PSI March 2022

March 2022 – £4.00

001_001_PSI_jun15 25/02/2022 15:59 Page 1

Follow PSI Magazine

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Professional Security Installer

MEET THE INSTALLER Jamie Allam of IPMSL

PRODUCT TESTS Oncam – C-12 Indoor Progeny – Dark Window Keypad

EXTERNAL DETECTION Early warning benefits

EDITOR’S CHOICE A look at the best new products

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? Make sure your installations are GDPR compliant

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:36 Page 1

Turn your attention to outside

XDL12TT-WE hg li^\bZe h__^k bg =blmkb[nmbhg ghp

:]] Irkhgbq i^kbf^m^k ikhm^\mbhg Zl ma^ Ûklm ebg^ h_ ]^_^g\^ =^ebo^kbg` ^Zker pZkgbg`l Zg] ma^ Z[bebmr mh mZd^ Z\mbhg Give your customers an effective first line of defence, that alerts them to anyone approaching their home, enables them to see exactly what’s happening and gives them the ability to act.

With a range of devices that have been developed specifically to perform outdoors, alongside the LightCamera and Enforcer V11 system, your selling points and upsell opportunities are maximised, as is the value and level of security you deliver.

See for yourself

Follow us on LinkedIn www.facebook.com/pyronix

in

@pyronixltd @pyronix

Pyronix Limited% L^\nk^ Ahnl^% ;kZbmap^ee PZr% A^eeZ[r% Khma^kaZf% Lhnma Rhkdlabk^% L// 1JR% ND T: +44 (0)1709 700 100 E: lZe^l9irkhgbq'\hf P3 ppp'irkhgbq'\hf

Mar22 contents_000_PSI_sep11 28/02/2022 18:48 Page 2

March 2022 – £4.00

March 2022 www.psimagazine.co.uk

Follow PSI Magazine

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Professional Security Installer

5 Editorial This month it was announced that the ECHO service has almost reached 200K connections, just as the all-IP roll out starts in earnest.

6 Industry news News and events from the security and fire sectors

10 Social media The posts that caught our eye on the PSI Instagram feed

MEET THE INSTALLER Jamie Allam of IPMSL

PRODUCT TESTS Oncam – C-12 Indoor Progeny – Dark Window Keypad

EXTERNAL DETECTION Early warning benefits

13 Appointments Movers and shakers from the security industry

14 Editor’s Choice The pick of the latest security products with information from the manufacturers and handy QR codes

PRODUCT TESTING 16 Oncam – C-12 Indoor Camera The 360° camera is put through its paces by an independent reviewer

EDITOR’S CHOICE A look at the best new products

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT? Make sure your installations are GDPR compliant

20 Progeny – Dark Window Keypad The entry system with secrecy built-in is reviewed

What are you looking at?

22 AI – facing facts A recent report has shown that AI is more likely to spot a fake face than a human

You’d be mistaken in thinking that GDPR only applies to the customer data you’ve got stored on your database. Security installations also have to comply with the regs

29 Discussing detection We talk to Mike Burgess of Takex about the benefits of external detection systems

35 Next Generation events

CONTACTS

PSI has teamed up with Skills for Security to bring you two new events this year with a focus on talent and tech

37 Security at the edge Edge computing offers unpraralleled flexibility and inherent resilience

40 Sound advice for CCTV Enhancing surveillance with sound recognition

43 Installations and regulations Are your installations GDPR compliant?

45 Meet the installer Security life with Jamie Allam of IPMSL

56 Intercoms can cut costs Find out how one access control solution could be beneficial to the bottom line

57 The PSI Directory

EDITOR Andy Clutton Tel: 020 8295 8308 E-mail: andy.clutton@psimagazine.co.uk Twitter: @SecurityDrum DESIGN & PRODUCTION Matt Jarvis Tel: 020 8295 8310 Fax: 0870 4292015 E-mail: matt.jarvis@proactivpubs.co.uk ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR David Lewis Tel: 020 8295 8309 Fax: 01322 292295 E-mail: david.lewis@psimagazine.co.uk

PSi QR Codes

For ease of access, some of the items in PSi carry QR codes. Simply scan with your phone to visit relevant websites.

Security-based editorial contributions to PSI are welcomed, and the Editor reserves the right to alter or abridge text prior to publication. The views expressed in PSI are not necessarily those of the publishers.

Editorial and Advertisement Office PRO-ACTIV PUBLICATIONS LTD PO BOX 332 DARTFORD DA1 9FF © Pro-Activ Publications Ltd 2022

DISPLAY ADVERTISING Paul Amura Tel: 020 8295 8307 Fax: 01322 292295 E-mail: paul.amura@proactivpubs.co.uk

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.

ADMINISTRATION Tracey Cole Tel: 020 8295 8306 Fax: 01322 292295 E-mail: tracey.cole@proactivpubs.co.uk

ISSN: 1360-6476

MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Quittenton

PSI is currently available for an annual subscription rate of £48 (UK) or £99 (overseas)

Your at-a-glance guide of essential contacts

www.psimagazine.co.uk

3

EDIT leader mar22_000_PSI_apr15 25/02/2022 16:03 Page 1

All genuine intrusion events.

Captured.

Simply the highest preforming range of motion detectors in Texecom’s history. Every aspect of every Capture model has been designed to take performance to the next level.

Texecom’s new range of motion detectors, Capture, is our highest performing, most reliable, easiest to install range of detectors, ever.

Don’t just take our word for it. Request a sample at capture.texe.com

Sales: +44 (0)1706 212524

EDIT leader mar22_000_PSI_apr15 25/02/2022 16:04 Page 2

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Outstanding catch performance

EDITORIAL

Improving service This month it was announced that ECHO is now supporting almost 200,000 intruder and hold-up alarm systems on police response with URNs (Unique Reference Numbers)

T

Superior microwave detection

Peerless wireless connectivity

he ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations) initiative provides virtually instant alarm signalling to police control rooms from approved ARCs who remotely monitor premises protected by intruder and hold-up alarm systems. Transforming the speed with which police can respond to confirmed alarm signals by replacing the legacy of manual call handling, ECHO is automating police alarm response to homeowners, businesses and government properties across the Metropolitan and Essex police areas, soon to be followed by Avon & Somerset Police and other forces getting ECHO-connected.

The vast majority of the signals from all intruder and hold-up alarm systems registered with the Metropolitan Police are now being transmitted via ECHO’s automated signalling service. The police estimate ECHO increases the speed of ‘blue light’ response to emergencies by up to four minutes – helping them apprehend offenders and providing greater assurance to home and property owners – potentially saving more lives in critical emergencies where every second counts.

This follows the issuing of notice last year by the Metropolitan and Essex Police requiring ARCs registered with their Police Forces to transmit intruder and hold-up alarm systems’ activation calls via ECHO. This initiative is another positive step towards improving the service that your customers get from their security systems and it comes at a time when our national communications infrastructure is going through the biggest possible change.

Any time soon your customers will receive notification that their phone lines will be changing to IP lines from the traditional PSTN we have used in the past. The move to all-IP has started already with a few test sites and has the goal of moving all UK lines over to IP by the end of 2025. It’s a massive job for Openreach to undertake and will affect how your customers’ alarm systems communicate with ARCs. The upshot of all of this is to further improve the capabilities of the technology and speed up the response times to alarms, but you will need to do your part to make sure that security services are maintained. Start preparing now to avoid any backlogs and bottlenecks that may come about if all of your clients get in touch within a short time frame.

The upshot of ECHO’s digital call handling and the roll out of all-IP communications should be a massive boost for the performance of security systems and such efficiencies could even appeal to those who have opted for bells-only alarms in the past.

Well, we can dream can’t we…?

Andy Clutton EDITOR

capture.texe.com

5

EDIT news mar22_PSI_feb15 25/02/2022 16:11 Page 2

Voted PSI Distributor of the Year 12 times The UK’s #1 Fire and Security Distributor...

INDUSTRY NEWS

NSI and SSAIB add their support to Next Generation events

“We have a collective responsibility to raise standards by attracting, developing and training the next generation. Providing all employers within the sector with practical resources focused on apprenticeships and technology is crucial” 6

The Next Generation events hosted by PSI magazine in association with Skills for Security and IFSEC International continue to gain momentum with the news that certification bodies NSI and SSAIB are supporting the new shows.

With a focus on apprenticeships, training and innovative technology, the recently launched Next Generation events, have been bolstered by the news that the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) and Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB) have both put their weight behind the shows at Warren Weir at Luton Hoo on 22nd & 23rd June 2022 and Celtic Manor on 14th & 15th September 2022.

Don Oakley, NSI Business Development Director commented: “As a founding

stakeholder of the Engineers of Tomorrow competition and provider of FESS apprenticeship training to a number of academies and colleges including Skills for Security, NSI is delighted to support PSI’s Next Generation events. These are much-needed forums to help address the sustained skills shortage within our sector.

“We have a collective responsibility to raise standards by attracting, developing and training the next generation. Providing all employers within the sector with practical resources focused on apprenticeships and technology is crucial.”

Trevor Jenks, SSAIB Training Manager commented on the decision to support the events: “The SSAIB is proud to support PSI’s Next Generation events. The events are an excellent opportunity for SSAIB registered firms to see the benefits of bringing in new talent to the security and fire industry as well as an insight to the latest technology, recruitment, and services on offer.”

The two-day events will comprise a day of presentations held under the guidance of Skills for Security, the UK’s largest fire and security apprenticeship provider, and also include a programme of in-depth technology installation and application demonstrations and a table-top exhibition area featuring key manufacturers, service providers and recruitment companies.

This will be followed by a networking dinner in the evening and a golf day on the second day at which players will compete for the IFSEC Cup. David Scott, Managing Director at Skills for Security said: “The Next Generation events are an exciting opportunity for us to strengthen and develop our links with individuals, employers and stakeholders and help boost the value of apprenticeships in the sector. We see them as a chance to present ideas and offer advice to installation companies looking to secure the position, image and future of their business.”

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:33 Page 1

EDIT news mar22_PSI_feb15 25/02/2022 17:00 Page 4

Largest stock holding in the UK & Ireland

INTRUSION

SMART HOME

FIRE & GAS DETECTION

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE

www.adiglobal.com/uk

|

ACCESS CONTROL

0161 687 8787

|

PROFESSIONAL AUDIO/VIDEO

Canadian company RSPNDR has taken the first step into Europe with the launch of its UK alarm response network.

The company use an Uber-like platform to link into monitoring stations to access alarm events and then pass details directly to the nearest available guard in their network. The guard is given the details of the event and

i-PRO and Vaxtor announce collaboration i-PRO EMEA and Vaxtor have announced a collaboration for the software VaxALPR to run

• Midwich Group has entered a binding agreement to acquire Nimans and its subsidiaries from Nycomm Holdings.

8

POWER, CABLE & HARDWARE

sales.uk@adiglobal.com

RSPNDR launches its UK alarm service network

• North has secured a £2.6m contract with the City of Edinburgh Council to upgrade security and surveillance across the capital. The contract will see the build and management of Edinburgh’s new CCTV Control Centre and will form part of the Council’s vision to create a Smart City Operation Facility, providing a holistic view of the city by utilising technology to drive operational efficiencies, improve security and analyse trends.

NETWORK SOLUTIONS

RISCO attains ECHO-ready supplier status RISCO Group has announced the attainment of ECHO-ready supplier status.

ECHO (Electronic Call Handling Operations) was developed in conjunction with the BSIA, NSI, FIA and FSA, combining current call handling systems into one nationally recognised effective police response to emergency alarms. The initiative partners with ECHO-ready suppliers that offer products

guided to the site where they conduct an external check to establish if there is a problem.

RSPNDR has built a UK network of professional guarding companies, which for a monthly fee is available to installers and their customers with the guarantee of a 30-minute response time and two free callouts each year.

“We are excited to launch our UK network,” says Mark Zimmerman, CEO of RSPNDR. “In just a few years, we have grown to become the largest alarm response company in Canada with over 37,000 callouts a year and our average response is just 26 minutes. We have already moved into the US, but I am particular excited by the opportunity in the UK where I think our technology and business model will allow us to deliver compelling new propositions to the market.”

According to the company, the platform delivers end-to-end automation of key processes that save time in alarm receiving centres and make guard response and monitoring more profitable, effective, and attractive to customers. on i-PRO AI-enabled cameras. Analytics are carried out on the edge of i-PRO cameras, meaning the solution does not need to stream video to a PC/server.

compliant with PD 6662:2017 and BS 8243, which when installed by an approved installer is designed to ensure that quick police response will be summoned via the ECHO platform to attend properties.

RISCO UK Managing Director, Mark Taylor commented: “As part of the team which launched the ECHO initiative, I immediately see the synergies of RISCO’s product and service solutions with the ECHO platform.”

Martin Harvey, ECHO Board Director said: “It’s great to welcome RISCO on-board as an ECHO-ready supplier. In doing so RISCO is providing additional reassurance to customers that their products are ECHO-ready, and meet standards required by the police. When installed and maintained by NSI and SSAIB approved installers in ECHO-connected police force areas, approved alarm systems using ECHO-ready products secure the fastest possible police response.”

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT news mar22_PSI_feb15 25/02/2022 17:00 Page 5

ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING?

Security installation courses for female technicians are launched for 2022 Banham Academy and NSI have joined forces to offer an introductory five-day Fire and Security Systems Technician Training Programme exclusively for potential women apprentices.

Taking place from 13-17 June 2022 at the Banham Academy in Earlsfield, South West London, the free-to-attend training programme will provide women aged 16 and over with an insight into the requirements of the FESS Apprenticeship standard. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of the functions of fire, CCTV, intruder alarms and access control systems and the role of the systems technician. By the end of the course, attendees will have learnt how to take-over a system, diagnose and rectify faults.

An added benefit to those who complete the course and are motivated by the experience to embark upon a career as a systems technician, is the opportunity to meet with a number of security and fire safety companies on the final day of the programme. These employers will be in attendance looking to diversify their workforces with skilled female technicians, providing trainees with direct opportunities for apprenticeships.

Kevin Faulkner, Head of the Banham Academy said: “We believe that addressing the problem of under-representation of women within our sector is not merely for statistical gain, but for the betterment of our industry.

“We want to shake up the fire and security industry and make it more accessible, inclusive, and create fruitful careers for everyone."

On the final day of the complimentary apprenticeship training programme, Banham Academy will bring trainees together with a range of security and fire safety companies who are looking to recruit promising female technicians for apprenticeships, and ideally, a permanent job at the end of it.

“My hope is that the women who attend our June training programme will go on to work in the security and fire safety industry,” said Kevin.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

@psimagazine

follow PSI on Twitter for news, views & comment

EDIT Social mar22_000_PSI_may15 25/02/2022 17:04 Page 1

SOCIAL MEDIA

SECURITY ON SOCIAL MEDIA A look at what’s been happening on PSI’s Instagram feed this month (apart from all the sport...)

psimagazine

10

www.psimagazine.co.uk

BL full page_PSI_feb15 01/02/2022 17:39 Page 5

THE BOTTOM LINE I N A S S O C I AT I O N W I T H C S L

The interview that gets the facts from the top This month Simon Banks talks to James Twigg, Chief Executive Officer and Sharon Garton, HR Manager at TIS. With offices across the UK, the company delivers smart, integrated safety and security solutions.

You recently announced the launch of the TIS Academy. Can you tell me a little more about this?

JT – The academy is critical to our future business growth. Our team is by far our greatest asset, but we need more. We need ambition and desire for personal growth from our staff. We are providing cutting edge solutions into demanding environments and we want to nurture our talent and provide both parties with an opportunity for a very fulfilling future. The opportunity to develop our team of young, talented individuals who have been educated, not only on all systems but also understand our culture and how important they are to the success of the business, is really exciting for us. It is a winwin for the wider company and the apprenticeship team.

SG – At the launch of the Academy there were a total of 15 apprentice engineers, including ten brand new apprentices, two of which joined TIS through the government’s ‘Kick Start Scheme’. The remaining five are existing second-year apprentices. Since the launch, a further four existing employees have joined the fast track course to obtain the level 3 qualification. TIS first-year apprentices will carry out condensed training during their first six weeks in the Academy to ensure they have the basic requirements for when they are out in the field. This will

consist of two weeks at the TIS Academy, where they will undergo their induction and cover the culture of the business, before starting their training on health and safety, how to check their equipment, site hazards, safe isolation, installation practices, basic wiring and circuitry, the correct use of test equipment and meters, safe use of tools, first fixing of systems and ECS assessment.

The apprentices will then go out into the field to put into practice what they have learnt before coming back into the TIS Academy to continue their learning where they will cover British standards and legislation, installation practices and system technologies.

What were the biggest challenges you faced in the recruitment of new talent?

JT – The whole sector is growing, driven by all kinds of factors, which has manifested in the highly competitive recruitment and resourcing market. Engineers are hard to come by but when you add in the complexity of our requirement for them to be multisystem skilled, the pool becomes even smaller. You then add geographical restrictions to our requirements and the simple fact was that we had to do something proactive to manage this recurring strategy challenge.

system skills into our ever-growing, everdemanding customer base.

SG – All our apprentices are employed from day one, providing them with job security at the end of their apprenticeship. The hourly rate for TIS apprentices is above the National Minimum Wage, with a further increase after their probation and rising to the National Living Wage after 12 months.

The progress of apprentices is monitored by the Academy Team which includes HR, Technical and our partners at Skills for Security (SfS). Their skills will be continually assessed and a gap analysis carried out at regular intervals to ensure that TIS and SfS provide them with the best possible training and development. At the end of their apprenticeship, there will be numerous opportunities to progress throughout their career with us enhancing their pay along the way. Our Technical Manager started as an apprentice in 2013, which demonstrates the opportunity to progress with the right attitude and skill set.

SG – We already have several CVs on file for next year’s intake of apprentices. We have recently had a work experience student join us from West Notts College. To give him a true experience of the apprenticeship and what TIS had to offer, he joined our first-year apprentices in the Training Academy and also spent time with our Design Team and in the Workshop. The result was that he wanted to be put forward for future apprenticeships at TIS as he enjoyed what he had seen.

How important is new talent to the overall trajectory of the business?

JT – Essential. We are providing highly technical, converged solutions to organisations that want to lead their sector and offer their customers the very best. To back up our highly talented designers, our entire team have to be able to deliver multi-

YOU SAID IT! "Great Service, speedy delivery and great technical support when you need it."

Seamus Higgins (B9 Fire Protection Ltd) – Google Review – 22 December

Get Social Find our other social pages here...

11

Project1_Layout 1 26/11/2021 15:01 Page 1

Gate Automation Systems Solutions for domestic and commercial sites

Deimos, Ares & Icaro Veloce - Sliding gate operators

BFT Automation is one of the leading gate automation manufacturers in the world. We have a wide range of automation solutions suitable for almost any domestic or commercial environment. Our extensive product range includes automation systems for most types of sliding and swing gates.

Our products are designed to be installed easily and deliver consistent, reliable performance. Our innovative technology means our products have an impressive range of features including D-Track, an obstacle detection system and U-Link, a platform for creating interconnected systems; allowing products to be controlled and monitored remotely.

For more information about the full range of products, please visit our website or contact us.

North Office T. 0161 456 0456 E. north.uk@bft-automation.com

South Office T. 01488 674 750 E. south.uk@bft-automation.com

www.bftautomationuk.com Gate Operators • Traffic Barriers • Automatic Bollards • Door Operators • Parking Systems • Garage Door Operators

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:32 Page 1

Your Installation, Our Connectivity

Discover our range of solutions for any critical IoT applications.

SECURITY

FIRE

TELECARE

RETAIL

ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING

From single or multi-path Alarm Signalling systems, to secure Routers and Roaming SIMs for CCTV streaming or Access Control.

ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES

EDIT ­ ed choice mar22_000_PSI_jun15 25/02/2022 17:22 Page 1

EDITOR’S CHOICE

Mobile credentials for easy access control Upgraded secure wireless transmission link range

SilverNet has launched the new Generation 4 PRO Range the latest secure wireless transmission link that creates point to point, or point to multipoint network connections.

The range has built in lightning protection and can reportedly perform in temperatures from -20° up to 70°C, meaning it can be used across a range of locations, including extreme environments.

Included in the range is the SIL PICO PCP (pictured) a point-to-point outdoor wireless bridge up to 1KM with integrated 12dBi antenna. The small form factor of the SIL PICO will benefit locations where the radio needs to be unobtrusive. silvernet.com

Abloy UK has launched Assa Abloy’s Incedo Business Mobile Keys, a new type of credential that offers secure mobile access, simplified management and user convenience and efficiency.

IncedoTM Business Mobile Keys can be enabled on mobile phones, tablets, watches and other wearable electronic devices, allowing the device to function as a user’s credential to enter an office or other business facilities.

Secure mobile access offers another layer of protection with the mobile devices’ biometrics and screen locking, and there is no risk of breaches from card sharing. Plus, the transmission range is greater when using a mobile key, so readers can be placed behind a locked door. assaabloyopeningsolutions.co.uk/en/

Camera boasts full-colour picture in complete darkness

Partizan has launched a new flagship dome CCTV camera, IPD-5SP-IR 4K Full Colour SH. The camera is equipped with a 1/2.7″ CMOS sensor and IR+White LED hybrid illumination which reportedly results in a full-color picture even in complete darkness. The LED backlight can work constantly, or it can turn on only if a person enters the camera frame.

This camera also supports other smart video analytics functions: perimeter crossing detection, line crossing detection, face detection and has a built-in microphone, a metal housing, and is rated IP66.

This CCTV camera also works with the Partizan mobile app, cloud storage service, and is equipped with a Micro SD card slot up to 256 Gb. partizanstore.eu 14

Plug and play fire alarm management software

Global Fire Equipment (GFE) has launched Owl, a ‘plug and play’ fire alarm management and monitoring software for its Chameleon Network range of control panels.

Via the GUI, Owl users can monitor the status of their fire alarm panels and receive real-time information and complete visibility of their entire fire detection alarm system (FDAS).

As it is a PC-based platform, Owl can be accessed simultaneously from different PCs wherever they are located in the world as long as they are on the same network. The software can be backed up in case of a main PC outage and a customer’s configuration file can also be restored. globalfire-equipment.com

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT ­ ed choice mar22_000_PSI_jun15 25/02/2022 17:22 Page 2

EDITOR’S CHOICE The security industry is busy and complex, so it’s easy to miss new products and services as they get lost in day-to-day activities. Every now and again, certain products grab our attention so here we take a look at a few of the products we think you won’t want to miss this month.

Camera transforms video to text alert notifications

BWC increases situational awareness and response time The Illustra Body Worn Camera provides an additional level of situational awareness for wearers and businesses by distributing continuous live video, audio and location data from anywhere or while on the move, at bandwidths as low as 9 Kbps without loss of quality or delay. This allows users to have access to live video feeds when they need it most across a range of industries.

When integrated into a compatible video management system (VMS), the camera allows users to access and manage live streaming, forensic search, playback, and incident report generation ondemand and directly through a centralised location. illustracameras.com

Developed in partnership withHikvision to process Kepler Vision’s Night Nurse (KNN) software, Kepler Vision Smart Sensors enable care providers to better monitor the wellbeing of elderly patients in care home environments.

Integrated with Kepler Night Nurse software, the sensor and software solution transform a monitored video feed into text to alert staff when they are needed. For example: a video feed showing an elderly resident fallen on the floor is indicated by the message “In room 13 a client has fallen who needs help” delivered to a nurse through the nurse call system. The video feed itself does not need to be sent or viewed by the nurse, ensuring privacy for the client, and removing the need for constant camera monitoring. keplervision.eu

NOTE: All technical specifications listed are provided by manufacturers

Panoramic camera provides seamless view with no gaps The NDAA compliant PNM-9031RV infrared panoramic camera, launched by Hanwha Techwin Europe, provides operators with a seamless continuous view of a wide area with no overlap or gaps. With the PNM-9031RV, operators can therefore use fewer cameras to monitor events with the 15MP 4x lens panoramic camera in a 3:1 aspect ratio (6720 x 2240).

WiseIR integrated infrared illuminators, alongside independent zones with auto and manual adjustment, ensure monitoring is not interrupted in low-light conditions. IR can illuminate up to 20 meters’ distance away for all four lenses of the camera. It offers a 192-degree horizontal field of view and 65-degree vertical field of view, along with a wide dynamic range of 120dB. The panoramic camera can handover events to other cameras where needed.

Automatic image stitching provides an uninterrupted single image view of what’s happening over a wide area. Operators can set areas of interest to focus on through virtual channels that can trigger alerts using Intelligent Video Analytics (IVA).

Video analytics incorporated in the PNM-9031RV panoramic camera includes motion detection, defocus detection, virtual line, enter/exit detection, audio detection, heatmapping, and appear/disappear. This enables operators to understand more about the usage and risks of an area, for example, by seeing regions of high and low activity in the monitored area. hanwha-security.eu

www.psimagazine.co.uk

15

EDIT test1 mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 13:07 Page 1

TEST

PRODUCT TEST

What’s in the box?

Camera Enclosure Quickstart guide Drilling template Security bit IDC Network connector

16

T

his internal 360° view camera designed for ceiling or wall mounting, is based on a 12MP sensor and provides a fisheye image with a wide range of configuration options.

Getting started The Quick Start guide shows the basic methods to mount and connect the camera. It is PoE powered (<12.95W) with the advantage of either a direct RJ45 connection or a wired connection using the supplied “Punchdown” board that allows the network cable to be connected using an IDC punch down tool. The camera module is supplied out of its casing with packaging that allows access to the RJ45 for in-box configuration. The housing base can be fitted to a ceiling or wall surface using the drilling template and this allows for the alternative wiring formats to be accommodated. The Punchdown board if used is clipped into the back plate and the connections can be made for either T-568A or B configurations.

Colour coding on the connector clarifies the conductors to be used for A or B. With the base mounted to the surface the camera module which fits in the palm of your hand is clipped in and three captive security screws are tightened to secure it in place. If the Punchdown board is used, its RJ45 mates directly

Oncam – C-12 Indoor

with the camera, otherwise the RJ45 should be inserted first. The top cover is then placed on and rotated to click into place.

Once connected to a PoE enabled network point, the camera will go through its start-up routine. The on-board LED illuminates Blue to indicate the OS is starting, then from Orange to Yellow to show firmware booting, White for network search and finally Green for operational. This LED can be used to indicate motion detection in the scene and can also indicate network errors and SD card problems or turned off. By default, the camera will be allocated a DHCP address if on a suitable network and can then be located using network tools or a search tool downloaded from the Oncam website.

On first connection to the camera’s web browser display, you must enter a username of 4 to 12 characters and a strong password of 8 to 32 characters with at least 1 upper case, 1 number and 1 special character with no repetitions or sequential characters allowed.

A detailed 233-page user manual can be downloaded from the Oncam website, and this covers all the camera’s features and configuration.

Menu options The browser view displays the menu options down the left-hand side of the screen. At the top of the display area are the Camera’s model number and IP address followed by the Recording Status, a “Jump to” search box, an Expert Mode switch and a Log Out button. The “Jump to” box allows direct access to menu features without having to navigate through the sub-menus. The Expert mode adds some of the more advanced features to the sub menus.

The top-level menu options are as follows: Dashboard – shows a low-resolution full camera image along with access to on-line FAQ and setup guides.

Device – Device information, Date & Time, Maintenance, Firmware, Licenses, Security, and Attributes.

Network – Network configuration, and Advanced Network configuration.

Video/Audio – Media profiles, Image settings, Overlays, Global Streamlite Compression, Global

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:34 Page 1

EDIT test1 mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 13:07 Page 2

TEST

(continued from p16)

downpipe.

Indoor recessed mount – CA-IRM1-0; an aluminium enclosure to suit a 100mm (4”) diameter hole.

All are supplied with clear fitting instructions and use the same security screw head size as the camera.

Performance

audio, and Multicast.

Events – Alarm rules settings.

Recording – Storage device management, Recording configuration, and Search recordings.

Motion/Analytics – Rules, and Global settings.

Users – Create new users.

Peripherals – Only available to the outdoor model for Input / Output configuration.

The Video/Audio menu states that the Global audio option is only supported on the outdoor model.

Within the menus there are extensive options to reduce bandwidth usage for the H.264 and H.265 encoded streams. Up to 5 privacy zones can be set and 3 captions including T & D if used. UK time and date formats are available and NTP is supported.

A very powerful compact fisheye view camera compatible Hardware with a wide range of The camera body has a diameter of just 86mm video management and a depth of 40mm without the RJ45 connector. systems with simplicity The housing base has space for the alternative IDC connection adaptor to clip in place allowing a of installation and simpler device connection with the wires carefully good support dressed into the available space. The overall documentation housing measures 92mm diameter x 52mm

without the connector.

A small slot near the base of the camera body accepts the SD card (up to 512GB).

The camera includes an IR cut filter for day / night modes. If set to automatic the approximate lux level for switching can be set from 0 to 500 with a default of 140.

Optional brackets are available including: Panoramic tilt mount – CAITM1-0; for wall mounting, allowing the camera to be angled from 20° to 45°.

Indoor pendant mount – CA-IPM10; with threading for M20 or 3/4” NPT 18

The camera has four hardware encoders assigned to media profiles that can be configured for Fisheye only, in which case it can operate at up to 55 fps at its maximum 2992 x 2992 resolution or 60 fps at 2800 x 2800 pixels. Alternatively, a Multi-Mode setting provides maximum image flexibility with up to 30 fps for the fisheye view and a range of settings for the other three profiles. These can be selected from Panoramic+, T Corridor+, and Corridor+. These provide respectively a horizontal image, a T-junction corridor view (3-way split) and a two-way corridor view. Each has a range of controls to rotate and position the views so that they are consistent for the viewer and provide full coverage of the area.

A TrueDetail HDR (High Dynamic Range) feature is enabled by default, and this links Profiles 1 and 2 to provide the dual exposure necessary to deal with very high contrast scenes.

The web interface is very easy to navigate for camera configuration, however some features such as event recording to an internal SD card may take some experimentation to get right at first attempt.

The camera is ONVIF conformant to profiles S (Video streaming), T (Advanced video streaming) and G (Edge Storage) and when connected to a compatible Video Management system the camera provides a very clear fisheye image and supports multiple scene displays that can be used to zoom in on areas of interest for live and recorded images. The camera’s internal dewarping software helps eliminate lens curvature effects and provides reasonably distortion free panoramic views.

Up to 20 Unicast users can be connected or Multicast is supported for large scale streaming.

Conclusion A very powerful compact fisheye view camera compatible with a wide range of video management systems with simplicity of installation and good support documentation.

8.5 out of 10 NOTE: This PSI Product Test was carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer had no input in the review or the final result

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:31 Page 1

SMART HOME SOLUTIONS Design a Smarter Home with ADI

Video | Camera | Lighting | Audio | Door Entry | Heating Control | Smartplug Learn More at www.adiglobaldistribution.co.uk/smart-home

THAT’S THE ADI DIFFERENCE Stockists of all categories...

Intrusion

Video

12 TIMES PSI DISTRIBUTOR OF THE YEAR

Network Solutions

Access Control

Fire & Gas

Call Systems

(w): www.adiglobal.com/uk (t) 0161 687 8787 (e) sales.uk@adiglobal.com

Power, Cable & Hardware

Audio Visual

Services

EDIT test 2 mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 13:17 Page 1

TEST

PRODUCT TEST

T

What’s in the box?

Keypad Backplate Instructions Fixing screws including screw to secure keypad to backplate

Overall, the keypad is excellent and could add a “wow” factor to any access control system in modern type premises

his keypad-Reader is both a Keypad Reader and a RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) proximity reader. The antibacterial microlouvre display controls the horizontal viewing angle. At the same time, the vertical viewing angle is unaffected. All of this means that users both tall and short can use the keypad in complete privacy. Onlookers will only see a black screen.

Getting started The instructions are in the box and are straight forward to understand. There is no QR code provided for additional instructions, however, the instructions are very clear and work exactly on the product as they say in the manual. This made for a very easy installation.

The installation of the keypad is very straight forward and easy to fix. The backplate is nice and easy to mount with a couple of screws and the actual keypad easily slots onto the backplate

PROS: • Very smart and futuristic looking, robust, performs as it says • Very easy to install wiring back to the p4 controller with just 4 wires • The privacy viewing of the keypad is great, not allowing people to see the display from a side on view, and the extra security of the keypad number shuffle adds to the security, which is a very good feature • The green illumination when the access code is granted is a modern feature and the unit being able to display the correct room temperature is a bonus of this unit CONS: • The only con is when installing, the security screw to fix the keypad to the bracket is quite close to the wall, which makes it hard to use an allen key. Although this could be seen as a pro, in a way that it would be hard for someone to break into the unit by unscrewing the screw!

20

Progeny – Dark Window Keypad Reader

ready to be secured by the bottom screw.

The only thing I found slightly annoying with the fixing of the keypad to the backplate was that the securing screw was too close to the wall when ready to screw into place, especially for an allen key screw. The instructions step by step guide is very clear and if followed correctly, will allow for an easy installation. The programming is very straight forward and the integration with the p4 controller worked as said in the instructions.

Performance The keypad was tested on internal office doors and an office corridor and performed as described in the product documentation and communicated with the P4 controller with no problems. All functions such as the call button, access code entry temperature gage work as expected. The keypad sits nice and solid on the surface you mount it to and has no problems with unwanted movement from loose fixings etc.

Conclusion Overall, the keypad is excellent and could add a “wow” factor to any access control system in modern type premises, as well as not being out of place in a warehouse unit etc. All features work as advertised and the setup of the unit was very easy.

The product might not be suitable for use outside in the open as it has an ip54 rating,

9.0 out of 10 PSI Product Tests are carried out by an independent third party, not editorial staff. The manufacturer has no input in the review or the final result

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 24/09/2021 15:09 Page 1

Access Control

Intruder Alarm

Automation

Multiple Devices

No Software Required

Easy Setup with Checklist Prompts

Send IP Alarms via Multipath-IP Network

INTEGRATED ACCESS SECURITY POWERFUL WEB BASED CONTROLLER T: +44 845 470 5000 |

E: ireurope@innerrange.co.uk

innerrange.co.uk

EDIT News Extra Mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 13:26 Page 1

NEWS EXTRA

AI vs humans – facing facts Humans have far greater difficulty identifying images of biometric spoofing attacks compared to computers performing the same task, according to research released this month

Can you spot the real person?

Answer below

This performance is strong evidence for organisations staking trust in facial recognition and AIbased systems for access control 22

T

he new research report, “Human or Machine: AI Proves Best at Spotting Biometric Attacks”, finds that computers are more adept than people at accurately and quickly determining whether a photo is of an actual, live person versus a presentation attack. Fraudsters attempt to imitate real customers during processes such as creating a new bank account or logging into an existing account. Liveness detection instantly validates whether a photo, taken in real time, is of a live person.

The team at ID R&D conducted an experiment using 175,454 images across five types of presentation attacks, including printed photos, digital displays, printed cutouts, 2D masks, and 3D masks.

Computers were found to be more accurate than humans in tests of all five types of images, scoring 0% error rates across all 175,000 images and all types of attack. Humans had a far lower degree of accuracy for every type of spoofing technique, including misidentifying 30% of photo prints, one of the easiest attack types for fraudsters to execute. Even when a group of 17 people voted on the images, resulting in a more accurate outcome than an individual person, their majority decisions were never better than the computer’s performance of the same task.

Computers were also almost 10 times quicker to recognise a photo of a live person or a spoof.

On average, it took humans 4.8 seconds per image to determine liveness, whereas computers running on a single CPU took less than 0.5 seconds per image to determine liveness. These latest technology advances support the rapid rise in facial recognition for identity verification and authentication.

This performance is strong evidence for organisations staking trust in facial recognition and AI-based systems for access control and particularly those looking for fraud attempts. The ability to use AI facial liveness technology to detect fraud saves time and enables human resources to focus on more complex fraud.

According to the researchers, despite the strong performance of computers at spotting spoofs, fraud detection must not compromise the experience of genuine customers. Many facial liveness systems on the market are good at keeping fraudsters out, but in the process, a significant number of genuine people are also caught in the net.

However, in the study, the AI system erroneously classified just 1% of genuine faces as spoofs. Humans, on the other hand, misclassified 18% of genuine faces as spoofs, confirming that passive facial liveness detection is also better than humans at keeping genuine customers out of the fraud net.

“The results are undeniable,” said Alexey Khitrov, CEO at ID R&D. “Biometric technology used for identity verification has evolved in recent years to increase speed and accuracy, now significantly outperforming the human eye.

Organisations can achieve tremendous efficiencies by using identity verification systems that include a biometric Read component. However, the there is still work to be report done and we are excited here: to see biometrics helping to build consumer trust.”

www.psimagazine.co.uk Answer: They are all fakes

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:34 Page 1

BELIEVE IN BETTER CCTV MONITORING

1ST SITE: 1ST 6 MONTHS FREE* Contact you local Enteprise Security Distribution Branch, your Fortus BDM or us directly ctly today to start your trial, where we will show you how w we deliver:

Better Response Industry leading pick-up times and best exibility in class reporting to provide flexibility mer are to ensure you and your customer always in the loop Better Support Our dedicated support teams will assist ry stage you and your customers at every of the monitoring journey.

Better Control Keypads and schedules belong g in the past.

Our proprietary app, RE:SURE I/O app put your customers in complete e control of arming and disarming.

*With no catches. As long as it’s ever 1st ever ver CCTV u for the first 6 months. connection with us, we will not charge you

www.resure.co info@resure.co RE:SURE is part of Fortus Group

EDIT tried jan22_PSI_may15 23/12/2021 14:17 Page 1

REVIEWS

TRIED & TESTED An overview of some of the products we have featured in PSI independent test reports over recent months. Manufacturers and distributors have no input in the testing or the final results so you can rest assured that these are genuine reports and not based on external influences.

Bosch – Flexidome NDE-3503-AL Part of the Bosch Flexidome IP 3000i IR range, this fixed dome camera is impact resistant to IK10 with IP66 protection rating and has a 1/2.9” 5MP CMOS sensor, 3.2 to 10mm motorised lens and a range of “Essential” video analytic functions. It has a diameter of 137mm and height of 122.5mm. It has an operating temperature of 30°C to +50°C. Review: A very capable dome camera with a wide range of configuration options. Score: 8.5/10

IDIS – DC-S6283HRXL The DC-S6283HRXL dome is an external IP66, IK10 rated, 1/2” CMOS 2MP Lightmaster PTZ ONVIF compliant dome with 36 times zoom lens and long range IR capability.

Review: A well featured PTZ dome with simple setup, excellent optical performance and enhanced IR illumination. Score: 8/10

Uniview – IPC2325EBR5-DPZ Promoted as a 5MP WDR Starlight Varifocal IP67 network bullet camera, the unit is based on a 1/ 2.7” sensor with a 2.7 to 13.5mm auto-focus motorized zoom lens giving a horizontal angle of view from 93.28° to 28.56°.

Review: A versatile solidly built external bullet camera with a wide range of configuration settings. The security settings allow the camera to be suitably locked-down but the lack of a forced “strong” password is a concern; perhaps a future firmware update will remedy this. Score: 8/10

3xLogic – VX-VT-56 The 3xLogic VX-VT-56 is an IP66 bullet style external thermal camera with a 56° horizontal field of view. It has motion detection including video content analysis and temperature alarm capabilities built in.

Review: A very compact thermal bullet camera that is straightforward to install and set up. t is capable of detecting scene intrusion and creating alarms regardless of light levels and weather conditions. A variety of specialist analytics is included. Score: 8/10

24

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT tried jan22_PSI_may15 23/12/2021 14:19 Page 2

SMOKE DETECTION

Hikvision – ColorVu DS-2CD2087G2-LU This IP67, 8MP bullet camera is from the Hikvision ColorVu range. It is designed for 24-hour colour imagery with warm-white visible LED illumination support for zero light scenes. A wide 2.8mm lens version is standard with 4mm and 6mm options.

Review: An extremely sensitive 8MP high-resolution camera with advanced detection capabilities, 24-hour colour capability and a wide range of security features. Score: 9/10

Tyco – Illustra Multi Sensor Dome The Illustra Flex multi-sensor camera provides four 4MP camera views from a single location over a single network cable using just one IP address. The IP66 cameras can be flexibly positioned within the housing for full 360° coverage.

Review: An interesting approach to the provision of multi-camera highly detailed wide-angle views from a single housing with straightforward installation and configuration. Score: 8/10

Hanwha Techwin – Wisenet XNV8081RE The XNV-8081RE is from the Wisenet X range and incorporates a PoE extender capability to simplify cabling infrastructure when installing a second camera within 80 metres of an existing position. The dome is based on a 1/2.8” 5MP CMOS sensor with a stated 0.07 Lux colour sensitivity and IR LED monochrome illumination.

Review: A very installer friendly ONVIF compliant external dome camera with ease of set-up and an ability to simplify network cabling when retrofitting for additional cameras, installing two cameras to a single location or when needing to install an adjacent PoE device such as lighting or PIR detection. Score: 9.5/10

Dahua – TiOC 2.0 The DH-IPC-HDW3549H-AS-PV-S3 is a 5MP full-colour fixed-focal eyeball WizSense network camera. It is the latest in the company’s TiOC (three- in-one camera) line which integrates 24/7 full-colour monitoring, active deterrence and AI into one solution.

Review: A very capable Eyeball style dome that has a wide range of features to help detect and deter intruders, with extensive cyber security settings. When used with the Dahua Smart NVR, the camera supports intelligent search capabilities. Score: 8.5/10

Milesight – MS-C5375-EPC This IP67 and IK10 rated motorized 5MP mini dome boasts a number of features including AI analytics, Smart IR, which combines high beam and low beam to adjust IR intensity to suit different lighting conditions, plus functions such as HLC (highlight compensation) and defog.

Review: The build quality is superb, the camera is well made. There are real signs of quality with this camera that include a solid casing throughout, connection points do not flex or move and all pivot points on the camera and lens move fluidly and are not flimsy. Score: 7.5/10

www.psimagazine.co.uk

25

EDIT tried jan22_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 15:26 Page 3

TRIED & TESTED

Hikvision – AX Pro The AX Pro can be purchased as a kit or individual components.

The reviewed system was a DS-PWA96-Kit1-WE kit with the seven parts as listed. It is a wireless Grade 2 alarm system that can be used stand-alone or integrated into a management system.

Additional modules are available to link to home automation products and systems. The DS-PWA96-M-WE panel supports up to 32 areas and 96 zones.

Review: A compact wireless alarm system with extended battery duration and flexible remote management. The product is well suited to central monitoring with a range of protocols supported. A reasonably wide and increasing range of detector types with scope for integration with home-automation systems. Score: 8.5/10

Pyronix – MCEXTERNAL-WE This tamperproof and weatherproof contact extends perimeter protection applications to securing sheds, garages, gates etc, with remote voice push notification alerts via the smart device apps, HomeControl2.0 and ProControl+. Featuring an IP66 rating, this discreet and versatile Grade 2 device is described as easy to fit and calibrate.

Review: The product is constructed very well. The casing is made of a hard polycarbonate with a deep grey (anthracite) finish which makes the door contact look great. The overall performance of the product did not disappoint during testing as it managed to maintain a high signal strength at all times as well as being very responsive. Score: 8.5/10

Ajax – MotionCam Outdoor The Ajax MotionCam Outdoor is an IP 55 rated combined external PIR sensor with inbuilt capture camera for use with the latest Ajax Hubs that support visual verification. The detector has settings for the image resolution and number of pictures sent on alarm. After dark the unit has two high-intensity infrared LEDs to provide illumination for the camera’s monochrome mode.

Review: A very simple to install and manage, extended battery life external PIR detector for Ajax based Hub 2 systems, with the advantage of visual verification. Score: 9/10

Eaton – i-on10 KP

The i-on Compact Security System is a Grade 2 wired intrusion detection panel with 10 zones and up to 10 users and 4 keypads. It is promoted as being suitable for simple, entry-level burglar alarm systems to protect homes and small commercial installations.

Review: A straightforward and engineer friendly grade 2 wired alarm system with a wide range of configuration options and simplicity of installation. Good documentation is supplied with the product.

Score: 9/10

CSL – MiniAir 2 MiniAir 2 is a single-path signalling solution that utilises a 4G/LTE-M path to signal an alarm from a protected premises to an ARC. It comes with a standby SIM as a backup to safeguard the system, if the active SIM fails.

Review: The product overall is great. It is a perfect solution to the PSTN switch over/off as it means that existing systems that rely solely on PSTN signalling can continue to do so without the expense of upgrading the customers control equipment. Score: 9/10 26

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT tried jan22_PSI_may15 25/01/2022 18:40 Page 4

Texecom – Capture Capture motion detectors are intended for use in a wide variety of professional security applications. With a choice of EN Grade 2 wired or wireless connectivity, wall or ceiling mounting, and a choice of detection technologies including dual element, quad element or dual technology sensing, Capture suits a wide variety of security environments.

Review: The ease of connection with a range of switchable, built-in EOL resistor values simplifies the installation process. The potential for device branding will likely be appealing to independent installers. Score: 9/10

Testifire – 1000-001 smoke & heat test kit This unit can test smoke detectors, heat detectors and multi-criteria smoke and heat detectors.

The unit is designed for fire maintenance professionals who are focussed on ultimate efficiency as the No Climb functionality of the system enables simplified testing.

Review: The tester is light and portable and is also compatible with the existing no climb solo poles, so this could be a great addition or upgrade to your existing testing devices. Score: 9.0/10

Videoloft – Cloud Adapter 8 The Videoloft Cloud Adapter 8 is an eight channel bridging device which equips new and legacy video surveillance systems with Videoloft’s offsite cloud video solution.

Review: It is a very cost effective solution for those looking to update existing systems, upgrade the overall storage solution, or wanting to connect independent cameras to a recording and viewing platform without the need for a recorder or controller. Score: 8.5/10

barox – RY-LPITE-802GBTME The barox RY-LPITE-802GBTME is a 10-port managed switch with features beneficial to PoE supplied surveillance camera systems. It supports Layer 2 & 3 switching and can be configured for diverse route, ring redundant networks. With 8 Gigabit PoE++ ports and a 24Gb/s backplane, the switch can support high bandwidth video networks.

Review: A very powerful enterprise level command set DIN rail mountable switch with a wide range of security features and support for monitoring and reporting surveillance systems operation. Score: 9/10

HKC – RF-Touch The RF-Touch wireless intruder keypad is among the latest additions to the SecureWave product line. The keypad is produced in either a black or white finish and it can be supplied with optional replacement facia trims in Black, White, Chrome and Grey. It is compliant with EN50131-3 Grade 2 Class II. Review: With an anticipated battery life of over three years in normal operation this is a very stylish compact grade 2 wireless alarm keypad to add to the HKC intrusion detection product range. Score: 8.5/10

www.psimagazine.co.uk

27

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:45 Page 1

24/7 COLORHUNTER TECHNOLOGY WITH: ACTIVE DETERRENCE - BUILT-IN SPEAKER AND MICROPHONE AI FUNCTIONALITY - SMART INTRUSION PREVENTION & MORE DUAL LIGHT LEDS - INFRARED, WHITE LIGHT & DUAL LIGHT

NEW IN AT

Email: sales@videcon.co.uk - Tel: 01924 528000

EDIT Interview psimar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 15:40 Page 2

INTERVIEW

Discussing external detection This month we talk about external detection and the importance of choosing the right product for the job with Mike Burgess of Takex t is fair to say that external detection systems haven’t always had a fair reputation in the market. With wildlife affecting the performance of the early systems on the market in terms of unwanted triggering it is no surprise that in recent times some have opted for external CCTV rather than detectors. However those days are gone and systems on the market today reliably offer early warning detection and alerts for external security purposes and can supplement and improve upon installations that rely solely on CCTV for protection.

We caught up with Mike Burgess, EMEA Sales Manager at Takex Europe, to find out more about the use of external detection and how combining it with CCTV is an option that installers should be considering.

I

How has business been over the last few years?

Since we founded the business over 20 years ago we have grown year on year, but in 2020 when Covid came along, that was a massive kick in the teeth. We saw maybe 50% of our business reduce over that period, however we have been able to claw some of that back and last year, in 2021, we put ourselves back on the route we were on before all of this started.

much as some of the other industries and we're still here. We are now seeing projects come back online that we were talking about 18 months ago.

When it comes to security, CCTV is often the first port of call. Do you have any concerns about that?

Fifteen years ago, I was told that my job would be redundant within five years because video analytics were going to take over the world! I was told that my product, which is very much what I would consider the bread and butter of the security industry, would be obsolete yet only last week, I had a meeting with a company that specialises in rapid deployment CCTV coming to me looking for triggers. Even though they are at the top of their game, they realise and recognise the need for my type of product to actually fill in the gaps where their products are being used.

What we have seen in the market is a huge influx of home CCTV and if you walk down the average road you see that about 20% of houses have got cameras. CCTV is an everyday sight now - if you went back ten years and had

“Fifteen years ago, I was told that my job would be redundant within five years because video analytics were going to take over the world!”

Why do you think there was that downturn?

Initially when the pandemic first started, I thought that there were going to be lots of buildings left empty, which would all need securing because they no longer have the footfall and the businesses would be in a state of dormancy that would need protecting.

However to protect those buildings, you need the people on the ground to actually install the systems and you need the distributors open to be able to buy the product – and due to the lockdown the whole infrastructure stalled.

When we first went into lockdown, we all looked at it and thought it will be over in two to three months, but when it dragged over the year and over the Christmas period people were finding other ways of dealing with the situation, but most businesses suffered. I think that we along with everybody else, suffered but not as

www.psimagazine.co.uk

29

EDIT Interview psimar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 15:41 Page 3

INTERVIEW

(continued from page 29)

cameras on your house, people would question why it was needed, but we know that even having a cheap camera on your house is a deterrent.

I've always said that my detection solution does not solve a problem; what it does is it stops it being your problem.

External perimeter detection used to get a bit of a bad rep because people saw it was triggered by foxes and moving bushes. So how have you overcome all of those issues?

It has been purely by education. I've written a guide, which explains how a passive infrared detector works. In the guide I've equated it to a menu in that you could go and spend less than a bag of chips on a PIR all the way up to a bottle of wine costing 1500 euros on a single device. There has to be a reason for that but also there is huge difference between internal and external detection. Internally you can spend the cost of your bag of chips on a PIR and it will work because you're

in a controlled environment and maybe if you step up to the cost of a Big Mac you can buy one that is pet immune if required. As soon as you go outside, even your Big Mac level detector is going to have a problem, so now you need to go up to Pizza Express levels!

So product choice is key?

Absolutely and a case in point involves my biggest market of South Africa where if somebody breaks into your house and you are in at the time, there is a more than evens chance that you're going to die. So when we put protection outside, people need to know it works because if it keeps going off, either they're going to keep thinking that somebody is coming on to the property, or the armed response team is going to get fed up coming out and will withdraw the service. So we have a solution that I introduced in 2005 and now have over 3 million products fitted and trusted.

One of the biggest issues they have is with wildlife. They have these huge birds called Hadedas that come round in packs looking for the food left outside for guard dogs. These huge birds will set off most PIRs, but they won't set ours off if it's set up correctly. That is why I say it is all about education and understanding that you cannot just take a basic indoor product, put it outside and expect it to work. Companies like ours who can design products specifically for certain environments come in to our own in such situations and we can be sure the technology will do exactly what it needs to.

Do you think there's a need for educating people that detection should start outside the premises?

Actually that is a common tactic of mine when talking to people about security. So often the installation consists of PIRs, door/window contacts and CCTV in the property, but for all of

“So often the installation consists of PIRs, door/window contacts and CCTV in the property, but for all of that to activate, the intruder has to be in your house. I do believe that pushing the protection outside is actually more important than having it inside” 30

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:44 Page 1

Branch Locations Havant HQ 0345 863 9750 Leeds 0113 521 8118 Edinburgh 0131 370 0601 Derby 01332 318460 Sheffield 0114 553 9639 Manchester 0161 676 0111 Ireland (+353) 872697494

Puretech Branded Partners

www.puretechsecurity.co.uk 0345 863 9750

EDIT Interview psimar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 15:42 Page 5

INTERVIEW

(continued from p30)

that to activate, the intruder has to be in your house. I do believe that pushing the protection outside is actually more important than having it inside. Also if you only have internal security and you are in the house as well then you essentially have no detection running at the time. External detection is an early warning and a deterrent.

What are the latest developments in detection? Is battery-powered technology improving?

Yes, the battery side of things has come on quite a lot in the last few years. We've been working on battery powered beams for a long time, but because of the technology we use, it's quite a power hungry system. We have now found a way to use our technology without compromising on quality, which involves the electronics and the way in which the signal is used. If you compromise on the quality of the beam, or the system that is being used, you are likely to encounter issues with sunlight, however the latest set of beams that we've produced, take that into account. Now we have the same technology that we have in our hardwired beams, but in a battery powered version.

Furthermore, we've made them universal, so you have the battery capacity to run anybody's wireless door contact or wireless transmitter. We find this particularly advantageous because we don't want to tie installers down to having to use a particular panel or a system. In addition, people are recognising the fact that they might only want something temporary or not have to lay a power cable.

What will the technology trends be going forward?

I think we can separate the security industry out into two very clearly defined markets, domestic and commercial. The domestic market is going more and more towards home automation and in five years, I would suggest that 70% of people will have security technology accessible through their smartphone apps. It’s the same with intelligent access control as it can now be controlled from your phone or laptop so we no longer have everything going to a monitoring room and dedicated to a security specialist in the building.

“We've been working on battery powered beams for a long time, but because of the technology we use, it's quite a power hungry system. We have now found a way to use our technology without compromising on quality, which involves the electronics and the way in which the signal is used” 32

As far as the commercial/industrial side of the market is concerned, I think every school, council-run area, car park etc will end up with CCTV if it isn't already - and that's where you will find the need for proper verification. No monitoring employee can sit and look at 300 screens, it's impossible, so if the analytics becomes better and somebody breaks a detector beam, there is an instant alarm to react to.

When it comes to CCTV I would say this will be used more as a verification tool than an alarm tool. Everywhere our products are used, particularly when it comes to the more expensive products, it's to trigger CCTV. The industry isn't at a stage where you can solely rely on CCTV, unless the customer is paying a huge amount of money like £30K-£40K for a camera, with the right analytics to give them what would be perceived as faultless detection.

When you consider that you could put a set of beams that will cover 200 metres for £300 and it is guaranteed do the job, that's when it puts it into perspective the role of CCTV. That is where I think detection technology will become the absolute norm in the next five years.

Listen to the interview with Mike in the PSI Security News Podcast

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project3_Layout 1 25/01/2022 13:26 Page 1

PROUDLY KOREAN

National Defense Authorization Act

NDAA Compliant Products & Solutions CYBER SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:36 Page 1

SECURE PROPERTY ACCESS MADE EASY Intercoms | Access Control | Key Management | Digital Noticeboards | Accessories

Complete digital property management solutions that save you time and money.

From wireless intercoms and coded keypads, to key safes and interactive digital noticeboards, our pioneering solutions empower housing professionals to manage multiple properties remotely and in real-time. There’s no cabling and no site visits needed!

All our systems are easy to install, simple to use and durable, with key accessibility features as standard – the perfect solution to your access control challenges.

P6156_PSI_Full Page advert_210x297.indd 1

www.intratone.uk.com 15/02/2022 08:32

EDIT skills mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 15:58 Page 2

SKILLS

A skills event with benefits Last month it was announced that Skills for Security will be headline sponsors of the PSI magazine “Next Generation” events taking place through 2022. We are all extremely excited to be involved in this forward thinking event. Here David Scott of Skills for Security outlines why the events are essential for installers

NEXT generation

O

ne of the key factors in Skills for Security agreeing to sign up as headline sponsors was that the Next Generation events are different. It’s about putting on a show that offers direct benefit to the installers. There is something that benefits everyone, whether it’s the social and networking aspect of the PSI Premier Awards, dinner and golf day; the technology infused table top exhibition which offers to have a focus on future technologies and innovations; or the “Skills Talks” ran by us (Skills for Security – the UKs largest fire and security training provider), which offers to bring together industry leaders and influencers to help map the future of the sector.

The “Skills Talks” will have a real focus on what installers want. Covering four key areas throughout the day we will have an Installer Forum; A look at future technologies and whether we should resist or embrace these; How to create an employee retention strategy for engineers and back-office staff; Finally, there will be an opportunity throughout the day to learn about technical training and development opportunities including apprenticeships that are available in our sector.

The table-top exhibition will give opportunity to installers to learn about the latest technologies and innovations that will hit the market in the coming months and years. Installers can use the

EVENTS In association with

event to network with the decision makers, and form new partnerships that will help form future business strategies.

Finally, the networking is integral throughout the two days from the conference and exhibition to the golf, dinner and PSI Premier Awards. The event aims to offer value at all levels.

We are extremely excited to be involved. And look forward to bringing people together in 2022.

YOUR SKILLS QUESTIONS ANSWERED As part of this column you can ask David questions directly about training and apprenticeships.

We will aim, to publish the question and answer in the next column. If you want to participate in this, then email info@skillsforsecurity.org.uk

What other apprenticeship courses do you run, apart from the technical?

We have management, customer service and security first line management apprenticeships that range from level 2 up to 5. All of these are fundable through the governments and the most you will pay is 5% contribution. www.skills4security.com/apprenticeships

I see you are offering traineeships, what is this?

The events hosted by PSI magazine will cover both the South and North of England with two separate events in the Warren Weir at Luton Hoo on 22nd & 23rd June 2022 & Celtic Manor on 14th & 15th September 2022.

The “Skills Talks” will have a real focus on what installers want.

Covering four key areas throughout the day we will have an Installer Forum. We are extremely excited to be involved For more details about Next Generation events:

We will be covering this in our next column. But traineeships is where we take school leavers and put them through an intense 14 week programme. Part of which is a 3 week work placement. At the end of the programme you will have an opportunity to interview, and potentially recruit these people full time in your business. There are incentives for being involved and it works very well for all parties. www.skills4security.com/traineeships

www.psimagazine.co.uk

35

NG A4 display ad_Layout 1 28/02/2022 18:20 Page 1

NEXT generation

EVENTS the future, secured Two new UK events for 2022 from PSI and Skills for Security seek to promote careers in the sector, raise product awareness and encourage personal development Next Generation events reflect the two sides of the security and fire installation trade: the next generation of talent we need to bring into the industry and the next generation technology available to them.

The two-day events will comprise a day of presentations held under the guidance of fire and security apprenticeship provider Skills for Security and include a programme of in-depth technology installation and application demonstrations and a table-top exhibition area featuring key manufacturers, service providers and recruitment companies. This will be followed by a networking dinner in the evening and a golf day on the second day in which players will compete for the IFSEC Cup. If you are looking to take on apprentices, strengthen your installation business through training and recruitment or want to find out about the latest security and fire technologies, don’t miss the two events at:

Warren Weir at Luton Hoo on 22nd & 23rd June 2022 Celtic Manor on 14th & 15th September 2022 REGISTER TO ATTEND www.psimagazine.co.uk/next There are a number of opportunities available to enable companies to take part in the new events For further details contact David Lewis

0208 295 8309 In association with

www.psimagazine.co.uk/next

supported by

EDIT Edge PSI Mar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 16:02 Page 2

SECURITY

Security starts at the edge As more and more devices are being added to your customers’ networks, many of which need to be ‘always-on’ so how can you ensure security? n the era of digital transformation, security installers are required to consider a range of aspects. An installer can overcome challenges in managing security management systems for secure buildings, asset protection, personnel tracking and analytics of critical security data with an approach that centres on resilience.

Whether it is the complicated access control of a government facility, new health-screening devices for a retail space or an advanced systems protecting high-cost assets; installers can bring resilience to their offering through edge computing.

I

Why edge computing?

According to Duncan Cooke, Business Development, Stratus Technologies: “No matter what functionality an installer is seeking, whether that is integrating software and hardware into a central management platform, or keeping critical assets always-on, an edge computing platform offers unparalleled flexibility and inherent resilience.”

As a result of the pandemic some security systems have had new devices added to the new infrastructure. Devices, for example, that can perform temperature checks, additional

www.psimagazine.co.uk

cameras to monitor movement within a site, two-factor authentication for critical areas, and perhaps even extra backup systems in case of power failures to ensure recording reliability.

The addition of such devices can place extra strain on security systems and of course this means there’s also a need to manage more data.

Large enterprise security systems collect data from all these devices and the associated control software, and then get to work with facial recognition, managing climate controls, recording data, switching power sources and the like. So, what happens if this critical control layer goes down?

“If your system is protecting high-cost equipment or critical infrastructure controls, it might only take a few seconds of downtime for hackers to access valuable data or create unsafe working conditions,” says Duncan. “The traditional solution to this issue was fail-over, whereby if one server fails a second takes its place by activating a physical or virtual standby server, recreating the previous environment, and then resuming operations. This approach requires a failure to trigger the recovery, so in that scenario there is always a finite amount of downtime and a gap in recorded data. Such

The addition of new devices can place extra strain on security systems and of course this means there’s also a need to manage more data

37

EDIT Edge PSI Mar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 16:03 Page 3

SECURITY

(continued from page 37)

systems are often complex and require continuous availability of IT expertise to remain operational. They are at best cumbersome and at worst a point of weakness in the overall security operations of an organisation. It is here that an edge computing platform comes into its own for a security installer since, properly implemented, it can remove the downtime associated with a failure completely, and reduce the need for IT expertise.”

In the security industry, resilience will always be preferential to recovery. Installers should look for an edge computing platform that offers simple, protected, and autonomous operations.

A strong, Fault Tolerant (FT) Edge Computing approach consists of two identical nodes [servers], running in a redundant pair for always-on availability. Such a system can monitor itself and manages workloads running in virtual machines, automatically moving computing power between the two nodes. For example, the right edge computing platform can use the CPU and storage in one node, and the memory and networking card in the other to ensure application availability in the event of a failure of any of those processes. This means security installers can deliver always-on peace of mind for their customers and offer ‘five nines’ ‘99.999%’ uptime performance.

This approach is perfect for secured facilities where all assets are in one location but, as many security installers know, it isn’t always that simple, and some disasters are unavoidable.

“Digital transformation is happening in every sector and security installers must be prepared to embrace that and consider the new challenges it brings”

38

Events such as fires or natural disasters can destroy an edge computing set up, even with a fully redundant configuration. Again, edge computing is the answer, with a suitable network connection in place these two nodes can be geographically separated. Security Installers can create a disaster recovery configuration and any applications that are running in one location can restart in another, instantly, and without any human intervention.

“An autonomous, zero-touch, fault tolerant platform protects end users from operational, financial, and reputational risks through alwayson availability. Integrating seamlessly with existing cyber defences with built-in cyber security capabilities, offering real peace of mind for customer and installer alike,” explains Duncan Cooke.

How does it help?

Armed with edge computing in their repertoire, security installers can meet the needs of potential customers with one simple question; what does downtime cost your business? If the customer response is that applications must be always-on, then the business case has already been made. Discussions about efficiency improvements or faster decision making are only further benefits that improve the offering.

“Security Installers are methodical experts, avoiding the unknown for tried and tested methods and edge computing should be no different,” concludes Duncan. “Digital transformation is happening in every sector and security installers must be prepared to embrace that and consider the new challenges it brings.

By adding edge computing to your offering, you can offer a fast and effective route to digitally transformed operations, future-proofed against the changing needs of customers.”

As more devices are added at the edge of the network, security installers can rest easy knowing the installed platform can handle new applications and increased data sources. The customer also has peace-of-mind knowing their critical applications will remain always-on – even (with the right set up) in the event of a natural disaster, all-important data is not lost, damaged or incomplete, and the security system remains active and operational.

The lives of installers and operators can be made easier through the implementation of the right edge computing platform. Simple to install, simple to use and manage across applications, and future proofed as needs scale – it is the best way to offer security resilience and peace of mind to customers.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:28 Page 1

n a m e r i h s d r o f Ox 0 0 0 , 0 0 1 £ g n i c fa

¶ H Y L V X U W Q L µ

U H ¿ QH RY s a r e m a c V CCT D A ILY M A IL

, 2021.

. O CTO BE R 12

News stories like this can make customers nervous about buying CCTV systems.

GDPR Safe will give them the reassurance they need.

For installers, GDPR Safe offers:

GDPR Safe allows customers to create and customise a fully compliant GDPR policy for their CCTV or video doorbell system.

A one-off easy upsell with no expert GDPR knowledge required

All by answering a few basic questions online.

A simple set-up that takes just 60 seconds to activate

Our handy A5 pack offers end customers: Professional guidance on operating a

fully GDPR-compliant CCTV system

Credit to spend with your distributor each time a policy you’ve sold is renewed.

Complete peace of mind with a

12-month renewable policy A ‘CCTV in Operation’ window sticker.

To find your nearest stockist, contact our sales team 020 8050 7052 Ó sales@gdprsafe.co.uk ¯ www.gdprsafe.co.uk

GDPR Safe is suitable for all commercial and domestic UK customers.

And we take care of all annual renewals and payments after the first sale is made.

EDIT Sound Mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 16:51 Page 1

SECURITY

Sound advice for CCTV The use of automatic sound recognition can improve a surveillance installation and help reduce unwanted alerts. i-PRO has released a white paper discussing the subject

T

he surveillance camera industry is promoting greater use of AI-based video analysis technology. With a surveillance camera and an AI video analysis app, suspicious individuals can be automatically detected and the individual's physical characteristics can be used to perform a video library search. This reduces the monitoring burden placed on the camera operator and improves efficiency.

Further surveillance efficiency can be realised by analysing the camera's audio data together with the video data. Especially in a noisy environment, it is difficult for an operator to listen to sound captured by multiple cameras at the same time. Therefore, automatic audio analysis technology also offers a lot of promise.

One of the sound detection features of conventional surveillance cameras is a function that issues an alarm whenever the volume exceeds a specific level. In a noisy environment, this leads to many false alarms, putting considerable restrictions on audio surveillance at a practical level.

Just like with AI-based video analysis, by using AI sound classification technology to detect abnormal sounds such as people yelling, we can detect incidents earlier and search recorded video more effectively.

Edge AI processing Read the white paper here:

40

In the past, AI-based video analysis usually took the form of a server-based system that performed arithmetic processing on video uploaded to the server. In recent years however, Edge AI, which allows for Deep Learning arithmetic processing to be performed within each surveillance camera, is becoming widespread. The advantages of Edge AI include cost reduction, better information security

and enhanced real-time performance. By installing various apps on an IP camera, customers can easily adopt video analysis technology with Edge AI. With an i-PRO network camera, for example, both video and audio analyses are performed by Edge AI processing. Audio analysis generally involves a smaller amount of data than for video analysis and can be processed relatively easily.

This means both video and audio analyses can be performed simultaneously within the camera.

The AI sound classification technology uses two indicators, the captured sound volume level and an AI score, to determine whether an alarm should be issued.

Audio analysis generally involves a smaller amount of data than for video analysis and can be processed relatively easily. This means both video and audio analyses can be performed simultaneously within the camera To identify a sound, the system first compares the captured sound volume level with a preset threshold value. If it is greater than the threshold, AI is then used to determine what kind of sound it could be. To come up with an AI score, the system determines whether the captured sound corresponds to any of four target sound categories: yell, glass break, vehicle horn, and gunshot.

To do this, the captured sound is divided into regular segments, signal processing is performed, and the feature quantity for the target sound is determined. By inputting the feature quantity into

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT Sound Mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 16:52 Page 2

an AI model and performing inference calculation, the degree of similarity to any target sound is calculated. When the similarity level exceeds a certain value, target detection is output as an alarm.

Targeting sound As already mentioned, the AI model uses four types of target sounds: yell, glass break, vehicle horn, and gunshot. The model was created by providing the system with various sound sources and training it to learn the characteristics unique to each target sound. Moreover, by having the system learn to identify target sounds under various conditions, such as situations with typical environmental noise or other non-target sounds, the possibility of false positives caused by background noise is minimised.

Multiple target sound categories can be selected at the same time. Since the alarm includes information on the sound category detected, the operator can use the Video Management Software (VMS) to search for video clips in which a specific target sound occurs.

By having the system learn to identify target sounds under various conditions the possibility of false positives caused by background noise is minimised In addition, "Other" can be selected as the target sound category. When "Other" is selected, an alarm will be issued whenever the AI determination result does not correspond to any of the four categories above.

By selecting all categories (yell, glass break, vehicle horn, gunshot, and other) as the target sound categories, any such sounds above a certain volume level will trigger an alarm. This setting is useful when any such loud sounds are regarded as abnormal.

By utilising Deep Learning technology for audio analysis, detection can be limited to specific target sounds, even in noisy environments. The application of AI sound classification technology to surveillance cameras enables the creation of more efficient surveillance solutions. This includes VMS utilisation of alarm information generated based on both video and audio detection processing.

25% BOOST IN PRODUCTIVITY TAKE CONTROL OF JOB MANAGEMENT Do more jobs with the same resources Get paid quicker and boost financial performance Retain customers and boost ratings

BigChange is the complete Job Management Platform for fire & security businesses.

SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE OR VISIT BIGCHANGE.COM

LET’S GROW STRONGER

Trustee Fire and Security Growing Stronger on BigChange since 2020

Project1_Layout 1 22/12/2021 13:10 Page 1

CONNECTING THE SECURITY INDUSTRY

3JƤGMEP 7TSRWSV

IFSEC International 2022 is your unmatched opportunity to network and do business with the entire security buying chain, discover solutions and see real products put to the test across access control, video surveillance, cybersecurity and more.

Enhance your knowledge and grow your network through our series of online and in-person events.

ENQUIRE ABOUT EXHIBITING WWW.IFSEC.CO.UK

5 INDUSTRY SHOWS. 1 FREE TICKET.

This event is produced to the Informa AllSecure Standard

EDIT GDPR PSI Mar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 18:05 Page 2

INSIDE STORY

Are your installations GDPR compliant?

Don’t think that the only part of your business that relates to GDPR compliance is your customer database, the information captured by cameras is also included in the regulation he Data Protection Act 2018 was the UK's implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). From then everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict rules called 'data protection principles'. They must make sure the information is: used fairly, lawfully and transparently.

Back in October 2021 the application of GDPR with electronic security technology came to the fore when a judge ruled that security cameras and a Ring doorbell installed by an Oxfordshire homeowner "unjustifiably invaded" the privacy of his neighbour and ultimately broke data laws and contributed to harassment. Even though the devices were installed in good faith as a deterrent against burglars the homeowner faced a hefty fine by failing to take into consideration that he was capturing the movements of people visiting his neighbour plus he a had a considerable view into their back garden via the Wi-Fi camera fitted to his shed.

If this didn’t have alarm bells ringing for security installers then it should have because, up until that point, GDPR had the image of only relating to the handling of databases and personal information gathered during business transactions. The fact that it also relates to the data gathered by surveillance systems and video doorbells was news to many.

T

Protection and privacy A new service called GDPR-safe was launched recently offering to take care of security technology-related data handling concerns with a policy pack to cover end users/CCTV operators who have had a CCTV system or video doorbell installed, to help all parties meet their legal obligations. This includes giving consideration to the privacy rights of neighbours, customers and members of the public.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Each Policy Pack features a unique QR code, which the installer scans before leaving the pack with the customer. This process links the Pack with the installer’s account. Every year that the customer renews their policy, the installer receives commission as credit with their distributor. To make things even simpler GDPR Safe handles the renewals process behind the scenes.

To find out more about how the system works and why installers need to be thinking about the regulations and CCTV, we spoke to Adam Read of GDPR Safe:

“Compliance is actually pretty complicated – it’s not as simple as erecting some signage and leaving it at that.

It’s an ongoing effort, not a one-off exercise”

How widespread do you think noncompliance might be with UK CCTV? Very. Compliance is actually pretty complicated – it’s not as simple as erecting some signage and leaving it at that. It’s an ongoing effort, not a one-off exercise. However, if we were to look simply at those installs that fall at that first hurdle, it’s clear to see that the vast majority of installations are not compliant.

Is the service aimed at all CCTV installations or just domestic sites?

We cater for both commercial and domestic CCTV operators, with specific policy documents to cover the areas that are unique to each setting. Domestic policies cover traditional CCTV and video doorbells. Commercial policies cover more advanced systems, including ANPR, facial recognition and covert surveillance usage.

43

EDIT GDPR PSI Mar22_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 18:06 Page 3

INSIDE STORY

(continued from page 43)

“The Information Commissioner has substantial powers to fine data controllers that fail to meet their legal obligations” Can the service be applied to existing customer contracts?

Absolutely. As an installer myself, I’ve found that maintenance visits are a great opportunity to introduce customers to the service. We’ve also had a lot more interest from domestic customers following the news coverage of recent legal rulings.

Whose responsibility is it to ensure

Click here for more information:

installations are GDPR compliant?

The law places the ultimate responsibility for compliance on the data controller(s). A data controller is someone who exercises “overall control over the purposes and means of the processing of personal data”. In practice, this usually means whoever made the decision to install CCTV on their property – such as a home owner or business.

What happens if a site is not compliant?

The Information Commissioner has substantial powers to fine data controllers that fail to meet their legal obligations. Civil claims for compensation may also be made by individuals who claim that their rights haven’t been respected.

How do installers earn from the service?

Our policy packs can be sold at a healthy margin during installation or maintenance activities – but they also provide a recurring revenue opportunity.

Policies are renewable each year, with installers eligible to receive up to 50% commission as credit to spend with their distributor.

What support do you offer for installers in getting to grips with the service?

We’re not finding that they need much support!

We’ve designed the service to be as simple for installers as possible - it’s simpler than setting up a Facebook account. We’re only a phone call or an email away for those that do need assistance, though.

EDIT meet the installer mar22_000_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 17:03 Page 2

together raising standards

Meet the installer

Security life with Jamie Allam of Integrated Protection Maintenance Services

Name: Jamie Allam Job title: Director Time in security/fire: 14 years Company: Integrated Protection Maintenance Services (IPMSL) Location: Coleshill Areas of expertise: Fire safety, CCTV, intruder alarm, access control and system transfer.

Services from initial design and specification through installation to project completion, maintenance and monitoring Accreditation: NSI Silver & Safe Contractor What would be a typical project for you?

There is not necessarily a typical project for us.

We are lucky in our scope of works that we are able to operate in a variety of industries, including prestigious residential properties that operate with smart home and mobile first security and fire integration.

For commercial premises, we are also currently working in partnership with Facility and Security teams who are trying to negotiate the dynamics of the new working environment, including the new blended working. It has significant consequences for access control and managing complex processes such as an evacuation, safety test or even just the usual flow of people.

In between, we also operate across a number of sectors, including retail where we look to secure shopping centres alongside a number of individual units, through education for primary and secondary schools.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Do you have any ‘go to’ technology and manufacturers?

Over the years we have built some significant relationships with key distributors alongside long term manufacturer relationships. We believe we work in loyal partnership on both accounts, giving and gaining business from each other. And we hope this will continue for the future success of the supply chain as a whole.

We work with partners who we know can provide our customers with innovative new security technology products, that embrace the latest innovations alongside the need for remote and mobile-first monitoring.

These include but not inclusive to Texecom for intruder and Salto, Paxton and BPT for access control. We embrace Avigilon and Dahua Technology for CCTV. We are also very proud to have recently become part of the Honeywell Gent Network, with exclusive access to supply its extensive range of fire detection systems. Each supplied to the

“Over the years we have built some significant relationships with key distributors alongside long term manufacturer relationships. We believe we work in loyal partnership on both accounts, giving and gaining business from each other”

45

EDIT meet the installer mar22_000_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 17:04 Page 3

together raising standards (continued from p45)

“In our desire “to provide unrivalled quality and customer service,” third party accreditations give our customers peace of mind that we will deliver what we say we will as a credible business”

highest possible standards to deliver most advanced fire detection and alarm systems.

What is the best thing about working in this industry?

From the day we formed IPMSL parent company Amthal we pledged to ‘protect what’s precious,’ and I believe this is the best thing about working in this industry. Whether it is a family property or a business operation, we know that our products and services operate to protect people and assets. Ultimately, we can make a significant difference to their safety and security and this will always be important.

Is third party accreditation beneficial to you?

Yes, we believe it is absolutely critical. It proves our competence to our partners and our clients. It also ensures that our design and installation meet all required legislation. We work very hard to ensure we keep up to date on changing regulations as well, to ensure our work is future proofed.

Essential, it’s so important for us, that it forms part of our own core mission. In our desire “to provide unrivalled quality and customer service,” third party accreditations give our customers peace of mind that we will deliver what we say we will as a credible business.

Do you think there is an engineer skills shortage? Any trouble recruiting?

Without a doubt! It has been well documented that the UK is facing its biggest skills shortage for a generation, with a talent gap across a range of professions. And the construction industry, a key economic driver, has been particularly hit hard.

From our perspective, the biggest issue with the skills shortage in the industry is that people have no long term experience and a lack of engineers understanding the specific disciplines of the industry, instead being trained as ‘multidisciplined’ which often does not suit the intricacy of design in security and fire safety.

One way we have countered this from day one of our establishment is by investing in an annual apprenticeship programme to encourage jobspecific skills, this is both in our engineering team and across our administration and sales teams .

This has proven its value time and again, with the majority of our apprentices being kept and promoted by Amthal, even to senior management positions.

So successful, we are finding new ways to evolve the programme, including most recently embracing a ‘fast track approach’ to an apprentice joining us. He had several transferrable skills that could be embraced by our industry and we are looking forward to seeing his growth within our team.

Are there any common requests from customers that give you problems?

One of the many issues we face is the uncertainty of requirements. New and existing customer understanding, when the initial enquiries are made, is often very different to what is actually required. It is our job to ensure we are prepared as a company that eats, sleeps and breathes fire and security - for all eventualities to adapt to the customer and offer the best advice and way forward.

Another issue we face is managing expectations, especially when there is a request to be on site as quickly as possible, often next day. We always try to provide design and quotations in advance and highlight works programmes, but this is often met with a demand to start on site tomorrow.

What is the security/fire industry’s biggest myth?

Understanding the real dangers of fire is really where we need to educate. It’s often believed that the flames of a fire are responsible for most of the casualties. As we know this isn’t the case.

The smoke from a fire needs to be the top concern highlighted, as this is what can fill a building or property in a short amount of time with dense black cloud and cause maximum damage and harm.

In such an event, the smoke blocking out the light can lead to confusion and isolation within the flames for anyone involved. In the worst case scenario, it is how most deaths in a fire occur.

The education must centre around the products available to ensure people can get out of

46

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Project1_Layout 1 25/02/2022 15:35 Page 1

RF-MCS Wireless Magnetic Contact with Shock Sensor A miniature wireless magnetic contact with shock sensor available in white, brown or grey. It delivers excellent range and battery life performance while bV^ciV^c^c\ V Y^hXgZZi VcY VZhi]Zi^X egdÒaZ# I]Z jc^i ^h ^YZVa [dg Veea^XVi^dch i]Vi gZfj^gZ heZX^ÒX architectural design consideration.

It is designed to work alongside existing and legacy HKC RF detectors

Features: Input Power: 1 Duracell DL2450 coin cell

RF-MCSW:

White

Current Consumption:

RF-MCSB:

Brown

Standby 12μA

RF-MCSG:

Grey

IgVchb^i **b6 eZV`

:C *%&(&"'"+ :C *%&(&"'"- <gVYZ ' 8aVhh >>

Range: Line of sight >400m

7H -')( E9+++'

7ViiZgn A^[Z/ Ine^XVaan 3( nZVgh

IZbeZgVijgZ/ "&% id )% 8

Main Size: 64mm x 28mm x 9mm Magnet Size: 64mm x 11mm x 9mm LZ^\]i/ (*\ ^cX# WViiZgn bV\cZi

www.hkcsecurity.com

Irish Technical Support: 01 4567 007 UK Technical Support: 0800 017061114599 838 746

An ASSA ABLOY Group brand

Experience a safer and more open world

EDIT meet the installer mar22_000_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 17:05 Page 5

together raising standards (continued from p46)

“We always love to embrace new technologies and stay at the forefront of innovative design to inform our customers of latest product advances, being particularly excited at the moment about RFID capability and also analytical CCTV”

an area before the smoke fills, to ensure the best possible and safest outcome.

What impact has smart/home automation had on your business?

Amthal’s business was born in the residential sector with intruder alarms installation, and we have seen the smart evolution of products, creating the smart home world, filled with devices that can be controlled by homeowners from their mobile and outside their home.

The biggest impact we believe this has had is on consumer awareness of the capability of smart technology and the Internet of Things, which you can’t have a smart home without, that is transferred over to the business world and other sectors.

What we have also seen from our own perspective is the skills sets of our teams, especially the new generation coming into the work place (Millennials and now Generation Z) as the connected generation, who live on their mobile phones and love the internet.

They understand all things smart and digital, especially IP and programming with more software driven integration and platforms, a clear winner for the technologies now entering the fire and security industry.

What would make your job easier?

I think this links back to the skills shortage question.

For us, it is always about balancing growing our team with the ability to keep to our core values of delivering high quality security systems, that reflect the technology available. And this will become even more critical following our acquisition and growth potential.

This is why we commit to apprentice programmes to ensure we have the best talent to achieve our customers’ requirements.

As the CEO at Amthal, it’s also important for me to say that passion is critical to my job and what makes me want to come to work. I have been in the industry for a long time and it still excites me with the changes occurring.

So whilst there are inevitably challenges, I am proud of what has been achieved in terms of sector growth and team development, aligned with a strategic growth plan. I look forward to continuing this for the company, our team and our clients to benefit.

What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic security/fire product?

We always love to embrace new technologies and stay at the forefront of innovative design to inform our customers of latest product advances, being particularly excited at the moment about RFID capability and also analytical CCTV. However, for my ‘ultimate fantasy’ electronic security product, I have always thought of the possibility of an invisible barrier that could surround a building. Today, there is naturally perimeter security systems or a beam but both, realistically, can easily be overcome by the determined criminal. Imagine a force field barrier

48

that remained invisible offering total protection to the building.

What advice would you give to a younger version of yourself?

Just to go for it! My advice would be to have confidence in yourself regardless of age or experience and push yourself out of your comfort zone every day. But also at the same time to learn from others that have been in a similar position, as there are so many opportunities to gain free advice.

Will England ever win the World Cup again?

Yes! If you won £25,000 what would you do with the money?

It is a conservative, arguably boring response, but I would invest it in a cash flowing asset that I could reap the rewards from over and over again.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Nailed_Layout 1 27/10/2020 14:03 Page 1

What’s so good about PSI Magazine?

Do you want to target security installers with your next marketing campaign? Here are some handy points to consider: PSI is the only UK magazine aimed solely at the installers/integrators of electronic security technology PSI is the only UK magazine that carries independent, third-party product testing PSI was the first UK security magazine to launch a regular podcast PSI interviews NSI Gold approved security installers to promote excellence PSI is the host of the Premier Awards, recognising innovation and contribution to the industry PSI has targeted advertising campaigns that include print, online, podcasts, e-blasts and social media PSI was the first magazine to launch an Open Door programme giving advertisers control over their online presence on the PSI website

From our own research we discovered that: Two thirds of PSI readers claim to have been influenced by the magazine when it comes to purchasing decisions Almost 40% of installers that read PSI do not regularly read any other UK security magazine

November 2020 – £4.00

These are just a few of the reasons why PSI (Professional Security Installer) is the best platform for you to promote to security installers. And we didn’t even mention the PSI Golf Day!

@psimagazine

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Professional Security Installer

MEET THE INSTALLER Iain Stringer of Synectics Security

PSI PREMIER AWARDS 2020 The winners are announced!

PRODUCT TEST Camect Camera Hub

If you want to reach installers, PSI should be your first choice Contact David Lewis on 0208 295 8309 | david.lewis@proactivpubs.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE A look at the best new products

psimagazine.co.uk

FACING THE FUTURE How 2020 could change the security industry

EDIT Open Door ­ Dont forget its a new honeywell logo_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 17:27 Page 1

How the Cloud is transforming security Cloud security applications are transformative for businesses, enabling smart buildings with remote access control and sophisticated 24/7 monitoring. The granting and revoking of access can now be done instantly from anywhere; each individual does not need to be escorted personally.

Cloud also allows for complex video analytics, which can detect, track and classify the behaviors of people and vehicles on the premises. Push notifications can alert you to suspicious behaviors so that security management can intervene before situations become dangerous.

Additionally, cloud-based systems can provide greater insight into day-to-day activity, such as when and where employees or vendors have accessed certain spaces, or even if a door was left open.

For security dealers, the power of the cloud is all about account insights. Data from internet-connected security systems can now be accessed remotely, allowing for quick identification of customer issues on individual accounts. Some issues can even be handled remotely, which can help security dealers avoid service calls.

Additionally, cloud is enabling business growth and customer loyalty by allowing dealers to identify customers that aren’t subscribed to but might benefit from certain services, or who don’t have certain peripherals installed but are capable of adding them.

For more visit: www.security.honeywell.com

Latest IDIS VMS improves visual awareness, incident response and investigation IDIS has released IDIS Solution Suite (ISS) version 3.5, its most powerful enterprise-class VMS yet. New features and service modules are designed around increased situational awareness, efficient response coordination, and speeding up investigations.

Improving real-time monitoring, text-to-speech allows operators to configure verbal multilingual notifications to pre-determined events.also benefit from real-time pop-ups based on the GPS location of a triggered alarm, providing enhanced wide-area awareness from cameras ranging from a 10 to 100 kilometre radius.

A new centralised audio feature enables control of multiple devices, giving security teams the capability to automate audio alerts for day-to-day operations, and issue warnings in the event of a security or safety breach or emergency situation.

A new Real-Time Transport Protocol (RTP) service also enables seamless and stable video and voice relay to third-party devices and software without an SDK or API, increasing system flexibility and helping security teams coordinate responses to threats and incidents.

To speed up investigations, IDIS Person Match extracts a person’s characteristics based on deep- learning video analytics from multiple streams to present a clear timeline of events and last known locations. Synchronised Playback also presents operators with precisely time-synched screen views of video streams across single or multiple sites, removing the need for manual configuration, and reducing stress and complexity particularly during time-critical events.

For more information on IDIS Solution Suite go to www.idisglobal.com/index/iss

50

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT Open Door ­ Dont forget its a new honeywell logo_PSI_may15 28/02/2022 17:29 Page 2

Open Door is an online service from PSI that provides in-depth information from a selection of market leading companies. Here are some of the highlights from the pages of Open Door.....

Does connectivity always have to be complicated?

The Texecom Connect SmartCom is an Ethernet and Wi-Fi communicator that facilitates the Texecom Connect app experience by connecting any Premier Elite control panel to a local area network.

In today’s connected world your customers will be used to 24/7 remote access to a host of technologies and the ability to monitor and manage systems using personal devices such as smartphones and tablets. Security systems are also expected to be fully remotely accessible and many DIY systems are fully operated by mobile technology, but can professional systems also be managed by an app? And what about the complexities of always-on connectivity?

Texecom has solutions that deal with these issues and both enhance the service you can offer your customers when specifying modern, professional alarm systems boasting simple set-up and user experience.

SmartCom and SmartCom 4G Communicating exclusively using outbound connections, the Texecom Connect SmartCom removes the need to open any router ports, ensuring simplicity of installation and maximum security. As such, any installation that has a reliable internet connection can benefit from Texecom Connect with the addition of the Texecom Connect SmartCom. Texecom’s new SmartCom 4G system adds new connectivity options for Premier Elite systems improving connection reliability. Providing access to Texecom Cloud and Texecom Connect services via single path (4G) or dual path (4G plus Ethernet or Wi-Fi), the SmartCom 4G is always on, always ready, and always available. Use the QR code for more information

Reducing crowding and improving security with integration Integrating lift controls with an access and security system is a practical solution, whatever your budget, says Tim Northwood, general manager of Inner Range.

For customers with several sites and/or thousands of users, a high-level lift integration with our enterprise-level intelligent integrated access and security system, Integriti, provides a seamless, unified solution to manage access very efficiently.

High-level lift integration means the lift can read user credentials from entry turnstiles, or door readers. The lift’s ‘destination control’ software takes into account where each of the building’s lifts are, the user’s designated ‘home floor’ as well as where other users are going/due to go, and instantly calculates the quickest lift for the new user. The user is then immediately directed to the most efficient lift. If users have access rights to more than one floor, they can update their preference in the lift itself.

The integration works with access cards, as well as QR codes – including those on mobile phones – meaning visitors can benefit from the high-level lift integration as well as regular users.

Anyone accessing the building will be swiftly directly to the quickest lift, and access can be touchless too – another benefit during the pandemic. In addition, the integration ensures tighter security around accessing different floors because this is all directly controlled by the integrated system.

Lift integration with entry-level access control For customers with single sites, such as small businesses, using our entry-level integrated access and security system, Inception, some lift integration is also possible.

Users must present a valid access card to call a lift, and/or when choosing a floor from inside lift. This process restricts which floor selection buttons users can press, ensuring only legitimate users can access pre-agreed specific floors. The integration allows Inception to keep a record of ‘button feedback’, showing where users have been, which is helpful for both security purposes as well as tracking user movements if any infection is recorded.Visit: www.innerrange.co.uk

www.psimagazine.co.uk

51

Project1_Layout 1 24/09/2021 15:18 Page 1

Get Recognised Get Registered

The Professional Register Raising Professional Standards in the Security & Fire Industry Recognising Competence and Qualifications for Individuals who Install & Maintain Security & Fire Systems.

Find out more or Register now at:

www.ctsp.org.uk

EDIT application mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 17:39 Page 1

APPLICATION

Seamless access control upgrade for LV Insurance With a requirement to prevent unauthorised access through tailgating to maintain the security of staff and visitors, insurance provider LV was seeking a security solution at five of its office locations; Brentwood, Bristol, Huddersfield, Ipswich and Leeds.

The solution required should not only offer a security but be aesthetically pleasing and provide a seamless user experience.

Working alongside key installation partners, Avanza Intelligent Security, Fastlane Glassgate 150 turnstiles were chosen to be installed across all locations. Each LV installation also included integration with the existing access control systems which allowed staff to use their current access cards to gain entry via the new turnstiles, with the card readers integrated into the stainless steel turnstile enclosure.

Charlie Salamone, Director at Avanza Intelligent Security, commented: “Each of the installation locations provided a variety of challenges, particularly as LV required turnstiles to be installed at a number of entrance/exit points around the building, including on different floors.

We worked with the Fastlane team to conduct onsite surveys to ensure each install could be carried out in the most straightforward manner, with the least disruption to staff.

Surveillance system installed in smart distribution centre

A large warehouse and distribution centre is benefitting from a 64-camera video surveillance system from Dahua Technology.

The site is the main UK warehouse for Pets Corner, a nationwide chain of over 150 stores dealing with pets, pet food and accessories. The 43,000 sq ft warehouse in West Sussex was opened last year and supplies all the UK stores and the company’s online business. The objectives for the surveillance system are to monitor the health and safety of workers, reduce stock damage and shrinkage, and protect lorries parked in the yard overnight.

The cameras, installed by Urban Security Systems & Fire, comprise a mix of Dahua Starlight domes and AI bullet cameras. All have a minimum of 5MP resolution and feature AI analytics, enabling features such as face recognition, ANPR, content analytics, incident detection, people counting and heat maps.

Cameras use H.265 compression and edge analytics, with low light performance. Cameras were colour-matched to blend in with the interior of the building by the distributor Oprema. The cameras are installed internally and externally, at the top and bottom of each aisle and at all delivery entry and exit points. The system is monitored out of hours by Southern Monitoring.

Power is delivered over Ethernet cable, so reducing and simplifying cabling requirements.

Using ePoE cameras enabled the integrator to

www.psimagazine.co.uk

“Each of the turnstiles was fitted using a freestanding floor protection system, this removed the need to drill into the floor which was a much more appealing solution for the client.

Overall, the Glassgate 150 from Fastlane met the client’s brief, offering a high-tech entrance security system combined with a compact, stylish turnstile design.” run cable over 95m in distance, and in one case as far as 160m. Other Dahua equipment installed was a 64TB NVR, three managed ePoE Ethernet switches, and a 24-port Gigabit L2+ managed ethernet switch.

Andy Lloyd, Director of Urban Security Systems said: “The PoE type cameras greatly assisted with the design and installation of the cable infrastructure and kept costs down, negating the need for additional PoE switches due to the length of cable runs.”

Graham Denny, Director of Logistics at Pets Corner, said: “When building our new National Distribution Centre, we wanted a system that would not only give us maximum security but assist in maintaining operational and health and safety standards. The results from Urban Security Systems are excellent, providing us with outstanding video imagery, which is simple to use on my laptop, desktop and phone.”

“The PoE type cameras greatly assisted with the design and installation of the cable infrastructure and kept costs down”

53

EDIT application mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 17:43 Page 2

APPLICATION

“We believe we now have a video surveillance system which will be fit for purpose for many years to come”

54

Glasgow Science Centre invests in video surveillance The Glasgow Science Centre has invested in a new video surveillance system from Hanwha Techwin to help create a safe environment for visitors who wish to enjoy the Centre’s facilities which include over 400 interactive exhibits, planetarium and a space zone.

The contract to install the new video surveillance system, which features cameras sourced from Hanwha Techwin, was awarded to integrator Scottish Communications Group, who installed the original analogue CCTV system when the Centre first opened in 2001.

Stuart Leslie, Sales Director of the Scottish Communications Group said: “The old analogue system had done an excellent job over the years helping to keep visitors safe by ensuring staff and contractors comply with health and safety procedures. However, in terms of features and functionality, as well as the image resolutions of the cameras, the system was not able to deliver the benefits offered by the latest cameras”.

A total of 68 new Wisenet cameras have been installed at the Centre by Scottish Communications Group, 48 of which have been deployed as replacements for what was the old existing analogue cameras, whilst 20 additional cameras have been installed in new locations to negate any blind spots and give the Centre’s control room operators greater situational awareness.

40 cameras were selected from the Wisenet Q IP network series which, with built-in IR illumination, are able to capture 2 and 4megapxiel images, regardless of lighting conditions. These bullet and mini-dome cameras also feature Wide Dynamic Range (WDR), which performs at up to 120dB to produce clear images from areas that present a challenging mix of bright and dark areas, such as the Centre’s reception area where strong sunlight is able to stream in.

The remaining 28 bullet, PTZ and mini-dome cameras have been selected from the Wisenet HD+ analogue series and are able to deliver 2megapixel HD images over coaxial cables. Wisenet HD+ cameras can support the transmission of HD images using standard coax cabling - without any latency or image loss - at distances of up to 500m.

Images from the cameras are recorded on either a Pentabrid ‘hybrid’ recorder or a Wisenet NVR, with each of the five devices offering up to 12 terabytes of storage.

“The safety and security of our visitors is always our top priority”, said Roddie Galbraith, Facilities Manager at the Centre. “We have therefore invested in the latest technology in order to significantly upgrade the capabilities of our video surveillance infrastructure and, in doing so, provide our security colleagues with a powerful tool which will allow them to respond quickly and effectively to any incidents. We believe we now have a video surveillance system which will be fit for purpose for many years to come”.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDIT application mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 17:45 Page 3

Two Darlington schools upgrade life safety systems During the summer of 2021, not only were the teachers at two educational settings preparing for the start of the new school year, but both school sites were undergoing an upgrade to their life safety systems with Hochiki’s fire detection devices.

Two Darlington schools Rydal Academy and Longfield Academy required modernisation in their life safety systems which would change the system from closed protocol to open protocol, allowing any qualified fire safety engineer to work on the system and devices rather than being fixed to one brand. Hochiki's ESP Intelligent range was prescribed for both schools. Optica Fire & Security won the contract to carry out the projects at both schools.

Both school sites are large, but Longfield had the added complexity of networking across several spread-out buildings and over multiple floors inclusive of classrooms, staffing areas, dining area, school halls, library, a sports hall, and swimming pool, which all required new cabling as well as where appropriate the upgrade of the existing. With the added pressure of the six-week summer holiday deadline looming this was quite a complex project for the team to undertake. As well as fire and repeater panel installation, there were over 800 Hochiki devices installed across both sites, with a life safety system designed to meet a

category L3 requirement - the standard for school settings where there are lots of classrooms and corridors to consider, plus outside spaces.

Longfield also required the devices to perform multiple functions, and the entire network was programmed for ‘cause and effect’ to include a class change system. Based on pre-programmed timetables, to signify the end of a lesson or lunch sessions for example, the Hochiki sounders would activate, utilising a different tone to the fire alarm.

This is possible via controls within the ESP products that include variable volumes and tones that allow the system to be tailored to the application specifics.

EDIT Access Mar22_000_PSI_mar15 28/02/2022 17:51 Page 1

ACCESS CONTROL

Intercoms drive down costs T

A look at how you can drive down installation costs with the latest access control technology

When it comes to installation costs, modern intercoms won’t break the bank

Find out more here:

56

he trend for property technology, or ‘proptech’ as it is becoming known as, is fast gaining ground in the housing sector due to rising tenant demands for a better user experience across residences. Access control is an important part of the proptech revolution, with digital devices making property access easier to manage and more user-friendly for residents.

While updating access systems may be seen as an unnecessary expense by some, maintaining outdated technology could in fact be costing housing managers more money in the long-term.

Digital methods are more adept at handling growing workloads and meeting tenants’ changing needs, but why else should you advise housing providers to make the switch?

Updating residences with the latest wireless intercom technology is a cost-effective option that could benefit housing managers for years to come. Here we explain why it should be a key component of any installer’s portfolio, and the long-term benefits it can bring to installers, housing managers and tenants alike.

Wired access control systems can be expensive and time-consuming to install. The high cost of setting up traditional intercoms, by recabling entire buildings, means that many housing managers choose to continuously repair rather than replace them – patching over issues and adding to their operating bill. These outdated devices can be complex to manage day-to-day too, often needing frequent site visits to make tenant adjustments such as updating flat numbers, let alone having complex key management processes.

However, replacing intercoms before they break is much more beneficial. The latest wireless access control systems use GSM, or the Global System for Mobile Communications, which is the same technology that powers mobile phones.

GSM connects residents across an unlimited network, allowing them to answer the door via a landline or preferred digital device. As it’s a wireless technology, there is no extensive recabling required or handsets to install, reducing set-up time and time on-site too, with the entire process taking just a few hours. Plus, with no need to enter individual flats to connect receivers to wires and handsets, residents are not disturbed.

Beyond the initial install, GSM-based wireless access control devices connected to secure online property management systems provide additional value-added services for housing managers. For instance, these systems enable housing professionals to oversee all access to their

buildings without needing to visit the site. This helps streamline day-to-day administration tasks, such as making changes to key fobs, flat numbers and tenant information, which can be done in a few clicks, from anywhere. Housing providers can also edit residents’ details and grant access to external contractors quickly and easily. This significantly cuts down on travel and admin time, which can result in further cost savings in the long-term.

Going digital – in practice When choosing a GSM-based wireless access system, it’s important to remember that not every intercom is created equally. Take Intratone’s new SC-03 scrolling intercom, which is connected to a secure, online remote management system.

Unlike many other residential intercom models, it has a full colour screen and animations, for a more engaging tenant experience. With a pinhole video camera, integrated hands-free proximity reader and coded keypad, the SC-03 is a userfriendly option that helps reinforce tenants’ security too. What’s more, its durable design with vandal-resistant screen ensures minimal ongoing maintenance and repair expenses.

Plus, when it comes to installation costs, modern intercoms won’t break the bank. The wireless SC-03 is a small initial investment and housing professionals can benefit from flexible monthly service fees to cover entry communication between residents and their visitors, with Intratone’s classic service package.

Alternatively, Intratone’s all-inclusive service package includes hardwire and a 15 years’ communication subscription, as well as access to the remote online management portal and apps.

Free telephone technical support and equipment updates are also available as standard for the benefit of housing providers, providing them with a comprehensive property access solution that can be adapted to their specific needs.

Although installing new proptech may not be an immediate priority for some housing managers, the latest access control solutions can help to change this mindset. Now with new wireless intercoms like the SC-03, it is a feasible, cost-effective option to replace rather than constantly repair tired and outdated wired infrastructure. Not only do these devices ensure quick, hassle-free installations, but the online remote management system reduces potential maintenance and site visits long-term too. For installers, it has never been a better time to review their portfolio.

www.psimagazine.co.uk

DIR PSI Jan22_000_RiskUK_jan14 23/12/2021 00:45 Page 1

CCTV BOSCH SECURITY AND SAFETY SYSTEMS

ACCESS CONTROL ACCESS CONTROL

BOSCH PO Box 750, Uxbridge, Middlesex UB9 5ZJ

Tel: +44(0)330 1239979 uk.securitysystems@bosch.com www.uk.boschsecurity.com

KERI SYSTEMS UK LTD

DRIVING INNOVATION TO AN AIOT FUTURE

Tel: +44 (0) 1763 273 243 Fax: +44 (0) 1763 274 106 Email: sales@kerisystems.co.uk www.kerisystems.co.uk ACCESS CONTROL

DAHUA TECHNOLOGY UK & IRELAND Quantum, 60 Norden Road, Maidenhead, SL6 4AY

Tel: +44(0)1628 882210 Email: sales.uk@dahuatech.com www.dahuasecurity.com/uk

INTEGRATED DESIGN LIMITED Integrated Design Limited, Feltham Point, Air Park Way, Feltham, Middlesex. TW13 7EQ Tel: +44 (0) 208 890 5550

BETTER SECURITY, BETTER WORLD

sales@idl.co.uk www.fastlane-turnstiles.com ACCESS CONTROL

ZHEJIANG UNIVIEW TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD. RBH SECURITY GROUP LTD F3 Enterprise way, Vale Business Park, Evesham, Worcs WR11 1GS

global.uniview.com info.uki@uniview.com

Tel 01386 425810 Sales.uk@rbh-access.com www.rbh-access.com

ONE SOLUTION. ONE COMPANY

CUSTOM DESIGNED EQUIPMENT Hoyles are the UK’s leading supplier of custom designed equipment for the security and access control industry. From simple indicator panels to complex door interlock systems.

• Indicator Panels • Complex Door Interlocking • Sequence Control • Door Status Systems • Panic Alarms • Cell Call & Affray Systems • Bespoke Products

IDIS GLOBAL 1000 Great West Road, Brentford, Middlesex TW8 9HH

Tel: +44(0)203 657 5678 Email: uksales@idisglobal.com www.idisglobal.com YOU SEE. YOU CONTROL

HOYLES

Tel: +44 (0)1744 886600 • sales@hoyles.com • www.hoyles.com

PARTIZAN Kresomyslova 384/17A, Nusle, 14000 Prague,Czech Republic

Tel: +420 608 496 889 www.partizan.global

DIR PSI Oct21_000_RiskUK_jan14 29/11/2021 20:36 Page 2

DISTRIBUTORS DOOR ENTRY STATE-OF-THE-ART WIRELESS SOLUTIONS

INTRATONE UK 114 Power Road Studios, Chiswick, London W4 5PY

Tel: +44(0)208 0379012 Email: info@intratone.uk.com www.intratone.uk.com

INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS SECURITY PRODUCTS AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

HONEYWELL COMMERCIAL SECURITY AWARD-WINNING, LEADING GLOBAL WHOLESALE DISTRIBUTOR OF SECURITY AND LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCTS

Tel: +44 (0) 844 8000 235 securitysales@honeywell.com

INTRUDER WHEN SECURITY IS ART

ADI GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION Distributor of electronic security systems and solutions for over 250 leading manufacturers, the company also offers an internal technical support team, dedicated field support engineers along with a suite of training courses and services. ADI also offers a variety of fast, reliable delivery options, including specified time delivery, next day or collection from any one of 28 branches nationwide. Plus, with an ADI online account, installers can order up to 7pm for next day delivery.

Tel: 0161 767 2990 Fax: 0161 767 2999 sales.uk@adiglobal.com www.adiglobal.com/uk

AJAX SYSTEMS Unit No: OneJLT-06-23, OneJLT, Plot No. DMCC-EZI-1AB, Jumeriah Lakes Tower, Dubai

Tel: +380445381310 Email: support@ajax.systems www.ajax.systems MANUFACTURER OF INTRUDER ALARM EQUIPMENT

DISTRIBUTOR OF SECURITY AND FIRE SOLUTIONS

FORTUS Fortus is a distributor of security and fire solutions.

We are the largest privately owned, B2B security distribution company trading across the UK & IRE within the key industry verticals of CCTV, Intruder, Access and Fire products. With more than 20 years’ experience in technology distribution with key brands, we can support you with any size project as well as offering next day delivery.

Tel: +44 (0)1462 708820 www.fortusuk.com

HKC SECURITY LTD James Hill Street, Littleborough OL15 8AE

Tel: +44(0)1706 373560 Email: ukinfo@hkc.ie www.hkcsecurity.com

DIR PSI Oct21_000_RiskUK_jan14 29/11/2021 20:36 Page 3

WORLD-LEADING MANUFACTURER OF ELECTRONIC SECURITY EQUIPMENT

SECURE ALARM SIGNALLING

PYRONIX LTD Secure House, Braithwell Way, Hellaby, Rotherham, South Yorkshire S66 8QY

Tel: +44(0)1709 700 100 sales@pyronix.com www.pyronix.com

BT REDCARE We’ve over 35 years of experience in the fire and security industry.

Prepare and protect homes and businesses with our alarm signalling systems. From fast and affordable to best in the business, you can get every customer future-ready for all-IP. Simple to install, with a

SECURITY YOU CAN TRUST

choice of fixed IP and wi-fi connected options. Dual SIM and roaming 4G for resilient wireless signalling. Many of them also come with no upfront costs and all with a 10-year guarantee and 24/7 support.

TEXECOM INTRUDER Bradwood Court, St Crispin Way, Haslingden, Lancs BB4 4PW

Tel: +44(0)1706 212524 sales@texe.com www.texe.com

RECRUITMENT PLACING THE BEST CANDIDATES IN FIRE & SECURITY

Tel: 0800 800 628 Email address: redcare@bt.com Twitter: @BTRedcare Website: www.redcare.bt.com

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FIRE & SECURITY MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

INSTALLERPRO TECHNICAL RESOURCES LTD

PO Box 1288, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 9BQ

Rivermead House, Hamm Moor Lane, Addlestone, Surrey, KT15 2SF

enquiries@installerpro.co.uk www.installerpro.co.uk

01932 837 777 info@tecres.uk.com www.technicalresources.co.uk/

SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS

SECURITY SECURE CONNECTIVITY PROVIDERS

WEBEYE LTD 6a Hazel Court, Blidworth, Nottingham NG21 0RY

0115 7149990 sales@webeyecms.com

CSL GROUP T: +44 (0)1895 474474 sales@csl-group.com @CSLGroupLtd www.csl-group.com LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

C-TEC

www.webeyecms.com

STORAGE YOUR CLOUD. YOUR WAY

SEAGATE STORAGE

Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 OLD United Kingdom

60 Norden Road, Maidenhead, Berks SL6 4AY

Tel: +44 (0) 1942 322744 www.c-tec.com

+440208 7127 4477 www.seagate.com

EDIT people mar22_000_PSI_may15 25/02/2022 17:09 Page 2

APPOINTMENTS

APPOINTMENTS Jonny Coates

Peter Coughlin Ecl-ips has appointed business development professional Peter Coughlin to the team.

Peter will be working across England and Wales, to grow the business from its base in Stoke Prior near Bromsgrove. He will also be seeking to expand the reach of Security Group, the Bristol-based company acquired in 2020.

Welcoming Peter to Ecl-ips and Security Group, Aaron Kernaghan MD of both companies said, “This is an exciting time for us as we seek to grow our business, particularly focusing on working with architects and M&E contractors so they understand the benefit of the advanced security and monitoring systems we provide.

Peter provides a great fit for our team with his past experience across arrange of sectors, including fire and security.”

Astra has welcomed Jonny Coates into its security team as an Account Manager. His previous role was as a self-employed security engineer, which he did for over 20 years.

Jonny said, “I’m really looking forward to the new challenge. I know that having hands-on experience will give me a steppingstone to achieve the very best as an Account Manager.”

Matthew Stanley, Director of Operations, said, “I’m thrilled to get Jonny on board. He’ll be a great addition to the team and with his knowledge and experience as a security engineer he’ll be able to put this to good use when dealing with clients and customers. We are all looking forward to working with him and wish him well in the role.”

Dave Tate Videcon has appointed Dave Tate as Sales Director alongside the growing sales team. Dave brings with him a wealth of experience in sales and leadership coupled with over twenty years’ experience in the security industry.

“I am delighted to join Videcon at such a pivotal stage in the company’s innovation and expansion,” said Dave.“I hope to bring some fresh and new ideas along with a culture of ‘Customer First, Second Nature’ as the foundation of our focus.”

Dave joins Videcon from his role as National Sales Leader at ADI where he was responsible for the implementation of the sales strategy and ensuring the sales teams were fully aligned with all non-sales departments. In turn, driving cross functional collaboration and improving service delivery and customer experience.

A Videcon, Dave has taken on responsibility of leading the sales team and strategy, introducing more efficient sales processes, and the continuous monitoring and evolving of the product portfolio across the CCTV, fire, intruder and access divisions.

Ian Miller Brendan Hindle Texecom has appointed Brendan Hindle as Operations Director. He joins Texecom from Bladon Micro Turbine. As COO, Brendan was responsible for running the factory manufacturing micro-turbine engines.

Jim Ludwig, Texecom Managing Director, said: “I’m excited that Brendan is joining us as our new Operations Director. As we look to invest in and positively transform our capabilities, capacity and quality, Brendan will have a critical leadership role – as well as joining the board of directors and helping guide Texecom into our next stage of growth.”

www.psimagazine.co.uk

Abloy UK has appointed Ian Miller as Manager of its new Digital Access Solutions Academy, a facility to showcase, work with, install and test the company’s products, with particular focus on new digital solutions and ecosystems.

Pip Courcoux, Head of Product, Technical and Digital Transformation at Abloy UK, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Ian Miller onto the team, he will be pivotal in driving the next phase in the evolution of the Abloy Academy.”

Ian brings with him a wealth of experience from both the IT industry, where he implemented and conducted software solutions training and support, and the security industry, where he spent six years conducting access control hardware training.

13