Closing Out 2012; Hello New Year

As we close out 2012 and stare into the reality of 2013, I am reminded of all that has happened in our publishing world this year. It has been a wonderful time.

We’ve tried something new this year with our Industry Vertical. The idea behind this column was to highlight a specific case study with a little more detail about the processes, products and solutions involved. I think it has gone well. To a person, each of the authors has made a comment about their larger-than-life photo to go along with the story, but I’m a believer that good writing deserves attention.

Thankfully, all of the writers have been willing participants, and their stories have been compelling. We started with Kim Rahfaldt of AMAG, who shared the success of a plan to design a security management system. Some of this is hightech stuff, but Rahfaldt mentioned that AMAG’s client, Hilti brand tools, first mandated that employees wear security-issued identity badges. It’s not really back to the basics because the core values never wear out.

In February, Fredrik Nilsson of Axis Communications wove a tale of three cities, each of which implemented storage systems for their various security solutions. With a wide variety of storage options available today, IP should be considered for nearly every installation.

Former staff member Sherleen Mahoney penned a startling Industry Vertical in March when she relayed a story about the parents of her best friend. They own a business in Woodside, N.Y. The Calderons had a jewelry store but no security. Mahoney decided to spring into action after Mr. Calderon was assaulted and robbed. Axis Communications donated a couple of cameras, and its partner, ADT Commercial, offered to provide a hosted video solution.

This diamond in the rough became a gem of a story as Axis, ADT, EMC and Iomega came together to provide the complete solution, including a cloud-based video storage and monitoring security service. Now, it won’t matter if a criminal steals the DVR; the content has already been streamed and stored securely in an offsite data center.

These are the kind of people the security industry is made up of: good-hearted professionals who care about their fellow man. We see this kind of goodness all the time from people in the industry.

Sam Shanes of Talk-a-Phone helped me better understand perimeter security in our April issue with a look at emergency phone systems at a healthcare facility. You see the emergency phones on almost every campus. I’ve never seen anyone use one, but they work, and they work well.

This year has been another extraordinary year for me. I enjoy the tradeshows and meeting various people in the industry that bring new products and services to the security world. I think ISC West was extremely successful, and ASIS could use some fine-tuning.

However, ASIS does provide the editors in the industry with a pre-tour of the city where its event will take place. It is always professionally planned and well-executed.

I’m always very thankful for the educational tours I’ve been included in, and this year was no exception. I was able to see firsthand how access control works for a NASCAR team in Charlotte, N.C. LiftMaster provided a tour of the Earnhardt Ganassi Racing stable. It’s amazing the role good doors play in the security business.

I hope we’ll be in touch during 2013, and if you have a case study that warrants a punch in the arm, let me know, and together, let’s let the industry know.

This article originally appeared in the December 2012 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • New Gas Monkey Garage Venue Uses AI-Enhanced Video Technology

    Gas Monkey Garage, the automotive custom shop and entertainment brand founded by Richard Rawlings of Fast N’ Loud TV fame, has opened a vibrant new restaurant and bar in South Dakota, equipped with advanced, AI-enhanced video tech from IDIS Americas. Read Now

  • Data Driven, Proactive Response

    As cities face rising demands for smarter policing and faster emergency response, Real Time Crime Centers (RTCCs) are emerging as essential hubs for data-driven public safety. In this interview, two experts with deep field experience — Ross Bourgeois of New Orleans and Dean Cunningham of Axis Communications — draw on decades of operational, leadership and technology expertise to share how RTCCs are transforming public safety through innovation, interagency collaboration and a relentless focus on community impact. Read Now

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

New Products

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.