A savvy security professional knows that the future of security lies in their hands. As a result, it is up to them to remain competitive and stay ahead of the game; not only in reference to new product innovations and technologies, but also in the latest industry developments and supplementary sector skills. So say organisers of IFSEC International (www.ifsec.co.uk), the UK annual security and fire event.
Fire
The growing convergence of the fire and security markets is just one element of such industry development. Research carried out by IFSEC owners UBM has suggested that at the installer level, 42pc of visitors to IFSEC anticipate an increased spend on fire products and installations. The research also identified that many installers are now looking to move into fire alarm design and installation as there are additional benefits in terms of maintenance and upgrade contracts over a longer period of time.
With a rising number of installers and specifiers beginning to address their projects as a whole security/fire entity, it is important that those responsible for acquiring the most suitable products and solutions have a good understanding of the growing convergence between fire and security.
As such, ‘Fire Solutions at IFSEC International’ has been introduced to explore this. Bringing together over 30 fire safety manufacturers, alongside a wealth of education in the info4fire.com Learning Zone, the full programme of free seminars available to visitors will be delivered by some of the best minds in the fire safety industry.
Whilst CCTV is still a popular topic at IFSEC International, intruder alarms and fire detection are now high on the list too. Ultimately, there is now increased recognition that fire safety is also a robust business area.
Security management
Further IFSEC research suggested that 94 percent of those responsible for managing their organisation’s security, believe it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest security knowledge at least every six to 12 months. As a result IFSEC has created a new ‘Security Management Education Theatre’.
The dedicated education programme for security managers and all those responsible for managing the security of their organisation, including facilities, estate and building managers, is free to attend and will offer CPD points.
IP assurance
The continual evolvement of new technologies has revolutionised the ways in which security solutions are procured and implemented. The integration of data and telecommunications over Internet Protocol (IP) based networks has enabled the security professional to take a more comprehensive approach to security solutions, with surveillance forming a key element of this.
A first at IFSEC, the ‘ipAssured Education Zone’ is an exclusive area where a team of experts will offer presentations on leading industry trends. Anixter created ipAssured to address the challenging and evolving business needs for both the end user and integrator. Based on results from testing conducted in Anixter’s Infrastructure Solutions Lab, the programme offers the customer an open migration path that is both scalable and interoperable, which matches their varied life cycle requirements.
Surveillance
Adding to the surveillance offering and new for 2012, IFSEC introduces the ‘Next Generation CCTV & Surveillance Theatre’ led by industry figure David Gorshkov and produced in association with Digital Grape Business Services, who currently provide specialised consulting services to both UK and overseas-based technology companies and government agencies seeking business intelligence.
The Next Generation CCTV and Surveillance Theatre offers a series of free seminars and workshops for both the traditional trade and end user visitor groups to discover how new technologies can improve their current security solutions and improve their level of technical expertise.
Lone Worker
With a number of security professionals considered ‘lone workers’, it is more vital than ever that both employees and employers are up to speed with the latest guidance and solutions, following the introduction of the BS8484 code of practice to protect lone workers.
The ‘Lone Worker Protection Product Area’, sponsored by Connexion2, the lone worker security company that is the manufacturer of identicom, will showcase the latest risk control measures and device-based solutions for protecting lone workers and help minimise the risks they face on a daily basis. Many industry names are supporting the feature and staff will be on hand to advise visitors throughout the show.
Running pla from May 14 to 17 2012 at the NEC, Birmingham, UK, IFSEC is expected to see more than 640 exhibitors and 25,000 security people.
IFSEC International will take place along side Safety & Health Expo (www.safety-and-health-expo.co.uk) and Facilities Show (www.facilitiesshow.co.uk).
