Category: Feature

A hotel stay is more than just a place to catch a few winks. It connotes uppermost safety and security followed by comfort to most, as well as luxury to a few. Big brands advertise their stays basis star ratings, which primarily denote amenities and luxuries. When it comes to star rated properties, safety and security is taken for granted by the travelers/ customers, but should it be so? And can it be so for all the other hotels? More so, how will safety be ensured in times of COVID-19? Terrorists attacks at hotels in Sri Lanka, recent fires reported at different hotels in India and now safety issues with regard to COVID-19 infection highlight the spectrum of security and safety issues that need to be catered for by hotels. Big gatherings/ conferences/ functions have always posed multitude of challenges as regard to safety and security for most hotels, and COVID-19 further adds to these challenges, requiring special preparations on part of the hotels to ensure security and safety. Screening of staff as well as ensuring their safety is another area, which if not looked into, can pose a threat to the safety and security aspects of a hotel and its customers. Most of the safety requirements related to fire and building code are very clearly articulated by various rules, laws, guidelines of relevant municipalities/ countries, however, to what extent they are being met and ensured tends to remain a question mark, and as such are never promulgated for the information of travelers. In the pre COVID-19 era, travel for business and vacations showed an increasing trend with the user penetration expected to hit 16.2% by 2023 from 15.4% in 2020 and the revenue from the hotels segment expected to show an annual growth rate (CAGR 2020-2023) of 4.1%, resulting in a market volume of US$ 432,095 million by 2023 (Travel & Tourism report 2019 – Statista Mobility market outlook – pre COVID-19). At the same time, as per an article published in ‘NY Times’ in 2018, there was approximately a 20% increase in crimes in city’s hotels and motels over the previous three years. Today the industry is reeling under the effect of COVID-19 with the industry coming to a complete standstill – leading to closures, layoffs etc., as is evident from news reports such as Hyatt Hotels is reported to have closed some of its properties and furloughed staff to cut costs and a net loss of $103 million (https://www.hotelmanagement.net/human-resources/hyatt-plans-temporary-closuresfurloughs-due-to-covid-19), in the first quarter of this year. French hospitality group Accor is reported to be closing more than 3,000 of the group’s 5,000 hotels and making more than 200,000 staff temporarily redundant during the outbreak (https://www. thejakartapost.com/travel/2020/04/03/accor-saysclosing-two-thirds-of-hotels-over-coronavirus. html), and other such reports. The effect of COVID-19 is more likely to introduce different ways of operating and being able to ensure safety and security is definitely going to help kick-start the industry and keep it going in times to come. COVID-19 is very likely to define a new normal for the industry. The safety and security readiness of hotels thus needs to find an expression, which should easily be convertible into a decision. The world as such does not have a standard established for safety and security ratings, which if established will help in the aforementioned decision making. A study conducted by Tyra W. Hillard, JD Seyhmus Baloglu, PhD in 2008 on ‘Safety and Security as Part of the Hotel Servicescape for Meeting Planners’ (https://www.researchgate.net/publication/233203682_Safety_and_Security_as_Part_of_ the_Hotel_Servicescape_for_Meeting_Planners) concluded that ‘visible safety features’ along with ‘documentation and staff training’ had a significant and positive impact on actual hotel selection and meeting planners willingness to pay more for a hotel with a safety and security certification. Having a safety and security rating displayed clearly is the need of the hour to encourage travelers to venture out of the safety of their homes. Most of the starred hotel chains, world over, have incorporated procedures to ensure safety and security and are incorporating measures to conform to the guidelines issued by WHO and governments in respect of measures to safeguard against COVID-19. They ensure the same by conduct of surprise checks/ audits undertaken through inhouse efforts as well as through conduct of third-party safety and security audits. The economically viable options like Oyo, Zolostays, FabHotels etc., also need to ensure the safety and security to remain viable. The star ratings elude to a competent safety and security establishment even though it is not specifically depicted by any rating, nor it is corroborated by any form of external certification; the other hotels/ stays in the market do not have any recourse to claim their safety and security status. Hence, there is an emergent need to have a safety and security rating/ certification by an external agency to help the travelers decide on a place to stay and understand the associated risks. The online travel agents (OTAs) like MakeMyTrip, Expedia, Cleartrip, Yatra, Trip Advisor, Booking.com etc. could help in assisting the customers make an informed decision by displaying the safety and security ratings. Needless to say, even the starred hotels could do with safety and security rating/ certification to further ensure the trust of the travelers/ customers. The challenge off course is to have a standardised format for safety and security, which cuts across different size and types of hotels, so as to enable availability of a common point or level rating system. There is a lot of work which has happened in this field. One such pioneering firm is Sky Touch Global, Australia, which has standardised the safety and security requirements and aligned them with existing threats/ risks inclusive of risks associated with COVID-19, and at the same time ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements. The designed system clearly communicates the safety and security levels of a hotel which enables decision making for the traveler. It also acts as a marketing tool for the hotels, both starred and non-starred, whilst ensuring safety and security for the traveler, considering various safety and security scenarios that exist…

  Open video management systems (VMS) is the preferred choice today for video surveillance as they are independent of proprietorship and closed solutions. This has led to VMS platforms integrating feature-rich software that provides a high level of control and functionality designed to make end users’ lives easier. IP-based cameras record the footages and share it with a network that is connected via the internet. IP cameras are the outputs of the Internet of Things (IoT) revolution. Understanding IP-cameras IP is internet protocol and hence IP-devices can be connected to any network of the IoT. Any electronic device that is connected to the IoT network, which can connect with a server and exchange information in an internet network, has its own IP address. IP-cameras are fundamentally a digital video camera that can receive and send data via the Internet. IP-based cameras are not dependable on local recordings but require a LAN-connection to transmit and process data. Advantages of IP-based cameras I P-based surveillance comes with scalability, flexibility and cost-effectiveness. These qualities are crucial for its application in a wide range of industries. With an IP-based video surveillance setup, users can monitor and record video remotely using an IP network as the system’s backbone. IP video installations can then be deployed in any environment, and offer many benefits previously unavailable with analog CCTV systems. Remote monitoring An IP surveillance system makes it possible for security monitoring teams to remotely view live camera feeds from any computer, mobile or handheld device with internet access. Additionally, the recorded surveillance footage can be stored at remote locations. Scalability IP-based cameras do not require cables as it is not connected to any physical computer device to function. Hence, it is easier to expand the network of surveillance in any location or even multi-locations, together in the same network. Storage capabilities Since network cameras capture digital video images, large amounts of footage can be stored on servers, where archived video can be quickly accessed and searched. In comparison to analog systems where video was stored on VHS cassette tapes, this is much more efficient. Application and features of IP-based surveillance I P-based surveillance cameras are a part of the VMS that serves the purpose of live viewing, recording, and retrieving of video footage. IP cameras support advanced motion detection, audio recording, and integration with other security systems – alarms, automated licence plate reading, facial recognition technologies etc, can auto-generate alerts itself and can also be used as a video analytics device for edge computing. For instance, IP-based camera can fire an alarm, if an individual is seen to leave a package or luggage in a public place like in a busy lobby, in the bus stop or inside the metro. With its sophisticated features, IP-based cameras have been helpful in solving several issues that are crucial in certain industries. For example, in the retail industry, there have been several concerns about mischievous employees indulging in widespread fraudulent money transactions that has led to the leakage of large amount of revenue annually. IP-based video surveillance system here has been successful in solving this, by electronically linking all transactions together with video recordings of the actions. All the information is stored in a local database so the retailer can see all the events of any given transaction and conduct a search on different parameters. Integration with other surveillance technology The open platform VMS can integrate with other security systems such as automated license plate recognition (ALPR) and facial recognition systems, and a host of many others. The integrated systems provide real-time notifications and add a searchable database. It can be easily integrated with an IP video surveillance security system. Automated license plate recognition Analytics embedded into IP cameras can capture the image of a licence plate and convert the image to digitized computer data that can be compared to a database. This system can be broken down into four major components – image collection, image analysis, image and data storage and data transmission. These aides in enhancing security, enforce toll collection, compare license plates to a list, provide parking revenue management, and provide access control, and more. IP-based door access control I P camera system can be connected to doors at the entrance of commercial buildings and workplaces, where access to individuals can be controlled via VMS. IP-based door access systems provide better security and ease of management at a much lower cost than earlier technologies as unlike, traditional door access systems. IP access nullifies the need for expensive control panels, hardware connections, and separate administrative maintenance. These devices use Power-over-Ethernet (PoE), meaning it is powered by the network switch via the Ethernet cable, instead of the building power, providing a more flexible and scalable security system installation that does not depend on expensive hardware fittings and elaborate wiring connection. IP-based door access can use facial recognition tools and help in maximizing the safety and security in different security-crucial locations such as hospitals, schools, government, military, and other organizations. The camera will be able to read the face of the individual and after matching the data with the server, it will allow entry only to authorised individuals. IP cameras can also be connected to audio or video intercoms that are network-attached providing a completely integrated solution for the manual unlock of doors. Long-range and night vision cameras Dual sensor IP cameras with long-range cameras with PTZ functions can work at any lighting condition and can also function as thermal imaging and night-vision cameras. These cameras can detect, make visible objects that are miles away and in total darkness. There are also PTZ cameras with built-in infrared (IR) illumination that can be used to see about 600ft away. These IP cameras are used by the military to view borders, military operations, and rocket launches. Conclusion As IP-based surveillance is getting a lot smarter, the video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) market is also growing by USD 6.16 billion during the period of 2020- 2024. This will undeniably see…

  The need for crisp and clear video images in low-light environments always exists. The data confirms it – when committing crimes like burglary and vehicle theft, criminals definitely prefer to hide under the cover of darkness.1 So to both prevent and tackle crime, it’s vital to have security cameras that can record quality, discernible footage in a variety of light conditions, especially in near total darkness. For years, improvements in sensor technology and algorithms to enhance the image have helped deliver better surveillance in low-light conditions. Besides IR illumination, other availabilities include the addition of visible light in the vicinity of the field of view, the use of image intensifiers, low-light lenses, and thermal cameras. In this blog, we talk you through different types of cameras – including some of the latest Prama Hikvision technologies – to help you understand the workarounds for low-light and pitch-black monitoring. See in low light Low light means anything down to 0.002 Lux – that’s the same conditions as a moonless, clear night. Many surveillance cameras built today for low-light performance can deliver usable and high-quality images by applying better optics and advanced sensors. To put it simply, the lens used thereby gets as much light as possible onto the image sensor. In this way, Hikvision has two options. The first is the Prama Hikvision ColorVu cameras, which are ideal for monitoring at a closer range. With an F1.0 super aperture and an advanced sensor, these intelligent eyes pull in four times the light of a conventional camera, for daylight-like color images in low-light conditions. Should light levels fall to zero, the built-in warm supplemental lighting ensures the camera can still capture vivid color images within up-to 40 meters range. If you need low-light security monitoring over larger distances, then Prama Hikvision’s DarkFighter camera range are ideal. Featuring a large-sized progressive scan CMOS sensor and a DarkEye SLA lens with a super large F0.95 aperture, DarkFighter cameras can deliver excellent HD high color images down to 0.002 Lux. The camera’s increased field of view allows security operatives to pan around and cover a large area of attention, particularly ideal for city streets monitoring, and open environments like ports, squares, parking lots etc.     See in total darkness When there is zero ambient light, there is one industry-standard option – Infra-red cameras. Security camera manufacturers have created true day/ night cameras that add IR illuminators to capture monochrome images when the light level falls to zero lux. Specifically, IR illuminators emit infrared light that is reflected by objects and is further collected by the camera sensor to produce a sharp, black and white image. Today, the vast majority of cameras on the market come with built-in IR illuminators. But if you want to take things a step further, it’s worth considering the Prama Hikvision DarkFighterX camera range. Based on the human eye, these cameras use a single lens featuring two sensors – one for IR imaging – which ensures that video footage is bright and sharp, and the other for visible light – which allows video images to be reproduced in full and vivid color. Both signals work together to create a single, bright, full-color image in light conditions as low as 0.0005 Lux. In zero light, the cameras enable mixed supplemental lighting to render color images. See in all weather conditions But what if it’s pitch black, and your view is obscured by rain, fog or even thick foliage? If you’re trying to see in the most challenging conditions, there’s one trusty option – thermal cameras.   Rather than using light, thermal cameras measure heat – or thermal radiation – to generate images from their field of view. In this way, the rendered image is far less affected by rain, snow, fog, smog or indeed anything that can obscure light. The way thermal cameras ‘see’ allows them to pick up movements with high accuracy, giving security operatives eyes on objects, vehicles and intruders. Combined with Video Content Analysis (VCA) technology, thermal cameras can offer a range of perimeter security solutions such as line-crossing detection and intrusion detection. This means they can easily detect intruders moving through bushes or under the cover of complete darkness. Prama Hikvision offers a range of cutting-edge thermal cameras including those that deliver the best of both worlds – bi-spectrum cameras, which combine thermal and optical images to create a hybrid image, making it easier to find hidden objects and document unusual events.  

After an extensive search for the right candidate for the CEO position at Milestone Systems, the Board of Directors is delighted to announce that Thomas Jensen has accepted the role. With his background in Hewlett-Packard and most recently in Europe’s largest IT integrator company Bechtle, Thomas Jensen is an executive leader with a strong global footprint that includes P&L responsibility for international businesses in software and hardware. He has deep business experience with IT and technology, and an understanding for the dynamics of business communities, technology partners and integrators. People are at the core of Thomas Jensen’s leadership philosophy, which resonates well with Milestone Systems’ Scandinavian leadership values and People First approach to management. Thomas Jensen said, “I am both humble and very proud to become part of Milestone Systems. Their strong focus on people was crucial to me when I accepted the position and I’m determined to continue with this as CEO. Combine this with Milestone Systems’ influence in transforming how video technology is used, both in security and in new applications beyond the industry, makes this a dream job for me.” Milestone is a strong company with a strong leadership team. Adding Thomas’ broad experience in strategy and execution puts us in a great position to achieve our goal of long-term sustainable growth for our community partners and for Milestone Systems   Thomas Jensen will join Milestone from Bechtle, Europe’s largest B2B IT service provider, where he was Executive Vice President and member of the Management Board. Before this, he was Head of Worldwide Channel Sales Strategy for HP Inc. in Palo Alto, California, United States, where he drove the global channel development. During the separation of Hewlett-Packard into HP Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Enterprise, Thomas led the channel separation, and was responsible for preparing the new strategy and organization for the indirect revenue of HP Inc. Before moving to the United States, Thomas was General Manager for Hewlett-Packard’s PC & Print Division in Denmark. Thomas Jensen has also held leadership positions in Vestas Wind Systems and Maersk Line. He holds a Master of Science in International Business Administration from the University of Aalborg and has completed the Executive Board Program at INSEAD in France. Milestone Systems is a leading provider of open platform video management software; technology that helps the world see how to ensure safety, protect assets and increase business efficiency. Milestone enables an open platform community that drives collaboration and innovation in the development and use of network video technology, with reliable and scalable solutions that are proven in more than 500,000 installations worldwide. Founded in 1998, Milestone is a stand-alone company in the Canon Group.  

Monday morning in the office. Fabian starts his working day as usual by booting up his computer and in the meantime he’s preparing a latte in the coffee kitchen. As a municipal administrative employee Fabian works in the city hall of his hometown. All public buildings have particularly high fire safety requirements. But Fabian doesn’t think about that at all; he feels completely safe at his workplace. Various elements play an important role in building fire protection. Many details are specified in building regulations. Apart from the building design, which determines the escape routes, it is mainly the type of materials used and the use of fire detectors and sprinkler systems. The fire behaviour of numerous building materials is optimised by the targeted addition of flame retardants. These ensure that the materials are initially less flammable, and in the event of a fire, further slow down the spread of the fire. The choice of the appropriate flame retardant depends on the type of material and its use within the building. Fortunately, our LANXESS flame retardant experts have the necessary know-how to provide safe solutions. For example, the various insulating foams used in the construction industry are supplemented with the appropriate flame retardant products from LANXESS, such as Levagard® or Emerald Innovation® 3000. Equipment safely connected Fabian does not work alone in the city hall, of course, but together with numerous colleagues. Accordingly, many electronic devices are in continuous use here for many hours of the day. Therefore, not only are the building materials in a public building subject to strict fire protection regulations, but the electronics must also be safe. After all, cables, plugs and housings of computers, printers, copiers and more are exposed to the highest stress in everyday office life. How safe these devices are in terms of fire protection is already decided when the basic materials are put together. So it’s all the better if the right LANXESS flame retardants are added to these different products. Plugs, cables and electrical and electronic housings are made of different plastics – polyamides, polyesters, PVC and other polymers or rubber. Products from our Firemaster® or Uniplex series ensure operational reliability in the manufacture of connectors, as do Disflamoll® or Reofos® in cable production. As highly effective flame retardants in the housings, numerous manufacturers worldwide rely on LANXESS Firemaster 2100® and BA-59P™. For Fabian, this means that he can spend his daily working hours in the office without having to think about fire safety measures – and also get a sure caffeine kick from the office coffee machine at any time. Fire protection in the floor   Today Fabian is going home a little early. His grandmother is in hospital with a broken leg, and he wants to visit her quickly before dinner is served. In clinics and hospitals, safety is of course the top priority. This also includes fire protection as an extremely important safety aspect in the building. One focus is also on what is under the feet of patients, doctors, nurses, caregivers and visitors – the floor coverings. Here in the hospital, it is not only the robustness against mechanical stress that counts, but above all the resistance against fire and heat. Typical requirements for the materials of floor coverings are low flammability, slow flame spread in case of fire and low smoke density development. In order to gain valuable rescue seconds for all persons in an emergency and to secure escape routes as well as possible, highly effective LANXESS flame retardants such as Disflamoll® or Reofos® are added to the floor coverings. And Fabian and his grandmother? The two of them don’t even notice all the protective additives in the flooring, because they fulfill their safety mission in secret. So Grandma Grete is simply happy about the visit of her grandson – and Fabian is happy that he made it to his grandmother’s hospital as planned before dinner time. Every second counts So that people like Fabian can rightly place their trust in the modern products of our time, we at LANXESS are working systematically on safe and sustainable material solutions. Preventing and suppressing fires therefore plays a crucial role in material development. That’s why our research and development teams work every day to ensure compliance with strict fire safety standards in order to reduce the harmful effects of fires on people, property and the environment as far as possible in advance. This is because flame retardants are not only intended to prevent fires from starting, but also to slow down the spread of fire in the event of a fire. This creates saving seconds or minutes for escape from the danger zone and the deployment of auxiliary personnel. Such a time window can make all the difference in saving lives. We offer one of the world’s most comprehensive ranges of flame retardants and our development, consulting and sales teams support manufacturers in a wide range of product areas. LANXESS is a leading specialty chemicals company with sales of EUR 6.8 billion in 2019. The company currently has about 14,300 employees in 33 countries. The core business of LANXESS is the development, manufacturing and marketing of chemical intermediates, additives, specialty chemicals and plastics. LANXESS is listed in the leading sustainability indices Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI World and Europe) and FTSE4 Good.  

  Some technologies that seem to be very common now were first used in military fields – such as radar, GPS, and others. However, over time, the technology matured and products can now be put into mass production, resulting in significant cost reductions and making military technology more widely used in general civilian applications. Thermal technology is another example, and possibly the most exciting right now. Here’s why. Thermal technology works on the principle that objects above the absolute zero (-273°C) emit some amount of thermal radiation, or heat. Due to varying intensities of heat radiation, people, animals, and even inanimate objects can be clearly observed using thermal technology, even in the absence of light. Thermal technology has long been used in the field of security, especially in complex environments such as border protection, forest fire detection, airport security, and so on. This imaging technology remains unaffected by visual impediments such as fog or mist and so offers a unique type of performance in harsh conditions. While thermal technology is fairly well known, experience with thermal cameras is not so common. Users often mistakenly believe that they are only installed in large and expensive projects as they are almost always associated with high-end PTZ cameras. In recent years, with the rapid development of thermal detector technology, coupled with the popularization of the use of thermal products in the application side, the cost of using thermal technology has dropped sharply. So, can thermal cameras be used in small and medium business markets, or even home security? Rethinking thermal cameras For SMBs users, preventing intrusion is one of the most important measures in protecting property. Business owners and operators are usually more focused on alarm accuracy and the ability of a security system to monitor after business hours, most commonly at night. Some core areas such as the power room in an office building have high standards for security requirements. Conventional CCTV systems can cater to the needs of surveillance during the day, but at night, criminals can still quietly approach and damage power facilities under cover of darkness, suspending normal operations. Additionally, increased operating costs due to false alarms is also a hot item for SMBs. The most common false alarms are caused by small animals and falling leaves. Here, thermal equipment is already making life easier for many users. Thermal cameras integrated with deep learning algorithms can classify people and vehicles, alerting security staff only when these two objects enter the monitoring area to reduce false alarms. Therefore, thermal cameras, free from special lighting requirements, can and should be applied in a wider variety of scenarios since they can easily do the job needed. They have strong environmental adaptability and can bolster perimeter protection with high accuracy detection in unpredictable lighting or bad weather. Furthermore, with the implementation of GDPR guidelines, thermal cameras are also increasingly being used in residential communities. According to regulations in residential perimeter protection scenarios, cameras with visible light channels are not allowed to capture images in local neighborhoods due to privacy risks over personal data. Fortunately, the ‘fuzzy’ video rendered by thermal imaging does not violate privacy issues while guaranteeing high-quality detection. Prama Hikvision: Affordable prices, consistent performance With breakthroughs in imaging, algorithms, and intelligent applications, Prama Hikvision has introduced a new affordable thermal camera, which is designed for perimeter protection and fire prevention. This thermal camera is specifically designed for short-range monitoring – up to 70 meters – so they are really best-suited for perimeter protection in SMB markets such as residential areas, office buildings, and factories. When a target enters the surveillance range, an automatic alert can be triggered to inform security personnel – a process unaffected by light or weather conditions. Most importantly, this thermal camera series opens up new opportunities for SMB users, both in terms of affordable prices and outstanding performance.  

With the rapid technological developments around us, more and more industries embrace digitization. For example, the Internet of Things, automation, virtual and augmented reality, and machine learning take production and business processes to the next step. However, the engineering & construction industry (E&C) – with 13 percent of global GDP the largest in the world – has been notably reluctant to adopt new and digital technology. Disruption of the construction industry But there is a wind of change as building projects get more and more complex. Digital technology is increasingly used to create smart buildings and smart cities. The development is snowballing and already disrupting the E&C industry. New players are introducing digital business models. Change is also driven by the public sector, which sees massive advantages of adopting digital technology, such as 4D and 5D building information modeling (BIM).   BIM, defined as “a digital representation of physical and functional characteristics of a facility,” can be used to manage the information during a construction project. It covers every component of a building and the process from design to operation and maintenance to end-of-life. It improves collaboration across projects as well as efficiency, which reduces time, costs, and errors. The use of BIM models can lower error sources by 60 percent and speed up the communication flow by 50 percent. Small wonder that large organizations and governments are starting to demand the use of BIM, including Finland and the UK. The big German railway company Deutsche Bahn has introduced the use of 5D BIM solutions. Getting the right software 5D BIM brings together design (3D), time management (4D), and budget (5D). With the addition of 6D and 7D, environmental and sustainability, and life-cycle management aspects are also included. To reap the benefits of BIM, you need software that can handle the information about a building or structure. One leading software is Autodesk® Revit®, which is used by architects, structural engineers, MEP (mechanical, electrical, and plumbing) engineers as well as designers and contractors. Configuration tutorial: Axis plugin for Autodesk® Revit® – How to select cameras One of the benefits of Revit is the possibility of analyzing and simulating systems and constructions and creating 3D visualization models. The building blocks of these models are BIM objects, which are digital descriptions of products and materials and can cover practically everything you could imagine. And it is here that Axis enters the picture. Plugin for superior video surveillance The Axis camera family plugin for Revit is a goldmine for anyone who wants to add cameras or other surveillance products when planning entire IP video surveillance systems directly in a building plan. You can download it for free from axis.com, and start downloading cameras and other Axis BIM objects from your preferred BIM library. Explaining why Axis has made these BIM objects available, Mikael Flygh, globally responsible for the Axis Architects & Engineers program, says: “It’s about innovation and understanding our partners. The objective is to simplify and help them be more efficient. Our plugin and the BIM objects let them see how the video surveillance will work, already at the drawing stage.” Experience the final solution Flygh continues: “The 3D animations let you see how the cameras fit into the general architecture. Not only will it create better safety and security solutions; you – and the end-customer – can also experience the final product, which is important.” All Axis cameras are available as realistic 3D BIM objects. Using the selector tool embedded in the plugin, you can quickly choose a suitable camera. Downloaded to your building plan, you get valuable information about the cameras, such as focal range and resolution. You can adjust focal length, pan-tilt-zoom, and other settings. You can experience a 3D view, as seen through the camera lens. It is also easy to change and get the right mounting. When you are satisfied with the camera placement, it is easy to verify the entire solution’s camera coverage. Continuous improvements Axis plugin for AutoDesk® Revit® has been around for some years, but “During the last 12 months, we’ve committed to updating it, listening to and acting on customer feedback,” says Flygh. The improvements will continue, and Axis will add new products to the BIM libraries, and new features upon their release. For example, the plan is to introduce multi-sensor cameras during the third quarter of 2020. It involves the entire value chain, reducing errors and misunderstandings, improving efficiency and communication. “We will continue to invest in this because we believe in digitization,” Flygh says. “It involves the entire value chain, reducing errors and misunderstandings, improving efficiency and communication, but above all, it’s about the end-customer experience.” Covering various needs Axis offers several tools that will help you during the planning and design phase. One example is a plugin for Trimble® Sketchup® that provides 3D CAD models that let you find the right camera and visualize its coverage.  

  The Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi, in his recent Independence Day speech announced that India will get a new, ‘robust’ cyber security policy soon. The Internet Crime Report for 2019, released by the USA’s Internet Crime Complaint Centre of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, has revealed that India stands third in the world among top 20 countries that are victims of internet crimes. Given this status and the PM’s announcement, it is vital to understand the outlook of the industry leaders on what kind of cyber security policy the industry is looking forward to in the country   Adaptation of digitisation is taking place at a faster pace, be it in businesses or in other walks of life. It is expected that we will be soon transiting wholly to newer technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, Internet-of-Things, and 5G spectrum, which will naturally expand our dependency on digitisation multifold. However, in the absence of stringent cyber security infrastructure, cyber threats can be disastrous for our entire social fabric. There has been a recent surge in cyberattacks on Indian digitalscape that are only increasing in scope and sophistication, targeting sensitive personal and business data and critical information infrastructure, with impact on national economy and security. Cyberwarfare is relentless in trying to erode the security fortification of several sectors in the country. This is certainly a wakeup call for India to have stronger policies in place. India being the country with proven digital capabilities hub of the world contributing around 75 percent of global digital talent, it is pivotal for India that we come up with sturdy policies. The Prime Minister’s assurance on bringing in a National Cyber Security Strategy is very much welcomed. This move will emphasize the adoption of data protection measures and stronger policies that shall protect the privacy and interests of customers, businesses and the general public of the country. Formulation and adoption of policies might still take time, but this is a clarion call to the Indian internet users to pay attention to the threats, on creating robust ‘firewalls,’ and conducting regular cyber security and data protection audits. The world is moving towards a more sophisticated path in terms of digitization and so are the cyber threats. India has a huge part of the tech-savvy population. From social media to online transactions we have our footprints everywhere. In such a scenario, it is imperative to have a strong resilient cyber security policy and we are glad that the government is thinking in these terms. Covid-19 has shown the importance of having a strong cyber security measure, while organizations have done their best in trying to secure their employees, users and vendors from cyber attacks, the government too should safeguard the sensitive data it holds that, if breached, would lead to a colossal damage. Threat actors have time and again targeted government agencies, banks and other organizations for data which is in huge demand in the dark web. To overcome and take control of the situation, a strong policy is of dire need. The government must first regulate the many ‘institutions’ that teach ethical hacking without taking responsibility for what their trainees intend to do with that knowledge as there is no legal check point. The PM’s announcement has a long term perspective aligned to it. We look forward to a policy that incorporates security as a core and mandatory aspect permeating the various facets of cyber interaction. We envisage a top down flow where actions and interventions have to take place by Governments at a framework and policy level, businesses at a security level and community at a behavioural level. The various crime fighting bureaus and agencies need to be empowered so that they can speed up their response times without red tape miring them down. With a large percentage of work, interaction and engagement moving online, cyberspace is going to become the next hunting ground for unethical practices and felonies. Most systems have now seen an inundation of usage (from simple broadband to video chat to educational software and a host of others) with no extra security precautions taken. Zoom session hacking was a recent case in point. In fact the outcome of COVID has opened up a huge potential target base for cyber criminals. Companies now need to incorporate and mandate best practices at an enterprise, department and employee level. An apt policy would take into consideration all touch points and introduce transformational interventions across them. Make in India companies need to be actively involved in galvanising the new policies ensuring the implementation is cost effective, secure and beneficial to the nation at large. We strongly believe that the eminent experts will define the policy that not only covers the current scenario but is also preventive in nature. We look forward to any policy that ensures the safety and security of businesses, users and the public at large. Cyber Security has never been more important than what it is today. Even before COVID the business environments coupled with the Digital India initiatives have mandated that the cybersecurity policy framework of the government needed to be significantly ramped up – both from catching up with the rest of the world as well as being relevant given the evolving environment. With COVID and the new norms of working from home – it is becoming even more urgent. The policy that we are looking forward to should cover the entire spectrum of challenges – be it in terms of data or in terms of identity. The new policy that we are looking for should include guidelines and compliances for organisations and government departments so that the citizens of the country can freely participate in this digitization of the country which is now going to be a way of life going forward. While compliances and regulations are required, what is more important is a mechanism to effectively make the compliances matter – in that, get the implementations of the compliances to happen. India has been notorious about…

The majority of security systems has been stand-alone – which means they were built to work in an independent and self-contained way. This allowed them to perform specific functions, like recording CCTV footage, or securing a perimeter with intrusion alarms etc. Complex system integrations have been the only way to bring these disparate solutions together to increase security as a whole. The answer to this challenge is technological ‘convergence,’ which essentially refers to the deliberate combination of several disparate or complementary technologies into a single product or solution. For example, convergence allows previously siloed functions such as intercom and video surveillance systems, to create a unified view of an intrusion or other security breach. The result is a solution that improves situational awareness and, therefore, the safety of organizations and their people and assets. In this short blog, we overview 5 key ways that converged security can benefit one’s business and customers: Enhance customers’ user experiences   The first major benefit of convergence is an improved end-user experience, especially in terms of managing all the elements of the security solution more easily and efficiently. In this context, convergence works by providing a single platform and interface for managing disparate security infrastructure and devices, including video cameras, access control systems, intercom, and alarm systems. In this way, one can eliminate the need for the customers to access and manage multiple devices using different logins or apps, saving them time, reducing complexity, and reducing risks associated with managing and using multiple passwords. Increase the installation efficiency for major cost savings With security systems that incorporate different systems and platforms, installation complexity is often dramatically increased, with multiple protocols to manage and even different cabling systems for different devices. Convergence helps hugely by providing a single platform and unified interface, allowing one to add devices quickly and easily in batches, and quickly configure device parameters. All of this means that one can reduce the time and effort associated with project management and installation, and deliver even better customer experiences. One can also save on technician’s hourly rates and installer rates, and he can also reduce the cost of deploying, maintaining, and rebuilding disparate systems for customers. Finally, he can reduce software licensing costs, helping them increase their margins and deliver the best value for customers. Boost customers’ security capabilities With security solutions made up of diverse devices and platforms, it can be more difficult to achieve an instant view of a security breach and to respond quickly enough. An example would be an alarm sounding, but with no way to understand where the breach is taking place, and which camera it is being captured on. This challenge is addressed with converged systems, which can automatically link alerts and alarms to the output of a particular camera that is capturing the security breach. With converged systems, access control can be activated to close specified doors, and video clips streamed to customers via an integrated mobile app. In this way, a converged solution delivers greater performance and value for customers than traditional systems made up of disparate elements. As an additional benefit, integration of devices allows each customer to set parameters for alarms such as the types of events that trigger them. Scale easily to meet customers’ growing needs With converged security solutions, all security devices – from cameras to intercom – run on a single underlying infrastructure and software stack. With this common infrastructure in place, the customers can expand the system with new devices quickly and easily, with no need for additional hardware or software anywhere in the environment, and no need to re-invent the underlying infrastructure. Generate new upsell revenues for the business Many small and medium businesses would benefit hugely by adding more sophisticated security capabilities – such as access control – to their existing intrusion alarm and video solutions. However, many are deterred by the perceived complexity and cost of rolling out and integrating new types of security devices into their environments. Convergence helps overcome this demand. One can not only help his customers innovate to improve overall security and management efficiency, this is also an excellent opportunity for him to upsell new security solutions such as access control, intercoms, and smart doorbells to the customers. Find out more With convergent systems currently focusing on bringing different security capabilities together, integrating with Internet-of-Things (IoT) solutions is the next step. This will support alarms and alerts for all kinds of incidents, from intrusions and fire risks, right down to a light bulb or HVAC system failure. Prama Hikvision is pioneering this vision for converged security with our forthcoming convergent security service solution. This brings together disparate security devices on the same, common, cost-effective, easy-to-manage platform and infrastructure.  

Making a security system smarter is much easier than one can imagine. By focusing on a few key elements, it becomes straightforward and worthwhile in the long run – it makes operations more streamlined and efficient, it aggregates all you need in the palm of your hand, and it generates powerful security insights. Think about proactive security A traditional video security system works by passive monitoring, which means it is referred to after incidents happen. Why? Usually there is limited or no intelligence to detect a true intrusion event, and so too many alerts are triggered compounding the genuine and insignificant events together. This is a reality that makes it tough for security personnel to focus and act. A smarter security system that precisely identifies trespassing events and deters the intruders at the very beginning, can transform passive monitoring to proactive security. One example is the Hikvision AcuSense technology. What does smart look like? Facilities are equipped with cameras featuring AcuSense technology, so they are enabled to detect human/ vehicle intrusions day and night. If an intruder enters an area of attention, an alarm will be triggered, and simultaneously the onsite camera produces a flashing light and an auditory warning – which can be pre-recorded – with the aim of deterring the intruder. At the same time, security personnel is notified on the monitor with a video clip displaying what is happening. Accordingly, actions can be taken straight away. In this way, facilities can protect their assets with more confidence. When it comes to forensic search Now that the system enables immediate response, attention can be paid to using it for forensic search. Most of the video recorded on an NVR or DVR is rarely viewed. But, when the time comes that a short piece of video is needed, operators are faced with thousands of hours of recorded video. A smart search of video archives can greatly simplify the task and help an investigator quickly find evidence of an event. The solutions can be found in intelligent video analytics, for example human and vehicle detection, license plate recognition and other powerful features. One of Prama Hikvision’s offerings is the DeepinMind NVR. This can effectively identify people separately from other objects such as animals or leaves captured by security cameras. So, as soon as there’s a line-crossing detection by a person, the NVR recognizes it and starts to record, further categorizing that video clip with a label for convenient search. In this way, investigators looking for evidence of an intruder’s trespass, can simply specify the line-crossing search criteria, and choose the category labelled human events. The system will quickly show all the relevant videos. Smarter with convergence The majority of security systems used to be stand-alone – in other words, they were built to work in an independent and self-contained way. But users needed to access and manage each system with respective platforms and logins. If you take the next step to get a converged system, the unified solution can bring security to a whole new level. A smarter, unified security solution allows users to access all the security devices in one platform, covering video cameras, access control, intercom, alarm equipment and more. As a bonus, since these systems are converged, users can set rules for event types, time schedules and triggered actions, such as link alerts to the output of a particular camera that is capturing the security breach.   System convergence allows flexible linkage across various devices, giving the user choice to customize to their needs in different scenarios. With Prama Hikvision’s latest offering – Hik-ProConnect, it can easily boost your security with more convenience.   Powerful insights beyond security When the security operation is successfully streamlined, business operation insights can come next. Examples could be people counting, queue detection, and heat mapping technologies. Today’s dual-lens smart people counting cameras can accurately track customer flow and numbers, helping retailers adjust staffing level in different times; while heat mapping cameras help understand the hot spots throughout the shop floor and optimize layout. Furthermore, queue detection cameras can be placed to monitor queues in real-time, helping retailers manage their checkout lines. All of these methods work to increase operational efficiency and enhance in-store shopping experience. The solution can be achieved using intelligent video cameras like Prama Hikvision DeepinView series, at the same time, a well-performed VMS like Prama Hikvision’s HikCentral manages all of the information sent by cameras and generates reports for retailers to see and react. The HikCentral employs various business intelligence (BI) modules to suit a variety of applications such as facial recognition and people counting analysis. It integrates with most other Prama Hikvision products, including IP cameras, and can also integrate with third-party systems and cameras.