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FEBRUA RY 2017 | 39 Security & Life Safety Systems Welcome to the high-tech world of security and life safety systems by ANGELA ALTASS A s technological advancements continue to reshape the security and life safety industry, many traditional security practices are fading away, says Taleen Merjanian, corporate marketing manager, Tyco Integrated Fire & Security (TycoIFS). "For the most part, facilities no longer rely on lock and key to secure an area, investing instead in access control technologies from card swiping to retina scan- ning," states Merjanian. "Fire alarm notification signals are changing from sound- ing horns to informative voice announcements that can even include evacuation instructions based on the specific threat." Security systems shouldn't be cumbersome or a hassle to maintain, adds Merjanian. "Most commercial and large residential clients are focused on creat- ing a safe and comfortable environment for their facilities' employees and visi- tors," says Merjanian. "In doing so, they often lean on technology to help balance the importance of providing security without making visitors feel overly watched or locked down." Streamlined and low-profile security systems are also less intrusive on daily activities. "Many clients value solutions that offer operational efficiency in addition to protection," says Merjanian. "Systems that offer analytics, for example, are a real draw for many clients as they can help personnel better understand visitor behav- iour and provide insight on internal or external issues." In 2016, Tyco Integrated Fire & Security introduced the TrueAlertES addressable notification alarm system, the fire alarm industry's first addressable notification alarm system with individual on/off audio control. "This technology allows for targeted notifications during emergency situations using speakers that operate in conjunction with fire alarm systems to guide occu- pants to safety with clear, succinct directions via live voice, tones or pre-recorded messages," says Merjanian. "The system leverages smart technology that differenti- ates it from conventional hardwired circuit systems. The speakers can also be used for standard daily functions like non-emergency paging and background music." Mobile smartphone technology and the related desire for 24/7 connectivity have been major drivers for recent security and life safety system advances. "For exam- ple, remote accessibility and monitoring have changed the way facilities design their security management strategies," says Merjanian. "Just a few years ago, facil- ity surveillance required on-site TV viewing. Today, users can monitor footage from anywhere by viewing their web-enabled device, enabling owners and managers to work offsite when needed, increasing productivity and saving time, which can be allocated elsewhere." Eye For Detail PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY HOULE ELECTRIC LTD. For more than 70 years Houle has been providing solutions that are designed for maximum flexibility and control. Its state-of-the-art Houle Operations Centre in B.C. offers life safety and building controls systems monitoring and managed maintenance services 24/7. "Our solu- tions have been designed to provide safe and secure environments so our customers can focus on the operation and growth of their business. Safety is our first priority," explains Allan Lanzador, marketing manager at Houle. By integrating innovative design and leading-edge hardware, Houle develops unique, customized solutions that guarantee optimized system operations at peak performance. One example of this is Houle's work on the BC Cancer Centre Agency for the North. With 22 panic stations located throughout the underground and above-ground parkade, the security system had to provide a local alarm annunciation as well as a way of alerting security guards who could be located anywhere in the new facility, in the existing hospital, or within the facility grounds. Houle achieved this by installing a CCTV system that consists of 79 IP cameras, with approximately 11 outdoor PTZ cameras and a combination of indoor fixed domes in the interior of the building and outdoor fixed domes in the parkade. The video storage system consists of two virtual servers with a digital video management system. There are approximately 50 controlled doors that provide controlled access throughout the building, including access to and from the underground parkade and the bike lockup. The 22 panic stations located throughout the underground and above ground parkade has CCTV cameras associated with it to record any incidents. There is a global transition that architects and building owners are looking for life safety to also integrate with high esthetics, daylighting and visibility, says Peter Lindgren, president, Aluflam North America. "The demand for Aluflam products continues to grow in both Canada and the U.S.," says Lindgren. "There are not a lot of new solutions at the moment, but an increas- ing brand awareness as well as a perceived increase in the use of window and door systems in fire-rated walls and partitions. Our entire line of products are in demand right now, but especially so the 60 minute and 90 minute temperature rise rated vision doors, along with 60 minute and 120 minute rated glazed wall assemblies." Moving forward, Aluflam will continue to drive innovation of its fire-rated alu- minum production towards higher levels of safety combined with the highest level of esthetics and design features, says Lindgren. Abloy low energy locks, which were launched in 2015, were showcased at the Assa Abloy stand at The Big 5 in Dubai in November and won the Gaia Award 2016 for sustainable construction products in visitors' voting at the construction exhi- bition. The low energy lock uses electricity only when it is needed for activating or de-activating the lock's handle function. Assa Abloy also has a Future Lab open website for studying trends that influence security. The lab aims to educate, inspire and create discussions around technology, design, innovation and sustainability. State-of-the-art Houle Operations Centre.

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