Technological leaps in the last several decades have revolutionised biometrics. The technologies are constantly evolving, spanning facial recognition to iris scanning to fingerprints, to provide new levels of security and convenience. Biometrics are everywhere, from smartphones to border control, constantly evolving to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world. They are also more accurate and easier to use than ever. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new with biometrics?

In the complex world of physical security systems, standards can enable disparate systems to be combined to function together as a cohesive whole. Standards help to ensure that all the “pieces” fit together to create a clear, unified picture. More broadly speaking, standards also play a role in ensuring best practices are deployed in a range of security-related situations. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which standards have had the greatest positive impact on physical security?

When a bomb detonated in the Port of Beirut, I had hundreds of employees under my care inside the blast zone. Within just two hours, I was able to determine who was impacted, understand their safety conditions, and share resources for on-the-ground support—all thanks to mobile technology. For Chief Security Officers, receiving calls like these launches a variety of protocols and necessary decision-making with the safety and security of people and assets as a top priority. And these calls are only becoming more common. Dependence on threat intelligence Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere Threats ranging from natural disasters to geopolitical conflicts are becoming more frequent and complicate the responsibility organisations have in keeping their people safe. To meet these needs CSO’s are staying ahead of negative outcomes through creating a greater dependence on threat intelligence. In these times, effective, real-time risk management depends on hyper-local data from technology that is accessible, portable, and dynamic–such as cell phones. Mobile phones have revolutionised the way people live and work. They allow us all to walk around with a computer in our pocket, bringing the world to our fingertips and eliminating digital borders for over 90% of the world's population. Mobile phones have dominated the post-COVID environment where people work from anywhere and have geographically distributed teams but are also more vulnerable to threatening events. Mobile-friendly risk management platforms Mobile technology assigns workers with easy entry to data that can help keep them and their teams safe As we approach 2024, many organisations are adopting comprehensive risk management tools that empower personnel across the organisation with the intelligence and knowledge they need to stay safe wherever they are.  Mobile-friendly risk management platforms, such as Crisis24 Horizon, provide always-on awareness, on-hand threat intelligence, and immediate communications and distress signalling through location monitoring. Users receive location risk assessments and push notifications directly to their devices about nearby issues and threats no matter if they are on or off the job. While only select risk managers have complete control of the platform and all sensitive employee data is protected through encryption, the app distributes critical intel to foster a culture of shared awareness and responsibility. Thus, mobile technology empowers employees with easy access to information that can help keep them and their teams safe. Creating a culture of mobile technology adoption In the last few years, the world has proven the importance of being well-informed of risks and mitigation plans to minimise harm. However, psychological barriers tend to trump physical barriers when it comes to accessing the vast array of tools our mobile devices offer. World has proven the matter of being well-informed of risks and relief plans to minimise harm Adopting this technology and establishing a culture that enforces risk management across an organisation is a daunting challenge that demands substantial commitment from leadership to be successful. Some companies have tackled this challenge by positioning security technology as part of the organisation’s employee benefits package, such as commuter benefits and health insurance, to encourage people to take advantage of these resources and learn how to use them.   Cohesive risk management culture Technology is only as effective as the people whose actions it informs, which is why adoption and integration are so important. When a cohesive risk management culture meets a powerful technology platform, individuals are enabled to receive threat alerts and counter their impacts, letting others know when and how to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and their team.  For more information on mobile technology and other security trends, check out the Global Risk Forecast, an annual report by Crisis24 that provides a comprehensive analysis of key events around the world most likely to affect operations in the coming year.

Frictionless systems provide access to a building without interfering at all with a user’s entry experience. Frictionless access means you can automatically pass through a gate without showing a credential or otherwise engaging, and with the system recognising who you are and allowing you to pass. In true frictionless access, everything works seamlessly, with unauthorised people obviously barred. But how close are we to realising frictionless access control? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is frictionless access control a reality or an empty promise?

Nice, a global pioneer in Home and Building Management solutions, announced the launch of the Nice Linear 661 Garage Door Opener (GDO) and all-new Nice G.O. mobile app, introducing more integrated and smart remote management capabilities for end users, and pre-installed battery backup enabling simplified installation for dealers. The Nice Linear 661 Garage Door Opener marks the first in a series of smart, Nice branded garage openers that combine sleek industrial design at an incredible value. Homeowners can now turn any garage into a smart garage with the Nice Linear 661 and Nice G.O. smart app, promoting extended convenience and peace of mind at their fingertips. New generation of door openers "The Nice Linear 661 combines the best of Linear’s legacy of reliability and dealer-oriented value with innovative features and beautiful aesthetics from Nice,” said Mark Mattson, Product Manager at Nice North America. “With this new offering, we’re creating a new generation of door openers that, combined with the Nice G.O. app, seamlessly supports end users the ability to create a whole-home solution.” Nice Linear 661 Garage Door Opener  The 661 comes with a pre-installed battery and integrates LED lighting for optimal energy efficiency Nice combines its industry-pioneering solutions, innovation, and solid engineering with the pioneering legacy and RF expertise from Linear with new installer-friendly features and robust partner support. With the 661, dealers are now able to offer features homeowners demand - including smart app control, an Eco-friendly modern design, and more. Wi-Fi™ and Bluetooth™ connectivity make for a seamless set-up with seamless pairing and automatic updates, which minimises service requirements.  The 661 comes with a pre-installed battery and integrates LED lighting for optimal energy efficiency and longer battery life. A self-diagnostic system provides homeowners with real-time alerts and updates through the Nice G.O. app, ensuring timely troubleshooting for continued operation. The 661 operates residential sectional doors up to 8 feet high and 350 pounds and offers easy installation to truly deliver a smart, convenient and value-driven option for dealers and end users.  Nice G.O. mobile app The single application allows users to schedule operations and timers for their doors and lights The easy-to-use mobile application features real-time notifications and remote management of any garage door from a mobile device. With the app, users can customise access and permissions for up to 10 users. For those seeking a more automated experience, the single application allows users to schedule operations and timers for their doors and lights, offering enhanced security while residents are away.  The Nice G.O. mobile app is currently available in the Apple App and Google Play stores. The Nice Linear 661 Garage Door opener will be available in limited quantities beginning in early Summer 2024. Visitors of the IDA + Expo from April 25 to 26th, will be able to experience the Nice Linear 661, and preview the Nice 1461J Jackshaft Operator, designed for either sectional doors with high or vertical lift track. Convergence of linear The Nice Linear 661 Garage Door opener is the inaugural Nice branded GDO product as the company begins the transition of the Linear Access and Surveillance brand this year. From its foundation in the 1960s, Linear was a pioneer not only in the GDO space but also in access control. The brand became a common name in the industry and can be found in millions of homes across North America. The rich history of the company and brand also served as an inspiration for the founding and rise of Nice. “Converging such a long and storied history into our continually growing organisation while also injecting new innovation into the business and product lines is incredibly exciting,” said Mark Owen Burson, CMO at Nice North America. “The name ‘Nice Linear 661’ pays homage to this pioneering legacy and will be the first in a series of GDO’s bearing the historic name under the Nice brand. And the Nice G.O. mobile app will be a game-changer as it is expanded across door and gate products and incorporated into smart home systems.” Nice plans to conduct the rebrand in phases across garage door, gate, and access control as it continues to strengthen the company’s offerings in Home and Building Management solutions.

The Cygnus ALERT notification and monitoring platform is a cloud-based solution designed to strengthen site safety. Using Cygnus ALERT, construction professionals and site administrators can receive event, fault, or mesh information in real time, enabling swift responses to on-site situations.   Cygnus ALERT Cygnus ALERT is a subscription-based cloud portal solution, accessed through a 2G and 4G cellular hardware module, with easy user management and notifications provided through the cloud portal via a Windows browser or intuitive, user-friendly Android app. The ability for integrators to assign engineers and also end users provides enhanced support not only to the integrator but also added benefit to on-site managers.  Real-time information Cygnus ALERT module can be fitted into the SITENET control panel on-site during installation Designed for seamless integration with the SITENET range of fire detection and alarm systems, the Cygnus ALERT module can be fitted into the SITENET control panel on-site during installation and can also be retrofitted into pre-existing installations. Real-time information is automatically communicated to site administrators through the cloud portal to the app and via SMS, enabling prompt action to be taken, thereby, enhancing response times.  Adaptable to a wide range of applications Each control panel allows for one module to be installed. The cloud portal can view and notify on multiple sites, this level of scalability ensures that the Cygnus ALERT platform is adaptable to a wide range of applications. It can also remotely display system information once a fault is detected to provide more in-depth detail on the issue, such as battery status faults, mesh status, and fault history.  Cygnus ALERT is versatile and applicable to various settings such as industrial facilities, transport hubs, airports, shipyards, construction sites, and other environments.   Efficiency and responsiveness “The Cygnus protocol is the backbone of the SITENET system, and we are delighted to be building on our solution with the new Cygnus ALERT platform,” comments Carl Leeson, Head of Sales at Bull Products. He adds, “It offers impressive efficiency and responsiveness and when combined with its seamless integration with SITENET, easy to use cloud portal and app, Cygnus ALERT ticks every box. We are delivering solutions to our customers that allow them to stay a step ahead while ensuring optimum safety and peace of mind.”  SITENET range Cygnus ALERT users can enjoy a complimentary subscription with their first purchase to provide immediate access. For continued access and uninterrupted benefits, a subscription is required beyond the initial period.  The SITENET range is a robust, reliable, and scalable solution. Featuring patented, self-forming, and self-healing wireless mesh protocol technology, SITENET provides a cause-and-effect programming capability for timed and zone-controlled evacuations making it the perfect fire-safety solution for any temporary project. 

Smart Spaces announces that it has partnered with the trusted identity provider, HID, to make access to Workspace’s The Light Bulb building in South West London fast, simple and secure, by making door access credentials available in Google Wallet for all SME customers who lease offices and studios at the centre.  Any registered Android smartphone user can gain quick and seamless access to The Light Bulb by holding their device near any NFC-enabled HID Signo reader, with doors then opening automatically. Google Wallet integration  Smart Spaces is the first HID Technology Partner to carry out such a Google Wallet integration project, with Workspace the first customer in the world to benefit from this innovative technical collaboration. A FTSE 250 company, Workspace owns and manages 4.6 million sq. ft. of flexible office space across 76 locations in London - home to some of the Capital’s brightest young companies who rent and design their own space and join a vibrant community of other businesses. Ease of access Chris Boultwood, Workspace’s Head of Technology, says, “Our customers are agile, ambitious SMEs who are digitally savvy, and we know how much they appreciate having ease of access to the building with just their phones." Chris Boultwood adds, "We’re always looking to make their experience as seamless as possible and the HID/Google Wallet door access is a natural step forward at The Light Bulb. We’re now excited to start rolling this out across other London locations.” Self-service plus seamless credentials Smart Spaces’ OS is used by Workspace’s customers to not only access the building but to book meeting rooms Smart Spaces’ OS is used by Workspace’s customers to not only access the building but to book meeting rooms and receive information about events and activities happening onsite, with the software branded MyWorkspace. Unlike issuing traditional plastic RFID access cards, shifting to digital offers self-service plus the seamless provisioning of credentials, making it far easier for all concerned – Workspace’s customers as well as onsite facility management staff. Secure and convenient mobile experiences “This partnership highlights our commitment to providing a wider range of secure and convenient mobile experiences for workspaces for all types of end users– from SMEs to larger enterprises. As we diversify and expand our mobile solutions portfolio globally, stay tuned to see more Google Wallet integrations in the coming year,” said Sanjit Bardhan, HID’s Vice President & Head of Global Mobile Business. Smart Spaces’ goal is to be the world’s pioneer in smart building operating systems for commercial real estate. Tap-and-go functionality Winners of the Santander Technology Business of the Year in 2023, a raft of prestigious projects in the UK use its software which has put London centre stage of global smart building implementations. Dan Drogman, Smart Spaces’ Chief Executive Officer, says, “At Smart Spaces, we continuously strive to provide the best possible user experience for our customers. The ‘tap and go’ functionality and convenience offered by Google Wallet provide this seamlessly. We’re delighted we’re the first to offer this to our customers.”

Wing Security, the pioneer in SaaS Security, announced that its SaaS security product is specifically designed to help financial firms and covered entities comply with the stringent NY-DFS regulations that mandate robust cybersecurity measures for SaaS applications in New York State. 24/7 protection framework Wing Security’s product offers a 24/7 protection framework for SaaS applications, enabling easy deployment and requiring less than two hours of labour weekly. This efficiency enables organisations to continuously meet the risk mitigations and requirements for SaaS/third-party usage specified by the New York Department of Financial Services (NY-DFS) new regulation, saving hundreds of hours of labour and ensuring the highest security standards for their SaaS supply chain's usage. NY-DFS revised regulations Supply chain attacks are one of the key reasons for the amendments in the department’s instructional materials In November 2023, the NY-DFS revised its regulations to mandate more robust controls against cyberattacks, targeting the protection of sensitive services. In a recent training video, Harriet Pearsons, Executive Deputy Superintendent and Cybersecurity Division Head at NY-DFS highlighted supply chain attacks as one of the key reasons for these amendments in the department’s instructional materials. Improved SaaS protection NY-DFS recommendations align with Wing Security's State of SaaS Security Report 2024, which revealed that nearly all companies use SaaS suppliers, with 97% of these businesses using at least one SaaS supplier experiencing a security event over the last 12 months. Aligned with NY-DFS recommendations, the report underscores the urgency for improved SaaS protection against nation-state actors and other high-level threats, noting the commonplace adoption of more than 300,000 SaaS applications without adequate security measures by organisations. SaaS security best practices "Wing Security aims to assist businesses, particularly those with understaffed security teams, in elevating their SaaS supply chain security to match the exemplary practices endorsed by New York State," said Galit Lubetzky Sharon, CEO of Wing Security. Galit Lubetzky Sharon adds, “Private sector businesses and public sector regulators have a joint responsibility to safeguard our critical infrastructure and economy through SaaS security best practices.” Risk and compliance assessments Wing Security solution ensures that CISOs are automatically implementing security policies Wing Security's SaaS security product suite fulfills crucial requirements by automatically identifying SaaS applications used by covered entities and their employees, conducting risk and compliance assessments of suppliers, evaluating data shared via SaaS, and determining if third parties are using non-public entity data to train their AI systems. The Wing Security solution ensures that chief information security officers (CISOs) are automatically implementing security policies based on risk assessments, verifying necessary user access to SaaS applications, and monitoring for sensitive data leakage. SaaS reporting Additionally, Wing Security facilitates compliance with the obligation to promptly notify CISOs of breaches and security incidents affecting their SaaS supply chains. Wing Security’s new SaaS reporting, based on the MITRE common weakness scoring system (CWSS) risk scoring, provides auditable evidence to support the ongoing risk management of these complex supply chains. TPRM assessments Wing Security serves businesses of all sizes, including large, mid-market, and exempt small businesses, offering product tiers that match their risk levels and budgetary constraints. Exempt customers can begin with Wing Security's Free Risk Discovery Tool for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) assessments connected to their primary SaaS platforms.

HID, the worldwide pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announces that Royal Jersey Laundry has introduced a new tracking feature of HID’s linen management platform at each of its 5-star hotel customer sites to guarantee that drivers drop off and collect precise linen stock and that costly errors are avoided. Linen tracking This new feature replaces a paper-based system used by drivers for the management of cages filled with clean/soiled linen delivered/collected at customer sites. It provides detailed end-to-end tracking of linen cages across multiple customer locations throughout the whole cycle of washing, packing, delivery, and collection, a complex process given that 550,000 pieces are laundered each week for numerous clients. Royal Jersey Laundry Royal Jersey Laundry works with most five-star hotels in London including The Dorchester, The Carlton Tower Jumerah Founded in 1915, Royal Jersey Laundry is one of the few cleaners servicing the luxury hotel sector. Based in a 25,000 square-foot purpose-built facility in Dagenham, rebuilt in 2021 for £15 million after a fire, it works with most five-star hotels in London including The Dorchester, The Carlton Tower Jumerah, The Peninsula London, and The Ritz. Need for constant communication Supporting the five-star segment is demanding given the constant communication required between the hotel and laundry, exacting standards, and the quantity and range of items to be laundered. This includes duvets, sheets, towels, and bath robes along with smaller items such as foot mats, drink coasters, shaving towels, and dry cleaning for guests themselves. Royal Jersey Laundry operates 24/7, employs 150 staff members, and washes 40 tons of linen per day.  Maintaining laundering schedule Five-star hotels prefer to use linen they own with five sets kept of everything, allowing them to maintain a schedule  In contrast with budget and mid-level hotels, five-star hotels prefer to use linen they own with five sets kept of everything, allowing them to maintain a rigorous laundering schedule and ensure guests always receive fresh, cleaned linens. “An average 300-bed hotel will have around 30,000 items of linen which will cost around £250,000,” says James Lincoln, Royal Jersey Laundry’s managing director. “The volume of linen is so high and it’s always moving such that accurate inventory control was a major challenge verging on the impossible.” HID cloud-based RFID linen management system Before the HID cloud-based RFID linen management system, everything was done manually. Laundry staff would check items off ironing/folding machines, a wholly error-prone process, and log the quantities on pieces of paper. The operational overhead for the laundry was exacerbated as the various linen items from the different hotels had to be kept separate, too. “Linen is everywhere: on beds, in cupboards, in transit, and at the laundry, yet no one had full insight into stock levels and, when things went missing which often happened, typically we’d get blamed,” says Lincoln. Real-time linen inventory management LinTRAK tags are sewn into linen items by laundry staff or linen manufacturers during the production process To address these problems, Royal Jersey Laundry installed a real-time linen inventory management system from HID combining LinTRAK® RFID tags, a full set of RFID equipment including table-top and conveyor-belt scanners, one RFID portal and one cabin scanning unit, and cloud-based Acuity software.  The discrete LinTRAK tags are sewn into linen items by laundry staff or linen manufacturers during the production process. Some hotels also use LinTRAK tags to manage staff uniforms and restaurant linens such as napkins and tablecloths. HID LinTRAK textile tags Around 40% of Royal Jersey Laundry hotel customers have transitioned to the HID linen management solution and connect via Acuity’s web portal. Once cleaned, the linen is packed into cages, and scanned in seconds through HID’s RFID cabin station. Items are automatically counted, with delivery notes generated including billing information. HID’s Acuity software integrates with the laundry’s Sage accounting software to generate invoices. Benefits of textile tags The implementation of HID LinTRAK textile tags, RFID stations, and the Acuity software platform has radically changed how Royal Jersey Laundry operates, delivering a range of benefits: Fast Return on Investment: Since the installation of the HID equipment in 2019, the system has already paid for itself given the efficiency and productivity gains. Better use of people resources: Laundry and housekeeping staff no longer waste time on dull and resource-intensive activities like manually counting linen. They have been redeployed to more productive work, generating 10-20% savings in labor costs. Better visibility of stock levels: As hotels know exactly the location and quantity of linen, they are better able to cater to peak demand, reducing linen expenditures by up to 30%. Improved responsiveness and customer satisfaction: Access to in-depth data generated by the Acuity platform means the laundry can quickly answer customer queries. “We give hotels complete transparency about where their linen is in the cleaning and delivery cycle. There are just no grey areas anymore,” says Lincoln. Increased security of expensive linen assets: While theft of linen at five-star hotels is rare, it does happen. RFID tagging enables better monitoring of expensive bedding and towel investments. Enhanced reliability and productivity: Operations are more efficient as RFID-enabled items can never be lost or misplaced. Furthermore, digital scanning results in faster processing of items. “We’re effectively two businesses: the laundry itself and a logistics operation. We run a mixed fleet of lorries and electric vans which nip in and out of London three times a day picking up and delivering garments for hotel customers using us for guest work,” adds Lincoln.

Geekplus, the global pioneer in mobile robot and smart logistics solutions, has deployed the first Shelf-to-Person PopPick project in the Nordics for one of the biggest online pharmacy wholesalers in the region, Med24.dk. System Teknik partnered on the Denmark project, which includes three PopPick stations and 30 Shelf-to-Person robots, bringing a flexible solution to a region where fixed automation still dominates. "With the rise of e-commerce, Med24.dk had been struggling with huge sales growth coupled with fast delivery demands from customers in Denmark, Norway, Sweden searching for pharmacy, health and beauty products. Peak season events had also caused considerable strain to their operations," said Blond Shkodrani, channel partner manager for the Nordics at Geekplus. "Due to their overwhelming success, Med24.dk needed a modular, automated order fulfilment solution for fast, efficient order fulfilment." Order fulfilment challenges Shelf-to-Person takes goods of all sizes while removing the need for infrastructure investment The Geekplus modular Shelf-to-Person solution optimises warehouse operations using mobile robots to transport shelves. In a region where fixed and cubic solutions have been the trend during recent years, Shelf-to-Person handles goods of all sizes while removing the need for infrastructure investment, making it the most flexible response to order fulfilment challenges. PopPick workstations use two retrieval arms and four presentation locations to present pickers with multiple, moveable 78-tote racks at one time, resulting in an industry-pioneering throughput of 450 totes per hour. PopPick can store goods of all types and sizes; the solution is not limited to small pieces and improves ergonomics for workers while picking. It also takes up less space than traditional systems, so customers can use more stations without adding facility space. Mobile order fulfilment solutions "We are very pleased to invest in flooring robots from Geekplus," said Med24.dk CEO Nils Træholt. "We believe that this new and innovative technology can help us realise our growth ambitions, while maintaining good delivery times for the benefit of our customers." Morten Kirch, System Teknik's CSO, added: "Due to Med24.dk's growth, we are thrilled to be able to deliver a tailor-made, automated solution that matches their needs." Geekplus offers a suite of Goods-to-Person mobile order fulfilment solutions-the only comprehensive robotic offering controlled by a single software platform. "Through trusted partners like System Teknik, we're showing customers all over Europe that Geekplus truly is a one-stop shop for modular warehouse automation," Shkodrani said.

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that Georgetown-Ridge Farm Community Unit School District (CUSD) has adopted ZeroEyes' proactive AI-based gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution to protect students, faculty and staff against gun-related threats. Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD is a rural, public school district in Georgetown, Illinois that is committed to providing a positive learning environment and shaping productive members of society who are successful, self-sufficient, and well-rounded individuals. 880 pre-K and K-12 students are enrolled in its three schools. Multi-layered security plan ZeroEyes has been added to its multi-layered security plan to detect illegally brandished guns on campus The district prioritises school safety by forming close relationships with local law enforcement and implementing a range of high-tech security measures across its campuses. ZeroEyes has been added to its multi-layered security plan to detect illegally brandished guns on campus and reduce response time in the case of a gun-related incident. “ZeroEyes provides a proactive layer of security that further enhances our comprehensive safety plan,” said Dr. Jean Neal, Superintendent, Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD. “Integrating ZeroEyes will allow us to improve security in more vulnerable areas like athletic events and parking lots. We are grateful to have their protection 24/7 to help our community feel safer during these times of uncertainty.” CUSD’s existing digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD’s existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Centre (ZOC), staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to local law enforcement and school staff as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. “We are happy that Georgetown-Ridge Farm CUSD is taking proactive steps to protect its rural community from potential gun-related threats,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “In today's climate, safety concerns are on the rise and schools must take every precaution possible.”

Installers JTI Brandbeveiliging was contracted to help make safety a number-one priority at a pioneering food manufacturer in The Netherlands. They achieved this by choosing Hochiki Europe’s marketing pioneering fire detection system, Latitude, alongside waterproof devices from the ESP range. This comprehensive solution ensures the highest level of fire protection throughout the facility, giving the food manufacturer peace of mind and allowing them to focus on what they do best: producing delicious food.  Kervo Kervo is a specialist in the high-quality cultivation and processing of fruit in the Netherlands. Since 1980 morello cherries have been grown in the Vossen family’s orchards in Roggel, The Netherlands. The family was one of the first growers in the region to use mechanical harvesting in the ’80s, fast forward 43 years later and Kervo currently runs operations across Europe and the UK and is proud of its reputation for offering the finest quality fruit to bakeries and fresh food processors.   Fire protection systems Complexities of this project was that during food production significant amounts of steam were generated JTI Brandbeveiliging was founded in 2009 and is trusted by its customers for advice, installations, repairs, and maintenance of fire protection systems across the region. The team, led by Luciën van Eldijk was commissioned in 2022 to design and fit the fire safety system that would be integrated into Kervo's new manufacturing plant in Neer. One of the complexities of this project was that during food production, and particularly during the cleaning processes, significant amounts of steam are generated, thus causing false alarms. Latitude fire safety system Lucien explains how he and the team navigated this issue, “In food production sites like this, the machinery needs to remain clean throughout the entire process. This means there is a lot of steam and water present, which, unfortunately, can trigger false alarms." "We needed to install devices that could negate this issue, Hochiki’s waterproof call points, sounders, and sensors were the perfect solution. They worked seamlessly with the Latitude fire safety system from Hochiki.”  Fire detection devices and systems Latitude, which is BOSEC-approved, a requirement for fire detection devices and systems in The Netherlands, has a powerful network-wide cause-and-effect capability. The system can support 5000 entries, with up to 20,000 inputs and 20,000 outputs across the network.  Benefits of Latitude The new building at Kervo is a huge facility making the Latitude system the best solution The new building at Kervo is a huge facility, at over 40 metres in height it required over 2.5km of cabling and hundreds of fire detection devices to help make the building secure, making the Latitude system the best solution.   “Due to the nature of this project, there have been some technical aspects where we have needed to seek advice, but the team at Hochiki has been very helpful in working with us to create the best solution for our customer." Easy to install with high standards "We choose Hochiki products and systems because they are reliable, they are easy to install and, most importantly, meet the high standards and regulations required by the laws of The Netherlands, we would recommend Hochiki products for this reason.”  Hochiki’s analogue addressable range (ESP intelligent) together with the Latitude system are EN54 Part 13 certified and with the BOSEC certification also in place, they provide the best complete and compliant fire detection system for businesses across the Belgium region as well as bordering countries such as Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and Germany.