The New England Organized Retail Crime Symposium & Trade Show – September 21, 2011

The New England Organized Retail Crime Symposium & Trade Show will be held on September 21, 2011 at DCU Center - Worcester, Massachusetts (50 Foster Street).  The event is hosted by the Connecticut Retail Merchants Association, Maine Merchants Association, Retailers Association of Massachusetts, Retail Merchants Association of New Hampshire, Rhode Island Retail Federation and the Vermont Retail Association.

 

One of my favorite events of the year, the symposium features a strong blend of ORC and major crime information from companies such as CVS, eBay, T-Mobile and Wegmans.  Last year Eric Ives of the FBI and Kevin Tyrrell of ICE both made the trip from Washington, DC and delivered updates on federal law enforcement initiatives. Kevin Plante of Staples served as the master of ceremonies (and comedian), keeping everything rolling onstage. 

Since I spent the first 12 years of my career in operations and Loss Prevention and have deployed and sold over one billion dollars of security integrated technology solutions using Marchnetworks, Verint, Milestone and others within the retail sector since 9-11, I am always looking for ways to improve the tools and countermeasures loss prevention professionals use to protect the people and assets under their control.  At the last NRF event that I attended the most common thread was how LP/AP needed to do more (WORK) with less (STAFF).  My focus in this sector has been how the industry can better integrate technologies, create better evidence and streamline the ability to build cases in a more efficient manner.   Then deploy and support those solutions with the best installation and service teams nationwide.

Now since I joined American Alarm and Communications, Inc., I support the retail industry with separate solutions up to one total package including full integration of Video, POS, Access Control, Intrusion, Fire, Monitoring and Alarm Verification.  I look forward to this year’s show to demonstrate some of the new technologies, concepts and manufacturers available to reduce losses and improve productivity.

The 2011 New England Public Works Expo is September 28th & 29th, Get Your Passes!

This year marks the 32^nd Annual New England Public Works Expo! ( http://www.nepublicworksexpo.org/index.htm )  This year’s show, sponsored by the Massachusetts Highway Association (MHA) will be held at the Central Mass Expo Center, 150 Royal Plaza Drive, Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420 (Marriott Courtyard Facility http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/boscf-courtyard-fitchburg/ ). 

Show Highlights:

• Show hours
•  Wednesday 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
•      Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Onsite parking
• Complimentary BBQ both days from 10 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Vendor Appreciation Night - Wednesday at 4:00 p.m.
• Snow Plow Rodeo finals on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m.

American Alarm & Communications, Inc.,  has received complimentary passes (a $10.00 value) to distribute to their customers before the show.  If you would like a passes, contact me at 508-453-2731 and I will send them to you.

Safety, Security & Privacy - SituCon Privacy Protecting Safety Technology Rolls out in NY School District

A school district in New York has implemented an emergency video and audio notification system that only activates cameras when somebody pushes an alerting device.  Should an emergency occur, a teacher or staff person can push a wireless SituCon "Instant Alert" button on their person, which generates e-mails and texts to school administrators and local police with identifying information such as the individual's name, location, and phone number.


Simultaneously, "eyelids" on SituCam cameras open and begin recording video of the situation at the police dispatch center and on responding officers' smart phones, so that they have a better understanding about what's happening as they enter the emergency site.  At other times, SituCam's eyelids remain closed, except after hours when monitoring is allowed to protect other school assets.

The aired version of a new NY clip can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=CqOSVO6pu-M

SituCon’s technology has been deployed here in Massachusetts in Marshfield and Brookline, among others.  The technology has found applications in schools, libraries, Police interview rooms, other public buildings, IT rooms, hospitals and other settings where privacy is vital but security situational awareness is critical if events warrant a quick response.

See all SituCon news at http://www.situconsystems.com/news.asp

The SituCon device is a smart enclosure that works with various cameras and can be accessed wired or wireless allowing responders to access the video and/or audio thru various devices in a crisis situation.  The system is powered by a single POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) single Cat6 cable.
We at American Alarm & Communications, Inc., have an active relationship with SituCon and can help you design, test and deploy their technology in your organization.  Contact me directly for more information at (508) 453-2731.


About SituCon Systems
SituCon Systems is the leading innovator of hardware and software technologies that provide both safety and privacy. SituCon’s Emergency Awareness Solution uses innovative privacy protecting technologies, a sophisticated alerting system and on-demand video to deliver complete peace of mind. Public safety agencies, schools, municipalities and businesses around the country use SituCon’s products to protect safety and safeguard privacy. For more information please visit www.situcon.com.

IP Video Surveillance Equipment Sales to Surpass Analog in 2014, Says IMS Research

IMS Research's latest report, “The World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment – 2011 Edition”, estimates that the world market for video surveillance equipment continued to achieve strong growth in 2010, in excess of 10 percent on the previous year, despite the persistent after-effects of the global economic downturn. This growth was predominantly driven by sales of network video surveillance equipment.  


According to Senior Analyst and report author, Gary Wong; “Whilst the global analogue video surveillance equipment market was relatively depressed in 2010, the network video surveillance market has continued grow almost three time as fast as the total market in 2010, over 30 percent”. Wong continues, “If the Chinese analogue video surveillance equipment market was removed from the equation, both the EMEA and the Americas analogue markets contracted in 2010”.

Two key factors impacting the decline of the analogue video surveillance market are the large/enterprise tier of the market transitioning to network video surveillance solutions and increasing price competition/ commoditisation in the mid-low tier of the analogue surveillance market. Network video surveillance growth continues to be bolstered by the trickle-through effect from government stimulus-funded projects and the increasing penetration of higher value network video surveillance products, such as HD cameras.

IMS Research forecasts that the growth of the network video surveillance market and the decline of the analogue market will lead to a transition in 2014, with network video overtaking analogue in terms of sales revenue. However, it should be noted that in terms of shipments, analogue cameras are forecast to continue to outsell network cameras in 2014.

IMS Research's recently published report, “The World Market for CCTV and Video Surveillance Equipment – 2011 Edition” forecasts the growth of analogue video surveillance equipment, network video surveillance equipment and other relevant topics in greater detail. IMS Research also produces a number of detailed regional focused CCTV and video surveillance equipment reports providing incisive analysis for the following countries/regions: China, Eastern Europe and Russia, Latin America, South East Asia, India and the Middle East.

PSIM for the Rest of Us!

I spent some time with Next Level Security Systems to learn more about their solutions.  Next Level Security Systems is a physical security company focused on developing a new breed of unified networked security products. Next Level’s products combine the performance, sophistication and functionality of enterprise-class security systems into a compact, unified and affordable package, enabling customers of all sizes to take advantage of these innovative networked solutions.

There Unified Security Platform or NLSS Gateway is a completely unique IP security solution. It combines video management, access control, video analytics, intrusion alerts and more onto a single networked platform that can be accessed from anywhere and at any time through a Web browser. Data from these subsystems is automatically correlated, providing users with a comprehensive view of security operations.

NLSS is headed by Peter Jankowski, there CEO & Chairman.  Prior to starting Next Level Security Systems, Peter Jankowski was the CTO of the Physical Security Business Unit at Cisco, focusing on digital video surveillance. Before joining Cisco, he was the CEO and CTO for SyPixx Networks where he was responsible for product design and direction of a suite of IP-based digital video products and solutions delivering broadcast quality digital video, audio and data to users over standard Ethernet/IP and fiber optic networks to the security, infrastructure and transportation markets. Cisco Systems acquired SyPixx in April of 2006.  Why Peter is important is this that he makes solutions that work.  To me that was why I looked further.

I see the power of systems integration as our future.  Next Level is still in their early stages, but in my opinion they are headed in the right direction.  PSIM software solutions are great for those with big budgets however you may want to take a look at NLSS for most of everyone else. Next Level Security Systems: http://www.nlss.com

·         Unified Solutions:  http://www.nlss.com/solutions.html

·         Video Management (VMS): http://www.nlss.com/productsgateway-video.html

·         Access Control:  http://www.nlss.com/productsgateway-access.html

·         Video Analytics: http://www.nlss.com/productsgateway-analytics.html

·         Intrusion: http://www.nlss.com/productsgateway-intrusion.html

·         HD Media Decoder: http://www.nlss.com/productsdecoder.html

NLSS has applications in Retail, Government, Commercial, Industrial, Education, Healthcare, Financial, Entertainment, Gamming and Residential. 

Since ADT purchased Proximex in April 2011, I believe that we may see pricing fall in the PSIM market and be more competitive for man verticals. However for many small and mid level clients and well as clients with multiple locations NLSS may be a good solution. For a demonstration, give me a call.

Eliminate False Alarms and Improve Response Immediately

Videofied security systems, available on the FAC64 Massachusetts State Contract, it delivers police when you need them - through video verified alarms.  RSI Video Technologies develops innovative wireless self-powered solutions to resolve security problems for commercial, residential and government applications.  With public increasing pressured by budget cuts, video verified alarms help optimize security costs, while assisting police in capturing more intruders and providing better protection.

A very sophisticated motion sensor combined with a night vision camera and illuminators send a 10 second video clip thru the GPRS wireless network to our central station for verification.  When the intrusion is confirmed, appropriate dispatched response protocols are followed to respond to the intrusion as a crime in progress.  The system is totally wireless and battery operated with a battery life of 4-5 years.  The system protects commercial, government, utility and construction facilities and provides key protection for critical infrastructures as well as simple alarm verification to minimize false alarm calls.

Links:

Video of Actual Incidents:  http://www.videofied.com/index.php?option=com_phocagallery&view=category&id=3&Itemid=1731&lang=en_old

Brochures and Specification Sheets:

http://www.videofied.com/index.php?option=com_docman&task=cat_view&gid=27&Itemid=130&lang=en_old

Call me at 508-453-2731 to learn more about Videofied.

Blast-Resistant Camera Receives Safety Act Designation

A BRAVE camera
undergoes a test
to determine its
 ability to withstand
high temperatures.

Last week, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate awarded a SAFETY Act designation to Visual Defence USA, Inc. for its blast-resistant video system designed for use in mass transit vehicles. This marks the first time a product has received both a SAFETY Act designation and a SECURE certification.

The Support Anti-terrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies (SAFETY) Act is designed to ensure that legal liability does not deter potential manufacturers or sellers of anti-terrorism technologies from developing, deploying, and commercializing potentially life-saving technologies, while also guaranteeing that a technology works as advertised and effectively supports a homeland security mission. Virtual Defence’s Blast Resistant Autonomous Video Equipment (BRAVE) camera achieved this designation because of the support it provides to investigators in the event of a mass-transit incident. Similar to the well-known “black box” recording devices found in airplanes, BRAVE cameras could be installed in trains, buses and subways.

In April 2011, BRAVE became the first technology to receive SECURE certification. This program promotes cooperative relationships between DHS and the private sector in developing products or services that meet homeland security needs in the context of a dynamic marketplace. Such a joint designation is just one example of successful public-private partnerships that are supporting the homeland security mission.