OpenView Security Solutions Limited - Experts & Thought Leaders

Your Homes Newcastle (YHN) manages more than 26,000 properties on behalf of Newcastle City Council. They are piloting an innovative fire detection system in partnership with OpenView Security Solutions, the UK’s largest privately-owned independent security company and a national supplier of fire, electrical and mechanical services to the public and private housing sector. MOBOTIX thermal imaging cameras have been installed in 3 multi-storey blocks across the city to continually monitor temperatures in the buildings’ bin chute rooms. The thermal cameras will send an alarm to OpenView’s central control centre and the fire service immediately if an unexpected heat pattern is detected. The early detection system provided by the OpenView now means that residents can be reassured of much faster response times from the fire service in the event of an incident, minimising the potential impact on occupants and their properties, so that they and their homes are far safer as a result. Risks and Challenges Ensuring safety of residents through early detection and prevention of potential fires To be able to react quickly to verify a fire situation Alerting the fire service within seconds of a potential fire so they can respond rapidly Keeping residents safe and minimising damage to property in the event of a fire The risk to lives and property caused by rapid spread of a fire in high-density apartment blocks Solution provided by MOBOTIX and OpenView MOBOTIX M16 thermal cameras installed in bin chute rooms of 3 YHN multi-storey blocks Thermal technology continuously monitors temperature, triggering an alarm if an unexpected heat pattern is detected Operators in OpenView’s central control room assess and monitor the situation Fire service instantly alerted ready for rapid response MOBOTIX cameras integrated into existing infrastructure with no disruption to residents Potential risk to lives and property minimised through early fire detection Installation of thermal imaging cameras YHN has installed thermal imaging cameras in 3 of its 45 multi-storey blocks across the cityYour Homes Newcastle (YHN) manages community and public housing on behalf of Newcastle City Council. Set up in 2004, the organisation oversees more than 26,000 properties for the council. With fire safety in tower blocks having been in the spotlight since the Grenfell Tower tragedy in 2017, YHN took the decision to pilot an innovative fire detection system. In a trial partnership with OpenView Security Solutions, the UK’s largest privately-owned independent security company and a national supplier of fire, electrical and mechanical services to the public and private housing sectors, YHN has installed thermal imaging cameras in 3 of its 45 multi-storey blocks across the city. “The tragic events at Grenfell Tower have undoubtedly put fire safety in multi-storey blocks under a microscope, but we have been trialling new measures in our multi-storey properties for some time,” says David Langhorne, YHN’s Assets and Development Director. ONVIF compliant thermal cameras OpenView Security designed and installed an early fire detection system using MOBOTIX dual M16 thermal cameras, featuring one thermal and one optical sensor. MOBOTIX thermal sensors measure minute differences in mid-wavelength infrared radiation emitted from an object or body based on its temperature, allowing them to pick up temperature differences of 0.05 of a degree within a temperature range of -40 to +550 degrees Celsius. The ONVIF compliant MOBOTIX cameras contain a powerful CPU that can deliver up to 3 video streams simultaneously The ONVIF compliant MOBOTIX cameras contain a powerful CPU that can deliver up to 3 video streams simultaneously and fulfil the H.264/ONVIF standard, making it easy to combine them with other systems to create unique solutions to real-world problems. By integrating the cameras into YHN’s existing infrastructure, which uses OpenView installed equipment, it was possible to implement the new system without any disruption to residents. Alerts central control room in case of fire Operators are able to monitor images from the thermal lens to pinpoint the exact location of hotspotsThe MOBOTIX M16 cameras were installed in bin chute rooms, where they continually monitor the temperature, sending an alert to the OpenView’s central control room instantly if an unexpected heat pattern is detected. Operators are then able to monitor images from the thermal lens to pinpoint the exact location of hotspots, such as smouldering fires, as well verify the situation via a live feed from the optical lens. An alarm is also raised with the fire service within seconds of a potential fire, making them ready to respond rapidly to a potential emergency situation. According to Andy Ward, Sales Director of OpenView Security Solutions, the innovative fire protection solution enables housing providers to ensure a safer environment for residents and minimise the incidence of false alarms: “It now forms part of our expanding portfolio of fire and life safety solutions, which is one of the fastest growing areas of our business, and consolidates our leading position in the public and private housing sectors.” Faster response times from fire service The early detection system provided by the OpenView now means that residents can be reassured of much faster response times from the fire service in the event of an incident, minimising the potential impact on occupants and their properties, ensuring that they and their homes are far safer as a result. We have wet and dry risers, central alarm systems, smoke alarm activated bin chute fire dampers and bin room sprinklers"“This trial system is one of many fire safety measures currently in place in the blocks we manage across the city. We also have wet and dry risers, central alarm systems, smoke alarm activated bin chute fire dampers and bin room sprinklers,” Langhorne explains. “We pride ourselves on being innovative, so it was an easy decision for us to test something that had not yet been adopted elsewhere,” he adds. Meeting requirements of integrator and end-users Frank Graham, MOBOTIX Regional Sales Manager UK & Benelux, said of the partnership with YHN and OpenView: “We are very happy to be working so closely with both YHN and OpenView in the development and provision of an innovative solution for such a serious issue. “MOBOTIX cameras have inbuilt intelligence to meet all the requirements of integrator and end-users alike and we look forward to a longstanding and fruitful partnership with both organisations moving forward.”

Your Homes Newcastle (YHN), which manages more than 26,000 properties on behalf of Newcastle City Council, is taking an innovative approach to fire safety with a pilot project utilising thermal imaging cameras in tower blocks. The ALMO has installed the thermal imaging cameras in three of its 45 multi-storey blocks across the city in a trial partnership with OpenView Security Solutions, with the project attracting praise from Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service. Mobotix M16 thermal cameras The trial of the Mobotix M16 Thermal Camera sees the cameras installed in bin chute rooms The trial of the Mobotix M16 Thermal Camera sees the cameras installed in bin chute rooms. The cameras detect minute increases in temperature, triggering an alarm in YHN’s central enquiry centre before any fire has had a chance to take hold, meaning within seconds of a possible fire starting the alarm is raised with the fire service. The camera continually monitors the temperature in the room, with information relayed back to the fire service, enabling them to better prepare for responding to the fire. David Langhorne, YHN’s Assets and Development Director, said: “The tragic events at Grenfell Tower have undoubtedly put fire safety in multi-storey blocks under a microscope, but we have been trialling new measures in our multi-storey properties for some time. Faster fire detection “We pride ourselves on being innovative, so it was an easy decision for us to test something that had not yet been adopted elsewhere. The early detection system provided by the camera has many benefits, but, most importantly, the faster response time from the fire service means the potential impact on residents and their properties is minimised and they and their homes are far safer as a result.”  “This trial system is one of many fire safety measures currently in place in the blocks we manage across the city, where we also have wet and dry risers, central alarm systems, smoke alarm activated bin chute fire dampers, and bin room sprinklers.” Reducing false fire alarms Alan Robson, Assistant Chief Officer at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service said “It’s great that YHN is innovating in this way. Using technology to support the monitoring of storage areas such as this helps improve the information we receive about incidents. This technology can reduce false alarm calls and improve our response to confirmed fires.” The standard CCTV lens provides a live feed for further verification of events OpenView Security Solutions is the UK’S largest privately-owned independent security company and a leading national supplier of fire, electrical and mechanical services to the public and private housing sectors. Thermal imaging The Mobotix M16 Thermal camera’s lens is triggered when an unexpected heat pattern occurs and automatically sends an alert to the central control room. Images from the thermal lens are automatically presented to operators enabling the exact location of hotspots, such as smouldering fires, to be pinpointed. The standard CCTV lens provides a live feed for further verification of events. YHN’s existing infrastructure, which uses Openview installed equipment in the blocks to link alarms through to its enquiry centre via Jontek, meant the new approach could be easily implemented without any disruption to residents. Innovative fire protection solutions Andy Ward, Sales Director of OpenView Security Solutions, added “This innovative fire protection solution enables housing providers to ensure a safer environment for residents and minimise the incidence of false alarms. It now forms part of our expanding portfolio of fire and life safety solutions, one of the fastest growing areas of our business, and consolidates our leading position in the public and private housing sector.” Commenting on the partnership with YHN and OpenView, Frank Graham, Mobotix Regional Sales Manager, said: “We are very happy to be working so closely with both YHN and Openview in the development and provision of an innovative solution for such a serious issue. Mobotix cameras have inbuilt intelligence to meet all the requirements of integrator and end users alike and we look forward to a longstanding and fruitful partnership with both organisations moving forward.”

360 Vision Technology, the UK manufacturer of ruggedised HD, radar and thermal PTZ imaging cameras, and OpenView, one of the largest privately owned independent security companies in the UK, are reinforcing their long-standing collaboration with Enfield Council.  The partnership aims to enhance public safety through the deployment of state-of-the-art Predator and Invictus HD PTZ cameras, across London Borough of Enfield’s town centre and public parks. Maximise security surveillance coverage To maximise security surveillance coverage, London Borough of Enfield’s town centre, public spaces and parks have been equipped with a combination of 360 Vision Predator and Invictus HD PTZ cameras. In high-risk areas, the Predator cameras, featuring built-in LED IR, or white light illumination, provide unparalleled nighttime imaging. With a lighting range of up to 250 metres and the ability to deliver full-colour video even in low-light conditions, they significantly improve security surveillance visibility and safety in dimly lit locations. Impact of installing surveillance cameras Enfield Council’s policy on video surveillance is based on a ward survey, where the potential impact of installing Enfield Council’s policy on video surveillance is based on a ward survey, where the potential impact of installing surveillance cameras to deter incidents of street crime and antisocial behaviour was considered. Consultation with partners OpenView, the police and levels of crime in an area, enabled informed decisions about where cameras were to be installed.  Deployment of the 360 Vision cameras Utilising this intelligent data, the location of cameras across London Borough of Enfield was chosen to define the key operational ‘hot spots’, where the deployment of the 360 Vision cameras would yield maximum benefit. Combating anti-social behaviour with the aim of keeping London Borough of Enfield’s streets safe for all, in the town centre, a visual overview is provided by Invictus HD PTZ cameras, while a number of long-range Predator HD PTZ cameras fitted with built-in IR LED illumination have been mounted atop tower blocks, providing a comprehensive overview of the town centre, enabling the Enfield Council to monitor street level activity effectively. Pioneering radar detection for crime prevention Surveillance measures are deployed across the London Borough of Enfield’s many public parks Surveillance measures are deployed across the London Borough of Enfield’s many public parks. At Albany Park, a solution was required to prevent the occurrence of regular acts of vandalism to a community café and protect the premises. Responding to the problem, OpenView, who have built an enviable reputation for delivering unique, innovative, and technologically advanced solutions, tailored to meet the specific needs of clients, recommended the use of 360 Vision’s Predator Radar camera. After a successful trial, the Predator Radar camera was installed and the Enfield Council became one of the first authorities in the UK to deploy advanced camera radar detection to identify potential criminal activity within pre-defined ‘sterile’ areas. Integrated high-definition PTZ cameras “Traditionally, the use of radar systems has been considered to be the preserve of high-end installations, such as those at airports or ports,” says David Hall, OpenView’s Framework Manager. “However, deploying 360 Vision Technology’s Predator Radar all-in-one devices, with integrated 360-degree rotational radar and integrated high-definition PTZ cameras, we’ve been able to secure the large, fenced-off areas around the café to provide a far more effective and economical solution versus using many traditional cameras to cover the same area." "In addition, Predator Radar’s advanced detection capability is such that target detection and alarm functionality are continuous, day and night, even within adverse weather conditions." Integrated Predator PTZ optical camera The mix of cameras in the parks is equipped with 360 Vision’s built-in LED white light option Hall added: “The Predator Radar camera creates an alarm on detection of a target, or targets, and instructs its integrated Predator PTZ optical camera to view the target and provide system operators with instant visual verification. Additionally, as the target moves, they are automatically and continuously tracked by the optical camera to maintain real-time visual coverage.” In addition to the Predator Radar cameras, the mix of cameras in the parks are equipped with 360 Vision’s built-in LED white light option, to enable control room operators to be proactive when dealing with certain incidents. ONVIF-compliant Predator and Invictus cameras Apart from providing lighting to achieve high-quality video images in the dark, the use of white light acts as a visible assurance or as a deterrent to subjects under nearby camera surveillance, to make it clear that live surveillance monitoring is being carried out.  HD video from the Predator and Invictus cameras is transmitted to the Enfield Council CCTV control room via a fibreoptic and radio transmission network. At the control room, the ONVIF compliant Predator and Invictus cameras are integrated into a IndigoVision ‘Control Centre’ VMS. Enfield Council’s security surveillance system Map-based monitoring makes security operations easier and faster for the system operators Map-based monitoring makes security operations easier and faster for the system operators, who can simply click on a map point in Control Centre to automatically display any specific 360 Vision camera. “Enfield Council’s security surveillance system is constantly developing, to meet the needs of modern day town centre public safety requirements,” continues David. “We’ve found that the 360 Vison Invictus camera is a great fit for town centre use, where its mix of day and nighttime visual imaging performance vs ROI is highly effective.” Public safety requirements The deployment of the 360 Vision Predator and Invictus HD camera technologies reflects Enfield Council's commitment to evolving its security surveillance system to meet modern public safety requirements. The combination of daytime and nighttime visual imaging performance of the cameras in the London Borough of Enfield’s town centre and parks demonstrates a strong return on investment (ROI) and effectiveness in enhancing the Borough’s overall safety measures. Implementation of advanced security measures The performance of these advanced security steps is part of Enfield Council’s ongoing commitment The implementation of these advanced security measures is part of Enfield Council’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe and secure urban environment. Enfield Council will continue to adapt its surveillance infrastructure to meet modern public safety demands, ensuring residents and visitors benefit from the enhanced security measures. Innovative camera surveillance solutions “Working with OpenView on this project has been a great opportunity to enlist innovative camera surveillance solutions that really can help protect public spaces,” says Adrian Kirk, Business Development Director at 360 Vision Technology. “It’s notable how OpenView engineers embrace the latest technologies with ease, which is a tremendous credit to their team and ensures that the company’s long list of local government customers can benefit from cutting edge security solutions which can have a major impact on the quality of life for members of the public.” 360 Vision Technology’s range of products “Enfield Council has been impressed with 360 Vision Technology’s range of products that can be installed on various projects, or applications - this has proved to be an essential part of the ongoing projects in the London Borough of Enfield, whether it be for applications within parks, Street Scene or Housing estates,“ says Darren Woods, Enfield Council’s Public Safety Centre Manager. “The newest installation has used the 360 Vision Predator Radar camera that has been installed in an area that was suffering from high volumes of vandalism and building damage. Since its installation over the last few months, it has been highly effective. The 360 Vision predator range of cameras are currently being installed as part of a system upgrade, replacing older camera units. This investment into market-pioneering camera equipment ensures that Enfield Council is moving forward with affordable and good quality surveillance camera imaging solutions as video technology moves forward.” Innovative characteristics of the 360 Vision product range "We have been highly satisfied with the innovative characteristics of the 360 Vision product range and its suitability for the intended applications,” comments Kevin Hall, OpenView’s Group Director. “Furthermore, the quality of delivery, ongoing support, and operational performance were critical factors influencing our selection of the chosen systems technology." Predator radar cameras OpenView’s Framework Engineering Supervisor, Martin Ivory, enthused: “360 Vision has been a fantastic partner to work closely with, having the chance to use and deploy a large number of the products available from the company. Their ease of deployment and tremendous build quality and ruggedisation, versatility and reliability make them the ideal camera for public safety." "The support provided from Adrian Kirk and the technical team at 360 Vision enabled us to utilise the full capabilities of both the Invictus IP and Hybrid, and also the Predator and Predator Radar cameras, providing a practical solution for any scenario within the public safety sector.”