19 June 2012 - Security Buyer Magazine

CheckMySystems soars in demand after IFSEC 2012

CheckMySystems Ltd – the CCTV health and operation monitoring software specialist – has seen enquiries soar by an unprecedented 400%, month-on-month, for its CheckMyCCTV solution thanks to the company’s attendance at the recent IFSEC 2012 event in Birmingham, and the associated marketing activity which it engaged in around the show. The key focus for CheckMySystems, as a first time exhibitor at IFSEC, was to demonstrate and promote the capabilities of the company’s advanced CheckMyCCTV software solution, including a range of new features. CheckMyCCTV is designed to automatically identify and report specific CCTV faults from multiple remote locations as soon as they are detected, whether it be a camera, hard disk, recording, or network connection failure. This ensures that issues can be flagged-up through a unique on-screen ‘traffic light’ warning system and resolved before they can have a negative impact on the operation of the video surveillance infrastructure. Already, many of the UK’s leading Remote Video Response Centres (RVRCs) are offering or looking to offer CheckMyCCTV’s health monitoring capabilities as a value-added service for their customers. This trend continued at IFSEC 2012 with the welcome announcement that IMDS (Intelligent Monitoring and Data Solutions) has signed-up as a key monitoring centre partner. Security installers are also recognising the advantages of proactive maintenance of remote CCTV systems to reduce costs and to provide a higher level of service above and beyond traditional scheduled visits. Another pivotal deal announced by CheckMySystems at IFSEC was with retail security specialist CSG UK PLC who will now act as an integrator partner. This should help to unlock the potential of the CheckMyCCTV health and operation monitoring solution across the lucrative retail sector, with CSG starting to roll it out across a number of major high street chains, allowing them to save money on their maintenance costs whilst providing their customers with an improved proactive service. Said Darren Rewston, Managing Director of CheckMySystems Ltd: “We were expecting to see interest grow thanks to IFSEC but had certainly not anticipated that it would be on this scale. Last month (May) was phenomenal for us and was certainly the best month we have had since starting out two years ago. Thanks to IFSEC, and the help of our partners on our stand, we now have hundreds of new sites that are going to be covered by our CheckMyCCTV solution, with many more in the pipeline. The attention we are receiving serves to underline the growing recognition out there that CCTV systems cannot be viewed as simply fit and forget. To put this in perspective, the snapshot survey we highlighted at IFSEC showed that 75% of the 300 UK sites we tested had issues with their video surveillance systems.” Contact www.checkmysystems.com

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Security solution Seminar to be hosted by Westronics Fire & Security

UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

The seminar, which is targeted at consultants and end-users is being hosted by Westronics Fire & Security. It will address the challenges associated with specifying a robust and eco friendly security solution for vulnerable facilities such as water treatment plants, mobile phone data centres, solar farms and railway networks, as well as high value storage and logistics centres. Among the solutions providers who will be participating at the seminar will be Dallmeier, who manufacture network based video surveillance products, FLIR who are a leading provider of thermal imaging systems, GPS who are manufacturers of microwave intruder detection systems and Unipart Security which operates a Monitoring & Response centre in Cowley which is an NSI Gold Category II Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) and Remote Video Response Centre (RVRC) accredited facility. “We are delighted that Westronics have chosen to use the lecture room at Unipart Group’s offices as the venue for this important event,” said Simon Jennings, Sales Manager for Unipart Security. “The Westec seminar should be of interest to any organisation or business that is concerned about security at sites where the consequences of any intrusion could be greater than the financial cost of replacing mission critical equipment or repairing any damage.” Security professionals who wish to register their interest in attending Westec can do so by emailing: aj@westronics.co.uk Contact www.westronics.co.uk

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The new videoIP server software, SMAVIA

UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

The SMAVIA Recording Server is a VideoIP server software for the recording and playback of IP based audio and video streams. It is designed for the installation on systems with Windows 7 operating system and suitable hardware equipment. The basic version with 4 IP based video channels can be expanded by up to 20 further IP based channels using a license code. The corresponding software SMAVIA Viewing Client allows for the independent and convenient evaluation of the recordings via Ethernet (LAN/WAN). It can be operated on systems with Windows XP / 7 operating system and is included in the SMAVIA Software Package scope of delivery together with an access license. Features SMAVIA Recording Server -Up to 24 video channels (SD-IP/HD-IP) -Simultaneous real-time recording, real-time streaming, remote access, live display, playback -One access license for SMAVIA Viewing Client included (basic license) -Video compression H.264, MPEG-4, MJPEG -Resolution SD (up to D1), HD (up to 1080p), megapixel (up to 8 MP) -Supports RTSP cameras -Configuration and recording of ONVIF compliant cameras -Connection to Active Directory via LDAP -Motion detection and SmartFinder function integrated for Dallmeier IP cameras -Remote configuration via Windows Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) -Evaluation with SMAVIA Viewing Client or SeMSy® via Ethernet (LAN/WAN) -Supports PRemote-HD in real-time Features SMAVIA Viewing Client -Access to SMAVIA Recording Server via Ethernet (LAN/WAN) -Live display, playback -Full-HDTV with 16:9 display format -Variable display in various multi splits -Extensive search functions -Function SmartFinder supported -Function PRemote-HD supported -Function EasyZoom supported -PTZ camera control via GUI Contact www.dallmeier.com

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BSIA pledge to protect employees during London Olympic games

Industry Sectors, Project News, Technology, UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

As the private security industry faces a significant increase in demand with the arrival of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, members of the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) are protecting employees from the increased health and safety risks brought about by longer working hours. Members of the Association’s Security Guarding section have adopted a single policy relating to the management of employees during Games time, a move which provides added levels of protection to security officers working during this busy period and reinforces Association members’ commitment to employee welfare. The development of this policy follows years of research into the impact of the Games on the private security industry, which has identified the increased risk of service failure due to staff taking on additional part-time work. Trevor Elliott, Director of Manpower and Membership Services at the BSIA, explains: “Given the opportunity for extra shifts, there is a risk that staff might be tempted to work excessively, breaching the Working Time Directive and Department of Health and Safety Guidelines. Such actions could leave them too tired to perform effectively, creating an obvious risk to their own health and safety.” “The BSIA policy confirms that employees of member companies will sign a statement to declare that they are not employed by, nor will work for, any other company unless both employment and the shifts worked are declared.” The BSIA has already provided guidance to members on steps to be taken in planning for the Olympics, and this latest development demonstrates a commitment to the health and safety of staff, and their ability to deliver high-quality customer service, regardless of high demand. Stuart Lowden, Chairman of the BSIA’s Security Guarding section, adds: “The additional pressures placed on private security by this summer’s celebrations place an added risk to our employees’ health and safety. The development of this single policy enables us as an Association to formally pledge our commitment to maintaining excellent levels of service and staff welfare during a challenging time.” As Lord Prescott calls upon the Home Secretary to hold an enquiry into the conditions of employment of security companies following an incident involving a non-BSIA member company during the Queen’s Jubilee, the issue of employee welfare for security officers is well and truly in the spotlight. The proactive action taken by BSIA member companies to ensure employee welfare will be maintained at current levels throughout the busy summer period reinforces the value to end users of choosing a reputable security provider. Contact www.bsia.co.uk

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Showsec to manage crowd at The Queens Diamond Jubilee

UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

The centre of London was the spectacular focal point of historic celebrations commemorating the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, June 4th and 5th, with Showsec looking after the union jack waving crowds. Brand and event management agency innovision, working on behalf of The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), The Royal Parks and The Greater London Authority (GLA), engaged Showsec to deliver the crowd management strategy. With different agencies covering different areas; Showsec covered Pall Mall, The Mall, St James’s Park, The South walking route, The North walking route, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Station, St James’s Park Station and Victoria Station. Planning began in March, which given the complexity of the events, the site topography and contingencies to be considered, meant a relatively short lead time for concentrated deliberations and decision making between the multiple stakeholders. These included DCMS, Westminster City Council, The Metropolitan Police, The Royal Parks, Transport for London and The Greater London Authority. Showsec dedicated an experienced team to the project, Steve Reynolds was head of stewarding, Dayo Adelugba deputy manager, Graham Herbert, Alan Wallace, Tracey McCarthy, Mark Wilcock, Michael Asimonye, Ieuan Fury, Paul Legge were sector managers, with Roy Wise, Julie Wallace and Louise Stockden based in the Police Special Operations Room (SOR), Event Liaison Team (ELT) and Control Room respectively. Leading up to the event the company’s e-learning platform proved an effective method of delivering the event briefing to staff across Showsec’s network of nationwide offices. But it was from the ELT Control Room during the event that the vital communications and coordination came for the seven hundred event security professionals. Managing the routes in and out of the site, they ensured the safety and enjoyment of the quarter of a million visitors gathered on The Mall & St James’s Park screen activations for the BBC Concert on a sunny Monday afternoon/evening. With a brief rest-bite, the teams were back in position on a cold rainy Tuesday morning to manage the crowds’ arrival, through the Ceremonial Procession and the egress from the Mall following the event. Steve Reynolds says: “I’m delighted at the positive feedback we’ve received about the manner in which Showsec staff have undertaken their roles as part of this multi-agency high profile security operation. We’ve enjoyed great support from our client, the Metropolitan Police and other stakeholders to help us build our knowledge to properly fulfil our roles.” Andrew Douglass, Chief Executive, innovision said: “This was an incredibly complex and challenging series of events, with great emphasis and responsibility placed on the crowd management strategy, quality of the stewarding and the ability to respond to an ever changing scope of works across a huge Central London footprint. The Showsec team were absolutely magnificent throughout, not only implementing a highly focussed and professional operation, but also demonstrating great flexibility and responsiveness. The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Weekend was a physically and mentally demanding stewarding operation, which Steve and his Showsec team delivered seamlessly.” Contact http://showsec.co.uk/

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ievo provides school with reliable and cost effective biometric solution

UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

North Wales High School Emrys ap Iwan commissioned local security and IT specialist Spider Technologies to research a replacement solution for their exhausted swipe card access control system. After extensive investigation Spider Technologies recommended none other than the robust ievo Ultimate fingerprint reader. Stood Out From the Crowd Specialising in ICT and Electrotechnical Services, Spider Technologies has been providing PAT Testing, Bespoke Software and Digital Signage installation alongside access control management since 2005. Driven by a strong technical background, Spider Technologies quickly became a registered Paxton installer in order to provide easy to use yet performance driven security solutions. Spider Technologies were initially approached by Emrys ap Iwan before IFSEC – the International Fire & Security Exhibition – to investigate fit for purpose and robust access control solutions that would be used to replace their original swipe card system as it was causing them problems at the school. After attending IFSEC and researching each possible solution, Managing Director of Spider Technologies, Steve Jones, decided upon the ievo Ultimate fingerprint system as it stood out from the crowd at the biometric security event, mainly due to its capabilities and indisputable reliability. After receiving a one to one demonstration with one of ievo’s account managers in August 2011, Steve quickly made an order of multiple Ultimate readers which he would later install at the school to be activated as early as September, just in time for the next academic year. The school previously used a swipe card system, where approximately 250 sixth form pupils and 100 teaching staff would gain access between different points around the building. Not only was the system difficult to maintain but it became increasingly expensive to run because pupils kept losing their cards. All the ievo Ultimate readers secure and monitor access on entry points between two main school buildings, which enables further control over sixth form pupils and the remainder of the school year groups. “Having researched an access control solution to solve the problems faced at Emrys ap Iwan there was no doubt in my mind that ievo would be fit for the job. Obviously, I had never installed an ievo biometric finger reader before, therefore I did have some technical questions. My ievo account manager visited the installation site on a couple of occasions in order to facilitate technical support. I was incredibly pleased with how well ievo Ultimate interfaced with Paxton Net 2, it made the installation process run a lot smoother and of course reduced disruption on site, which was a major relief because I had a tight schedule to abide by in order for the system to be completed before the next school term began.” Only the Highest Standards There were three main reasons why the ievo ultimate fingerprint readers increased efficiency, security and reduced the cost of maintenance at the school 1) Firstly, using the ievo Ultimate reader permitted school management to control access rights between the two separate buildings on the grounds. Using Paxton’s market leading access control system, Net2, Emrys ap Iwan management were able to control what times each year group entered each school building. The buildings are accessible by all pupils however some parts are only designated for staff and sixth form only, such as main entrance and access to an adjoining further education college on one of the sites. Access levels are therefore granted to sixth form pupils and staff continuously whilst remaining year groups gain access to general exterior doors between five minute lesson changeovers only. 2) Secondly, management at the school were worried about vandalism, which is why one of their requirements was a robust access control product that would be able to function in any adverse environment. At Emrys ap Iwan the Ultimate reader was installed on main external doors, which caused no problems for the robust reader. Ultimate is manufactured in Polycarbonate ABS and the fingerprint sensor is encased within toughened glass. In addition it is IP 65 rated meaning it will function with water and is dust tight. 3) Finally, they required a security system that would be up and running within a short period of time. Therefore, ease of use and usability played a major factor. The registration process of enrolling and training the pupils and staff on how to use the system took around two days. End user guides and posters were supplied with each reader so that there was no confusion on how to use the product and it provided information on data protection, which was useful for parents or guardians of young adults being registered. “Ysgol Emrys ap Iwan in Abergele, N.Wales is a very large school, spread over several sites with multiple entry/exit points. This has always posed a significant access and security problem for us, with students, staff and visitors alike. Our existing swipe-card system was proving to be inadequate for need and increasingly difficult to maintain. We contacted Spider Technologies to look in to the issue and they operated with great speed, professionalism and efficiency to investigate our concerns and to come up with a reliable and cost-effective solution. The rapid installation of the ievo Ultimate fingerprint readers has proved to be a tremendous success, immediately solving all of our access and security problems in one fell swoop.” Nayland Southorn, Headteacher of Emrys ap Iwan Download full PDF copy of case study here Contact http://www.ievoreader.com/

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SecurityNewsDesk TV: Raytec demonstrates Vario CCTV lighting at IFSEC 2012

Surveillance, UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

[youtube]http://youtu.be/osHt8gJSh5k[/youtube] The Vario illuminator range is the latest LED lighting product from Raytec. In this video recorded at IFSEC 2012, David Lambert from Raytec showcases Vario’s interchangeable lens technology and remote control operation. In development for the past two years, Vario illuminators enable you to change the output angle of the LED illuminator simply by swapping out the lens. This gives you more targeted lighting, more flexibility and ultimately better pictures. Another innovation which David demonstrates is the remote control operation, which greatly simplifies installation and commissioning. For more information about Raytec products, visit www.rayteccctv.com.

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Panasonic ensures a safe and enjoyable London 2012 Olympic Games

Industry Sectors, Project News, Technology, UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Since the founding of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 1894, planning and organising what is renowned as the world’s foremost sports competition, the Olympic Games, where more than 200 nations compete in the Summer Games every four years has grown to be a vast undertaking. With London 2012 swiftly approaching, the London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG), has for several years, already been completely focussed with the task of staging a memorable Olympic and Paralympic Games in the UK’s capital city this summer. With 26 Olympic sports and 20 Paralympic sports, it is the equivalent of staging 46 World Championships simultaneously. Events must be organised across 37 competition venues, with 14,700 athletes, 21,000 media and broadcasters and approximately 10.8 million ticket-holders. With the clear objective to ensure a real legacy to inspire people to join in and truly make the London 2012 Games ‘everyone’s Games’ it is of paramount importance to ensure the safety and security of all participating at every level across all the events to deliver an experience which everyone can enjoy. With the Olympic Park itself being the size of 357 football pitches and with up to 800,000 extra visitors expected in London on the busiest day of the Games, the surrounding areas such as ‘the last mile’, the final miles walk from the main London Transport links to the London 2012 venues, will be a key focus for the various agencies and organisations involved with security. “In these locations electronic surveillance is one of the key tools not only for making the Games a secure event but, also for helping with monitoring and control of large groups of people and transportation management” explained Sean Taylor, Senior Manager of Panasonic London Olympic Project Office. “Our involvement with the Olympic Games and TOP sponsorship as Official Worldwide Olympic Partner in the Audio and Visual Equipment Category has been in place for more than twenty years[1] but, Panasonic contributes to the success of the Games beyond sponsorship alone and is deeply involved with the Games as the primary supplier of AV equipment solutions. These range from large displays, broadcast equipment and of course CCTV surveillance solutions at event venues and live sites and even equipment used to support training programs of athletes such as the British Sailing team and Heptathlete Louise Hazel.” A ‘Turnkey’ Surveillance Solution In terms of size, LOCOG’s Security Overlay Project is one of the single biggest procurements of security products ever completed in the UK and with an event timescale of just 77 days with back to back multiple installations occurring simultaneously during the Olympic and Paralympic Games sports schedules the coordination of the project is huge with up to 50 different contractors on site at any one time. One of the biggest challenges of the project is a requirement to deliver a completely workable ‘turnkey’ solution. With so many sites being used, which normally are not used for these types of events, the need to get everything installed and up and running correctly in the limited time between scheduled events is imperative. Panasonic’s approach to this has been to address the specific requirements of the various customers and stakeholders, which has resulted in the pre-configuration of systems, asset tagging and even customising cables and packaging to make the workflows as seamless as possible. What is more, Panasonic had established a pre-configuration team at the Panasonic System Networks UK Engineering Centre in Newport, where a modular approach had been taken to every aspect of the install project to assist with and help ensure a reliable and fast installation of the surveillance equipment. Two types of Panasonic IP surveillance equipment will be employed at Games time, one static camera and one PTZ (Pan Tilt and Zoom) plus the recording systems Network Video Recorders (NVRs) WJ-ND400 and WJ-NV200 along with the associated monitoring and control screens. The Panasonic surveillance solution will play a key role in assisting with crowd control, asset protection, monitoring of pedestrian and vehicle screening areas and as support for the venue security control centres, which are directly linked to the emergency services. With Panasonic known as such a reliable brand in all the markets that it operates in and with a long history of providing electronic surveillance and many other AV equipment solutions to the Olympic Games, Panasonic is proud to be helping make sure the London 2012 Games are an experience which everyone can enjoy. Contact www.panasonic.co.uk/

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