Video surveillance systems

Control of work hours utilization

Do your employees utilize their time effectively? Do they adhere to their time schedule and work 8 hrs per day?

These questions can be answered easily, if you trust a suitable video surveillance system. In each given moment you can see exactly what is going on in the different offices and production areas and have a good overall look at the work process in your company. If you have doubts, that some employees do not fulfill their work duties and “steal”from their work time, you will have a video archive at your disposal, which you can check in your office or remotely via Internet or mobile phone service.

Based on a statistical data, the effectiveness of the worker’ labor is increased between 10 and 15% immediately after installing a video surveillance system. It’s a proven fact that employees work harder when they know they are being watched.

 

Better customer service

Do you want to know exactly at what level is the customer service at your company? Do the clients receive an adequate attention from your employees? Are they competent in representing your company’s products and services?

For example, we have installed 7 cameras and microphones at the sales offices of a major cable operator in Bulgaria. The equipment helps the QA personnel greatly in monitoring the whole customer service process.  The Sales Manager has a complete view of the way the company’s products, services and promotions are represented to the end clients.

Only two weeks after the initial installation meetings were summoned, where suggestions for better service was given to the sales representatives for improving the overall customer experience. As a direct result of the audio/video surveillance system installation in the following two months the company registered 45% increase in new sales contracts.

 

Cashier’s desk control

In dealings with money and important documents arguments arise frequently, which can reflect on the performance of the employees, as well as the customer satisfaction. Video surveillance system can help resolve such situations in a fair and indisputable way, by using cameras with proper resolution installed on the right locations.

For example in one case, in a bank office, during the review of the daily tally, large sum of money was missing. Thanks to the installed video cameras, mounted over the cashier desk, the security manager found out that the cashier made a mistake, where she gave the client sum larger than the one requested. The identity of the client was also established. Based on all this information the bank did what was necessary to return the excess amount back to the bank the very next day.

Often in stores the buyers get into arguments with the cashiers over the money given to the cashier, verses the change given back. In resolving such situations the video cameras mounted close to the cashiers desks give priceless video information about the events of the money transactions. With the correct camera and mounting location the recording will provide clear view of the exact bills given to the cashier and the money returned back to the client as change.

 

Vandalism

Often buildings, structures or vehicles become vandalized, which leads to material losses. Such actions can be effectively prevented by the installation of a video surveillance system.

A client of ours complained of vandalism on his coffee vending machines, which are installed at various locations throughout the city. The ravaging occurred usually at night.

We offered him a video surveillance system consisting of a Day&Night camera and a one-channel digital video recorder (DVR), installed inside each vending machine. Only several days after the installation the police was able to identify several vandals and started procedures to capture and indict them.

 

Theft prevention and uncovering

Often just the fact that a video surveillance system is installed has a very strong preventative effect. The effect is the same for any installation -in a business building, private home or a car. The uncovering process includes the review of the video footage and presenting the pertinent video material to the authorities.

 

 

 

 

Video surveillance in situations with decreased visibility

Conventional camera               Thermal camera

Even the best camera can not see through fog, heavy snowfall or rain, or in total darkness. IR projectors offer limited night view, but are ineffective at large distances. In those cases, the thermal vision cameras offer the best view and detection of people and vehicles from large distances, even in total darkness. The technology detects temperature differences between the bodies and the other objects in the field of view. A thermal camera can “see” a human from 1200m in total darkness or fog.

As an example, a client of ours had problems with securing the perimeter of two industrial areas with large size. After the installation of 4 thermal cameras 3 thieves were captured shortly after. Subsequently, the investigation uncovered 5km of stolen power supply cable by the same thieves, as well as other material losses amounting to thousands of levs.

 

Motion detection alarm

A main issue with monitoring a large number of cameras is the effective alarm notification and prompt action on the behalf of the security personnel. Haw can one man or a woman monitor many cameras simultaneously in many long hours of viewing?

The task becomes feasible if the system can alarm the security personnel only when motion is detected, with video, audio or combined notification. That way the attention of the operator will be quickly turned to the camera/location where the alarm was triggered and he can make a quick decision on what actions to take. At the same time, the system can make a video and/or JPEG picture of the event for future evaluation. The system can also send the file or the notification to a remote location, recorder or a mobile phone.

Fire detection systems

Fire detection systems – purpose

Every business has to consider the risk of a fire. The fire detection systems are used to detect, localize and help extinguish the fire in its early stages, to minimize loss. The systems include different types of smoke and optical types detectors, control panels and software for management and visualization.  The are also integrated with other systems to perform certain follow up actions, such as sound notification, fire department notification, and can trigger fire extinguishing systems. In addition, these systems are installed with a separate (emergency) power supply in order to be able to work even if the main power supply is interrupted.

 

Detection and localization in the early stages of a fire

One of the main functions of a fire detection system is to discover and localize a fire as early as possible. In order to achieve that, the systems use specialized and sophisticated software and hardware, which can pinpoint the exact location of a new fire. After the localization, the qualified personnel can make an attempt to extinguish the fire as quickly as possible. That way the risks of human or material loss are decreased dramatically.

 

 

 

Connection with sound notification and fire extinguishing systems

Fire detection systems can be connected to audio notification systems for generating important messages, such as evacuation procedures in case the fire can not be extinguished in the early stages. In some cases the fire detection system can trigger a fire extinguishing system.

 

 

 

Connection with external systems

In case of a fire it is important to take all precautions to ensure the safety of the people on the site, before an evacuation order is given. Because of that fire detection systems sometimes are also connected to other Building Management systems (BMS), for example to serve as a trigger for the ventilation system to switch to full power in case of a fire, for the air to circulate quicker in the premises. In other cases, the fire detection can stop the main electric power supply to the building premises, to reduce the risk of exacerbating the situation by starting new electric fires.

 

Fire detection systems with very early warning

Early fire notification is crucial in certain types of buildings and premises, where the evacuation can be slow and difficult, such as hospitals, prisons, administrative building with many floors, halls designed for many people, as well as industries with increased risk of human or material loss, like paper, wood, textile or cigarette industries.  Such systems are also installed in places with aggressive atmospheres, such as cool storage, transformer stations , etc.  The early detection systems also perform better than others in premises with high ceiling, because of the more sensitive detectors.

Main advantage of these systems is the fact that they offer extra time, during which the security personnel can more effectively extinguish the fire, which can significantly reduce human and material loss. For the larger companies is important to mention that discovering and extinguishing fire in the early stages can secure the continuity of the business processes, otherwise the companies risk millions of dollars of loss from interrupted processes or services.

Fire extinguishing systems

Water-based fire extinguishing

Water fire extinguishing is the most widely used method for extinguishing fires in closed spaces. The automatic sprinkler systems are designed to detect fire and to put it out in the early stages or at least keep it under control so it can be extinguished by other means.

The advantage of these systems is that they activate only those sprinklers, which are in close proximity to the fire.

 

 

Fire extinguishing in closed spaces

What is one of the most-effective methods for fire extinguishing in close spaces?

The solution is possible by the aerosol fire extinguishing technology by FirePro. It has wide-spread use for fire extinguishing in archive rooms, repositories, server rooms, in electrical panels, marine vessels, transportation vehicles and airplanes, etc.  Unlike most conventional methods for fire extinguishing, this technology is extremely effective, it’s easy to install and maintain, does not damage electronic equipment and it is harmless to humans and the environment.

 

 

Fire extinguishing in server rooms

How can we extinguish a fire in a server room without damaging any of the equipment?

This is possible with the use of FirePro, because the aerosol element does not damage the electronic equipment in any way, even while it is functioning.

Fore example, the fire extinguishing generator model FP-8 is designed for use mainly for use inside a computer case or HDD devices.

 

 

 

Fire extinguishing in the engine rooms in yachts, cars or other motor vehicles

FirePro is frequently installed in the engine sections in yachts, cars or other vehicles. The reason is that the FirePro generator safely reliably protects the expensive engines from fire damage. Special attention is paid to the marine vessels, because a potential fire can not only cause material losses, but can also put the lives of the crew in danger.

Access control systems

APB (Anti-Passback)

How can you stop employees from lending their RFID access card to other employees?

When you activate the APB (Anti-Pass-Back) function on the access control system controller, double pass in the same direction becomes prohibited for a given door or group of doors . After the registering of one pass in given direction, the system will not allow a second pass in the same direction with the same card, unless a pass in the opposite direction is registered first.

 

 

Group access management

How can you define access to a group of people to be able to open certain doors and also by a certain time schedule?

The group access management defines group access to certain doors for certain group of employees (cards). Depending on the desired security level the access can be time-dependent. For example, access can be prohibited for all or the specific group outside of normal business hours.

 

 

 

Calculation of work hours

Are you looking for an accurate, secure and automated way to manage attendance?

The access control systems provide one of the best ways to accomplish that task. After designating entry and exit time readers, the system can show the real work hours for each employee. In case of larger companies several readers can  be designated as main for calculating work hours. This makes it easier on the employees, because they can use readers closer to their work place. Additionally, the software can detect and show tardies, absences (based on predetermined work schedules), or early leaves. All the information is accessible through detailed and quickly generated reports.   It is important to mention that the time attendance software can be integrated with other existing systems, such as those used by Human Resources or other departments.

 

 

Fingerprint systems

How can you accomplish access control without the use of RFID cards?

Biometric readers and controllers offer access control management by using fingerprints of the employees. Such systems have a very low error percentage – under 1% and capacity for over 20-30 thousand fingerprints, which is enough to satisfy the needs of large companies. That way the issues with lost or defective cards are eliminated completely, as well as the possibility of card misuse by lending it to other employes.

 

 

Energy saving

One of the important uses for access control systems is energy saving. Almost every modern hotel uses an integrated system, which uses access control features. When the guest is in the room, the RFID card must be placed in a special slot (presence detector), which allows the electricity of the room to be supplied constantly. When the guest leaves the room and takes the RFID card with him, after a short period of time the integrated hotel system shuts off the power to the room for lights and power outlets. That way any forgotten lights or electrical appliances are automatically turned off. The system can also be used to reduce the power output of an heat/air-conditioning system for further energy savings.

Intrusion alarm systems

Reliable protection against intrusion and theft

The intrusion detection systems by the Polish maker SATEL offer a reliable protection for your business or private home against any type of intrusion and theft attempts. These systems will ensure your safety and provide a piece of mind. They can perform under extreme circumstances and can be upgraded, expanded or integrated with other security system, such as video surveillance, access control, fire detection or others. It’s important to note that the control panels INTEGRA are certified by EN-50131 Grade 3. They are also approved for installations in NATO sites and have NATO Commercial and Government Entity Code.

All intrusion systems installed by ANDY can be included in the service agreement with any physical guarding company in Bulgaria.

 

Prompt GSM/Cell notification in case of an alarm event

The intrusion systems can be connected to many types of action devices – sirens, electrical door locks, GSM modules, landline dialers, etc. The GSM module can offer the ability to notify by making a phone call (ring) or send an SMS to one or several designated phone numbers in case of alarm events from intrusion in protected zones.

 

 

 

 

Remote management of the intrusion detection system via GSM, landline or Internet

Besides alarm notification, the GSM/telephone/Internet remote controllers offer the ability to manage all the functions of the intrusion detection system through landline, GSM or Internet. That way the owner can remotely turn on or off the system, check status, etc. The remote control software also offers full system control and it’s free of charge.

The internet module offers the user the ability to use a “virtual keyboard” interface to exercise full control over the intrusion system, including code change or adding of new users. The interface is very convenient and it gives the feeling that you are standing in front of the actual physical keyboard. This interface is a unique one, offered only by SATEL, and is free of charge.

 

Wirelss intrusion detection systems

For buildings, which have recently undergone reconstruction, it may not be feasible or desirable to lay new cables. In these cases wireless sensors and sirens can be installed. Such systems are just as reliable as the wired ones. SATEL offers a high-tech wireless solution, where the connection between the sensors and the main control panel is two-way, which can ensure alarm event notification in case the connection is broken between the elements.

A unique feature of SATEL’s systems is the ability to wirelessly control other devices, such as heating, air-conditioning, doors, etc., which can be turned on/off remotely via GSM or to be controlled by timers, built-in the control panel.

Electrical systems

Energy distribution, energy saving and people safety

The modern electrical systems include a variety of modules and systems for re-distribution and energy saving, while at the same time they ensure the safety of the people from the physiological effects of the electric current.  On the other hand, special devices protect important electrical devices from technical failure from high voltage or excessive current. Modern low-voltage electrical installations include electrical panels, different types of cables, automatic fuses, current protection, voltage suppressors and energy efficiency systems.

 

 

 

 

Lightning protection

Lightnings are perils of nature, which can cause material loss, human injury or death. A lightning protection system can be one of two types – active and passive. The passive system includes a receiver, which is basically a metal rod made from a material, which is a good conductor, such as copper, aluminum or steel. The rod is grounded, so the falling lightning is directed to the ground and the building is protected from a direct hit. The active receivers on the other hand, are today’s most advanced systems for lightning protection. They work of the principle of “advanced action”, in which by electrical or electromechanical way ionization is caused to occur on the tip of the metal rod (the receiver), which at that moment starts the process of movement of an electric charge upwards, toward the clouds faster than the speed with which lightning moves in nature. The upward-moving charge meets with the downward moving one, and the lightning never reaches the tip of the receiver rod or the ground. This method is the most effective and is widely used to protect large areas, such as stadiums, hypermarkets, airports, hotel complexes, etc.

 

Protection of electrical wires from excessive current and overheating

Short circuit or excessive current in electric wires can lead to overheating, burning of the insulation and even fire in the building. Te automatic fuses have the task of interrupting the electric circuits in order to eliminate the possibility of dangerous consequences of excess current or short circuit. It is important to note, that fuses do no protect people or equipment. That protection is accomplished by using other devices, such as Residual Current Devices (RCD) and surge protectors.

 

Light control

Electrical installations can include systems for controlling the lighting, which can be used for both comfort and energy saving. One type of such system includes motion detector sensors, which automatically turn on the lights as soon as someone enters the room/area. Another way is to use photovoltaic elements, which can turn on or off the outside lights, based on the light level of the environment or predetermined light level or schedule. It is also beneficial to use devices, which can turn off the lights after a certain predetermined amount of time, like the ones frequently used for stairwells.

Perimeter protection systems

Purpose

Perimeter protection systems have the task of preventing intrusion attempts in the protected perimeter by real-time detection and sending data to a monitoring center. The detection methods are several – by detecting mechanical vibrations on a metal fence, by detecting electromagnetic interference created by cables buried underground, or by using microwave barriers. Amongst all the different types of perimeter protection systems offered today, the ones made by Southwest Microwave are one of the best, because the are very reliable and perform in any atmospheric conditions. They also have a very high accuracy level in localizing the place of the intrusion, and also eliminate any false alarms caused by wind or rain. It is important to note that deployment of these systems can reduce the expenses for physical security personnel, because the instantaneous and accurate alarm information received in the monitoring center offers the ability for prompt and more effective reaction with less security guards. The information supplied by the system ensure that the physical guarding personnel will be sent to the proper spot, at the proper moment, and only if there is a real threat.

 

How can a perimeter be protected, if there is no fence?

The solution is to use a system of cables mounted underground. It works in any type of soil, and under asphalt or concrete. Ensures a very high accuracy in localizing the spot of the intrusion – 3 meters, which is the best in the industry. The system works by creating an electromagnetic field between two wires, laid in the ground in parallel to each other. Each object, which moves through the field generates an alarm event. The system can be integrated with other security systems, such as video surveillance, lights or audio notification. That way a more comprehensive perimeter protection solution can be created.

 

Which perimeter protection system performs best during fog?

All three systems of perimeter protection systems offered by ANDY work with a very high level of reliability under any atmospheric conditions, including fog. For example, the systems with microwave barriers are preferred at airports, exactly because of their ability to perform great in fog and show the presence of an aircraft at important locations in the airport in times of dense fog.

 

How can a temporary perimeter protection be realized?

For special events, such as concerts, sport, political or other gatherings, the microwave barriers offer an excellent solution for a mobile type of perimeter protection for open spaces. Depending on the terrain and the mounting stands the barriers can be set up to detect presence at different heights from the ground. Using these systems does not require the employment of any additional system or devices. The mounting procedure is fairly easy and the system uses only power supply, calibration device and a computer for monitoring. After the installation the system is disassembled quickly and is ready to be deployed at other locations.

Hotel systems

Reduce theft by monitoring the access to the hotel rooms

Situation:  a hotel guest is complaining at the reception that while he was at the beach, something expensive (such as a video camera) has gone missing from his room. It’s clear, that there hasn’t been any forced entry, because the hotel system would have generated an alarm, so from the main desk the receptionist can find out quickly who has had access to the room. If no one has entered the room during the time frame in question, then the guest may have actually lost the item at the beach, or elsewhere outside the hotel. On the other hand, if the room has been visited by housekeeping or security, then there would be more suspects to investigate.

 

 

Control over the proper use and service of the rooms by housekeeping and security personnel

Do you doubt that some of your hotel employees may be using the rooms for illegal activities? If you have an integrated hotel system it’s easy to find out answers. You can  get detailed information about who has used the room, and during what time frames. It doesn’t matter if it was last week or a year ago. The system keeps the information in an archive, which contains all the RFID data (entry time, stay time, exit time, etc.) since the initial installation of the system. Therefore it wouldn’t be hard to determine if the room has been used illegally, if the receptionist or someone from security has been in the room for the whole night without actually paying for the room.

 

Energy saving

Situation: A hotel guest leaves the room in the morning and leaves on the lights, air-conditioning, TV and other electric devices. They can be left on for the whole day, till the evening. During this time your electric bill is rapidly increasing… Most energy saving devices do not “know”what is plugged into them and can be compromised easy with any card, even a business card, but the modern hotel systems have an intelligent reader in each room, and they can determine if the card belongs to a guest, or to the service personnel and that way they can intelligently control the energy supply to the different devices in the room. For example, if the guest does not insert a valid RFID card into the reader right after entering the room the electric power supply to this particular room will be stopped automatically. Also, if the door for the balcony is left opened for a prolonged period of time the room heat/air device will be stopped too. One of the best features of the hotel systems is the function to automatically turn off the electric power supply to the devices in the room (except for heat/air) after a predetermined period of time after the guest leaves the room. That way the system will definitely help save energy from electric devices, which were left turned on.

 

Time control of hotel employees

Maybe you are wondering if you have hired the right number of housekeepers. How much time do they actually need to prepare a room for a new guest? Do they really use their time wisely and occupy their time well? The integrated hotel system will give you detailed reports, which can help you determine how many hours given housekeepers have worked, how many minutes the have been in each room. This information is very beneficial for you to organize their work and ultimately optimize the number of employees needed to serve the rooms and the guests properly.

Sound notification systems

 

Emergency sound notification

Based on the current European norms the emergency sound systems are mandatory for many types of buildings. They facilitate and regulate the evacuation process in case of a fire or other disaster. These systems are especially useful in bigger buildings where large crowds of people gather up, like shopping malls, hotels, airports, etc. The sound systems use prerecorded voice messages on one or several languages and are played back whenever necessary. The playback can be started automatically by a fire detection system, or manually by an operator.

 

Background music

A pleasant background music from a PA system can increase the effect of the atmosphere you need to create for your business – Spa center, hotel, office, etc. Moreover, properly chosen music can actually increase sales in retail stores. A recent survey in the USA has shown, that reducing the background music speed from 108 to 60bpm has resulted in 38% increase in sales. The reason is that the slower music tempo means slower moving crowd and more people staying longer in the store, which can lead to more sales.

 

Distribution of advertising or other work-related audio messages

These functions of the PA systems are widely used in supermarkets and shopping malls for advertising messages, as well as train stations and airports for informing people about schedules. Sometimes depending on the need different types of messages can be transmitted from several locations – reception, security desks, etc., which can be programmed to be played with certain order of priority.

Video door phone systems

Video verification of visitors at the door entrance

The main application of the modern video door phone systems is to provide video and audio connection between the indoor monitor and the entry camera device in order to check the visitors, and upon approval, remote-open the door for entry.

 

 

Video surveillance of the entry area

The video door phone systems include a camera built in the entry A/V device, which allows audio and video monitoring of the door entry area. The video is transmitted directly to an indoor monitor, which can be installed at any location inside the building. That is one of the main reasons for the installation of a video door phone system. If someone calls in via the entry device, but you disapprove of that person for any reason based on the video verification, you do not open the door and the visitor will not even find out that he has been monitored. That way the visitor would not even know if there is anyone in the building.

 

Picture archive for the visitors

Some of the new video door phone systems have the functionality to take picture of each visitor and store them in a video archive, when the host is not in the building. The function is especially useful when the host is absent frequently, and it can be used as a method of a simplified video surveillance. This can be also very helpful in cases of unlawful intrusion, if the intruders check if someone is home by using the video door phone system to call in.

 

Audio door phone system

If you are interested in a more basic door phone system with just audio and remote door opening functionality, we offer a couple of such systems – for one or multiple apartments, at very attractive prices.

Other

Газсигнализация в подземни гаражи на обществени, административни сгради и MALL’s

 

Знаете ли че, в подземните гаражи риска от натрупване на опасни и вредни газове, като CO, пропан-бутан и метан е изключително висок?

Наличието на голям брой автомобили в такъв тип затворено помещение е предпоставка за натрупване в атмосферата на емисии от въглероден окис (CO), който е силно отровен и опасен за човека газ. Освен това автомобилите оборудвани с газови уредби са допълнителна предпоставка за натрупване на пропан-бутан и метан, които освен, че са задушливи, са и силно взривоопасни газове.

Решаването на задачата по обезопасяването на такива обекти е възможно благодарение на съвременните системи за газсигнализация. Такава система обикновено се състои от специализирани датчици, които реагират при определен процент концентрация на различни типове газ, като метан, пропан-бутан, въглероден окис, водород и др. и централа към която те са свързани.

Централата от своя страна има за задача да подаде звукова и светлинна сигнализация, както и да включи вентилацията.

 

Приложение на системи за газсигнализация в промишленоста

Една от областите на приложение на системите за газсигнализация е миннта индустрия. Там се наблюдава една от най-високите степени на риск и инциденти, като обикновено те са свързани с изтичането и взривяването на газ метан. Метана е природен газ без цвят и миризма и е нетоксичен, но има задушаващо действие и освен това е взривоопасен. Метана изтича от пукнатини в земната и скална маса и се натрупва в опасно високи количества в ниши и кухини на подземните въгледобивни и рудодобивни мини.

Например от взривяване на метан в Япония през 1963 20 души са убити , а 438 умират в последствие от отравяне с CO. По същия начин на 19 март 2007 година в мина Уляновская в Русия загиват 108 души.

Неизменна роля за предотвратяването на такъв тип тежки инциденти играе системата за газсигнализация, която своевременно ще реагира на изтичане на газ и освен, че ще алармира персонала на мината ще включи и съответната вентилация за да бъде прочистен въздуха.

 

Обезопасяване на жилищни сгради

Пропан-бутана е най-евтиния източник на енергия, който отдавана е заел своето място в ежедневието. Той намира широко приложение в транспорта и домакинствата. По своята специфика, той е избухлив газ, който е по-тежък от въздуха и има свойството да се натрупва в ниските части на помещения и сгради, където има наличие на централна система за газификация или бутилки за съхранение на газ.

Не са рядкост случаите на инциденти свързани с взривяването на пропан-бутан. Например във Венецуела от експлозията предизвикана от концентрация на газ 14 етажна сграда е била изравнена със земята.

За предотвратяването на такива инциденти с тежки последтствия производителите на газсинални детектори предлагат евтини и надежни решения, които са автономни и сигнализират при наличието на газ в атмосферата над допустимата концентрация на взривяемост, която е 2% от обема на дадено помещение.