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Security Agencies Rating Scheme (SARS)

Central Association for Private Security Industry (CAPSI), the pre-eminent organisation for the security professionals in India and Quality Council of India (QCI), the country’s apex quality facilitation and national accreditation body have jointly embarked upon the process of standardization in the private security industry, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to operate a voluntary certification and rating programme for the private security agencies (PSAs). The programme has been christened as the ‘Security Agencies Rating Scheme (SARS)’ that will help PSAs enhance their credibility, and consequently multiply their business. “The Star Rating of PSAs will prove to be a real game changer for the entire private security domain. The evaluation processes developed jointly by Quality Council of India and CAPSI will bring out best service providers. The quality of service delivery and management of PSAs will ensure that end users will get PSARA plus services, and excellent customer care methodologies. It is going to change the face of the private security industry.” – Kunwar Vikram Singh Chairman CAPSI & SSSDC While CAPSI and QCI shall be the joint owners of the scheme, the governing structure of SARS shall be under a multi-stakeholder steering committee (MSC), which will be supported by a technical and a certification committee constituted by CAPSI and QCI. A consensus based technical criteria for PSAs would be formulated by the MSC, based on which agencies would be evaluated by the competent third party certification bodies. These certification bodies in turn would be accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), which is a part of the international system of equivalence of accreditations and certifications, in accordance with appropriate international standards. “Security Agencies Rating Scheme (SARS) is an excellent initiative by CAPSI & Quality Control of India that would set the benchmark of true performance, and thus bring the much-awaited satisfaction for the end users of security services. ASSOCHAM, as a leading chamber of commerce is privileged to be associated in bringing the thoughts of industries to the implementation programme.” – Anil Dhawan Co-Chairman, Homeland Security Committee ASSOCHAM Security Agencies Rating Scheme is based on the criteria for certification. The developed technical criteria specify the requirements for a quality management system for the management, staffing and operations of a PSA providing uniformed security guarding services on a static site and/ or mobile and patrol basis, at different capability levels. The mandatory tenets of Private Security Agencies Regulation Act, 2005 (PSARA) have been incorporated in the basic level of certification (Level 1) corresponding to One Star. The standard of professional competence is progressively enhanced and the top most level is pegged at Level 7 corresponding to a Seven Star rating. A PSA, depending upon its professional competency, may opt to be rated at any of these levels right at the beginning and that will not be subjected to progressive upgradations. While One Star rating corresponds to PSARA compliance, Three Star rating encompasses the basic PSARA criteria and certain essential management compliances to form Private Security Services Management System (PSSMS). Further, Five Star rating corresponds to the criteria laid down in ISO 90001(+) and Seven Star rating corresponds to the International ISO 18788. The intervening even number of Star Ratings will be given to the PSA that will maintain sustained compliance for three years in their present rating. “Trusted and well recognised system of certification stimulates to achieve robust quality management standards – both operationally and administratively. Star rating method shall be an indicator of grading on the basis of the levels of compliance and practice followed by the security group. Based on sound technical requirements, certification and star rating by CAPSI & QCI shall give both PSI and clients the confidence and assurance of providing high standard security services. Certification shall open new horizons for the PSI and shall provide a sound foundation for the recognition of this sector” – C Pal Singh Former I G Police (Punjab) Honorary Director General (CAPSI) Indian Private Security Industry (PSI) comprising over 22,000 PSAs and nearly 8.5 million security personnel (guards) is one of the largest employment generating sectors of the country. These guards are primarily employed and managed by PSAs who deploy them in accordance with their contractual obligations with the respective principal employers. PSAs at large fall in the ambit of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME). The guards deployed by the PSAs are mandatorily governed by PSARA, and are monitored by the controlling authorities of the states, which grant them licenses based on the parameters laid down in PSARA, for operating in that state. “The Private Security Industry is catching up with the increasingly competitive quality ecosystem. The market place will be replete with choices and companies will be vying with differentiators and brand values. Customers are savvy, extremely cost conscious and are consistently demanding certified standards of service that has been independently assessed and rated for quality deliveries. Security business leaders must raise the bar in their business value with assured quality star ratings because trust is a pre-requisite in referral business” – Jasbir Wasu Vice-Chairman, Licencing and Legal, CAPSI Albeit, no express parameters are laid down as on date whereby PSAs can be evaluated based on certain professionally accepted criteria. This factor acts as an impediment for the principal employers to take decision while they are in the process of identifying the most suitable PSA whom they can entrust the task of providing security to their establishment. The Security Agencies Rating Scheme is going to make a great instrument to help them reach a right decision. Having complied with all the statutory requirements as given in the governing structure, SARS is going to be launched by the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce at the Special Standards Conclave scheduled to be held at Mumbai during 08-09 February 2019.

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Matrix Comsec is All Set for IT EXPO’19

Matrix Comsec, the leading manufacturer and provider of security and telecom solutions, is participating in IT EXPO 2019 at Fort Lauderdale, Florida during 30 Jan to 1 Feb 2019 to showcase their comprehensive range of people mobility management, IP video surveillance and unified communication solutions. For SMB market, the company will showcase SPARSH VP710 that sets a new benchmark by offering enhanced video and voice capabilities, SMB IP-PBX SPARK100, an all-in-one communication solution with enterprise grade unified communication and collaboration, and next generation door controller COSEC ARGO that is equipped with features like 3.5” IPS touchscreen LCD with Gorilla glass, powerful processor for ultra-fast user identification, intuitive user experience, and vandal resistant (IK08). Further, Matrix will demonstrate seamless integration between Matrix IP video surveillance, access control and unified communications solutions along with Matrix video management and device management software suite. Matrix will also exhibit its range of gateways which allow easy integration with most of IP-PBX, TDM PBX, softswitch and hosted solutions. Award winning series of Matrix Gateways are perfect for enterprise and carrier-class solutions for multi-site connectivity and remote survivability while offering superior voice quality and state of the art routing features. Matrix is known for its customer centric, innovative range of solutions for unified communications, IP video surveillance, access control and time-attendance applications catering to diverse and complex deployments especially for the SMB, SME and large enterprises.

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Streamvault Analytics Appliances

Genetec Inc., a leading technology provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions has recently announced a new line of offthe-shelf analytics appliances within its Streamvault™ portfolio. Designed to analyze more camera streams per unit than traditional security appliances, the new devices come preloaded with Genetec Security Center and unified analytics modules, reducing the cost and time required to deploy video analytics in new and existing systems. Available immediately through Genetec certified distribution and channel partners, the new Streamvault analytics appliances come in two versions – Model SVA-100, a compact unit ideally suited for retail and banking customers who are looking to anonymize patron/ clients identities in service environments, and model SVA-1000E, a rackmount unit designed for customers with high camera counts looking to automate the detection of potential threats or monitor large public spaces while respecting individual privacy. To protect the privacy of people in public spaces, both models come pre-loaded with KiwiVision Privacy Protector™, a real-time video anonymization module that dynamically pixelates individuals within a camera’s field of view. This also maintains an operator’s ability to monitor actions, something that is impossible with static masking. The new appliances also include KiwiVision Intrusion Detector™ which detects individuals and objects in sensitive areas, reducing reliance on visual monitoring and helping operators detect threats faster. Specifying a server for video analytics can quickly become a complex process. Scene activity, composition, and lighting directly impact how many streams can be analyzed by an appliance or a server. Previously, system integrators had to design servers themselves, test performance, and assume any risk associated with under-specifying a solution. Genetec Streamvault analytics appliances remove the uncertainties that come with deploying video analytics on a new or existing system, and reduce the cost-per-video stream analyzed by optimizing appliance components. The Streamvault SVA-100 and SVA-1000E are designed to handle more streams than a typical video server with an analytics add-on. In the latter scenario, the server is not streamlined for analytics processing, rather for video archiving. The new analytics appliance can be deployed alongside existing servers, ensuring surges in analytics activity do not compromise video monitoring or archiving operations. Once analyzed, video and analytics data are then directed to other products in the Streamvault™ family. “Traditional servers are not adapted to video analytics requirements. When analytics add-ons are installed, they are limited in the number of streams they can analyze and require extensive customization and configuration before deployment, resulting in higher equipment costs,” said David Grey, Streamvault Product Line Manager, “Streamvault analytics appliances are designed to complement them, allowing each device to focus on tasks they are best suited for. This allows us to deliver a more cost-effective, turnkey solution and decrease the total number of appliances needed for a project.”

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Matrix Comsec Announces Participation in Convergence 2019, to be Held in the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 29th – 31st Jan’19

Matrix Comsec has confirmed its participation in the 27th Convergence 2018, to be held in the Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 29th – 31st January 2019. Matrix will be showcasing its complete range of Enterprise IP-PBXs, Unified Communication Server for Modern Enterprises, IP-PBX for SMB & SME, VoIP & GSM Gateways and new portfolio of IP Communication endpoints. Matrix is well-known for its indigenous and innovative range of solutions for Unified Communications, IP Video Surveillance, Access Control, and Time-Attendance. Each of our solutions is specifically designed for large, multi-location enterprises, SME and SMB organizations. Matrix Comsec continuously works towards keeping abreast with the constantly upgrading technology by designing and manufacturing solutions that are equipped with the latest technology. Matrix will be presenting some of its indigenously engineered Telecom solutions at the 27th Convergence 2019 Meet. Event Highlight Matrix Comsec will be showcasing its recently launched video conferencing solution – PARISAT VC as the highlight of the event. This Enterprise Meeting solution sets a new benchmark by offering enhanced video and voice capabilities. PARISAT meets the communication needs of modern enterprises to brainstorm ideas and devise effective strategies. Matrix PARISAT VC empowers organizations to make quick decisions and enhance customer experience. Products and Solutions Network Management solution – Matrix will be exhibiting its all-in-one solution for centralized control of every connected Matrix communication server and Gateway within a single network. Range of Gateways – Based on SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), Matrix range of Gateways allows easy integration with most of IP-PBX, TDM PBX, Softswitch and Hosted solutions. These award winning series of Matrix Gateways are perfect for enterprise and carrier-class solutions. Starting from a single port VoIP adaptor to high density VoIP-GSM-PRI-FXO/FXS Gateways, Matrix Telecom Solutions align with all requirements of Small to Large Business. Preloaded with superior voice quality and state-of-the-art routing features, Matrix Gateways are ideal for multi-site connectivity, remote survivability and SIP trunking. “Convergence India is a major technology event bringing ICT professionals on a common platform. Matrix is all set to showcase its latest Telecom solutions at Convergence this year. We look forward to meeting key decision makers and service providers and give them a first-hand experience of our Telecom solutions that are redefining business communications and providing a competitive advantage to our customers worldwide.” said Ganesh Jivani, Managing Director, Matrix Comsec. For further information, please contact:  394-GIDC, Makarpura, Vadodara-390010, India Toll Free (+91) 1800-258-7747  E-Mail:  Inquiry@MatrixComSec.com Website: http://www.MatrixComSec.com

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HID goID Provides End-to-End Solution to Govt. Agencies

HID goID™ solution has been extended to provide an end-to-end system for deploying and managing a mobile citizen ID program. From issuance through verification, HID goID is backed by the same high security standards for data, communication and privacy protection that are used in today’s physical electronic ID (eID) programs. “This is a major step in delivering the full value of our goID solution, as we extend its capabilities for provisioning, updating and revoking mobile IDs to include the full range of citizen ID program functionality,” said Wei Jin Lee, Regional Director Secure Issuance, APAC with HID Global, “Governments now have everything they need to move to a fully mobile society including support for integrating goID with existing issuance systems, developing a citizen app, and ensuring compliance with international standards for digital credentials.” Key HID goID solution components include an issuance system, utilizing HID Global’s renowned Integrale™ modular software suite for the management of physical and mobile IDs; a gateway for mobile ID provisioning which can be managed locally by governments or offered as a service; and a software development kit (SDK) for the development of the citizen app to meet local requirements. HID Global also provides comprehensive support and training for the creation and deployment of the citizen app and verification solutions. HID goID includes off-the-shelf data structures enabling governments to issue mobile passports that will help comply with digital travel credentials currently being developed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and to issue mobile driver’s licenses that will help promote compliance with ISO18013-5 specifications being developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). The solution enables countries to move from paper or electronic documents to mobile IDs, streamlining proof of identity issuance through overthe-air provisioning directly to citizens’ phones. It protects privacy with end-to-end encryption and four layers of fraud-fighting security mechanisms. Additionally, citizens can control what verification data they share, and with whom. Post-issuance technologies keep mobile IDs current and trustable, and verification can be performed from distances up to 66 feet (20 meters). HID goID also enables issuing authorities to easily add other government agencies and authorized private sector entities into its ecosystem. This creates new opportunities to improve communication between governments and their citizens while opening the door for people to carry many different citizen and commercial IDs in one convenient mobile application.

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Intesa Sanpaolo Turns to Gemalto for Italy’s First Biometric Contactless Payment Card Pilot

Gemalto is supplying Intesa Sanpaolo, the leading banking group in ltaly, with the first Mastercard biometric contactless payment card. The pilot promoted by Intesa Sanpaolo and Mastercard allows to test an EMV contactless biometric card for the first time in Europe. Consumers may simply tap their card to any POS terminal to pay and authorize the transaction with their fingerprint, combining a fast and convenient user experience to an advanced cardholder authentication approach. In addition, the card works without a battery as it’s powered by the terminal which means that there is no limit on the number of transactions. Enhanced contactless payment working with existing  infrastructure Intesa Sanpaolo’s initiative is the latest step forward in the bank’s ambitious digital transformation strategy. Fingerprint authentication sweeps away limits on the value of contactless payments, removing the need to enter a PIN or sign the receipt, As a result, it simplifies the consumer experience at the point of sale and makes it faster and safer. The card works with existing EMV card terminal infrastructure, so merchants can easily maximize the shopping experience delivered to their customers without the need to upgrade their current hardware or software. For issuers, the technology helps detect and prevent fraud, increase approval rates, reduce operational costs and foster customer loyalty. Fully secure, on the spot fingerprint enrolment Intesa Sanpaolo has 11.9 million customers and 4,400 branches in Italy. Gemalto’s solution includes secure onthe-spot fingerprint enrollment at selected locations and in the future customers could even enroll for the service at home. To ensure the right to privacy, biometric data is stored on the card itself, not the bank’s servers. Protection is further enhanced by the fact that personal data is encrypted and never leaves the card. “We are proud to have undertaken the first step to introduce in Italy a card which technology offers the consumers clear and concrete benefits, following our choice to anticipate and facilitate the diffusion of innovative technologies functional to people’s everyday banking,” said Cinzia Bruzzone, Retail Manager Intesa Sanpaolo, “The Intesa Sanpaolo – Mastercard pilot project, achieved with Mercury Payment System support, avails itself of Gemalto’s contribution as a global operator, who provided the technology behind the new biometric cards and the tools necessary for storing the fingerprint on the chip.” “Consumers are quickly recognizing the combined power of contactless and biometric technologies to take the stress and strain out of secure transactions,” said Bertrand Knopf, Executive Vice President Banking and Payment for Gemalto, “We are delighted to work with Intesa Sanpaolo and Mastercard on another pioneering project, this time bringing the effortless safety of a biometric sensor EMV card to their consumers.” Intesa Sanpaolo’s initial pilot will run in Turin, Milan, and Rome and is scheduled to last 16 weeks.

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Gemalto Pilots Biometric Boarding at Los Angeles International Airport

Gemalto has announced a joint pilot with a leading airline to bring additional convenience and security to the traveler’s experience via biometric boarding in Terminal 4 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The test will confirm that passenger needs and expectations are met through use of facial recognition versus a traditional boarding pass as well as satisfying CBP (Customs and Border Protection) U.S. Exit requirements. The world of travel is changing rapidly, and with air traffic expected to double and reach 7.8 billion passengers by 2036, airlines and airports are innovating to meet new government and consumer demands for enhanced security and efficiency. Gemalto will satisfy these needs together with biometric boarding using facial recognition. “Being able to use your face instead of your boarding pass will not only enhance security but allow passengers to board more easily and quickly,” said Neville Pattinson, SVP of Government Programs, Gemalto, “The passenger process is changing globally and we are pleased to be on the leading edge of this change by enabling our partners to offer improved service and security with our biometric capabilities.” Easier boarding process with minimal hardware and infrastructure changes for the airport and airlines The pilot program at LAX is uniquely flexible with regards to space limitations and future options as the solution will be integrated into the existing agent podium to facilitate boarding. Passengers will approach the gate and receive confirmation via a computer screen and camera following a facial verification from Customs and Border Protection’s Traveler Verification Services. Once verified, the captured images will be wiped from the system to ensure privacy for all passengers. At a recent Department of Homeland Security biometric testing rally Gemalto’s Live Face Identification System (LFIS) achieved a 99.44% successful acquisition rate in less then five seconds, comparing very favorably to the average of only 65% over the same period amongst the other vendors present.

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Avigilon King Abdulaziz International Airport

Challenges To deploy a high-performance, reliable, and easy-to-use HD surveillance solution in KAIA’s 13 parking lots, terminal lobbies, retail shops, duty free areas, and restaurants for greater security, more efficient management, and to protect travellers and airport assets were a great challenge. Solution 274 Avigilon HD cameras ranging from 1MP to 16MP provide complete coverage of KAIA’s parking lots, terminals’ lobbies, and all internal mar ket shops; all of which are streamed and monitored around the clock in the airport’s state-of-the-art control room. Security personnel manage the Avigilon HD surveillance system using Avigilon Control Center Enterprise Network video management software. Benefits With the Avigilon HD Surveillance System installed, security officers can easily navigate and manage its 274 cameras, delivering irrefutable evidence to facilitate investigations, monitor inventory levels, and ensure best practices in terminal lobbies and all market shops. The airport lowered installation and labor costs by reducing the number of cameras required from 2300 analog-based cameras to just 274 Avigilon HD cameras. Leveraging Avigilon’s use of JPEG 2000 compression technology and high definition stream management technology, KAIA was also able to achieve superior image quality with minimal network bandwidth requirements.  

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Gallagher LABS London

Many companies who hire space are high tech, and therefore they expect the facilities they work in to include the latest technology. The challenge LABS faced when developing a co-working environment was to offer a safe and secure working environment that is easy to use by both the clients and staff, and uses the latest technology features and provides flexibility and future proofing.   The Gallagher solution The Gallagher solution was specified for the project because of the central hub it provides, as well as its ability to integrate with a number of products such as visitor management software (VMS) and CCTV. The Gallagher channel partner was able to offer a tailored security package that ensured LABS premises are safely monitored, guaranteeing smooth day-to-day operation. The business value Community Manager at Camden, Fran, is able to use Gallagher Command Centre for a number of tasks such as monitoring who enters the building including visitors, checking which meeting rooms are reserved, what hospitality is required etc. Leases can be short, medium or long term and range from the occupation of offices to desks. This means there are lots of leases starting and ending at different times making it difficult to keep track. By integrating with Command Centre access can be instantly revoked should a lease lapse, saving Community Managers time by not having to manually deny access.

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Matrix Manages UAE Based One-stop Retail Chain

A chain of one-stop shopping destinations is one of the pioneers of discount shopping centers in UAE and Dubai. With a selected chain of suppliers, they offer the widest choices of products at very affordable prices. The products of this retail chain range from daily food items to beauty products and perfumes. Household items such as kitchenware, tableware, appliances, decors, and electronics including mobile phones and computer accessories are also available here. The stores offer apparels such as ladies wear, menswear, and children’s wear, in addition to shoes, bags, school and office supplies. Branches of this retail chain are located in more than eight locations with the one in Sharjah, being the biggest branch till date. Challenges Since branches of this retail chain are spread across UAE, managing attendance of every employee became a tedious task. Moreover, keeping track of each of their IN and OUT timings, overtime, leaves, and shift management for multiple locations from a single location was another challenge the retailer faced. Attendance management, multiple shift management and over time calculation became tricky chal lenges to deal with. Apart from that, they required specific type of reports to map everything department or location wise. Solution offered Matrix offered its dynamic range of biometric hardware products along with the software solutions to complement the devices. As the retail chain is an exponentially growing company building stores at several locations, Matrix offered its Time-Attendance module along with fingerprint and card based door controller, COSEC DOOR FOT. This solution assisted in easy attendance management of employees along with their shift and overtime management. The solution also allowed generation of several specific types of reports with de tailed filtering options for smooth process and analysis of employees’ attendance details. Results Matrix people mobility management solution assisted the retail chain achieve following results: Centralized attendance management and monitoring. Easy shift & schedule management. Elimination of overtime issues. Smooth HR process with various precise reports. Products COSEC DOOR FOT: Fingerprint and card based door controller for time-attendance. COSEC CENTRA ME: Application server platform with 500 or more users and expandable up to 1,000 users. COSEC ME TAM: Time-attendance module for 500 or more users. COSEC USER 100: User license for 100 users

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