LeahH, Author at Nextro https://nextro.nz/author/leahh/ Managed Telecommunications, Network & Security Solutions NZ Wed, 16 Apr 2025 20:34:21 +0000 en-NZ hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2 https://nextro.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/cropped-image001-32x32.png LeahH, Author at Nextro https://nextro.nz/author/leahh/ 32 32 Using AI to Enhance Worker Safety on the Factory Floor https://nextro.nz/using-ai-to-enhance-worker-safety-on-the-factory-floor/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=using-ai-to-enhance-worker-safety-on-the-factory-floor Wed, 16 Apr 2025 12:10:31 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5752 Using AI to Enhance Worker Safety on the Factory Floor In today’s dynamic industrial environments, ensuring worker safety is more important than ever. Traditional safety protocols remain essential, but they don’t always keep pace with the real-time challenges and complexities of modern manufacturing, warehousing, or logistics. Enter Nextro partner Hanwha Vision’s Factory & Safety AI...

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In today’s dynamic industrial environments, ensuring worker safety is more important than ever. Traditional safety protocols remain essential, but they don’t always keep pace with the real-time challenges and complexities of modern manufacturing, warehousing, or logistics. Enter Nextro partner Hanwha Vision’s Factory & Safety AI Pack — an advanced AI-powered solution designed to proactively improve worker safety and reduce incident risks on the factory floor.

Proactive Safety Monitoring with AI

The Factory & Safety AI Pack integrates seamlessly with Nextro supplied surveillance systems to deliver real-time monitoring and alerting of critical safety indicators. Key features include:

  • Forklift and Personnel Distance Detection
    The system continuously tracks forklift and worker movement, triggering alerts when unsafe distances are detected — helping to prevent collisions and near misses.
  • Speed and Parking Compliance
    Forklift speeds are monitored to ensure drivers stay within safe limits. The system also detects incorrect or hazardous parking practices, prompting immediate action to restore safe and efficient operations.
  • Slip and Fall Detection
    Using deep learning, the AI can identify slip and fall incidents as they happen, enabling quick response to reduce the severity of injuries and potential downtime.
  • Blocked Exit Monitoring
    Emergency exits are monitored to ensure they remain clear at all times. This helps sites meet obligations under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015, ensuring rapid evacuation routes in the event of an emergency.

Supporting Smarter Operations

In addition to preventing injuries, the AI pack also improves operational efficiency:

  • Heatmaps and Queue Management
    High-traffic zones and queue lengths are monitored and visualised through heatmaps — allowing operations teams to adjust layouts and minimise congestion.
  • Customisable Alerts and Detection Zones
    Safety managers can fine-tune detection areas, thresholds, and alerts to suit the layout and risk profile of each facility, ensuring a tailored safety approach.

Streamlined Compliance and Reporting

Keeping track of safety performance is easier with automated event logs (straight in to Genetec or Milestone) and reporting. All incidents and alerts are documented, helping Australian and New Zealand businesses maintain transparent safety records and continuously improve performance — key components of meeting WorkSafe New Zealand and OSHA requirements.

Final Thoughts

Hanwha Vision’s Factory & Safety AI Pack is a smart step forward in workplace safety for New Zealand’s industrial sector. By leveraging AI-driven analytics, factories can proactively reduce risks, increase operational efficiency, and support compliance with New Zealand’s health and safety legislation.

Ready to enhance safety in your facility? Talk to the team at Nextro about deploying smart surveillance and AI to build a safer, smarter work environment.

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]]> Enhancing Security with Lockdown: Guidance for Marauding Terrorist Attacks https://nextro.nz/enhancing-security-with-lockdown-guidance-for-marauding-terrorist-attacks/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=enhancing-security-with-lockdown-guidance-for-marauding-terrorist-attacks Sun, 16 Mar 2025 22:00:06 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5661 Lockdown procedures are a critical security measure against Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTAs). In this article, Nextro explores key insights from the UK’s CPNI on implementing effective lockdowns, highlighting strategies, challenges, and best practices for businesses and security teams in New Zealand and Australia. Stay prepared—learn how to safeguard your site.

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Enhancing Security with Lockdown: Guidance for Marauding Terrorist Attacks

In an era of evolving security threats, preparedness is key to mitigating risks and protecting lives. The Supplementary Guidance: Lockdown document, developed by the UK’s Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), provides critical insights on how organisations can implement lockdown procedures to prevent and delay Marauding Terrorist Attacks (MTAs).

This is highly relevant for New Zealand and Australia in the wake of the Bondi Westfield terror attack in 2024, the New Lynn Auckland stabbings in 2021 and the Christchurch, New Zealand Mosque shootings in 2019.

In this article, Nextro summarises the key takeaways from the UK guidance, and explores the considerations businesses, security teams, and PCBUs must take into account when planning for an emergency lockdown at their site or crowded place.

Understanding Lockdown and Its Importance

What is Lockdown?

Lockdown refers to the practice of securing entry points by locking doors and barriers to restrict access. It is a strategic response to prevent or delay attackers from reaching potential victims. The document also refers to this as “dynamic lockdown”, as it involves rapid implementation depending on the situation.

Key characteristics of a lockdown:

  • It can be applied to an entire site or specific zones.
  • It involves physical security measures such as locked doors, turnstiles, and barriers.
  • It aims to minimise casualties by slowing down or deterring attackers.

Why is Lockdown Important?

Data from previous terror incidents, such as the 2017 London Bridge and Borough Market attacks and the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shootings, have shown that most fatalities occur within the first few minutes—before law enforcement arrives. Implementing a well-planned lockdown can reduce casualties significantly by:

  • Preventing attackers from entering a secure zone.
  • Keeping people from running into danger unknowingly.
  • Buying critical time for emergency responders to arrive.

However, lockdowns must be implemented with caution. A poorly planned lockdown can increase risks, especially if it traps victims with attackers or creates dangerous bottlenecks.

Planning for an Effective Lockdown

Key Considerations

Before implementing a lockdown plan, organisations should assess:

  1. The effectiveness of lockdown – Will it delay the attacker and protect people?
  2. Potential risks – Could it unintentionally trap people in danger?
  3. Lockdown feasibility – Are existing security systems capable of enforcing lockdown?
  4. Triggering conditions – What circumstances should lead to a lockdown?
  5. Infrastructure investment – Do additional security measures need to be implemented?

Implementation Methods

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to lockdowns. The guidance outlines multiple methods:

1. Centralised Lockdown Management

  • Utilises an Automated Access Control System (AACS) to remotely lock and unlock doors.
  • Can be controlled from a Security Control Room (SCR).
  • Provides a coordinated, immediate response.

2. Automated Lockdown

  • Uses attack detection systems (e.g., gunshot detectors) to automatically trigger lockdown.
  • Minimises human intervention, but requires a highly reliable system to avoid false alarms.

3. Manual Lockdown

  • Relies on security personnel or staff to physically lock doors using keys, panic buttons, or chains.
  • Best suited for smaller sites but can be slow in execution.

4. Partial Lockdown

  • Locks only specific entry points, leaving some exits open for evacuation.
  • Useful for shopping centres, offices, and large venues where full lockdown may not be practical.

5. Two-Way Lockdown

  • Doors are locked from both sides, preventing entry and exit.
  • Can be dangerous if people need to evacuate quickly.

6. One-Way Lockdown

  • Doors can only be opened from one side, allowing people to escape but preventing entry.
  • A safer approach that ensures emergency exits remain accessible.

Empowering Security and Front-Line Personnel

Lockdown procedures are only effective if security and front-line personnel are trained and prepared. The guidance emphasises:

  • Empowering staff to initiate lockdowns without waiting for approval.
  • Installing panic buttons for immediate response.
  • Monitoring lockdown integrity to prevent breaches.
  • Using public address (PA) systems to announce lockdown status.
NZ Police Christchurch

Common Planning Challenges and Solutions

When designing lockdown strategies, several challenges arise.
The guidance provides recommendations for handling these scenarios:

Challenge

Recommended Approach

Large crowds running towards a building

Decide whether to grant them access or maintain lockdown to prevent attackers from entering.

Attack happening near the site

Establish a clear proximity threshold for initiating lockdown.

Attack occurring inside the site

Consider locking down specific zones rather than the entire site to allow safe evacuation.

People wanting to leave a locked area

Establish protocols for controlled exit in extreme circumstances.

Fire emergencies during lockdown

Ensure fire safety compliance and integrate lockdown with fire evacuation plans.

Police and emergency services access

Create clear procedures for law enforcement entry without compromising security.

Final Thoughts: Preparing for the Worst-Case Scenario

The Marauding Terrorist Attack Lockdown Guidance provides a comprehensive roadmap for organisations to plan, implement, and refine their lockdown procedures. While lockdowns can be an effective life-saving measure, they require careful planning, training, and legal consideration to ensure they don’t create new risks.

For businesses, security teams, and public institutions, this guide serves as a reminder that preparedness is key. By understanding when and how to use lockdown effectively, organisations can significantly improve their resilience against terrorist threats.

Key Takeaways

✔ Lockdown is an effective security measure but must be tailored to each site.
✔ Poorly planned lockdowns can increase risks rather than reduce them.
✔ Training and empowering personnel is crucial for effective lockdown implementation.
✔ Legal compliance is essential to avoid conflicts with fire safety and human rights laws.
✔ Regular testing and drills should be conducted to refine procedures.

By following these guidelines, organisations can develop robust lockdown strategies that save lives in the event of a MTA.

See source material

MTA Lockdown Guidance
NZ Police Crowded Places Strategy

See further insights

ProtectUK – Protective Security Advice and Guidance

NZ Police – Protect Your Crowded Place

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]]> Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management https://nextro.nz/genetec-enhances-security-center-saas-with-the-addition-of-intrusion-management/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=genetec-enhances-security-center-saas-with-the-addition-of-intrusion-management Sun, 09 Mar 2025 21:11:28 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5637 Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management New functionality enhances real-time threat detection, verification, and automated response. Genetec Inc. the global leader in enterprise physical security software, recently announced the addition of intrusion management to Security Center SaaS, the company’s unified physical security solution that can be deployed in the cloud or as...

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Genetec enhances Security Center SaaS with the addition of intrusion management

New functionality enhances real-time threat detection, verification, and automated response.

Genetec Inc. the global leader in enterprise physical security software, recently announced the addition of intrusion management to Security Center SaaS, the company’s unified physical security solution that can be deployed in the cloud or as a hybrid solution. By unifying intrusion detection with video surveillance, access control, identity, and visitor management, Security Center SaaS through Nextro now delivers a fully unified, open, cloud-managed platform supported by the Genetec Cloudlink line of appliances. Security Center SaaS will support a wide range of intrusion devices from multiple vendors, starting with Bosch intrusion panels.

Unified intrusion management

Automated intrusion management eliminates reliance on manual processes, reducing errors and ensuring systems are automatically armed when needed. Operators can configure automated schedules, enforce badge-based activation, and apply first-in, last-out logic to keep facilities protected 24/7 without adding operational complexity. By integrating intrusion with business workflows, companies can focus on their core operations while maintaining a secure environment.

Real-time threat verification and response

Security Center SaaS intrusion management helps security teams act quickly by validating alarms/alerts in real time with video verification, which eliminates uncertainty and reduces unnecessary disruptions. When a real threat is detected, automated workflows can immediately lock doors, activate deterrents, and notify the appropriate personnel based on predefined escalation paths. By minimising false alarms and focusing on real threats, end-users can enhance their security posture while reducing the impact on daily operations, ensuring faster decision-making and more effective responses.

Proactive security measures

In addition to real-time detection, Security Center SaaS intrusion management provides automated reporting and dynamic system alerts to help organisations identify vulnerabilities before they become critical issues. With comprehensive event logging, organisations can ensure compliance and maintain a solid foundation for auditing. 

Operational efficiency

An open approach to intrusion panel support in Security Center SaaS not only enhances security but also improves operational efficiency. By centralising intrusion event data on intuitive dashboards, teams gain real-time visibility that empowers faster, more informed decisions. This immediate access to critical information feeds into automated reporting, which tracks trends in alarms and response times, enabling teams to uncover valuable insights for continuous improvement.

“Security Center SaaS continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible. With the introduction of intrusion management, we are delivering on our vision of a fully unified, open, and cloud-managed platform. This empowers organisations to detect, verify, and respond to threats with greater speed and confidence,” said Christian Morin, Vice President Product Engineering at Genetec Inc.

Availability and hardware support

The intrusion panel feature for Security Center SaaS will be available in New Zealand in mid-2025 through Nextro. Built on an open architecture and supported by the Genetec Cloudlink line of multi-workload cloud-managed appliances, Security Center SaaS will support Bosch intrusion panels at launch, with plans to expand compatibility through additional technology partnerships. This open approach enables customers to choose the hardware that best fits their needs or retain their existing panels, providing a cost-effective and flexible path to modernising their physical security operations.

For more information about Security Center SaaS, its new intrusion management capabilities, and how they will benefit your business, contact us today.

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]]> Navigating the Future of Security: Nextro’s Summary of Top Physical Security Trends for 2025 – from the Genetec Report https://nextro.nz/navigating-the-future-of-security-nextros-summary-of-top-physical-security-trends-for-2025-from-the-genetec-report/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=navigating-the-future-of-security-nextros-summary-of-top-physical-security-trends-for-2025-from-the-genetec-report Thu, 06 Mar 2025 08:44:17 +0000 https://nextro.nz/?p=5615 Explore Nextro’s breakdown of the top physical security trends for 2025, based on Genetec’s latest report. From cyber-physical security convergence and AI advancements to hybrid-cloud adoption and data-driven decision-making, stay ahead of emerging threats. Learn how these trends are shaping security in New Zealand and how Nextro can help.

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Navigating the Future of Security: Nextro’s Summary of Top Physical Security Trends for 2025 – from the Genetec Report

The security landscape is constantly evolving. Staying ahead of the curve is crucial for businesses in New Zealand.

In this insight, we’ll explore the key physical security trends to watch in 2025, drawing insights from Genetec’s State of Physical Security Report 2025. These trends include the increasing convergence of cyber and physical security, a wider adoption of hybrid-cloud models, a rise in data-driven decision-making, and the innovative use of AI.

1. Cybersecurity Takes Centre Stage

Cyber threats are on the rise, and businesses are responding by strengthening their cybersecurity measures. Genetec’s report reveals that 71% of businesses prioritised educating employees about cybersecurity best practices in 2024, compared to 61% in 2023. Additionally, 51% focused on refining user permissions and privileges, while 47% prioritised securing data storage.

The convergence of cyber and physical security is undeniable. IT departments are playing an increasingly influential role in physical security decisions, highlighting the need for seamless collaboration between these two critical areas.

2. Converged Security: Bridging the Gap Between Physical and Cyber

The boundaries between physical and cyber security are becoming increasingly intertwined, and businesses are recognising the need for a unified approach. Genetec’s State of Physical Security Report 2025 reveals a significant rise in the awareness and implementation of cybersecurity practices.

This shift is driven by the understanding that physical security systems are now deeply reliant on digital infrastructure. As a result, IT departments are playing a more influential role in managing and securing these systems, leading to greater collaboration between IT and security professionals.

  • IT influence: Genetec’s report reveals that IT departments consistently rank above physical security departments in terms of involvement in buying decisions. In 2024, 51% of IT professionals prioritised deploying cybersecurity tools, compared to 27% of security and safety professionals. This highlights the growing influence of IT in physical security decisions.

This convergence of physical and cyber security is vital for building a robust security strategy that addresses the evolving threat landscape and protects businesses from both internal and external risks

3. Cloud Adoption Meets Reality

Cloud adoption in physical security has recently slowed down. A recent report found that globally, 38% of businesses already have over a quarter of their physical security deployment in a cloud or hybrid-cloud environment, which is a 6% decrease from last year.

 In New Zealand specifically, 62% of businesses have reported that they are not currently using any cloud for their physical security environments, partially due to the lack of local data centre infrastructure in the region.

Businesses are trending toward taking a more cautious approach, opting for hybrid deployments that balance the benefits of cloud scalability with the control of on-premises infrastructure. Those looking to fully migrate to the cloud are doing so by moving individual workloads to the cloud in an incremental fashion, minimising risk.

  •  Data Security and Control: Concerns about data loss and control remain prevalent, particularly in the physical security domain. Businesses are keen on ensuring the security and integrity of their sensitive data while migrating to the cloud.  
  • Long-term Outlook: Despite the slowdown, the long-term outlook for cloud adoption in physical security remains positive. As technology evolves and addresses concerns around cost and security, businesses will continue to explore hybrid-cloud solutions to enhance their security infrastructure.

4. Access Control and Video Surveillance Remain Paramount

For the fifth consecutive year, access control is the top priority for physical security departments. Video surveillance is a close second.

Genetec’s Physical Security Report 2025 emphasises the continued importance of access control and video surveillance in 2025. End users are looking to expand the functionalities of their access control systems, with 41% showing interest in visitor management, 39% in biometrics, and 37% in identity management.

For video surveillance, the focus is on replacing or updating cameras and video management systems (VMS) to incorporate new technologies like higher quality video, streamlined VMS interfaces, and intelligent video analytics.  

In 2024, many businesses implemented unified security solutions, integrating their access control and video surveillance systems. This has helped streamline security operations, enabling teams to manage both systems from a single platform, leading to improved efficiency and enhanced overall security. This trend is expected to continue into 2025 as businesses increasingly seek integrated solutions to optimise their security management.

5. The Rise of Data-Driven Decision-making

Businesses are gathering, using, and sharing security data to improve physical security and business operations.

Genetec’s Physical Security Report 2025 identifies a growing trend of using security data for strategic decision-making. Both end users and consultants recognise the increasing use of this data across key departments. Executive leaders view this data as crucial for achieving business objectives, emphasising the strategic value of physical security data.

What can data-driven decision-making improve?

  • Situational Awareness: Real-time data and analytics can provide a comprehensive view of the security landscape, enabling quicker response times and proactive threat mitigation.  
  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: Data-driven insights can help optimise security operations, reduce manual tasks, and improve resource allocation.  
  • Reduced Security Risks: By analysing data trends and patterns, businesses can identify potential vulnerabilities and proactively address them, minimising security risks.  
  • Better Decision Making: Access to accurate and timely data empowers informed decision-making, enabling businesses to align security strategies with business objectives and optimise resource allocation.  
  • ROI: By leveraging security data for operational insights and business intelligence, businesses can maximise the value of their security investments and demonstrate a return on investment (ROI).  

6. Harnessing the Power of AI

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into physical security systems is a promising development. Businesses are exploring how AI can help streamline and automate security operations with 37% of businesses planning to explore the integration of AI in their physical security systems, an increase of 27% over 2024.

While the report acknowledges the potential of AI in physical security, it also notes that 27% of businesses are unsure how to deploy AI effectively. This uncertainty highlights the need for greater understanding and training on AI applications in physical security.

Despite this, those already using AI see its value in streamlining and automating security operations, particularly in tasks like automatically triggering events of interest, automating emergency response dispatch, and forecasting future threats.

7. Pragmatism and Value-Driven Solutions

In 2025, the physical security industry is demonstrating pragmatism and a renewed focus on operational excellence. Businesses are prioritising projects that enhance security and efficiency without introducing unnecessary complexity or costs.  

This trend involves:

  • Seeking reliable, value-driven solutions that enhance security without unnecessary complexity or costs.  
  • Focusing on technology that meets day-to-day needs while tracking innovative technology for future implementation.  
  • Looking for real-world solutions that improve work and efficiency within budget constraints.  
  • Prioritising hybrid-cloud deployments and a measured approach to finding strong use cases for new technology.  
  • Focusing on ways to adopt new technology into existing infrastructure to improve operations, increase cyber resiliency, and deliver physical security more cost-efficiently.

At Nextro, we’re passionate about securing New Zealand and empowering New Zealand’s top businesses to thrive in a secure environment. Our expertise extends beyond physical security, encompassing a holistic approach that integrates cyber resilience and proactive risk management.

We leverage the latest technologies and industry best practices to fortify your organisation’s defences, safeguard your assets, and protect your people. Our team collaborates closely with you to develop tailored security strategies that align with your business objectives and address your unique challenges.

Whether you’re looking to enhance your access control systems, upgrade your video surveillance, or implement a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy, Nextro is your trusted partner.

Ready to elevate your converged security posture and unlock your business potential? Contact us today to explore how Nextro can help you achieve your converged security goals.

To download the full State of Physical Security Report 2025 

Download now

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