Facility Security


Fair Warning

Ask a group of physical security managers what their most critical security priority is, and not many would answer fire detection and prevention. However, according to the National Fire Protection Association, more than 3,000 lives and more than $10.6 billion dollars in damages were attributed to fires in the United States last year alone. A catastrophic fire can cause loss of life, damage to assets and inventory, and lost productivity due to downtime. In fact, according to KPMG, 40 percent of businesses that suffer a catastrophic disaster, such as a major fire, go out of business in less than two years.

Safety in the Heartland

Growing up is never easy, but when things get out of hand, there are places where the most vulnerable can find hope. One such place is White’s Residential and Family Services in Wabash, Ind.

Finding the Right Formula

Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the government instituted increased levels of security planning for critical infrastructures in the United States. Not surprisingly, the petrochemical industry is one of 14 sectors deemed by the Patriot Act of 2001 to be of high criticality and sensitivity.

No Strings Attached

While wireless locks have been around for a number of years, wireless locks that store information in the lock itself are brand new. Each stand-alone wireless lock is a panel that contains all information about the lock. Once programmed, the wireless lock continues processing independent of a server or computer.

Life Safety Upgrade Brings Order to Courthouse

Courthouses must provide a presence that conveys stability, integrity, and suggests the vital duties of the court while maintaining an open and inviting atmosphere.

Ask the Expert

A Look Back

Once the hustle and bustle of the 2008 Olympic Games had left Beijing last year, we were able to fully understand and admire the technological wonders.

Vehicle Tracking Solution Helps Super Bowl Security

KORE Telematics, a digital wireless services provider specializing in machine-to-machine communications, and U.S. Fleet Tracking, a provider of automatic vehicle location solutions, will help Gameday Operations ensure security at this year’s Super Bowl. The joint solution will track vehicles carrying all key NFL and entertainment personalities, including the AFC and NFC champion teams, throughout Super Bowl XLIII week in Tampa Bay, Fla.



Analysis: Compliance Requirements Driving Healthcare Security Boom

Security vendors gradually built a strong presence in the healthcare industry after overcoming initial resistance from the medical community. Technological advances and increasing applications within healthcare favor supply side factors. With healthcare staff coming to terms with inevitable compliance standards and the healthcare industry poised to grow at double-digit rates, the market looks highly lucrative over the forecast period. New analysis from Frost & Sullivan finds that the market earned revenues of $1.66 billion in 2007 and estimates this to reach $5.78 billion in 2014.

ASIS Foundation Releases Report On Security For Tall Buildings

As tall buildings, including high-rises, become more common, the security and the safety of their occupants merit attention. According to a new Connecting Research in Security to Practice (CRISP) Report, tall buildings are exposed to all the normal security risks -- crime, disorder and emergencies -- that threaten any street-level or campus-style building.

Aimetis Platform To Be Installed At Munich Airport Terminal

Aimetis Corp., a provider of intelligent IP video surveillance software, recently announced that Aimetis Symphony will be installed as the video surveillance software platform in Munich Airport’s Terminal One.

Advanced X-ray Technology To Help Protect Federal Courthouses

Smiths Detection recently announced a $3.5 million contract with the United States Marshals Service for HI-SCAN 6046si advanced X-ray screening systems. The systems will be installed in courthouse lobbies throughout the United States to screen personal belongings of those entering the building.

New Michigan Jail To Feature Digital Video Surveillance Technology

A modern, new 250-bed jail will soon replace the currently overcrowded 98-bed facility in Midland County, Mich., and digital video surveillance technology from Panasonic System Solutions Company will boost security at the $25 million, 103,000-square foot facility.

Video Analytics Keep Watch Over Solar Fields In Spain

MATE Intelligent Video recently announced that its Trigger analytic video encoder has been chosen by CCTV Center, a leading distributor in Spain, to protect several local solar fields.

Wireless Video Surveillance System Watching Over Campus Of California University

California State University, Long Beach, one of the nation's largest public universities, is watching over its campus with a wireless video surveillance system similar to those used at Super Bowl XLII and in cities such as Chicago and Dallas.

Intransa, Convergint Technologies Announce Sales Alliance

Intransa, a provider of physical security data management and video storage, and Convergint Technologies LLC, a North American systems integrator of electronic security, fire alarm, life safety and building automation systems, recently announced a new sales alliance.

Qatar Hotel Deploys Integrated IP Video Surveillance System

IndigoVision’s complete IP video technology is providing a fully integrated CCTV surveillance solution for the new Mövenpick Tower & Suites Hotel in Doha, Qatar.

ICx Technologies Provides Security Equipment For Inauguration

ICx Technologies announced recently that, in response to a high-priority need, it provided four SkyWatch towers, two DefendIR thermal cameras, four IBAC biological sensor units and two Illuminator cameras to help insure security for the inauguration of President Barack Obama at the Capital and on the National Mall Tuesday.

Australian Sports Venue Sees Results After Upgrading From Analog System

Avigilon recently announced that Canberra Stadium, an international sports venue in Australia’s capital city, has deployed the Avigilon High Definition surveillance system to monitor patrons, ensuring improved public safety and overall venue security.

Venezuela Office/Commercial Complex Upgrades To IP Video Surveillance

Genetec recently announced that the largest office and commercial complex in South America, Centro Ciudad Comercial Tamanaco (CCCT), has implemented Omnicast, Genetec’s IP video surveillance solution, to protect the visitors, tenants and owners of the highly trafficked site.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • 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

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.