Top 8 BMS Companies in the 2018

Top 8 Global BMS Companies in the 2018

This is 2nd post in this blog regarding BMS - Building Management Systems. The rising need for integrating smart automation systems with the modern infrastructure is encouraging various building management system companies across the globe to offer superior and premium quality solutions for the evolving audiences. The objective of the Intelligent Buildings Management Systems (IBMS) is to centralize the monitoring, controlling operations with innovations, technological and skilful management of facilities within the building (From BMS Room). This system helps to achieve more efficient building operations at reduced energy and labor costs while providing a safe and quality working environment to the occupants. IBMS include wide range of variety of products, such as general light control, access control, security control, communication protocol, HVAC control, outdoor controls and others. Intelligent building is one of the emerging concepts in which modern infrastructure is being equipped with a variety of automated and manned control systems and monitoring devices.

Global Integrated Building Management Systems Market Analysis

Flexibility offered by various open integrated building management systems is one of the key factors fuelling the global IBMS industry to witness a CAGR of more than 12% by 2021. The ability of open systems to function as fully interoperable control systems and define protocols enabling the co-existence of multiple systems on the same platform make them the most viable choice for the modern companies willing to create automated or intelligent buildings. Furthermore, manufacturers are also leveraging these open systems as they allow the conversion of dissimilar products into seamlessly networked systems offering low cost and enhanced features often unavailable in proprietary systems.

Moreover, The Indian economy has shown steady growth in the last decade, despite the global economic meltdown. With the growth of income levels and more than one earning members households, the Indian average disposable income is growing fast resulting in enhanced demand for goods and services. Therefore several companies are trying to leverage this opportunity by establishing new plants in this country In 2017. The market seems to be quite fragmented and is going to result in intense competition in the next few years as various international players are focusing on increasing their customer base by acquiring or forming strategic partnerships with local or regional players.

Honeywell

Headquartered in the US, the company has been making a variety of commercial and consumer products since its inception in 1906. Honeywell, with the help of over 131,000 employees across the globe has been able to operate through key business units including Honeywell Aerospace, Home and Building Technologies (HBT), Safety and Productivity Solutions (SPS), and Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies. Honeywell is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company. Revenue‎ ‎US$40.534 billion (2017). The company offers a wide product and service portfolios for the building management systems including the building automation systems, software and controls, construction and maintenance services and solutions, commercial combustion controls, and security and fire protection services. In June 2018, Honeywell introduced the Honeywell Vector Space Sense, a software solution which shows when, where, and how building spaces are being used at any given point in time. The software analyzes data from multiple sources across a building for delivering actionable insights which help facility managers in utilizing, optimizing, and prioritizing building spaces.

Johnson Controls

Johnson Controls has been manufacturing electronics, and HVAC equipment for buildings as the primary business since 1885 in Ireland. With employee strength of over 121,000 employees, the company operates in key business units including the Building Efficiency, Power Solutions, Global Work Place Solutions, and Automotive Experience. Johnson Controls annual revenue for 2018 was $31.4B, a 4.07% increase from 2017. Johnson Controls’ Building Automation System, Metasys has been contributing significantly to the continuously growing global next-generation building energy management systems market. According to Technavio, this market is expected to witness a CAGR of over 11% by the end of 2020. The company has been launching building automation systems for commercial buildings. For instance, in November 2017, it launched the BCPro, a smart building automation system providing simple and powerful tools for fast and easy set-up, and a new graphic display with editing, illumination and customization functions, allowing building operations to quickly access and view data.

Schneider Electric

Founded in 1836, Schneider Electric was headquartered in France. Employee strength of over 144,000 employees, Revenue‎: ‎€24.74 billion (2017). The company has been offering various products and services including building automation, switches and sockets, industrial safety systems, home automation, electric power distribution, Smart Grid, critical power & cooling for datacenters. Schneider Electric announced next generation of EcoStruxure Building in April 2018. It is one of the first open innovation platform for buildings with end-to-end IP architecture enabling quick connectivity of IoT devices to improve building value offering. Furthermore, the company has been engaging in strategic partnerships with other companies to ensure high quality products are offered in the market. For instance, in March 2018, Schneider Electric, Danfoss, and Somfy announced a partnership for creating a Connectivity Ecosystem aiming to accelerate adoption of connectivity in residential, mid-size building and hotel markets. Such strategic moves of the company are aiding it to gain a significant position in the top 10 building management system companies in the world.

United Technologies

Headquartered in the US, and founded in 1934, United Technologies has been focusing on researching, developing, and manufacturing products for varied industries including aircraft engines, HVAC, building systems and other industrial products. The company has a dedicated business segment named UTC Climate, Controls & Security segment focusing on offering fire safety, security, building automation systems, HVAC and refrigerating systems and services. Revenue‎ US$59.837 billion (2017) with total number of employees‎: ‎202,797 (2017). Furthermore, to show the global customers about the possibilities and potential in the building technology space, the company opened a state-of-the-art innovation and technology experience center for intelligent buildings in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. The 224,000 square-foot UTC Center for Intelligent Buildings also meets the highest standards for green design and operations.

Siemens

Siemens is a German conglomerate founded in 1847. The company is involved in offering various products and services including power generation technology, project engineering and construction services, industrial and building automation, water treatment systems, and other automation and control software. The company has been actively involved in the development of building automation systems with its offerings including Desigo, Synco, and GAMMA portfolio of products. Furthermore, Siemens has been also promoting the integration of advanced technologies for meeting the evolving needs of the customers. For instance, the Desigo Control Point is an emerging concept for simplifying the operation and monitoring of HVAC, lighting, and shading in small or medium-sized buildings.

Cisco

Founded in 1984, Cisco has been headquartered in the US. The company specializes in the technology market by offering a wide range of networking hardware, high-technology products and services, and telecommunications equipment. The company offers the Digital Building Solution for making the building smarter through optimized lighting, building automation, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. For instance, Cisco’s Catalyst Digital Building Series Switches offer smart and highly secure access in a compact and rugged standalone form factor.

Bajaj Electricals

Founded in 1938, Bajaj Electricals is an Indian electrical equipment manufacturing company diversified with product offerings including lighting, luminaires, LPG based generators, fans, appliances, and others. The company’s core business is classified into consumer products, EPC, illumination, and exports. Bajaj Electricals has also been promoting the adoption of smart building offering real-time control from lighting, waste management and HVAC to access, video analytics, and other critical systems. In July 2017, Bajaj Electricals announced embarking on a new journey in digitization by offering Integrated Building Management System (IBMS) to help the customers upgrade to the next level of lighting. With its inception in the building management system market in 2008, Bajaj Electricals has been continuously innovating with its products assortment for retaining its significant position in the top building management companies of the world.

Building Logix

Building Logix has been offering a wide range of building management solutions including access control & video control, building energy management, smart building, system integration and other services. The company has also involved in offering effective building analytics software to help the companies leverage their present infrastructure and produce a better performing environment. Building Logix is further focusing on offering customized building analytics platforms for achieving cost savings and increased efficient-buildings.

Ref: Global Integrated Building Management Systems Industry Report.

Ref: http://www.smartbuildingsmagazine.com/

Most trusted Security Camera brands in the Indian market 2018

Most trusted Security Camera brands in the Indian market 2018

Closed-circuit television or video surveillance cameras are often used to record or stream the videos live. It is then transmitted to a set of display monitors through a signal. CCTV camera system is one of the most secure forms of surveillance available in the market. It is widely used by restaurants, schools, offices, hotels, airports, public buildings, hospitals, and other important buildings or areas to monitor the activities and maintain peace and order. The use of CCTV cameras in these sectors are on a rise, and so is the demand.

The global CCTV camera market is poised to grow at 13% CAGR from 2017 to 2022 in order to become a market of worth more than $25 billion until the end of 2022. The global CCTV camera market is experiencing a huge amount of unstable growth because of mergers and acquisitions of top 10 CCTV camera brands in the world. Another evident pattern in the global CCTV camera market is the large number of CCTV camera manufacturers in USA, Asia, and Pacific region.

The international video surveillance marketplace is set to feel favorable progress driven by components such as rising global terrorism, Internet of Things (IoT) prospect and rising urban population. Further, the possibility of market expansion will be broadened by the improvement of smart cities worldwide and international economic growth. However, the growth of this budding market will be stalled by associated high cost, strict regulations and bad trading environment.

Here we sort a list of best CCTV brand in India according to their quality of products, service and price. In or order to get best CCTV brand in India.

Best CCTV brand in India is listed below who can provide you with the awesome products at the very reasonable price. In CCTV setup, maintenance is very important and when you purchased the setup from the best CCTV brand then you may able to get maintenance by the company.

1.     Prama HikVision

2.     CP Plus

3.     Gobbler (Tikmany Telesystem Pvt. Ltd,)

4.     TVT & Hi Focus

5.     Dahua

6.     Honeywell (Performance series )

7.     Zebronics & Sricam

8.     Watchnet

9.     Sony (BOSCH)

10.  Godrej

India is one of the biggest markets in the world, with growth in the technology and economic standard of the people are looking for security options and one of the best security option is CCTV Cameras. This makes the need for CCTV cameras has increased rapidly and many manufacturing companies have established their units in India for speedy manufacturing and supply. 

Access Control in the Retail sector

A guide to Access Control in the Retail sector

What is access control?

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles in, out and around a building or site.

Access control is essential in the protection of people and assets and has the additional benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door to a large integrated security network.

There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating access control with other systems, such as CCTV and intruder alarms, allowing for cost savings and greater security benefits.

What risks does the retail sector face and how can these be countered by access control?

The retail sector faces a variety of threats all year round, including shoplifting, organised retail crime and dishonest staff, and these risks can increase significantly during busy shopping periods such as seasonal sales.

Recently, the BSIA carried out a survey of its members to discover the trends in retail security over the last year. Over 50% of respondents felt that the use of private security measures in retail had increased over the past twelve months, with a further 65% anticipating this use to increase over the course of the next year.

Members perceived the biggest threat to retailers to be shoplifting and petty theft, with theft by employees following in second. Online theft and armed robberies were also considered to be risks.

Retail environments are full of valuable assets, both on the shop floor and in the stock room. Access control systems are all designed to permit access only to people with the necessary authority to enter a particular area, ensuring that goods and people are protected and helping to manage known or anticipated threats.

Generally, systems are comprised of three main components:

1. The physical barrier – to physically restrict access to a building or area. This can be achieved through methods such as:

• Doors – secured by either a magnetic or strike lock, or can be revolving or sliding.

• Turnstiles and speed gates – designed to limit access to one person per identification device.

2. The identification device – there are a number of different technologies available to identify users of an access control system, including:

• A proximity card and reader via Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) – these cards can be programmed to work at a short or long read range

• A smart card and reader

• A swipe card and reader

• PIN pads

• Biometric devices such as fingerprint or iris scanning

3. The door controller and software – these are at the heart of the access control system and are used to decide who can gain access through which entry point and at what time of the day are they permitted. These can vary depending on the size of the system and how many readers or sites you are trying to control from one point. Some of the options include:

• A stand-alone door controller linked to a single door with no software

• A number of door controllers all linked together to a single PC to control one site

• A number of sites all interlinked together over a wide network area

The added benefits of access control

Retail environments often incorporate large numbers of staff working varied shift patterns. Access control systems can offer a wide range of benefits, including Human Resource management and integrated security systems.

Time and attendance

Retail security does not necessarily just offer protection for the shop floor itself, but can encompass all stages of the supply chain – including staff offices, warehouses and even the delivery process. Naturally, various different employees and outside visitors are involved in these processes and access control systems can assist with staff management.

Badge/token technology can be used to record employee hours and monitor visitor movement within a specific site. If appropriate, these can be processed against working hours, applicable for both temporary and permanent staff – this can be useful for busy shopping periods when additional seasonal staff are employed temporarily. This can work in real time to feed transactions through to the company’s payroll. Time and attendance systems also accurately help keep employers on the right side of the European Working Time regulations and manage holidays and absences effectively. Fast, accurate and easy-to-use, these systems are suitable for businesses employing just a few people, right up to large multinational companies.

Automatic Number Plate Recognition

To monitor the movement of vehicles around an area, CCTV-style cameras and computer software can be used to identify number plates of vehicles. Some systems can also store photographs of the driver and vehicle for subsequent analysis.

This sophisticated software allows critical information to be passed to the police to assist in the pursuit, identification and capture of offenders should an incident occur. For example, if a shoplifter flees the scene of a crime via a vehicle, ANPR cameras situated around an area could help identify the criminal. Visual proof of parking offences with the corresponding time and date information is provided as evidence and to avoid disputes. Using a Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) link, monitors are then able to identify the owner of a vehicle and process the offence automatically.

Fire roll call

Health and safety is a key consideration for any business. Since retail environments involve multiple staff members with varying shift patterns, it can be difficult to keep track of all employees during an emergency. Fire roll call technology generates a report containing crucial information in relation to who is within the building and potentially where they are. This software operates via the access control smart card or fob that an employee uses to gain access to or exit a building. In the event of an emergency, the fire roll-call software alerts occupants to the emergency whilst simultaneously activating the report at a safe pre-determined remote point.

Please note: In order for the fire roll call software to effectively carry out its function, employees and visitors must always present their card or badge. The use of smart card or RFID controlled turnstiles can help in this situation.

Integrated security systems

For maximum security, retail environments can benefit from a fully integrated access control system with CCTV, intruder alarms, fire detection and building management systems. One way to attain this is by adopting the use of Internet Protocol (IP) technology, which allows these systems to communicate with each other to maximise their effectiveness.

Separate access control and intruder alarm systems, for example, could allow an employee to access an area that is set with an alarm.

However, unless the employee has the authority to unset the system, the access would result in a false alarm being activated – potentially causing panic in a retail environment. An effectively integrated system would recognise that the user does not have the authority to unset the system, so would not allow them in the area to begin with.

What else should you know when considering access control?

An initial risk assessment of an area can determine the level of security required and subsequently influence the access control system you choose. BSIA access control members and professional security consultancies can assist with this.

BSIA members are subject to rigorous checks before they are admitted into membership, meaning that you are selecting a quality company. Below are just some of the reasons why BSIA members can offer you peace of mind:

• They are independently inspected to the quality standard ISO 9001 with a UKAS accredited inspectorate

• They comply with relevant British and European Standards and codes of practice

• Are financially sound

• Professional

• Staff vetting has been conducted where necessary

• They are technically proficient and committed to quality training and development

• They are up-to-date with the latest developments in British and European policy and legislation

What legislation should you be aware of?

The Disability Discrimination Act was amended in 2005 and has a significant impact not only in terms of the design of new systems, but also means that many systems may need to be upgraded to ensure compliance and adequate, user friendly access to the building for all staff and visitors.

Other considerations to be aware of:

National minimum care standards

Health and Safety at Work Act

Occupiers Liability Act
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations.

How to Setup Dual CCTV Monitors

How to Setup Dual Monitors

Using dual monitors refers to using two physical display devices to increase the viewing space running on a single computer. Microsoft Windows Operating Systems and Mac OS X now support dual and multiple monitor configurations.

Setting up dual monitors is easy. However, it requires the user to add a second video card or install a video card that can support a dual head or two separate physical outputs. The following instructions are for those with only one video card installed in their computers:-

Make sure that the computer is working fine and that it can support more than one video card. Boot in safe mode to make sure that only one video adapter and monitor is shown in Device Manager.

Next, turn off the system and install the second video card. Once installed, connect the second monitor.

If the installation is done correctly, the computer should boot the same way as always and the second monitor should still appear dark. Depending on the presence of the correct drivers bundled with the OS, drivers for the second video card may have to be installed.

Configuring Dual Monitors under Microsoft Windows

Check Device Manager. To do this, right-click My Computer then choose Properties > Hardware > Device Manager. There should be 2 monitors under the Display Adapters.

To configure the second monitor, right-click the desktop and choose Properties. Go to the Settings tab where there are two boxes, one bigger than the other. These represent the two monitors plugged into the computer. Click the second window marked “2” and change the second monitor’s resolution and color depth. Make sure that the display parameters chosen are within the monitors’ limits.

Do not forget to click the “Extend my Windows desktop into this monitor” option. If this is done properly, the 2 monitors should have the same size. Click OK and the 2nd monitor should work properly.

Troubleshooting Dual Monitor Setups

If the above instructions were followed but the second monitor is still not working, check if the operating system supports both monitors.

Also, check the kind of video card that was installed. If the computer has only one AGP slot and a PCI or ISA slot has to be used for the second video card, change the BIOS setting so that the PCI boots before the AGP display adapter.

Set up Dual Monitors Using a Splitter

In order to connect two monitors to the same computer, a VGA or DVI-D splitter can also be used, depending on the computer hardware’s specifications. A VGA splitter simply connects to a computer via a male-to-female VGA cable end. It then splits the digital signal into two parts, without compromising the quality of either part, and directs each part to its respective VGA cable end, allowing a single VGA cable to connect one computer to two separate VGA-based monitors. If a user wishes to connect more than two monitors to a computer, he/she should use a VGA splitter that uses more cable ends.

How to Display Separate Applications on Each Monitor

Although a VGA splitter connects two or more monitors to a single computer, the secondary monitor will be completely blank until the user makes the necessary changes to Windows. In order to display separate applications on each monitor:

1) Click the Start Menu and open the Control Panel.

2) Open the “Appearance and Personalization” category and select “Adjust screen resolution.”

3) Select the “Multiple Displays” menu and choose “Extend these displays.” This will activate the secondary monitor.

4) Launch the programs to be accessed and drag them to the secondary monitor. This is done by simply dragging the program window to the side of the primary monitor, causing the program to appear on the secondary monitor.

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress

Access Control Standards Revolution Now In Progress 

Access control provides the ability to control, monitor and restrict the movement of people, assets or vehicles, in, out and round a building.

Access control is essential for all businesses to protect people and assets and has the added benefit of being expanded from controlling, for example, a single entrance door, to a large integrated security network. There are also huge potentials in terms of integrating other systems, such as Time and Attendance, Visitor Management, ANPR, Fire, Intruder and CCTV.

Few specifications are seen more commonly in access control than UL 294. However, aside from seeing it in print, very few understand what it means. In this note, we break apart and define this spec, describing why it is a vital part of many Access RFPs.

A Standard Defined

The scope of UL 294 covers three aspects of Access Control systems: 

• Construction (Installation)
• Performance
• Operation

Essentially, the heart of UL 294 is a safety standard, where testing proves that system components can be assembled and operate reliably without hazard. In the case of access control, this is a step beyond just validating devices will not catch fire or spark - it attests that the system will not harm the safety or impede egress of those using the system.

In practical terms, this means doors will not accidentally stay locked and keep people in harm's way even during a malfunction. The UL standard subjects each labeled device to a range of testing designed to show the equipment meet relevant code expectations from:

• NEC (NFPA 99): Requirements that each component will not create a hazard either during (recommended) install or use (Sparking, Grounding)
• NFPA 72: Fire Code compliance, assures that controllers include interfaces with fire alarm/suppression systems 
• NFPA 101: System devices 

A UL 294 mark is a 'extra step' the vendor has taken to 'prove' their equipment is safe, and it stands as a 'mark of assurance' when included in buying specifications that dubious equipment will not be purchased.

The Mark

While Underwriter's Laboratories offer a range of 'UL Symbols' that can be interpreted to signify different standards. In the case of UL 294, the mark looks like this:

The UL 'Security Mark' applies only to products such as intrusion detectors, burglar alarms, access control, safes, and vaults.

Performance Tests

UL 294 includes several tests that evaluate how well devices withstand damaging environments. Devices are subjected to atypical electrical, environmental, and brute force situations, including:

• Variable Voltage
• Variable Ambients (Environment)
• Humidity
• Endurance (Ruggedness)
• Transients
• Corrosion
• Standby Power (Battery backup)
• Physical Attack Toughness

Tests are performed individually and are not 'layered' or 'stacked' simultaneously as might occur in the field. The exact methodology for each test depends on the device being tested, but the resulting grade is given in four levels of security performance with Level I (lowest level security equipment) to Level IV (highest level security equipment). 

Exclusions

However, not all parts and features of an Access platform fall under the scope of UL 294. Two areas excluded from the scope include:

• Headend Server/Database: The scope reads "The accuracy of logged data is not evaluated by this standard", and also "This standard does not apply to supplementary computer equipment that is not necessary for operation of the access control system..."
• Intrusion Detection: Again, the scope details "Where an access control equipment and/or system incorporates the features and functions of a burglar alarm control unit, the requirements of the Standard for Proprietary Burglar Alarm Units and Systems, UL 1076, shall also apply"

This is important to note when careless specs are written that "All Access Equipment shall be UL 294 Certified", because this is inherently not possible. There will be major functional aspects outside the scope of the standard.

Large System Adoption

Especially for larger systems, UL 294 is common, including devices from: Mercury Security, C*Cure, S2, Maxxess, Sargent, etc.

However, certification is done on a component basis, and there may be gaps in a brand's portfolio. If UL 294 compliance is required in a system, every hardware component must be checked for conformity, as there is no 'system' certification.

Systems and platform intended for smaller deployments (<100 doors) typically forego the certification, because it simply is not a purchasing driver for many non-enterprise customers.

Prime Use

Regardless of the 'safety' overtures, like UL certification for surveillance equipment, 294 is primarily used to exclude non-compliant systems from specifications. UL 294 evaluation is not mandatory for Access Equipment, and many vendors forego the cost of certification especially when their offerings are not well suited for larger government, institutional, and hospital verticals where 294 is commonly cited. 

Likewise, while the mark's testing 'proves' that devices are safe, the onus remains on the field technician to install them in the correct fashion to indeed live up to the certification.

Remember once UL certification has void OEM is not responsible for any health & safety incident of your premises. UL certification void due to repairing through unauthorized service provider....etc.

NFPA 101

While NFPA 101 is comprehensive, the most relevant passages for access control include:

• NFPA 101: 'Electrically Controlled Egress Doors' (2012: 7.2.1.5.6; 2009: 7.2.1.5.5)
• NFPA 101: 'Releasing Devices' ( 2012: 7.2.1.5.10-12; 2009, 2006, 2003: 7.2.1.5.9 -7.2.1.5.11)
• NFPA 101: 'Access Controlled Egress Doors' (7.2.1.6.2)

Specifically, requirements like Access Control Request to Exit (RTE), Exit Devices, and Delayed Egress foundationally conform to NFPA 101.

NFPA 72

In general, this code is the foundation of requirements that doors must release when fire alarms or smoke detectors go into alarm.

NFPA 80

Specifically, this code examines Fire Doors and how they are properly used for protection in a building. In many cases, these door types are also slated to become access-controlled openings, and the 'Locks or Latches (6.4.4)' section describes which modifications are permitted for access use without voiding their fire door ratings.

IBC: International Building Code

The IBC, published by the International Code Council, is essentially a guidebook for designing and engineering safe buildings.

If not observed directly as the authority, then whatever resulting codes that do have authority take guidance from the source.

• ·     IBC: 'Door Operations' (2012, 2009: 1008.1.9; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.8)
• ·       IBC: 'Sensor Release of Electrically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.8; 2009: 1008.1.4.4; 2006, 2003: 1008.1.3.4)
• ·       IBC: 'Electromagnetically Locked Egress Doors' (2012: 1008.1.9.9; 2009: 1008.1.9.8)