Focal4 SSA System Adds Responsive Search

  • Jul 10, 2015

Honeywell announced that its Focal4 Shared Situational Awareness (SSA) system now delivers real-time topic trending information from Twitter.

An add-on to the Focal4 software, CAPSOL, which stands for Capture Social Media, uses search engine optimization to look for keywords cited in open Twitter feeds, for example shooter, bombing and fire. Because most Twitter activity is public and includes geo-locations based on the IP address of the person posting information, CAPSOL and Focal4 can accurately pinpoint the location of that communication and determine if it is relevant to the safety and security of an organization.

“When we look at how people communicate today, it’s through social media,” said John Stofa, CET, CFPS and municipal consultant, Honeywell Fire Safety. “Twitter provides a platform for real-time communication and CAPSOL can analyze those messages and make them actionable if they help identify a potential threat.

“It’s all about our ‘see something, say something’ world. If we see something on social media through CAPSOL, we can get that information to the right people and get feet on the ground to assess and respond to a situation.”

Focal4 helps improve emergency response and streamline day-to-day operations by monitoring disparate safety, security and building systems, quickly identifying potential threats and delivering that information to facility and security personnel through a central interface or mobile devices.

Tapping information from multiple sources is critical in crisis situations, especially if there are several events occurring simultaneously. That capability is bolstered by CAPSOL and the ability to add Twitter feeds to the available sources.

CAPSOL is easy to download and integrate into the primary Focal4 software. Users can activate the social media engine and enter the rules and keywords that are important to the safety and security of their organization. In addition, they can choose how on-site personnel and emergency responders are notified of alerts, including text messages and email.

CAPSOL can also show the volume of conversation so users understand if one person or numerous people are tweeting about an event, and tailor their response accordingly. It has connectivity with Facebook as well, but is more limited because of the privacy settings of the platform.

The Focal4 SSA system is built on an open architecture and easy to scale up, making it fit smaller facilities as well as enterprise systems worldwide. Add-ons such as CAPSOL are sold à la carte, which allows users to buy only the capabilities they need.

Featured

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.

  • 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.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.