ADT Acquisitions Reach Completion

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July 23, 2024

ADT Acquisitions Reach Completion Cementing Powerful Growth Phase.

ADT Acquisitions Reach Completion – ADT’s late May acquisitions of multiple security integration businesses reached completion last week, with Everjazz, Alarm Assets Group, Powell Security Services and Austech Surveillance now part of IMG-owned ADT Australia.

Completion of the acquisitions, valued at around $A16 million in total, was conditional upon IMG receiving formal approval from its financiers and satisfying other customary conditions to meet a completion date around June 30.

The newly acquired businesses will be led by Geoff Campbell-Brown, general manager of ADT Security Australia, and have brought more than 35 skilled technicians into ADT’s workforce, significantly enhancing national coverage and service delivery to blue-chip clients and government agencies. Ed Robins continues with ADT as the WA state and regional manager, while Karen Robins has retired.

“We look forward to being able to offer a greater range of products and services, as well as to having our own monitoring centre again, which will enhance the security services we already supply,” Robins said.

According to Dennison Hambling, managing director of IMG, the team has lifted ADT’s commercial business from $A2 million in revenue in the year prior to IMG’s acquisition of ADT to a run rate of AU$12 million per annum by the end of June 2024.

“The addition of these businesses, customers, and people will unlock ADT’s commercial business further as it seeks to return to its historical levels of $A125 million in revenue and beyond,” Hambling said.

You can learn more about ADT Australia here, learn about IMG here, or read more SEN news here.

“ADT Acquisitions Reach Completion Cementing Powerful Growth Phase.”
ADT Acquisitions Reach Completion Cementing Powerful Growth Phase.

CS Technologies EVO Showroom Kit Now Available From LSC

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July 23, 2024

CS Technologies EVO Showroom Kit – CS Technologies’ new EVO 2-door office/showroom kit is now available from local distributor, LSC.

CS Technologies EVO Showroom Kit Now Available From LSC- Made in Australia, CS Technologies’ EVO Office 2 Door office/showroom kit is designed to deliver for a quality access control solution to smaller users with plenty of scope for expansion if required.

The kit includes the CSEVO2 CS 2-door controller, capable of supporting 2000 users, 4612 CS IP communication module, the CS4763A CS metal housing with lock and HID Signo 20 series readers with SEOS profile. There’s also a Tactical 1A power supply, a Tactical 16V AC plug pack, a 12V 7Ah battery and red and black battery leads.

The CS Technologies access control system allows management of access to doors, alarm areas and also provides cost-effective energy management. The system consists of a network of door controllers, each of which is fully distributed, and contains all programming necessary for seamless continuous operation regardless of the rest of the system or PC connections.

Of note, management software is free and if you need expansion up to 128 intelligent controllers can be linked per site. Installers can order in-store using part code EVO2DOFFICE or contact the LSC team here for more information – there’s more SEN news here.

CS Technologies EVO 2 Features List

2 door version ideal for smaller sites
Up to 128 network controllers per location
Communication via comms converter (CS4600)
TCP/IP or WiFi comms modules available
Door open too long and forced door alarms
Compatible with most readers
Supported readers: Wiegand, Silicon Key, Presco and Clock + Data
Unlimited system site codes
2000 users per controller
1000 transactions
20 standard and 20 extended time zones
Expandable to 250 inputs and 250 relays per controller
Anti-pass back support – hard or soft
Mantrap feature
Car parking control
Time and attendance
After hours air conditioning control and billing
Lighting control
100 per cent Australian made and designed.

“CS Technologies Releases EVO Showroom Kit Now Available From LSC.”
CS Technologies EVO Showroom Kit Now Available From LSC.

Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees

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July 23, 2024

Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees By Leveraging Public Address Infrastructure.

Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees – Telecor ePanic is a mobile duress solution that leverages existing PoE public address infrastructure and can be integrated with CCTV systems for faster response.

The system was released at ISC West recently and we don’t think it has a local distributor yet, so that’s something for local distributors to consider. Something else to consider is that because it uses existing infrastructure, there are no recurring comms fees.

The way Telecor ePanic works is that when integrated with multiple pieces of public address infrastructure the system pinpoints the location of an activated alert and opens 2-way comms. Security operators in a central command centre can see and manage the emergency through the Telcor Visual Console interface, with immediate point-and-click ability to invoke on and off-site notification including lockdown.

Alerts are generated by a pendant that can be worn around the neck for easy and instant access in an emergency. Built-in battery monitoring notifies the user of low battery status and there is a test mode for checking operational status. Audible feedback is generated when the button is pressed.

The ePanic Pendant sends wireless signals to receivers located within the facility. Receivers are paired with eSeries public address endpoint devices which provide precise alert location information. When a button is pressed, the alert location is displayed on the Visual Console and two-way voice communication is established with the alert location. All receivers are supervised on the eSeries network for connectivity.

The Visual Console mentioned earlier provides a precise floor and room location in real time quickly identifying the location of the alarm. Clicking on the alarm touch point instantly establishes voice communications with the alarm location through the eSeries endpoint device. This dynamic and interactive user interface provides incident management including lockdown and the broadcast of emergency announcements both on and off-site. In the event of a fault, the location of the device is displayed on the GUI. Additionally, an automated email will be sent to designated staff.

When it comes to video integration, ePanic integrates with the facility’s existing IP camera system to provide a live stream from the alarm location. Responding to the alarm will initiate a pop-up of the live stream on the graphical user interface.

You can find out more about Telecor ePanic here or read more SEN news here.

Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees Features

Integrates with existing eSeries public address and intercom PoE networks
Eliminates the need for third party infrastructure
Provides accurate alert location mapped on Visual Console graphical user interface
Integrates with existing IP cameras
Allows use in multiple networked buildings
No recurring license or comms fees.

“Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees”
Telecor ePanic Duress Without Comms Fees By Leveraging Public Address Infrastructure.

Queensland University of Technology Seeks Access, ID

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July 23, 2024

Queensland University of Technology Seeks Access, ID For Lateral Application.

Queensland University of Technology has released one of those super-charged tenders you folks love so much.

This access control and authentication tender was released on July 22 and closes on July 24 that’s today. It also seems like it might be invite only – the tender releases states “this tender is invited by the issuer”.

The scope of works is for a visitor access management and exam identification solution – while the release doesn’t specify, it’s likely the solution will need to integrate with or operate alongside of the university’s existing access control solution.

You can learn very little more about this Queensland University of Technology is Seeking Access, ID tender here or check out more SEN news here.

QUT is located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia and is one of Australia’s leading Universities. The Queensland University of Technology is a public research university located in the coastal city of Brisbane in Queensland, Australia. It has two major campuses, a modern city campus in Gardens Point and a historical campus in Kelvin Grove.

“Queensland University of Technology Seeks Access, ID For Lateral Application.”
QUT Seeks Access, ID For Lateral Application.

Uniview Appoints New Distributor

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July 23, 2024

Uniview Appoints New Distributor For NZ Market.

Uniview Appoints New Distributor – Trade Security Supplies has been appointed Uniview’s new distributor for the New Zealand market.

Trade Security Supplies will now carry and support Uniview’s latest surveillance technologies, including AI-powered cameras and intelligent analytics, security management systems and more.

Launched in May, TSS is headed up by Andrew Moss and crewed by a competent team of industry veterans dedicated to provided the latest technology and an elevated level of service.

“We’ve set out with the intention of putting our customers and their needs at the centre of everything we do,” said TSS managing director Andrew Moss. “Our business is about delivering service backed by exceptional product knowledge imparted with a personal touch.”

“Our business philosophy is simple – we prioritise core brands to ensure a focused approach and improved customer experience. Uniview is a strong brand and offers a compelling range of solutions and we’re excited to now be offering Uniview’s range of innovative security solutions”

Uniview joins another recent signing, alarm and access control manufacturer, Paradox, in the TSS stable, with additional key announcements likely to follow.

“We are thrilled to announce our new distributor in New Zealand market, Trade Security Supplies – with its unparalleled expertise and passion, we’re set to reach new heights,” Uniview said.

TSS is located at 922 Great South Road, Penrose in Auckland – you can find out more about Uniview from TSS here or read more SEN news here.

“Uniview Appoints New Distributor For NZ Market.”
Trade Security Supplies – Andrew Moss and Steve Mace.

Gallagher And Transact Partner At University of Sydney

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July 23, 2024

Gallagher And Transact Partner At University of Sydney On Access Control And Payment Solution.

Gallagher And Transact Partner At Sydney Uni – Gallagher Security and Transact are partnering to deliver a mobile credential and payment solution for the University of Sydney.

According to Adam Smith, sales manager NSW at Gallagher Security, customer of 25 years, University of Sydney, was looking for ways to improve campus life for students and staff. Thanks to an integration with Transact Mobile Credential, Smith said students and staff can opt to use their smartphone or Apple Watch to access buildings and doors in libraries and throughout campus, borrow library materials, print, scan and photocopy, and access other campus services.

“The integration between Transact Mobile Credential and Gallagher’s award-winning site management platform, Command Centre, enables university students and staff to gain fast, secure access to areas on campus, simply by badging or tapping their smartphone or Apple Watch at a Gallagher reader,” Smith said.

“Using highly secure NFC-enabled technology compatible with both iOS and Android, Transact mobile credentials provide students and staff with the added flexibility of contactless micropayments for everything from printing, scanning and copying in offices and campus libraries to laundry payments in student residencies – all securely, all from their smartphone or Apple Watch.

“From the point of view of the Gallagher team, it was rewarding to work with the University of Sydney to understand their needs and to develop and deliver a software and hardware digital credential solution, improving the experience for students and staff on campus,” Smith said.

Sandie Matthews, chief information officer at University of Sydney said the university was delighted to offer students and staff a highly secure, convenient, and familiar digital University of Sydney ID card.

“Students have told us that their plastic student ID card is one of the few remaining physical cards they need to carry around,” Matthews said. “For other requirements they use digital bank cards, boarding passes, and concert tickets on their phones.

The Transact team is also pleased with the outcome of the partnership.

“This collaboration between Transact and Gallagher emphasises our collective commitment to improving the university student experience,” said Rasheed Behrooznia, senior vice president and general manager of Campus ID solutions at Transact.

You can learn more about Gallagher here, discover Transact here, find out about University of Sydney’s digital ID card here, or read more SEN news here.

“Gallagher And Transact Partner At University of Sydney On Access Control And Payment Solution.”
Gallagher And Transact Partner At University of Sydney On Access Control And Payment Solution. [Gallagher And Transact Partner At University of Sydney]

Fusion Wins QBuild Alarms

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July 23, 2024

Fusion Wins QBuild Alarms For Cape York, Torres Strait Facilities.

Fusion Solution Services has won a $A120,000 contract to provide security alarm services for multiple locations across Cape York and Islands in the Torres Strait in Far North Queensland.

QBuild is the Queensland Government’s builder, and builds and maintains government-owned assets such as schools, social housing, police stations and correctional and health facilities in regional and remote areas operating from 20 offices and 32 remote depots.

Fusion Solution Services is a Cairns-based security integrator that specializes in installation and maintenance of alarms, access control, video surveillance, video intercom solutions, automation and gates for residential and commercial applications.

You can learn more about QBuild here, contact Fusion Solution Services on 0456 077 792, or read more SEN news here.

“Fusion Wins QBuild Alarms For Cape York, Torres Strait Facilities.”
Fusion Wins QBuild Alarms For Cape York, Torres Strait Facilities.

Optic Security Plans New Product Offering

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July 23, 2024

Optic Security Plans New Product Offering Through Product Innovation Division.

Optic Security Plans New Product Offering – Optic Security aims to revolutionise its product offering through its new Optic Security Product Innovations Division tasked with identification of innovative security, risk management, and organisational resilience technologies, as well developing partnerships to apply new technologies to the operational security requirements of Optic’s customer base.

The new division is headed by the highly experienced Vicki Barber, who has been promoted from group marketing manager to the role of group brand strategy & innovation director. As well as leading the new division, Barber will be responsible for brand, marketing, product innovation, customer experience, and bid management governance.

The new business unit will include world-recognised CCTV and video surveillance technologist Vlado Damjanovski and award-winning security risk specialist Nicholas Dynon.

Adelaide-based business development manager, Vlado Damjanovski, better known as the author of the CCTV Bible, moves into the new role of product innovation manager. Damjanovski will bring to bear the considerable weight of his multi-decade international career and storied technical prowess to identify, test and introduce emerging technologies to the Optic line-up, including advanced analytics, generative AI, surveillance cloud, biometrics, virtual and augmented reality, and other data-driven capabilities.

Meanwhile, Auckland-based enterprise security risk manager, Nicholas Dynon, a security consultant and widely recognised author and commentator on security risk, moves to the new role of innovation and risk manager. Dynon will support the emerging tech focus through research and governance activities, external communication and awareness campaigns, and customer-focused risk advisory services.

According to Optic Security Group CEO, Ferzad Bharucha, the combined expertise of the new product innovation business unit will ensure the delivery of deeply researched, thoroughly tested, expertly reviewed, robustly vetted, and leading-edge security innovations to Optic customers tailored specifically to their needs.

“Together, this new team will drive a step change in our marketing, communication, and product innovation capability,” Bharucha said.

“Our customers are rightly risk-averse yet interested in how emerging technologies can deliver better and more cost-effective security outcomes. Our new product innovation capability will deliver to them the advice and the de-risked solutions to address their security threats and support their business goals well into the future.”

You can fine out more about Optic Security Group here or read more SEN news here.

“Optic Security Plans New Product Offering Through Product Innovation Division.”

SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution: Openly Reviewed

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SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution

SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution-hub-based security, automation, network access and management solution is an impressive collaboration from SCSI and manufacturer, Securifi. It’s a system designed to deliver almost everything to almost everyone – that includes professional installers and monitoring stations. The question is, does it deliver on the promises?

Sitting down with Chad Wright and Daniel Acott in Melbourne recently, I got a look at what felt like the future of alarm and home automation. The product in question is SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution (it comes in other flavours, depending on your client’s needs).

“There have been many changes in the industry thanks to a fundamental shift that’s now coming very fast,” Wright tells me. “In short, the consumer isn’t wanting just an alarm system these days, they are more truly engaged and interested in the value-add of technology, asking what else can this system do for me?”

“The traditional alarms market has changed and is rapidly changing further. In ANZ, we have not been as fast to adopt this change as installers and monitoring providers in the U.S. have been. Here, we are still in our infancy in terms of adopting smart home automation. The traditional alarm panel has a limited shelf life in our opinion – the only thing holding on to it is the traditional installer, the consumer is not interested in it.“

“Meeting installers’ needs to provide the best possible product to their customers, the SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution product is a third-gen solution combining security, home automation and networking services with hundreds of thousands of previous generation units already installed in homes and businesses throughout the U.S. marketplace. SCSI Almond 3S has many great attributes – it acts as the central hub of the home, bringing everything together and letting users control it, with support from professional installers and monitoring stations.”

According to Wright, SCSI’s collaboration and solution is designed so integrators can offer professional monitoring services in the usual way, and there’s also the capability to on-sell telecommunication services. This part sounds a bit oblique, but Almond’s capabilities are not to be underestimated.

“As a device, it’s a network router, an NBN router – this allows our partners an opportunity to on-sell NBN, whether it be fibre to the node, fibre to the premises, fibre to the curb, fixed wireless, or even ADSL,” Wright explains. “This is part of our new upcoming cloud service. We provide integrators with their portal, they can upload the types of services they want to offer and charge the prices they would like to charge. The consumer has the option to choose and select whatever service they require from the integrator on demand.”

According to Wright, the one box does everything – and that means everything. There’s a PPE connection to NBN, a Wi-Fi range extender, a wireless access point, a full-blown router.

It’s not about being just a security system

“You never need to pull a laptop out to manage SCSI Almond 3S, you can use the inbuilt touch screen or your mobile device,” Wright says. “It’s not about being simply a security system – it’s your full network solution, your full automation system, including voice assistant support“. It’s also your IoT security system because there’s an IoT security service built-in as well, so it can connect to and monitor all your IoT devices. With a simple command in the APP, it can even kick the kids off the network thanks to rules created from a customer’s smartphone to govern network connection and auto-disarm when it detects your phone via Wi-Fi.

“All the high-level intelligence is already there. The app lets you manage everything. It will report any connected devices using generic passwords, allowing you to lock them down. You can monitor URLs of devices. It has Wi-Fi self-heal, one-touch diagnostics, and self-monitoring that can be managed by the CMS with a fee“.

“It’s up to service providers to manage that – we are simply providing our partners with a platform that allows them to do anything they want. We are not dictating what they do, simply providing them with the solution and the ability to do anything they want while retaining very sticky recurring revenue – the stickiest of all recurring revenues is telecommunications“.

“If integrators like, we can manage Almond systems from the cloud. Users pay through the portal and config can be done for them. Installers can offer IoT, monitoring and almost any other service – everything can be automatically billed. There are push notifications managed through the app and sent to multiple users. Users can use the touch screen as a code pad or use their workstation or mobile device to manage the system“.

“One day a user might want SCSI Almond 3S to be a security system. Another day they might want it to be amazing Wi-Fi performance on the third floor, they might want security on demand, or to integrate IOT devices. And intelligence is distributed. Most other systems rely on cloud to think and if they lose internet connection, they lose their abilities until reconnected. But in the case of SCSI Almond 3S, the smarts are cached in the hub. And the onboard cellular modem can be turned on for internet access“.

“This means if the power is out locally, you will still have internet access, thanks to 4G modem onboard and backup battery.”

Wright says the collaboration with Securifi has paid dividends – it’s made Almond into a system that offers installers and monitoring stations a tool for recurring revenue generation based not on hot air but real services.

“We partnered in development of the latest version – Almond 3s – to assist with our own practical purposes, which includes the security side,” Wright explains. “It’s been developed to reflect the fact all telecommunications products are about recurring revenue – a router on its own gets no recurring revenue, a local security controller generates no recurring revenue“.

“But combine a smart home device with router capabilities, NBN capabilities 4G LTE, backup battery, voice, video verification, mesh wireless, dual-band Wi-Fi, full IFTT compatibility out of the box, Google Home, with all this in one device that manages your entire home, while supporting professional monitoring and professional subscription services for IoT and layers of network connectivity, and all of a sudden, you have a product that gives the smart integrator real opportunities“.

“Every possible security capability is there in one box that also offers full smart home automation capabilities. Almond is an entirely different way of thinking about things, and we know installers and their customers are going to love it.”

SCSI Almond Security System Specifications

Sitting down with the system later on, I can immediately verify Wright’s points for myself. Almond offers a solid specification. Yes, sure, it’s a hub. But it’s like no other hub I’ve ever come to grips with. Almond is not just holistic in conception and execution, it’s rugged, too. Peering through the ventilation grille on the rear of the unit, the first thing I notice is a substantial finned heat sink. Other feature sets speak for themselves. SCSI is a telco first and foremost, and not just a telco but a wireless telco. Almond speaks of SCSI’s decades-old mindset – a hunger for connectivity to everything.

On the hardware side, SCSI Almond 3S has a memory of 256 MB RAM with 64 MB Flash, the display is colour LCD/TFT 2.8-inch screen supports 320 x 240 pixels, there’s a USB 2.0 port and wireless comms include 2.4GHz (1.94-3.12 dBI), 5GHz (2.62-6.14 dBI) and Zigbee (2.7 dBI).

There is the following:

1 x Gigabit Ethernet WAN Port
2 Gigabit Ethernet LAN Ports
WLAN is 2 x 2 11ac, 867Mbps
2 x 2 11n, 300Mbps
IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n wireless

Home automation devices also include:

ZigBee (2.4GHz) with built-in siren
Z-Wave in the US, Canada and Mexico (908.42 MHz)
Which requires a Z-Wave USB dongle
Built-in cellular and a built-In LTE Cat 1 module that supports US, Europe and Australian bands.
Network protocols include TCP/IP, UDP, ICMP, PPPoE, PPTP, L2TP, NAT/PAT, DHCP, DDNS, WPS and mesh networking.

Other features include parental control, automatic firmware update, SPI firewall, DMZ, port forwarding, advanced content filtering methods (URL blocking, keywords blocking), filtering of IP and MAC addresses, MAC address cloning (for WAN), WAN connection in router mode: DHCP, DSL and manual IP. Operation modes include router, access point and repeater (Wi-Fi range extender).

A PIN code can manage LCD touch screen access, there’s cloud and weather information, screen saver, Android/iOS home automation control, wireless connection, multiple SSID; encryption: 64/128/256-bit, and WEP, WPA and WPA2. In terms of range, one unit covers up to 1300 square feet (1.21 a) and you can link up to 3 Almond units in a single solution to triple this.

Software features include USB file sharing, USB 3G/4G Modem support for selected models, iOS and Android apps, guest network, MAC filtering, management and configuration via touch LCD screen and web browser.

SCSI Almond 3S’ Other Features

There are hidden advanced features of the SCSI Almond 3S (via WWW), settings available via LCD display (without using a PC). These include a selection of operation mode (router, AP, repeater), activation and configuration of guest access (guest SSID), internet connection settings, Wi-Fi security settings, AP mode settings, IP and MAC addresses info, WPS control, passwords check and updates, firmware update. There is also a system log view (last several entries), data transfer counter, URL/Keywords filtering, user filtering (IP/MAC) and DMZ settings.

The hand feel of the Almond hub is good. Made of cast alloy and poly, the unit is designed for vertical operation and as mentioned, incorporates dependable fan-less passive cooling. There’s a power LED indicator on the front of the hub, LAN sockets, reset button and a power connector located on the right side of the unit. There’s a stylus for the LCD. Power demand is light – just 1.5A at 12V (Input: 120-240V, 50-60Hz), making Almond ideal for remote solar-powered applications – the built-in rechargeable battery with 5 hours battery life is a great addition, too.

Operating temperature is strong at -10 to 70C, and the unit is a compact 5.3 x 1.9 x 4.6 inches in external dimensions and has a weight of 1.5 pounds (0.68 kg).

My impressions of the specification are that SCSI Almond 3S is a hub that’s been designed to meet electronic security industry standards of redundant connectivity, resistance to power fail and extreme environments. While offering, levels of communications security no solid-state alarm controller has ever offered.

Setting up the SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution

My little SCSI Almond 3S includes the hub, a PIR sensor, a reed switch, a smart switch and a smart light bulb. When handing the system over to me, Wright and Acott say they are not going to give any up-front advice – the system is simple enough for me to navigate the process by myself. Later, as I open the boxes and skim-read the instructions, I realise they are correct. Setting up Almond is a pleasure and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it – not only in terms of ease of use but wondering what else I could do with the system.

My get-go process is to plug in the hub, power it up and pop a drop cable into SEN’s Netgear switch, hit the power button and wait for the unit to boot up. This process takes a minute or so. The touch screen on the Almond Hub is a compact little thing – only 6 x 4.4 cm – and I wonder how I’ll go managing it with man hands. As it turns out, the simplicity of the system – its forgiving capacitive touchscreen seems to guess unerringly what I’m trying to do – means I’m quickly able to get things done. In a couple of minutes, I have the Almond app up on my iPhone, and the browser open on my workstation.

Connectivity is at the heart of SCSI Almond 3S and the next thing I want to see is just how easy it is to activate the Wi-Fi component of the system and see how well it works. The business of connecting my phone and any other devices to Almond’s 2.4Ghz or 5GHz Wi-Fi goes without a hitch. I just load the password into my devices and machines and away I go with range extended Wi-Fi. Very nice, indeed.

With the hub powered up, comms established, app downloaded, and browser connectivity attained, my next move is to load up my Zigbee sensors. The first device I connect is the IRP-29ZBS-SL pet immune motion sensor. Reading through the spec, I can see that targets seem to be within a 10-metre range in the installation diagram, though the useful depth of field of the sensing element and lens combo isn’t mentioned. Happily, my target area, facing the door and front window of the office at about 50 degrees, is about 7 metres from the lens, so no dramas there.

To add a sensor, you open the home screen on the hub with a tap, then tap on the top left icon – Add Sensor – then select Zigbee and tap Add. The screen instructs you to press your sensor’s pairing button and once this is done, the hub and sensor exchange the required handshake and the sensor appears in the sensor list of the keypad, app, and browser. As you’d expect, this process is altogether too simple for words, and it applies each time you add a sensor. I slot in the PIR, then a smart switch, then a reed switch and finally a smart light bulb. Each time, the hub, and sensor find each other with no dramas whatsoever.

In a couple of minutes, the process is over, and I find myself wishing there were more devices. I ended up on Amazon looking at Zigbee smoke, smart and PIR sensors – I never expected to be doing that. They’re not very expensive – between $20 and $50 – but I don’t recognise the brands and decided if SCSI sells them, I’ll be better off buying known quality with a proper warranty and support.

SCSI Almond 3S – Configuration, Automation, and Settings

More than any other smart home/security/networking solution I’ve played with, SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub Solution really has me engaged with the possibilities. Perhaps it’s the networking DNA of the thing – the multifarious comms paths, the rules-based programming of functionality. It might be the underlying SCSI DNA, too. This is a serious solution – I can’t help noticing the backup battery symbol on the hub screen. It starts out empty and by the time I’ve got everything sorted it’s half full. Hard not to like that. Combined with 4G LTE and passive cooling, you have a robust solution with Almond.

While on the topic of Almond’s home screen, it really is a simple affair that lets you delve into functionality simply and easily. Most installers are going to use the touch screen just to get things up and running and then revert to a tablet or smartphone for the heavy lifting. But using the compact little touch screen is a snap. Compared with the old way of pulling out a giant index of codes and plugging them, flitting through this icon-based menu is effortless.

Managing configuration with the app is easy, too. Again, there’s oodles of depth. Something else I notice as I start scratching away at the surface of Almond is SCSI-inspired stuff like professional monitoring (it’s disabled in my case) and IOT Security – again, you need to activate a subscription to get access to IOT Security. It’s atop these strong functionalities that installers and monitoring stations are going to plant their flags. This SCSI Almond 3S system has so much lateral capacity and so much depth, it would be a rare end user who could shake out all the possibilities. Meanwhile, professionals who really engage with this system will find endless sales hooks.

When it comes to mobile device operation, you drive the app across the bottom toolbar – Dashboard, Devices, Automation, and Settings – tap More and the list expands vertically to include Subscriptions, Help, IP Cameras, Preferences (which category you nominate as home), and other stuff. Dipping in, I find that the Rules are near – you can get the system to arm and disarm at set times of day, or undertake actions when your smart device approaches. And given this is a networking animal, you can also have it report when particular devices try to access the Wi-Fi network, allowing you to keep an eye on the kids.

The Settings Menu is comprehensive and lets you manage networks, wireless settings, config professional home security monitoring, twiddle with advanced router features, connect to the Almond locally, report problems and do updates, reboot and reset all clients.

Devices, meanwhile, gives you a list of all the devices engaged with Almond – security sensors and smart switches at the top and network devices like mobile devices and workstations listed underneath. While scrolling through the list, I notice the reed switch dishing up real-time temperatures from inside the office. And that’s how it is with Almond. What can it do? Well, whatever you want it to do and presents to the world through an app that offers an attractive and intensely functional user experience.

Challenges of the installation included trying to get the smart light bulb out of its tight foam packaging. This occupied me for 30 seconds, and such is the hunger for plug and play in the modern era. I was mildly surprised the bulb didn’t climb out of the box by itself, salute, then rush for the nearest light fitting. Another challenge was trying to fit the stand on the back of the hub without looking at the instructions. I failed to pass this test. Finally, the tamper switch on the reed required a magnifying glass to find (I need reading glasses bear in mind) but that’s been addressed by a simple new wall mount.

When it came to required tools, I came packing a PC tool kit, complete with 2 sets of spudgers, one metal, one plastic, as well as a set of 5-dollar screwdrivers from the 2-dollar shop on the corner of Foveaux and Mary. In the event, I was packing heavy – all that was required to set up the system was a medium Stanley flat head and my thumbnail.

In Conclusion

In short, the SCSI Almond 3S is a sweet system. Hours after leaving the office, I am still mucking around with the app and checking out ZigBee sensors online. There’s so much fine motor control with this system, you simply can’t help wanting to explore it. And that’s the beauty of the SCSI Almond 3S from the point of view of installers and monitoring people. This system has such depth few end users will be able to get the most out of it, yet they are really, really going to want you to try.

There are more details on Almond Smart Security products from SCSI here and you can read other cameras and security review articles from SEN news here.

“It’s not about being just a security system – it’s your full network solution, your full automation system, including voice assistant support”.
SCSI Almond 3S Security Hub-home automation solution.

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July 21, 2024