Mayflex Appoints a new Account Manager for the Midlands

April 2020, Mayflex, the distributor of Converged IP Solutions, has appointed a new account manager to manage and develop accounts in the Midlands and surrounding areas, with a specific focus on the security product portfolio as part of the converged solution.

Matthew Farthing joined the business at the end of March and comes to Mayflex from a security installer background, so is familiar with the type of customer Mayflex works with. Having worked in a general sales and national account management role, Matthew is currently undergoing a full induction, albeit it remotely, to prepare himself for when he can get on the road to visit his customer base.

Regions covered by Matthew include Derby, Nottingham, Leicester, Northampton, Birmingham Wolverhampton, Coventry, Telford, Peterborough and Cambridge.

Tom Filce, Head of Security Sales at Mayflex comments, “Matthew has joined the Mayflex team at an exceptional time for the industry and the country. We are forging ahead with a full remote induction plan by using the tools and infrastructure set in place by our IT team. “

Tom continues, “We will take this additional time to get Matthew trained on all of our business systems and on the wide range of industry leading vendors that Mayflex distributes such as Avigilon, Axis, Hikvision, MOBOTIX, Paxton and Suprema via webinars and online tutorials.”

Finally, Tom commented “Matthews knowledge and expertise will provide a further dedicated resource for our customer base working with them to get the best out of Mayflex and our product portfolio. Along with our range of ‘Specialist Support Services’ such as pre-staging of IP devices and bespoke cameras spraying to name but a few.”

Matthew commented, “I am looking forward to meeting with my colleagues and customers, helping them with their individual project requirements and supporting them with expertise and advice helping to make Mayflex the go to distributor when opportunities arise for security projects and installations.”

For further details on the full range of security products distributed by visit the Mayflex website.

Mayflex Is Now Distributing Hikvision Security Solutions

February 2020, Mayflex,the cabling infrastructure, networking and electronic security solutions distributor, is now actively distributing the Hikvision product portfolio, following the initial announcement of the new partnership, back in December 2019. The team of security specialists at Mayflex will place a particular focus on the IP solutions available.

Hikvision is a world leading provider of security products and solutions. Featuring an extensive and highly skilled R&D workforce, Hikvision manufactures a full suite of comprehensive products and solutions for a broad range of vertical markets. Their UK and Ireland operations are based out of Stockley Park near Heathrow with regional sales offices and training academies also based in Glasgow, Manchester and Doncaster.

Ross McLetchie, Mayflex Sales Director comments, “The business has been extensively preparing for this launch. Staff have received the necessary training, to enable the teams to continue to provide the sales and technical support on product choice and system design, that our customers have become accustomed to.”

Gary Harmer, Hikvision Sales Director UK & Ireland commented, “As part of the Sonepar group of companies, with an established customer base installing and working with Converged IP Solutions, Mayflex provides Hikvision with access to many markets and new customers. We can support installers venturing into the security market, with our training academy which offers free courses that provide the necessary skills to successfully install and commission Hikvision security solutions.”

Tom Filce, Head of Security Sales at Mayflex comments, “The sales team are fired up and ready to go to market with this new addition to our already strong security product portfolio. I am looking forward to supporting our existing customers and onboarding a whole host of new clients from our security and infrastructure customer base. I am excited to see the new opportunities that the Hikvision range will provide us with.”

For further details about the range of Hikvision products available from Mayflex, visit www.mayflex.com or speak to your Mayflex account manager.

Stanley Security launches UK wide dealer programme

STANLEY Security, one of the UK’s leading security providers, has launched a new Dealer Programme aimed at independent installers looking to expand their businesses without the risks associated with rapid growth.

The new STANLEY Security Dealer Programme provides installers with the considerable competitive benefits that come from being associated with a major global brand, backed up by national security infrastructure and expertise, whilst maintaining their independence.  The Programme will enable partners to capture new growth opportunities in both commercial and residential security by helping them stand out in a competitive market place and by providing their customers with a wider range of security solutions and services than would be possible for a smaller, regional company.

These security solutions include an array of products and systems for both home and business security that have been heavily invested in by STANLEY Security and that are available at reduced costs as a result of the company’s substantial purchasing power.

The range of services available to companies in the STANLEY Security Dealer Programme is equally impressive and includes STANLEY Assure in-house financing (a key consideration for end users and a major selling point); a Customer First Team, set up to provide top rate customer satisfaction; plus a selection of security monitoring options from a self-service app to STANLEY’s Category 2 NSI Gold Standard BS5979 accredited Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC).

Under the STANLEY Security Dealer Programme, partners continue to work with their customers as before, but with STANLEY Security supporting them and providing the customer after-sales and service support.  In other words, the dealer makes the sale, supplies and installs the equipment. STANLEY Security buys the service contract from the dealer and pays multiples based on the terms of the contract.

To maximise ROI, the STANLEY Security Dealer Programme features fast onboarding, including training on STANLEY products and services and a certification process. Once certified, and with a partner agreement in place, dealers reap the rewards of affiliation with STANLEY Security.  An attractive incentive programme is in place as part of the scheme, along with quick payments, a dedicated, experienced remote support team, lead generation support in the form of marketing and sales tools, and ongoing training to ensure dealers are kept up to date with the latest developments in security.

“The STANLEY Security Dealer Programme is the best of both worlds” comments Dan Hindley, STANLEY Security UK Channel Manager.  “Independent security companies continue to use their skills in sales and installation, but with the added advantage of our expertise in designing, delivering and servicing security solutions.  They get to fast track their business without the pain points and we have the benefit of extending our customer reach.”

The STANLEY Security Dealer Programme model has already proven successful.  “Stanley Security’s dealer support is light years ahead of the competition. We’re proud to be a Stanley Dealer as it reassures our clients that they’re in the best hands,” comments Trevor Williamson Operations Manager at TRECC.

The STANLEY Security Dealer Programme will officially be launched on the 21st February at Security TWENTY 19 Birmingham, at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC, and supported by a wide media launch.

For more information on STANLEY Security’s Dealer Programme, please go to www.stanleysecurity.co.uk or email partnersuk@Sbdinc.com.  To register for Security TWENTY 19 Birmingham, go to www.professionalsecurity.co.uk/security-twenty-register

Marston Holdings acquires Videalert

STAND CO25, TRAFFEX, NEC BIRMINGHAM, 2 APRIL 2019 – Videalert, a leading supplier of intelligent traffic management and enforcement solutions to local authorities, is pleased to announce that it has been acquired by Marston Holdings, the UK’s largest transportation and enforcement services group.

According to David Richmond, CEO of Videalert Limited:  “We are delighted to become a key part of Marston Holdings, as it will enable us to accelerate our development strategy and fully exploit the growth potential for our products and services within the Parking and Intelligent Transport sectors. Our rapidly expanding client base will not only see further developments from Videalert,but also the integration and application of technologies from the expanded Marston organisation which is refocusing its services proposition to leverage the benefits of a new range of technology-based solutions.”

This announcement follows successful deployments for a number of Marston’s strategic clients, including the London Borough of Barnet, the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames and the City of Westminster, where Videalert has replaced competitive CCTV enforcement systems.

These contract wins are the result of Videalert’s sophisticated video data platform, combined with high quality field equipment and hosting infrastructure, which has been proved to deliver capture rates from 10-32% higher than other competitor’s systems.  The platform generates high quality evidence which is not only faster to review, but also reduces the likelihood of appeals.  With system availability rates exceeding 99%, the platform delivers the highest productivity and the lowest operating costs, enforcing the widest range of parking and moving traffic contraventions.  It can also support traffic management, police ANPR, clean air and low emission zones.

Marston Holdings’ Chief Executive added:  “Videalert is our second acquisition to be announced in 2019 and follows that of Logic Valley, a software developer that specialises in artificial intelligence and mobile application development. The acquisitions are a key part of our ongoing business transformation strategy with new technology-driven service propositions that will deliver even greater value to local authorities. There is a great synergy between Videalert and Marston Holdings at every level, including a longstanding relationship with NSL, which we acquired in 2017. Videalert shares our commitment to innovation and meeting the needs of clients, particularly those that are currently tackling the challenge of air pollution in our cities.”

Videalert awarded enforcement contract for Bath’s Clean Air Zone

STAND CO25, TRAFFEX, NEC BIRMINGHAM, 3 APRIL 2019 – Bath and North East Somerset Council (B&NES Council) is extending its Videalert CCTV enforcement platform with the installation of additional cameras for its approved class C clean air zone (CAZ) that gives exemptions to private cars but charges higher polluting buses, coaches, HGVs, LGVs/vans, private hire vehicles and taxis.  Videalert was awarded the contract to ensure full and seamless integration with the council’s existing hosted digital video platform which is already being used to enforce a wide range of restrictions including bus lanes, bus gates and permit parking.

B&NES Council was one of 28 councils directed by the government to prepare an action plan to urgently reduce high levels of nitrogen dioxide (caused by vehicle emissions) to within  EU and national limits  by 2021 at the latest.  The authority had originally proposed a Class D CAZ, charging all higher emission vehicles, including cars, to drive in the city centre. However, following further ongoing technical work and a public consultation in December – which garnered an unprecedented 8,421 responses – a class C option with additional traffic management, was agreed.

According to Chris Major, group manager for Transport and Parking at B&NES Council:  “The new charging class C CAZ will achieve compliance by 2021 apart from a single exceedance caused by localised traffic issues.  We believe this will be resolved by installing traffic signals at two junctions.”

Videalert will be installing HD ANPR cameras to enforce the new CAZ scheme at key road junctions across the designated boundary. The hosted Videalert platform will automate the management and enforcement of this new zone, providing real-time identification including vehicle make, model, colour and euro standard rating for pre-filtering and updating the whitelist of compliant vehicles held at the edge to minimise transmission costs. Information on non-compliant vehicles will then interface with the UK government’s new national clean air zone database for vehicle validation and payment.  The system will also provide detailed analytics and impact analysis highlighting the reduction in non-compliant vehicles entering the zone over time.

Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert, added:  “The award of this high profile contract confirms Videalert’s ability to handle the evolving requirements of clean air and low emission zones.  It also demonstrates how a single video data platform can support multiple applications, enabling councils to address the challenges of improving traffic congestion and air quality simultaneously.”

The CAZ should commence operation at the end of 2020. The daily charge will be £9 for non-compliant taxis, private hire vehicles and light goods vehicles (the minimum standard being euro 6 for diesel and Euro 4 for petrol), and £100 for buses, coaches and HGVs (the minimum standard being euro 6).

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council puts Videalert mobile enforcement vehicle on the road

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council has taken delivery of a new CCTV enforcement vehicle from Videalert, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement and management solutions.  The new Mobile Enforcement Vehicle (MEV) has an unattended operating capability and will be used to enforce school locations where illegal parking on the yellow ‘keep clears’ has been identified as putting children’s lives in danger.

Councillor Bob Norton, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth & Highways, said: “We know that measures to tackle parking are often controversial and seen by some as a ‘cash grab’ but that is simply not the case. This is all about safety!  Three accidents involving school children in one year is three too many and we won’t allow this continuing risk to the safety of children in our schools.  Our message is clear: Don’t want to get fined? Then don’t put people at risk when you park.”

Videalert has supplied a white Renault Kadjar equipped with two roof-mounted ANPR cameras and two colour cameras to capture contextual video evidence.  Used in conjunction with the latest video analytics, the system delivers the highest productivity at the lowest operating cost even in the highest density traffic environments.  The on-board systems are controlled by the operator manning the vehicle using a dashboard-mounted touchscreen.

All contravention evidence data is transferred to Videalert’s Digital Video Platform in the parking office at the end of each shift.  The Videalert system automates the construction of video evidence packs which are reviewed by trained council operatives prior to sending confirmed offences to the back office processing system for the issuance of PCNs.

Redcar and Cleveland’s new mobile enforcement vehicle is also equipped with a complete suite of Videalert software applications enabling it to be used for a wide range of traffic and parking management applications in the future as required.

“In recent benchmarking trials, our MEVs equipped with four cameras have proved to deliver industry-leading capture rates whilst consistently outperforming vehicles from other suppliers.  This new generation of multi-purpose MEVs will give councils greater flexibility in the enforcement of a wide range of moving traffic and parking contraventions,” added Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director at Videalert.

FLIR Introduces High-Resolution Thermal Security Cameras to Award Winning FB-Series Family

FLIR has expanded its award-winning line of FLIR FB-Series thermal security cameras to include the first models with 640 x 480 resolutions. Originally launched in early 2018 with a resolution of 320 x 240, the FB-Series now has a broader range of resolution and lens options to suit any application.

FB-Series is a compact, fixed bullet camera line that offers wide-to-narrow coverage of commercial and industrial facilities, reducing the number of cameras required to monitor fence lines, perimeters and open areas. The FB-Series produces crisp thermal video in challenging conditions, including total darkness, sun glare, smoke, dust, and light fog.

FB-Series cameras are available with built-in analytics (FB-Series ID) or without analytics (FB-Series O), depending upon user needs. Analytics enable better classification of human and vehicles, while dismissing innocuous targets that might otherwise trigger alarms. The result is more reliable detection with fewer false alarms. The FB-Series family also offers “plug-and-play” compatibility with major video management systems—including FLIR United VMS—using hybrid, IP and analog outputs.

This introduction further strengthens FLIR’s position as a leader in providing one-stop solutions for professional security and perimeter protection, including thermal and optical (daylight) cameras, radar, United VMS, and Cameleon perimeter intrusion detection software.

To learn more about the full FB-Series offering, visit www.flir.com/FBseries

G-Tec’s Serage range to take market by Storm

Serage range has been improved and expanded to include IP & HD Analogue Range .

G-Tec’s has been leading provider of security equipment, Brand wise . GTec has its own brand Serage, a brand that has built from the ground up, by using their experience and expertise carefully cultivated over a fifteen year period, they have used this and developed a new range of Serage products Covering IP and Analogue HD.

Over the Years Serage is known to be a reliable , high quality and an elegantly designed range and Is able to be implemented into any project required.

Whatever the application requires Serage has the right product, never compromising on quality and always delivering peace of mind for both the installer and the End user .

Who is G-Tec Distribution? Established in 2002, G- Tec is a CCTV distribution company, which has carved its name into the industry to be one of the respected distributors of security equipment in the UK. It has done so by focusing on being on the front lines, cultivating relationships, providing a high quality service, it’s people are very well informed regarding their products and the market as a whole. Add quality products at competitive prices, after sales care, and marketing support to its customers. There is no doubting why they have been around for over 15 years and still they’re growing!.

G-Tec is also an authorised Distributor for FLIR and Fermax . All can found on their website.

http://www.gtecsecurity.co.uk/

 

Champion Security Installations

Champion Security Installations modernise the video surveillance at the Fort Dunlop site in Birmingham

A comprehensive video surveillance solution consisting of 96 cameras from Dahua Technology UK has being installed at the striking Fort Dunlop commercial and retail site, overlooking the M6 motorway in Birmingham, by Champion Security Installations.

Built for Dunlop Rubber, Fort Dunlop became the tyre-maker’s flagship production facility and at one time was the world’s largest factory, employing 3,200 workers. After production stopped in the 1980s, the building lay derelict before being redeveloped into 360,000 square feet of office and retail space, also now with an adjoining hotel.

Much of the site’s previous video surveillance system was installed during the refurbishment in 2006, but with advances in modern technology, it was felt that the current system was no longer meeting basic requirements. An external consultant assessed the site and put forward plans for an upgrade. Bromsgrove-based Champion Security Installations won the bid for the upgrade project.

Installed over two phases, the design consists of a total of 96 static and PTZ cameras from Full HD to 4K resolutions. Cameras include the 12MP panoramic internal IPC-EBW81230 fisheye camera, which uses H.265/H.264 triple-stream encoding, and the external panoramic IPC-PDBW8802 dome camera, with four 2-Megapixel progressive scan CMOS sensors and day/night functionality. Images are managed and recorder by a 128-channel, ultra 4K NVR616 network video recorder.

“Having undertaken a full review of the security systems at Fort Dunlop, it became clear that a replacement CCTV system was required to ensure protection of the staff, visitors and building,” said a spokesperson from Savills. “Three different options were presented by contractors, but it quickly became clear that the Dahua system presented by Champion Security Installations met our brief. The system installed has changed the way we monitor and protect our asset, and its ease of use has been a revelation to our site staff.”

A spokesperson from Champion Security Installations added, “We have worked with the management of Fort Dunlop for a number of years now, so we designed the new IP CCTV system in consultation with them.

The aim was to meet all of the different security, health and safety criteria, as well as ensure ease of use for the operators. Having installed Dahua equipment at a number of sites, we invited them to assist with the design of the Fort Dunlop system using a number of their new products. Working in conjunction with Dahua and Oprema Ltd, the project was delivered on time and within budget.”

Article originally published on the Champion Security Installations website.

About Champion Security Installations
Champion Security Installations are experts in commercial security systems, who pride themselves on delivering tailor-made solutions that meet their client’s objectives, which can range from improving employee safety and performance to deterring and preventing theft and damage.

CSI will evaluate your requirements, your budget and your circumstances – such as location, lighting and environment – in order to offer you a bespoke security system. Because CSI are not affiliated to any particular manufacturers, they are able to offer independent, impartial advice and always deliver the best, tailor-made systems for each and every one of their clients.

CSI offers an integrated approach with one point of contact and take total ownership for your security needs, from fire extinguishers and intruder alarms to CCTV and security patrols. They work with many different companies, in all types of industry sectors, all over the UK, and pride themselves on their expert knowledge, impartial advice and outstanding service.

————————————————

Champion Security Installations Ltd
Unit 29, Bromsgrove Enterprise Park
Bromsgrove
Worcestershire
B60 3ET

0845 299 6855

info@championcctv.co.uk
https://www.championcctv.co.uk

Surveilling security options with Burg-Wächter

Newly launching into the UK market, Burg-Wächter’s extensive range of remote access video surveillance solutions includes BurgCam Wi-Fi, which can run as either a standalone or modular system. The BurgCam analogue range updates existing coaxial systems, whilst the BurgCam IP range represents the very latest in video surveillance technology.

Security specialists Burg-Wächter is bringing its extensive range of home and professional video surveillance cameras, software and accessories to the UK. With an increasing number of homeowners and businesses becoming concerned about the security of their property, security professionals are ideally placed to make the most of the increased popularity, affordability and functionality of video surveillance systems.

BurgCam Wi-Fi

Burg-Wächter’s BurgCam Wi-Fi range includes a choice of zoom, dome and bullet cameras. BurgCam Home Wi-Fi cameras offer greater than HD resolution and can run as a standalone unit (with SD card) or as a modular system, which can be tailored to suit each customer’s requirements.

Updating analogue

For customers with more sophisticated video surveillance requirements there’s Burg-Wächter’s ranges of analogue and IP based solutions. The BurgCam analogue range has been designed to bring HD video, video analytics, remote access and 4in1 technology as an upgrade to existing CCTV systems running on coaxial cable.

Advanced IP

Burg-Wächter’s IP range represents the very latest in video surveillance technology. Images of up to 8MP resolution are captured through a number of different cameras, including thermal imaging options. Advanced Digital Noise Reduction and Wide Dynamic Range technology provides clear and balanced images which can be processed by intelligent video analytics for face detection, people counting, object removal/placing and virtual trip wire detection.

All Burg-Wächter video surveillance products are accessible locally via a connected PC as well as remotely via the BurgCam app. The app provides real time remote video monitoring on smartphones and tablets and also allows two-way audio communication with indoor cameras. BurgCam can be configured to send notifications and alerts should pre-defined events be triggered, providing additional peace of mind and faster response times.

Nationwide technical and sales support and customised training is available from
Burg-Wächter UK’s dedicated video surveillance team:

W: www.burg.biz/uk                      E: uksales@burg.biz                 T: 01274 395333

London Borough of Wandsworth deploys unattended CCTV enforcement cameras from Videalert

The London Borough of Wandsworth, which serves more than half a million people, has awarded Videalert, one the UK’s leading suppliers of intelligent traffic enforcement and management solutions, a contract to install unattended CCTV cameras at a number of “problem” locations across the borough. The contract was awarded following competitive trials of all the major suppliers undertaken by Wandsworth’s Parking team, now part of the Richmond and Wandsworth shared parking service.  After completing these trials it was determined that the Videalert system would provide best value to the Council in terms of performance and cost over the lifetime of the contract.

The introduction of unattended CCTV cameras into the Borough is part of the shared parking service’s drive to improve operational efficiency and achieve cost savings.  According to Adam Westwood, based in Wandsworth’s Parking Operations Team:  “We continuously challenge ourselves to provide the best services at the lowest cost. Our goal is always resident satisfaction at a price taxpayers can afford to pay.”

After benchmarking the technologies and performance, Videalert came out on top with consistently high capture rates, particularly in busy traffic conditions and across complex moving traffic contravention scenarios.   The quality of evidence captured using the latest digital, ONFIV compliant cameras also resulted in higher productivity with the added potential to reduce the number of appeals.  Other key factors in the decision-making process included flexibility of the system to capture multiple contraventions from a single WAN unit to reduce infrastructure costs combined with Videalert’s real-time monitoring service to keep system uptime as close as possible to 100%.  The platform’s automated evidence pack review suite was also recognised to further enhance productivity.

Steve Cull, Assistant Head of Shared Parking Services for Richmond and Wandsworth, added:  “The trials demonstrated that the use of unattended cameras was justified in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and compliance. Deploying Videalert’s unique Digital Video Platform allows additional camera assets and enforcement applications to be cost effectively added, providing a future-proofed investment for civil traffic enforcement.”

As a direct result of the trials, cameras have already been installed at an initial four locations.  Wandsworth will continue to transition from its current attended system with further installations of Videalert’s unattended cameras based on expected efficiency and productivity gains.

Tim Daniels, Sales and Marketing Director of Videalert commented:  “We offer a radically different way of using CCTV for traffic management and civil enforcement for today and tomorrow.  Using sophisticated ANPR and video analytics, Videalert delivers the highest productivity whilst minimising equipment infrastructure and communication costs at each target enforcement location.”

About Videalert

Videalert is one of the UK’s leading suppliers of traffic enforcement and management solutions.  It is the only company able to provide its own suite of attended, unattended, and Mobile Vehicle CCTV enforcement solutions using the same intelligent digital video software platform.  The same platform can also support other traffic management and community safety applications using the same infrastructure.  This unique, future-proofed solution combines sophisticated video analytics with ANPR and offers a full range of deployment options including wired LAN, Wi-Fi LAN and 3G/4G WAN as well as supporting all analogue and ONVIF compliant digital megapixel cameras.  For further information, please visit www.videalert.com or contact:

Tim Daniels, Videalert Ltd, Tel: 0208 582 0440, Email: tdaniels@videalert.com

Paul Jennings, PJMC Limited, Tel: 01926 312886, Email: info@pjmc.com

Your CCTV and new data protection regulations

The British Security Industry Association estimates that there are up to six million CCTV cameras in operation across the UK. Indeed, the UK is often referenced as being one of the most surveillance countries in the world.

The use of CCTV is covered by the Data Protection Act (DPA) and with the new general data protection regulations (GDPR) recently coming into effect, most businesses are aware that personal data must be processed lawfully and transparently – although many are still unaware that this includes the use of CCTV.

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recommends that organisations using CCTV systems conduct a data privacy impact assessment to ensure CCTV operations are justified and legitimate.

Being able to explain why your organisation is using CCTV is vital to ensuring compliance with the new GDPR. In most cases businesses can rely on legitimate interest, for example, security of a vacant property, for operating CCTV however, they are also required to justify this against the size of the area being monitored.

Under the new GDPR, personal data can only be processed for as long as its purposes requires it so businesses should review their CCTV usage and determine how long footage is kept for. This will vary of course depending on the purpose of the CCTV system but organisations should be aware that indefinite data retention times or waiting until the system overwrites previous footage is not considered to be good practice.

People captured on CCTV are entitled to request access to the footage, which may result in businesses being required to share footage. Organisations must not disclose personal data about other subjects as part of this data-sharing process so this may require parts of the footage to be blurred before it is handed over.

Protecting CCTV data while it is being accessed and when it is stored is essential to ensuring confidentiality. Footage should only be viewed by authorised personnel and either encrypted when stored or accessed electronically, or securely locked away if it is being physically stored.

“The use of CCTV is not discouraged under GDPR,” reassures Michael Knibbs, Operations Manager, SafeSite Security Solutions.

“There is now a more equal balance between the rights and interests of the operator and data subjects.

“Displaying clear signage explaining that CCTV is in use in that area and where further information can be found is an important step to ensuring compliance with the GDPR.”

Further information regarding the use of CCTV systems is available on the Information Commissioner’s Office website.

Milestone Systems appoints new Vice President for EMEA

Milestone Systems, the open platform company in IP video management software (VMS), announces its new Vice President for EMEA, Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft, who also becomes member of Milestone Systems’ Extended Leadership Team.  She will be responsible for the whole EMEA region, the EMEA sales operation, the EMEA Custom Development and Support and will focus on further strengthening the EMEA partner community of distributors, installers, solutions partners and camera manufacturers.

“I’m very excited to join Milestone Systems and I look forward to being part of this forward-looking and innovative company. The concept of openness and community is a profound part of Milestone Systems’ DNA and is undoubtedly one of the reasons why we will be leading the disruption that will change the security industry in the years to come,” Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft says.

Innovation and business development have played a significant role in Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft’s career in the telecom industry – an industry that was truly disrupted with the rise of mobile telecommunications and the introduction of smart phones. Disruption emerges when customers require change, so it is essential to understand who the customers are as well as their requirements for design of services and products, according to Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft.

“Milestone Systems is an industry leader, and our ambition is to maintain this position. My goal is to further grow the EMEA region and support our sales organization and community of partners in rethinking how we do business and especially how we can grow business together as a community,” Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft says.

“We were looking for someone with proven leadership skills and the ability to dare think differently. We believe that the security industry is facing significant changes and Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft is the right person to lead this change in the EMEA region and to support our ambition to increase growth in the years to come,” Chief Sales & Marketing Officer Kenneth Hune Petersen, Milestone Systems, says.

Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft joins Milestone Systems after a long and remarkable career at Telenor, most recently as Head of B2B. In 2016, Malou was elected a Top 100 Business Talent by Danish national business magazine Berlingske Tidende. Malou Mousten Dyhr Toft will be based at Milestone Systems’ headquarters in Copenhagen and report directly to Kenneth Hune Petersen, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer.

Cerberus Systems proves data cable terminations are right first time with IDEAL

Cerberus Systems Ltd is an electrical contracting company that designs, installs and maintains intelligently configured and high quality electrical systems, IT networks, CCTV and access control systems to diverse client premises including radio studios, offices, warehouses, showrooms and shops. Regardless of the type of structured cabling required, Cerberus Systems’ clients need the work finished within tight deadlines and with minimal disruption to people and processes.

To avoid delays when installing data cable, it’s important for cat5e and cat6 cable terminations to be done correctly first time.  However, the type of installations Cerberus performs often requires technicians to install RJ45 plugs at the end of links which connect directly to CCTV and access control systems. Field-terminated RJ45 plugs are prone to installation errors because they require the installer to trim the conductors to a precise length prior to placing the plug onto the cable.

“If they are too short, there will be open circuits discovered when testing, and if they are too long, terminations look sloppy, or performance can suffer when pairs are exposed outside of the plug body/cable jacket,” explains Nick Shone of Cerberus Systems.  “It’s also easy for a conductor to move during this process and go unnoticed until the cables are tested.”

“This makes identifying and resolving faults challenging and time consuming, particularly in the large areas we often work in, which can be up to 15,000 sq. ft,” Nick continues.  “Failed terminations can also mean that faults need to be investigated in difficult locations, such as in the case of externally mounted IP CCTV cameras.”

For example, on a recent large IP CCTV installation project, there were 160 plugs to terminate and no time for error. As a complex job where other trades were waiting to come on site, any delays would cost the client time and money.  It was therefore vital for Cerberus Systems to complete their work without having to go back and replace faulty terminations – a difficult task with the tools traditionally used.  However, while preparing for the IP CCTV installation, Cerberus Systems discovered the new FT-45® Feed Thru Modular Plugs and Crimp Tool from IDEAL.

“We’d been using electrical products from IDEAL, as well as IDEAL Networks testers, for a number of years,” says Nick.  “I ordered this new solution straight away as I knew the upcoming job required multiple terminations in a very tight time scale.”

The new IDEAL FT-45 solution speeds up and simplifies termination of RJ45 plugs by eliminating the need to precisely trim conductors to length before inserting the cable into the plug. Unlike the plugs with closed ends usually used for RJ45 connections, the FT-45 Feed-Thru Modular Plugs feature open channels that allow the conductors to be fed completely through the connector before crimping. This lets installers visually check conductor order and if necessary, remove the connector, reorder the conductors and replace the connector. 

Once the proper order is confirmed, the FT-45 tool crimps and trims the cable in one step. This makes terminations faster, provides better performance by allowing the cable to fully seat into the connector and virtually eliminates connector waste.

“Across our business, we like to invest in the equipment that helps us to get jobs right first time,” says Nick. “This helps us to reduce delays, meaning that we keep our clients happy.”

“In this case, preventing mistakes and delays ensured that all trades had access to the site when required so no additional costs were incurred by the client,” he continues. “It also allows us to move on to the next job on time, keeping our operations productive and profitable.” 

For Cerberus Systems, FT-45 proved to be ideal for working with patch cords in IP CCTV installations, as well as for fitting IP access controls.  It makes installing extended patch cords easier, for example to enable video conferencing, and can also be used to create a cat6 cable backbone for linking data cabinets together.

The FT-45 solution also proved simple to use. The modular plugs are suitable for cat5e and cat6 cable without a need for complex assembly, while the versatile crimp tool is capable of crimping and cutting feed-thru, standard and shielded connectors in one action.

“Since purchasing and using FT-45 we are now using it on most of our projects – I never take the FT-45 plugs and crimp tool out of my kit bag,” says Nick. “I would recommend the FT-45 package as you can genuinely reduce errors in terminations and get things done right first time.”

In addition, Cerberus Systems qualifies data cable installations with IDEAL Networks SignalTEK NT to provide proof of performance to clients.  As soon as the installation is complete and has been tested, test data can be sent to a mobile phone. Using the IDEAL AnyWARE™ app, a PDF report is generated easily and emailed straight to the client to show that there are no installation issues.

“It is important for us to test our data cable installations to give customers assurance, just like we do on our low voltage electrical jobs,” says Nick.  “This reduces unpaid call backs, but most importantly keeps customers happy – they are impressed to get a professional report, and to receive this from us so quickly.”