Neil Baldwin, Managing Director at Scolmore Group company, ESP, looks at how some of the latest technologies and contractor engagement are helping to drive product development of the companyโs security solutions.
According to the latest report from AMA Research, the total UK electronic security market of products โ CCTV, electronic access control and intruder alarms โ and associated services was estimated at approximately ยฃ2.35bn in 2017 and is expected to grow at 12% per year.
Market growth is being driven by technological advancements boosting replacement demand, and improving new build and RMI expenditure across key market sectors. CCTV accounts for the majority of the market in value terms, with a 52% share. This sector has seen the greatest levels of innovation and new product development, and with technology also becoming more affordable, this is leading to a continued shift away from analogue to digital products.
By keeping a close eye on developments within the overall security sector and taking on board feedback from the numerous contractors we speak to, we are able to develop products that harness the latest technologies and meet the growing demand from our customers.
IP CCTV
The HDView IP (Internet Protocol) CCTV range was developed to satisfy the growing demand from wholesale customers and contractors and will meet the needs of a changing market place and the shift from analogue to IP systems. This move from analogue to IP CCTV systems gives installers the opportunity to sell an upgrade to their clients, to provide a more reliable security solution that offers superior benefits.
ESPโs IP CCTV range is designed to offer superior, reliable and straightforward installation solutions for a range of applications from domestic through to larger and more complex commercial projects. The range features POE (Power-Over-Ethernet) which enables the camera and power feed to be wired in Cat5e cable up to 100 metres without the need for additional power, which makes installation much more convenient. A single Ethernet cable provides both the power and the HD digital feed, with just one cable per camera and multiple cameras can be installed anywhere on the network that the NVR is connected to.
Processing power, an abundance of features, versatility and high resolution IP CCTV all combine to make this the superior choice over traditional analogue systems. There are two distinct IP ranges available – the REKOR IP 2 Megapixel range which has been tailored for the domestic market, and the HDView IP 5 Megapixel range which is aimed at larger applications with a wide choice of NVR and camera selection.
Access control
Globally, the overall access control market is expected to grow from USD 7.5 billion in 2018 to USD 12.1 billion by 2024. The growth of the market is driven by high adoption of access control solutions owing to increasing crime rates globally; technological advancements and deployment of wireless technology in security systems; and adoption of IoT-based security systems with cloud computing platforms.
It represents a growing market and ESP offers contractors a range of solutions to suit a range of applications big and small โ from domestic properties to larger commercial premises. The latest product development in this category has been at the domestic end with the introduction of the next generation of W-Fi doorbells that overcome some of the issues of earlier models.
ESPโs new Aperta Wi-Fi Door Station is offered as a wired or battery powered version and provides an ideal security solution for households, acting as a deterrent to unwanted intruders as well as a facilitating entry and access for visitors. It allows users to monitor visitors to the property whether they are on the premises or on the other side of the world. From a smart phone or tablet and using the free ESP app, property dwellers can easily see who is at the door or gate, engage in two-way communication and allow remote access if desired.
The new Generation 3 models are more contemporary in design and include a number of improvements, including a better image resolution of 1080p, increased camera angle to capture more footage, and the addition of a motion detection function, which means the door station will automatically motion and send notification whilst recording.
They will also benefit from the new ESP Smart App, which is also compatible across the GuardCam Deco and GuardCam LED Wi-Fi security camera LED flood light systems. Both the wired and battery powered models feature expandable storage capacity โ up to 128GB (8GB supplied). The battery powered model now includes a system hub which sits between the door station and the router to boost signal, as well as acting as a remote door chime.
The new Wi-Fi Door Stations come in a kit form containing everything required for the installer to quickly and simply get the system up and running.
Two-wire fire protection
Like the electronic security sector, a key feature of the fire protection market is technology and increasing integration with fire and security systems. A key driver of innovation in this sector has been the industryโs desire to continue reducing the likelihood and number of false alarms and the majority of innovations have been in detection technology rather than suppression. Developments have included improved capability of sensor technology in smoke detectors that can detect more quickly, with greater reliability and with a greater degree of differentiation between different types of smoke and vapours.
New technology was the focus for the latest addition to the MAGfire range of fire protection products – MAGDUO Two-Wire Fire Alarm System โ launched last year. MAGDUO sits alongside the existing MAG Conventional Fire Alarm products and the MAGPRO Addressable range โ fulfilling the increasing demand from customers for this latest technology. It is aimed at small to medium contractors, offering them a highly flexible and adaptable system that will save them time and money on the installation process.
Two-Wire fire alarm systems are based on standard conventional system technology. Unlike standard conventional four wired systems where the detectors, call points and alarm devices for each zone are wired on separate circuits, MAGDUO utilises intelligent Two-Wire technology, which allows all devices to be wired on the same set of two-core zone cables back to the control panel – enabling it to use a single circuit per zone both for detection and to power the sounders. This advanced technology can reduce both installation and material costs.
There are some 25 separate products in the MAGDUO range, including 2, 4 and 8-Zone fire panels as well as repeater panels โ with the 4 and 8 zone panels able to support up to 8 repeater panels. A FlexiPoint detector brings further versatility and convenience to the system. As well as offering 7 different modes of fire detection including combined heat and smoke, it is also available with an inbuilt sounder or inbuilt sounder strobe, which will assist with a compact install solution (as the detector and sounder is all-in-one as opposed to separate units). Due to the different options, FlexiPoint offers convenience for wholesalers and installers, as they will not be required to carry a complete range of devices.
Another key benefit is the built-in Alarm Confirmation Feature which allows the selection of a confirmation period for individual detectors and therefore confirms if the smoke/heat detected is an actual fire โ and not a false alarm.
With its adaptability, speed of installation and cost-effectiveness, MAGDUO is providing an ideal fire alarm solution for a range of small to medium sized projects such as restaurants, retail outlets, schools, offices, apartments and hotels.
Training
Keen to ensure that its wholesale customers and contractors alike are up to date with the latest products and their technologies, ESP offers a range of free training courses on the new system to all wholesalers and installers. There are two separate training programmes available. Security Training provides an overview of all the ESP product categories, CCTV, Access Control, External Security, Fire Protection and Emergency Lighting, with full features and benefits covered. The Fire Training sessions – divided into 50% presentation and 50% practical – aims to cover the best practice method for installing, setting up and final commissioning of ESPโs fire protection systems.
You can visit the ESP website by clicking here
