OPTEX, the pioneering global sensing manufacturer, has specified and installed its compact and intelligent REDSCAN RLS-2020 LiDAR laser sensors at the new luxury five-star Londoner hotel in Leicester Square. Part of the Edwardian Hotels London group, The Londoner, which opened in September 2021, is billed as the world’s first super boutique hotel. It has 350 rooms across 16 storeys including six basement levels, featuring six concept eateries, a private members club, a cinema, a wealth of meeting and event space and an entire floor dedicated to health and wellness equipped with a gym, pool and spa. Existing security system The hotel has six restaurant & bar areas in total with expensive whiskeys, wines and other drinks on display 24/7 with no shutters or coverings. Given the cumulative value of the drinks behind each bar, the hotel needed to find a security solution to keep its valuable stocks protected.  The solution needed to be accurate and reliable, and capable of integrating with the hotel’s existing security system, as well as being aesthetically discrete.  REDSCAN RLS-2020 laser sensor OPTEX specified and installed its REDSCAN RLS-2020 laser sensor in the ceiling at each of the seven bars OPTEX specified and installed its REDSCAN RLS-2020 laser sensor in the ceiling at each of the seven bars. The RLS-2020 sensors provide a customisable ‘virtual’ wall or plane that cannot be seen by the naked eye with a 95-degree detection area of 20x20m or 30m radius detection range. The laser technology works by analysing the speed, size and distance of the objects detected, meaning they track the objects within the detection area and understand the ratio size/distance of the object. This provides the ability to accurately detect a specific size of object either at distance or close up. In the event of any movement being detected, a security alarm is raised, and alerts are immediately sent to the 24-hour on-site security control room. OPTEX laser sensors Darren Carter, Group Director of Safety, Security and Sustainability at Edwardian Hotels London, says OPTEX has provided the ideal solution: “We’ve worked with OPTEX for a number of years, and installed their technologies at a number of our other hotels in the group."  “For this new and hugely exciting project, there was nothing else on the market that met our brief. The OPTEX laser sensors are a simple, yet highly effective solution, providing the very highest level of detection that easily integrate with our wider security operation at the hotel.” Partnership with Darren Ben Linklater, OPTEX Commercial Director, says OPTEX’s LiDAR technology delivers the greatest accuracy of detection: “We are constantly working to improve our technology to provide the highest quality sensing solutions,” he says. “Working in close partnership with Darren and his team, we were able to provide a highly accurate detection solution that met their requirements. We are proud to have worked on such a prestigious project, with the Londoner set to become one of the world’s most talked about hospitality experiences.”

Achat Hotel in Bochum, Germany offers comprehensive meeting and conference services, including both accommodation and catering. Due to the ever-increasing demand for interactive meeting amenities, the hotel chose and implemented the Dahua DeepHub Business Solution, providing integrated AI-powered conference and meeting capabilities for its guests. Challenge The 5 flexible and combinable meeting rooms of the Achat Hotel in Bochum can accommodate various types of events, creating a high demand for these facilities. In order to be able to successfully hold forward-thinking events in the digitalised era, such as hybrid events that integrate both in-person and online participants, the hotel needs a modern and user-friendly digital conference solution. Solution "With DeepHub from Dahua, we have found the exact solution," explains Jorge Melendez, Sales Manager at Achat Hotels, adding "We installed a 98-inch DeepHub in our largest conference room. DeepHub impressed us above all with its ease of use. It has both a Windows and an Android interface, so our guests who are familiar with computers or smartphones can use it intuitively straight away. With online sharing and connection via a dongle, our guests don't need to download any software." He continues, "Meetings start faster and participants can focus on the essentials. The 98-inch DeepHub is large and bright enough. In a conference room for 80 people, everyone can see everything clearly without the need to darken the room. The wireless connection makes setting up a meeting incredibly easy. The handwriting function is also excellent – converting handwriting to printed text without any delay in writing is extremely useful." Latest DeepHub Meeting software Nina De Rosa, Director of Achat Hotel in Bochum, said: "The built-in camera makes it easy to make video calls via platforms such as Teams and Zoom. The integrated speakers are of high quality and do not generate background noise. The latest DeepHub Meeting software is very popular with our guests. Especially for those who organise seminars and workshops in our hotel, DeepHub Meeting is extremely convenient." She adds, "It is not only an optimised online conference software, but also offers a variety of practical tools for teamwork, discussions and brainstorming. Online participants can also use the free DeepHub Meeting app to take part in the on-site seminar and get actively involved." Results The Dahua DeepHub Business Meeting Solution has elevated the conference rooms, event venues, and other facilities of the Achat Hotel in Bochum, taking it to the next level. It not only changed the way the hotel holds meetings, but also significantly enhanced the experience and satisfaction of their guests. Markuz Metz, Technician at Achat Hotel in Bochum, said, "Dahua provides robust and easy-to-move stands with wheels for each DeepHub. We have just purchased a second 86-inch DeepHub. During the European Championship soccer season, we were able to move the DeepHub onto the terrace in the evening so that our guests could watch soccer matches together." He adds, "And the same device is used for workshops and seminars during the day. We can even set up the DeepHub in the bar. It's not just a screen, but also an interactive platform that offers our guests many entertainment options."

The perimeter of a small and medium-sized business (SMB) property is its first line of defence against intruders. It keeps the premises away from theft, property loss and security incidents. Having said that, traditional methods of surveillance cannot fully catch up with the round-the-clock monitoring requirement of the scenario and unable to dispatch security personnel in time to handle abnormal situations, especially during night time. Backtracking to locate the cause of the event is deemed too difficult due to the lack of visual evidence. Dahua’s AI solution  To address these challenges, Dahua Technology developed an AI Perimeter Protection Solution that can realise 24/7 perimeter protection, enabling accurate detection of intrusion events, active deterrence, and notification of security personnel in time when an intrusion is detected. It also provides a clear video recording of the incident that can serve as valid evidence in case of further investigation. In terms of benefits, Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution has a variety of options tailored to the actual needs of customers based on their application scenarios: Basic: This option offers a 15-meter perimeter protection coverage and round-the-clock video recording of evidence. Advanced (TiOC): With Dahua’s Three-in-One Camera (TiOC), this option also offers a 15-meter perimeter protection coverage, combined with accurate AI-powered detection of intrusion, focusing on real threats in the monitored scene. It can perform real-time processing of events using active deterrence and provide instant notification through the DMSS app for quick response to prevent any loss. What’s more, a clear video recording of intrusion evidence is also available in case of an investigation. Advanced (Thermal + Visual Dual Lens): This particular option offers a longer perimeter protection coverage of 50 metres. It provides precise intrusion detection powered by AI, with instant notifications via the DMSS app to enable security personnel to respond in time when an intrusion is detected. For evidence, clear video footages can also be retrieved, thanks to the intelligent camera equipped with thermal and visual dual lens. Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution Topology AI-powered security solution Overall, Dahua’s AI Perimeter Protection Solution is a complete AI-powered security solution that offers 24/7 accurate detection, timely processing of intrusion events, and clear intrusion evidence in case of a security breach, making it suitable for a wide range of SMB scenarios such as factory, apartment complex, construction site, school, hotel, and more.

The Ampelmännchen (“little traffic light man”) from the former GDR is a cult figure around the globe. For tourists, the shops of AMPELMANN GmbH in Berlin are a big draw. Branches are spread over the entire city, and to reduce the burden of employee and staff key assignments, the company sought to optimise access rights management. At the same time, branch security needed to be state-of-the-art. The CLIQ® access control solution from ASSA ABLOY met all these requirements with flying colours.  AMPELMANN GmbH Founder and Owner - Markus Heckhausen sought a locking solution for eight AMPELMANN GmbH branches and a 2,200 m2 logistics centre, to meet the needs of a decentralised branch organisation.  This creative company, which manufactures and sells a wide variety of products under the AMPELMANN brand with the Ampelmännchen, did not want a complex system suited only to large companies with thousands of employees. It should be practicable and fast for a company with around 150 employees, yet still be able to secure branches reliably.  Easy administration, maximum security  Branches must be accessible to customers during opening hours, yet sufficiently secured Small and medium-sized retailers face the same access control challenges as their large competitors. Employees need access to the store, warehouse, and offices, but not every employee should have the same authority. Branches must be accessible to customers during opening hours, yet sufficiently secured after closing time against unauthorised access.  Challenges faced Key management is often an elaborate, time-consuming process, even more so when keys are lost or stolen. In such cases, all locking systems must be replaced, which requires more effort and significant costs.  AMPELMANN GmbH in Berlin also faced these issues. Its eight branches are located in the best shopping areas in Berlin, each staffed by several employees. External service providers, such as cleaners also need access to the building. A large staff roster and significant distance between branches create a major key management workload.  eCLIQ ensures branch security  Together with the Berlin locksmith Hinz, AMPELMANN Owner - Markus Heckhauen found a solution in the flexible, decentralised, and reliable electronic locking system from ASSA ABLOY.  Uli Hahn, Managing Director of Hinz, has been providing security in and around Berlin for more than 50 years. He says, "The eCLIQ locking system is very powerful and safe compared to conventional systems. It is easy to handle and to assemble. Above all, it enables quick and easy administration of access authorisations, making it the perfect choice for medium-sized companies, such as AMPELMANN."  Plug-and-play solution Keys can be programmed directly on the cylinder, remotely, or with easy-to-use eCLIQ Manager software eCLIQ comes as a "plug and play" solution and is ready to use immediately after installation. The system works without cabling, so the extremely compact eCLIQ cylinder can be used in a wide variety of doors at any location. Power is supplied by batteries in each programmable key, which can be changed easily and without tools. A built-in chip makes every electronic key unique. Keys can be programmed directly on the cylinder, remotely, or with easy-to-use eCLIQ Manager software.  Robust, durable, and safe In addition to the compact design, the system is characterised by robust, durable, and safe components. An integrated lubricant reservoir ensures the cylinders remain maintenance-free for up to 200,000 cycles. A high-quality processor protects the locking system against manipulation and intelligent attacks. Keys are also highly resistant and waterproof (IP67). eCLIQ cylinders and keys are VdS-certified (BZ +) and comply with the DIN EN 15684 standard for electronic locking systems. A wide range of different cylinder types makes the system suitable for many applications from the company's entrance gate to securing alarm systems, elevators, doors, and cupboards.  Convincing solution  "Decisive in our choice of eCLIQ was that we could control access authorisations easily and flexibly at any time," explains Markus Heckhausen, adding "If a key is lost, we can easily deactivate it and disable it."  eCLIQ even makes time- and location-limited authorisations easy for example, by allowing cleaners to enter only at certain times. The allocation of access authorisations can be coordinated conveniently by individual branch managers, within a system that ensures maximum security for all AMPELMANN GmbH shops.