Month: February 2019

The palace located in the Lebanese mountains outside Beirut, lies at an altitude of 1,150 metres above the Lamartine Valley. The ornate design and treasured contents of the palace meant the client wanted an advanced security solution for the premises to protect both indoor and outdoor areas. The client approached local security company, Security Engineering, who specialise in complex integration between various systems to provide an effective solution for their property. What were the requirements? The client wanted to achieve high levels of security which they could control and activate remotely. Security Engineering recognised this would be best achieved using a range of different devices to provide a complete solution, combining CCTV surveillance with an intrusion alarm system. “Due to low light challenging conditions, and in order to maintain quality and efficiency of our Bosch cameras, we decided to use Raytec product for the advanced features it offered in enhancing the overall night image and delivering optimized end result of the camera under the given circumstances.” Khaled Jaber Managing Director, Security Engineering As well as the need for IR lighting to assist the CCTV system in the challenging low light conditions, the client also wanted to use white-light as a deterrent to any potential intruders whenever an alarm was raised. Which products were installed? Raytec’s Vario2 IP PoE Hybrid 8 units were selected for use on this project and would be used alongside Optex laser beam detectors, and Bosch cameras (equipped with video analytics) and intrusion panel. All devices were linked to a Bosch video management system (BVMS) which would be used to control the system. Together, these devices would provide the client with the CCTV surveillance and intrusion alarm system they required and would be connected using TCP/ IP technology in a unified communications protocol. What was the solution? As the only IP enabled illuminator combining white-light and infra-red into a single unit, Raytec’s Hybrid illuminators provided the client with the greatest level of functionality, flexibility and control. In infra-red mode, the illuminators provide high quality images for general night-time surveillance. The quality of illumination meant the camera analytics could clearly identify any intruders approaching the palace and boosted the accuracy of detection. Crucially for the client, Hybrid’s dual functionality also meant white-light could be triggered as a deterrent (when an alarm was activated by the camera analytics or the Optex laser beam) to scare off any intruders. As well as being able to easily control the entire system remotely through the VMS, the entire system also linked to an indoor keypad or mobile app which had to be activated in order to arm the system. This ensured the deterrent lighting was only enabled when needed and couldn’t be triggered by false alarms. Why was Raytec chosen? From the outset, Security Engineering identified the need to use both infra-red and white-light illumination. Combining infra-red, white-light and IP capability in a single illuminator, Hybrid represents the most advanced product of its type in today’s security market, providing the client with a more dynamic security response and tight integration with the other devices being used as part of the solution. Thanks to Hybrid’s IP capability, all elements of the solution could work together seamlessly. As an open platform, all Raytec IP illuminators can easily integrate with a wide range of security devices – in this instance, Optex detectors and Bosch cameras. This gave Security Engineering greater flexibility when specifying their solution. Hybrid’s dual use also helped reduce the number of illuminators used on-site (previously the client would have had to install separate, dedicated white-light and infra-red illuminators), reducing outlay on infrastructure and cabling by half. With no compromise on performance, Hybrid achieves the same power and distance as two dedicated illuminators; an important factor for the challenging low light conditions.

Maxxess eFusion technology is being used to provide seamless integration and easy management of security, safety and site management systems at Bluewaters Island, Dubai. The region’s newest tourism hotspot, Bluewaters opened in November 2018 and is expected to attract more than 3 million visitors every year. The USD 1.6bn project was completed by Meraas Holdings over five years and comprises four luxury residential complexes, a landmark Caesars Palace hotel, a shopping mall and the world’s largest observation wheel, Ain Dubai, as its centrepiece. Bluewaters’ management wanted to find the most efficient way to integrate all security, safety and building management functions into one easy operating system, with particular emphasis on a solution that would be efficient to use, inexpensive to maintain and robust going forwards. Following a sector comparison Maxxess eFusion technology was identified as providing the best fit. It was chosen instead of a more costly or complex conventional PSIM solution because it uses versatile, open-technology software. As per Omnix International, one of the leading integrators brought in for the project, eFusion proved particularly straightforward to work with, offering the advantages of a modular building block approach and allowing maximum freedom to integrate, customise and adapt to future needs. “Thanks to its compatibility with leading surveillance, intruder, access and fire detection systems, eFusion proved to be a highly efficient integration technology for the Bluewater project,” said Henry Azoury, Senior Security Design and Engineering Manager at Omnix International. The eFusion platform at Bluewaters includes full integration with an ASSA ABLOY Hospitality system. It allows a unified system approach with a single enrolment protocol for both front- and back-of-house access. The solution enables centralised management of room safes, mini-bars and cupboards, and for control of all alarm transactions. eFusion integration with the Zenitel Stantaphone IP Intercom System ensures that video and transaction data is calledup automatically in the Bluewaters control room as soon as any user press a call button. For maximum efficiency, the system allows the operator to unlock doors and communicate with the user remotely, with full activity logs kept for audit. With easy integration to the SeeTec video management system, eFusion also allows seamless control of all cameras. In addition, cameras are linked to the door access system, with video pop-up triggered by pre-defined events. The solution also gives the operators complete PTZ control, playback and video functionality. ID badging and building management systems are also fully integrated, allowing easy operation and control of a wide range of functions including heating, ventilation and air conditioning. “For maximum efficiency there is no need to switch between different management systems and the eFusion platform is easy to work with, allowing full benefit from integration with individual systems,” says Lee Copland, Managing Director EMEA, Maxxess. “The eFusion platform is based on technology that delivers robust, reliable performance, as well as being fully scalable as needs change the future. “We look forward to our continued work with Omnix International, which is providing the world-class specialist engineering services combined with local, customised support that customers value.”

Saudi Arabia’s National Commercial Bank (NCB) is using IDIS technology for one of the biggest financial surveillance system upgrades ever seen in the region, involving at least 1000 NVRs and over 2500 IP cameras. The bank, which serves over 5.4 million customers and is the second largest in the Arab world, chose an IDIS solution to modernise its security and comply with the latest standards introduced by the Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) and Ministry of Interior. IDIS, which is the largest manufacturer of surveillance technology in South Korea, confirmed that the project involves an upgrade to full HD IP technology across 400 branches and more than 2580 ATMs, to be completed ahead of the 2021 deadline. NCB, also known as AlAhli Bank, needed NVRs that would provide RAID 1 and RAID 5 support, and a solution that would allow integration of both IP and existing analogue infrastructure, and the capability to cost-effectively store video footage for a full year. Leading solutions provider Almajal G4S was appointed for the job, and following a competitive tender process IDIS technology was identified as performing better than alternatives in detailed and rigorous proof-of-concept testing. “Keys advantages for NCB in choosing an IDIS solution is the technology’s robustness, its resilience against data loss, and high level protection against cyber threats. Using IDIS technology is also ensuring a frictionless migration from existing analogue,” says Ahmad Said, ESS Director at Almajal G4S. Thanks to its hybrid capability, IDIS technology allows analogue and IP cameras to be used together, making the upgrade project easily manageable, with a seamless, staged switch-over. For this mission-critical project, IDIS’s Linux based servers and proprietory protocols also offered the highest level of resistance to hacking, while zero-configuration elminates the need to manage IP addresses for every device, all of which gave NCB the network security assurances they were looking for. An important consideration for NCB was IDIS Intelligent Codec which, together with dual H.264/ H.265 performance, delivers up to 90% reduction in bandwidth and storage. This gives the bank significant, on-going savings allowing compliance with video data storage rules. “It also speeds up recording retrieval and helps to make NCB’s new security system easier and more economical to run,” said Harry Kwon, General Manager, IDIS Middle East and Africa, “With the upgrade already proving its value the bank’s central monitoring teams now work more efficiently with their system providing event forwarding, acknowledgements, notifications and live pop-ups.” Providing the lowest total cost of ownership, the IDIS solution will allow efficient maintenance and simultaneous remote upgrades for multiple devices and gives NCB the assurance of the industry-leading IDIS Ultimate Warranty. The project is due for completion in 2019. NCB and the associated IDIS solution will be the first to achieve full compliance with the new SAMA standards.

Dahua Technology, a world leading manufacturer and supplier of video surveillance products has successfully secured five-rated hotels in Shanghai with inhouse HDCVI solution. These hotels were playing host to 46 national and organization leaders in Asia during the fourth edition of Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures (CICA). Challenges Shanghai municipal government attached great importance to the summit and spared no endeavor to make sure that everything goes secured. To level up video surveillance is among on its must-do list. More than 50 reception hotels were required to upgrade surveillance system from standard definition to high definition. Best solution Under such circumstances, and given the fact that these hotels were dominated by conventional analog systems, it came to a natural decision to adopt Dahua HDCVI as it allows easy upgrade without changing the existing cabling, and also provides long-distance and non-latent image quality. Moreover, the whole upgrade took more or less 10 days as cabling system remained intact, and only cameras, DVRs along with fiber optical transceivers were replaced by HDCVI ones. With aesthetic requirement for the hotels, HDCVI offers wide range of housings and its speed domes and box cameras are perfectly aligning with the décor in the lobby, reception, entrance and dining areas. “This project demonstrates all the benefits of HDCVI and has proved applicable and workable. Within only 10 days, the whole video surveillance system was upgraded to high definition which did not happen in IP solution. What HDCVI has offered to the industry is another HD solution and this has highly satisfied our customers.”

Nedap has provided physical access control and long-range readers for vehicle identification at the new AZ Zeno medical care center in Knokke-Heist (Belgium). AZ Zeno, which opened in April 2018, comprises a hospital with rehabilitation center, an outpatient clinic, auditoria, public event space and a heliport. Nedap Identification System and Nedap Security Management have worked together on this extensive project. Secure yet accessible medical center I t is AZ Zeno’s highest priority to guarantee the security of patients and employees. With Nedap’s TRANSIT long-range identification readers, emergency vehicles get swift access to the hospital’s premises. With AEOS, Nedap provides the medical care center with a complete solution for physical access control, and the system will also be used to manage staff lockers. By combining Nedap’s solutions, AZ Zeno is able to offer both patients and employees the best possible security and accessibility. Complementary products AZ Zeno combines functionality and sustainability and respects the rural character of the local landscape. The link between inside and outside and between medical facilities and public spaces is almost seamless. The center’s sustainable design focuses on its surroundings, ecological energy and the use of reclaimed materials. Nedap-CEO Ruben Wegman said, “We are proud that two of our business units contribute to the security of this exceptional and innovative center and to a better accessibility for its users. The simultaneous implementation of AEOS and TRANSIT is a great example of the complementary character of Nedap’s products.” To implement the system, Nedap collaborated with partner Electro Enterprise Gullegem.