HID has opened a new Logistics Center in Shannon, Ireland. The new facility is HID’s second largest Logistics Center, supporting 55 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

 The occasion was marked with an official ribbon-cutting and a visit from local government and business leaders, as well as HID’s operations leadership team. The new 4157 m2 Logistics Center is double the size of HID’s previous facility and employs 60 people with a goal of expanding headcount in the years to come.

“The new Logistic Center is strategic in sustaining the global growth HID has experienced, and it demonstrates our commitment to fostering innovation and product availability across the region,” said Josh Freeman, HID’s Senior Vice President and Head of Operations.

“Congratulations to HID on the opening of their new Logistic Center in Shannon. Since 2006 HID’s growth and expansion here in Ireland is truly a great success story, and the new Center will allow for an even better service to their European customers. I’m delighted that HID has chosen Shannon and the Mid-West Region for this new expansion, and welcome all growth opportunities, especially in regional areas. Shannon is thriving in the technology space and having a global leader such as HID open in the area is a very welcome addition. I wish all the team the best with this new expansion and continued success,” said Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Dara Calleary.

“I wish to congratulate HID for the establishment of its second site in Ireland, and its second largest Logistics Center. A leading technology solutions company operating in several fast-growing markets, HID is a welcome addition to the Midwest established Technology cluster. I wish HID and its team in Shannon every success with this expansion,” said CEO of IDA Ireland, Michael Lohan.

Operating in Ireland since 2006, HID has steadily expanded its manufacturing, R&D, supply chain customer service, IT, finance, human resources, and other business functions in Ireland to support a growing customer base across EMEA.

HID first established itself in the country in Tully, County Galway in 2006. The company is best known in Ireland for providing the enabling technology for Ireland’s revolutionary passport card programme, which was the first of its kind to allow travellers to cross borders in Europe with an electronic passport card rather than a traditional passport booklet.

The global behavioral biometrics market size is expected to reach USD 9.92 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 27.3% from 2023 to 2030, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc.  As behavioural biometric tools are less vulnerable to authentication frauds and hacking, the research suggests that their demand is expected to increase across end-use industries.

A notable rise in the number of fraudulent activities across the globe is further expected to drive the demand for behavioural biometrics solutions over the forecast period. According to a survey conducted by the Communications Fraud Control Association (CFCA), the telecom industry reported that in 2017, it incurred nearly USD 29.2 billion worth of losses from communication frauds. The use of technologies such as AI and machine learning for developing behavioural biometrics tools are gaining popularity in the market as they offer real-time intelligence and security control with enhanced user experience.

Some of the report’s highlights and key findings are as follows:

On a component basis, the services segment is expected to register the fastest growth over the forecast period. This, according to Grand View Research, can be attributed to businesses’ increasing reliance on IT assets to improve their productivity. The growing number of online transactions and the increasing number of associated frauds are expected to drive the demand for dynamic keystroke solutions.

For applications, the continuous authentication segment is expected to register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Increasing adoption of multi-modal biometric tools and growing demand for additional security layers in end-use industries is driving demand for the segment. The SME segment is expected to register the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This can be attributed to the growing number of SMEs globally, and the growing demand of these organizations to offer secure online services to their customers.

ISO 9001 Certified, AMG260M Ultra-Compact Media Converter is Offered as non-PoE, 30W PoE, 90W PoE, and PD Models

Biggleswade, UK. November 13, 2023, AMG Systems of the United Kingdom and USA introduced the AMG260M industrially hardened, ultra-compact fiber optic Gigabit Ethernet media converter. Available as both non-PoE models as well as PoE models with IEEE802.3at 30W or IEEE802.3bt 60/90W PoE or PoE-powered models. The AMG260M PoE PSE models are suitable for powering the latest high-power requirement PoE IP devices in difficult applications requiring equipment to be industrially hardened and immune from temperature, shock, and vibration. A PoE PD-powered model is also available for installation in locations without any local power.

The ultra-compact AMG 260M models are produced in a rugged, thermally efficient enclosure designed to be DIN-Rail, wall mounted, or with an industry-first magnetic mount option. The line is fully hardened and can operate outdoors in suitable IP-rated housing and in extreme temperatures (-40 to +75°C). The addition of integrated smart functionality provides the user with numerous field-selectable intelligent features such as link-fault pass-through, remote device reset, and extended distance mode for the copper cable. The AMG260M series miniature media converters are suited for connecting IP equipment to Ethernet networks that require optical fiber to achieve longer transmission distances. The AMG260M uses a dual-speed 100Mb/1Gb SFP port for connectivity and AMG offers a wide range of SFPs for fiber, connector type, and distance. The AMG260M Series media converters are designed in the USA and UK and manufactured in an ISO9001-certified UK facility, are NEMA approved and are fully TAA and NDAA compliant, and unlike similar products from other Asian countries, can be used in all US Government installations.

AMG cont.

Steve Clarke, AMG’s Managing Director, said, “AMG is known for our innovative approach to product design. With space being at a premium in most installations, the AMG 260M is easily the smallest, most full-featured media converter available today.” “Our unparalleled manufacturing process allows AMG to offer a wide range of transmission products at very cost-effective levels while maintaining ISO9001 quality, the AMG 260M is another example,” Clarke concluded.

Tom Exley, AMG Technical Director adds “The AMG260M continues our quality standard. Our engineering team looked at what was currently available, identified weaknesses, and engineered the AMG260M to overcome those weaknesses. There are dozens of media converters available today. None are equal in terms of this unique ultra-compact size, industrially hardened, with full 90W PoE capability, made in an ISO9001-certified facility, and most importantly, available when you need them. We believe in the quality and stand behind them with lifetime support. This media converter solves the density challenge, allowing the user to utilize more devices in a smaller area. Plus having a product made in the UK gives your network an added layer of security.”

AMG believes having products in stock, being fully supported by the AMG design team, and being covered by the AMG Lifetime Warranty gives AMG customers worldwide a measurable advantage in today’s competitive marketplace.

AMG Systems offers an extensive line of fiber optic, copper, and wireless Ethernet, video, and data transmission equipment that is uniquely designed to meet the needs of the Security, Intelligent Transportation Systems, Utility, and Industrial markets. Full product line details are available at www.amgsystems.com. Call direct +44 (0)1767 600777 or in the US, 1-855-AMGPOE1 or email sales@amgsystems.com for details.

Superdry upgraded store security and operations by adopting Avigilon Alta video solutions, resulting in wider coverage and lower costs.

Superdry prioritized minimizing risks like theft and accidents related to high foot traffic at stores. To address this, they replaced their inefficient video security system, sought to unify security operations, and aimed to streamline fulfillment and retail processes, including recording after-hours deliveries and enhancing procedural training.

Proactive video security and smart video analytics

Superdry implemented Avigilon Alta for improved store security, reduced theft, and threat detection. The sharp image quality of Avigilon Ava cameras has enhanced situational awareness for their security team.

 Avigilon Alta provides video search, audio detection, and heat-mapping, improving the security team’s ability to prosecute thieves. The alert function enhances store operations by recording deliveries and helping employees track fulfillment goals.

Safer stores

Avigilon Alta made Superdry stores safer for customers and employees, streamlining fulfillment processes with advanced video analytics.

“Avigilon Alta has exceeded our expectations, and we’re very happy. The image quality is fantastic, and Avigilon support has been great when we have questions.” confirmed Richard Smith, Profit Protection Manager at Superdry.

Superdry aims to be the top sustainable style destination as it grows, prioritizing safety and security for its people, property, and customers.

Memoori’s recent Access Control report notes a strong post-pandemic market rebound, with 10% growth in 2021-2022, reaching around $13.3 billion in 2022. The report highlights the increasing significance of mobile solutions, especially credentials, offering convenience, security, and remote manageability. This trend presents a notable opportunity for user-friendly applications, fostering additional market growth.

Mobile credentials

Mobile credentials, like virtual keys on smartphones using BLE and NFC, enhance user convenience by leveraging personal devices and minimizing the risk of loss. Cloud-based architecture allows administrators to remotely manage credentials, while specialized applications act as digital keys, controlling access at authorized entry points through card readers.

Steadying growth rate

The access control market, hit by the pandemic, rebounded strongly with over 10% growth in 2021-2022, reaching around $13.3 billion in 2022. Projected growth through 2028, at 5-7% annually, is driven by technology advances like mobile access, biometrics, IoT integration, and touchless access. Investments and upgrades are also influenced by building security and data protection regulations.

Mergers and acquisitions

In the last year, the access control sector saw over $731 million in mergers and acquisitions, including notable deals like SGT Capital buying Elatec RFID Systems for $422 million and Assa Abloy acquiring Evolis for $237 million. This reflects a focus on integration, cloud solutions, and advanced software. Additionally, divestments by Carrier and Bosch could reshape the competitive landscape, aligning with a trend of companies streamlining to focus on core offerings. Memoori’s analysis covered 294 companies, evaluating them based on estimated revenues and size using clear definitions and 2022 estimates.

Evolving through convergence

Access control is evolving by integrating with progressive technologies, with a forecasted increase in enterprise adoption. The future landscape is expected to embrace a hybrid model that combines physical and digital systems, favoring providers with comprehensive solutions and flexible integration capabilities.

Smiths Detection has been awarded an £88 million contract to develop, manufacture, supply and support next-generation Chemical Sense Equipment for the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The award is part of an MoD programme to replace and strengthen its chemical detecting capabilities, helping to ensure that areas are safe from toxic chemicals that could harm defence personnel or civilians.

For the programme, Smiths Detection will develop three next-generation chemical sensor products, including a wearable personal chemical agent sensor with combined vapour and aerosol capabilities; a survey chemical agent sensor, a portable device to check potentially hazardous areas or surfaces; and a remote monitoring chemical sensor for use in fixed locations with enhanced identification and classification performance.

Smiths Detection will be responsible for all stages of the development and supply of the systems, including laboratory research, field testing, manufacture and supply, and ongoing service and support.

The new technology, which will be developed in close collaboration with the MoD, will feature Smiths Detection proprietary Ion Mobility Spectrometry (IMS) detection and identification technology and be based on its Lightweight Chemical Detector (LCD) line of advanced, easy-to-use threat detection devices. With over 75,000 units already sold around the world, the LCD has a legacy of protecting military personnel, police and hazmat responders by alerting operators to detect toxic substances and dangerous chemicals.

Smiths Detection President, Roland Carter, said: “We’re honoured to have been selected by the UK Ministry of Defence to supply this next-generation technology “Since our business inception, nearly 70 years ago, we have been designing, developing, manufacturing, and servicing chemical sensing technology. This technology protects defence forces, including the UK MoD, and communities from known and emerging threats. This award is testament to our leading technology and the knowledge, commitment and ingenuity of the people in our organisation who everyday help to make the world a safer place.”

2N, the global market leader in internet-enabled intercoms and access control systems, has launched a new IP answering unit, the 2N Clip, designed to meet the growing demand for IP technology in mid-range residential projects.

The 4″ video device runs on the same powerful, reliable operating system as 2N’s premium IP products, and offers many of the same advantages, including top-quality audio and video. It also offers the same high standards in other areas, including cybersecurity and sustainability, which more and more users demand. On top of that, the 2N Clip is the fastest answering unit on the market to install – it only takes three minutes – and it can be managed and configured remotely via the My2N Management Platform.

The 2N Clip has also been developed with a focus on the importance of aesthetics in access control. High-end functionality will always be the top priority for access control firms. Still, when technological capabilities come together with elegant design, as in the case of the 2N Clip, access devices can genuinely enhance the status of the building in which they are installed.

The product launch follows the CEDIA Expo 2023 in Denver, Colorado, where the 2N Clip was shown live to industry experts for the first time – and where it met with an overwhelmingly positive response.

“IP technology has transformed access control, enhancing both security and convenience. But in the residential sector, there has been a common perception that IP technology is only affordable in high-end, luxury projects. The 2N Clip completely up-ends that idea, and will help deliver 2N’s mission to bring the benefits of IP technology to every type of home,” said Michael Nicholson, 2N’s Business Development Manager for the UK & Ireland.

Bosch is realigning its Building Technologies division: in the future, the division is to focus on its regional integrator business, with solutions and services for building security, energy efficiency, and building automation.

The company plans to sell most of the Building Technologies division’s product business. This includes the Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication business units, and affects some 4,300 associates at more than 90 locations worldwide. Bosch is now looking for a buyer who will take on all three business units together with their associates and locations.

The product business with fire alarm systems, by contrast, is not to be sold. Because of its importance for systems integration, it is to be merged with the integrator business and continued.

“We are confident we will be able to find a buyer who will take over all three business units, and who will further strengthen the business and give it a secure future,” said Christian Fischer, Deputy Chairman of the Bosch Board of Management. He explained that, for strategic reasons, Bosch does not intend to develop this business further.

Thomas Quante, the President of Bosch Building Technologies, added: “The product business is excellently positioned for a promising future under a new owner: innovative products, highly skilled associates, and a market environment with attractive opportunities for growth.”

Following the realignment, the Building Technologies division will employ some 7,600 associates, and operate at 40 locations in 8 countries. As a brand-independent systems integrator with a wide-ranging portfolio of energy and building solutions, the division intends to benefit in the future from digitalization and growing customer demand for integrated, intelligent, and cross-domain solutions in the areas of building security, energy efficiency, and building automation.

The Bosch Building Technologies division is a leading global supplier of security, safety, and communications products and systems. About 10,900 associates generated sales of 2.5 billion euros in 2022. Protecting lives, buildings, and assets is the major aim. The product portfolio includes video security, intrusion detection, fire detection, voice evacuation systems, access control and management systems, as well as professional audio and conference systems.