16 November 2021

Alex Carmichael

Big interview – Alex Carmichael

Security Buyer UK talks exclusively to Alex Carmichael, Chief Executive, SSAIB, to find out the ins and outs of certification in the security industry  How did SSAIB come about and why was it formed? The beginnings of SSAIB stretch back to 1990, when the Security Services Association (SSA) was formed in North Shields, Tyne and Wear. However, by 1994, the SSA firms wanted to be third-party inspected and – as there was no certification body servicing the needs of small firms – it was agreed to re-constitute the SSA as an inspectorate and the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) was formed. Since then, SSAIB has grown to become the leading certification body for organisations providing security systems, security services, fire alarm systems and services. As the security and safety industry continues to evolve, SSAIB will be at the vanguard of ensuring that there is a high-class third-party certification to support the micro-SME market.   Why is SSAIB certification important to the industry and what benefit(s) does it bring to firms? Quite simply, SSAIB certification is a mark of excellence. Our approach is inclusive of small and larger providers alike and we have over 1,900 companies registered, which means that we represent the greatest number of security and fire service providers in the sector. Third-party certification plays an increasingly important differentiator role in enabling firms to compete and show excellence in the marketplace, while access to some market sectors may be conditional on having it.  We are focused on meeting the certification needs of the security industry and will develop additional schemes as the industry requires. The objective of SSAIB is to contribute to raising standards and ensuring our schemes add value to the businesses we register, which will continue to be our guiding principle.  How does SSAIB help to shape standards?  SSAIB promote high standards of service, within the community of electronic security, security services and fire system and service providers – in the interests of end-users.  This is achieved through rigorous assessment of providers against SSAIB’s scheme criteria and British, European or International Standards, maintained by regular and ongoing audits of management systems and inspection of systems. We also strongly participate in the development of standards at a British and European level and respond to consultations on regulations to ensure that they are appropriate and workable for the micro-SME market, while also maintaining close liaison with the Police, Fire services and insurance industry – in order to ensure ongoing support for our activities.  What changes did SSAIB implement to ensure continued service throughout lockdown and what support was given to firms who were struggling during the pandemic? When COVID-19 first began to spread, we monitored and prepared for the potential impact of it on our business and put into practice our business continuity plan – by changing our established processes, procedures and policies and enhancing our IT systems and support. Our staff instantly moved to remote working, and – at the same time – we updated our auditing guidelines and carried out auditor training on a remote basis. We also developed the processes registered firms needed to complete to enable audits to be conducted remotely, so that we were able to start our remote audit programme plan within a week of the official lockdown announcement. As the Government guidelines evolved, we amended our audit plans to also allow on-site audits to be conducted on a ‘risk-based’ footing. We harboured two main aims during this period of disruption. The first of these was to ensure the ‘scheme holders’, such as the Police, BAFE and the Surveillance Camera Commissioner, etc, were happy with the processes and procedures we had put in place. By ensuring we carried on auditing throughout the pandemic, we gave the scheme holders the confidence that our registered firms continued to meet the necessarily high standards set for these vital procedures. Our second aim was to ensure that our registered firms were fully supported during this time and that they understood the changes we had made to our auditing procedures to support them. With those two aims being achieved, remote auditing carried on until such time as the Government restrictions were sufficiently eased.  And how did the audit process change for certification when lockdown prevented site visits for auditors?  The new method of auditing I’ve just mentioned required registered firms to provide SSAIB with documents, procedures and records well in advance of an audit taking place. This allowed audits to be carried out in a more structured and, therefore, efficient manner using video conferencing software to retain that face-to-face element. We relied on remote auditing for both new certifications and annual inspections for the first three months of lockdown, before we had successful trials of on-site audits in the summer. Once it was safe enough to start reintroducing site audits, all of our auditors were issued with necessary PPE and carried out pre-visit safety checks before they attended site to absolutely ensure that it was safe to do so. For their part, registered firms also made certain that their site(s) were COVID-19 secure prior to the audit. What is the new normal for SSAIB and what lessons were learnt by the organisation during the last 18 months of uncertainty and upheaval? These last 18 months have been an interesting time for both our auditors and our office staff. They essentially had to learn new techniques and new audit procedures, while also keeping up to date with changes to standards. It fell to SSAIB’s compliance manager Paul Phillips and field operations manager David Roscoe to sort out the “new normal” with regards to the changes made to our procedures and processes that were required to meet the challenges of COVID-19. They developed new procedures, ensured auditors received the required training and made certain of our ongoing compliance with UKAS requirements. This pandemic was tough, challenging and difficult. However, we didn’t close our doors. We adapted, we amended our processes and procedures and we developed new ones as and when necessary. Our aim throughout was to ensure that we continued to support our registered firms as key workers by providing a first-class certification service in what was very trying circumstances indeed. I believe we more than achieved our aim, ensuring our registered firms could carry on serving their clients in as normal a manner as possible given the circumstances. Because of this, SSAIB will continue to offer the best certification service in the industry – as we fully recognise the needs of the micro-SME market and our stakeholders.     To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel:

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Hikvision

Hikvision announces HikCentral software

Hikvision has announced the launch of its HikCentral Access Control software as a new offering of its signature HikCentral family. Inheriting the complete access control and attendance capabilities from the existing HikCentral Professional, the new software is designed and dedicated for professional access control and time attendance management in an easier and more efficient way. This simplifies security and operations for small and medium businesses, who can integrate the system with their Hikvision access control and intercom products quickly and easily. With HikCentral Access Control, business customers can experience a wide range of benefits: Maximised security with advanced access control features and real-time alarms The HikCentral Access Control software supports a wide range of employee ID credentials, including fingerprints, cards, facial recognition, QR codes and PIN codes, to ensure flexibility and security for employee access authentication. What’s more, it also includes advanced access security features such as multi-door interlocking, anti-passback, and multi-factor authentication, providing high levels of protection for sensitive areas. Alarms are also triggered in real time when rules are breached, accelerating responses, and minimising potential losses, damage, and other negative impacts. Minimised deployment complexity and costs for Access Control and Time Attendance Management The new software requires limited hardware processing power. Customers with minimum hardware requirements of i3-CPU and 4 GB RAM can get the software up and running in minutes. Simplified setup process and management at ease With HikCentral software, customers can set rules for access permissions and work shifts quickly and easily. Instructions for doing this are available on the sidebar menu in the portal interface, reducing skills requirements and speeding up the process. When in use, operators can manage the software remotely with a mobile app at any time, from anywhere. Optimised HR reporting for data-driven decision making The HikCentral software provides detailed attendance reports to support better HR management. These can be exported easily into Excel, CSV or PDF formats, or integrated with third-party payroll systems to streamline HR administration. Intuitive user interface The software offers a dynamic view of multiple sites of a building and access control device status based on an interactive E-Map. This allows effective responses to event alarms and device anomalies in a timely manner.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Zenitel

Zenitel launches next generation IP Speakers series

Zenitel, a provider of intelligent critical communication solutions, is proud to announce the launch of five, Next-Generation, IP Speakers that provide intelligent two-way communications and allow users to hear, be heard, and be understood in any situation. “IP speakers as an important part of public address systems are essential for mitigating security and safety challenges, especially in demanding environments,” said Lars Paulsson, EVP for Safety and Security at Zenitel. “We are excited and look forward to see in how many different ways this next generation series of IP speakers from Zenitel can create value for our customers.” Zenitel’s new line of IP Speakers includes: 1. Ceiling Speaker, ELSIR-10CM – This IP56-rated ceiling speaker is built for indoor use and is great at blending into the environment. A concealed, built-in microphone enables access to intelligent audio features, while maintaining a clean speaker design. This full range speaker allows for broadcast of voice messages and background music. 2. Horn Speaker, ELSII-10HM – The Horn speaker is perfect for perimeter and asset protection. The design and frequency response of the speaker allows the user to deliver voice messages over distances. Its robust, IP67-rated design makes it a great outdoor solution. 3. Long Horn Speaker, ELSII-10LHM – The Long Horn speaker delivers communication in large areas especially where speaker placement is challenging. As with the standard Horn speaker, the Long Horn speaker is perfect for perimeter and asset protection. Its robust, IP67-rated design makes it a great outdoor solution. 4. Cabinet Speaker, ELSII-10WM – This IP67 rated Cabinet speaker is ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It is wall mounted and special consideration has been given to the aesthetics, which allows the speaker to blend with ease into its environment. It is perfect for both broadcasting voice messages and background music. 5. Projector Speaker, ELSII-10PM – This IP65-rated Projector speaker is a bi-directional speaker that is designed for both indoor and outdoor applications. It enables good coverage in areas such as corridors, halls, walkways, and rail platforms where ceiling speakers cannot be installed. It offers the perfect mid-point between the dispersion and coverage of a horn speaker with the aesthetic design offered by a cabinet speaker. Each new speaker incorporates Zenitel’s superior audio technology, to provide interactivity, integration, and clear communications. Some additional highlights of the new series include: • Built-in microphone for ambient listening and talk-back functionality • Automatic volume control • A built-in amplifier that reduces the need for cabling • Flexible zoning, to ensure that each speaker can be addressed alone, or grouped to form larger zones Zenitel’s use of open standards such as SIP, Multicast, and RTP streaming enables easy integration, and our three modes of operation – SIP, IC-EDGE, and ICX-Alphacom – allows users to scale to current and future needs, from standalone systems to enterprise grade solutions.   Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 920 Email: [email protected]

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Qognify

Qognify appoints new UK and Ireland Channel Sales Manager

Qognify announced the appointment of Nigel Austin to the role of UK and Ireland Channel Sales Manager. Based in the UK, Nigel has the remit to support Qognify’s customers and partners and drive sales and growth for its video management solutions in the region. Nigel Austin brings more than 30 years of experience in the electronic security sector to Qognify. During his career he has managed operational and sales teams in both the public and private sectors. He joins Qognify from Chubb Fire & Security UK where he was Business Development Manager – National Accounts. Prior to that he held senior sales, management and business development positions at Honeywell, Norbain, Dahua Technology and Samsung (now Hanwha) Techwin. Qognify’s Vice President Sales International, Andreas Beerbaum, stated: “Qognify already has a strong and successful presence in the UK and Ireland, working on major retail, airport and transportation projects – and with the appointment of Nigel we want to further increase our footprint in this market. He has the necessary experience and know-how to work with our channel partners to support end customers in achieving their physical security goals.” Nigel Austin commented on his appointment: “I have been working in the security sector for a long time and in my experience, Qognify presents existing and potential new partners with a truly compelling proposition to meet the needs of any organisation that places a premium on physical security.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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SystemLabs acquires second company

IT company SystemLabs has made a second business acquisition in as many months. The latest acquisition is that of Red-Alert, a cyber security and communication company which specialises in providing managed services and security solutions for small to medium enterprises. The move sees SystemLabs, which provides a unique offering of IT professional services, development and security to businesses across the Channel Islands, the Isle of Man and the UK, enhance its current offering of security products as well as secure internet telephony services. The acquisition will also see them take over the management of Red-Alert’s clients across the Channel Islands and in the UK. The acquisition of Red-Alert is part of a growth plan for the local company which is designed to meet the rise in demand for its services among clients. Jamie McDonald, Director and Head of Infrastructure said, “The pandemic saw a massive shift in how people worked and an increase in the need for cyber security. In addition, internet telephony replaced traditional in-office phone networks and the acquisition of Red-Alert means we are not only expanding our existing services but adding another layer of support to our existing customers. We also look forward to welcoming a host of new clients in the Channel Islands and the UK.” (Pictured: L-R Chris Rowe, Jamie McDonald, Alex Blackwell and Steve Quinn)   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Synectics’

BriefCam and Synectics’ Synergy integration

Professionals in charge of delivering smart and safe city programs can now accelerate review of camera footage, more rapidly identify risks to public safety and infrastructure, and easily derive valuable operational intelligence from video content. This is thanks to a new bi-directional analytics-driven integration between BriefCam and Synectics’ Synergy command and control platform. In addition to allowing control room teams to apply sophisticated video analytics filters – colour, face matching, direction of travel for vehicles and clothing attributes  – to surveillance footage, the integration enables rapid footage review by presenting objects and events of interest (that appeared over the course of a filtered time period) on screen simultaneously. “The advantage”, explained Synectics’ Product Manager, Sree Namelil, “is that authorities can dramatically reduce the amount of time and effort needed to investigate and interrogate footage – a huge benefit for teams tasked with monitoring and managing hundreds, if not thousands of cameras. These are the teams tasked with protecting the public.” The solution also allows users to receive real-time alerts when specific, pre-defined analytics criteria  are met; for example, the detection of certain matches for face images, vehicle license plates, or people counts. On receipt of the alert, users then can easily access footage to quickly attain situational awareness, monitor events as they unfold, and make informed decisions about how to respond. Analytics-based alerts can also be used to trigger dynamic workflows to support effective management of the specific scenario in question, from dealing with potential COVID-related overcrowding risks to coordinating a multi-stakeholder response to a criminal event. Commenting on the development, Meni Besso, Senior Product Manager, BriefCam said: “Integrating our respective technologies means that cities, law enforcement, and any organisation that needs critical information when time is of the essence, can get what they need as quickly as possible to take decisive action.” Additionally, the integration has significant implications for intelligence-driven town and city planning as it supports the secure, data protection-compliant ‘mining’ of historical video footage for trends and insights vital to future ‘Safe City’ developments. Sree Namelil added: “What areas need more community support officers? Which access routes to bus and train stations need to be redeveloped to cope with changing foot traffic? Where might additional street lighting help to reduce crime rates? Thanks to this new development, the answers are just a few clicks away.”   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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Hikvision

Hikvision announces partnership with Gurtam

Hikvision, an IoT solution provider with video as its core competency, announced a new technology partnership with Gurtam designed to integrate its mobile products (cameras/MNVRs) with Gurtam’s Wialon GPS tracking platform. This vital integration uses the latest technologies to create a solution for logistics and transportation industry customers to enhance efficiency in their fleet operations, while also increasing road safety to maintain high security levels for personnel and for merchandise. Making use of the HikDeviceGateway protocol, Gurtam’s Wialon GPS tracking platform integrates with Hikvision mobile products to offer a comprehensive telematics solution for fleet operators of buses, trucks and taxis, achieving easier and smarter supervision, scheduling, and emergency response. The integration enables remote video monitoring of vehicle interiors and their surroundings, GPS location detection, real-time notifications, geofence control, Wi-Fi positioning, and more. “We are very pleased to welcome Gurtam to our partner ecosystem, and the integration between Hikvision mobile products and the Wialon platform creates a powerful solution to help customers improve security of their fleets and vehicles,” said Adler Wu, Global Technology Partner Alliance Manager at Hikvision. “Gurtam is a hardware-agnostic telematics software provider that aims to partner with the top manufacturers in the industry. Our cooperation with Hikvision is a possibility to join forces with a reputed video solution provider and give our customers access to Hikvision’s innovation. Wialon and Hikvision combined represent a reliable, top-notch solution available globally and suitable for multiple niches, from logistics to public transportation, and from cold chain to dangerous goods transportation,” said Kseniya Dolia, VP of Technology Partnerships at Gurtam.   To stay up to date on the latest, trends, innovations, people news and company updates within the global security market please register to receive our newsletter here. Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: [email protected]

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