf inventories, faster scanning of products, ease of installation for new systems, reduction of labor costs and real-time visibility to a problem at the shelf. According to Harley Feldman, Co-Founder and CMO of Seeonic, the top issue requested by retailers is inventory accuracy by SKU currently on shelves in retail stores. “Retailers are satisfying more and more customer demand, especially ‘Buy Online and Pick Up in Store (BOPIS)’ orders, from store inventory. Therefore, the inventory accuracy is critical to satisfying customer demand accurately and quickly,” he said. Other requests such as data for time items spend on shelf and times items are removed and returned to shelf can be performed more accurately with the serialized data available from the RFID tags, Feldman added.

Easy-to-Deploy Solutions and Positive ROI

Deploying a smart inventory management solution requires time and money — two things retailers want to spend less of. To overcome those obstacles companies like Pal Robotics and Newave Sensor
Solutions have developed solutions that are easy to deploy and guarantee good ROI. “We have created a ready to deploy solution that doesn’t need any layout modifications or additional store installations,” said Sergio Ramos Jubierre, Stockbot Product Manager and Head of Retail at Pal Robotics, of its autonomous inventory-taking robot Stockbot. Pal Robotics provides clients with leasing options that could allow retailers to deploy Stockbot with no upfront cost and positively impact operational optimization and return on investment (ROI). “Stockbot generates data that can be integrated and manipulated for numerous application, such as store floor management, supply chain visibility, process automation and accuracy, omnichannel retailing, promotional activities, returns, locating items, loss prevention and cross selling. Those have a direct impact on store/brand reputation, customer satisfaction and thus on sales,” Jubierre explained. Taylor explained how the soft goods retailers that first adopted RFID into their store operations have seen a good ROI and are continuing to expand RFID use. Retailers are also beginning to move away from handheld RFID scanning and toward fixed portal readers, which allows them to better utilize store resources and improve productivity. Major mass merchandise retailers are also beginning to use RFID portals in their distribution centers to track cartons and pallets going in and out. Newave believes this will evolve into more store-level use of RFID technology. For instance, the company, along with its partner, recently completed installation of over 1,500 dock door portals for a leading international retailer. Within days the RFID solution paid back with a 25-percent improvement in productivity by day two after installation.

Overcoming Retail Challenges with Smart Inventory Management
The retail sector faces many challenges when it comes to implementing smart inventory management, ranging from cost to resistance to change.

Implementing new technologies always comes with its challenges — this is no different in the retail sector. Nowadays retailers face new challenges. Among these are dealing with growing demand and the dynamic nature of product movement. Other challenges originate from the side of operation and logistics. Sergio Ramos Jubierre, Stockbot Product Manager and Head of Retail at Pal Robotics highlighted scalability, tracking, automation and reporting as some of the biggest difficulties that need to be tackled. Additionally, speed of delivery is a problem encountered by both customers and retailers. Challenges with RFID in Retail Jubierre pointed to RFID technologies as a compelling solution for the retail industry. In addition to RFID tags, the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector has adopted barcodes. “Due to the low margin in the FMCG sector barcodes are the preferable choice for food retailers,” he said. The cost of RFID tags is most definitely a barrier to adoption for certain smart inventory management solutions, as is the cost of the technology needed to read the tags and collect the data. However, the price of RFID tags is dropping and will continue to do so with the projected growth in volume. “Metal and liquid-filled items will benefit from newer tag designs,” explained Harley Feldman, Co-Founder and CMO of Seeonic. The number of manufacturers adding RFID tags to their products will also continue to grow as more and more retailers demand the tags be added. “Since it is more efficient to add RFID up, but it provides the ability for retailers new to RFID to add the technology more easily,” Feldman said. He explained that automatically collecting RFID data is desired, but the cost to do so is still high. As a result, most retailers still use handheld RFID scanners to collect real-time inventory as they are flexible, inexpensive and readily available. Unfortunately, handheld scanners require a person to use it resulting in labor costs.

Challenges with Smart Shelves

In regard to using smart shelves for inventory management, it can be costly since the retailer may have to replace its existing shelving to incorporate new sensing devices. Don Taylor, VP of Business Development at Newave Sensor Solutions explained how in many cases Newave’s Smart Shelf can retro-fit to existing shelving to reduce the cost of installation. In fact, Newave’s Smart Shelf solution has helped retailers reduce out-of-stocks by 60 percent in the first few months after installation. To achieve accurate information on smart shelves, Taylor noted the retailer needs to already have some disciplines in place. Newave requires a product planogram, so that they can monitor and track every SKU. “Retailers need data to be able to determine if they have achieved a positive ROI on their new technology investment. Newave can provide real-time information to any authorized smart device on out-of-stocks, low inventories and missed sales to name just a few categories that will assist the retailer in formulating an ROI,” Taylor said. According to Newave, its technology will deliver a positive ROI in less than a year.

Championing New Technologies

In order for more smart inventory management solutions to be adopted, it is important that retailers are educated on the benefits of these new technologies. Oftentimes it is the lack of education on new technology, not understanding how it works, how it can benefit a business, that keeps them from adopting smart solutions. Retailers need an internal champion to drive new technologies through their stores. By providing proper training to retailers, they will have the knowledge needed to understand and push for new smart technologies.

Helping to monitor temperature in unsure times

Keeping people safe and healthy in unsure times is a very modern challenge. Authorities and companies alike are scrambling to find ways to help manage this and reduce risks. Hikvision offers temperature measurement solutions to help them build processes and infrastructures to prevail.

Taking the temperature of the situation
Temperature is an important indicator of physical health. In many scenarios, people with abnormal temperatures could have a health issue. To have a proper effect, it’s crucial that this is detected and monitored quickly and accurately. But traditional methods of temperature measurement are time-consuming and can put operators at risk. At times like these, technology can provide an efficient alternative.
With advanced detectors and algorithms, Hikvision’s Temperature Screening Thermographic Cameras are designed to detect elevated skin-surface temperatures. This means they can be used for rapid and preliminary temperature screening in hospitals, stations, airports and other public places. The cameras have an accuracy rate of up to ±0.5°C, giving a valuable indication of which persons should be further tested for fever.
It takes just one second to detect a person’s skin-surface temperature, and the system can measures multiple people at the same time. This means it is efficient in an entrance, for example, where a number of people will be passing at the same time.
The use of AI technology means non-human heat sources, for example a hot coffee, are ignored, reducing false alarms.
Once a person is identified by the camera as having a higher skin-surface temperature, they can be flagged for further measurement. The system can also be useful to monitor a situation, providing useful anonymous data from a safe distance supporting end users’ potential analysis or research.
All this is also achieved with fewer people, not only making it easier to manage and more efficient but also reducing the overall risk of unnecessary exposure.

Flexible solutions
Hikvision’s thermal portfolio has a number of options to help with temperature screening. For example, a Turret/Bullet Camera with AI combined with iVMS 4200, a laptop and a bracket can be used as a quick solution that can be easily and quickly installed. For higher accuracy, a solution with a Blackbody calibrator gives an accuracy of ±0.3°C. There’s also a more mobile option, using a Handheld Camera that can connect to a smart phone or PC through wifi to a Hik-Thermal app. This also features a built-in speaker for audio alarm.
There are also solutions that combine temperature screening with access control, allowing lobbies to be monitored and, if necessary, people measuring above a certain skin-surface temperature refused entry until they are double-checked by alternative methods.
It’s important to remember that Hikvision’s temperature screening thermographic cameras are designed for the detection of skin-surface temperatures so as to achieve rapid preliminary screening in public areas. Actual core body temperatures should be further confirmed using clinical measurement devices.
This is just one element of a complex infrastructure to overcome challenges in unsure times. It can also give managers and researchers useful information, collected in a safe manner. Hikvision is committed to developing technologies to empower vision for decision-makers and practitioners, and enhance safety and advance sustainable development around the world.

VIVOTEK: How the IP Surveillance Industry Manages and Enables Social Distancing

Video Analytics During COVID-19
1. Queue management and crowd detection
Queue management was designed to optimize customer experiences and reduce wait times. During the pandemic, the queue management is focused on manage customer flows and avoid physical queues
2. People Counting
In response to the entry control management, there is no doubt people counting solution is the idea video analytics for supermarket chains. It can easily identify occupancy level and real-time monitor the number of people entering and exiting a store, thereby providing customers and staff with a safer environment.
3. Crowd Detection
Crowd Detection video analytics can be used to identify how many people present in a given area. Stores and business’ can n effortlessly manage social distances between customers, automatically sending alert notifications when exceeding the maximum capacity.
4. Personal Proactive Equipment (PPE) detection
Personal Proactive Equipment (PPE) is equipment that can protect the user against health or safety risks at work. Items including safety helmets, gloves, eye protection, high-visibility garments, safety footwear and so on. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it can identify people who are not wearing masks, hardhat, vest or other critical equipment.

Smarter is Safer: Crowd-Control Solutions
These AI-driven video analytics and smart-edge cameras are enabling IP surveillance solutions to better assist users to manage their business under the increased pressures of pandemic conditions. VIVOTEK, a global IP surveillance solution provider aims to provide a solution for retail businesses to maintain maximum occupancy as well as a safer and healthier environment. VIVOTEK Crowd Control Solutions can easily monitor the number of people entering and exiting a store, thereby providing customers and staff with a safer environment. This intelligent people-counting camera and analytics system can be deployed at points of entry to areas with a higher likelihood of social interaction such as shops, supermarkets, pharmacies, banks, and restaurants.
Below are benefits of VIVOTEK’s Crowd Control Solutions.
1. Social Distancing Compliance
Putting safety first, implementing VIVOTEK’s Crowd Control Solution enables effective management of crowds in places where social distancing must be upheld.
2. High Accuracy
When retailers recruit security staff or part-time employees to manually count traffic this leads to a less than satisfactory result. VIVOTEK’s 3D counting camera provides precise tracking and a counting accuracy of up to 98%. This accuracy is further increased by the ability to transfer large datasets.
3. Real-time
Combing AI with deep-learning analytics, video data can be gathered, analyzed, and applied in real-time, enabling retail businesses to respond promptly to any change.
4. Lowered Risk of Infection
The deployment of VIVOTEK’s Crowd Control Solution also means a minimization of physical contact, providing both customers and employees a safer working and shopping environment.

We Stand Together
COVID-19 has changed our lives and the way we interact and communicate. It also has a growing impact on the global economy. From AI to video analytics, VIVOTEK’s Crowd Control Solution has become essential at this time of social distancing. The need for social distancing will eventually end. In a post COVID-19 world, the solution can be redeployed as a Retail Business Intelligence Solution to optimize retail operations. Until then VIVOTEK will continue to stand together with and serve our customers, while providing AI-based solutions in our fight against the pandemic.
Learn more about VIVOTEK’s crowd control solution. (link to EDM or product page)

ZKTeco Adds Body Temperature Screening & Mask Detection features to Security Solutions

Security and access control management company ZKTeco, top leading multinational manufacturer of biometric market, has recently incorporated to some of its access control readers, IP surveillance cameras and walk-through metal detectors some upgrades to now have body temperature screening and mask detection capabilities.

Now that critical period of COVID19 is nearly ending, still much of the global population remains socially isolated to prevent the spread of disease. The question is how to return back to certain normality and of course how to return to work after lockdown, regardless of how this reincorporation is going to be scaled, one thing is for sure, we have to be cautious not to reignite infections rate and that means we have to return to our physical working places counting with the necessary measures to avoid spreading risk of contagion. For that, there are three basic guidelines we need to follow: social distancing and no contact, everyone must wear masks and regular check for symptoms.

In words of ZKTeco’s Europe CEO, Fernando Ducay, “Our newly released security solutions with body temperature detection have become a real ‘need to have’ especially in recent times, as they help identifying and restrict people having elevated body temperatures from entering large highly dense public places including schools, hospitals, as well as commercial & residential properties” . Not only that he added “Besides securing people’s environment, we would like to also protect their health and do our best to prevent the spread of the coronavirus”

At ZKTeco we made an effort to deliver new capabilities to our solutions that respond to the rules enforced due to the coronavirus pandemic, adding the necessary features like temperature screening and mask detection to our security solutions to grant compliance with such guidelines and permit returning to normal functionating while keeping our people and business safe and secure preventing outbreak of disease.

More flexible working helps to maintain social distance and no contact. For example, flexible clock-in and clock-out time to prevent too many people from entering and leaving the office building at the same time or smart working, activities that can be monitored on site or remotely with our cloud time and attendance solution called GoTimeCloud.

So, what about controlling access of people not wearing mask or having a body temperature measurement over recommended? No contact and body temperature measurement are granted with our Touchless Biometric devices.

ZKTeco recently took a deeper step into the facial recognition market with the launch of its new series of visible light facial recognition (VLFR) products. The company says VLFR overcomes the shortcomings of previous facial recognition products and uses deep learning to improve recognition and reliability, and it is far better at catching fake faces. The deep learning systems deals with the lighting situation, the not 100% dead-straight images of faces, as well as spoofing. By passing its recognition software through ‘continuous training’, it has been able to enhance the performance of its recognition algorithms to a stage where it is now ready for real-world use.

The VLFR system ZKTeco developed beats fake faces through its anti-spoofing algorithm, which conducts liveness detection by learning how to differentiate lighting, texture, and resolution. The system also uses two cameras. One is a visual light camera that is used for recognition and verification, the other is an infrared camera used to detect fake faces. People who try to verify a fake identity by using a picture on paper or on their phone or tablet, for example, will quickly find their access is denied. Even using a high-definition video of a face will not be accepted. The utility of these systems is in the flexibility of the verification process, people can be recognized ‘on the move’ as they approach the point of entry. The VLFR system will detect their face and track and identify them as they approach. It is also able to recognize an enrolled face with a deflection angle of 30% – left to right, and up and down. It can detect and recognize faces, more than one at a time, and it can also capture faces in a certain area, for example at a sporting event or in retail environments.

Thanks to the incorporation of thermal sensors and improvements developed in firmware, our access control readers’ facial recognition capabilities are also able to identify individuals wearing protective masks — for example, healthcare workers — allowing them to safely keep the masks on during the biometric verification process, in addition to their touchless palm and facial recognition sensors — capable of detecting a person’s body temperature within 0.3/0.5ºC deviation range from 0,5 m away, allowing them to be used for entry and exit screening in public venues where an abnormal body temperature could be an indicator of COVID19 and therefore warrant restricting access to an individual who may be showing symptoms. Installers have a wide range of possibilities for installing them, as they are suitable for almost any support: on wall or desktop, integrated to turnstiles and speed gates or simply with a pedestal on floor.

Not only that, ZKTeco’s ZN-T5/W IP surveillance camera, which has both thermal and visible light capabilities, when paired with the ZN-TH01 — which uses black body radiation technology for recalibration — can read the body temperature of a group of up to 30 people from up to 5 meters away, with an accuracy within 0,3º degrees Centigrade.

Rounding out ZKTeco’s solutions that have temperature sensors is the ZKMD3180-TD walk-through metal detector, which scans people for both metal objects and a body temperature that falls within a specified ‘safe’ range. Audio and visual alarms sound to indicate when an individual with a body temperature that falls outside of the accepted parameters walks through the device.

To complete upgrade of our access control and time and attendance systems with temperature measurement and mask detection feature, a new module has been added to our existing software for access control, ZKBioaccess and ZKBiosecurity, and the functionality also has been incorporated in our cloud time and attendance application GoTimeCloud, so that, reports can show temperature status and the use of mask associated to every log and confirm if entrance is granted or not.
Let us get a closer view of mentioned solutions.

Temperature Detection Systems available
ProfaceX-T and V5L-TD are designed for traditional access control and time and attendance tasks. Both have anti-spoofing algorithm so, no video no picture will work and of course are 100% Touchless Access. The Rapid facial recognition within 0.3 sg. Work even in total darkness or bright sunlight (<50,000 Lux). Face verification is also possible while wearing protective mask and temperature measurement is extremely accurate with measurement deviation of ±0.3°C average performance and measurement deviation of ±0.5°C, without the need of a black body since the sensor is thermocouple based. Measurement distance comes from 30 to 50 cm.

Then, which are the differences between these two devices? Proface X we can say is big brother of these device family, showing more capacity in general. We are very proud to say is the The Govies Government Security 2020 Platinium Awarded thanks to its unbeatable features.

ZKMD3180S, our metal detector with temperature sensor, is available with 18 or 33 over-lapping detection zones and sensitivity for each zone is adjustable in increments 0-255. The unit is easy to assemble as there are only 2 pieces to be mounted. Infrared remote control and 4-8 hours backup battery are optionally available. The sound & LED alarms located on both sides indicate clearly where metal is detected. Automatically counts people and alarms and it is completely safe to operate and walk through as well as completely harmless to heart pacemaker, pregnant women, magnetic media, etc. Body temperature detection average performance measurement is by ±0.3°C and accuracy measurement deviation is ±0.5°C for a measurement distance up to 50cm.

ZN-T5/W & TH-01 ZKTeco’s Body Temperature Measurement Network Camera & Portable Black Body is the perfect solution when temperature needs to be detected at a longer distance and for more than one individual at the same time. Our cameras of course ONVIF compatible are featuring smart body detection and body temperature measurement for up to 30 individuals. Main characteristics of the system are on-board temp-detection algorithm, one IP address two channels, effective pixels 400×300, sensitivity ≤40mK, thermal: 8mm fixed lens and visible: 2.7~12mm motorized lens. The temperature measure accuracy is 0.3ºC and response time ≤30ms with 17 color control.

Which scenarios will need body temperature measure solutions in a short term?
All size business will request them indeed since taking temperature to employees, visitors or even clients will become essential to stop outbreak of the disease, in fact, many countries have already regulated officially and included as mandatory. Any business can find perfect solution in ZKTeco’s offer when looking for thermal devices as prevention tool.

Many workers use public transportation to reach their working places, services like metropolitan bus and metro, same than any other scenario involving people crowd, they need to control symptoms like body temperature under accepted threshold to avoid spread of contagion.

In all countries we need that people from our financial and public institutions are kept safe from any risk of disease to help working them hard to recover our weakened economy in these troubling times. Our solutions can help in preventing such risk.

And what about when we are finally able to normally enjoy our free time again? Gyms and sport centers will require an easy and cost -effective way of upgrading existing systems at their entrance, with the capability of body temperature screening. Our installing kit specifically designed to adapt to turnstiles allows a smooth assemble of the reader and people over temperature threshold allowed will be access denied. Not to talk about touristic places, think about Museums or historical buildings, traffic of people inside touristic places can be safely managed with our metal detectors incorporating thermal sensor identifying if people getting in is fever detected for immediate action.

Last but not least, we need to think about preserving our future and how to take best care of our future generations which will role the country soon we need to keep students at any educational centers safe and secure.

From standalone to networked solution for environments requiring more complex solutions, ZKTeco is able to offer you best possible solution to try to prevent the spread of disease.

a&s Adria No. 156

Nedap´s Long-range RFID portfolio upgraded with latest OSDP standard

Nedap is excited to share the upcoming OSDP upgrade within Nedap’s long-range RFID reader portfolio for automatic vehicle identification. The portfolio will be upgraded and compatible with V.2.1.7 of the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard. This upgrade supports the interoperability of our reader portfolio with a growing number of access control and security products. Over the last few years, an increasing number of access control panel manufacturers is supporting OSDP technology and this upgrade enables seamless integration supported by a highly secured communication standard. Nedap will make OSDP V2.1.7 available for both its TRANSIT and uPASS long-range RFID product line.

Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard OSDP has been developed by the Security Industry Association (SIA). According to the SIA, OSDP offers high security and advanced functionalities. The protocol enables bi-directional and encrypted communication based on Secure Channel Protocol (SCP). In addition, for example, OSDP enables monitoring wiring to protect against attack threats. Due to the fact that OSDP is offering secure and bi-directional communication between the reader and third party controller platform, the OSDP upgrade enables security professionals to simplify secured vehicle access.

Automatic Vehicle Identification specialist Nedap is specialized in advanced solutions for Automatic Vehicle Identification for over the past decades. A unique portfolio is developed by Nedap full with high performance long-range RFID and License Plate Recognition systems. Nedap has been at the forefront of simplifying secure vehicle access for decades, while keeping the high accuracy in mind. Security and Parking professionals have been able to improve their operations by benefitting from the latest automatic vehicle identification solutions, by choosing Nedap technology.

OSDP in vehicle access control Technical specialists we would like to encourage to order a demo kit and validate OSDP in vehicle access control applications. For the security professionals OSDP compliancy offers a great opportunity to talk to your customer base about the relevancy of OSDP in security and access control. If you have any questions, please contact us.

OSDP Webinar To give you a complete picture of the opportunities of our updated RFID reader portfolio, Nedap Identification Systems organizes a webinar on the 14th of May, 10.00 AM (CEST). Within this webinar, Ido Wentink (Proposition Manager) and Hans Rappard (Product Specialist), will present in 30 minutes all ins and outs about Nedap’s OSDP upgraded long-range RFID portfolio. Curious? Feel free to register via this link.

Now you can manage one or more CLIQ® systems with a simple, local software installation

London, April 2020 – A standard Windows PC is all you need to run an access control system with CLIQ technology. Engineered for flexibility and easy operation, CLIQ Local Manager software has everything you need to run programmable key access control for your business.

CLIQ Local Manager puts you in complete control of your premises from a PC screen. From its user-friendly interface you can add or amend users and change the access rights of CLIQ keys with the companion programming device. You can limit access according to 32 programmable time slots that you define. You collect key audit trails when you need them, without leaving your desk.

CLIQ Local Manager is adapted to small or medium-sized businesses and works with electromechanical CLIQ systems as well as eCLIQ, the fully electronic key access system based on the same technology. Your software handles up to 5,000 keys and 5,000 cylinders or padlocks.

You can even define and administer any remaining mechanical locks in your building from your CLIQ Local Manager interface.

Time-saving benefits for security managers
CLIQ Local Manager gets you up-and-running fast, with automated COM port selection and easy migration from your existing CLIQ access control software. Day-to-day operation is just as easy.

Every system administrator has a personalised CLIQ Local Manager home screen with intuitive menu access and powerful search capability. Everyday access routines are PIN-protected for extra security.

Within the Local Manager control panel, you can set reminders so you never miss an important admin task again. CLIQ Local Manager looks after users and their data privacy — and is GDPR compliant.

You don’t need complex IT infrastructure to run your access system. At small or medium-sized business premises, CLIQ Local Manager keeps you informed and in control.

To learn more about CLIQ® visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/ecliq

Stay Connected, Don`t Stop Learning!

Honeywell Fire & PA/VA Solutions is offering a series of online trainings to help you make the most out of your time and stay up to date with developments in the fire detection technologies.
The training sessions are free of charge and you can attend remotely. These will be held in English, will provide an overview of various important topics of fire detection and are addressed to any interested persons from our industry (sales representatives, purchasing, designers, technical staff etc).
Click here for more details and registration.