i-PRO Improves School District’s Security
The Buffalo Public School District (BPSD) has modernized its security footprint with i-PRO multi-sensor and 360° fisheye network cameras, and i-PRO NV300 network video recorders (NVR) from i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security). The BPSD serves 28,000 K-12 students out of 70 facilities in western New York.
The BPSD modernization project started with replacing 2 % of their older interior PTZ cameras with i-PRO 5MP fisheye network cameras with 360° coverage while swapping out their obsolete recorders with i-PRO NV300 NVRs. Through several phases, they upgraded a large percentage of their 5,000 older cameras with new i-PRO vandal-resistant dome cameras, additional 360° fisheye cameras, and strategically placed multi-sensor cameras for building exteriors and common gathering places. Additional NVRs were upgraded to the newest i-PRO NX400 recorders running i-PRO ASM300 monitoring software.
Advancements in camera technology had prompted BPSD to modernize cameras primarily because certain camera deployments were limited in their field of view, causing security teams to miss some events and incidents. As well as solving that issue, by updating to i-PRO fisheye cameras in hallways where schools had two cameras, BSDS were able to replace them with a single camera.
“Feedback from across the district has been extremely positive. Our teams love the i-PRO cameras,” said BPSD Security Engineer John Waterhouse. “Reducing camera count was a huge benefit not only for our budget but in terms of maintenance, too.”
Waterhouse also pointed to a critical but important benefit to modernizing with a solution that builds in cyber-security by design, noting that in a recent ransomware attack on the district, “the i-PRO cameras and recording system were immune to the attack. They performed flawlessly throughout the event.”
Looking ahead, Waterhouse anticipates taking advantage of some of the advanced edge-based AI analytics offered in the i-PRO cameras.
Allegion, Genea Partnership Expands Wireless Lock Options
CARMEL, IND. Allegion U.S., a leading provider of security products and solutions, announced a strategic integration with Genea, a leading cloud-based access control security platform provider, to further enhance organizations’ ability to effectively manage access, enhance security and streamline operations wirelessly.
This collaboration expands the array of wireless lock options available for new door openings and underscores the significance of interoperability, allowing users to integrate locks based on the credentials they already use - a pivotal feature that aligns with the evolving needs of the access control industry.
“We're thrilled to team up with Genea to provide our customers with top-tier access control solutions that prioritize security while offering unparalleled flexibility in credential choices,” says Chris Stull, Business Development Consultant for Allegion. “The ability to seamlessly integrate our wireless locks with Genea’s security platform strengthens our position in the rapidly evolving industry.”
Key features include:
- Credential interoperability with Schlage MIFARE DESFire credentials, HID Global’s iClass, iClass SE and SEOS physical credentials as well as NFC wallet credentials
- Genea Security cloud integration with Schlage’s AD300, AD400 NDEB and LEB locks
- Enables IT and security teams to connect their door locks to their access control system wirelessly
With the Genea and Schlage integration, businesses can now leverage advanced functionality such as granting permissions to individuals or groups for specified time frames, setting specific schedules for door unlocks, enabling automated access during designated time periods, implementing emergency plans that enable swift response in critical situations and providing the ability to receive real-time notifications and alerts for door-related events, enhancing security and enabling proactive actions.
“Our alignment with HID Global and now Allegion underscores our dedication to offering cloud-based access control security solutions that are not only cutting-edge but also incredibly flexible,” states Michael Maxsenti, General Manager, Access Control for Genea. “Together, we aim to provide a seamless transition for our customers and prospects, ensuring that their access control systems work harmoniously with their existing credentials."
BHMA Eyes Standard Updates, Revisions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association (BHMA) hosted its annual Winter Meeting at the Hotel Valencia Riverwalk Jan. 30 - Feb. 1, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. The winter meeting consisted of a strategic review session where BHMA leadership and invited guests discussed strategic approaches to affirm the goals of the association and review plans for 2024. In addition, multiple standard development subcommittee meetings were held on day 2 and 3 of the meeting.
“Our winter meetings provide a dedicated time for an in-depth review of the association’s plans and the opportunity to address the key issues that are important to our members and the public,” said Ralph Vasami, executive director of BHMA. “As an industry leader, BHMA is focused and committed in advancing the builders hardware industry forward through the continuous revisions of existing standards and the introduction of new standards that are essential to the marketplace.”
During the technical subcommittee meetings, BHMA members met to work on standards development and revision. The standards addressed this year include:
- A156.5 – Cylinders and Input Devices for Locks
- A156.18 – Materials & Finishes
- A156.17 – Self-Closing Hinges & Pivots
- A156.19 – Power Assist & Low Energy Power Operated Doors
- A156.30 – High-Security Cylinders
- A156.38 – Low-Energy Power Operated Sliding & Folding Doors
- A156.42 – Acoustic
- A156.45 – Energy Consumption
- A156.46 – Environmental Test Methods
Lockmasters Acquires JLM Wholesale
Lockmasters has completed its acquisition of JLM Wholesale, a leading wholesale distributor of commercial door hardware and solutions. JLM has served the glass and glazing businesses well since 1984, and joining the Lockmasters team strengthens Lockmasters position in the industry and expands our commercial door hardware presence.
With the acquisition, Lockmasters adds three warehouse locations in Oxford, MI, Plano, TX, and Charlotte, NC to provide additional reach and footprint to serve our Central and Eastern United States customers with even faster delivery.
GREENVILLE, SC – Paxton has recently filled three new senior leadership roles to support their rapid global expansion, focused on company culture, finance function and manufacturing.
Adam Stroud, Paxton’s CEO, said: “I am pleased to appoint Nicola O’Donnell, Alex Clements and Blair Bowen into their new senior management roles. Each of them brings a high level of knowledge, capability, and experience to their respective areas of the company. Paxton is on a journey, and people are at the heart of our aspirations to become a global market leader. These senior appointments will contribute directly to the achievement of our goals.”
Nicola O’Donnell was appointed as Chief People Officer to enhance employee experience. Previously HR Director for eight years, Nicola and her team will continue developing Paxton’s award-winning culture and employee experience. Paxton has been featured six times across the Best Companies for Work For list.
Alex Clements was named new finance director to support international expansion. “I am immensely proud to be promoted to Paxton’s Finance Director. It is a path I have been working towards throughout my career. It is an especially exciting role to take on right now due to the business growing at such a fast pace. No two days are ever the same,” he said.
Blair Bowen was appointed to operations director amid growing production demand. Having joined Paxton in 2022, Blair has led the Manufacturing team on multiple projects to further increase production efficiency and improve the carbon footprint in the manufacturing process.
Paxton also announced the promotion of Brian Bonser to the position of vice president, customer support, reporting to Chief Sales Officer Gareth O’Hara.
Paxton Inc. is a global brand of IP access control and video intercom systems, with over 35 years’ industry experience. Visit www.paxton-access.com for more information.
