No Room at the Inn

With the second day of Security Essen is well underway, I dare say there is hardly room to squeeze an orange to find room in some of the halls (there are 12 halls total). In the halls where companies show access control, video surveillance and cameras, it’s shoulder to shoulder. Booths and employees are busy almost everywhere.

One of the entertaining parts of today’s activities was to visit the Simon Voss Technologies booth where many of the sales staff were decked out in lederhosen.

Considering it is the Octoberfest celebration this week in Germany, it seems appropriate and a very catchy way to celebrate during a security tradeshow. I like the idea of wearing short pants during any tradeshow.

Simons Voss has a very small presence in the United States, and may return to the American market in the future, but for the moment, their focus is in this hemisphere. They recently announced their Smarthandle 3062, a special new door fitting developed to satisfy the special requirement of the hospitality industry and retirement homes. The product communicates wirelessly with the identification media in digital locking and access control system, and controls where and when as many as 64,000 users are granted access.

Because most of the exhibitors here in Germany are new to me, sometimes I pick a booth visit based on the name of the company. For instance, I ventured into Wink Haus and found their blueControl Start locking system management solution. The company is offering a new user interface, with a new design that allows for end users to carry out tasks a little bit easier. Best of all, training is not required for managing lock authorizations either.

With a presence in the United States, German manufacturer, Geutebruck has a comfortable booth at Security Essen, complete with a staff of cooks, service crew and waiters.

Geutebruck is launching a variety of new products, including the G-Tect/VMX, which is a new intelligent video analysis solution for detecting motion in outdoor situations. It reports direction-dependent motion with extremely low false alarm rates, even in difficult conditions, such as rain or snow.

It truly is an exciting time to see the security world on the east side of the Atlantic Ocean, though I am convinced that U.S. companies have an edge in the security world. Thanks to our electronic newsletter sponsors for this rare glimpse at security in the European market.

About the Author

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

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

  • 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.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • 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.