July Product Of The Month

ALERTUS MASS NOTIFICATION

This June we’re excited to be reviewing Alertus and its mass notification system. Since 2002, Alertus Mission has been providing businesses with the tools they need to share information to protect people, secure property, and ensure business cohesion. They use cutting-edge technology, and their flexible software solutions allow you to connect the newest audible and visual alerting equipment to legacy systems. Thousands of customers in the K–12, higher–education, business, healthcare, government, and military sectors trust them on a global scale. Alertus’ mass notification system has been used in a number of situations, proving that its technology can save lives. In this blog, we will focus on the impact a Alertus system has on keeping K-12 schools safe and secure.

ALERTUS MASS NOTIFICATION

This June we’re excited to be reviewing Alertus and its mass notification system. Since 2002, Alertus Mission has been providing businesses with the tools they need to share information to protect people, secure property, and ensure business cohesion. They use cutting-edge technology, and their flexible software solutions allow you to connect the newest audible and visual alerting equipment to legacy systems. Thousands of customers in the K–12, higher–education, business, healthcare, government, and military sectors trust them on a global scale. Alertus’ mass notification system has been used in a number of situations, proving that its technology can save lives. In this blog, we will focus on the impact a Alertus system has on keeping K-12 schools safe and secure.

NUMEROUS COMMUNICATION PROBLEMS ARE RESOLVED BY THE ALERTUS SYSTEM, INCLUDING:

• Noisy areas like cafeterias, gyms, and playgrounds
• Buildings without constant staffing
• Notifying teachers and staff without sending students into a panic
• Faculty and staff without a way to communicate quickly and effectively internally
• Widespread areas
• Internet outages and cellular network restrictions

Reacting Instantly With Only One Touch

Every second counts when it comes to keeping people safe in an emergency; that’s why Alertus built its System. The Alertus System enables designated dispatchers to immediately activate an emergency alert, independent of location, decreasing risk because dispatchers are not required to activate various systems from various places or to be tethered to sensitive regions like front desks.

Software: Administrators can immediately issue a desktop warning for incidents ranging from small IT breakdowns to serious crises like a “lockdown” or “shelter in place” with the Alertus DesktopTM Activator.

Hardware: By integrating with the full Alertus suite, Alertus Emergency Activation Buttons may create a single point of activation for emergency alerting of your most pressing risks.

Mobile: Even when the dispatcher is away from the PA system, all emergency notification endpoints can be triggered instantly and on the go with the Alertus Activator App.

Empower Faculty and Staff

Seeking help during an emergency should be quick and efficient. With various emergency notification channels to choose from, you can feel confident that your faculty, staff, and students have the resources needed to react to any emergency. When confronted with an active shooter, hostile or unruly parents or students, or other potentially dangerous situations, USB Panic Buttons enable instructors and employees in particularly vulnerable places, like a front office, to covertly and promptly seek aid from their desks.

WiFi Panic Buttons can be carried on a lanyard or covertly in a pocket. Teachers and staff can discreetly and rapidly activate alarms and call for assistance in the event of a medical emergency, violence, or outside threats. Multiple authorized users can swiftly issue or cancel pre-set alerts using the Rapid Response Console, a stylish tablet that is placed on a wall. With possibilities for geo-tagged event reporting and instantaneous communication, the Mobile Recipient App provides customers with fast access to emergency professionals.

What needs to be understood about Alertus

Alertus offers K-12 schools a customizable and incredibly effective mass alerting solution in an emergency or urgent situation. The program will be used to provide notifications that can be life-saving in an emergency. It may be used on a variety of electronic platforms, including VoIP phones, desktop computers, digital signs, mobile devices, and more. With Alertus, you may switch on many devices at once. Additionally, it effortlessly interfaces with other infrastructures already in place, such as Fire panels and PA systems. Users of Alertus can respond to messages thanks to two-way communication. Critical information, such as news of inclement weather, school shootings, fire breakouts, or any other emergency communications, can be delivered via their software.

May product of the month

ALARM.COM MOBILE APP

This May, we’re excited to be reviewing Alarm.coms Mobile App. The Alarm.Com Mobile App provides a comprehensive security and home automation interactive service platform through web and mobile-based applications. In this blog we will delve into developments Alarm.com has taken and what makes them one of the leading platforms for home automation and security system remote management in homes and businesses. Their cloud-based service provides complete security and a home automation eco-system. You can monitor almost every aspect of a modern security and home automation system. Additionally, you can remotely control your system on any computer, tablet, or mobile device with an internet connection. There is an Alarm.com App for Windows, iPhones, and Android devices.

Industry Innovator

Founded in 2000, Alarm.com is one of the oldest providers of interactive security solutions and is responsible for introducing remote notifications and alerts through cellular communications. They released their first mobile application in 2007. It allowed complete remote services which included video surveillance with security cameras, home automation, and energy management solutions. In 2015 Alarm.com launched its thermostat and integrated software for integrated devices. More recently, they have expanded their lineup of Alarm.com cameras and are constantly updating the software with the latest AI and technological innovations.

ALARM.COM APP FEATURES

ALARM.COM APP FEATURES

Homes equipped with an Alarm.com service plan have the interactive capability to be programmed to send an e-mail or text to let you know when specific activity occurs. For instance, you can program your system to let you know when your kids get home from school or alert you that a package has been delivered. Alarm.com cameras can even record the event and include a video clip in the notification. Additionally, you can place notification sensors on medicine, liquor, or gun cabinets to enable you to keep tabs on sensitive areas. This can also serve as an important functionality by monitoring movement and activity (or lack of) throughout the house. Do you want to allow access to your home but, don’t want to give out your code? Your system can be disarmed and then re-armed remotely from your smartphone. Want to know when the system was disarmed? You can check the event history right from your computer, tablet, or mobile device.

Home Automation

Not only does Alarm.com provide a full spectrum of interactive security features, but they offer one of the industry’s most powerful home automation platforms.

Door Lock Control– Not only can you control access by being able to lock and unlock the door remotely, but you can assign new lock codes to enable guests, babysitters, dog walkers, or contractors access in your absence.

Control Lights & Lamps– Ever feel anxiety or a sense of worry coming home to a dark house? With the Alarm.com app, you can turn on lights and even small appliances remotely. Additionally, you can pre-program lighting schedules based on your normal activities. You can take advantage of the intelligent lighting functions available in Smart Schedules which will automatically vary your schedules so that there are no predictable lighting patterns to tip off would-be intruders.

Energy Management- Turn up the heat from the car on the way home from the ski slopes and it’ll be toasty warm when you get home! Not only can you program your system with the Alarm.com App, but you can fine-tune your home energy management system and optimize savings with their exclusive Predictive Performance Energy feature. In addition, you can take advantage of their proprietary algorithms to calculate the estimated savings you would realize by making temperature and scheduling adjustments!

An App That’s Smart and Easy to Use

The Alarm.com App is available for download on iTunes and Google Play. You can easily activate your account once it is set up with your security provider. The Alarm.com App is very intuitive and the user experience is rated favorably.

Rules

One can create a rule that shuts off the heating system and activates lights if a smoke detector or carbon monoxide were activated. This would prevent the home heating system or air conditioning system from spreading deadly noxious fumes and light the way to safety.

Of course, you can use rules for more basic functions such as turning on a light when you unlock the integrated door.

Scenes

You can create a whole series of events. For instance, one can create a scene that would turn on lights, turn up the heat and start the coffee when the system is disarmed from the bedside in the morning!

Schedules

You can set up scenes to work based on a set time with the Smart Schedule function. In this instance, the same events are tied into the scheduled times programmed into the system.

Geo-Fence

Program your system to let you know if you forgot to turn off lights, shut the garage door or arm your system once you move beyond a pre-configured distance from the home. Once you move beyond the geofence parameters, the system will send a text or e-mail notification to remind you.

Summary- Alarm.Com App Leads the Field

Rounding up, Alarm.com has created an App that is a benchmark by which all other competitors are measured. The app is intuitive- with a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to operate and set up with little to no experience. Additionally, it is a stable platform that is compatible with many of the most popular security and home automation companies and brands of equipment. Ongoing research and development ensure that the product continues to expand the feature set and develop relationships with other companies.

April Product of The Month

Schlage NDE Series Wireless Lock

This April, we’re excited to be reviewing Schlage’s NDE Series Wireless Lock. Allegion’s NDE was created with the idea of easily upgrading your old lock and key to electronic credential security. By compacting their lock into only one unit and ridding themselves of common headaches such as running wire, Allegion produced an easy-to-use and install the product. So simple in fact that your home office system can be set up yourself if you so choose. Different lever styles and finishes combined with a plethora of reader options and compatible card technologies mean the NDE wireless lock is an electronic security option that anybody can customize exclusively to their needs.

EASE OF USE

The Schlage® NDE wireless cylindrical lock was created to effortlessly and affordably extend electronic access control deeper into the building beyond the traditional perimeter and high-security openings. Designed for use in common door areas such as suite entrances, office doors, and storage spaces. Schlage’s NDE Locks make upgrading your existing security to electronic credentials much simpler. Their lock fits most standard doors and is also compatible with most major brands of key systems. A much more streamlined process, NDE’s combine lock, credential reader, door position sensor, and request-to-exit switch all in one unit. These locks eliminate the headache of installing additional components or running wires to each opening. Updates can be made immediately at your door, or automatically when connected to a Wi-Fi network. If you’re looking to avoid using a professional to install Schalge’s NDE lock, the possibility of turning the project into a DIY is possible with only a Phillips head screwdriver and some time.

FEATURES

Schlage’s NDE can be managed from anywhere with ENGAGE™ web and mobile apps. Updates can occur at the door or overnight via a Wi-Fi network. Additionally, locks have No-Tour capability using smart credentials for multifamily applications. These NDEs are primed and ready for the future with the ability to read Bluetooth and NFC mobile credentials, along with smart and proximity. Due to its Bluetooth technology, the lock can be wirelessly configured directly from your smartphone or tablet for a simple and convenient setup. The ENGAGE cloud-based web and mobile apps allow you to easily configure the lock’s settings, add users, and view audits and alerts. Additionally, when paired with one of the company’s access control partners, this wireless lock features advanced capabilities such as real-time communication. One step further, the lock has an integrated LED that changes between red, amber, or green colors for visual communication. Each NDE Series lock supports up to 5000 simultaneous users and 2000 audits. It takes less than 1 second for credential verification, providing you with quick access to your desired secure location.

CLOSER LOOK

Due to the NDE’s variety of applications, Allegion designed their lock with 9 different lever styles and finishes. For those looking at upgrading their home office from lock and key to electronic credential, sacrificing look for performance is not an option you have to weigh. Let’s take a closer look at the tech in Allegion’s NDE lock. Reader options include 125 kHz, smart 13.6 MHz, and NFC credentials. Because of the variety in reader options, there’s also a host of credential types that can be implemented. These include Bluetooth, NFC, and standard prox. Credential technologies include cards, mobile credentials, key fobs, PVC disks, and wearable wristbands. Additionally, the NDE can communicate up to 30 ft and sports a battery life of 2 years with 4 AA batteries.

March Product of the Month

Our industry has seen a shift in physical security. No longer is our equipment used as merely a reactionary and defensive solution, but with the gains in technology, we can now proactively protect assets. Our customers are demanding systems that are faster and more intelligent and at the same time cost-efficient. They require systems that can handle vast amounts of data, then process that data at lightning speeds. However, it’s not just the security industry receiving a boost from advancements in technology. Artificial intelligence is improving everyday solutions, driving efficiency, and saving countless hours of work. Self-driving cars to intelligent analytics, the widespread impacts of Learning-based technology empower its operators. With the introduction of AI, solutions are not merely powered by data, but they also generate valuable information. Systems that were once used for a precise, dedicated purpose, can now be engaged broadly across an organization. The previously underused data can now be harnessed for increasing productivity and performance.

Video Analytics Software

When it comes to physical security, video surveillance is a standard solution. However, by introducing AI video analytics software, video data can be used as intel in previously unobtainable ways. Here are some examples of how different organizations are using AI-based video intelligence solutions to enhance security and performance. Law enforcement depends on video surveillance for extracting evidence and monitoring people and locations. Instead of a manual video review and live surveillance – which is prone to human error and distraction. Law enforcement can use video analysis to expedite video investigations, increase awareness, improve response times, identify suspicious individuals and uncover video anomalies. AI video software measures and analyzes videos to detect all the people and objects that appear in them. They then compile this info as metadata that can be searched and referenced later.

Increasing awareness:

Understanding traffic trends is critical for transport companies, from public transit services to transportation hubs and airports. By using video insights from citywide traffic; public transit organizations can make data-driven decisions about scheduling and services. Examining video surveillance around bus stops can help these companies understand the exact hours people tend to use bus stops. Likewise, heatmaps obtained from video of transport terminals can be beneficial for increasing security, enhancing situational awareness, and identifying causes of congestion. Solving these problems improves the experience for travelers.

Education:

Much like a city, large campuses have transportation services, residential facilities, businesses, and law enforcement. AI video analysis can help the campus intelligently manage each of those sectors, while also providing video intelligence to these individual groups. When campuses expand or develop additional infrastructure, they can plan new crosswalks, traffic lights, roads, buildings, and entrances and exits based on thorough video intelligence. By understanding where pedestrians and vehicles gather, walk, cross or even violate traffic laws, the campus can plan and build effective future infrastructure and optimize procedures.

Business Operations:

Businesses can leverage video intelligence to make informed decisions on lease pricing for different retailers across multiple storefronts and accurately display property values based on traffic trends. If it’s increasing security, productivity, or decision-making, the understanding created by AI-based technology can produce important optimizations.

In the case of AI-backed video analytics, a multitude of organizations can utilize video surveillance to influence their decision-making processes. Justification for the funding of video security was once used only for its security value. Now with its AI capabilities, facility managers and security directors can look at these solutions for countless business operations because of the wide range of valuable intelligence. Video surveillance and analytics is just the first example of AI-driven solutions that are changing our industry.

January Product Of The Month

LIFE SAFETY

As the month of January comes to an end we are excited to be to be talking about life safety as our product of the month. More fires happen in the winter months than any other time of the year. During the cold months, we spend more time indoors and use different methods to heat our homes. There’s nothing better than that cozy feeling that our heaters provide us with when the weather is cold and harsh. As we chase away the chill in our homes with our heating systems, let’s not forget the risks involved. Heating equipment is a leading cause of fires in U.S. homes. These homes include one and two-family homes and apartments. Nearly half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. Thirty years ago, a family living in a home that caught fire had about 15 to 17 minutes to escape unharmed. Today, that number has dropped to a harrowing three to four minutes. Read on to learn why and how you can prepare your house for fire safety during the holiday season and beyond.

Be Prepared

Home fires move faster today. Two major culprits: modern, cheaply made furniture and synthetic fabric coverings. As wood furniture and natural linens are replaced with particle board and polyester, house fires spread faster. Synthetic fibers burn hotter and faster than natural fibers. Our window of safety has decreased due to what our homes are made of and what we have inside them. That is why having a Safety Checklist for our homes is so important. If you haven’t done a fire-safety check in your home, now is the time!

Smoke Alarms

Most importantly, make sure all of the smoke alarms in your home are working, and don’t forget to change those batteries once a year. Smoke alarms should be placed in every sleeping area, outside every sleeping area and on each floor. If you haven’t already tested your smoke alarms, now is the time to do it. Simply press the test button to ensure that both the alarm and battery are working and, if it has a power light, check this is constantly on. If you rent your property, it is your responsibility to replace smoke alarm batteries. Fire and Rescue and some local councils offer a battery replacement service for those with a disability or people aged over 65. All hard-wired smoke alarms must only be replaced by a licensed electrical contractor. Schedule regular maintenance and test your alarms once a month and clean them with a vacuum cleaner every six months to remove any dust particles that might prevent it from working or cause it to trigger a false alarm.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Carbon Monoxide (CO) detectors are also important as they will sense the colorless and odorless carbon monoxide gas which is often fatal and can be a source of combustion. Due to being odorless Carbon Monoxide is known as the silent killer. It can cause sudden illness and even death when not monitored. Carbon monoxide is produced from any combustible fume source. That could be a gas furnace, gas range or it could be a generator or camp stove. Anything that produces combustible fumes is a source of carbon monoxide poisoning. In the winter where we tend to be in closed environments and many of these devices are used inside, we’re at greater risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide has very similar symptoms to the flu. You might get headache, you might get dizzy, nausea, maybe even vomiting and you might think you’ve got the flu.

You should have a CO alarm on every floor of your home and near sleeping areas. There are a few steps you can take to ensure these alarms are protecting you and your family. Test all your CO alarms to make sure they’re working properly. Push the Test/Reset button, which causes the alarm to go through a series of test numbers, beginning with “888” and ending with “0.” Ensure that your CO alarms are not in their “end of life” phase. If your CO alarms were made before 2013, they have a seven-year lifespan. If they were made in 2013 or later, they have a ten-year lifespan. To determine if your alarm is at the end of its life, here’s what to watch for: If the alarm has a digital display, it will show ERR or END The alarm will beep every 30 seconds Replacing the battery will not stop this beep.

Protecting your loved ones and the home you live in can be a daunting thought. Many elements have to be taken into consideration when talking about life safety. Like most parts of home security we tend to become aware of potential dangers after a scare or even worse damage to our homes or somebody you know. By using a security checklist and actively maintaining your life safety, you can mitigate any situation that may arise. We preach having a proactive approach whether it’s security equipment or life safety, because we can’t afford to wait for something to happen and neither can you.