Your 2013 Security Calendar

As an avid security enthusiast, chances are you’ll want to know what new technology is on offer in this arena, what innovations are making waves and which people are exerting influence. Fear not, weary traveller, for the information you seek is contained within these very pages!

I personally feel that a good security expo brings out the child in all of us; at the risk of succumbing to a tired metaphor, one does almost feel like a kid in a candy store when attending one of the many security-oriented events held throughout the year. The myriad gadgets, technological innovations and space-age intelligence generally on display at security events always leaves one feeling undeniably inspired by the sheer power of human endeavour, no longer cowed by an uncertain future but rather excited at the prospect of a secure one.

CENTURION is fortunate enough to have participated in a number of these prestigious events in the past – and will certainly continue to do so in the future - and we hereby submit for your reading pleasure a small sample of what you can look forward to in the year ahead.

1.       SecurExpo 2013

This relatively new entrant to the world of security conventions was held for the first time in Harare, Zimbabwe in March of 2012. SecurExpo, which saw a very successful launch at the Royal Harare Golf Club last year, draws participants from all sectors of the economy and focuses on all facets of security including cybercrime, cable theft prevention, computer forensics, etc. If SecurExpo 2012 was anything to go by, this event is sure to become Zimbabwe’s premier showcase for integrated security solutions.     

The theme for this year is “Integrated Security, providing Global Protection”

Venue: Harare, Zimbabwe.  For more information contact Conrad Chibanda, cchibanda@secureexpo.org

Dates: 13 to 16 March 2013

2.       Secutech 2013

The official Secutech website bills the event as “The business platform for global security manufacturers to demonstrate corporate values”. Sounds good to me!

The 16^th annual Secutech international exhibition and conference for electronic and information security, fire and safety will be held in Taiwan and will showcase innovations in areas such as surveillance, access control, personal safety and police equipment.

Venue: Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center in Taiwan

Dates: 24 to 26 April 2013

Website: www.secutech.com

3.       Mine Site Security Conference

With Africa holding the world’s largest producer of platinum and one the largest producers of gold, it is only natural that integrated security solutions would be such an important factor when it comes to the safeguarding of our valuable subterranean resources. Of course, access control is also important from a safety perspective as it is imperative that the identities of all employees engaged underground at any given time are known and easily accessible. And so, the Mine Site Security Conference was born.

Venue: Park Inn, Sandton

Dates: 28 to 29 January 2013

Website: www.miningsitesecurityafrica.com

4.       IFSEC 2013

As far as security expos go, this is the biggie. This writer, for one, cannot help but succumb to almost juvenile excitement when thinking about the row upon row of hi-tech gear. Last year saw the event play host to almost 6000 visitors and some 200 exhibitors – will these numbers be exceeded at IFSEC 2013?

According to IFSEC SA’s website “IFSEC South Africa is the leading Commercial Security, Homeland Security and Fire exhibition on the African continent”.

Note that IFSEC also boasts international legs, including one in the UK and one in Nigeria.

Venue: Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand

Dates: 18 to 20 June 2013

Website: www.ifsecsa.com  

The New Kids on the Industrial Automation Block

There is a saying in Latin that has always found a certain rapport with me; a few words that seemed to contain the universe’s most basic, most inescapable truth: omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis – All things change, and we with them.

There is no wisdom more true, no expression more astute, than this one; a simple fact bordering on platitude murmured by an anonymous, long-forgotten sage many centuries ago (and one that I happened upon in a now-defunct science fiction magazine).

It is this inborn knowledge – knowing that security needs have changed and evolved over the years and that different companies have different requirements when it comes to securing their assets – that has led to us adding two new models to the powerful RSO range of industrial roller-shutter operators.

Regular readers of this blog may very well already be familiar with the original Trio of Titans (the RSO5R, RSO5 and RSO9), three roller-shutter operators custom-built for heavy lifting and very much at home in industrial settings such as distribution warehouses and production facilities. I’ve always thought it a sign of credibility when companies make use of their own products, and thus speak of the RSO with even more confidence since several of the entrances to our own production facility are automated using these behemoths.

As I pointed out earlier, different companies providing different services and manufacturing different products have different security and automation needs. Where one firm might literally require their factory door to open and close and nothing more, another firm might require advanced time-barring functionality from their automation solution. Yet a third firm might require battery backup to keep the warehouse secure during lengthy power outages.

Enter the two new kids on the block: the RSO5R3P and the RSO5DC.

Let’s kick off this introduction with the ode to sheer power that is the RSO5R3P. This beast, while on the surface very similar to its close relative the RSO5R, offers significantly higher starting thrust and a higher duty cycle thanks to a beefy three-phase motor. The RSO5R3P offers basic yet undeniably cost-effective automation for roller-shutters weighing up to 500kg.

On the other side of the automation spectrum is the RSO5DC. To whet your collective appetites, allow me to proffer two words: battery backup. To many, this is the Holy Grail of industrial automation: continued operation in the event of a power failure.

And yet, battery backup is a mere amuse-bouche in light of all else that the RSO5DC has to offer.

Timer functionality, independently adjustable opening and closing speeds, Intruder-detection Alarm Modes, automatic closing and multiple Modes of Operation are just some of the advanced features that can be found on the RSO5DC’s intelligent LCD controller.

Readers will also be glad to know that all this brainpower does not come at the cost of strength, and the RSO5DC is capable of automating shutters weighing up to 500kg.

Keep your eyes peeled for more information on the potent RSO range!