INDUSTRY PROFESSIONAL

Keeping the Perimeter Protection

Transmitting radio signals must perform in bad weather

Radar may not be the first technology that comes to mind when discussing perimeter protection, but that is all beginning to change. While many still hold the misconception that radars are best kept for high-level military grade applications, Magos is proving this long-held belief untrue. With the advent of low-cost commercial grade radar technologies, 24/7 all condition detection solutions have been made possible for any budget.

Radar is radio waves to detect and track targets. Simply put, this technology consists of a transmitted radio signal and a receiver that detects the echo off objects in the signals path, using this data to then determine range, altitude, direction and speed on an object. While many other perimeter protection technologies, such as traditional surveillance cameras, can be adversely affected by weather and lighting, radar perform optimally no matter the conditions. Nuisance alarms are yet another issue that plague standard perimeter security systems, wasting valuable time and resources each time a false alarm is triggered.

“It is imperative that perimeter security solutions perform well in bad weather and do not constantly produce false alarms,” said Yaron Zussman, general manager of Magos’ North American division. “Whether it’s for critical infrastructure or a satellite car lot, a security solution should be able to perform optimally at all times.”

It is with this vision that Magos has brought its radars to the North American market, with Zussman leading the charge. With a general lack of awareness around radar technology, Zussman and the Magos team are determined to address the common issues plaguing perimeter security systems and deliver superior solutions.

Learning Lessons along the Way

Prior to joining Magos in 2018, Yaron Zussman began his professional career in 2000, working in the IT industry as a business analyst on large-scale CRM and ERP deployments. It was 2003 when Zussman met with a Venture Capital firm that invested in a small IP video company that had plans to begin the migration from analog to IP, and thus began his career within the security industry.

“My initial venture into the industry, has provided me with the skills, knowledge and professional credibility required to propel Magos successfully,” said Zussman of his first security industry position.

From there, Zussman held multiple high-level partnership and sales positions with DVTEL between 2003 and 2014, until eventually moving on to become the CEO of FTS Biometrics America in 2014.

In February of 2018, Zussman began his work with Magos as the general manager for their American market. With his extensive resume, encompassing both physical security and information technology, Yaron Zussman has proven himself as a leading industry veteran.

Of his time at other organizations, Zussman says, “I keep learning every day in this industry. The biggest takeaways from any position I have held is that a great team is really the key to success.” DoD Technologies for All Applications

Yielding a wider coverage range than any other sensor on the market, a single ground-based radar can easily reach up to 120-degrees in azimuth and 30-degrees in elevation. With these expansive capabilities, single radar and a PTZ camera can cover large areas with changing topography, without the need for additional equipment. Using radars in commercial applications, provides very clear ROI to the end user.

Some midsized radars have the ability to detect vehicles up to up to 1,100 yards away, and humans more than 750 yards away, allowing for the detection of threats long before they reach the fence line. This paired with a slew-to-cue PTZ functionality allows for the earliest possible detection without the need for human interference.

“Just because radars can outright replace many perimeter protection solutions, doesn’t necessarily mean they always should,” Zussman said. “Using radars as an effective tool alongside video surveillance, video analytics and fence detection systems already in place has been shown to yield impressive results.”

Overcoming Roadblocks

Like many other over-seas companies, introducing a brand to the American market is always a challenge. With the majority of his experience being with startups, Zussman has been game for the challenge, seeking out those willing to try new technology and working to highlight the benefits of the solution that Magos brings to the table. Bringing this new technology to the market has been a true test of his acquired long-term partnership building skills.

“It is important to find the early adopters, who will give radars a try,” Zussman said. “Once they’ve tried it they are sold on the concept, but it is finding those key players in each vertical that is always a challenge.”

Despite these challenges Magos is optimistic about the future of the security industry, especially the perimeter protection market. While mega trends, such as AI and cloud technologies, take over the security market Zussman sees smaller movements and changes in perimeter security.

“Over the next few years, I think we will see more of a focus on radars and thermal imaging solutions,” Zussman said. “As these technologies become more affordable, there is nothing stopping consumers from using high-grade equipment.”

With a group of passionate security professionals, Magos has begun to emerge into the North American market while making a name for itself among critical infrastructure and other large-scale applications.

This article originally appeared in the November/December 2018 issue of Security Today.

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