PSIApril20

April 2020 – £4.00
@psimagazine
www.psimagazine.co.uk
Professional Security Installer
MEET THE
INSTALLER
David Armstrong of
Centurion Fire & Security
Time for nominations
PRODUCT
TESTS
Uniview
IPC2325EBR5-DPZ
EDITOR’S
CHOICE
A look at the best
new products
INTELLIGENCE
AT WORK
How AI is improving BI and security

Kickstart growth now
Get the tools you need to work smarter, build
your brand and drive your business forward.
Security Installation Professionals
Scan here to register your interest:
www.pyronix.com/uk/gap
www.facebook.com/pyronix
@pyronix
Follow us on LinkedIn

April 2020
www.psimagazine.co.uk
5 Editorial
These are unprecedented times for all of us and will bring
out the best and worst of people.
6 Industry news
News and events from the security and fire industries
11 Appointments
A selection of this month’s movers and shakers
12 TESTED - Uniview IPC2325EBR5
The IP bullet camera is put through its paces by an
independent reviewer
16 Editor’s Choice
The pick of the latest security products with information
from the manufacturers and handy QR codes
19 Improving analytics with AI
This month we talk to Kevin Waterhouse about the use of
analytics in the security industry and how AI is capable of
improving intelligence
22 Is the industry in good health?
At the time of writing this edition the country is operating
on a social distancing basis, but what does this mean for
the security industry?
24 Coping in a crisis
Experts give us their opinion on the potential impact of
the coronavirus and how installers can cope
26 PSI Golf Day 2020
The annual golf day for security installers, distributors
and manufacturers is back! Think you can win it?
28 PSI Premier Awards 2020
Nominations are now requested for this year’s campaign
31 Meet the installer
We discuss life in the industry with David Armstrong of
Centurion Fire & Security in Huddersfield
35 Wire-free and easy
How going wireless has evolved alongside the
development of apps and IP
41 Seven keys to success
Business expert Jim Rathbone begins a new series
providing advice for installation companies
53 Bridging the gap
Specifying and installing surveillance cameras on bridges
is not as easy as you’d think as we find out in an
interview with Adrian Kirk of 360 Vision Technology
57 The PSi Directory
Your guide to vendors and service providers
Intelligent decisions
We all know that video analytics can help improve monitored surveillance
but could AI help improve the efficiency and performance of security
systems?
CONTACTS
EDITOR Andy Clutton
Tel: 020 8295 8308
E-mail: andy.clutton@psimagazine.co.uk
Twitter: @SecurityDrum
DESIGN & PRODUCTION Matt Jarvis
Tel: 020 8295 8310 Fax: 0870 4292015
E-mail: matt.jarvis@proactivpubs.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENT DIRECTOR David Lewis
Tel: 020 8295 8309 Fax: 01322 292295
E-mail: david.lewis@proactivpubs.co.uk
DISPLAY ADVERTISING Paul Amura
Tel: 020 8295 8307 Fax: 01322 292295
E-mail: paul.amura@proactivpubs.co.uk
ADMINISTRATION Tracey Cole
Tel: 020 8295 8306 Fax: 01322 292295
E-mail: tracey.cole@proactivpubs.co.uk
MANAGING DIRECTOR Mark Quittenton
CHAIRMAN Larry O’Leary
PSi QR Codes
For easåe of access, some of the items in
PSi carry QR codes. Simply scan with
your phone to visit relevant websites.
Security-based editorial contributions to PSI are
welcomed, and the Editor reserves the right to alter or
abridge text prior to publication. The views expressed in
PSI are not necessarily those of the publishers.
Editorial and Advertisement Office
PRO-ACTIV PUBLICATIONS LTD
PO BOX 332
DARTFORD
DA1 9FF
© Pro-Activ Publications Ltd 2020
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording,
or any information storage and retrieval system, without
permission in writing from the publisher.
ISSN: 1360-6476
PSI is currently available for an
annual subscription rate
of £48 (UK) or £99 (overseas)
www.psimagazine.co.uk
3

www.psimagazine.co.uk
EDITORIAL
Dating problems
At the time of putting this edition together the
nation is gripped with a situation when ‘going
viral’ is definitely a bad thing and we’re all
guessing as to what might happen over the
next few months
Working on a monthly magazine is always a tricky one
when it comes to big news that changes daily. In terms of
COVID-19 we have to cover it, the story is just too
massive, but by the time the publication hits desks the national
picture could be completely different - so please excuse anything
reported in this edition that has become outdated or resolved.
Whatever happens in regard to the coronavirus pandemic from
the point of me writing this and you reading it, I hope you and
yours are staying safe and healthy. The questions you have about
whether or not you can continue working will likely have been
answered by this point but given that security and food (and
apparently loo roll) are vital for our future we should see no
downturn in the people who are requiring systems, but the whole
episode may lead to a few postponements until warmer days are
upon us. It may also be that the lockdown predicted for the
elderly and the closing of schools will give contractors and the
trades an unexpected chance to enter empty properties for
maintenance visits and installations without disrupting the
normal working day of busy premises.
Judging by the behaviour of some people in supermarkets this
virus is bringing out the worst in people and you may find that
CCTV in retail premises is put under the microscope and the
combination of surveillance and data intelligence, particularly in
the case of stock control, become increasingly common
bedfellows.
One thing is for sure, September is going to be a busy month
for the security industry with the rescheduling of our biggest
trade show IFSEC, which will be followed a short time later by
Security Essen in Germany. These shows are usually a good
period apart giving exhibitors the space to soak the feet, dry
clean the suit and prepare to do it all over again. Not this year.
PSI Golf Day and Premier
Awards rescheduled
As if to prove the point about the news
changing daily, just after our March
edition was mailed we had to follow suit
with IFSEC and announce a change of date
ourselves. The annual PSI Golf Day and
the PSI Premier Awards, held in the evening after the golf, has
now been moved from 2nd July to 8th October at Warren Weir at
Luton Hoo. The decision followed the advice of the government in
regard to containing, preventing and delaying the spreading of
the virus. Hey, at least it’s not in September...
Andy Clutton
EDITOR
5

Are you
looking
for...
CCTVCT
Access
Fire Intruder
Control
UK’
K’S LARGEST
sales@oprema.co.uk
+44(0)29 2064 1509
oprema.co.uk
INDUSTRY NEWS
In brief
The Milestone Systems
Board of Directors has
announced that Lars
Thinggaard, President and
Chief Executive Officer, has
decided to leave the
company. As a result, the
Board has started an open
search to appoint a
successor. During the
intervening period, Lars
Larsen, Milestone Systems’
Chief Financial Officer, will
serve as Interim CEO.
New training centre opens in the
North of England
Tavcom Training is celebrating its 25-year
anniversary with the opening of a training
centre. Developed in partnership with
CrossConnect Training, the centre in Shipley,
West Yorkshire is located to meet all the
training needs of security professionals in the
North of England.
With two teaching facilities in the UK
(Hampshire and West Yorkshire) and a portfolio
of online interactive courses, Tavcom aims to
make it easier for security professionals at all
levels, to access its security systems training
courses.
Managing Director of owner Linx
International Group, David Gill, states: “We
need to make the right training available,
accessible and affordable to all. This new centre
replicates the facilities at our facility in
Hampshire.”
Technical Director at CrossConnect Training,
Geoff Crossley comments: “We are really
looking forward to the opening of our new
training centre, and excited by the opportunity
to work closely with Tavcom Training.”
Both future-proofed centres are fully
equipped with the technical infrastructure and
equipment (Tavcom is vendor agnostic) required
to deliver a portfolio of more than 100 training
courses. The new centre will welcome students
in June and July, when it runs the BTEC Level 3
courses Practical CCTV installation and Practical
Intruder Alarms.
Cepton Technologies has
appointed Redtree Solutions
as its technical sales
representative in the UK and
Europe. This announcement
comes in response to the
expansion of Cepton’s EMEA
presence in the UK and
Germany in 2019. With this
collaboration, Redtree
Solutions will serve as an
extension to Cepton’s
existing Marketing and
Business Development
teams in Europe.
Smart R Distribution launches a
CCTV division
Smart R Distribution is set to formally launch
its CCTV division according to Simon Shawley,
who recently joined Smart R Distribution in a
business development role: “Many know of
Smart R Distribution as a distributor of access
control, with knowledge in cards and reader
technology, but we have in fact been
supporting CCTV products for some time.
However, with both product sets now almost
routinely being specified for the same projects,
we believe the time is right for us to
significantly increase our CCTV activities and
work with installers and system integrators to
generate new sales opportunities.”
Smart R Distribution is confident that by
combining the industry knowledge of founding
directors, Derek Clenshaw and Neill Williams
with Simon’s CCTV expertise, it will add value
to the supply chain.
In addition to distributing and offering first
line technical support for a range of door entry
and access control solutions, the company is a
distributor of Vivotek CCTV products and is one
of two UK distributors able to supply the
Wisenet L camera range manufactured by
Hanwha Techwin.
6
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Look no
further
Paxton opens new product test
centre in Brighton
Paxton has opened a new product test centre at
its Global Head Office, in Brighton. This
investment allows Paxton and other businesses
to test products during the manufacturing
phase.
The company has transformed its warehouse
space into the Paxton Test Facility to provide a
space to carry out compliance and
environmental testing. This new facility is aimed
at improving productivity and output as product
testing that has previously taken months can be
performed within a week, meaning product will
be available to customers quicker.
The new facility has a range of test
equipment, including an electro-magnetic
compatibility (EMC) compliance test chamber
and environment test chambers. With increased
access to equipment, and the flexibility to test at
many more stages of development, Paxton, and
other companies, can continue to develop more
robust and reliable products for their customers.
Brett Glass, Team Leader – System
Compliance, said: “Tests are a necessary
element of product development but can often
cause delays in releasing a product to market,
simply due to lack of availability from external
test houses. Having our own in-house facility
will accelerate the testing process, which
ultimately means our new products will be on
the shelves quicker than ever before. We are
also pleased to say that the Paxton Test Facility
is officially open for other businesses to utilise
our equipment to increase their productivity
and quality or products.”
Pilot scheme for London fire
safety systems
(Evident) by housing association Hyde Group,
will see the implementation of Evident’s fire
safety asset management software across four
apartment blocks and one sheltered housing
property, spanning the London boroughs of
Bermondsey, Croydon, Southwark, Lambeth
and Lewisham, managed by Hyde.
Evident has already tagged and logged every
piece of fire safety equipment in each of the five
buildings, from smoke alarms and fire
extinguishers, to emergency lighting and dry
risers. The equipment will now be monitored by
Evident’s Landlord software, which gives Hyde a
real-time dashboard on each of the building’s
safety equipment – including audits, service
reports and end-of-life data to ensure all
apparatus is fit for purpose and regularly
maintained. It also helps identify any areas that
are without adequate protection which can then
be swiftly rectified.
For Hyde, which is responsible for more than
100,000 residents this provides clarity. The
safety compliance equipment information,
maintenance management, contract and audit
details for all the buildings are now instantly
accessible from any mobile device, and any
location.
Liz Oliver, director of compliance at The Hyde
Group, said: “Our work with Evident now makes
it fundamentally easier for us to reduce the risk
of fire in our buildings and provide residents
with peace of mind. The software makes it easy
for us to check the status of all our safety
equipment and enables us to act far in advance
of items requiring servicing and end-of-life
replacement.”
8
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Over £5m worth
of stock on site
Pre noon next day
delivery as standard
Coronavirus containment affects timing of
IFSEC, Firex and CTX events in London
It was announced in early March that IFSEC International and
its co-located events, originally scheduled to be staged in May
2020, will be held at ExCeL London on 8–10 September 2020.
This rescheduling covers Counter Terror Expo, Ambition,
Forensics Europe Expo, World Counter Terror Congress, IFSEC
International, FIREX International, Safety & Health Expo,
Facilities Show, Intelligent Building Europe and the Workplace
Wellbeing Show.
This decision has been made as a result of consultation
with exhibitors and other stakeholders to determine the best
outcome for all parties. All exhibition bookings and visitor preregistrations
for these events will be transferred automatically
to the new dates and there will be further communication to
these groups over the coming days and weeks. The aim is to
facilitate a smooth transition to the new dates for all parties.
Tracy Bebbington, Event Director at Clarion Events said:
“Counter Terror Expo and its co-located events will be
postponed until September, following the uncertainty caused
by COVID-19. The decision has been made after careful
deliberation with our partners at Informa, in the interests of
our collective audience and attendees. The Clarion team will
be in immediate contact with all our valued exhibitors and
stakeholders to limit any disruption that this may cause.”
Chris Edwards, Group Director, Informa Markets said:“We
have been closely following developments since COVID–19
began spreading, and we have consistently been mindful of its
potential impact on global events like ours. By working closely
with our venue partners ExCeL we have now been able to
secure rescheduled dates for these events, which will now
serve as an opportunity for our clients and exhibitors to
regather in September —it gives the market time to recover as
demand catches up.”
Gerry Dunphy, Strategy Director of IFSEC International and
FIREX International said: “In order to provide some muchneeded
clarity in this uncertain time, our events teams will be
contacting exhibitors and partners to discuss the rescheduled
dates, answer any enquiries, and to ensure we can deliver the
same event experience as originally planned. However, a
series of events of this scale requires careful planning and
organisation, so we ask for understanding in advance for any
disruption this change may cause.”
Check out the PSI Security News
podcasts on Spotify
The PSI Security News podcasts are available
on Spotify, Apple and Castbox along with
Spreaker and via the PSI website. Just search
for “PSI Security” and you’ll find all of the recordings so far,
ready for streaming or download.
www.psimagazine.co.uk
supported by
sales@oprema.co.uk
+44(0)29 2064 1509
oprema.co.uk
THE BOTTOM LINE
IN ASSOCIATION WITH CSL
The interview that gets
the facts from the top
This month Simon Banks
talks to Adam Spain,
Head of Customer
Services at CSL Group.
Adam, a customer service specialist,
joined CSL in 2019 having previously
worked for British Telecom and EE.
How has your previous experience helped you since you joined CSL
and the secure connectivity sector?
Over the past 12 years I have led some highly successful multi-channel
customer service departments, allowing me to gain a strong understanding of
best practices in terms of training, motivating and developing large teams in
fast moving companies. At CSL, our 35-strong Technical Support Teams are
based across our offices in London, Newbury and Rugby. Since joining, my
focus has been restructuring the department, whilst implementing new
processes and training programmes to ensure the highest levels of support for
Installers on all the products within the CSL portfolio. As a team, we are
committed to delivering on the improved service level agreements for call
waiting times, email response times and customer satisfaction rates.
How important is training and development in terms of providing the
highest levels of customer service?
CSL believe that it’s vital to create a team of experts. We have
implemented a clear training structure to enable our entire support team to
meet the expectations of our customers. We have also focused on the
technical similarities within our product range to get our new starters up to
speed as soon as possible. By creating levels of expertise within our teams
we are allowing not only for quicker resolutions, but also for individual team
members to progress through their development in a more successful and
structured way.
In terms of how customer service is provided, how has this changed
in recent years as technologies develop?
Today, we must acknowledge the range of ways that we can interact with and
support customers. Our aim is to make it as easy as possible for our
customers to contact us and for our team members to then relay the correct
information for a speedy resolution. Most of the enquiries we receive today still
come from ‘traditional’ channels. Our team handle over 16,000 support
requests each month, with phone calls making up over 80% of these!
We are increasingly receiving support requests via email and our Live Chat
application, with engineers and support staff using opportunities in the office
and online to speak to our team about non-urgent queries like best practice
and top tips. Last year we also launched an integration with SightCall. This App
allows an engineer to stream live footage of the installation via a smart device
to our team, allowing us to see what they see and ultimately find a quick
resolution to any issues.
What else can we expect to see in the future?
The DualCom Pro Range, CSL Live and the My Base App provide our
Installers with the tools they need to take control and manage their
professional alarm signalling base. The introduction of WhatsApp and
Facebook Messenger will broaden accessibility, teamed with Customer
Satisfaction Scores (CSAT) to further improve our service.
All of this is part of our rounded commitment to our customers, giving
them support before, during and after the installation of our products.
There will be more focus on proactively informing our customers on the
best ways to install and overcome any field-based challenges, all without
needing to make a call. However, a human voice is always there, if that’s
your preference!
YOU SAID IT!
“Great from CSL Group today, on the money with helping us with a new customer. Thanks for the
contact this evening Rob Evans.”
Carl Meason (Fenix Monitoring) – LinkedIn Post – 6 January
Tweet us @CSLGroupLtd
Get Social
Find our other social pages here...
9

Bosch IP 3000i cameras. Extend smart video
surveillance to general surveilance applications.
Bosch all-new IP 3000i cameras offer high-quality, 24/7 performance
and something never seen before in such competitively-priced cameras;
built-in Essential Video Analytics as standard. Micro dome, mini dome,
bullet and turret options are available with resolutions of up to 5MP for
indoor and outdoor use. This intelligent solution is an industry first for
general, cost-effective video surveillance.
Find out more at boschsecurity.com

Take control with DualCom Pro
Unrivalled management tools for your
professional alarm signalling base
CSL Live Portal • My Base App • Smart Reporting of Alarms • Zero Line Fails • Super-Fast Install
2 Roaming 4G SIMs • Dual Path Radio • Remote 2 nd module • Single Hardware All Grades
www.csl-group.com/pro @CSLGroupLtd © CSL Group

TEST
PRODUCT TEST
Uniview - IPC2325EBR5-DUPZ
What’s in the box?
Camera
Quick Guide
Drilling template
Screws and wall fixings
Allen key
RJ45 connector cover
Waterproofing advice note
The unit is based on
a 1/ 2.7” sensor with
a 2.7 to 13.5mm
auto-focus motorized
zoom lens giving a
horizontal angle of
view from 93.28° to
28.56°
Promoted as a 5MP WDR Starlight Varifocal
IP67 network bullet camera, the unit is
based on a 1/ 2.7” sensor with a 2.7 to
13.5mm auto-focus motorized zoom lens giving a
horizontal angle of view from 93.28° to 28.56°.
Getting started
The Quick Guide gives a basic level of information
and recommends using a web-browser to set up
the camera. DHCP is not enabled by default and
the guide gives a default IP address of
192.168.1.13 and for the “admin” username a
simple numeric 6 digit password. A search of the
Uniview.com website for the camera’s
documentation gives access to an alternative
Quick Guide that specifies the default address as
192.168.0.13. On connection the test camera was
found to have an actual address of 192.168.3.32.
The downloaded guide refers to EZStation
software that allows discovery of Uniview devices
outside of the current subnet and allows network
address and password changes to be made. It is
surprising that this is not supplied or referred to
in the supplied information.
This EZStation software also allows multi
camera display and replay of recordings from
NVRs or the camera’s internal storage.
The camera has a flying lead that breaks out
into four connector leads with an RJ45 for PoE &
Data, a Power jack for optional 12v supply, a 3
pole audio in/out and a 4 pole alarm in/out. Both
the audio and alarm connectors have removeable
screw-terminal sockets.
The 12v input is given as a wide ± 25%.
Operation
On connection to the web browser (IE11), the
user is prompted to replace the default
password with a strong version “of no less than
eight characters” but this is not forced and you
are able to stay with the default or even enter a
simpler password if you wish although the
indicator will show this as weak. Further
prompts will be given when accessing via a web
browser, but a strong policy is not mandated,
and the prompts may be ignored. This is quite
surprising given the amount of global industry
concern for network security and initiatives such
as Secure by Default / Secure by Design as
promoted by the UK’s Surveillance Camera
Commissioner.
The browser will initially give a request for a
Plug-In to be run and following your agreement to
a lengthy Privacy Policy document, the live image
screen is shown.
Task bar tabs for Live Image, Playback, Photo
and Setup are presented. It was noted that only
Live Image and Setup may be available for
alternative browsers such as Chrome, Firefox and
Edge. To the right of the image pane are Plus and
Minus buttons for the Zoom and Focus functions.
Activating the zoom briefly will activate the Auto
focus if initially out.
In its maximum resolution the 5MP imager has
2592 x 1944 pixels so is in a 4:3 aspect ratio. The
datasheet notes a 9:16 corridor mode, but there
appears to be no mention of this in the guide and
operation manual, so it is assumed that this is
actioned by changing the resolution to 4MP
and rotating the image 90°.
12 www.psimagazine.co.uk

ONLY RECEIVE THE EVENTS
THAT MATTER WITH...
DEEP LEARNING
FROM CONCEPT PRO
HUMAN
DETECTION
BEHAVIOURAL
TRACKING & ANALYSIS
VEHICLE
DETECTION
◆ ADVANCED ANALYTICS & DETECTION ◆ USE ALL CHANNELS OF THE RECORDER ◆
◆ SET MULTIPLE RULES WITHIN EACH CHANNEL ◆
◆ OFFICIALLY CERTIFIED TO BE AT LEAST 95% ACCURATE ◆
Why not book a demo for our latest Deep Learning solutions
Call us on 01924 528000 or email us at sales@videcon.co.uk
www.videcon.co.uk

TEST
A versatile solidly built
external bullet
camera with a wide
range of configuration
settings
NOTE: This PSI Product Test was
carried out by an independent
third party, not editorial staff.
The manufacturer had no input in
the review or the final result
8.0 out of 10
(continued from p12)
Menu options
The camera’s setup menu gives a range of
expandable options down the left-hand side of
the screen. These are grouped as:
Common: A set of quick access tools for
information and configuring Network addressing,
T&D, Users etc.
Network: Full settings for IPv4 & 6 Address, DNS,
Ports, DDNS, EZCloud, E-Mail, SNMP, 802.1x and
QoS.
Video & Audio: Main, Sub and Third stream
settings, Snapshot, Audio, ROI and Multicast.
Image: Scenes, Video Levels, Noise reduction,
Rotation, Exposure, IR level, White Balance,
Defog, De-Warp, OSD and Privacy.
Intelligent: Line crossing, Object left / removed,
Defocus, Scene change, Face detection and
People counting.
Events: Motion, Tamper & Audio detection, Alarm
I/P & O/P; settings, actions and schedules.
Storage: Internal card or NAS format and policies,
FTP settings.
Security: User configuration, Network Security,
Registration Information and Watermarking.
System: T&D, Server and Maintenance settings
including software upgrade, Restore & Restart.
The Main stream has a range of resolution
settings from 1080p to its default maximum of
5MP. The Sub-stream ranges from CIF to 1080P
with a default of D1 and the Third stream from its
CIF default to D1. The Sub and Third stream can be
disabled. Compression for each is selected from
either H.264, H.265 or MJPEG.
Up to 8 privacy and ROI areas may be defined
with mouse controlled positioning and resizing of
zones. The Intelligent Smart detection features
are processor intensive so cannot be combined,
particularly for Face Detection and People
Counting.
Up to 8 lines of On Screen Data can be defined
with the first showing time and date by default;
People Count in and Out or Face Detection count
can be displayed on one of these lines and each
line suitably positioned using x and y coordinates.
While the alarm event settings are reasonably
straightforward, they are not particularly intuitive,
so it is worth downloading the camera User
Manual for reference.
Micro SD cards of up to 256GB can be inserted
and used for internal storage of events. A setting
allows this storage to be allocated as cache
storage on network loss with automated upload
on data restoration when used with a compatible
recording device.
Performance
The camera provides very detailed imagery and
reasonable sensitivity for a 5MP camera. The
stated minimum illumination of 0.002 Lux colour
is given no context and is not realistic, however
the camera is capable of providing colour images
to below 1 Lux with careful adjustment of the
various exposure and gain settings but at the cost
of motion blur. The camera has LED infrared
support from three devices, with two to the left of
the lens and one to the right. While the single LED
initially appeared to have a slightly narrower
beam width there was no information available to
support any differences and relationship to zoom
position. As they are all series connected it is
likely that they are identical devices. At full
intensity the stated range of up to 50 metres can
be achieved if there are no highly IR reflective
objects in the foreground.
The 5:1 zoom lens is of the varifocal variety and
so focus varies widely with zoom position. While
the auto-focus operates quickly to sharpen the
image it may be confused by very low-light
scenarios, but manual control can correct for this.
A De-Warping feature is included in the Image
settings and this is used to help correct for some
of the natural image curvature that occurs when
the lens is set to wide angle.
A range of five “Scenes” are available and
these may be customised for specific locations or
conditions and scheduled. Available presets
include Starlight, Common, Indoor, Road Highlight
Compensation, Park Highlight Compensation,
WDR and Custom. In this case Park refers to
settings for industrial parks.
The dynamic range is generally good and a
WDR feature can be enabled to extend this. While
it does soften the saturation of highlight areas it
does maintain a good black level and has a 0 to 9
variable setting for the level of compression to
suit the scene.
The camera is compliant with ONVIF profiles S,
T and G. Power consumption is a maximum of
10W, and the operating temperature range is
given as -35°C to +60°C.
The camera weighs just 1kg and its inbuilt
mount allows for pan and rotate through 360° and
tilting through 90° so is suitable for most surface
mount installations. Optional junction mounting
boxes and pole mounts are available.
Conclusion
A versatile solidly built external bullet camera
with a wide range of configuration settings. The
security settings allow the camera to be suitably
locked-down but the lack of a forced “strong”
password is a concern; perhaps a future firmware
update will remedy this.
14
www.psimagazine.co.uk

GO GREEN!
OPEN AN
ACCOUNT
TODAY
www.dvs.co.uk
01

EDITOR’S CHOICE
Modular ANPR camera for
mobile enforcement
Videalert has announced the availability of
Stingray, a new modular ANPR camera solution.
Designed for use with Videalert’s range of multipurpose
Mobile Enforcement Vehicles (MEV), this
modular solution features HD cameras with
upgraded infra-red lighting to deliver enhanced
capture rates and increased productivity in all
parking and traffic management applications.
Stingray includes HD ONVIF-compliant cameras
and all networking components in a simply styled
roof-mounted pod that is reportedly easier to
install as well as being less obtrusive than
individual roof-rack mounted units. It features
integrated, upgraded infra-red lighting which
captures images of reflective number plates at
distances of up to 40 metres. A full colour
overview module also captures contextual images
of vehicles in daylight and challenging light
conditions. www.videalert.com
Redesigned portfolio
streamlines access offering
PAC has announced the redesign of its portfolio
in order to meet the demands of today’s
residential, educational and commercial
environments.
Key components of the new PAC portfolio
are the PAC 512DC networkable access
controllers, which replace the PAC 500
range. Future proof and certified, PAC 512
comprises two variants – the 512DC
analogue and 512DCi digital access
controllers. Scalable from 1-2000
doors these controllers are able to
support up to 75,000 unique
identification devices via Access Central –
PAC’s enhanced management software. They
feature two inputs and two outputs, as well as
providing functionality including local antipassback,
event to action, mustering, lift call and
alarm point control. By removing the need for
ancillary equipment the company says that PAC
512 offers a cost competitive solution that is easy
to configure, install, maintain and use.
pacgdx.com
Solution developed to take
VMS beyond video
VisionHub VMS+ from Qognify is an
enterprise-class security
management solution that goes
beyond the pure management of
video streams to include superior workflow
support, situational awareness and system
management capabilities.
The new VisionHub VMS+ provides
organisations with:
• Enhanced Resiliency – VisionHub VMS+
helps to avoid the loss of video footage with
redundancy across all VMS components and
with active/active dual recording.
• Situational Awareness – The advanced
geo-positioned maps within VisionHub VMS+
helps to localise and to assess an event within
seconds. Furthermore, its built-in incident
management component provides step-by-step
guidance through the resolution process.
• Incident Response Management –
VisionHub VMS+ provides actionable guidance
and facilitates collaboration throughout the
process of resolving an incident.
www.qognify.com
Wireless panic button and
remote controller
The wireless button
from Ajax has two
functions: alarm
mode and control
mode.
In panic mode
users press the
button to instantly
call a security
company patrol and
alert all system users
about the danger
while in control mode the button can be used to
turn off the lights, switch on home appliances,
lower the roller blinds or open a gate with a
single click.
The body of the Ajax Button is designed to
prevent false alarm even if the user sits or lays
on it. To further prevent false alarms the button
can be set to react only on double-click or longpress.
The panic button communicates with a hub
using Jeweller radio protocol on a distance of up
to 1300 m. Once it delivers an alarm, there is a
green blink. Jeweller encrypts all of the
transmitted data and in the case of signal
interference or radio jamming, the
radio frequency is switched and
users are notifiedalong with the
security company.
ajax.systems/products/button/
NOTE: All technical specifications listed
are provided by manufacturers
16
www.psimagazine.co.uk

EDITOR’S CHOICE
The security industry is busy and complex, so it’s easy to miss
new products and services as they get lost in day-to-day
activities. Every now and again, certain products grab our
attention so here we take a look at a few of the products we
think you won’t want to miss this month.
System update enables
automated actions
Inner Range has released a new update for its
entry-level product Inception, allowing operators
to set automated actions in response to specific
user numbers.
Automated actions based on user-count
triggers include being able to change heating and
air conditioning depending on the number of
people on site, or in a particular area, showing
messages about parking availability for drivers as
they enter car parks, depending on how many
other vehicles are there or automatic alarm-setting
as people leave the site.
Another feature in the latest update allows
security managers to export encrypted CSV files of
user-names and passwords from one Inception
system to another, which helps
organisations such as schools that
may have staff moving between sites.
innerrange.co.uk
Serverless ANPR solution for
small site management
Hanwha Techwin has added to its range of
Intelligent Traffic Management solutions with the
introduction of a serverless ANPR.
Camera-to-camera IP communication
technology enables up to 4 Wisenet ANPR
cameras, (1 master camera and 3 slaves), to
simultaneously capture and transmit data to a
convenient user interface.
The serverless ANPR solution is, with a
reported 95% accuracy, able to capture the
number plates of vehicles moving at up to 50
km/h and is designed to offer an
affordable edge-based solution for car
parks, petrol stations and small
residential estates with multiple
entrances/exits, barriers or roadways.
The serverless ANPR camera solution
provides the opportunity to
automatically control the movement of
up to 1,000 white listed cars through
barriers via camera relay outputs, as well
as provide valuable car park
management information, such as ‘time
spent’ and occupancy rates, without
having to incur the cost of installing and
running the application on a server.
www.hanwha-security.eu
Open platform reader range aimed at simplifying deployment
HID Global has announced the launch of HID Signo,
a line of readers built on an open platform aimed at
simplifying system deployment and management,
while meeting the security requirements of
dynamic environments and setting organisations
up for connected access control.
The readers are interoperable with over a dozen physical and
mobile credential technologies so organisations can use their
technology of choice and easily migrate to the latest solutions at
their own pace. Additionally, the technology supports Apple’s
Enhanced Contactless Polling (ECP) to enable Student IDs in Apple
Wallet.
Features include automatic surface detection that recalibrates
and optimises read performance based on the mounting location.
For rugged, outdoor performance, the readers are also IP65 rated
with no additional gasket needed, and feature a capacitive touch
keypad resistant to harsh weather conditions. The readers store cryptographic keys on certified EAL6+ secure element hardware and
custom authentication keys can be used to further enhance security. HID’s patented velocity-checking feature also protects against brute
force rapid electronic attacks.
www.hidglobal.com
www.psimagazine.co.uk
17

Access
Control
Intruder
Alarm
Automation
Multiple
Devices
No Software
Required
Easy Setup
with Checklist
Prompts
Send IP
Alarms via
Multipath-IP
Network
INTEGRATED ACCESS SECURITY
POWERFUL WEB BASED CONTROLLER
T: +44 845 470 5000 | E: ireurope@innerrange.co.uk innerrange.co.uk

INTERVIEW
Improving analytics with AI
This month PSI sat down with Kevin
Waterhouse, Managing Director at
VCA Technology, to talk about the
realities of AI and the security
industry
Everyone is talking about AI these days. It’s
the current buzzword in the security sector
and, given that the industry is more
software based than ever before, it’s a term you
hear a lot. We spoke to analytics expert Kevin
Waterhouse about the technology, with a focus
on the reality of AI technology rather than the
hype.
How do you see AI fitting into the
security picture?
We were one of the first companies involved in
the analytics business, starting back in 2010
and back then analytics was going to be the
cure for every security issue. Some companies
over-hyped what it could do and essentially the
technology under-performed and as a result it
set the whole analytics industry back
dramatically - basically because people didn't
quite understand what it could and couldn't do.
We focused our attention on what we consider
to be a real life problem, that of false alarms and
consequently managing building protection so
that when things happen, we're catching it
rather than just being a retrospective tool.
Analytics has done well since the early days but
it faced challenges with the technology
reporting something like tree movement or
shadows as events. The analytics worked in
some circumstances, but not in others and that
was a limitation of the technology as it was
when we all started off a decade ago.
AI has been around a long time but to get the
most out of it you almost need the perfect
storm. By that I mean that the AI technology is
certainly available but you have to keep in mind
the processing power required and whether it is
at an affordable level so that you can meet the
requirements of a security application without
spending too much money. For example, I was
talking to an AI company a couple of weeks ago
and they were proudly telling me that they have
a fantastic technology and all you need to use it
is a £15,000 server and you can run six cameras
on it! I really can't see anyone going for that
kind of solution. We've taken the view that,
given all of the work we have done with
analytics, we should use AI to improve upon
what we have already developed. We are
looking at the areas in which we can use
machine learning and deep learning to improve
upon what we currently have and to help us to
improve upon the service that we can give our
customers. The successful adoption of AI tools
within security applications depends on a
number of factors: can you use it to help with
the setup/installation, can you use it to be more
accurate and is it affordable?
So we're not yet at the stage when AI is
the panacea?
As with any new technology you've got to look
at it and determine how it can make a difference
to a real world problem. Whether you are an
installer or an end user you don't want
developers creating technology that then tries
to find a home or that only one percent of the
population can afford. AI can definitely help the
security industry as long as it is used correctly
and cost-efficiently.
When we go out and talk to our customers
and ask them for their concerns with analytics
they always come back to the same issues:
improving accuracy and making it easier to set
up so everyone can use it - but they don't want
to pay any more for it and if possible, they
would like it to be cheaper. As a developer
Kevin Waterhouse
“As with any new
technology you've got
to look at it and
determine how it can
make a difference to
a real world problem”
www.psimagazine.co.uk
19

INTERVIEW
“AI can help systems
to improve their
detection rate and
also be able to detect
in more difficult
situations like when
small images are
moving through dark
areas”
(continued from previous page)
you've got to take all of that into account. We
need people to forget what the technology is
called, be it AI, machine learning or deep
learning and just be aware that there are tools
available which can improve the performance
without increasing the price to a point where it's
unaffordable if utilised correctly.
So what's the main selling point of AI?
There are two. Reducing false alarms is one. I
started in this industry back in the mid-90s and I
know that the problem of false alarms with
security systems has been an issue for a long
time. So reducing those incidents is vital but
more importantly AI can help systems to
improve their detection rate and also be able to
detect in more difficult situations like when
small images are moving through dark areas. At
the end of the day, people buy CCTV and when
something happens, they've sometimes got nice
images of people wearing hoodies or crash
helmets and cars with number plates blacked
out and it doesn't really help. The police might
be able to use that and gain convictions, but
victims have still lost their property and there
may be damage caused. So if we want to be
more proactive and turn the CCTV into
something that can detect accurately, early and
be proactive then AI is going to help. Video
analytics are mostly added to existing systems
and can be used on a second stream (thus not
affecting the VMS or monitoring) and we can
add AI to that stream to add further capabilities
and improve accuracy.
Are there any benefits of AI for
installers?
The installer wants happy customers and to be
able to offer solutions that will not only provide
a deterrent but if they have a determined
criminal on site the technology is going to
detect them and help catch them before they
cause any harm, all with a quick upgrade. The
installer is seen to be looking after the
customer and that will hopefully mean repeat
business. For the monitoring centre, AI and
analytics mean that they can start
providing a better service without having
to increase their staff or provide
additional training; it potentially
makes their life a lot easier and
more efficient.
So how long do you
think it will be before
CCTV becomes a business solution rather
than a surveillance system?
There are a lot of people who already use CCTV
for business intelligence and data collection and
I think with the additional tools that can be
delivered today plus all of the extra metadata
that can be delivered out of cameras people may
very well start saying that the return in
investment for these cameras is not just about
security it's about providing better information
and data which can also help make business
decisions. So if can gather more accurate and
relevant data you can make better, more
informed decisions.
What's a typical AI application that is out
there that is running now?
For us it would be improving a perimeter
protection system on a site that had lots of false
alarms or has been regularly hit by burglaries
and the monitoring station can't cope with the
false alarms. Adding in analytics will not cure
the problem overnight, but it will certainly
improve detection, reduce false alarms and
make the system more productive in terms of
providing data and information. With AI
installers can go to a site that already has
cameras, for example a prison, where if
something happens the operators initially react
by looking at the CCTV images to look back at
the event. With AI based analytics they could
know straight away that something happened
because they get an accurate alert that there is
a reason to attend an area. It's a proactive tool
rather than a reactive one.
Do you have any concerns regarding AI?
If used correctly, the efficiency improvements
that AI represents will certainly be of benefit to
installers, monitoring centres and users. We can
help improve the systems we are already using
by enhancing it with AI capabilities. But if it is
oversold and misunderstood, just like analytics
and biometrics were in the early days, then this
will set the technology back. You hear people in
the mainstream media outlets saying that
eventually AI is going to mean that we don't
need any human involvement and every process
will be automated, but this simply isn't the case,
despite what you see in the movies. Yes, the
potential of AI is massive, but there has to be a
dose of reality too with all of the hype we are
seeing from various sections of the media.
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Meet Your
Internal
Sales Team
Meet Kate
Palmer-Green
Meet Alex Page
Meet Ed Newton
Meet Nathan Braddon
Meet Russell Foster
Meet Sophie Haffenden
Meet Emma Holloway
Meet Nadine Prior
Meet Hannah Thomas
Meet Charlene
Underwood-Davies
Pre noon next day delivery as standard
+44 (0)29 2064 1509 or sales@oprema.co.uk

NEWS EXTRA
An industry in good health?
Following the news of the rescheduling of IFSEC and Firex, PSI
Editor Andy Clutton looks at the impact that the coronavirus is
having on the UK security market and where this could lead.
Isn’t it amazing how quickly we move on with
our news agendas these days? Maybe it’s down
to the fact that 24-hr news channels need a
constant supply of content, but in the space of the
last two months we’ve all stopped being
concerned about Brexit (which took up news
agendas for two years), climate change (worthy of
at least six months’ coverage) and various other
topics including the behaviour of the royal family
and the ‘bravery’ of TV presenters ‘coming out’.
Today and, at the time of writing, for the last few
weeks new coverage has all been about a
coronavirus called COVID-19 which means people
with underlying health problems are at risk and
more importantly there will be a national
shortage of loo rolls.
Before anyone complains, I’m not underplaying
the potential seriousness of the virus. Just like the
annual flu epidemic, the coronavirus does
represent a big problem for people with weaker
immune systems and, at present, there is no
vaccine while there is one for the flu. Furthermore,
we simply do not know how widespread the
illness can go, for how long it can last and how it
can develop further down the line.
A clear summer
It is due to the uncertainties surrounding the
spread that the news of cancelled and postponed
public events is now ramping up. As I write this
With the growth in the globalisation of everything these
days, what happens abroad no longer stays abroad
piece, the UK’s biggest security event IFSEC has
just been moved from May to September by which
time we will hopefully be talking about the virus
in the past tense. It’s a sensible move for the
event as it attracts visitors and exhibitors from all
across the globe and for many companies, and
this news followed on from the announcement
that ISC West in Vegas was also being postponed
from March until July.
Postponement is one thing, but cancellations
are another. If your company or supplier had any
events planned any have had to cancel them for
fears of no-one showing up then you’ll be footing
the bill. This is because the government advice is
just that - advice, it’s not a mandatory moritorium
on gatherings meaning that there’s no legal or
lawful reason for the cancellation. Had the
government banned all public meetings then
there wouldn’t be any losses for the companies
with bookings, but as it’s just advice, you’re
paying the price.
All of which means it looks like we’ll have a
pretty clear summer with no trade events along
with a throroughly depleted sports programme
that, at the moment has some games posptoned
for now and some seasons (such as with the ice
hockey) ending prematurely. You’ll know when
you get to read this whether or not Liverpool have
been given the league title and if we will have the
Euros and Olympics etc. Even Eurovision will be
off too....
News escalates
In the early days of the outbreak, there were
plenty saying that the news coverage was just
fear-mongering and simply being generated
because we have no great political discussions
going on at the moment due to severely
weakened opposition parties and the fact that
we’ve become a bit sceptical and a tad bored with
the claims coming from a certain Scandinavian
teenager about the end of the world, without
providing any viable solutions. Certainly the
original theories about bat soup and footage of
British people waving from cruise ships made the
virus stories sound a bit trivial for those of us far
away in the UK, but with the growth in the
globalisation of everything these days, what
happens abroad no longer stays abroad.
This globalisation of business and lifestyle is
where the problems of the coronavirus can really
hit home. Our travel plans are all being changed.
Anyone fancy a weekend in Rome? You’ll get a
cheap flight and a hotel to yourself, but don’t
expect to be allowed back into the UK afterwards.
22 www.psimagazine.co.uk

We can live without a foreign holiday for a while,
but what we can’t do without is a supply of
technology. CCTV cameras in particular are, in the
main, manufactured in the Far East meaning that
UK distributors could be seeing cameras become
as rare as quilted toilet paper if the situation lasts
too long into the summer.
By the way you have to admire the speed of
some marketing people. It was soon after the first
UK cases were diagnosed that we were receiving
news of ‘coronavirus-enabled CCTV cameras’
being available. Yes, with thermal cameras able to
detect higher bodily temperatures, marketing
departments were hawking the technology as
being capable of spotting the virus. That’s quick,
but a little too much like ambulance chasing for
me.
Fingers-crossed that the virus problems will
soon be contained and the supply of technology
does not become a problem for UK distributors
and installers. Whether, in the meantime,
installers should be hoarding cameras as well as
hand sanitiser, pasta and baked beans is up for
question. Then again if things get totally out of
hand, no-one will be allowed to work anyway if
areas of the country are put under quarantine
such as with Northern Italy or boders are closed
as with France and Germany.
Stockpiling
The distributors I have spoken to have told me
that they have stocks and have put contingency
plans in place should there be a slowing in the
supply chain but the uncertainty of how long the
virus prevention/delay/containment period is will
certainly affect the security industry.
As we reported online in early March,
production of video surveillance equipment is
heavily concentrated in China, with the country
accounting for 90 percent of global production of
video surveillance cameras, and 45 percent of
worldwide global market revenue in 2019. As a
result, any coronavirus-related disruption to
production, supply chains or workforces in the
country could have a significant impact for a
global video surveillance market totalling $19.9
billion in 2019.
“Given China’s status as the world’s largest
producer and consumer of video-surveillance
cameras, the country wields a proportionately
massive influence on the global market for these
products,” said Tommy Zhu, senior analyst, video
surveillance, at Omdia. “Video surveillance
equipment suppliers in China currently are
contending with reduced production because of a
lack of manpower and delays following the Lunar
New Year. Meanwhile, domestic demand for
general-purpose video surveillance products is
likely to cease or suffer delays as the Chinese
government focuses on coronavirus control.
“If the epidemic continues to spread and
infections rise in number in the second quarter,
the effects of the coronavirus on video
surveillance hardware supply will be severe, not
only in China but worldwide,” Zhu said.
According to Omdia, in the best-case scenario,
with the epidemic successfully contained by the
end of March and the disruptions reduced by
April, the impact of the virus on the video
surveillance market would be minor. Again it’s
tricky to predict what will happen with supply but
at this stage it does appear that production in
China is getting back to normal and shipments are
now coming in to these shores.
Essentially the main problem with the current
state of affairs is confusion and mis-information.
For every social media message asking if everyone
is ok, there’s another telling us that gargling with
salty water will protect against the virus. The
security industry depends on people being able to
go onto site to install new kit or maintain the old
so the uncertainty of what you should do
compared to what you ‘have’ to do is a stumbling
block.
Look, I’m no medical expert (I’m ok on sport)
but you can be sure that one way or another there
will be suffering due to COVID-19, but it may not
be your health, it may be your short-term wealth.
Remember back in 1996 when BSE was the talk of
the town? The then government chief adviser Prof
Kenneth Calman gave us the prediction that
anywhere up to 500,000 people would die from
the disease, yet the actual reported death toll was
177. The scare itself though cost £7bn and the
media coverage was vast. The same happened
with avain flu in 2005; 457 deaths but a bill of
£500m for 60m shots of Tamiflu vaccine.
As an industry we’ve accepted the
postponement of our trade shows (and the PSI
Golf Day) which I hope for you all is the worst it
gets. People will always need security and we can
get through this.
Stay healthy.
According to Omdia,
in the best-case
scenario, with the
epidemic successfully
contained by the end
of March and the
disruptions reduced
by April, the impact of
the virus on the video
surveillance market
would be minor
www.psimagazine.co.uk 23

PANEL
Coping during a crisis
24
As we put this issue to bed, the
world is getting to grips with the
coronavirus threat. We asked the
experts what the impact could be
on the security industry
We deal with the UK’s reaction to
delaying, containing and preventing the
spread of the virus elsewhere in this
edition, but what do the experts think will
happen over the next few months?
David Davies -
DVS
With the Coronavirus now
being classed as world wide
pandemic, will it affect the
security industry? Yes, it
already is. We have recently
seen the postponing of events and some have
been moved, this is a sensible precaution that
most will welcome and gives the adequate time
for this to be brought under control and for the
relevant procedures to be implemented.
With most security distributors it seems most
have taken on more stock than normal to help
cope with any increased demands or pressure
that may arise from the ever-evolving situation
“One possible soloution is to use British manufactured security
products, however these may still be affected to some extent if
their key component suppliers are based in China”
across the globe. With the Chinese New Year
period most would have taken on more stock to
account for this factory downtime, so I expect
most to be well equipped to deal with this. Now
the factories are re-open stock is starting to flow
into the chain again so this will help bolster any
supply. We have to also remember that many
distribution channels will also be able to offer
viable alternatives, allowing business as usual.
With the restrictions we are starting to see
across the UK, it may be that some installations
are postponed for the safety and well being of
the staff and customers alike, rather than
putting people at risk, especially those in a risk
category. What I would say to this is we need to
follow government-led advice, rather than
create panic, mislead information, and advice
that is factually incorrect. Please stay safe and
as always look out for others and stay calm.
David Armstrong –
Centurion Fire &
Security
We read in the News that
Apple is experiencing a
shortage of deliveries from
Foxconn one of its major
Chinese suppliers who have a reduction in
production capacity due to staff shortages and
is offering up to $1,000 for employees to return
to work.
At the end of the lunar new year, millions of
Chinese workers who travel across the country
to visit family return to manufacturing hubs like
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Shenzhen, Ningbo and Guangzhou. The Holiday
is always disruptive. Every year, activity must be
scaled back and production reduced as workers
take time off. But assembly lines can be
rebooted as soon as the bullet trains and buses
bring them back.
However, this year has been different. The
coronavirus epidemic saw the new year
extended, and Beijing advised citizens to avoid
travel. The long term effect on UK supplies is
uncertain, but in the short term there will
inevitably be shortages which will ultimately
affect the sales of security products and
especially CCTV components in the UK.
One possible soloution is to use British
manufactured security products, however these
may still be affected to some extent if their key
component suppliers are based in China.
If you are lucky enough have any surplus
cash in your business, now might be a good
time increase your stock levels.
Gareth Williams -
Oprema
COVID-19 is a worldwide
pandemic which is taking its
toll on businesses globally.
With daily news updates and
the virus spreading rapidly,
we are preparing for what the next few
months may hold.
The UK security market could see an impact
if businesses are not prepared with stock and
production became limited. We would suggest
that installers try to plan ahead where possible
and put their own business contingency plan in
place. Though we know this is difficult, we are
learning more about the virus everyday and
what to expect, assisting with future planning.
Most importantly, please look after yourselves
and follow the medical advice regarding the
coronavirus.
“We would suggest
that installers try to
plan ahead where
possible and put their
own business
contingency plan in
place”
ARE YOU MISSING SOMETHING?
@psimagazine
follow PSI on Twitter for news, views & comment

PSI GOLF DAY
THE PSI GOLF DAY 2020
The annual PSI Golf
Day pits the skills of
the industry’s golfers
against each other in
Texas Scramble and
Stableford
competitions
We hope you will be able to
join us at Luton Hoo this
year for a round of golf,
awards dinner or both!
For more details on taking
part contact David Lewis on
0208 295 8309.
26
This year the PSI Golf Day and
Premier Awards are being held at
Warren Weir at Luton Hoo. Why not
come and join us for the day on
8th October?
This year the PSI Golf Day is being held at
Warren Weir at Luton Hoo in Bedfordshire,
a 7,107 yard long and par 73 course
offering a harmonious blend of inland links and
mature parkland, meandering through the
estate.
Warren Weir nestles within the 1,065 acre
grounds of Luton Hoo Hotel, Golf & Spa and is a
self-contained private event venue with 84
luxurious bedrooms and suites.
The event will take place on the 2nd July, with
golf during the day and the PSI Premier Awards
in the evening afterwards. Following the meal
Previous winner Tim Northwood with Ray Parlour
and presentations there will be after-dinner
entertainment and a chance to unwind in the
Warren Lounge afterwards.
The Golf Competitions
During the day, the annual PSI Golf Day will pit
the skills of the industry’s golfers against each
other in Texas Scramble and Stableford
competitions. Every year installers,
manufacturers and suppliers compete for the
prestigious trophies and enjoy all-day
refreshment and catering in glorious
surroundings with great company.
For those looking to stay overnight, Warren
Weir has rooms to meet all requirements as well
as those in the in the Parkland and Country
Club. To book your accommodation please
contact 01582 698887 mentioning the PSI Golf
Day.
A day to remember for all competitors and
their guests - especially the winners!
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Ireland’s
One-Stop
Shop for
Security and
Fire Products
THAT’S THE ADI DIFFERENCE
250
Leading
brands
In-Branch
Training
ADI Dublin
Now
Open
Stockists of all categories...
Intrusion Video Network
Solutions
Access
Control
Fire & Gas
Call
Systems
Power, Cable
& Hardware
Audio
Visual
Services
www.adiglobal.ie
+ 353 (0) 1 450 1366
Dublin.ie@adiglobal.com

PSI PREMIER AWARDS
Who will win in 2020?
The 2020 PSI Premier Awards
campaign will soon be underway –
and it will be up to you to nominate
the entries for the competition
Hikvision and Pyronix were
winners in 2019. Who will be
successful in 2020?
Have you used a piece of kit or worked with a
supplier that has been mightily impressive
over the last twelve months? As a
manufacturer of electronic security systems do
you think that your company’s products and
services deserve to be recognised as the best that
the sector has to offer? We will be asking you to
tell us what the best products are and who gives
the best service for the PSI Premier Awards 2020.
Nominate online
The annual PSI Premier Awards campaigns have
recognised innovation and the highest achievers
that the industry has to offer from across a
number of disciplines for many years.
We are now asking for nominations for the
products, services and suppliers that those
working in the security industry think are the best
in the market. After the deadline we will then
collate all of the entries and, where necessary,
ask a number of installers to give us their
opinions on the nominated systems. This will give
us a final listing of entries that we know will be
the best of the best.
The types of technologies we are looking for
are those that are different, not “me too” systems
The award categories for 2020
We will be looking for nominations in the following categories. Be
sure to read through the definitions to make sure that your entries
match the criteria for being a finalist.
The types of
technologies we are
looking for are those
that are different, not
“me too” systems
and we want to hear
about distributors that
go above and beyond
box-shifting
The categories are:
• CCTV Product Of The Year - Any camera, DVR, NVR, lens etc
• Intruder Alarm Product Of The Year - Any panel, sensor, bell or
alarm peripheral
• Access Control Product Of The Year - Any technology for access or
perimeter control
• Technology Innovation Of The Year - Any products outside of other technology categories such as
HDDs, lighting, tools, communications etc
• Software/Analytics Product Of The Year - Any product that utilises or manages data to improve
security, performance or business intelligence purposes such as apps, VMS, analytics etc
• Manufacturer Training Programme Of The Year - Any training courses, facilities etc organised by
security systems manufacturers to educate installers
• Distributor Of The Year - Best performing supplier for support, stock, training, warranties etc
28
www.psimagazine.co.uk

and we want to hear about distributors that go
above and beyond box-shifting. The UK security
market is brimming with talent so we want to
make sure we feature the best new releases of
recent times and the suppliers that give the
highest levels of support.
Make sure you check the categories described
as they have changed for 2020.
The PSI Premier Awards Dinner will be held on
8th October at Luton Hoo Warren Weir following
the annual PSI Golf Day.
How to nominate
To make sure that your favourites are featured in
the PSI Premier Awards 2020 you only need to
visit the PSI website and follow the nomination
link to tell us:
1. Your details
2. Name of nominated product/company
3. Award category
There are no costs involved in nominating or
voting in the award campaign.
The deadline for nominations is
14th May 2020
Once we have compiled the list of the finalists in
each category we will run all of the details in PSI
magazine and on our website.
Note: Due to the vast number of manufacturers
and distributors that we deal with, we can not
send out personal reminders for companies to
enter. If you miss the deadline, you miss out!
Oprema took the 2019 award for
Distributor of the Year - will they
successfully defend the title in
2020?
www.psimagazine.co.uk/nominate
www.psimagazine.co.uk
29

together raising standards
Meet the installer
What would be a typical project for you?
We stopped working in domestic security about
30 years ago because there were too many low
cost systems being fitted by unqualified
engineers in the market. So we started to focus
on commercial installations and that was the best
decision we’ve ever made as a business.
Commercial security systems need maintenance
contracts and monitoring for insurance cover with
very little fall-off rate. While with domestic
installations it was a much higher drop out rate
for people to cancel their maintenance contract.
Currently we are most active with fire contracts,
followed by CCTV, access and intruder in that
order. This might be because the intruder alarm
side of things has become very competitive in
terms of price; however we have accumulated a
lot of intruder alarm maintenance contracts over
the years which keeps us fairly busy!
Do you have any 'go to' technology?
We have multi-skilled engineers working in all
four major disciplines and the only way you can
do that is to restrict your product range to what
they are trained on. For the past thirty years we
have fitted Galaxy panels but from the start of this
year we’ve favoured Texecom technology. The
main reason for this decision was that the
upload/download capabilities are all in the cloud
with the Texecom systems unlike previous
systems that required a separate SQL server. The
app is also really good and has a lot of features
including remote resetting and all the stats that
customers like. For access systems we use Paxton
for installations of up to 1,000 doors and an
American company called DSX for larger contracts
of 1000+ doors. In terms of CCTV we’ve used lots
of different systems over the years but today we
mainly use Hikvision because of the benefits of
the in-built analytics. For example, in a recent
perimeter security installation for 22 Builders’
merchants sites we didn’t use a single PIR, the
whole thing was put together using Hikvision AI
enabled video analytics which can filter out false
alarms and then checked again via Calipsa at our
monitoring station. Finally for fire we use C-TEC,
again because of the cloud enabled
upload/download features. We are currently an
evaluation site for the C-TEC CAST platform. We
are also an accredited Milestone CCTV installer.
What is the best thing about working in
security?
You’ll never be out of work. Also I like that fact
that the technology changes and evolves – this is
a very innovative industry and I don’t think many
people recognise that. It’s also great that we can
work with manufacturers to help develop new
technologies.
Is third party accreditation beneficial to
you?
Most certainly – without it we would be seen to be
no better than “a man with a van”. Accreditations
maintain the standard of the industry at a high
level and also make it a level playing for
competition. As well as the NSI Gold (since 1984),
we have been BAFE approved for fire systems for
the last five years. Without a doubt, third party
approval has helped us when it comes to
tendering for new projects.
Do you think there is a skills shortage in
the industry? Any trouble recruiting?
Finding a good, experienced multi-skilled
engineer is like looking for hen’s teeth! We pay
good rates, but if the people aren’t available, then
they are not available. Last year we started three
new engineering apprentices which includes for
the first time a young girl, called Hannah. She’s
only 16 but she is working really well, loves her
job and has a great work ethic.
Security life with David Armstrong of
Centurion Fire & Security in Huddersfield
Name: David Armstrong
Job title: Managing Director
Time in security/fire: I started in 1974 so that’s 46
years!
Company: Centurion Fire & Security
Location: Huddersfield
Areas of expertise: CCTV, intruder, access control
and fire for commercial premises applications
Accreditations: NSI Gold, BAFE
“We have
accumulated a lot of
intruder alarm
maintenance
contracts over the
years which keeps us
fairly busy!”
www.psimagazine.co.uk
31

together raising standards
(continued from previous page)
“I’m a firm believer
that no matter what
job you do, if you
work hard and put
the hours in, you can
make a success of
it”
Are there any common requests from
customers that give you problems?
Over the years we have learned to eliminate the
common problems that we used to see. For
example with upload/download if a customer
rings in, we have trained all of the staff here, even
those who are office based admin people, so that
they can initiate a remote diagnostic test if no
engineers are available, meaning that we can
have the logs downloaded and ready for checking.
What is the security industry’s biggest
myth?
The biggest myth with CCTV is that people often
over expect what cameras can do. Quite often we
find that customers think that one camera can
recognise a person in one area and read a number
plate somewhere else at the same time. This can
lead people to thinking that they can get away
with having fewer cameras than what they really
need.
What impact has smart/home automation
had on your business?
Fortunately, working exclusively in the
commercial market we’ve not been affected at all
by the unregulated DIY security technology trend
of the last few years. I think it has probably made
some members of the public more aware of
security systems, but it has not reached the
commercial side of the industry.
What would make your job easier?
Having access to more skilled engineers would be
a start! I’m really lucky in that we have such a
great management team here, so I’ve recently
been able to cut down my working hours to three
days a week. They have certainly helped make my
job easier.
What is your ultimate/fantasy electronic
security/fire product?
More user friendly products would be my fantasy.
Manufacturers have done a pretty good job of
developing products that meet all the demands of
the industry as it has evolved but sometimes
neglect the end users. However there are some
exceptions C-TEC’s new CAST products are ideal
for fire applications and the new firmware in the
Texecom Elite panels is getting better all the time.
Maybe more could be done with access control –
I’m always really impressed with the wireless
systems they have in modern Hotels and perhaps
there needs to be more development in our
industry to speed up installation time and reduce
cost.
What advice would you give to a younger
version of yourself?
When I left school at 15 my Dad said to me:
“Whatever job you do Son, make sure you enjoy
doing it because you’ll be doing it for a long time”
and that’s the advice I would give myself - if Dad
hadn’t said it first. I’m also a firm believer that no
matter what job you do, if you work hard and put
the hours in, you can make a success of it. I used
to drive home from work in my old van and see big
new Jaguar cars parked outside pubs and think:
“Why can’t I drive a car like that and have an early
finish?” But it’s only through hard work that you
get to that position, which you can do if you apply
yourself persistently.
Will England ever win the football World
Cup again?
I doubt it, but then I don’t follow football!
If you won £25,000 what would you do with
the money?
We have a profit sharing scheme here for the staff
so I might put some money into that. We also
work with a local children’s Hospice so I would
definitely do something with them, perhaps
buying them a child-sized Tesla electric car to play
with.
32
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Intruder
Detection
with Norbain
Expert advice for your intruder
requirements
Did you know that Norbain have the best stockholding
of a wide range of the biggest brands in the Intruder
market, including Honeywell, Texecom and Eaton
Scantronic to name a few?
Supported by our dedicated Intruder Business
Development team, next day and timed deliveries and
no quibble returns policy, we’ve got the knowledge,
products and service to support your next Intruder
project. And because we’re also experts in integrated
solutions, we can help advise you on all aspects of
CCTV, Access Control and Intruder Detection systems.
Norbain are specialists in CCTV, Access Control,
Intruder and Door Entry, so why not get in touch
to see how we can support your next project.
info@norbain.com
norbain.com
0118 912 5000

WIRELESS
Wire free and easy
Wireless technology has brought
speedier and less intrusive
installations to the market and fits
the modern desire for cable-free
connectivity with customers. Is it
time to cut cable’s losses?
On one hand, wireless intruder technology
has brought the benefits of modern
alarms to Listed buildings that can not be
pulled apart to fit cable runs and it has also help
to speed up installation times. Yet on the other
hand its simplistic ‘plug and play’ attributes
have contributed greatly to the rise in the
popularity of DIY security systems that do not
involve the professional installer.
We are increasingly hearing about the launch
of new alarm systems from manufacturers from
outside of the traditional intruder market, or
even new start ups, that are rather confused
with the target market of the product. In PSI we
only feature the kinds of systems you can be
assured of puting your name next to in terms of
reliability and robustness, therefore we have to
check with the new systems that they are
indeed aimed at the professional. It is
becomeing rather common to hear “It’s aimed at
the installer and the DIY market” from
marketing types, which is confusing enough. We
now find that the real identifier in who the
technology is aimed at is defined by the choice
of route to market. If when asked “Who is
distributing the system?” they reply with a
known security distributor then we’re on it.
However if the answer is a High Street retailer
such as Robert Dyas, then we know where we
stand.
Every single one of these pro/DIY systems is
wireless. The homeowner is not going to fancy
taking on running cables throughout the
property and sorting out the power supplies;
which was incidentally one of the reasons why
so many people who bought CCTV from good
old Maplins back in the day left it in the box
when they realised they had to start playing
with wires. The fact that these new systems are
all wireless indicates how simple installing
cable-free systems has become.
Depending on who you talk to, making
everything easier to fit has been a good/bad
thing for the security industry, yet what remains
is that the wireless aspect of the technology is
now more robust and cost-saving than ever
before. And as you’ll know, it is quite often
considered in some quarters that the wireless
option is just as good a choice or even a better
option than one that requires wiring. Of course
in scenarios where cabling is already in place
and in good condition, the upgrade of a wired
system can be swift, however in areas that are
seeing technology being installed from scratch
or where the wiring is old/damagedthen fitting
wireless components can make for a very swift
job.
Technology evolves
Consider this; although the essential idea of an
intruder alarm has remained the same over the
years; a panel and triggers such as PIRs or
magnetic/vibration sensors, the improvements
that manufacturers have made to the
technology have resulted in fewer false alarms
than ever before. Furthermore the accuracy of
systems that are no longer affected by triggers
such as the family pet have all contributed to
lower false positives. Anyone who thinks a PIR,
is a PIR, is a PIR then they have yet to talk to
anyone about black mirrors and various other
developments.
The development of
flexible, efficient
wireless systems with
improved
transmission ranges
has had an effect on
the whole security
sector
www.psimagazine.co.uk
35

WIRELESS
(continued from previous page)
In fact the main changes we have seen in
intruder technology have not been in the design
of the panels per se (many companies’ flagship
products are more than a few years old) but in
the performance of the peripherals, the
reliability of wireless functionality and the
development of apps.
The attraction of apps
Just have a read of the Meet the Installer articles
in PSI and you’ll see the likes of RISCO, Pyronix
and Texecom being named as ‘go to’ products
and this is because of the development and
functionality of their apps. Your customers love
them and they help you install the kit!
Panel manufacturers have taken a big step
forward recently in developing wireless systems
that use the panel as a central point in the
system allowing functions which had previously
been in the realms of home automation to now
be part of the overall installation. The use of an
app for remote alarm management is a natural
development and fits the evolution of the
technology down to a tee.
Just have a read of the Meet the Installer articles in PSI and
you’ll see the likes of RISCO, Pyronix and Texecom being
named as ‘go to’ products and this is because of the
development and functionality of their apps. Your customers
love them and they help you install the kit!
Throw these developments in with an
increasingly device-led domestic customer base
and you get a clear picture that there is a rapidly
growing market for wireless alarm systems with
remote access via smartphones/tablets. Factor
in the integration of security into home
automation and you can see great opportunities
for the manufacturers to reposition their
products in the market with apps and ranges of
panels with wireless connectivity and stylish
looks.
The development of flexible, efficient
wireless systems with improved transmission
ranges has had an effect on the whole security
sector, including alarms, access control, CCTV
and fire. Wireless is now an established
technology and one that is taking the installer
into new places and in new directions and
depending on the budget there are panels of all
shapes and sizes that offer easy install and
maintenance along with designs and remote
access features that attract the domestic
customer.
Yet, the UK security market is traditionally
wired, meaning that in many places the wiring
infrastructure is already in place. This is
something that early IP CCTV sales came up
against (and probably still does) especially as it
pitched as one of its benefits “you’ll save money
on wiring” – well not if that wiring is already in
place and is in good working order. And today
we still have an awful lot of analogue CCTV
running in the UK and as we now know,
according to plenty of sources analogue sales
are on the up.
Wireless benefits
For alarms, the advantages of wireless security
are more than simply the lack of fiddly wiring
and it remains a common sense installation
regardless of whether or not wiring is already in
place, however it is not always nailed on that a
wireless system will be the best option. As long
as the use of existing wiring doesn’t lead to a
compromise in system design (there’s no point
in using the existing cabling if it does not allow
you to fit peripherals where they are needed)
then that is fine. The most cost-effective option
that does the required job is usually the one
that wins the order which is why many intruder
alarm companies offer wireless and wired
panels. But there is another benefit in specifying
wireless technology on top of the ones already
mentioned; modularity, or as the non-
36
www.psimagazine.co.uk

WIRELESS
SMOKE DETECTION
It is the wireless functionality
that allows a device to be added
in a matter of minutes that will
contribute heavily to future
upgrades of installations
(continued from p36)
marketing types would say, adding on more bits
after the first system goes in.
Installing the original panel, PIRs, sounders
etc is enough of a job whether it be wired or
wireless but when the system needs a few extra
detectors or peripherals added at a later date
then wireless wins hands down in terms of
speed of install and simplicity. This is why the
aforementioned DIY alarm systems at the
bottom end of the market are wireless because
they are so easy to fit. But the benefit of
simplicity should not lead anyone to the
conclusion that security is being compromised
as a result of ditching the wires.
Wireless systems are a boon in securing
areas where wiring would not be an option such
as a Listed building or a building with eccentric
design elements. Wireless technology (be it
intruder, fire or CCTV) are often the only option
for these applications. Furthermore in some
cases wireless technology is used to extend the
scope of wired systems into areas where
cabling cannot be installed but the existing
wired area is still viable.
System selection
In most trades there is always ‘more than one
way to skin a cat’ when it comes to
recommending a solution and the security
industry has probably the most diverse
solutions available when it comes to adding
technology to a building to meet the needs of
the customer. At the moment CCTV appears
often the first port of call and despite concerns
about public intrusion video evidence is always
the initial enquiry made by the authorities when
investigating an incident. Intruder alarms are
recommended by insurers yet there are many
properties in the UK without any form of alarm.
In fact there is one company operating in the UK
that does not even have a bell box on its alarm
system, the whole thing is run through an ARC
which utilises video to check for verification of
an incident.
When it comes to smoke alarms, the vast
majority of homes have units dotted around the
house, most of which have been self-installed
but it is likely that just about all of these will not
be connected to any other device or central unit.
Wireless technology and the associated developments of
modern systems such as apps and remote connectivity
allows very simple maintenance and upgrades and enable a
win:win for you and your customers.
Innovations such as Nest and other home
options are starting to include fire, so that
picture will no doubt start to change, which may
well need a legislation development too.
Therefore as wireless developments can
offer help with the easy integration of systems
and with the speedy install that comes with the
cable-free device, the future for installers could
well be wireless with remote control/monitoring
via apps. In fact the abundance of apps
developed by product manufacturers will
probably drive the trend for consumers wishing
to grow their home security systems rather than
staying with the basic entry level solution. And
it is the wireless functionality that allows a
device to be added in a matter of minutes that
will contribute heavily to future upgrades of
installations.
Customer expectations
Simplicity and connectivity (plus the use of an
app) are what the consumer expects of their
technology today, as a given. The use of
wireless systems fits this desire head on
allowing changes to the system to be made in
seconds, just turn the unit on and it is
recognised by the platform. This will make the
solutions even more desirable and once the
battery life of some peripherals in the intruder,
access and CCTV market are improved in terms
of operating life, wireless kit will continue to
catch the eye of anyone who wants a simple and
swift upgrade – whether they fit it themselves or
not.
Take for example the massive growth of the
Ring video doorbell. Not a system that you
would specify for a commercial access solution
but for the domestic market it has brought a
whole new layer of security to the masses for
around £100. Whether the customer fits it
themselves (a simple Wi-Fi job) or asks an
installer to do it for them, in the case of an
elderly person or a clueless hipster, this kind of
super easy installation is the way forward for
technology. Your expertise is not going to
necessarily be in the capability of fitting the kit,
it will be more with the positioning,
maintenance and specification of the
technology.
Wireless technology and the associated
developments of modern systems such as apps
and remote connectivity allows very simple
maintenance and upgrades and enable a
win:win for you and your customers.
38
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Daylight
Robbery
Are your customers fed up
with fighting retail crime
and anti-social behaviour?
£4.82billion
Total UK retail crime
losses in 2019*
21.4%
Rise in organised
retail gang crime*
115
Shop workers attacked
everyday. Many more
threatened*
A facial recognition solution
can stop crime before it happens
Facewatch, is the UK’s leading facial recognition solution.
And it’s available now from Vista.
• Conforms with current GDPR guidelines
• Works with your existing IP video surveillance solution
• Suitable for any size of premises
• Proven results to discourage unwanted behaviour & retail theft
• Facewatch remain as the data controller
• Recurring revenue stream for you the installer
LET’S TALK:
Available as a licenced-based product now via Vista Priority
Partners. Speak to Vista today about how you can benefit from
the biggest advance in security since the introduction of CCTV!
Call us on: +44 (0) 118 912 5000
Or visit: vista-cctv.com/lets-talk
In Partnership with
*Source: Centre for Retail Research & British Retail Consortium

HELLO
SIGNO
The Signature Line of Readers from HID Global
Meet Signo at hidglobal.com/signo
Powering Trusted Identities
©2020 HID Global Corporation/ASSA ABLOY AB. All rights reserved. HID, HID Global, the HID Blue Brick logo, the Chain Design and Signo are trademarks
or registered trademarks of HID Global or its licensor(s)/supplier(s) in the US and other countries and may not be used without permission.

BUSINESS
Seven ways to grow
your business
It is vital to develop a
service business
mindset when the
installation activity
can be so time
consuming
According to Jim Rathbone there are seven critical success factors in order
to grow your service business as an installer
Here is a summary of the key issues. Jim will
unpack each one over the coming months
in a seven part series on growing your
service business.
1. Develop the service business
mindset
It is vital to develop a service business mindset
when the installation activity can be so time
consuming, which is easier when you keep in
mind the many benefits of growing your service
sales.
2. Set Service goals
Goals keep us energised and focused on what we
are trying to achieve. The great boxer Muhammad
Ali said: “What keeps me going are goals”.
3. Increase sales from customers
Your customers are the easiest, most profitable
group to whom you can market your business and
increase your service sales, as video game
entrepreneur John Romero stressed: “In
marketing I've seen only one strategy that can't
miss -- and that is to market to your best
customers first, your best prospects second and
the rest of the world last.”
4. Retain service contracts
Research shows that 20%-70% of new customers
are lost within the first 12 months of acquiring
them. All that hard earned effort in winning the
new account just goes to waste…
Service contracts can be retained for many years
as long as the customer sees he is getting value
for money, continues to have a good experience
and feels valued as a customer.
5. Generate leads for new accounts
To accelerate growth in service sales you need to
develop, test and measure new lead generation
methods for winning new customers. There are
some smart ways of doing this online through the
use of Pay Per Click advertising, which can be
challenging but effective, plus there are also
traditional offline methods such as telesales,
direct mail and traditional sales.
6. Increase profit through pricing
Businesses often underestimate just how much
effective pricing management can boost profits.
When installers are either faced with a tough
economy or have difficulty in winning new
customers, one of the first things some do is
reduce their prices. This can be a slippery slope.
7. Measure service business
The service business is about detail, the most
important of which should be measured across
the 3 dimensions of service growth, service
quality and service efficiency. Goals and
improvement activities should be developed for
the areas you wish to focus on. This will enable
you to manage your growth better.
Jim Rathbone is the Managing
Director of Rathbone Results
which supports security
installers to increase profits
and grow recurring income
jim@rathboneresults.com
www.psimagazine.co.uk
41

Market leading
fire & security
products
Same Day, Next Day
£20m
Stock
holding
250
Leading
brands
24,000
Products
available
28
Branches
UK&I
THAT’S THE ADI DIFFERENCE
Stockists of all categories...
Intrusion Video Network
Solutions
Access
Control
Fire & Gas
Call
Systems
Power, Cable
& Hardware
Audio
Visual
Services
www.adiglobal.com/uk
0161 687 8787
sales.uk@adiglobal.com

FIRE SAFETY
Management & Installation
Fire Protection and Prevention
with Technology and Innovation
Special Supplement in association with:

FIRE SAFETY
What can you do to positively
change the fire industry?
At a time when the fire industry is going through a period of unprecedented transformational
change, it is crucial to have a respected, strong and unbiased voice that is committed to guiding
the industry to be safer. The Fire Industry Association is proud to act as that voice.
One way the fire
industry can do its
best and improve is
by heeding Hackitt’s
advice to improve the
competence of
companies and
individuals who work
in the fire industry
ii
The catalyst for the current period of change
was the Grenfell Tower tragedy on June 14th
2017 where 72 people lost their lives. This
tragedy highlighted the unacceptable
shortcomings of fire safety legislation and
regulation. The inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire
is now in its second phase and tensions are rising
as the corporations involved have been granted
immunity from prosecution when giving oral
evidence. This request has led some to believe that
the truth will never be revealed and the survivors
and bereaved are concerned that even if the truth
is revealed that justice won’t be served.
Whilst the inquiry is of the upmost importance,
the fire industry does not have to wait for the
findings. A report published on May 2018 by Dame
Judith Hackitt titled ‘Building a Safer Future:
Independent Review of Building Regulations and
Fire Safety’ offered a handful of critiques. The
criticisms ranged from the roles and
responsibilities for building safety are unclear,
regulations and guidance are ‘ambiguous and
inconsistent’, compliance processes are ‘weak and
complex’ and the competence of people engaged
in the system is ‘patchy’. Hackitt also stated that
wholesale cultural change is ‘absolutely
fundamental’ and requires a shift away from a
‘prime motivation to do things as quickly and
cheaply as possible’ with the need for people to
‘take responsibility for the decisions they are
making’ and ‘to take responsibility for complying
with the requirements’.
Many of Hackitt’s recommendations will require
strong leadership at the government level, clear
direction and prioritisation, significant societal
investment, cultural change and at a personal for
all of us to take responsibility to try to do our best
in any way we can.
How can the fire industry
improve? Competency
In Hackitt’s report there was a particular focus on
the term competency, in fact it was mentioned 239
times. But what does that mean? To be competent
a person must have sufficient knowledge,
experience and skills needed to meet the
requirements of the job. What’s more, a competent
person must have an awareness of their own
limitations and will endeavour to seek to update
their knowledge in line with changes in standards,
regulations and legislation.
One way the fire industry can do its best and
improve is by heeding Hackitt’s advice to improve
the competence of companies and individuals who
work in the fire industry. The FIA welcomed Dame
Judith Hackitt’s report as we have been calling for
many years for improvements to the regulatory
environment and competency levels in the UK fire
safety industry. Beyond calling for it, the FIA has
been instrumental in ensuring that the industry is
becoming more competent through providing a
range of industry-best training courses for
individuals and a membership criterion that
demands company certification to a relevant thirdparty
scheme. In these ways, it takes responsibility
for both promoting competency in the sector and
providing assurance that FIA members take as
much responsibility as possible to deliver
credibility and the very highest quality in the
provision of products and services.
One recent example that shows FIA’s clear
“BS 5839-1 has been our iconic
guidebook for decades and is
recognised as being at the
forefront of every decision made on
the design, installation,
commissioning and maintenance of
fire detection and alarm systems”
Ian Moore, CEO of the FIA
intent to improve the industry through increasing
competency by training. The FIA started a
consultation with its members on what issues they
felt they needed training in. From this consultation
with our 900 members, a new and concise Level 3
qualification entitled ‘BS 5839-1 Fundamentals of
www.psimagazine.co.uk

FD&A in Non-Domestic Premises’ was introduced.
This qualification aims to provide a comprehensive
introduction to the Fire Detection and Alarm
(FD&A) sector and a core understanding of BS
5839-1.
Third Party Certification
The Hackitt report, as we have seen, demanded an
increase in competency of individuals and
companies that are undertaking the work. But it
has also given responsibility to the person
responsible for the buildings as they should be
looking for companies and individuals that are
third party certified (TPC) and competent. But what
is third party certification?
Third-party certification schemes for fire
protection products and related services are an
effective means of providing the fullest possible
assurances, offering a level of quality, reliability
and safety that non-certificated products may
lack... Third-party quality assurance can offer
comfort both as a means of satisfying you that
goods and services you have purchased are fit for
purpose, and as a means of demonstrating that
you have complied with the law.” - GOV.UK Fire
Safety Guidance Documents (Quality assurance of
fire protection equipment and installation)
The responsible person needs to prove that
they have used competent service and product
providers. When a responsible person is looking
for a competent company and individuals, they
should look for a person who has sufficient
knowledge, experience and skills. The industry
recognises competency when individuals have
obtained qualifications (Level 3) from recognised
bodies such as the FIA.
Conclusion
Whilst the fire industry waits for a potential ‘Fire
Safety Bill’ to legislate the recommendations from
the Hackitt report and the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.
We as the fire industry must continue striving
towards becoming more competent. It is of equal
importance that competent, qualified and thirdparty
certified companies are educating their end
users about how they are able to complete a job
with the highest degree of safety possible.
Put simply, those working in the fire industry
should continue taking part in training that gives
you a qualification and proves your level of
competency. For end users, ask with confidence for
proof of competency from the fire safety workers
that you employ. By doing this we will raise the bar
of the fire industry and continue to improve fire
safety in the United Kingdom.
About the author:
Adam Richardson - Operations and Content Coordinator
Adam joined the Association in October 2019 where he started as an Executive
Assistant to the CEO. His role has since developed into Operations and Content
Coordinator where he is responsible for planning and implementing projects
internally and takes full responsibility for the FIA’s online content and social
media activity. Prior to joining the FIA, attended Cardiff University where he
studied Human Geography and graduated in July 2019.
About the FIA
The FIA (Fire Industry Association) is a not-for-profit
organisation. We are the leading trade association for the fire
industry in the UK. Our education and training that we offer
through our qualifications and industry recognised courses
exist to provide you with a high level of knowledge and
understanding that will help develop your career and build your business.
Our courses are delivered by experienced professionals from the industry, who can not only
deliver the course, but answer questions and provide real-life examples, enabling all delegates
to deliver excellent results for their organisations.
Combined with our website we aim to provide a service that contributes to and promotes
technical developments in the industry. Standards are constantly being revised and updated and
it is vital to stay up-to-date with the changes. By taking our qualifications and courses and using
our extensive Resource Library on our website, you can be sure that you will be well informed of
any recent changes as and when they happen.
Our range of professional qualifications and training programmes – along with our extensive
membership benefits – are all designed to support learners and their organisations to grow,
develop technical knowledge, and increase your network.
www.fia.uk.com
www.psimagazine.co.uk
iii

TM
TM
FIRE SAFETY
Kentec previewed latest Taktis evolution at Intersec 2020
- and celebrated RoHS UAE and EN54-13 approvals
Kentec Electronics, a leading
manufacturer of life-critical
control systems, previewed
Taktis Command Point – a fullyintegrated
fire investigation and
evacuation process panel that
covers every element of fire
protection in one integrated
solution – prior to its formal launch
later this year.
Building on Kentec’s powerful
and sophisticated Taktis analogue
addressable fire panel, the fullyscalable
Command Point allows full display of
the fire event location and a central point for
fire-fighting services to manage the evacuation
process and optional smoke control. It will also
enable voice controls and sounders, fire
telephone and ultimately support a building’s
smart functionality.
Command Point is fully-customisable,
available in 28 languages (including Arabic),
with UAE RoHS and RoHS2 approvals.
The UAE RoHS regulation covers all EEE
(Electrical and Electronic Equipment) and has
been introduced as a mandatory requirement. It
means that the United Arab Emirates shall take
all appropriate measures to ensure EEE placed
on the market or put into service are
constructed in accordance with engineering
practices that ensure restricted materials (if
present) are below the prescribed limits
detailed in this Technical Regulation. It is
therefore a critical accreditation for Kentec’s
continued success within the UAE.
Kentec’s stand also showcased the full Taktis
product range that has recently achieved EN54-
13 approvals. The accreditation ensures that the
fire detection and alarm system components are
compatible and communicate with
each other at the most critical stages
of a fire alarm operation.
www.kentec.co.uk
iv
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Evacuate everyone
EN54-23 Approved Fire Beacons
Sonos Pulse and Nexus Pulse devices contain Pulse Alert Technology,
Klaxon’s EN54-23 compliant visual notification for wall and ceiling
mount devices. Pulse Alert Technology provides visual notifications that
are unmissable and unmistakable, ensuring that everyone is notified of
a fire evacuation emergency.
EN54-3 Sonders & Beacons
Nexus 105/110/120 Sounders
High output sounders certified to EN54-3.
Sonos Sounder Beacon
Electronic sounder beacon certified to EN54-3.
VISIT US:
STAND FX510

FIRE SAFETY
Be Seen and Heard
Effective notification of a fire is essential. Relying on audible-only notification disadvantages people with hearing
impairments or those working / living in environments with a high background noise. Even something as simple as
wearing a pair of headphones could prevent someone from hearing an audible fire evacuation warning. To truly alert
all personnel within a building, fire alarms should signal effectively using light as well as sound
Pulse Alert provides
EN54-23-compliant
visual alarm signalling
without any increase
in power consumption
vi
Klaxon’s Pulse Alert Technology is
a modern beacon warning option
which produces a light output that
can protect most rooms with just a single
device. Utilising high intensity LED
lighting technology derived from
automotive applications, it disperses light
evenly and efficiently, maximising its
effectiveness. Its electronic design also
maximises electrical efficiency and reduces
current consumption, minimising the cost of
ownership and allowing more devices to be
installed on a single alarm system.
Pulse Alert Technology provides all the benefits
that an EN54-23-compliant system can bring,
whilst answering all the design challenges in doing
so. This means a greater coverage area with lower
current consumption – and greater flexibility for
system designers and reduced cost of ownership
for end users – without compromising on
evacuation notification performance. Klaxon
devices are designed to aesthetically incorporate
the new intense LED beacon as part of our familiar
Sonos and Nexus models whilst maximising
coverage and satisfying the highest standards.
Pulse Alert provides EN54-23-compliant visual
alarm signalling without any increase in power
consumption because of three technological
breakthroughs:
• Intelligent Power Management – Pulse Alert
converts power intelligently, minimising power
usage and presenting a near-perfect current source
to fire alarm panels. This means the Sonos Pulse
and Nexus Pulse VADs require less power than
previous models, while also exceeding EN54-23
light output requirements
• LED Drive - Pulse Alert features the latest,
high power LED technology and advanced LED
drive circuitry, further improving efficiency, light
output performance and long-term device
reliability. Sonos Pulse and Nexus Pulse LED
circuits are both designed to provide over five
years of continual operation, without a degradation
of light output
• Lens Technology – The optics for both ceilingmount
and wall-mount versions are optimised to
produce an even light dispersion over the covered
area. This minimises ‘hot spots’ and ensures that
all the available light is contributing to alerting
people of a fire emergency
Coverage
The simpler an evacuation system is, the more
effective it is likely to be. Sonos Pulse and Nexus
Pulse fulfil evacuation requirements with just a
single device for most rooms. Ceiling-mounted
devices are rated at 15-meter diameter coverage,
while wall-mounted devices can cover an 11.5 x 11.5
metre square room. System design requirements
are therefore made easier, while evacuation
messages are clearer and more people are
protected than ever before.
Energy Efficiency
Pulse Alert Technology ensures that Klaxon’s VADs
notify all personnel of a fire emergency whilst also
reducing the power consumption of each device.
This means that systems can be upgraded without
imposing any restrictions on the number of devices
used or compromising system performance. Low
power consumption is vital to fire system designers
and installers – Sonos Pulse and Nexus Pulse
ensure that all buildings can provide the very best
fire evacuation.
Low Installation Costs
Pulse Alert VADs lower installation costs, making
the latest fire evacuation technology affordable
without compromising performance. A wider
coverage area per device reduces both the number
of devices required and expensive cabling
requirements, whilst low current consumption
removes the need for additional power supplies.
With a greater coverage pattern, fewer devices are
needed to cover open areas. Both the Sonos and
Nexus models incorporate the familiar base wiring
that is popular with Klaxon customers, allowing
their installers to upgrade existing devices by
replacing only the head and no need for removing
wires. The ability to simply install a Sonos Pulse
where a previous standard Sonos sounder is
currently installed not only saves time but also
reduces the chance of any cable damage from
removal and replacement of the heads.
www.psimagazine.co.uk

The only security event
you need to be part of
IFSEC International returns to ExCeL London on 8-10 September 2020
IFSEC International, Europe’s leading integrated security event, is critical to today’s
changing landscape. Running for the first time alongside Counter Terror Expo and
Intelligent Buildings Europe, IFSEC is your unmatched opportunity to showcase your
security technologies to a global network of installers, integrators, end-users,
consultants, distributors and government officials.
“IFSEC has been
transforming
over the years.
It is a must attend
show for any stakeholder
in physical and
converged security.”
CTI/CISO
Virtually Informed
“It was our first time
exhibiting in the UK and
Europe, as we wanted
to expand our markets.
There was a good quality
of visitors and foot traffic
– we would definitely
exhibit again.”
Business Development
Manager, Telaeris Inc
“We came to broaden
our security portfolio,
we wanted to explore the
markets and understand
ROI. It has been a really
successful show with
excellent networking
opportunities.”
Business Manager
Siklu
For more reasons to exhibit and to book your stand visit: www.ifsec.events/international
Co-located with:
Plus:

Open Door
Selecting a Shock
Sensor
Shock sensors represent a valuable tool in
intrusion detection systems. Most alarmbased
solutions can be split into two parts: protection of the
interior of sites and protection of the perimeter. While many
consider the perimeter as the very border of a protected
space, such as a fence or gate, the perimeter of buildings is
a vital consideration in dealing with detection.
Detecting intrusion in the interior of a building has
traditionally been the preferred route for the security
industry, predominantly because of standards and
regulations. The interior of a building is usually a controlled
environment: a sterile zone when the alarm system is set. No
motion is expected, and doors and windows should not
open. Traditionally the interior of a space is protected by
PIRs, dual tech space detectors, some beam-based units and contacts.
It should be remembered that while contacts are commonly used to detect unauthorised opening of external doors and
windows, in order to trigger an alarm, the intruder must open the door or window. While this does deliver an early alarm, often
before they’ve gained entry to the premises, it can often result in damage being caused, which equates to a cost for the end
user.
To meet the demand for compliant and accurate shock sensors, Texecom is introducing the new Impaq S Series devices.
Designed to take perimeter protection to the next level, the detectors incorporate VIBER accelerometer technology to offer
standards-compliant intruder detection without compromise.
The shock sensors are designed to detect and analyse a forcible shock and provide
early warning of attempted intrusions before a break-in occurs, ensuring the safety of
people and property. Catch performance is high, and the adjustable sensitivity makes the
device ideal for a range of applications.
Find out more: www.texe.com/uk/products/range/perimeter-detectors/
Inner Range success at Intersec 2020
event is outlined
Inner Range’s regional sales manager for the Middle
East and Africa, Issam Alhamdan, tells us about his
Intersec 2020 experience.
Middle East expansion - It’s an exciting time for Inner Range in the
Middle East. I joined the access control manufacturer last summer as its
first dedicated sales manager for the region and we hope to expand even
further soon. We have recently completed a number of projects in the new
capital of Egypt as well as working with a large critical national
infrastructure organisation to provide secure access control for multiple
sites.
Biggest regional security event - Intersec is the biggest security
exhibition in the region, so the 2020 event in Dubai was a great
opportunity to meet existing and potential customers and showcase what our products can do.
The official figures show we were one of more than 1,000 exhibitors at Intersec 2020 hailing from more than 56 countries,
and that there were more than 33,500 industry visitors. It was certainly a very well-attended event.
Product showcase - We showed delegates our Entry-level access control system, Inception, as well as our Enterprise model,
Integriti. Both products allow you to manage access control and intruder detection via one single platform.
We provided demonstrations of both products and the general feedback was that people
were impressed by the power of Inner Range systems. Delegates were keen to get into the
technical details too and we answered lots of questions about our product capabilities and
integration methods.
Visit: www.innerrange.co.uk
50
www.psimagazine.co.uk

Open Door is an online service from PSI that provides in-depth information from a selection of
market leading companies. Here are some of the highlights from the pages of Open Door.....
IDIS Video Tech deployed at top Birmingham
secondary school
One of Birmingham’s top secondary schools has switched to IDIS video
technology in a drive to improve security, safety and standards of personal
behaviour.
The school’s old CCTV system was proving difficult to use, with poor quality recordings
that were hard to search through. IDIS technology was chosen to replace it, and the priority
for the upgrade was not just price, but service and performance.
The new solution comprises close to 110 cameras. IDIS’s DC-D4213WRX vandal
resistant full-HD IR domes provide coverage for most of the school’s internal areas and
more than 70 were installed. They capture pin-sharp images in
all lighting conditions, handling rapid variations in brightness and shade thanks to their true wide
dynamic range (WDR), and infra-red performance giving an impressive 30 metres range at night.
The 27 IDIS DC-E3212WRX vandal resistant bullet cameras, which were installed to cover
entrances and external areas, also deliver powerful IR night vision, with low light enhancer technology.
Find out more: www.idisglobal.com
Supporting local politics at
Basingstoke Borough Council
Basingstoke and Deane is a local government district and
borough in Hampshire. With Basingstoke as its largest town,
the area is known for family-friendly living and is home to over 175,000 people.
Since the installation, the new DICENTIS system has supported a seamless
and transparent democratic process at Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.
Behind the scenes, via the third-party MVI Engineering application, the system
automatically upgrades to the latest software versions. These centralized
updates save time and operating costs. With the potential to increase the system’s functionality and size in the upcoming years,
the council has a future-proof and expandable conference solution from Bosch, which already supplies around 50 percent of
councils in the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The system includes 63 DICENTIS Discussion devices with touchscreens (to support the required
voting and identification capabilities for council members), nine DICENTIS discussion-only devices for
guest speakers, and automatic camera control software. All the discussion devices are mounted on
raised brackets to maximize desk space and are equipped with high directive microphones to deliver
crystal-clear audio.Visit: www.boschsecurity.com/gb/en/
Honeywell’s OmniAssure Touch provides
cutting-edge protection
Honeywell’s OmniAssure Touch access control solution provides
advanced security against credential cloning and reader tampering,
increases operator productivity when deploying mobile credentials, and is interoperable
with a range of credential technologies and panel communication protocols. OmniAssure
Touch provides:
Ultra secure protection: protect against credential cloning and replay attacks with
technology that is fully compliant with OSDP Secure Channel Protocol (SCP) and the latest
DESFire EV2 encryption standards.
Exceptional adaptability: features hassle-free, user friendly mobile credential capabilities that eliminate the need to present a
phone to the reader and easy migration from legacy prox to smart and mobile technologies.
A comprehensive solution: save time by deploying mobile credentials directly through Honeywell’s
WIN-PAK, WINMAG and Pro-Watch integrated security suites, revoke mobile credentials in real-time,
and transform the way people interact with your building using the Honeywell Vector Occupant App.
For more visit: www.security.honeywell.com/uk
www.psimagazine.co.uk
51

Get Recognised
Get Registered
The Professional
Register
Raising Professional Standards
in the Security & Fire Industry
Recognising Competence and Qualifications
for Individuals who Install & Maintain Security
& Fire Systems.
Find out more or Register now at:
www.ctsp.org.uk

CCTV
Bridge surveillance trends
PSI talks to Adrian Kirk of 360
Vision Technology about an
increasing trend for the deployment
of thermal camera technology -
bridge crossings
What are the prerequisites for cameras
used on bridges?
Firstly, it’s important to install surveillance
cameras that can deal with the harsh
environmental conditions often seen in bridge
applications, and at locations that often span
large river crossings with a highly saline
environment.
It’s important to recognise that bridge
applications are particularly challenging
environments for video surveillance cameras
and other electrical devices, where they are
being exposed to a combination of salt and
wind, and the corrosive effect these conditions
can inflict. Added to which, cameras are often
deployed in locations which are difficult to
access, so if they do prematurely fail, installers
will need to repair or replace them, potentially
causing disruption to service for the bridge
operator.
Maintaining bridge structures often
comprises a perpetual regime of refreshing
paint, in what is a constant battle against the
elements. One of the main considerations for
choosing a thermal PTZ camera for bridge
applications has to be the quality of camera
housing and its durability. Developed to provide
protection against the elements and increased
camera longevity, specifiers should consider
cameras supplied with a ‘marine grade’ paint
finish. These paints are proven to reduce
housing corrosion; extending a cameras
operational lifecycle and negating the need to
prematurely replace a camera - along with the
associated logistical headaches and costs.
What are the operational benefits of
such cameras?
A dual purpose camera with both video and
thermal video outputs is the ideal choice for
bridge monitoring applications. A camera with a
1080p HD day/night imaging sensor and good
quality, long range (such as 40:1) optical zoom,
It’s important to recognise that bridge applications are
particularly challenging environments for video surveillance
cameras and other electrical devices
www.psimagazine.co.uk
53

CCTV
(continued from previous page)
Thermal cameras can prove to be an invaluable surveillance
tool, with a strong business case for surveillance system
operators for both operational and safety purposes
is a great specification for use in bridge vehicle
traffic flow and pedestrian monitoring. Add to
this, low light capabilities and built-in long
range infrared illumination, the specifier will be
assured of a capable PTZ camera, fit for use in
bridge surveillance locations.
The addition of a high specification thermal
imaging camera (preferably with a range of lens
options - from 60 - 6 degrees), will allow
operators to ‘see’, even if a bridge is engulfed by
thick fog or heavy rain. Thermal imaging can also
be used as an effective early warning tool – for
example as part of a health and safety strategy,
to identify potentially vulnerable persons, who
may be loitering or stationary on the bridge.
Installers can be sure when they specify HD
video/thermal camera technology to support
emergency responders, the robust and clear
imaging information will be used to identify
people at risk. In this regard, we are currently
talking to a number of stakeholders, ranging
from police, to charities, interested in
maintaining the safety of vulnerable persons,
and in particular about how we can assist with
trials at other locations where we can provide
thermal camera surveillance technology that
will provide benefits as part of joined-up
security and management strategies.
How is the thermal camera image
presented to the operator?
Dual output thermal cameras provide two
video outputs. The first is day/night video, the
second is thermal imaging provided
simultaneously. End-users will typically have
the two video outputs displayed side-by-side
on a video wall, with the potential for the
thermal camera to be ‘bore sighted’ with the
day/night video. This allows the surveillance
operator to use the thermal imaging camera
for enhanced detection and backed-up by
the camera’s zoom lens capability, to zoom
into the object at the centre of the thermal
image.
In respect of integration to customers’
control equipment and video management
software, it’s important to consider a camera’s
ability to be integrated into VMS platforms,
where full ONVIF compliance will ensure easy
and effective integration to a customer’s
control equipment, irrespective of their back
office setup.
In summary, thermal cameras can prove to
be an invaluable surveillance tool, with a
strong business case for surveillance system
operators for both operational and safety
purposes. Today, thermal imaging technology
is being used to help keep our essential
bridge crossings safe for all and CCTV
installers can certainly capitalise on this
growing sector of the surveillance market.
54
www.psimagazine.co.uk

APPLICATION
S-Bahn Berlin embarks on
operational mission
S-Bahn Berlin GmbH (a subsidiary of Deutsche
Bahn) is partnering with Synectics to develop
the operational management system at its new
Security and Service (4S) Center.
With a network of nearly 170 stations, S-Bahn
Berlin has an average daily ridership of 1.5
million to successfully service and a complex,
city-critical infrastructure to protect.
Spanning trains, tracks, and stations, the
solution is based on Synectics’ Synergy 3
platform. This will integrate to, and interoperate
with, all systems, devices, and communications
vital to passenger services, safety, and network
security. Existing tools within Synergy 3 – as well
as new functionality – will facilitate automation
of data processing, incident response, and
performance reporting.
The resulting solution will ensure S-Bahn
Berlin staff based at the 4S facility can instantly
detect and react to any service or security event.
With the single unified platform, management
and collaboration among the workforce and
stakeholders – including police, other transport
operators, and infrastructure companies – will
be streamlined for consistent and prompt
responses.
The delivery and effective implementation of
this project were critical factors in S-Bahn Berlin
being awarded operator status in the city until
2036. Once in place, the Synectics solution will
enable S-Bahn Berlin to meet exacting key
performance indicators, such as response times
and data availability, required by the
LiDAR protects Belfast call
centre premises
LiDAR sensor technology from Optex is helping to
protect the Belfast call centre premises and
employees of a Fortune 500 company.
The Redscan laser sensor installed by Zest
Security was required by the company to increase
security in private areas of the facility only
accessible to authorised personnel. This area
however is only separated from the rest of the
office space by partition walls which leave a gap
between the wall and ceiling. Optex LiDAR creates
a ‘virtual’ detection area that cannot be seen by
the naked eye and that can be adjusted to the site
requirement using the configuration software.
In this instance, the Redscan RLS-2020S
creates a virtual wall between the top of the
partition wall and the ceiling of the building, and
monitors movement or objects being thrown from
one side to the other.
LiDARs work by analysing the speed, size and
distance of the objects detected, meaning they
track the objects within the detection area and
understand the ratio size/distance of the object.
This provides the ability to detect a specific size of
object either at a distance or close up. In the event
of any movement being detected, a security alarm
is raised, and alerts are sent to the 24-hour onsite
security team.
Masaya Kida, Managing Director of Optex
EMEA, says: “Thanks to the sensitivity of the
Redscan LiDAR sensor, it is able to detect a thrown
object as small as a USB stick. The exact point of
detection can also be mapped and associated with
the cameras monitoring this area.”
Justin Doherty, Director at Zest Security, says:
“The client was very pleased with the speed and
simplicity of the installation, and is very happy
with the performance of this new solution.”
Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg (VBB).
Commenting on the project, Greg Alcorn,
Divisional Director at Synectics, said: “S-Bahn
Berlin’s vision means this is not a standard
service and security management partnership. It
is a 360-degree, immersive collaboration that
spans workforce management, computer-aided
dispatch, on-vehicle communications, service,
and security. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of
something so significant for the sector.”
Delivery of the S-Bahn Berlin solution will
take place over the next 15 months, with an
eight-year support agreement included in the
contract as part of a long-term partnership.
www.psimagazine.co.uk
55

APPLICATION
New-build hotel invests in endto-end
video security solution
The new Courtyard by Marriott hotel at London’s
Luton Airport is being protected with the latest
cybersecure video surveillance technology from
IDIS. The complete end-to-end solution is
enabling trouble-free remote 24/7 monitoring,
ensuring improved service efficiency, safety and
security for guests.
IDIS DirectIP technology was chosen for its
ease of installation and use together with the
reassurance of multi-layered protection against
cybersecurity risks and the installation was
acrried out by DGS Systems.
Despite having almost 100 cameras to set up -
including 74 full-HD IR domes and 17 vandal
resistant full-HD IR domes – one-click network
configuration allowed the engineers to work
rapidly, connecting devices easily and not needing
to manually enter passwords for each one. This
not only reduced installation time but ensured
Fire panels help protect
London Underground
London
Underground
Limited (LUL) is
using fire panels
from Kentec to
protect its network
of Signal Equipment
Rooms (SER) from
the risk of fire.
Specified and
installed by DPJ Fire
and Security, the
Syncro AS 2 Loop Panels were chosen because of
their reliability, performance capabilities and
ability to meet the requirements laid down by LUL.
Each SER is a standalone building located
nearby an underground station, consisting of
rooms that house equipment for the control of
driverless tube trains. The Syncro AS 2 Loop
Panel features onboard relays that are used to
send fault and fire signals to the local station
greater protection against network infiltration by
minimising the likelihood of human error, which
can occur when passwords need to be written
down and entered manually. Encryption
technologies and NVR firewalls together with
proprietary protocols and file structures make
IDIS surveillance solutions less vulnerable to
attacks than some open architecture components.
IDIS DirectIP made it easy to set up the three
IDIS NVRs (32-channel DR-6332PS-S) to meet the
customer’s requirement for three months’ storage
of all footage.
The NVRs’ 370Mbps throughput ensures no
latency on live footage and image capture in full
HD.
Most of the cameras are used for incident
investigation, although with the hotel’s service
areas now covered, operational efficiency has
been improved too. For example, routine checks
on the rooftop plant room can now be handled
remotely, rather than in person, which is
particularly useful during adverse weather
conditions.
The hotel’s owner also wanted to protect the
car parks and building exteriors to reduce the risk
of crime, and shortly after the system was
completed, a gang of opportunist scrap-metal
thieves was recorded stealing cables from the
site. The IDIS full-HD IR domes provided video
evidence that was key to a successful police
investigation, delivering sharp images in all
lighting conditions and easily handling rapid
variations in brightness and shade thanks to their
true wide dynamic range (WDR).
“The IDIS solution was very installer-friendly
and easy to configure,” says Dariusz Surowy of
DGS Systems UK.
Grzegorz Surowy, MD of DGS Poland, agrees:
“It has rapidly proved how well it works with
successful incident investigations.”
control as the individual sites are unmanned.
A multi-protocol panel, the Syncro AS affords
installers and customers flexibility in system
design. The panel can be networked to become
part of a larger system as required and
reportedly provides the programming power and
connectivity normally associated with much
larger systems.
Stuart Williams, Senior Project Manager, at DPJ
Fire and Security, says LUL is an important client:
“We have worked with LUL on more than ten SER
projects, and the highest levels of safety,
reliability and user-friendly functionality are
required,” he says. “The Kentec Syncro AS fire
alarm panel ensures that the critical equipment
within the rooms is safely protected.”
Where SERs also require a damper control
panel to control air inlet and outlet dampers, the
Kentec 4-way Damper Control Panel has been
used. “The panel provides control of up to four
230v AC or 24V DC motorised dampers and with
a built-in interface all pre-wired, installation is
very straightforward,” adds Stuart.
56
www.psimagazine.co.uk

ACCESS CONTROL
ACCESS CONTROL
HVM
KERI SYSTEMS UK LTD
Tel: +44 (0) 1763 273 243 Fax: +44 (0) 1763 274 106
Email: sales@kerisystems.co.uk www.kerisystems.co.uk
ACCESS CONTROL MANUFACTURER
FRONTIER PITTS LTD
+44 (0) 1293 422800
marketing@frontierpitts.com www.frontierpitts.com
NORTECH CONTROL SYSTEMS LTD.
Nortech House, William Brown Close
Llantarnam Park, Cwmbran NP44 3AB
Tel: 01633 485533
Email: sales@nortechcontrol.com
www.nortechcontrol.com
ACCESS CONTROL – SPEED GATES, BI-FOLD GATES
HTC PARKING AND SECURITY LIMITED
St. James’ Bus. Centre, Wilderspool Causeway,
Warrington Cheshire WA4 6PS
Tel 01925 552740 M: 07969 650 394
info@htcparkingandsecurity.co.uk
www.htcparkingandsecurity.co.uk
ACCESS CONTROL
CCTV
CCTV POLES, COLUMNS, TOWERS AND
MOUNTING PRODUCTS
INTEGRATED DESIGN LIMITED
Integrated Design Limited, Feltham Point, Air Park Way, Feltham,
Middlesex. TW13 7EQ Tel: +44 (0) 208 890 5550
sales@idl.co.uk www.fastlane-turnstiles.com
ALTRON COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT LTD
Tower House, Parc Hendre, Capel Hendre, Carms. SA18 3SJ
Tel: +44 (0) 1269 831431
cctvsales@altron.co.uk
www.altron.co.uk

CCTV SPECIALISTS
AWARD-WINNING, LEADING GLOBAL WHOLESALE
DISTRIBUTOR OF SECURITY AND LOW VOLTAGE PRODUCTS.
PLETTAC SECURITY LTD
Unit 39 Sir Frank Whittle Business Centre,
Great Central Way, Rugby, Warwickshire CV21 3XH
Tel: 01788 567811
Fax: 01788 544 549
Email: jackie@plettac.co.uk
www.plettac.co.uk
CONTROL ROOM & MONITORING
CCTV MONITORING
ADI GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION
Distributor of electronic security systems and solutions for over 250
leading manufacturers, the company also offers an internal technical
support team, dedicated field support engineers along with a suite of
training courses and services. ADI also offers a variety of fast, reliable
delivery options, including specified time delivery, next day or
collection from any one of 28 branches nationwide. Plus, with an ADI
online account, installers can order up to 7pm for next day delivery.
Tel: 0161 767 2990 Fax: 0161 767 2999
sales.uk@adiglobal.com www.adiglobal.com/uk
LEADING DISTRIBUTOR OF CONVERGED IP SOLUTIONS,
INCLUDING CCTV AND ACCESS CONTROL
GUK
Independent security provider offering CCTV monitoring, CCTV Data
Protection Assessments, Key Holding, Alarm Response. Competitive
trade rates for Installers. ISO 9001, 27001 Accredited.Innova House,
Innova Park, Enfield, EN3 7XH
www.guk.co.uk monitoring@guk.co.uk 01992655659
MAYFLEX
Our product range not only covers IP security products but also incorporates
the cabling infrastructure and the Ethernet switching products necessary for a
comprehensive security installation. We have a knowledgeable team of sales
and technical experts that provide advice and support with system design and
product choice. You can also order online up to 8pm for next day FREE delivery.
Excel House, Junction 6 Industrial Park, Electric Avenue, Birmingham, B6 7JJ
Tel: 0800 75 75 65 www.mayflex.com
THE UK’S MOST SUCCESSFUL DISTRIBUTOR OF IP, CCTV,
ACCESS CONTROL AND INTRUDER DETECTION SOLUTIONS
DISTRIBUTORS
NORBAIN SD LTD
210 Wharfedale Road, IQ Winnersh, Wokingham, Berkshire, RG41 5TP
Tel: 0118 912 5000 Fax: 0118 912 5001
www.norbain.com Email: info@norbain.com
ONLINE SECURITY PRODUCTS
Security distributors direct to installers, property maintenance &
facilities management companies
INDUSTRY ORGANISATIONS
TRADE ASSOCIATION FOR THE PRIVATE SECURITY INDUSTRY
Phone 0800 880 6123/0113 850 6123
sales@onlinesecurityproducts.co.uk
www.onlinesecurityproducts.co.uk
BRITISH SECURITY INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Tel: 0845 389 3889 Email: info@bsia.co.uk
Website: www.bsia.co.uk Twitter: @thebsia

INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS
SECURE CONNECTIVITY PROVIDERS
SECURITY PRODUCTS AND INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS
CSL GROUP
HONEYWELL COMMERCIAL SECURITY
Tel: +44 (0) 844 8000 235
E-mail: securitysales@honeywell.com
T: +44 (0)1895 474474 sales@csl-group.com
@CSLGroupLtd www.csl-group.com
LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT
INTEGRATED SECURITY SOLUTIONS
INNER RANGE LTD
Units 10 - 11, Theale Lakes Business Park, Moulden Way,
Sulhampstead, Reading, Berkshire RG74GB, United Kingdom
Tel: +44(0) 845 470 5000
Fax: +44(0) 845 470 5001
ireurope@innerrange.co.uk
www.innerrange.com
C-TEC
Challenge Way, Martland Park, Wigan WN5 OLD United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1942 322744 Fax: +44 (0) 1942 829867
Website: www.c-tec.com
PERIMETER SECURITY
POWER
UPS - UNINTERRUPTIBLE POWER SUPPLIES
TAKEX EUROPE LTD
Aviary Court, Wade Road, Basingstoke, Hampshire RG24 8PE
Tel: +44 (0) 1256 475555 Fax: +44 (0) 1256 466268
Email: sales@takex.com Web: www.takex.com
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS
ADEPT POWER SOLUTIONS LTD
Adept House, 65 South Way, Walworth Business Park, Andover, Hants
SP10 5AF
Tel: 01264 351415
Fax: 01264 351217
www.adeptpower.co.uk
sales@adeptpower.co.uk
SECURITY
INTRUSION DETECTION AND PERIMETER PROTECTION
OPTEX (EUROPE) LTD
Redwall® infrared and laser detectors for CCTV applications and Fiber
SenSys® fibre optic perimeter security solutions are owned by Optex.
Platinum House, Unit 32B Clivemont Road, Cordwallis Industrial
Estate, Maidenhead, Berkshire, SL6 7BZ
Tel: +44 (0) 1628 631000 Fax: +44 (0) 1628 636311
Email: sales@optex-europe.com www.optex-europe.com
WEBEYE LTD
6a Hazel Court, Blidworth, Nottingham NG21 0RY
0115 7149990 sales@webeyecms.com www.webeyecms.com
TO ADVERTISE
contact
Paul Amura on
0208 295 8307
paul.amura@proactivpubs.co.uk

APPOINTMENTS
APPOINTMENTS
Matt Edwards
Nav Rayet
Orbis Protect has appointed former British Gas
senior finance professional Nav Rayet as Finance
Director to support its growth plans.
Nav will oversee the 40-strong finance and
national accounts handling team in Orbis’
Uxbridge HQ. She will play a leading role in
supporting the company’s 18 regional offices as
part of its plans to build on its regional network
and add to its portfolio of clients.
She has significant experience of delivering
organisational change, implementing new
systems and processes.
Triple Star Fire & Security has announced the
appointment of Matt Edwards as Security
Systems Director.
Matt has been working in the security sector
since 1983, and joined Triple Star Fire &
Security in 2016, starting as Security Systems
Manager after positions at AVA Security, Masco
Security Systems, Telecom Security, London
Electricity Security Division, Shorrock Security,
Initial Shorrock, Chubb Security and more.
Managing Director, Daren Pool, says: “The
role of Security Systems Director is one critical
to the future growth of Triple Star Fire &
Security, an area Matt has become increasingly
fundamental to. It’s a position that demands
strong leadership skills, a clear vision and a
wealth of experience in the industry; all
attributes Matt holds in abundance.”
Karen Ryding & David Heath
OpenView Security Solutions has expanded its
commercial team with the appointment of two
highly experienced quantity surveyors.
Karen Ryding MRICS has been appointed
Managing Quantity Surveyor. With a BSC in
Quantity Surveying and over 32 years’
commercial experience in the construction
industry in different backgrounds including
client, main contracting and sub-contracting.
David Heath ICOB has been appointed
Senior Quantity Surveyor. With a BSc (Hons) in
Quantity Surveying, an HND in Building Studies
and over 46 years’ construction industry
experience, he joins direct from Engie
Regeneration.
Jessica-Lee van der Walt & Chris Pereira
Gira has welcomed two
new team members to its
UK brand and business;
Jessica-Lee van der Walt
joins as Project Sales
Representative and Chris
Pereira is the new
Technical Support
Assistant.
Jessica-Lee comes with
a strong background in
account management and
will be working with
Richard Udell, Sales
Manager- Distribution and
Projects, to develop the Gira project business in London initially, and with scope to
offer nationwide support as required.
Chris will be joining the UK Hotline department, and working alongside fellow
Technical Support Assistant, Daniel Evans, to provide additional support and
practical know-how to Gira customers and System Integrator Partners on all things
technical. Chris has a background in the electrical industry, with expertise in wiring
installations, lighting and maintenance.
Jim Kelly & Chuck O’Leary
ACRE has added two key industry people to its
management roster.
Jim Kelly will join ACRE as Chief Revenue
Officer bringing a wealth of experience having had
successful positions at Software House,
Sensormatic, Tyco International and Johnson
Controls. While at Software House, Jim led the
sales and marketing efforts to build the business
from $2 million to $120 million in North America.
While at Johnson Controls, Jim was responsible for
developing sales plans to achieve revenue goals
for more than a dozen brands in the JCI Security
Products division.
Chuck O’Leary will also join the management
team. Chuck, whose successful track record
includes managing the sales organisations at
Honeywell, Stanley Security Solutions and
consistently leading the LenelS2 business to
record results, will transition to the position of
President of Open Options based in Addison,
Texas.
www.psimagazine.co.uk
11