The
dawn of a new year promises to bring a bevy of new products and innovations to
the physical security industry. End users continue to migrate away from legacy
security systems towards technologies that enable them to be more proactive in
mitigating their risks. Last year’s investigation into the bombing at the
Boston Marathon showed the potential waiting to be unlocked in using big data
analytics to comb through troves of video evidence. The ability to remotely
access and control security systems from mobile devices also continues to rise
in prominence. SIW recently reached out to industry experts across several
product categories to get their take on what 2014 holds for security
technology.
Video
Surveillance
Predictions
by Fredrik Nilsson, general manager, Axis Communications:
1.
Security goes all IP, beyond just video. IHS Research predicts
that 2014 is the year IP video revenues finally surpass analog. This technology
shift has been inevitable because end-customers and integrators alike enjoy
much better functionality, scalability, and total cost of ownership while
having the option to choose the best-in-class technologies that are right for
their specific application. These are the exact same reasons we’ll see more
systems shifting to open IP technology, especially access control. Not only
will this afford much more flexibility in the solutions they use, but also
finally deliver on IP’s promise of true system integration between video,
access control, intrusion detection, alarms and the like.
2.
Technology makes IP in small systems a reality. While
IHS predicts 2014 is the revenue tipping point for IP over analog, in the same August SIW.com article, Principal Analyst Jon
Cropley said that less than 20 percent of the cameras shipped in 2012 were
network cameras. Nearly three-quarters of new cameras installed remain analog.
In an all-digital world, it’s a stat that would shock many outside of the
security industry. But we know that a major reason for analog CCTV’s continued
life is the small and mid-sized systems market.
IP is
essentially the de facto choice today for systems of 32 cameras or more because
of all the benefits that digital technology brings. Systems between 17 and 32
cameras have been shifting to IP technology thanks to continued price
decreases, ease-of-use and ease-of-install. However the 16-camera-or-less
market has been dominated by analog because of perceived barriers of cost and
complexity.
The
good news is that edge-based technology – such as in-camera SD card storage
and/or NAS devices – eliminate the need for the most expensive part of an
analog system, the DVR. This makes going IP a cost-conscious move for small
systems. For those analog users who still have life in their analog cameras, they
can leverage video encoders with the same embedded edge storage capabilities
and intuitive software to bring their systems to IP. And with hosted video
adoption continuing to rise each year as more and more integrators understand
when leveraging the cloud makes sense for their customer, the small system
market is ripe for converting to IP in 2014.
3. New
life for old infrastructure with bridge technologies. The
shift to IP video is a forgone conclusion. However, not all customers are ready
to make the leap to all IP – especially if they are currently using adequate
analog CCTV systems. Yet these customers will soon face a mid-life crisis with
their DVRs.
While
the lifespan of a typical analog camera is eight years or more, it’s not
uncommon for the DVR to fail in half that time. This is the mid-life crisis of
the DVR – and it presents a great opportunity to use IP technologies and
establish a migration plan. Instead of replacing the failed DVR with a new one,
more users will turn to technologies that can bridge the gap to IP, such as
video encoders and coax-to-Ethernet converters. These devices range from single
port to multi-port blade solutions.
Powerful
video encoder solutions today start at just $80 per channel. We expect that
more and more end users will be prepared to work with their integrator partners
to build these migration strategies that provide some of the benefits of IP
today while preparing for when their analog cameras fail or they have the
budget to upgrade to network cameras – and the vastly improved image quality,
usability and intelligence they bring.
4.
Moore’s Law lives on as vision gets even better. In
the last two years, we’ve seen dramatic imaging improvements in IP cameras
thanks to the predictable innovation curve known as Moore's Law. IP cameras can
see color in near darkness without supplemental lighting and through both
blinding light and into dark shadows thanks to improved Wide Dynamic Range
technologies. They also continue to deliver entertainment-quality video (HDTV and
better) across all different form factors – from PTZ domes to covert pinhole
cameras. These imaging innovations that were first launched in high-end
surveillance cameras will continue to move downstream in 2014 and become more
affordable for all installations as the technologies have become more
established. We have Moore’s Law to thank for that.
5.
Spotlight on cybersecurity as IT involvement continues to grow.
Toward the end of 2013, Axis put the finishing touches on a research project
that examined the involvement of IT professionals in their company’s video
surveillance initiatives. The research, which was conducted by the Enterprise
Strategy Group, showed that 91 percent of IT pros surveyed claimed they are
involved in surveillance to some degree. It’s clear that their influence on
surveillance projects is growing, specifically at mid- and enterprise-sized
organizations, and common IT best practices like cloud storage replication and
using data for business intelligence are impacting surveillance projects.
As IT
becomes more involved, the topic of logical security will grow. With
cyberattacks garnering more and more attention across the globe, integrators
will be tasked to prove that their IP-based surveillance systems will meet IT’s
security criteria, as well as their bandwidth, resiliency and quality
parameters. In 2014, it will be important for integrators and physical security
practitioners to understand IT’s concerns and help them overcome any hesitation
through proper network optimization and cyber security measures. The good news
is that today’s professional IP video devices can be optimized to limit
bandwidth disruption and come with the same exact IT security protocols as any
other node they would put on their network.
Access
Control
Predictions
from John Fenske, vice president of product marketing identity and access
management, HID Global:
1.
Increase in demand for more secure, open and adaptable solutions. As
the security landscape continues to evolve in new and complex ways, progressive
organizations and thought leaders are adopting a new attitude about change, and
viewing it as an opportunity for improvement and value rather than an
interruption or distraction.
Proactively
making changes today will ensure that an organization’s access control solution
can adapt to future threats and take advantage of opportunities and
applications beyond access control. Future high-value applications might
range from cashless vending, time and attendance, and secure print management to
secure network logon as part of a fully interoperable, multi-layered security
solution across company systems and facilities. By using solutions that
are based on industry standards such as OSDP bidirectional communications, and
incorporating dynamic rather than static technologies, security becomes
independent of hardware and media, and the infrastructure can more easily
evolve beyond current abilities with the adaptability to combat continuously
changing threats.
The
industry is still evolving, however, as not everyone shares this
attitude. In a survey of integrators and users, HID Global found that
less than 50 percent have upgraded their systems in the last year, and more
than half have not upgraded in the past three years. Respondents were
given a list of top technology best practices, and while 75 percent felt they
were important or very important, half felt they were not implementing them
well or at all. Similarly, 93 percent agreed that a list of top policy
best practices were important or very important, but nearly 40 percent said
they were not implementing them well or very well. We expect these
numbers to shift as strategies for change become better understood and the
industry embraces the opportunities that change can bring.
2.
Mobile access control will continue to roll out in stages.
During 2014, we expect to see the first phases of mobile access deployments in
which smartphones will function similar to that of a card transaction today,
with limitations due to technology and business ecosystems. In subsequent
phases, the phone’s onboard computing power and multimedia capabilities will be
leveraged to overcome limitations and provide a more functional and rich user
experience. Looking forward, the connectivity of smartphones will be used to perform
most tasks that today are jointly executed by card readers and servers or
panels in traditional access control systems. This includes verifying
identity with rules such as whether the access request is within a permitted
time and, using the phone’s GPS capability, whether the person is actually in
the vicinity of the door. The user can then be validated using a cloud
application and granted access via a trusted message over secure communication
to the door.
In this
new paradigm, mobile devices (rather than an access control system) make the
access decisions, and doors (rather than cards) present their identity. This
role reversal, sometimes called duality, changes how access control solutions
are offered. Organizations will be less dependent on the expensive
infrastructure required for connecting servers, panels and readers – just
electronic locks that respond to a mobile device’s encrypted “open” command.
This simplified and more economical model with enable the industry to secure
more assets; interior doors, filing cabinets, storage units and other areas
that have been prohibitively expensive or complex to secure in the past.
3.
Continued migration of intelligence to the door.
Physical security and access control solutions continue moving to IP-based
architectures that are easier to deploy and maintain. In addition, a
standards-based IP architecture facilitates the integration of a physical
access control system (PACS) with other systems that can share the same
network. A major benefit of this approach is the ability to move
intelligence to the door, which streamlines system monitoring, management and
reporting via standard web browsers. By migrating to true open
architecture IP-based intelligent controllers, users also can simplify future infrastructure
enhancements and modifications since they can invest in hardware platforms that
are not tied to proprietary protocols and software.
IP-based
access control is moving beyond host-controller communications to include
controller–module and controller-reader communications as well.
Additionally, we will see a move to untethered connectivity in this networked
access control environment. Wireless intelligent locksets are the first
step, and will become more prevalent as new, lower-cost, energy-efficient
models are introduced to the market. Mobile access control using
smartphones is also on its way, which will leverage these devices’ wireless
connection to act as both the key and processor, and become the rules engine
for making access control decisions. It will be possible to build and
deploy readers (and locks) without any significant intelligence or connectivity
capabilities and, because of the interoperability benefits of open-architecture
IP-based intelligent controllers, users will have a broad range of controller
and reader platforms to choose from, including basic readers and wireless
intelligent readers that provide access to multiple credential technologies.
4.
Visitor management systems to move beyond traditional applications.
Visitor management systems are now widely adopted in the corporate environment,
and they are increasingly spreading to other institutions, agencies and
campuses. For instance, in the hospital environment, paper systems are being
replaced with registration systems that are capable of screening, badging and
tracking all visitors or, at a minimum, critical areas such as pediatric wards,
as well as “after hours” periods when staff is reduced. These visitor
management systems include key features such as support for the HL7 interface
control so visitors can be matched to a variety of key real-time information
about patient status and room numbers, ensuring no visitor is ever sent to the
wrong patient room.
Another
example is federal agencies, which are migrating to systems that can quickly
process visitor access while ensuring that all security procedures and policies
are followed in accordance with HSPD-12. These systems read and process PIV
cards in support of HSPD-12, and also can scan and process TWIC cards using OCR
scanning, as well as Common Access Cards (CACs) using 2D bar code
scanning. The most effective systems feature simple-to-deploy middleware
software that seamlessly integrates with the PACS and validates PIV
credentials, which enables agencies to use PIV card data to better manage
crossover visits from other agency employees.
Video
Management Systems
Predications
from Gadi Piran, president, OnSSI:
1.
Mobility. While mobility became a primary consideration for solutions
initiatives in 2013, in 2014 it will become an absolute necessity.
Communication via mobile devices has grown to the point where we rely on it for
many elements of daily life, both at home and for business. For video
surveillance, mobility means remote access to images from any smartphone or
tablet, with the ability to control the system remotely as well. In 2014, users
will demand better delivery via mobile, with multiple streams over low bandwidth
– a solution we are now offering with Ocularis. We have to give users the
technology to move out of the control room and into the field without
sacrificing functionality – this is what the current population of technology
consumers expects in every area of life and of business, and providers who do
not make this utility possible will find themselves left behind.
2.
Simplicity/Cost. Costs will continue to come down while VMS system user
interfaces will become more intuitive and easy to use. These trends will gain
momentum as 64 bit technology penetration expands, enabling more efficient
utilization of the system and faster response times, even when streaming
megapixel cameras.
3.
Hybrid solutions. As long as there are still analog cameras in the field, there
will be a need for hybrid systems to incorporate them on the network and to
enable easier, more cost-efficient migration to IP. A new breed of integrated
appliances now coming to market are providing best-in-breed turnkey video
surveillance management and recording solutions that are suited to a wide range
of applications. These plug-and-play devices will make it easier for the next
generation of adopters to incorporate video management systems into their
security and risk management programs, with the added bonus of simplified
migration from analog to IP functionality.
4.
Integration of manufacturer partners. Open-architecture
technologies will enable continued close collaboration between providers,
further expanding the functionality of video surveillance solutions.
Home
Security Systems
Predictions
from John Knox, president of the Electronic Security Association:
1. The
continuing development of do-it-yourself wireless systems. It’s
still early in the development of these devices, but thermostats and light
bulbs are just the beginning. We’re going to see continued emergence of DIY for
home security, video surveillance, smoke and carbon monoxide detection, and
other home functions. This is going to challenge traditional companies to keep
up with technology, but it’s also going to present customers with a choice. Do
they want to get the newest technology at a higher price and deal with
installing, maintaining and securing it themselves? Will they want to leave it
to professionals with a track record of quality installation and customer
support? Or will they sit back awhile and wait for prices to come down before
finally deciding which road they want to take? Consumers also are going to have
to decide how sophisticated they really want their homes to be. Not every
consumer is going to want to pay top dollar for a talking smoke alarm. A large
number will be satisfied with effective safety and security that doesn’t cost a
fortune, and is easy to monitor and maintain.
2. Home
automation. Home automation definitely offers the greatest opportunity for
growth, and it also gives us a chance to expand the market for home security.
We need to educate consumers that using the latest technology to protect their
property and their families is more important than having a lamp that you can
turn on with your phone. If they can afford both, that’s fine, but we need to
help them understand that safety and security are bigger priorities than bells
and whistles. And with the sunset of POTS lines and 2G technology, there are huge
opportunities for upgrading existing systems.
Intrusion
Detection
Predictions
from Tim Myers, product line director, intrusion, Tyco Security
Products:
1. The
popularity of interactive services/interactive-enabled hardware will continue
to rise. With the help of the smartphone, consumers are becoming
accustomed to having remote, on-demand access and control of many different
elements of their lifestyle on their smartphone. With Internet-enabled devices
such as an intrusion alarm system as part of the connected home,
homeowners are able to control and receive information from other systems such
as energy management and lighting, as well as have access to other security
devices like wireless locks and residential camera systems.
2.
Increasing acceptance of wireless intrusion technology in commercial
applications. More sophisticated wireless offerings available on the market
today provide more secure transmission methods, increased range and reduced
battery consumption, making wireless security systems significantly more
attractive for commercial applications. Featuring sophisticated 128-bit
AES encryption, these systems prevent the wireless signal from being “sniffed”
or hacked, so the signal cannot be overtaken through the air. More robust
protection against signal interference, along with increased range, offers
improved noise immunity from interference from other appliances or systems
while improved range means increased distances between panel and sensor without
the use of repeaters. Hybrid systems, which make use of both hardwired and
wireless peripherals along with a full range of cellular and IP communications
technologies, will also continue to be a driving force in the market as
wireless systems ramp up in popularity.
3.
Increase in alarm verification technologies/requirements for false alarm
reduction. Budget strapped municipalities won’t be loosening requirements
for alarm verification anytime soon, so the industry has responded with a few
different solutions. Along with increasingly sophisticated sensor hardware,
these verification methods are helping to mitigate the false alarm
challenge. Visual verification occurs when an alarm signal activates a
camera with built-in motion detection. The camera records a video clip and
sends it to the monitoring center or law enforcement for action.
Audio
verification methods, such as two-way audio, allow the monitoring center to
speak to the person on the other end, as well as hear what is going on.
Another, newer type of audio verification is constantly recorded audio, which
captures the 15 seconds before an alarm was generated and the 10 seconds after
the alarm for increased about the incident.
Sequential
detection is programmed into the alarm system, telling it how to respond to
certain behaviors. The system itself can verify an alarm if more than one zone
on a premise has been disturbed. For example, it will trigger an alarm if the
front door is opened and a motion detector is tripped a few seconds later.
4. The
industry is shifting to more reliable, sophisticated communication protocols. In
an industry still grappling with decline of the traditional POTS system for
alarm communications, the pending sunset of the 2G cellular
spectrum means another shift in technology. At the same time, communications
via IP andGPRS are gaining traction and reliability and will continue to
lead the way as the industry analyzes how large of a leap to make — to 4G or
straight to LTE — on the cellular side.
5. A
growing appetite for localized touchscreens and applications. With
consumers growing accustomed to the clean, user friendly interfaces on a number
of devices, expectations for these same intuitive, touchscreen interfaces
are also now prevalent with residential security technology. Together with
mobile applications that provide anywhere, anytime accessibility, touchscreens are
also becoming a modern, aesthetically pleasing addition to the
residential security landscape that provides users local access to their
devices.
