Articles & Blogs

Man installing intruder alarm
January 2, 2024

A Guide to Intruder Alarm Grading

Intruder alarms are graded according to their level of security and reliability. The grading system is most commonly used in the UK and Europe and is outlined in the European Standard EN 50131. There are four main grades to help users and installers select an appropriate level of security for a given application.  

Anologue CCTV Vs IP CCTV
December 13, 2023

Should I replace my analogue CCTV system with an IP digital solution?

It’s almost 30 years since Axis Communication invented the world’s first network video surveillance camera. To many in the security solutions industry, this signaled the beginning of the end for analogue CCTV systems.

There was a seemingly better way – superior image quality and coverage, coupled with reduced cabling and wireless capability, saw the industry embracing IP digital video surveillance solutions and hanging up on their analogue devices. But analogue refused to die.

So, answering the question ‘Which security system is a better option?’ doesn’t always have a straightforward answer. Let’s discuss further...

someone's hand using their mobile phone to scan into a building
November 24, 2023

Do Home Alarm Systems Really Deter Burglars?

The initial financial outlay of home security systems can sometimes be enough to cast a little doubt in the mind as to whether they really are worth it. Yes, the technology can be expensive and installing it can be a bit of a nuisance, but is it all worth it for the peace of mind? Can you really put a price on the safety of your home, your contents and your family? We have taken a look at some of the facts, products and systems that will answer that question, "are home alarms systems a real deterrent to burglars?".

Viewing a PVMs recording via computer
July 17, 2023

What is a public viewing monitor?

Picture this, you’re in your local supermarket, you’ve just spotted yourself on a little monitor, you're thinking "what on earth is that?" Well, it’s a public viewing monitor, or PVM for short. PVMs are used in a variety of applications but are most commonly used in supermarkets to monitor self-service areas and sometimes even above shop aisles.

How AI and Deep Learning enable security solutions to work smarter and harder
January 11, 2022

How AI and Deep Learning enable security solutions to work smarter and harder

Why are we seeing more and more products or solutions claiming to benefit from Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Video Analytics (VA), not only within the security industry but across all walks of life? And what does this really mean for the physical Security Solutions industry?

In this article, we’ll explore what impact the revolutionary development of AI has on business and what the benefits are for security installers, integrators, and their customers.

Ai robot touching a human hand
November 18, 2021

How Artificial Intelligence and Video Analytics are changing the way we do business

Picking up on a much discussed topic of late, there is no doubt that 2020’s Coronavirus Pandemic has fast forwarded our interest in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Video Analytics (VA), not only within the security industry but across all walks of life.

There’s a lot of confusing, complicated information out there on the topic of AI, so to sum up why it’s leapt into view now is to say this: it is about optimising resources and all the benefits for businesses this encompasses.

What you should know about Wireless Security Solutions
October 21, 2021

What you should know about Wireless Security Solutions

Wireless security solutions are a growing trend and can solve problems that could otherwise make an installation prohibitively expensive. Gone are the days of needing to run cables here there and everywhere to install your customer’s CCTV, Intruder or Access Control system.

Buzz Coates Norbain SD
August 17, 2021

Buzz Coates - The Man Inside The Pocket

We had the great pleasure this month of catching up with our very own Buzz Coates, Norbain’s IP Project Manager, to understand the man inside our Pocket-size Buzz video animation series. Oh, and we managed a discussion about the speed of technological change too!

Drew Aitken from Honeywell
July 17, 2021

How Intrusion Solutions have evolved to meet today’s commercial needs

You might think after 26 years in the security industry working for the same business, that Drew Aitken, European distribution sales leader for Honeywell, might be a little set in his ways, even old school perhaps. Be under no illusion, this is a man in tune with how to drive his team forward, what the priorities are and how to leverage Honeywell’s respected position in the security industry.

Last month, we had an insightful catch-up with Drew about the evolution of intrusion technology, a key growth area in physical security solutions. Read on to find out more.

Roy Cooper Professional Security Magazine
July 13, 2021

Interviewing the Interviewer – an insight into Roy Cooper’s passion for the Security Industry

Roy Cooper is a well-known, much loved figure in the Security Industry. As Managing Director of Professional Security Magazine, he’ll celebrate his 50th year in the sector in 2022 and has no intention of retiring.

It made a change for him to sit in the interviewee seat, but because Roy is still buzzing with energy and commitment, bringing his charismatic personality to every encounter, it wasn’t hard to get him talking about what makes him tick.