synectics Archives - Security Buyer Magazine

Berlin’s U-Bahn gets upgraded

A key phase of work has been completed on the security and incident management solution protecting Berlin’s U-Bahn metro stations, operated by the Berliner Verkehrsbetriebe (BVG) – Germany’s biggest public transport company. New features include detailed virtual mapping for faster incident detection and informed response, a renewed integrated vandalism management solution to help keep the network ‘graffiti free’, among other things, and re-designed controls to assist the team based in the U-Bahn’s Security Operational Control Centre (OCC) in saving valuable time on actions critical to passenger safety. A real-time view of metro operations – 24/7 Berlin’s U-Bahn comprises over 1,300 vehicles servicing nine lines and connecting 174 stations. The ability to quickly locate any incident reported and understand the situation from the area immediately affected is vital. Steffen Holz, responsible for the IT infrastructure of BVG’s metro stations, said: “For security reasons, we operate a closed system, so we can’t access ‘open’ web-based tools such as Google Maps. But this level of mapping detail is needed to give situational context to any incident reported to us.” For this reason, Synectics – a specialist in operational and security management solutions – has developed its own virtual mapping solution for BVG. Schematic interactive station maps combined with a GIS (Geographic Information System) developed using thousands of data sets from the Senate of Berlin, including street names, landmarks, and other key identifiers, provide OCC operators with extremely accurate locational and contextual information to support informed incident response. This means operators can quickly access details and see the location of stations, cameras and security personnel. In doing so, they can easily switch between different data layers for an accurate real-time view of Berlin metro operations. Operators can also see the exact location of approximately 550 metro-wide customer emergency pillars. Should one be activated, video and audio from the relevant pillar are immediately streamed to the OCC, with operators easily able to view important location details in the immediate area in order to provide appropriate assistance. Faster critical support through time-saving operations The Security OCC team can investigate incident reports and initiate responsive action much quicker, thanks to easier on-screen navigation. “It might sound relatively minor, but this is of great importance. The way data is displayed on screen significantly affects how fast you can respond to a particular scenario”, explains Mr Holz. “The updated system is much more intuitive, with layouts, colour-coding, icons and many other features, tailored to the way we work. For handling any security incident, the right tool is now only one click away.” The upgrades complement existing time-saving features. On receiving an incoming emergency alert, an ‘incident’ is automatically created, ensuring that relevant footage and user activity is securely recorded. A log – pre-populated with time, location, metro line and other core information – is also created. Reduced administrative work leaves operators free to focus on handling the event in question. The system also uses workflows – predefined processes that guide users through the next recommended action in line with BVG’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Workflow technology is also the foundation of ‘virtual security guard’ capabilities, allowing OCC operators to conduct remote security patrols around unmanned stations for improved passenger safety. Collaboration tools to improve passenger safety The upgrade project means the Security OCC team can coordinate its activities more effectively with the six BVG’s station management control centres and the police. Each station management team can access live camera streams and has localised system management and recording, while integrated communications mean that any (emergency) calls received by station management can be transferred to the Security OCC at the touch of a button. A police officer is permanently located in the control centre and has their own dedicated workstation with access to incident management functions. Operators can work collaboratively with the officer when necessary – sharing tasks and jointly analysing live and recorded footage as required. Tackling transport network vandalism through surveillance A dedicated vandalism management module (Vandata) has also been updated to support end-to-end handling of any vandalism scenario, from receiving and processing the initial damage report to assigning and dispatching clean-up teams. Vandata is a prime example of the high level of modularity achieved in the system. A change which will give BVG much greater flexibility in using and adapting the system in the future. Mr Holtz added: “The modularisation of our system has been a very important process, as it allows us to add or change applications and functionality far more easily. We now have a system architecture much more suited to evolving with us. There is still work to do on this, but the steps we’ve taken to achieve this flexibility are significant.” BVG will continue to work with Synectics in maintenance and operation of the system to ensure safety and security objectives are met in line with evolving needs. Video analytics to support threat detection is an area of interest for future development. Read more exclusives and news in our latest issue here. Never miss a story… Follow us on: Security Buyer @SecurityBuyer @Secbuyer Media Contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Synectics introduces cloud capabilities

UK News Desk / Rebecca Morpeth-Spayne

Control room teams around the world can now store, manage, and collaboratively share video footage more flexibly, thanks to integrated native cloud capabilities introduced to one of the industry’s leading command and control software platforms. Leveraging Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure, Synectics’ Synergy platform now gives organisations the opportunity to spread their surveillance and operational management system across on-premises hardware and the cloud in any configuration of their choice. “Whether customers opt for a ‘Full’ or ‘Hybrid Cloud’ solution, the capabilities we’ve introduced answer many modern surveillance needs,” explained Synectics’ Business Development Director, David Aindow, “especially when it comes to new, highly connected ways of collaborative working. “Authorised, authenticated Synergy users can receive and send data via devices connected to the cloud, meaning efficient security and operational management can move beyond the control room and into the field. Similarly, by hosting features such as incident lockers and digital evidence management virtually, organisations have a fast, secure mechanism for sharing critical data with external third parties such as police or other emergency responders.” Data can be written directly to Azure or automatically migrated from on-premises storage after a user-defined period, allowing organisations to scale and adapt solutions in line with increased camera counts, new technology adoption, or changing regulatory demands for footage retention periods, without requiring significant investment in new infrastructure. Wherever information is stored, Synergy ‘knows’ where to look and retrieves it for instant access, facilitating seamless control of information regardless of its virtual or physical location. Organisations with critical dependence on live image clarity for evidence review will also be pleased to note the guaranteed frame rate. Unlike many cloud-based Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) solutions which can reduce the frame rate as low as 5fps, the new Synergy cloud solution guarantees a minimum frame rate of 30fps, even at 4K resolution. Additionally, native integration with Microsoft’s Azure infrastructure unlocks a range of opportunities for harnessing cutting-edge developments such as cognitive services for video and image analysis. Existing capabilities within Synergy and Microsoft’s commitment to data protection, mean that leveraging these new benefits is also a highly secure process. Every device connected to the Synergy cloud environment in Microsoft Azure has a unique security certificate. All communication between Synergy and the cloud is also encrypted. Jen Nash, Director of Public Safety and Justice from Microsoft commented, “By integrating its Synergy platform with Microsoft Azure, Synectics is giving its customers the freedom to adopt new ways of working. All with the highest levels of data security and control.” Media contact Rebecca Morpeth Spayne, Editor, Security Portfolio Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922 Email: editor@securitybuyer.com

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Synectics awarded critical-infrastructure contract

Exclusives, News Desk / Editor

Synectics has secured a multi-site protection contract for a customer whose infrastructure assets are considered critical to national security. Responsible for maintaining an energy network that supplies over 3.9 million homes and businesses, the customer required a centralised system to guard against both physical and cyber threats at five key sites – each recognised as a national asset with corresponding levels of access clearance. The Synectics solution, driven by its Synergy 3 command and control platform, integrates third-party sensors, analytics, cameras, systems, personnel databases, and edge devices. The resulting level of situational awareness gives the team – based at the customer’s state-of-the-art Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) – complete oversight and control of security, safety, and site-management systems at each facility. As part of the contract, Synectics will also provide a redundant ARC solution for failover scenarios. The core integrations included as part of the project ensure alerts and responses are linked to, and can implement direct control of, door-access systems, intrusion-detection systems, intercom technology, and the electrified perimeter-fence systems deployed at each location. Synectics will conduct a complete system FAT, which includes all specified third-party software and hardware, at its dedicated UK testing facilities. Given the high-risk, high-security nature of the project, the provider’s ability to system-test at such scale was a crucial factor in the contract being awarded. The five locations to be monitored from the ARC are government-authorised to trigger armed response units to deal with imminent or actual threats. The solution will, therefore, employ customised workflows to support incident (alarm) validation and protocol-compliant responsive action. The solution will also see each site equipped with its localised command and control system for on-site management, with the ability to manually and automatically escalate incidents to the ARC team as required. Cybersecurity was a specific focus of the brief. In addition to meeting technical resiliency specifications with authentication and encryption solutions, Synectics will be providing ongoing cybersecurity consultation, working in partnership with in-house specialists to ensure the continuous development of protective measures. Martin Bonfield, UK Sales Manager at Synectics, commented: “The perfect alignment between customer requirements and Synectics’ track record in CNI meant the lead integrator came directly to us with this exciting project. “Our credentials and expert team, coupled with Synergy 3’s ability to remotely integrate and interoperate with any third-party system vital to effective operations, meant we ticked multiple boxes. We are regarded in the industry as a safe pair of hands with the relevant experience, and an innovator with the forward-focused technology required to meet all aspects of the brief.” For more security news visit here.

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Safety in Real Time for NTU Students and Staff

UK News Desk / Editor

Surveillance solutions business Synectics has developed and delivered a solution to help enhance safety and security monitoring at Nottingham Trent University. With more than 28,000 students and 3,100 staff to protect, surveillance footage at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is captured by over 1,300 cameras covering the estate of 75 buildings. Each of the university’s three main campuses has a 24/7 control room and its own security team, ensuring that safety measures enable free movement while protecting the community from both external and internal threats. A progressive development plan, coupled with the need to optimize legacy technology, meant the university required an integrated surveillance solution that would enable teams based at each control room to monitor and manage footage from both IP and analog cameras, supporting a gradual transition to digital solutions and full-IP ambitions. In one of the UK’s first cloud-based surveillance contracts, and in collaboration with integrator PFS, Synectics deployed a tailored solution based around its Synergy 3 command and control platform to support NTU’s long-term objectives. Mark Stacey, Security Systems Operational Manager, NTU, said: “Moving the university onto a sophisticated surveillance monitoring platform has significantly improved the provision of student security, saving our team vital minutes in the event of emergencies. “As well as supporting both analog and IP inputs, where many solutions on the market do not, Synectics’ Synergy 3 offers impressive functionality and is easy to use. The ability to import an interactive camera map means we can now bring up footage in just seconds, where operators previously had to spend time manually correlating sensor triggers to the relevant cameras – an enhancement that keeps our students safe in real time. “Synectics even created a new feature at our request, which enables us to circle an area of the on-screen map and immediately view up to nine local cameras in that zone. Furthermore, opting for a cloud-based system means we don’t have to look after a physical server, freeing up space and our resources. “Throughout the process, Synectics has gone the distance to deliver, as highlighted by the tailored training sessions provided for the team and its commitment to support us throughout the life of the system. We’re delighted with the results and sure the system will help us in our mission to provide an ever-safer environment for our students.” Martin Bonfield, Sales Manager at Synectics, commented: “We passionately believe that command and control systems should be flexible enough to allow for the evolution of customer needs. Only then can you provide seamless, future-proof solutions that improve safety both now and in the long term. “Working closely with the team at NTU to understand their needs, the Synergy 3 platform has been designed to ensure they have an intuitive system that saves staff-hours and significantly improves incident response times. “Nottingham Trent University is nationally recognized, having received the University of the Year award three years in a row. I’m delighted that we’ve provided them with this leading-edge solution, along with support, and ongoing training, to help safeguard their students, staff, and premises.” For further news and information on Synectics’ surveillance solutions for the education sector, visit www.synecticsglobal.com or follow @synecticsglobal on Twitter.

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Mapping, Monitoring, and Managing Security simplified with latest release of Synergy 3

UK Exclusives / Editor

Synectics has commenced the roll-out of Synergy 3 2019, the latest release of its command and control platform for demanding surveillance and security environments. Introducing enhanced customisable mapping, camera management, and third-party integration capabilities, the feature-rich platform is the most customer-centric iteration of the software to date and aims to make the Synergy 3 experience more user-friendly. The new release will be available across Synectics’ key markets, spanning transportation, infrastructure, oil and gas, high security, public space, and gaming. Speaking about the latest developments, Martyn Rowe, Head of Product Management at Synectics, said: “We wanted this release of Synergy 3 to offer practical innovations that customers will truly benefit from in terms of how they work and their security challenges. “For example, to complement existing GIS mapping capabilities, we’ve introduced advanced CAD mapping that enables customers to upload and seamlessly navigate their own maps of property and asset layouts. Functionalities such as automatic camera plotting in Synergy 3 ensure that any layout changes (for example, to gaming tables or slot machines) don’t require lengthy re-programming of cameras. This has a positive impact for the customer’s on-premise resources, particularly where sites have hundreds or even thousands of cameras.” Camera-related developments in the 2019 release also enable footage to be viewed in more intuitive ways. The de-warping functionality within Synergy 3 has been enhanced to provide an undistorted view of fisheye cameras, offering the ability to monitor live footage from multiple angles of the same camera for wide-area situational awareness. Furthermore, Synergy 3 now supports H.265 compression for all IP cameras compliant with ONVIF Profile S. Martyn continued: “Synectics has a strong reputation for offering end-to-end solutions tailored to specific needs. We can’t make that claim if we don’t give our customers the fedom to choose and use systems and devices that meet their unique requirements. Developments such as H.265 compression, new third-party system integrations, and a Software Development Kit (SDK) to help technology partners write integrations to Synergy 3, reflect this and our commitment to future-proofing our solutions.” Other capabilities strongly associated with Synergy 3 since it first launched in 2014 are its incident management and response features. Synergy 3 2019 builds on these proven capabilities, with further improvements to facilitate situational awareness and incident management under pressure. Two notable developments in this respect are the introduction of quad view automation and the new clip mode functionality. The former refers to tailorable alerts that, if specific criteria are met, trigger quad layouts ‒ allowing the simultaneous tracking of live action and investigation of recorded footage. Clip mode ensures that any footage viewed is automatically imported to a clip basket, for quick and easy transfer to the incident locker if verified as pertinent. Martyn added: “At Synectics, we place great importance on being able to intelligently automate processes for those in charge of securing and operating facilities in the demanding sectors we serve. “Whether it’s to improve conditions for keeping on top of incidents, help users get the most out of the powerful capabilities at their disposal, or simply save busy surveillance teams precious time, we are always looking at how we can better support our customers. “While these developments in Synergy 3 2019 differ in function, they share a common thread. They have all been undertaken with an understanding of the pressures our customers face – one fostered through close working partnerships and real-world sector experience.” For further information on the latest technology from Synectics, including Synergy 3, visit https://www.synecticsglobal.com/en/synergy-3-software.

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Mapping, Monitoring, and Managing Security simplified with latest release of Synergy 3

News Desk / Editor

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Synectics will use InnoTrans 2018 to explain the opportunities and migration path that operators can take advantage of.

Connected journeys: unlocking solutions set to transform transport

Surveillance, UK News Desk / Editor

Three technology advancements are set to transform the transport industry ‒ command and control technology, connectivity and the cloud. The combination of these will enable operators to support the growing demand for safer, and more connected, passenger journeys. According to Synectics, capitalising on the opportunity that new technology presents will help transport operators improve safety, security and service efficiency, while also supporting the transition to seamless, multi-modal passenger travel. The global surveillance specialist will use InnoTrans 2018 ‒ taking place from 18-21 September in Berlin ‒ to explain the opportunities and migration path that operators can take advantage of to reach this reality. “For over 30 years we’ve been providing surveillance and data management solutions for on-vehicle, transport infrastructure, and public space sectors,” Greg Alcorn, Divisional Director for Transport and Infrastructure at Synectics, explained. “Until relatively recently, these sectors have operated very separately. However, with an increase in urbanisation and the Smart City trend, these independent environments are now merging. “This change is driven by two key factors. Passenger expectation is a crucial driver for change ‒ members of the public want seamless travel where they are informed at every stage, and confidence that operators are working in a coordinated way to deliver efficiency. Furthermore, the global focus on transport security is pushing organisations and agencies to look at how they can work more collaboratively with each other, emergency services, and local authorities. “Meeting these expectations can seem a daunting prospect, but by using the right technology in the right way, it needn’t be. We are looking forward to discussing the opportunities with visitors at this year’s InnoTrans.” Synectics (Hall 4.1 / 310) will be supporting this message by demonstrating how its command and control platform, Synergy 3, and other transport-specific solutions, can be implemented by operators to unlock capabilities at their own pace. “The first step for many,” added Jürgen Fuchs, Director of Strategic Projects at Synectics, “is to adopt a ‘back office function’ that is able to unify data from on-vehicle systems – CCTV, vehicle trackers, telematics, ticketing, journey management, passenger info and passenger Wi-Fi – to gain an accurate picture of service usage, passenger safety, and vehicle performance. “Many customers already use our on-vehicle solutions to do exactly this. They can investigate incidents more quickly, integrate with third-party systems, reduce fuel consumption through informed service and route planning, and even improve training for staff using the data gathered. However, where things get even more interesting is when you start looking at vehicle-to-ground connectivity.” According to Synectics, Synergy 3 is an integral component in this logical progression, enabling static, centrally based teams to gain this same unified view in real time, over a Wi-Fi or cellular network. In the last year, for example, the company developed and delivered a train-to-ground solution that enabled a European rapid transit operator to receive, manage and respond to on-vehicle passenger help requests remotely from a central command centre. This opens up a considerable amount of potential for the transport industry. “Integration with specific systems, as well as the ability to translate real-time data into action and respond to threats, presents so much opportunity for the converging worlds of on-vehicle and infrastructure,” continued Fuchs. “Real-time, precise service updates for passengers (including details of connecting transport services for more streamlined transfers), location-based advertising, and improved passenger help services are demonstrable benefits that improve customer satisfaction. “Command and control technology facilitates major security improvements such as persons of interest tracking and incident response. Operators have the functionality at their fingertips to work more collaboratively with external services and agencies to ensure the safety and security of passengers at every stage of their connected journey.” It is a collaborative, connected future Synectics feels will only be further strengthened with the adoption of cloud-based solutions. “Few sectors are likely to benefit more from cloud capabilities than the transportation industry,” Alcorn concluded. “Connecting IoT devices and transmitting information securely to the cloud has significant advantages for managing and sharing information. Within transport organisations, it means, for example, that different departments can access live data dashboards tailored to exact needs without duplicating effort, saving both time and resources. Crucially, it also allows operators to rapidly and confidently share video and data evidence with relevant external parties including emergency services and authorities. “The net effect is a highly connected, highly effective transport network where all relevant parties can work together to improve passenger experience and safety.” www.synecticsglobal.com

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Synectics secures 3-year contract renewal with Stagecoach

Surveillance, UK Exclusives / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Synectics has extended its relationship with leading UK bus operator Stagecoach, with a three-year contract renewal to deliver on-vehicle CCTV systems, as well as continuing maintenance support for the entire fleet. The global surveillance specialist is Stagecoach’s preferred technology supplier for on-vehicle surveillance solutions and this renewal will celebrate a 17-year working partnership. Under this new agreement, Synectics will provide an upgrade path for new and existing vehicles in the fleet designed to support Stagecoach in their long-term objectives which includes their investment in on-vehicle surveillance, driving uptime and reliability, and passenger safety and security. The initial phase of the roll-out will include an enhanced on-vehicle solution, to be fitted to all new vehicles entering the fleet. This solution will incorporate health monitoring of the system’s performance and the capability of remote download of incident footage using the depot Wi-Fi network. The relevant footage can be downloaded remotely, supporting cross-functional collaboration with third-party agencies. This flexibility allows the specific footage to be shared promptly which is vital during the early stages of investigation. The footage is also authenticated with SHA-2 watermarking to ensure data integrity for audit purposes. In addition to providing ongoing maintenance support for all vehicles, the contract will see Synectics installing over 500 forward-facing IP cameras as part of a gradual upgrade programme to maximise the benefits of IP recording on new vehicles entering the Stagecoach fleet over the next three years. Sam Greer, Stagecoach UK Bus and Engineering Director, commented: “We have a longstanding relationship with Synectics which has proved successful over a number of years. We believe they continue to deliver the solutions we need now, and in the future, to help us to keep improving the security and safety of our customers and our employees.” Commenting on the contract, Iain Stringer, Divisional Director, Synectics, said: “This contract renewal underlines Synectics’ commitment to customer-led solutions. We work in partnership with transport operators to develop tailored systems that meet complex security, safety, and service delivery needs. Our in-depth industry knowledge, combined with our technical expertise, ensures we always offer customers the best solution to meet their requirements. “We appreciate the trust Stagecoach places in us and are proud to continue meeting their business needs, while providing a consistent, effective, and reliable service. We look forward to this successful partnership developing over the next three years and helping to achieve their long-term innovation goals.” Stagecoach has used Synectics’ CCTV systems on its vehicles since the early 1990s. The contract with Synectics covers vehicles operating in London and across the UK, ranging from single and double-decker buses on national and local routes. Further updates and latest news from Synectics can be found via @synecticsglobal on Twitter or visit www.synecticsglobal.com.

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Light rail contract success for Synectics

Surveillance, UK Exclusives / Ghyslaine Cordrey

Synectics is demonstrating continued growth in the transport sector with a series of contract wins for light rail system surveillance solutions. These orders have seen upgrades to over 80 trains for two operators ‒ Tyne & Wear Metro and Stagecoach Supertram. Synectics secured a contract to supply surveillance systems for 60 trains for Tyne and Wear Metro, with T-series DVRs, saloon cameras throughout the carriages, and a forward-facing camera in the driver’s cab for each train in the fleet. The Tyne and Wear Metro is operated by Nexus and is the busiest light rail network outside of London, with 37 million passengers using the service every year. The contract scope incorporated in-depth installation and maintenance training for Nexus engineers. Additionally, training for Nexus staff on key functionality of the system covered downloading and analysing the footage and data captured to assist with security, performance and maintenance management. The Synectics end-to-end solution delivered is reliable, scalable, and resilient to meet Nexus’ surveillance needs now and in the future. The second contract win success is for Stagecoach Supertram in Sheffield, building on successful project delivery in 2015 which saw Synectics supply T1600 DVRs across 23 trams, and cameras in key positions throughout the fleet, including the forward-facing cab, saloon and external doors. Through this new contract Synectics will carry out IP camera upgrades on 25 trams to further enhance safe operation of the fleet and efficient incident management. Existing track-facing cameras will be replaced with HD IP models for improved image quality and SD card recording capabilities, with WDR cameras relocated to cab positions for an improved view of driver activity. Iain Stringer, Divisional Director at Synectics, said: “Our ethos is to offer tailored solutions that meet exact customer requirements; with flexibility that allows them to evolve in response to technological advances while also maximising return on investment. This approach is integral to our success which is showcased in this latest series of contract wins. With over 30 years’ experience in on-vehicle, infrastructure and public space protection, Synectics is ideally suited to delivering end-to-end, converged solutions that connect the entire transport landscape. Its systems currently protect over three billion passenger journeys worldwide each year. Further updates and latest news from Synectics can be found via @synecticsglobal on Twitter, or visit www.synecticsglobal.com for more information on Synectics’ range of solutions for transport and infrastructure.

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Synergy 3 helps Category A prison implement a smarter approach to safety

Surveillance, UK News Desk / Ghyslaine Cordrey

An integrated surveillance and security management solution, developed and deployed by Synectics, is helping to improve staff and inmate safety at a major European Category A prison. The vast site, which houses over 750 inmates, comprises multiple buildings, including cell blocks, visiting zones, gym and exercise areas, and special focus zones, all of which are monitored by over 2000 cameras. A command and control solution was required that would allow operators to monitor and manage all cameras from a single location – the ECR (Emergency Control Room). The solution had to be capable of integrating with a wide range of third-party access control, security, and emergency systems operating across the prison estate that are designed to flag up staff and inmate safety risks – a key priority for the prison authority. Single system, multi-site monitoring The end-to-end Synergy 3-driven solution developed by Synectics gives security personnel located in each block 24/7 access to video footage but ensures that overarching control is only allowed by operators based in the central ECR. Here, footage from any camera located in any block is monitored, controlled, and reviewed in real time, with integrated GIS mapping displaying camera points, additional location-based data and live ‘field of view’ plotting on an exact site layout. Operators can simply point and click to immediately view live feed and control PTZ cameras directly from the map. Synergy 3 is designed to integrate with a wide range of ONVIF-conformant systems and devices. Therefore video footage can be paired with data inputs from other third-party systems to provide the prison with a comprehensive alarm monitoring and alert solution. Protecting personnel and vulnerable prisoners By connecting data from the access control system and information from body-worn emergency alerts, Synergy 3 can immediately flag up the location of a staff member and display footage from the nearest camera, allowing operators to undertake a visual assessment of any potential threat. The map-centric display, teamed with alert-triggered on-screen guidance workflows, ensures that the right support is dispatched to the correct location as quickly as possible. The GIS mapping capabilities of Synergy 3 also facilitates the prison’s ‘safer cells’ initiative which changes the level of support and monitoring assigned to an individual cell based on the inmate’s risk level. For example, if an inmate is suffering from mental health issues, they may require more frequent staff contact, observation, or in severe cases be assigned to suicide watch. Using Synergy 3, operators in the ECR can monitor any designated ‘safer cells’ and therefore activate/de-activate associated systems including in-cell surveillance, pill-hatch status, and audio logging of conversations with prison staff and from audio call points implemented in partnership with the Samaritans. In addition to supporting those inmates most in need of help, using Synergy 3 to activate safer cell features removes the need to allocate specific blocks/areas of the prison to this purpose thus reducing situations where vulnerable prisoners might feel even more isolated. Emergency response through interoperability Synergy 3’s interoperability with other systems enables operators based in the ECR to engage precise emergency protocols should a threat be detected. For example, individual doors or whole zones can be locked down for incident containment. Conversely, should the need arise to evacuate a particular area quickly, access control can be overridden to create the fastest route to safety. Synergy 3’s workflow feature also enables lights and power to be controlled in response to evolving scenarios, such as disabling lifts in the event a fire or if a hazard has been detected on a specific floor. 360-degree security While enhanced safety was an essential priority for the project, the Category A status of the facility requires the highest levels of security functionality from the surveillance solution supplied. By integrating and interrogating data from a wide range of systems, the Synergy 3 solution from Synectics delivers a 360-degree view of all site movement, activity, and alarms for complete situational awareness. For example, integration with the perimeter fence solution and video analytics generates alerts based on movement, touch, and approaching shapes for immediate review and action. And with built-in redundancy functionality, including server failover and hot-swap recording to eliminate any single points of failure, coverage at the prison is guaranteed 24/7. Together with Synergy 3’s operational and safety management capabilities, these features all help ensure that inmates, personnel, and facilities across the prison estate are supported and protected. Brett Longley, Technical Sales Manager at Synectics, said: “Prison facilities are no longer just about traditional security. This project demonstrates that a fully integrated surveillance solution delivers a wide range of safety measures benefiting inmates and staff, and helps improve overall operational efficacy.”

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