September 3, 2026
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Home Articles posted by a&s Adria (Page 211)

Axis cameras provide real-time traffic info in Croatia

Without a doubt, Croatia is a popular tourist destination. In 2019, a record number of 21 million tourists visited this Southern European country, many of them by car. The large numbers of seasonal tourists join local drivers each year and put the Croatian road infrastructure under immense pressure. Furthermore, depending on the location, traffic can be affected by various weather conditions, from extreme high temperatures to strong wind and snow. Therefore, the Croatian Automobile Club (HAK) decided to install traffic cameras at key locations throughout the country such as border crossings, toll stations, highway junctions, ferry ports, bridges, and tunnels. The aim was to provide drivers with real-time images of the current traffic situation.

Solution
Initially, the project ran on analog video cameras. The images were then digitized using Axis video servers and sent to the HAK web server periodically. As the technology progressed, a network of Axis cameras replaced the old analog devices. Today, the system is mainly based on Axis cameras monitoring locations with increased threat of heavy traffic or harsh weather conditions. Hence, the requirements were obvious: cameras resistant to extreme weather divergency with reliable performance and possible advance software integration. The Axis camera fleet uses the bullet-type AXIS P1425-LE Mk II and AXIS P1427-LE, fixed box AXIS M1125-E, and AXIS Q6155-E PTZ Network Cameras.

Result
The primary objective of the camera installation has undoubtedly been met: The network of approximately 260 cameras on Croatian roads has increased safety for everyone. With HAK being a national authority on traffic information in Croatia, providing drivers with traffic information is a matter of public interest. The real-time images from the locations surpass other information channels in reliability and impact on drivers, be it in terms of snow conditions, heavy traffic, or other occurrences on the road. Traffic information is available on the HAK website and mobile app to anyone with internet access, and the HAK plans to continuously expand the number of camera locations.

“In our project, images must be delivered swiftly to web-servers/webcache, rather than to a central recording unit or a surveillance room videowall, as they primarily end up on our website and mobile apps that are available to the general public. This makes digitizing the image on an IP video server a must for us rather than an option.” Goran Baotić, M.Sc., head of the business support division in the HAK.

Motorola Solutions has bought Pelco

Motorola Solutions announced it has acquired video surveillance heavyweight Pelco for a total of US$110 million, marking the communications giant’s third major video surveillance purchase in two years and making it a growingly influential player in the video surveillance business.

Motorola Solutions announced on August 3 that it has completed the $110 million acquisition of Pelco, which Transom Capital purchased in 2019. Before the Transom ownership, Pelco was owned by Schneider Electric from 2007 to 2019.

The $110 million was small money for Motorola Solutions, considering its $7.9 billion revenue for 2019. For that money, however, Motorola Solutions has gotten itself a third major video surveillance company after its 2018 acquisition of Avigilon for approximately $1 billion and its acquisition of IndigoVision earlier this year for $37 million.

With three video surveillance brands under its roof, Motorola Solutions becomes a major video surveillance player with a solid lineup of products and expanding geographic presence. In the case of the purchase of the U.K.-based IndigoVision, for example, John Kedzierski, Senior VP of Video Security and Analytics at Motorola Solutions, said in an earlier interview with asmag.com that it “helps us extend our reach globally. For Motorola Solutions, the U.S. is the strongest region, and we are always interested in extending our geographical reach. This acquisition brings the channel, the sales organization, and a brand that would help us expand internationally.”

Good fit for Pelco

The deal may also be good for Pelco, which had been a leading player in the video surveillance business but has been on the decline due to fierce competition, which has diminished Pelco’s sales from the channel side and forced it to look for special, advanced projects for which highly customized video surveillance solutions are needed. Yet that objective was not well served by the ownership from Schneider Electric, whose core focus is on building automation for which video is not a good fit.

Motorola Solutions, on the other hand, is a better match for Pelco, whose solutions can benefit critical infrastructure, government and law enforcement sectors that Motorola Solutions also targets and has lots of integration projects in. In this sense, the Motorola Solutions-Pelco combination makes more sense and is expected to create more synergy for both.

Greg Brown, chairman and CEO of Motorola Solutions, himself said in a statement that “Video continues to play a more powerful role in enabling safer cities and securing businesses around the world. Pelco’s track record of innovation, internationally recognized brand, global channel and customer installed base enable us to further expand our global footprint with enterprise and public safety customers.”

Online Forum: The new concept for the new age

Shaping the New normal
In the second half of July, a&s Adria magazine, in cooperation with Messe Frankfurt New Era, organized its third online forum in 2020, which, this time, was dedicated to the security industry during the coronavirus pandemic. With its main topic defined as “Shaping the New Normal in a New Era”, lecturers from the leading global security companies such as ASSA ABLOY, Bosch, Dahua, MFNE and Seagate, talked about what the security industry and market currently look like and how they operate and what changes they will have to face in the coming years.

Catalyst for Changes
The Covid-19 crisis will trigger changes that will drive the digitalization of services and change existing business models in the security industry, according to Israel Gogol of MFNE. The impact of the crisis will be felt most in two segments: the first one is the financial uncertainty, with almost 50 percent of companies in the B2B segment reducing their short-term consumption in response to the crisis, and, second, in the digitalization of services. Digital communication will become indispensable because all companies and users are now online, so the providers must approach them with a strong and effective message. In addition, companies in the security industry will have to offer new products and business models. Cloud technology will be at the heart of current demands, together with contactless technologies and remote surveillance. We will also witness the transition to the opex model, in which the manufacturers will have to focus on recurring revenue or subscription models, with greater reliance on digital channels for education and sales.

Greater Reliability with Quality Storage
For the operation of advanced video surveillance technologies, proper and secure storage is crucial as it offers greater reliability and scalability of the system, higher level of data protection and less maintenance. Karol Narojczyk, Seagate’s Sales Representative for Central and Eastern Europe, presented several product series intended for use in video surveillance. For DVRs and NVRs in small and medium-sized installations, Seagate offers its affordable SkyHawk technology, while AI NVRs in a system that can generate structured analytical data and metadata can utilize SkyHawk AI. In case of VMS servers and shared storage (SAN, NAS and JBOD), Exos should be used for larger, more expensive and faster installations, while NYTRO SSD is intended for deep learning and analysis. When it comes to data protection, the company offers its ADAPT software, which is 95 % faster in copying data in case of disk failure compared to traditional RAID solutions. If one needs to monitor disk performance, there is also SkyHawk Health Management 2.0 software with the most advanced feature set in the industry.

Towards New Future with INTEOX
Bosch has developed and improved several solutions to combat the coronavirus and these were presented by Danijel Jerković, Sales Manager for Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Tiberiu Nicolae, Business Development Manager for Southeast Europe. One of these solutions is the new INTEOX open video surveillance platform which will allow integrators and developers to develop custom applications without any restrictions. In the 3rd quarter of 2020, the first PTZ mobile INTEOX IP camera will be presented, while the same is planned for fixed cameras in early 2021. There’s also a people counting solution that will combine Bosch’s smart cameras and Philips’ Android displays, allowing for more efficient and effective crowd management. The camera monitors the number of customers entering and leaving the premises and notifies visitors when it is not safe to enter via the display. The People Counting solution normally uses one Bosch camera with built-in video analytics and one of Philips’ D-Line, Q-Line or H-Line displays, but it can also be used in larger areas with as many as 80 cameras and 20 monitors. Finally, there is a public address system for the retail industry, which informs customers to keep their distance from each other.

Managing Hardware and Software from a Single Location
Representatives of ASSA ABLOY, Denis Dunaj, Digital Access Solutions Manager with this company, and David Hughes, Product Development Manager for the EMEA region, presented the novel Incedo Business access control management software solution for all types of business environments. Facility managers can now manage all of their security and access control systems from a single location, get the maximum return on investment without the need to re-train their staff, choose local or cloud-based management, opt for cards, tokens or mobile keys, and enjoy personalized access and live control. Through the user interface of the Incedo Business software, you can specify in detail who has access to which door and when. The software comes in three versions – Lite, Plus and Cloud, allowing the users to choose the one that suits them best for their security needs.

Four Steps in the Fight against the Pandemic
How a micrometer can affect a $ 50 billion industry overnight was a topic discussed by Jacek Weglarz, technology evangelist with Dahua Technology. In times of fundamental changes, Dahua has adapted to the market in both the business and manufacturing segments, offering a range of solutions to combat the coronavirus. At the forefront is the HBTM body temperature measurement solution, which features thermal cameras with artificial intelligence, 400×300 px resolution, and a black body for easier calibration of temperature measurements, thus achieving an accuracy of ± 0.3 ℃. In addition to thermal cameras, Dahua also offers several AI cameras that can detect if a person is wearing a face mask and count people in lines, as well as mobile access control and face recognition terminals. Dahua’s system can instantly recognize a person, measure his/her temperature, check if they are wearing a mask and open the door for them.

How intelligent keys unlock security and efficiency improvements in the leisure sector

London, July 2020 — Places of leisure, where we spend our downtime, are public by design. Unlike a bank vault or power plant, they actively invite visitors. You can’t just lock them down and hope no one turns up.

Equally, to ensure user and property safety, access must not be a free for all. Managing risk — separating authorised from unauthorised people and locations — is part of every site manager’s daily routine. Intelligent locking makes this workload a whole lot easier.

Intelligent keys combine the powerful features of electronic access control with the convenience and familiarity of mechanical keys. In hugely diverse leisure settings across Europe, they already help managers do more with less.

We treasure our leisure. The right access solution can help us do it safely without putting a burden on those responsible for our security.

Controlling access to outdoor sites and visitor attractions
Obviously, for many leisure attractions, wired electronic security is not an option. Locations may be remote — far beyond the reach of mains electricity. Assets themselves may be outside. Thankfully, cabling is not essential for effective intelligent access control. Robust, battery-powered locking, backed by intuitive admin software you can access from anywhere, matches or exceeds the functionality of traditional wired access control. Padlocks built to withstand climate extremes integrate within your system exactly like standard interior locks.

Intelligent electronic key systems are also budget friendly. Making the switch from mechanical security is not an all-or-nothing decision. The best intelligent key systems let you roll out gradually, as needs evolve and budgets allow. For example, the Llyn Brenig Reservoir and Visitor Centre in Wales attracts tens of thousands of tourists every year*. Both mechanical and electromechanical locking protect a site which houses critical infrastructure and watersports facilities — with disparate security needs. Here electromechanical locking brings long-term cost savings to site owners Welsh Water, because locks no longer need to be changed when keys are lost. Permissions are simply deleted from the system software.

In 2015, Twycross Zoo launched a £55 million, two-decade development plan. High on the agenda was a new intelligent key solution to replace a mechanical master-key system which was labour-intensive to administer. The new system’s flexibility has put zoo security managers in full control of their site. Only staff with the necessary authority and training can access animal enclosures.

It’s simple for system administrators to issue time-defined user keys. These can permit vets or zookeepers access to enclosures for a specific time period outside regular hours — for example, in an emergency. When the period expires, the key no longer works and site integrity is automatically restored.

Access control in the museum sector
When Edvard Munch’s painting “The Scream” was stolen from an Oslo museum in 1994, thieves left a note which read: “Thanks for the poor security”**. Securing museums — open spaces with priceless contents — presents one of security’s biggest challenges. Around 50,000 artworks are stolen every year, according to some estimates***.

Adding further complexity, many museums are located within historic properties. The building itself may be integral to the attraction — and come with strict heritage protections. Any new locking installation must make minimal mess. For this reason, wireless is increasingly the preferred choice.

Wireless access systems based on robust, key-operated locking, rather than cards and other keyless credentials, combine a familiar technology (the metal key) with the intelligence to keep staff and collections safe. Carrying one programmable key able to open doors, cabinets, windows and padlocks makes the security team’s rounds easier. It also minimises the number of keys in circulation — with obvious security benefits.

Companion software makes key tracking straightforward: you always know who exactly is carrying credentials, can refine or amend those permissions quickly and order a full audit trail on demand. And these locks are discreet enough to maintain the property’s appearance.

Museum access control in action
London’s Design Museum needed access control designed to protect high-value assets and exhibits. Devices here protect a contemporary site with three galleries, a restaurant/café and an events space, with 100 permanent staff and hundreds (sometimes thousands) of daily visitors. The building has multiple door sizes and must meet British Standards compliance.

Electromechanical locks now control access through 56 doors, forming part of a security ecosystem which incorporates traditional mechanical locks, too. Using intuitive management software, security managers ensure every staff member accesses only the right areas. Contractors are issued with temporary programmable keys, which saves time formerly wasted escorting them around the building. The system the Design Museum chose — CLIQ from ASSA ABLOY ¬— also enables integration with third-party cloud-based solutions, for control via a single, central management interface.

The delicate balance between protecting a precious building and guarding its contents sets a major challenge. Security and access control must be “subtle, but ever present,” according to one former moderator of the Museum Security Network****. Invasive installation, showy or inappropriately designed devices and components cannot be considered. This was the checklist facing France’s Musée Maurice Denis: the museum is inside a listed 17th-century monument, so they turned to CLIQ access control technology for a solution.

Drawing on extensive experience in the heritage sector, ASSA ABLOY delivered class-leading security without disrupting the building aesthetic. Installation was easy and wire-free, because encrypted electronics inside CLIQ locks are powered by the standard batteries inside every programmable key. No further power supply is needed at the door.

Around 70 robust, hard-wearing cylinders and padlocks now secure doors and windows inside and outside the main building; waterproof padlocks protect CCTV camera housing on the exterior. Every employee receives access to relevant areas via a single CLIQ key, which administrators program with only the appropriate permissions.

Insurance compliance is another major concern in the heritage sector. Indeed, insurers for 17th-century warship Vasa demand Sweden’s highest level of locking: Class 3. Yet the Vasamuseet’s access system must also allow 1.2 million annual visitors to move around freely, while keeping exhibits safe.

To upgrade an existing mechanical system, around 700 interior door cylinders were equipped with CLIQ Remote electromechanical technology. Museum staff used to carry heavy chains with ten or more keys. Now facility managers can amend the access rights of everyone’s single CLIQ key at any time, even remotely, using the CLIQ Web Manager. It’s easy to issue contractors such as carpenters with access rights scheduled to end automatically as soon as their work is complete.

Security for shopping and indoor leisure sites
According to one study completed two decades ago, we spend 87% of our time indoors*****. The number is probably higher now — and includes a huge chunk of our leisure time. Large retail multiplexes like Festival Place in the UK are a popular destination. Here over 170 shops, a cinema, sports centre and restaurants have an ever-changing roster of permanent staff, cleaners and out-of-hours contractors. Every person requires secure entry on demand. The public also needs open access for 18 hours every day.

Yet a single lost mechanical key could become a security problem for all users and tenants. Installing 100 CLIQ electromechanical cylinders drastically cut the burden of mechanical key management.

Now, cleaners and maintenance workers carry an intelligent key which unlocks specific doors for a pre-defined time period. Using simple online admin software, site managers can immediately de-authorise and reissue a lost key or amend any key’s permissions. Generating a comprehensive audit trail — who accessed which lock, and when — takes a couple of mouse clicks.

CLIQ also cuts Festival Place operational costs. The electronics inside CLIQ locks are powered by the standard battery inside every key, not mains electricity. Installation was wireless, a huge saving on potentially expensive electrical work.

At Festival Place and wherever we gather to enjoy leisure — indoors or outside — CLIQ enables easy access control for all openings with just a simple, single, programmable key.

To download a free white paper on museum and heritage sector security, visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/cliq-museums
Or learn more about CLIQ visit https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/ecliq

Teletek Electronics co-hosted with A&S Adria an online seminar “Intrusion Alarm Solution”

Teletek Electronics JSC – a leading manufacturer of Intruder and Fire Alarm Systems, presented their innovations in alarm equipment and communications with main focus – Eclipse control panels as well as GPRS and LAN communication modules.

Eclipse control panels are contemporary range of panels working with one and the same periphery devices – expanders, keypads, software, etc.

With different types of programming: by addresses, by operations or using tree structure text menus.

 During the session were presented  the new Guard View monitoring software developed by Teletek Electronics, as well as the latest version of MobileTTE – a mobile application for quick and easy remote access and control of the intrusion Eclipse and wireless Bravo alarm systems.

 At the end of the seminar many of the experts attending on the virtual event had possibility to  ask questions about discuss some cases with the lectors.

Audiences are experts from the leading security companies from the region shared that the topics covered were extremely interesting and relevant.

 Next co-hosted seminar planned for September will present innovations on Fire alarm Systems by Teletek Electronics JSC.

Subscribe for newsletters by Teletek Electronics on www.teletek-electronics.com or A&SAdria newsletter for more information about the upcoming seminars and trainings.

Equipping 16th-century doors with 21st-century access control

London, July 2020 – Schools and heritage sites present their own unique difficulties for security and access control. But what about a school that is also a heritage site of exceptional value? This was the challenge facing security administrators at the Colegio Diocesano Santo Domingo in Orihuela, Spain.

The Colegio Diocesano is more than just a school. Its historic buildings date to the 1500s, a heritage site as well as a place of learning — with a museum which requires the protection of the same access system.

Hence, the brief for a new access system required minimal disruption on two fronts. The college buildings are a Resource of Cultural Interest and on Spain’s heritage registry: they must not be damaged. School leaders also required little disturbance of everyday school learning. Wireless access control was the obvious answer.

A wire-free solution to a 16th-century problem

SMARTair® wireless access control devices now control access through 300 doors around the school. A mix of battery-powered escutcheons and weather-proof escutcheons, knob cylinders and wired wall readers (including for lifts), are connected to SMARTair’s intuitive software by a network of 38 wireless communication hubs.

The school chose SMARTair Wireless Online management for their new keyless access system. This powerful management option enables real-time security control to limit free access to and around the site, even if the school data network is down. Automated emails inform security staff of any incidents, keeping students, staff, equipment, and precious heritage safe.

“The main benefit is the ease of real-time key management — from any place and at any time — via the wireless online management system,” says IT Manager, Francisco Fernández Soriano. “This increases security for children and for staff, because no unauthorised people can enter the school.”

SMARTair locks and readers provide a streamlined way to manage access. Student and staff carry credentials programmed to allow access to specific authorized areas. SMARTair TS1000 software makes it easy to issue and cancel access credentials for temporary visitors such as parents.

“In addition to the main entrances and classrooms, access to private spaces such as lifts, offices, staff rooms, the church, the museum, the library and the IT room is constantly monitored,” he adds. “Thanks to our SMARTair devices installed at more than 300 doors, the security team can find out who has accessed which space and when, at any time.”

Installation and integration

Installation of the school’s new SMARTair system demanded minimal work. Some school doors date to the 16th century, so major alterations to door hardware were not possible. “The system was installed without a hitch and also without any disruption to classes,” confirms Fernández Soriano. Because SMARTair is a modular system, scalability is built in. They can extend or fine-tune their access system when they choose. Indeed, SMARTair’s “Phase II” is already under discussion.

SMARTair software also easily slotted into the school’s existing management workflows. The Colegio Diocesano has used iinventi education management software for the past five years. Integration with SMARTair software was simple: access control, the library and canteen are managed from an integrated system.

“SMARTair gives the school’s security team the answers they need,” concludes school director, Reverend José María Fernández-Corredor.

To learn how easily SMARTair® wireless access control could secure your premises, download a free solution guide at https://campaigns.assaabloyopeningsolutions.eu/smartair

 

BIROSAFE Bulletproof Doors in Security Entrance Systems

BIROSAFE Strumica is an engineering company which manufactures, sells and installs security, fireproof and bank equipment (security and fireproof safes, cabinets, doors, and vaults) according to the European standards.

It is a company that offers security and makes the clients feel safe by using the high-quality materials in the manufacturing process and adhering to the ISO quality standards in creating new security products.

Over the past few years, they have been active in the market of products which ensure bulletproof protection.

The BIROSAFE bulletproof doors and walls can be made according to various measurements and include options with or without glass.

These products come with bulletproof protection in line with the established standards:

EN 1522 FB 4 NS
EN 1522 FB 4+ NS
EN 1522 FB 6 NS,

This is confirmed by the European certificates issued by the ECB-S Germany.

These BIROSAFE bulletproof doors and walls can also be installed as part of the Security Entrance Systems (SAS) which are designed for controlling entrances and exits in secure areas.

The Security Entrance Systems (SAS) SAS Birocabin model is intended for the access control involving two or more doors that are opened simultaneously.

With it, the entry to and from the areas that need to be secured can be restricted or controlled.

Opening of the doors is handled with the help of the Interlocking system (one door is opened – the second one is closed).

Interlocking doors allow only a single person to make entry or exit, thus preventing unauthorized persons or intruders to enter premises. The users enter through the first door which gets locked behind them before the second door opens, thus allowing access to the secure zone.

The system has an Emergency Exit option which can be automatically turned on with the help of the Fire Proof Control Panel in the case of fire or panic (it can also be controlled by a guard or by using the Control Center). In this situation, everyone can make an exit from inside to outside, but unauthorized persons can’t enter indoor spaces from the outside.

The booth is also equipped with Total STOP button for door blocking.

All booths are equipped with their own installations, internal and external light signalization, buttons or readers for entrance and exit (opening of the booth doors can be also controlled by a guard or from the control room).

The doors are equipped with electromagnetic locks (that can stand the force of 1000 – 3000 kg) as well as with locks used for additional mechanical locking.

There are options to install additional equipment such as intercom system, biometric readers (fingerprint, face recognition opening) etc.

In case of the interruption of the electrical power supply, the system has own power supply.

There is a presence sensor inside the booth.

All booths can be made with different measurements and colors, so they can perfectly align with the design of the surroundings that client chooses.

These products are recommended for the security companies that are involved in the cash-in-transit business, banks, government institutions, exchange offices etc.

Apart from these new bulletproof products, the company also offers the following security equipment: safes, cabinets, deposit safes, weapon safes, cash transfer safes, vault and vault doors, security doors, bulletproof doors and walls as well as fire proof equipment such as safes, cabinets, doors etc.

All of their products are usually made according to the standard measurements, but there is also an option to customize them based on the client’s demands.

In case of a problem with the equipment, BIROSAFE has its own service team, which is trained for taking care of defects and resolving any kind of problem related to the operation of products, regardless of whether the warranty has expired or not.

BIROSAFE has offices and dealerships in all the Balkan countries and is present in the markets of Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Albania, and Bulgaria.

BUILDING BIGGER, BETTER PERIMETER INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS

Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) are often the first line of defense for large critical sites. If the perimeter security is weak, critical infrastructure could be left vulnerable to physical attack, resulting in irreparable damage. Today, site operators are integrating video analytics, thermal cameras, fence sensors and even intelligent security lighting into their perimeter solutions. By reinforcing the outermost areas of facilities with these added advanced technologies, site managers are more prepared than ever to stop intruders in their tracks.

THE STATE OF THE PERIMETER INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS MARKET
The market for perimeter intrusion detection systems, otherwise called PIDS, is growing steadily due to the continued need for better security.
Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS ) are an important part of an overall security solution, especially for critical locations. Growth in the market is known to be consistent and steady and is expected to continue on this trend in the coming years. Globally, the market for PIDS is expected to reach nearly US$21.6 billion by 2023, according to a report by Marketsandmarkets. This is attributed to the increasing number of video surveillance installations for security systems, the rising demand for remote access through the cloud and wireless technology, as well as government regulations to improve perimeter security and curb infiltration and terrorist activities. Regionally, the largest market for PIDS is North America, with the U.S. and Canada leading the region. However, Asia Pacific is expected to see significant growth in the coming years. Growth in APAC is due to government regulations, infrastructure development and an increase in incidents resulting in the need for perimeter security. The Middle East and Africa (MEA) region is also expected to see a high compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the next few years.

PERIMETER SECURITY IN DIFFERENT VERTICALS
Nowadays the importance of fortifying cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure from cyberattacks is a never-ending pursuit, and for a good reason. Yet, while the need for stronger cybersecurity is critical, these facilities must also be fortified with physical barriers to prevent physical attacks as well. Stewart Dewar, Product Manager at Senstar pointed to several verticals currently dr iving growth in the perimeter security market. For example, electrical utilities must maintain a safe and reliable electrical grid at all time. “This criticality has only increased; as we are now seeing growing concern over safeguarding the continuity of operations. Utilities need to protect themselves against incidents that could cause an outage, whether it be vandalism, material theft, or, in the extreme case, a terrorism incident,” he said. There are similar concerns in the logistics vertical with regard to large fulfillment centers. While direct loss from theft is naturally a concern, Dewar noted that customer satisfaction and brand reputation are also at play — products lost to theft are products not delivered to soon-to-be disgruntled this case provides an outer ring of protection that defends warehouse access points. In terms of video-surveillanceenabled perimeter solutions, Dewar highlighted commercial and light industrial verticals as those that could benefit the most. “Many sites in this category were not initially built with perimeter security in mind, making it a challenge to add traditional perimeter security sensors. Video surveillance systems equipped with advanced outdoor-optimized video analytics can substantially increase site security,” he explained. While traditionally perimeter security systems are most commonly associated with critical infrastructure (e.g., utilities, oil and gas, etc.), government facilities, national borders, military and defense, correctional facilities and other large industrial plants, a growing number of verticals outside this list are adopting these solutions. Large entertainment venues, for example, are deploying more perimeter security measures as the number of attacks on these settings continues to grow.

HOW VIDEO ANALYTICS AND THERMAL CAMERAS IMPROVE PERIMETER SECURITY
Perimeter intrusion detection systems are integrating more and more with video surveillance systems, allowing for visual verification and data analysis.
The video surveillance segment — including security cameras, video analytics and other video components — accounts for the largest market share of the perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) market. This is driven by demand from security operators for visual verification and desire to capture images. When choosing a camera for perimeter security, Stewart Dewar, Product Manager at Senstar, recommends selecting cameras from manufacturers that fully support ONVIF standards. This will guarantee compatibility with video management software, simplify integration and avoid vendor lock-in. Additionally, he recommends choosing a manufacturer that has a proven track record with regard to firmware updates and security patches, to ensure the camera is always cybersecure.

VIDEO ANALYTICS PROVIDES MORE INSIGHT
Adding video surveillance cameras alone to a perimeter security system will not deliver the enhanced security desired by security operators. The addition of video analytics, though, can make for a much more effective solution, particularly for locations where there is no suitable fence for a fence sensor or an open area for microwave or buried-cable solutions, explained Dewar. Yet, a successful video analytics deployment is not as simple as just adding software to an existing video surveillance system. Video analytics requires a higher standard in lighting and camera count than would typically be required if the video was used just for assessment. Dewar added that the best video analytics are usually server-based, where they benefit from increased processing power. However, this creates additional upfront costs for the servers, plus the associated operational costs of maintenance, power and cooling. Dewar also pointed out that, “It is considered harder to get a good probability of detection (PD) versus nuisance alarm rate (NAR) balance from video analytics than from a traditional perimeter intrusion detection sensor, but with higher-end analytics and expert tuning you can still get effective results.” There are still exceptions: scene variations like foliage growth, seasonal weather and site changes can impact performance and require re-tuning.

THERMAL CAMERAS BRING THE HEAT
The use of thermal cameras in perimeter security has mostly been associated with critical sites (e.g., utilities, airports, chemical plants, etc.) where a breach could have significant repercussions. In these applications higher costs were more easily justified since there was a need for more sophisticated systems. Today, the price of thermal cameras has come down while performance continues to improve. As a result, less critical sites are also adopting thermal systems for perimeter protection. These sites are using them as an “outdoor burglar alarm” to protect against more common challenges like theft prevention to stop business loss at commercial sites such as datacenters, cannabis growers, industrial parks, vehicle lots, schools, retail locations and construction yards, explained John Romanowich, President and CEO, SightLogix. Now, any site that needs to prevent intruders from entering the perimeter and causing business disruption can use thermal cameras. Romanowich noted steady growth inthe use of thermal video for perimeterapplications in the last several years, and expects that trend to accelerate in 2020. While terrorism and other global challenges have generally driven investment in perimeter security, he believes the recent upswing comes from two key developments. “First, the combination of advanced software being powered by newer, faster, cheaper processors allows us to bring more capable thermal systems to market with ever-increasing detection performance. Secondly, the adoption of thermal video for automotive and other non-security applications has expanded the market for thermal sensors, creating economies of scale and subsequent cost reductions. This means today’s thermal perimeter cameras detect better, in more situations, at less cost than the systems we had only a few years ago,” Romanowich said.The biggest benefit of using thermal cameras together with video analytics is the very high level of detection reliability the system provides. Thermal is ideal for outdoors since it can work in total darkness and is not impacted by weather or reflections. It can also help perimeter security operators save on cost by reducing the number of cameras needed. “Thermal cameras can detect intruders over very large areas, John Romanowich, President and CEO, SightLogix measuring hundreds of meters wide and distant, creating a compelling financial advantage when you consider the reduction of poles and power otherwise needed with systems that cannot provide such depth of coverage,” Romanowich added. However, thermal cameras have poor capabilities with regards to intruder identification, making the use of visible-light cameras and perimeter lighting necessary for a complete assessment and investigation, according to Dewar. Other challenges include implementation of best practices, design and infrastructure. For example, it is important to make sure camera fields of view overlap along the perimeter as to not leave blind spots. Thermal cameras also require typical networking arrangements for their use, such as properly hardened networks, a range of available IP addresses, firewalls and best practices of cybersecurity.

FENCE SENSORS, INTELLIGENT SECURITY LIGHTING AMONG TOP PERIMETER SECURITY TRENDS
The need for more a more multi-layered perimeter security approach is leading organizations to invest more in fence sensors, intelligent security lighting and more.
Perimeter intrusion detection systems (PIDS) have gotten more advanced, adopting newer technological trends and integrating with other security systems. As technology for things like fence sensors and intelligent security lighting improve, they can become important additional tools in an overall perimeter security solution.

FENCE SENSORS
Fence sensors of all types (e.g., fiberoptic, non-fiber, etc.) have become more available, cost effective and can incorporate increasingly sophisticated detection algorithms that continue to improve probability of detection and nuisance alarm rate performance. These sensors are able to report an intrusion when it is happening, as well as report the location of where it is happening to an accuracy of 3 or 4 meters, according to Stewart Dewar, Product Manager at Senstar. “These sensors do not need additional hardware installed on the perimeter for zone demarcation, making them much easier to install and maintain and a more effective solution than older-generation non-locating systems,” he said.

INTELLIGENT SECURITY LIGHTING DETERS INTRUDERS
Perimeter security is often in the dark, literally. Unlike standard perimeter lighting options, intelligent security lighting can balance the problem of light pollution with the realities of monitoring a perimeter. It is dimmable and allows for the illumination of only the fence line. Since lighting functions to deter, detect and detain would-be intruders, deploying uniform, LED-based intelligent lighting along the perimeter not only acts as a deterrent, but also improves camera assessment capabilities — better lighting allows for better video quality, which results in better analysis. “Adding intelligence to the perimeter enables a wide range of active deterrents, including luminaire strobing at the detection location, dynamically adjustable intensity levels and integration with video analytics and on-site security devices,” Dewar explained.

INTEGRATION WITH MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Dewar noted an increasing desire for software integration between the perimeter security systems and the alarm-reporting “head-end”, whether that be classified as a video management system (VMS), safety management system (SMS) or physical security information system (PSIM). “Customers want a system that provides complete situational awareness of security considerations, and they want the integration to be deep — providing not only basic alarm information but supplemental information such as exact alarm location and equipment operational status,” he said. Integrating PIDS with VMS and things like video analytics, gives security operators immediate access to more data for a faster, more effective response. This integration can allow operators to track people, objects and vehicles in and around the perimeter; help reduce nuisance alarm rates; and improve post-incident analysis.

PERIMETERS WILL GET SMARTER
As of now, there doesn’t seem to be a whole lot of talk about artificial intelligence (AI) or machine learning (ML) in perimeter security, but that could change. Video analytics is being deployed more often as part of a more secure perimeter protection solution. There are also already some companies that are using both AI and ML to offer intelligent perimeter intrusion detection systems, which will provide even more actionable insightss to fight off intruders.

Keeping up with players on the ice

Sometimes the pace of life speeds up and it’s tricky to keep up. This is especially the case with intense sports, like ice hockey. In fact, NHL players can reach speeds in excess of 20 miles (32 km) per hour on the ice. In scenarios like this, it can be challenging to broadcast all games across a number of stadia, especially when they were often relying on amateur ‘producers’ to cover many of the games. It was this challenge that faced media streaming company LiveArena, and they turned to Hikvision and studio automated (innovated with Dutch research institute TNO) for an AI-enabled solution to automate the production process.

Challenge
LiveArena is a global company, based in Sweden, which manages and delivers more than 30,000 live events around the world each year. They are constantly looking for ways to improve the access of their services, and to make the user experience more engaging.
Traditional coverage of an ice hockey game was typically restricted to the high level games only – that meant the ‘premier league’ teams. Broadcast media could only afford to hire cameramen for those games. So, fans of the sports who follow other teams were not able to see their favourite teams in action through streaming media. LiveArena needed to find other ways of recording the games often relying on family members of players. To do this, the solution would need to be one where they were in full control of the production at all the arenas.
LiveArena also wanted to be able to improve the scheduling, production and graphics overlays.
Another issue was posed by the sheer speed of ice hockey. These meant that a traditional camera solution could not give clear enough images. In fact, they could sometimes give a false ‘shadow’ of a player, due to the fast moving action.

Solution
studio automated had developed an algorithm to track the game of ice hockey. Hikvision customized the firmware for its 32MP PanoVu IP camera (2CD6984G0) to maximize its integration with this algorithm, so that it could keep up with the game’s speed. This was made possible because of the 25 fps framerate and the 4K sensors of the PanoVu camera.
This upgrade involved the use of AI predictions to help the camera figure out the likely position of the action and the players. The information is combined with tracking to give a more accurate footage of the game. It is then streamed to users on their mobile apps, or any other connected device with a browser and the ability to play back live H.264 content, so they can enjoy the game live wherever they are.
The camera provides a high resolution 180° spliced image, with a full panoramic view. It’s also robust enough to cope with the elements outside on the field, with a built-in heater protecting it against temperatures up to -40˚C. It’s also IP67/IK10 water resistant to IP67 standard and vandal proof to IK10.
Armed with these technologies, LiveArena can open up the game to fans, wherever they are and whoever they support. They can broadcast every game from arenas with the fully automated support.
The solution has also delivered additional features like the Manual Situation Room (MSR). Since the Hikvision camera captures the whole field LiveArena can do analyses of specific incidents after a game. For example, referee boards can review any instances of a game that might result in additional penalties, like a severe rule breaking that could result in the player being stopped from participating in future games. This analysis of a game can also help coaches to train players.
Pontus Eklöf, LiveArena COO, says: “We are thrilled about what this solution has done to our live game video production. Not only do we broadcast more games. We also have a better video quality for the viewers in combination with a whole lot of new features. All of this benefits the viewers, the ice hockey federations and the individual clubs.”
This project covered 130 ice hockey stadiums throughout the Nordic region, and there are plans to implement the solution in another 300 this year. LiveArena is also looking at using multiple cameras to further enhance the viewer experience both for online game viewers as well as video coaches and other ice hockey professionals. So, it seems the solution is keeping up with this high-speed game in more ways than one.

Fire and Gas Suppression System from Advanced Protects Leading Bulgarian Bank

Intelligent fire and gas suppression systems from global leader Advanced, have been chosen to protect the flagship branch of DSK, one of Bulgaria’s leading banks.

DSK was founded in 1951, privatised in 2003 and has since grown to be one of the largest banking groups in Bulgaria, winning several awards for its services and reliability.

Following a refurbishment and upgrade of the flagship branch in Bulgaria’s capital Sofia, long-time Advanced partner, FireTech Engineering Ltd, specified a new system that included Advanced’s Axis EN (EN54) fire system, three ExGo suppression control panels and an IP Gateway, for remote internet control and monitoring.

Stoyan Grozdanov, spokesperson for FireTech Engineering Ltd, said: “We selected an Advanced system as Axis EN and ExGo set the industry benchmarks for fire alarm and extinguishant release. The panels are very reliable and, due to the importance of this particular branch, we needed a high level of protection and reliability, with assurance against false alarms and an intuitive interface for programming and monitoring.”

Axis EN is EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 approved and can be used in single-loop, single-panel format or easily configured into high-speed, multi-loop, 200-node networks covering huge areas. Its ease of installation and configuration, wide range of peripherals and wired and wireless devices make it customisable to almost any application.

ExGo extinguishing control panels have been developed to protect sensitive and strategic assets such as server rooms, data centres, control rooms and historic and cultural collections. It is suitable for almost all single-flooding area applications and includes a range of control options and devices. It is approved to EN54 parts 2, 4 and 13 as well as EN12094-1 and is among the first systems to combine these with EN12094 in a single solution. (EN12094-3 relates to the integrated manual release on the front of the panel). ExGo can be integrated into Advanced’s Axis EN fire system or any third-party alarm system.

Vladimir Zrnic, Regional Sales Manager for Southern Europe at Advanced, said: “DSK Bank in Sofia is a fantastic example of a high-profile financial institution protected by Advanced and is the result of our product leadership and the expertise of our partners.”

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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.