30 That Set 2013’s Technology Course
SSI’s 2013 Top Technology Innovations picks the 30 standout products from the past year not only notable for their technology but also their practicality.
Honeywell Touchscreen Security System
Part of Honeywell’s family of self-contained wireless controls, the LYNX Touch 5100 features garage door notification and control, tornado alerts for U.S. and Canadian residents, Z-Wave automation capabilities and advanced alarm communications. The Wi-Fi module offers a low-cost alarm communications/remote services solution. Whether used as back-up or primary, the advanced 4G radio finds the best signal (2G, 3G or 4G) in the area.
These options give security dealers the flexibility they need to service all of their customers, whether they rely on mobile phones, VoIP or POTS lines. Honeywell’s L5100 Connect app provides consumers the ability to use an iOS device to operate the system on premises. The Z-Wave connectivity module lets installers integrate security, lighting, thermostats and more — for local and remote control. With Honeywell Total Connect remote services, users can control security, thermostats, lighting, locks, receive alerts and more from most smartphones, tablets and computers.
Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide
Here is my education pick. I was very impressed with the content of the document and course review material. This is a good approach for those in the security industry who want to expand their product and service offerings. Exclusively from McGraw-Hill and InfoComm Int’l, the CTS Certified Technology Specialist Exam Guide, Second Edition is your personal guide to all of the exam content outline objectives.
With coverage of all topics in the 2013 exam update, including increased IT security, networking and business content, the second edition of the CTS Exam Guide will ease your studying. Callouts at the beginning of each chapter, exam tips, in-depth explanations and a CD-ROM will help increase your confidence.
ipDatatel Cellular Broadband Transceiver
The cellular broadband transceiver (CBAT) replaces outdated conventional phone lines to provide high-speed dual path of IP Internet and cellular alarm transmission. Alarm transmissions are made using Contact ID format, and this format can be sent to your central station via the PSTN to your alarm receiver or can be transmitted directly by IP. Alarm signals such as open/close, trouble, supervisory, latch-key, and monitoring of special devices, can be routed directly to your central station or to the customer. Transmissions such as open/close signals can be filtered to the central station reducing costs on monitoring fees.
Your customers can have a full-featured virtual keypad when connected to a Honeywell, DSC or GE Interlogix alarm control. Other alarm controls can utilize the systems key-switch and have a virtual keypad to arm/disarm the system. The virtual keypad application operates on a smartphone that connects in about 5 seconds. Smart devices that include the ZigBee protocol can also control thermostats, lighting controls and lock controls managed by the ipDatatel gateway, which can be purchased separately.
As readers of my “Tech Talk” column know I am always on the lookout for tools that can make the installer’s life easier and more professional. This product comes from the well-known company L.H. Dottie. It is the Tip-Bits product line. They are step drill bits with a replaceable tip. This is a great alternative rather than throwing away a good bit that just won’t start a hole anymore. The first few drill steps can now be replaced thereby making the drill bit start like new again.
Step bit performance is said to remain identical to that of nonreplaceable drill tip bits. The products are constructed of M2 high speed steel, coated with titanium and cobalt. Tri-cut tip cuts smoother, faster and cooler. This is a real money-saver with the base bits lasting three to four times longer at a fraction of the cost. Dottie is a company you can trust.
Linear Browser-Enabled Access Control
The eMerge E3-Series represents the next step in the evolution of Linear’s access control platform, delivering faster setup, enhanced features and industry-leading scalability. The E3-Series embedded browser-based network appliances make advanced security technology reliable and affordable for entry-level access control applicat
ions. These self-contained hardware/software access systems are suited for commercial, industrial, banking, medical, retail, hospitality and other businesses where users need to secure their facilities, manage access of personnel, create and analyze reports, and monitor the system remotely from any Web browser.
The E3-Series’ comprehensive wizard is fast and intuitive, saving significant setup time and has 100% solid-state design for extended service life. Other features are: embedded Linux OS; integrated inputs/outputs for enhanced functionality; and system status at-a-glance dashboard.
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About the Author
Paul Boucherle, SSI Contributor
Paul C. Boucherle, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC), is Security Sales & Integration’s “Business Fitness” columnist. A principal of Matterhorn Consulting, he has more than 30 years of diverse security and safety industry experience including UL central station operations, risk-vulnerability assessments, strategic security program design and management of industry convergence challenges. Boucherle has successfully guided top-tier companies in achieving enhanced ROI resulting from improved sales and operational management techniques. He is a charismatic speaker and educator on a wide range of critical topics relating to the security industry of today and an accomplished corporate strategist and marketer whose vision and expertise in business performance have driven notable enterprise growth in the security industry sector.
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