Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/124234
On Top of Their Game Focusing on deterrents helps foster a secure and safe environment by Laurie Jones W hile advances in technology are creating a new world of security options, old school visual and environmental components also play a significant role in corporate and personal safety. Therefore, manufacturers and security consultants must be on top of their game at all times. Depending on the facility, security should focus on deterrent first, says Colin Lobo, principal, Lobo Consulting Services Inc. "A lot of our clients in commercial and institutional facilities are contracting us to do Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) analysis. This involves auditing the building, the surroundings and the natural environment to deter individuals from committing criminal activities." Making sure all areas are well lit, shrubs are trimmed, and pathways are clear to designated areas. Lobo adds that clients also want to know what their current level of security and technology does to meet their requirements, or if they do have to upgrade. "We start by using the latest in technology to find out where their vulnerabilities are," says Lobo. "Depending on the facility, deterrence should always be the first consideration. The idea is to prevent the criminal from even thinking about doing the act ." Lobo says adding measures to create deterrents throughout the facility is key, including card readers and making sure cameras are visible to create a sense of security. TycoIS, a division of Tyco International Ltd., offers more than 138 years of expertise. "Regardless of an organization's size, TycoIS works closely with customers to identify areas of concern and potential vulnerabilities within business operations and facilities and offers security solutions to help protect assets, employees, and customers," says Iain Morton, VP Canada region at Tyco Integrated Security. The TycoIS team draw from a broad range of technologically-advanced security solution. These solutions include access control, IP-based solutions and Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) software, intrusion detection and monitoring, fire systems provided through SimplexGrinnell, life safety, video surveillance, asset and personnel tracking, security systems integration, electronic article surveillance (EAS), web hosted services, and radio frequency identification. Mirtech International Security Inc. has recently been awarded the contract to design, supply, and install a Firetide wireless mesh based, video surveillance system on the streets of Orillia, Ontario. "The Security and Life Safety Systems p46-47Security.indd 47 Cell phone is used as a personal security key with Schlage AD-Series Lock. Photo courtesy Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies. project will allow city officials and the police force to access pertinent information via a secured network housed within the Ontario provincial police substation, including allowing police officers to access the system and view the live video feed from their cruisers." says Louis Bouchard, executive VP. "The system will expand over time to 60 cameras throughout the city in the years ahead." According to the experts at Chubb Edwards, IT departments play an increasingly important role in security and life safety decisions. "Network-based IP solutions offer highly secure, cost-effective platforms for the integration of intrusion detection, access control, video surveillance and fire systems," says Randy Krzak, VP, marketing and technology. Advancements in computing and networking have resulted in innovative products and services across the entire Chubb Edwards portfolio. "Chubb Edwards' EST3X life safety platform provides smarter, faster, higher-capacity processing and transmission along with more efficient designs," says Krzak. Numerous innovations have been engineered into the EST3X system, including the Voltage Boost technology, which allows use of lighter gauge cable and has the potential for significant cost saving. The EST3X system also includes the SpeedTouch rotary control for scrolling through and quickly selecting events and options. "In a crisis, this simplified, intuitive operation is absolutely critical to emergency operators and fire department personnel." The new IP connectivity capabilities provide opportunities for advanced features and interfaces for security system users. "The ChubbConnect app for smartphones and tablets allows subscribers to remotely check system status, arm and disarm their systems, receive event notification, adjust lighting and temperature and even view live or recorded video," says Krzak. Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies Canada is bringing a portfolio of products to the market that are multi-technology friendly. "Our line of readers can read old technology, new technology and technology that is just emerging," says Josh Weidman, director of sales and marketing, electronic security. Last spring, the company announced that all existing 13.56 MHz smart versions of the AD-Series locks and XceedID smart card readers are already compatible with the new aptiQmobile NFC (near field communication) technology. The popular Schlage AD-Series locks will let people use aptiQmobile webbased service and NFC-enabled smartphones as their credentials to allow secure access into their facilities. "To gain entrance, they simply open the aptiQmobile app and tap their phone to an NFC-enabled reader," says Weidman. Jeremy Earles, Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies product marketing manager, readers and credentials, says, "Organizations are looking to future-proof their investments and NFC is one of the key technologies on the horizon. Using aptiQmobile on their NFCenabled smartphones in conjunction with AD-Series locks or XceedID smart card readers, these organizations can be assured that their systems are flexible and their investments are solid." Clients of Hemisphere Engineering Inc. are using video surveillance more these days. "In a number of facilities surveillance is discreet, but a strong security presence is made in buildings such as art galleries or museums," says Vern Mantai, VP, electrical engineering. "They make it very visible to send a clear message that people are being watched." Mantai says Hemisphere has also done work on high-level laboratories and research facilities in order to keep a record of who comes and goes. "This is protocol management for authorization of entry in areas that are limited." He notes the industry is always evolving, with digital video recording systems that have computer algorithms that do motion detection. "If a camera is trained on a loading dock, it will not continually record information if there is no movement. It will record a time frame on an interval level, but if something happens in the area, the camera will transmit information. In car dealerships, or anywhere there is a risk of vandalism to physical or human assets, there is more interest in installations of electronic security systems than ever before." When building-systems integration first came up in the mid-80s, technology was not able to keep up with the buzz, says Gabriel Ana, divisional manager, Houle Security, a division of Houle Electric Limited. Today there are a number of reasons people should consider integrating systems into their facility. "First, it is about reliability," says Ana. "Simply put, less subsystems means higher overall building dependability resulting in fewer and less costly repairs. The second consideration is efficiency. It takes less hardware, simpler software and a reduced amount of operational resources to control and monitor an integrated building than to operate multiple separate platforms. And finally, consistency. Green policies optimizing building resources' usage are applicable and controllable across the board in an integrated environment." n april 2013 /47 13-04-05 2:06 PM