The third most populous county in the U.S., is deploying a new, next-generation security system in its buildings that will help make them more efficient and easier to operate.
The new Honeywell system replaces multiple, disparate systems by integrating access control, security cameras, alarms and monitoring across Harris County, Texas, in their nearly 150 government buildings situated over 1,777 square miles in Houston and the surrounding areas.
Harris County administrators worked with texas-based security integrator, ESI Fire and Security Protection, to identify their needs and implement a streamlined security platform using the Honeywell Pro-Watch Intelligent Command security management system, integrated with network video recorders, video cameras, thermal readers and thermal cameras.
The Honeywell Pro-Watch system is a web-based, thin client interface that gives organizations total situational awareness of their security system through the seamless integration of video and access control solutions, to provide detailed, real-time information about alarm events, access and safety across the county.
This actionable intelligence will facilitate rapid decision making throughout Harris County buildings, to enhance the protection of people and property.
The Pro-Watch platform’s map user interface has interactive elements that enable users to manage and monitor all of their integrated video, access control and intrusion solutions across all of users sites from a single interface.
Intelligent Command’s remote firmware upgrades and password updates for cameras reduces operational costs, and includes end–to-end TLS 1.2 between video and access systems for cyber security, as well as enhanced data privacy through selective masking.
“The security and well-being of the Harris County employees, visitors and residents is always a top priority,” explained retired Maj. Gen. Rick Noriega, interim executive director, Harris County Universal Services.
“This project allowed us to improve our systems and gain better insights into the county’s buildings to provide a safer environment.”
“The solutions provided by Honeywell and ESI also better set the county up for the future – we can test and actively add technologies to address new needs with this flexible but scalable system.”
Before Honeywell’s Pro-Watch Intelligent Command system, each Harris County building used different security products that didn’t talk to one another, creating an overly complicated network and increased work for employees.
Immediate benefits for Harris County include:
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Saving taxpayer dollars through better analytics that reduce false alarms and help first responders.
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Monitoring from a single central control station for improved situational awareness.
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Creating healthier building environments by leveraging people-counting technologies and analytics to manage health and safety compliance, such as social distancing.
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Streamlining systems to create operational efficiencies and save the county resources that can be redirected to other critical infrastructure or services.
Harris County Universal Services, the solutions center for the departments and offices of Harris County, designs, implements and maintains high-quality, innovative and cost-effective technology products and services for its customers, is also looking into enhancing access control at the county courthouse, by deploying next-level biometrics solutions from IDEMIA.
Using facial recognition, a camera mounted on the entrance turnstiles will recognize employees and frequent visitors, such as judges and lawyers, using data stored in the ProWatch system without the need to physically scan a badge or remove facial coverings.
(For example, discover VisionPass, a hands-free terminal for access control, efficient with people wearing a mask, in all light conditions and resistant to spoofing attempts – integrated into the 2020 Platinum ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winner for Best Contactless Pedestrian Entrance Control Turnstile – Automatic Systems SlimLane EPW Touchless (See more below***), which provides an innovative and effective solution with very fast acquisition of the face for Access Control and Time and Attendance. Courtesy of Idemia and YouTube.)
This touchless, frictionless access system will allow employees and visitors to enter the building in a more efficient and secure manner than currently in use.
This system can also monitor building occupancy levels to comply with local health regulations, and alert precinct authorities when a public park is reaching capacity.
Furthermore, by embracing innovative new technologies, Harris County is actively testing and implementing new features that will add additional capabilities countywide. The upgrades are designed to proactively manage situations and respond faster when required.
“Harris County lacked a holistic, real-time view into its various facilities with its previous systems,” said James Humbert, business development manager, ESI.
“We’ve partnered with the county and Honeywell to create positive change in just about every way the county operates by improving intelligence and transparency, reducing response times and helping to save taxpayers’ dollars.”
“We look forward to continuing to work with Harris County and Honeywell in creating an efficient and safe environment for residents and employees that is ready for the future.”
“Through a collaborative effort with the county and ESI teams, we created a more efficient and safer environment for people who work and visit Harris County public buildings,” added Rick Koscinski, general manager, North America, Honeywell Commercial Security.
“With a county as large as Harris County, it was no surprise that they had multiple, disconnected systems put in place over the years which limited efficiency and connectedness. Now the county has a fully customized solution that is built to evolve with its needs that will not only help increase safety and awareness but also create an improved building experience for its employees and building visitors.”
With a population of nearly five million people, Harris County employs more than 15,000 workers to support its residents with services including public safety, jails, law enforcement, courts, library services and licensing facilities.
Harris County Universal Services, which serves as the solutions center for the departments and offices of Harris County, provides comprehensive support through eight consumer divisions: Business Applications, Business Operations, Customer Service, Cybersecurity, Fleet Services, Information Technology Infrastructure, Program Delivery & Analytics and Public Safety Technology.
To learn more, please visit US.HarrisCountyTX.gov.
***Automatic Systems a Multi-Award Winner in 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program
American Security Today’s ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards program is entering its Sixth Year and continues to recognize the Outstanding Innovations of top firms and agencies in the Homeland Security and Public Safety fields.
The Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program highlighting the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition, and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.
90% of ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners return to compete in the Annual ‘ASTORS‘ Homeland Security Awards Program, and 100% of ‘ASTORS’ Sponsors have returned year to year to reap the benefits of their participation in the industry’s largest and most comprehensive Annual Awards Program.
2020 was a very challenging year for everyone due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the much heralded AST ‘ASTORS’ Awards Winners Presentations and exclusive Luncheon at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC was canceled and rescheduled for 2021 due to the virus.
However, the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program was again a huge success and many new categories were added including a section for COVID-19 Detection and Innovation.
Automatic Systems (First of Three)
Automatic Systems
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2020 ‘ASTORS’ Extraordinary Leadership and Innovation Award
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Automatic Systems continues to evolve their award winning SlimLane swing optical barrier turnstiles.
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For over 50 years Automatic Systems has provided innovative secure access management, for fluidity of movement, security of people and infrastructure through the design and manufacture of automated pedestrian, vehicle and passenger access systems.
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Automatic Systems is being recognized for their long-term dedication and commitment to service and quality, and ongoing investment in R&D for reliable and highest quality speedgates, turnstiles and barriers, with a coveted 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Platinum Award for Extraordinary Leadership & Innovation.
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Every day, more than 100 million people use Automatic Systems’ equipment worldwide, with over 300,000 units installed in 150 different countries.
Automatic Systems (Second of Two)
Best Contactless Pedestrian Entrance Control Turnstile
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SlimLane EPW Touchless
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Automatic Systems continues to evolve their award winning SlimLane swing optical barrier turnstiles.
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With the current social distancing and contactless requirements, this SlimLane can offer a fully touchless solution while protecting its users.
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The hand “wave” and facial recognition readers were easily integrated and offer a fully contactless solution while the UL 2593 Certified SlimLane offers a highly reliable (10 Million MCBF) physical access control turnstile.
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With its 5 year standard warranty, and infinite customizations, the SlimLane continues to be a perfect solution for lobby entrances.
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Selected as the “standard” for multiple financial institutions, we are confident that the SlimLane will continue to answer any pedestrian access control requirements for your years to come.
(Automatic Systems SlimLane EPW Touchless swing glass turnstiles offer custom integration provides an innovative and effective solution with multiple biometric authentications during continuous movement. Courtesy of Automatic Systems and YouTube.)
Automatic Systems (Third of Two)
Best Vehicle Security Entrance Control Gate
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BLG 77 ETL Rising Fenced Barrier Gate
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Automatic Systems newly redesigned BLG 77 is now ETL Listed to UL325 specifications which requires that, after sensing an obstruction, reversing must begin within two seconds to ensure user safety.
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BLG 77 are full height automatic gates recognized for their reliability and low cost of ownership, while providing long-term access control to a facility’s perimeter.
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One of the fastest full height automatic gates on the market, it is capable of opening a passage width of 20 feet in seven seconds and is an ideal solution for high traffic applications that require strict entry control.
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These barriers are used at sensitive sites requiring a high level of security such as ports, airports, logistics companies, and military installations.
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Recognized for its reliability and low cost of ownership, the BLG77 is a great investment for the long term access control of your perimeter.
*Automatic Systems is also a Returning Premier Sponsor for the Fourth Consecutive Year in the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program, and a Platinum-Award Winner in their Fifth Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
The 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program was sponsored by ATI Systems, Attivo Networks, Automatic Systems, X.Labs and Reed Exhibitions, every one a returning Sponsor from 2020, 2019 and More.
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.
Comprehensive List of Categories Include:
| Access Control/ Identification | Personal/Protective Equipment | Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism |
| Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System | Interagency Interdiction Operation | Cloud Computing/Storage Solution |
| Facial/IRIS Recognition | Body Worn Video Product | Cyber Security |
| Video Surveillance/VMS | Mobile Technology | Anti-Malware |
| Audio Analytics | Disaster Preparedness | ID Management |
| Thermal/Infrared Camera | Mass Notification System | Fire & Safety |
| Metal/Weapon Detection | Rescue Operations | Critical Infrastructure |
| License Plate Recognition | Detection Products | And Many Others! |
| COVID Innovations | And Many Others! |
Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?
With the unprecedented occurrence of the COVID-19 pandemic, the focus of the safety and security industries has realized the need to increase innovations to address the daily growing challenges.
As such AST aims to make sure these firms and professionals are reflected in the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, so we’d like to encourage you to submit appropriate categories recommendations and include COVID-19 Frontline Professionals in your Nominations to see that these Professionals, Facilities, and Vendors receive the Recognition they Deserve!
Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
Why American Security Today?
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old school basics to what is Today – a fast changing security landscape.
American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State and local levels of government as well as firms allied to government.
American Security Today brings forward a fresh compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers eyes throughout the story with cutting edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.
Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications
The AST Digital Publications is distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state and local levels.
‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’
AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, essential to meeting these new challenges.
Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.
These experts are from Government at the federal, state and local level as well as from private firms allied to government.
AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.
AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.
Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.
To learn more about the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Award Winners solutions, Check Out the New 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2020 ‘A Year in Review’.
The Annual CHAMPIONS edition includes a review of the ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firms products and services, includes video interviews and more.
It is your Go-To source throughout the year for ‘The Best of 2020 Products and Services‘ endorsed by American Security Today, and can satisfy your agency’s and organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.
From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware and Networking Security – Just to name a few), the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.
It also includes featured guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders, and recognized firms in the 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.
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For a complete list of 2020 ‘ASTORS’ Award Winners, click here.
For more information on All Things American Security Today, and the 2021 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.
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- Provides named sources
- Reported by more than one notable outlet
- Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos
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Contactless Access Control is Key for Security Entrance Lanes in 2021
