Swedish water management agency opts for intelligent access

Editor / Provider: Assa Abloy | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Government & Public Services

The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) in Gothenburg, recently deployed an access control system consisting of Assa Abloy's access control system and door leaf readers that were integrated with Galaxy Control System's fire and intruder alarm systems to secure its 3,800 square meters office from unauthorized access.

When SwAM was formed on July 1, 2011, so that a single authority could assume responsibility for environmental and fisheries issues, it was necessary to find a new headquarters capable of hosting about 230 people. Pagoden (the Pagoda), an old heritage-listed warehouse at Gullbergsstrand, next to the Gota Alv river in Gothenburg, was selected as the ideal site. It was actually just a shell at the time, but its owner was in the process of converting it into a modern workplace while maintaining the special character of the building. Today SwAM occupies two floors of the seven-floor building, and is home to staff including biologists, sociologists, attorneys, economists, oceanographers and five employees from the Swedish Coast Guard.

"Openness is appreciated and works very well, but of course it requires a different type of security when visitors can essentially walk right in,” said Helena Schmidt, Security Strategist at SwAM. “We arrange quite a few workshops and conferences here, and there are a lot of practical considerations.” The agency prioritized securing perimeters, since having an alarm inside the building would not work because there are personnel on-site 24/7.

The access control system is operated by the personnel who answer the phones, who say it is both simple and convenient to use. They can create new staff access cards using the photo ID system, add or change information about who can access the building at which times, block individual cards and increase or decrease authorization levels.

After some time passed, SwAM staff discovered that it would be useful to lock conference rooms, so that visitors could safely leave their bags and other belongings there. Assa door leaf readers were installed because they can be integrated well with the access control system.

Milestone VMS integrated into Tdsi access management platform

Editor / Provider: TDSi | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

The new EXgarde 4.1 version of integrated security solutions manufacturer TDSi's access control software features integration with Milestone's Enterprise and Corporate VMS. From a single IP-enabled access portal, security operators are able to use EXgarde 4.1's Explorer to directly monitor CCTV feeds via Milestone's XProtect Corporate or Enterprise software range, tagging events and using video verification whilst also controlling the physical access control of automated doors. EXgarde 4.1 also integrates directly with Microsoft Active Directory, so physical security systems can be directly synchronized with logical security and the central business facility database can provide an overall view of any situation.

TDSi's MD, John Davies, commented, “EXgarde 4.1's integration with Milestone's software means security operators can take advantage of its wide scope of video surveillance solutions to provide exactly what they need. With our software at its heart, any business can directly link and manage its entire security enforcement from one place. With direct links to CCTV feeds (through Milestone's software or TDSi's own VUgarde2 CCTV management software), along with input from Texecom's alarm systems, EXgarde 4.1 can then collate this information and rapidly advise security staff. At the same time, as users gain access their location is logged with Microsoft Active Directory, which is the keystone to many modern build control systems. Any security breach can also trigger IT system protocols that control the level of access available in certain areas, to minimize the possibility of unwarranted removal of data. This offers a superb way to integrate physical security with the IT security systems to provide a total picture of organizational security”

EXgarde 4.1's integration with both Milestone's XProtect Enterprise and Corporate VMS is part of a wider drive to unite traditionally disparate components of business security. Recognizing the power of compatible systems, TDSi and Milestone's systems are designed to be highly complementary to one another, providing excellent results and superb value for money. In the case of the CCTV integration, users can view live video from any camera within the EXgarde Explorer window, so an incident reported by the access control system, for example, can immediately be investigated visually.

This is further enhanced by the ability to use Video Verification, whereby when specific events are generated (e.g. access is denied on a reader) a window will pop-up displaying live video from a chosen camera. The operator can then choose to unlock the door from the pop-up window if they are certain access should be granted.

Integration with Milestone's systems is also ideal for event tagging and compliance. Specific events can be tagged as they occur (or during playback) so an incident can be thoroughly investigated. This makes the review of recorded footage simple when the tagged events occur in the event list the recorded video can be played back corresponding to the event timestamp.

EverFocus partners with Digiever for better networked solutions

Editor / Provider: EverFocus Electronics | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

EverFocus is pleased to announce their new partnership with Digiever. For almost 20 years, EverFocus has been a leading integrated security solution manufacturer of CCTV cameras, DVRs, HDcctv, IP surveillance solutions, access control systems, as well as surveillance and access control peripherals. With Digiever DIGISTOR NVR series' support, EverFocus' network cameras can now satisfy various surveillance scenarios requests, and users can easily adapt the operation under more circumstances.

Established in 1995, EverFocus has been working diligently in the security business for almost 20 years now, with branches in the US, Germany, UK, Japan, India and China, EverFocus provides rapid response with optimal solutions to meet customers' satisfaction. The skilled R&D team works diligently to bring safety to our life through innovative ideas and advanced technology.

"We are pleased to gain an innovative partner in Digiever. This corroboration helps us to provide robust and powerful solutions for a wide range of applications. Digiever's platform is able to maximize benefits of the full lineup of EverFocus cameras, and allows us to bring value to an even wider customer base." said Joe Jen, Manager at EverFocus. The integration of EverFocus and Digiever is exciting, as it is the first cooperation for both parties. It will bring better service and more satisfied solution for more customers.

"We are excited by the integration between Digiever and EverFocus, as the integration has been smooth and successful. The integration with EverFocus provides users of both parties with solid surveillance bundle solution” said Allen Tseng, Product Manager of Digiever. "As the most reliable and ideal provider of Linux-based standalone NVR solution, Digiever keeps working on expanding the compatibility of IP cameras from reputed global brands and continues to support IP camera partners. Digiever devotes to giving users experience of more efficient network surveillance solutions. "

EverFocus works closely with third party technology partners to satisfy customers' needs in vertical markets such as mobile, city surveillance and banking solutions.

Assa Abloy/HID begins construction of N. American operations center in Texas

Editor / Provider: HID Global | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

HID Global announced it has begun construction of its operations center in Austin, Texas. The new, state-of-the-art facility will include a number of advanced sustainability features, and will house manufacturing, assembly and test operations, distribution and sales as well as offset printing and programming processes for smart cards use in applications including access control and large ID programs.

“HID Global's new operations center will be a world-class sustainable facility for scaling our operations to support the future growth of our business,” said Jason Bohrer, VP and GM for HID Global's North American operations center. “Austin has already proven to be a great place to invest with its vigorous resource base of talent and services, as we complete the first key milestones in our strategic initiative to consolidate all North American manufacturing, warehousing, distribution and customer service operations here in a single, center of excellence.”

HID Global's North American operations center will be the company's largest facility in the region, and has been designed to support future expansion at this location. It will also house offices for regional management, customer service, engineering, technical support, purchasing and quality functions. The facility will feature a number of sustainability designs and certifications related to lighting, landscaping, construction materials and other key design and manufacturing elements.

“Austin and Central Texas are fortunate to have landed HID Global North American operations center. Not only do they bring a worldwide reputation for innovation and achievement but they also add to the Chamber's efforts to diversify our economic base by bringing technical and manufacturing jobs to our region,” said Dave Porter, SVP of Economic Development, Austin Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud they selected the Austin metro for this project and only affirms the Chamber's proactive efforts through Opportunity Austin to ensure Austin remains the most prolific job generator among the top 50 metros in the country.”

Identive launches cloud-based contact card reader

Editor / Provider: Identive Group | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Identive Group announced the newest addition to its family of next-generation smart card readers. The new CLOUD 2700 contact reader allows secure logon to PCs and networks, authentication to web and cloud-based systems, single sign-on and secure access to banking and cashless payment applications. For government agencies and other high assurance environments, the CLOUD 2700 supports cyber security initiatives.

“The CLOUD 2700 reader offers a new level of performance for the hundreds of millions of contact smart cards currently used for PC logon, as well as for the growing base of contact cards for banking, payment and identity management. User convenience was also an important focus in the development of the new reader and as a result the CLOUD 2700 is more interoperable and faster than any other device in the market,” said Dr. Manfred Mueller, executive VP and COO, Identification Products for Identive. “The CLOUD 2700 further extends our growing portfolio of next-generation contact, contactless, dual interface and integrated readers, providing a broad range of infrastructure options for large system roll-outs.”

The CLOUD 2700 is based on Identive's state of the art technology reader platform, which provides increased performance, shorter transaction times and enhanced security for sensitive data. The reader is fully compliant with the ISO7816 standard so works with any contact smart card. It is CCID compliant for USB interface and works with all major PC operating systems. EMV level 1 and GSA FIPS 201 certification make the CLOUD 2700 ideal for use in financial transactions and in highly secure government environments. The CLOUD 2700 reader is offered with fixed firmware or in a highly secure field-upgradable version for investment protection. An ergonomic casing design allows multiple methods for reader and card handling.

Napco receives $1.5M wireless lock contract from major US university

Editor / Provider: Napco Security Technologies | Updated: 5/17/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologies, announced that it has received a $1.5 million order to supply a major university campus with over 1,700 Networx wireless locks to be installed and customized to meet the university's architectural specifications. Product delivery has begun and installation is slated for completion by August 1, 2013. Napco's Continental Access Control division was awarded this contract for its Networx line, which is a full-featured, security-management suite that provides facility management with the technological backbone necessary to support, manage and protect today's schools, hospitals, corporations and government facilities, including campus-wide "lock downs."

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President, stated, "This significant contract awarded to Napco reflects our leadership position in providing enterprise-class technology-based solutions in securing people in places they live and work. Our best-in-class, encrypted proprietary wireless technology, coupled with our ability to deliver a custom architectural finish on the lock devices was very important to this customer. Other features, such as the longest battery life in the category - 5 years - with normal use, the easiest GUI (graphical user interface) of all integrated access control systems on the market, and our unique 'double-tap' feature that enables an authorized user to present the access card twice to the lock and therefore toggle its state from 'passage' to 'locked' were also important factors in winning this large contract."

Soloway concluded, "Napco's integrated technology enables a low-cost and state-of-the-art enterprise level lock down system that delivers the maximum protection and the most complete integrated solution available on the market today. As safety and security concerns remain high priorities for people and organizations entrusted with the care and protection of others, we expect that educational, hospital, corporate and governmental facilities represent a very large opportunity to us, as they look for the premier solution for their security products and service needs. This is our first win in what we believe could be a major line of business and a significant driver of growth for Napco going forward."

French retail chain streamlines staff tracking with modern access system

Editor / Provider: Access Control Technology | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

French retail chain Hyper U is using an access control solution from Access Control Technology (ACT) at one of its largest stores, a 4.94 acre (20,000-square meter) property with 200 full-time personnel at the western town of Savenay in the Loire Estuary. The integrator for the project is Nantes-based 2Acom, who installed the equipment in two phases to cover the store's 60 doors. The equipment is working in conjunction with intruder alarms, video surveillance, and perimeter intrusion protection.

Hyper U wanted to control and log movement of staff around the shop floor, office block, delivery areas, car parks, lifts, stock rooms and perimeter. The client also needed a hierarchical rights management system so that staff would only access certain groups of doors associated with their job function and at appropriate times of day according to their shift. Hyper U found the flexibility they needed in ACT's door stations, door controllers, readers and access control software.

The software allows supervisors to create 71 user groups, so promoting complete visibility of staff movement and enhancing health and safety at a store with long opening hours where there is activity 24 hours a day. While the human resources department can intervene if workers are not in the right place when they should be, the access control system also contributes to staff welfare by creating an audit trail. This ensures that workers do not become stranded in remote areas or spend excessive amounts of time in locations such as refrigeration rooms.

The door security also ensures that prospective thieves remain on the shop-floor and are denied entry to areas where high-value items are stored. It should be noted that French supermarket retailers make extensive use of the concession system whereby there is a gallery of ‘boutique' suppliers of items such as smart phones and tablet computers operating under the same roof. Areas that are commercially sensitive (e.g. cashier's office, luxury electrical goods) as well as loading bays where the presence of vehicles puts a premium on safety have a twin level of security with both keypads and proximity readers being used.

Genetec platform integrates Immervision 360-degree panamorph

Editor / Provider: Immervision | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

ImmerVision, the inventor of the 360-degree panomorph lens and immersive optical technology, announced that Genetec's unified security platform, Security Center is certified ImmerVision Enables, the leading 360-degree video standard.

“With this ImmerVision Enables certification, our customers can now have all-encompassing panomorph views of their security environment, with good image clarity and zero blind spots,” said Francis Lachance Associate Director of Product Management at Genetec. “This becomes yet another feature that helps them improve situational awareness to make quicker, more informed decisions.”

Genetec Security Center unifies video surveillance, access control and license plate recognition systems under a single platform, while also offering an amazingly intuitive user experience. Now by complementing their existing installation with their choice of panomorph cameras, customers boost efficiency by quickly pulling up live 360-degree panomorph video from their unified client interface.

Security Center users can also playback panomorph video to watch an entire event unfold, digitally zooming into specific areas of the scene and comparing different angles side-by-side. When zoomed-in, users can also uniquely use an in-tile thumbnail navigation window as reference for the entire scene. Further enhancing efficiency, Security Center also provides the ability to configure select digital zoom presets, offering users one-click access to 360-degree immersive views when an event is detected in the system. Easy configuration in Security Center also helps optimize de-warped views by selecting the output resolution.

With more major vendors incorporating panomorph lenses into their video devices, Security Center users can effortlessly install their preferred hardware to start experiencing the cost-saving benefits of the 360-degree video standard.

Napco lock division revenues grew 20% in 2013 Q1

Editor / Provider: Napco | Updated: 5/14/2013 | Article type: Security 50

Napco Security Technologiesannounced financial results for its third fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2013.

Highlights:
- Net sales for the quarter were $17.2 million, unchanged from the year-ago period. Gains from door-locking product revenues were offset by decreases in revenues from intrusion products and, to a lesser, extent, access control products.
- Sales within the Marks brand of products grew 29% in the quarter, representing the third consecutive quarter of growth in this unit.
- Sales of NAPCO's high-margin commercial locking division and recurring revenue products delivered continued growth versus a year ago with StarLink2 recurring revenues increasing 20%, sequentially.
- Year-to-date (nine month) gross margins were relatively flat compared to last year (27.1% vs. 27.6%) despite $1.5 million in lower revenues due to weakness in the intrusion division and an incremental $700,000 in R&D investment in the current year.
- Debt, net of cash, has been reduced by $21.0 million from $35.9 million to $14.9 million since acquiring Marks in August of 2008. $2.4 million of this reduction occurred in the past nine months.

As a result of the lower debt levels and reductions in interest rates, net interest expense for the nine months decreased by $449,000 or 51% to $440,000 as compared to $889,000 for the same period a year ago.

Richard Soloway, Chairman and President of Napco stated, "For the third consecutive quarter, our Marks product line delivered a quarter of solid growth and is recovering nicely. We saw an up tick in our high-margin commercial locking division revenues as well as increases in recurring revenue from installations of StarLink2. These gains, however, were offset by lower revenue from the Intrusion product line as demand from distributors remains temporarily subdued, owing to continued effects of 'Superstorm Sandy' in some of our key markets, the consolidation of a few large intrusion distributors and decreased demand from one of our large intrusion dealers. Napco's StarLink2 wireless GSM alarm communicator continued to grow sales again this quarter, fueling the steady growth of products, which provide Napco with recurring revenue income. There is a strong and growing trend in the industry to install GSM-equipped signal communication versus traditional wired phone lines. We are seeing this same focus on technology in all areas of our industry and it is a primary reason we continue to invest heavily in research and development to deliver the next generation of technology-driven security products. For example, iBridge and iRemote comprise a suite of recurring revenue services, allowing consumers to remotely control their security systems, video cameras, thermostats, door locking, and lighting remotely from any smart phone or PC. Home automation is driving demand for this series of products and we are poised to benefit from this trend.

"Looking ahead, we expect our investments in next generation access control technology to contribute to our revenues beginning in the June quarter. In particular, we are pleased to announce that iBridge product shipments to dealers have now begun, and based on growing interest from distributors and installers, we expect solid sequential growth from this technologically advanced product throughout the remainder of this year and beyond. As iBridge begins to contribute to our Intrusion division's sales, combined with continued strength in our locking division and expected growth in our access control segment, we expect to deliver top-line growth, which should ultimately translate to even faster bottom-line expansion. As we move into the fourth fiscal quarter, historically our strongest quarter of the year, our optimism remains strong as we have the right products, supported by best-in-class technology, and the advantage of a low-cost manufacturing capability." Soloway concluded, "Subsequent to the end of the quarter, Continental access control booked a significant contract with a major university to install and integrate over 1,500 Networx wireless locks to enhance campus security and provide state-of-the-art access control. This sale, which represents the largest single order ever for Continental access control, and is among the largest in the history of our Company, validates our commitment to serving this important segment and we believe this could be the first of several in this growing market. We secured this contract, based on superior technology, our ability to deliver it quickly and also our ability to customize the product to meet the university's exacting architectural specifications. We are hard at work to deliver as much of this as possible in the fourth quarter, and we expect additional orders from other universities who are looking to improve on-campus security using state-of-the-art technology. As a recognized leader, we are well positioned to meet this demand."

S. African mines undertake holistic approach to health, safety, HR and security compliance

Editor / Provider: G4S | Updated: 5/13/2013 | Article type: Commercial Markets

About three years ago, G4S Secure Solutions South Africa (then under the Skycom banner), became involved with projects aimed at enhancing business support systems, especially in the HR and payroll sectors of South Africa mining operations business. Different projects were initiated and aimed at replacing outdated time and access management system with a new comprehensive access control system utilizing smart card readers, portable card readers, fingerprint readers, facial recognition and access control software.

Mining in South Africa has been the driving force behind the history and development of Africa's most prestigious economy. Gold mining has accounted for 12 percent of the world's production in 2005, although the nation had produced as much as 30 percent of world output as recently as 1993. Despite declining production, South Africa's gold exports were valued at US$3.84 billion (￡2.5 billion) in 2005. Almost 50 percent of the world's gold reserves are found in this country. Global mining houses and local mining companies throughout Africa employ well over 450,000 people across all the extraction sectors and platforms.

G4S was tasked with the provision of various hardware and software platforms tailored to the specific requirements of each business. These platforms were then integrated into the existing operations to provide site managers easy and efficient control over access, time recording Health and Safety requirements, movement patterns and environmental situations. The intention was to create software that allowed ease of use to both the end user and management. From the employee clocking into work to the HR team collating reports and gathering management information.

To keep out illegal miners, the solution introduces fingerprint technology to control access to mining facilities; proximity based card readers solutions for mass gatherings; facial recognition deployed for meal issuing and control at canteens plus various accommodation facilities; access control management of shift work or group access to mines as well as health management of workers.

In addition, the system also enables contractor management; visitor management; fuel management; inventory management by making sure workers receive the correct equipment. Through XTIME command and control software, the system can be integrated with building alarm and security systems. Video surveillance systems can also be integrated into the system.

As a direct outcome of the success of the initial projects with large multinational mining houses, a technology partnership was formed with G4S and a number of the big mining companies to develop well suited, efficient technology solutions in accordance to specific requirements at various global mining sites with the use of the time and access management systems. The high end security plant systems were also converted to XTIME which was custom developed for mining and industrial sector customers that had a need for a high security environment such as gold plants and high risk areas. The system handles full search facilities with intelligent routines which are set up by users of the system to cater for different conditions that occur in the plant. The graphical maps feature available provides control and situational awareness from a single screen. This ultimately results in the business being able to view the various platforms in one single view. The overall success of the solution across South Africa has led to implementations within other customer operations in Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Zambia.