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ERA Protect Launch Next Generation of Smart Home Security is Backed by BSI IoT Kitemark

ERA Protect Launch Next Generation of Smart Home Security is Backed by BSI IoT Kitemark

by | Oct 21, 2020 | News

ERA, the UK’s security specialist, has launched ERA Protect, the next generation wireless smart security system and the first of its kind to attain the prestigious BSI IoT Kitemark.

Bringing alarm and camera excellence, ERA Protect offers the ultimate in security confidence and even when there is a broadband outage, the built-in 4G roaming SIM allows crucial data to be sent to the secure ERA Cloud, all controlled by one intuitive smartphone app.

ERA Protect offers a multitude of capabilities and features that empower users to take charge of their smart security from start to finish.

BSI IOT Kitemark – an industry first

Extensive research and development by the innovative ERA team to deliver a completely different offering, has resulted in ERA being the first organisation to attain the BSI IoT (British Standards Institution Internet of Things) Kitemark.

BSI developed the IoT Kitemark in response to the rapid growth of internet connected products and is designed to help customers confidently and easily identify IoT devices they can trust to be safe, secure and functional. This verification is a reflection of both the hard work and investment made in ERA Protect to deliver the ultimate in accessible, but serious, security.

The ERA Protect difference

Siren

Building on previous product ranges to continue developing a serious security solution that can be relied upon and trusted, rather than a gadget, the ERA Protect range launches with an Alarm, Siren, Accessories along with an Outdoor camera and Floodlight camera.

The first major difference between ERA Protect and other alarm systems is the way the alarm and the cameras work together.  Wirelessly connected and operating fully in harmony, the settings allow cameras to be controlled via the same app and triggered as a complete system during alert situations.  What’s even more unique, is that if the broadband connection goes down, the 4G roaming SIM will still allow the video recordings from cameras to be stored to the cloud upon alarm trigger. The result gives a robust, security-driven system that can be tailored to fit individual needs – with all the help and support that ERA has become well-known for.

One ECO System – one app

All ERA Protect products are fully integrated and work seamlessly together using the intuitive, easy to use smartphone app. One simple app allows users to view and monitor their precious homes or premises at any time from anywhere in the world – via the high quality 1080p HD video imagery – giving them ultimate convenience and reassurance.

Being wireless, unlike time consuming, costly hard-wired systems, ERA Protect can be easily connected – and disconnected – should customers move house. In addition, the system can be added to at a later date – maybe an additional PIR or camera is required – giving great flexibility.

With no fixed long-term contracts to be tied into, ERA Protect’s subscription packages are optional and can be cancelled at any time should circumstances change.

Confidence is key

Floodlight Camera

Confidence is a key concept for ERA Protect – a theme that runs through every aspect of the system.

 

Completely revolutionary to a smart alarm smart system, ERA Protect offers a unique professional monitoring capability and ‘on the ground’ local authority response if required.  This means a house can be monitored by professionals and in an alert situation, someone will contact the authorities directly if it is a verified intruder.  This is a huge confidence boost for the elderly, or people away from home and not able to attend their own home in an emergency.  What’s more, the Professional Monitoring is available on short-term basis adhoc and no long-term expensive contracts are required meaning you can opt in and out of the professional monitoring when it suits you.

To give customers added confidence, ERA have also invested effort into small things which make big differences. For example, the motion detection in cameras is PIR driven which significantly reduces false alerts and therefore instils more confidence.

Cameras have protected wiring so vandalism is reduced and a lot of focus has gone into making sure the alarm system itself can’t easily be jammed or affected by power cuts.

ERA also offers the benefit of its experienced product specialists for help and advice, available to both installers and end users, via its UK-based Helpline.

Secure Security at its best

For those looking for total security, ERA Protect has been developed by a trusted security brand and built by security people – crucially, not gadget people. This simple fact makes all the difference to the end result.

For example, employing encrypted technology means that accounts, and importantly data, is safe and secure, whilst being wireless means that there are no cables to cut that would render the system inoperable. Where cabling does exist on the cameras, it is protected to defend against vandalism.

Alongside the IoT kitemark, reassuringly, the alarm settings and video recorded data are also secure and are held directly on ERA’s in-house GDPR-compliant Cloud Platform. This ensures that all data is safely stored within the UK and Ireland and does away with any compromised data storage risks associated with a third party.

The ERA Protect product range and service packages

There are three main products within the ERA Protect range: –

  • ERA Protect Alarm System– easily programmed via the app and features alerts sent via push, phone call or SMS notification to pre-programmed alert numbers for added peace of mind.
  • ERA Protect Outdoor Camera – boasts on-demand recording when in live view for instant recordings.
  • ERA Protect Floodlight Camera – discrete security as it looks like a floodlight only with no indication that it also incorporates a camera.

Allowing customers to tailor their security system to meet their individual needs, ERA Protect is available in a range of four Service Packages, with corresponding monthly fees. ERA Protect Basic has no monthly fee and means you can use the basic monitoring features of the alarm as well as making use of the live view capabilities from the camera.

Outdoor Camera

For those wanting camera back up to the cloud storage, but are not so concerned about 4G backup capability, it is simply £2.99 per month for up to 4 cameras.  Alternatively, for both camera cloud storage and 4G Roaming SIM backup, the ERA Protect Plus package is £9.99 per month.  Finally, if someone also wanted professional monitoring, the ERA Protect Plus Premium Package is £19.99 per month.

Tania Tams, Head of Marketing at ERA said, “With ERA Protect, we pushed security as far as we could go – and then we went further. Our three key concepts – firstly, our working security ECO system; secondly, confidence in our products and services and thirdly, our quest for ‘total security’ – have all driven the design, development and manufacture of ERA Protect and is reflected in our BSI IoT Kitemark attainment – a shining endorsement of our faith in providing truly secure security.

Coupled to this, the ERA Protect system is also approved by the Neighbourhood Watch, a much recognised brand in communities UK wide and packaging is supported with both the BSI IoT Kitemark and the Neighbourhood Watch logo.

“We can now deliver a truly new way of providing high quality, yet affordable smart security with the end user placed firmly at the centre and being totally in control. ERA Protect is different – in concept, in design and in delivery of results – welcome to the next generation.”

For further information on ERA’s brand new ERA Protect range of smart home security, visit www.eraeverywhere.com

1st Security is a registered ERA installer. For prices or information on the above products please contact us here.

Setting the Home Security Standard as the Clocks Go Back

by | Oct 21, 2020 | News

As the nights get darker, it’s essential for more awareness around home security and the measures which can be taken to help prevent any unwanted attacks on homes. The dark winter months bring revenue opportunities for locksmiths, with homeowners investing in new home security products.

Darker Nights

Comprehensive and adaptable home security has never been so important, there were more than 350,000 domestic burglaries in England and Wales in the year ending March 20201, with November being the most common month for home break-ins2.

Many UK homeowners haven’t made the necessary security precautions to their home as required, and according to research from Co-op Insurance and Neighbourhood Watch3, even though more than half (51%) of UK adults have been a victim of burglary and/or attempted burglary, more than two fifths (44%) have not taken any measures to protect the property they live in.

As the nights get longer, it’s important to raise awareness around the significance of surveying current home security and what investments would be beneficial. The security campaign National Home Security Month takes place each year throughout October. Now in its eighth year, the initiative highlights the ways homeowners can keep their homes, families and possessions safe as the days get shorter – providing the ideal opportunity for trusted tradespeople to install necessary home security measures.

When it comes to security, homeowners are willing to spend more to ensure that their homes are securely protected. As a tradesperson it’s important that you are offering the highest quality security products and sound advice, to guarantee your customers are receiving the most effective solutions.

There are many vulnerable areas around the home which are often overlooked by homeowners. When advising a customer or conducting a home security survey, it would be beneficial to take note of these locations around the home, to suggest security changes which should be made, and the required standards for different products.

Here are some top considerations to take into account when surveying the security of a home:

Internal:         

  • Ensure good quality windows and doors are fitted with appropriate locks. This is especially important for the more easily accessible ground floor windows and doors, such as patio doors.
  • If the door handles are starting to become loose, they need upgrading. To achieve maximum security, ensure the handle is TS007 2-star rating and combine it with a 1-star or higher rated cylinder.
  • As lock snapping continues to be a threat, the quality of the lock cylinders is more important than ever. Check that the cylinders are rated at TS007 3-star Kitemark, endorsed by Secured By Design, like the 3 Star Euro cylinder lock, which provides anti snap lock protection for the property.
  • If there are external wooden doors in the home, make sure the nightlatch is working correctly and that a 5 lever mortice lock approved to standard BS3621 is fitted. If a 3-lever design is already installed, the homeowner may consider upgrading to a 5-lever mortice lock. This may also ensure they comply with insurance requirements. Products such as door bolts offer up sell opportunities and ensure the customer is securing their door the best they can.
  • Is extra security required in the home? Door chains can add protection against opportunists, whereas a letterplate restrictor can help prevent against letterbox fishing, a common tactic used to obtain car keys.
  • If their lock requires an upgrade, they may be interested in investing in a smart lock, such as the Yale Keyless Lock or the Conexis L1 Smart Lock which meets the smart lock BSI standard TS621:2018.
  • Does the home have an alarm system? Whether it be smart, or a more traditional wired system, a home alarm system can act as an efficient deterrent to any potential burglars. Smart alarms also have the added ability to be controlled remotely via smart phones or tablets.
  • Indoor cameras provide a low cost, effective solution to monitoring the interior of a home. They can be used as stand alone cameras or part of an integrated system, strategically placed to allow homeowners to keep a close eye on their valuables and most prized possessions. Smart cameras also have the added benefit of sending an alert to the smart phone or tablet of the owner if motion is detected around their home. Pet sensors are ideal for pet owners wishing to avoid their furry friends setting off alerts.

External:

  • Does the property have a shed or garage? Sheds and garages can often be filled with expensive tools and equipment. A standalone alarm can be useful for alerting the homeowners to any unusual activity in the shed. A padlock which is CEN 4 rated and tested to EN12320:2012 can provide maximum security and withstand the toughest weather conditions.
  • As gates can provide easy access for burglars to outside areas, security measures for these areas are essential. A weatherproof high security hasp and maximum or high security padlock, which is also weatherproof, can provide a high level of security and help to protect and access to the back of the house.
  • Is there a large outdoor area which needs to be monitored? A CCTV system will allow the homeowner to keep track of their external home security, and act as a deterrent to a potential intruder. A smart CCTV system also enables them to check parameters from their smartphone or tablet and night vision captures any activity that takes place under the cover of darkness

For the latest campaign information on National Home Security Month search for National Home Security Month on Facebook and Twitter (#NHSM20), or visit www.homesecuritymonth.com

 

1 ONS: https://www.ons.gov.uk

2 Co-op Insurance: https://www.co-operative.coop/prime-time-for-burglaries-yet-a-fifth-of-victims-dont-call-the-police

 

For a quotation or advice on any of the above Please call Carl at 1st Security or use our contact form Here.

DOM door hardware now with a ‘Silver Lining’

DOM door hardware now with a ‘Silver Lining’

by | Aug 11, 2020 | News

Today, implementing hygiene regimes and social distancing has become the new norm for society. Door handles and knobs are the most frequently touched surfaces in a building and are considered one of the worst areas to harbour harmful microbes.

DOM security is renowned for introducing products that are sustainable and to take our products one-step further adding our antimicrobial panic bars, digital handles, and digital cylinders.

We are pleased to announce that DOM has joined forces with Sanpura (antimicrobial technology provider) along with Gbneuhaus and Inver. These organisations are specialists in their field and are now supplying DOM with nano-silver ion technology, which is applied to the DOM Guard digital door handle. Pro digital cylinder and Panic hardware. Silver is a natural antimicrobial and is proven to prevent the growth and spread of many known micro-organisms, preventing up to 99.9% protection against bacteria, mould, and viruses.

Behind the science

Once contact is made with our antimicrobial range of door hardware, the slow and constant release of silver ions will react with the bacteria, preventing it from multiplying and eventually killing the micro-organism. This microbe-resistant technology will be applied to critical areas such as handles, doorknobs and handlebars.

By installing DOM Security’s antimicrobial range, facilities manager and building owners will be playing their part in protecting individuals by reducing the risk of cross-contamination and suppressing the infection level of common bacteria and viruses. Our products are suitable for all environments, especially hospitals, care homes, housing associations, leisure, education commercial office space, and the hospitality industry.

“Practising hygiene habits are essential”, comments National Sales Manager Mr Lloyd Chitty, “specifying our antimicrobial range into shared areas can help provide an added level of protection in addition to regular cleaning regimes.”

Are you interested in investing in these products to better equip your environment against harmful micro-organism? Contact your DOM UK sales representatives for more information on 0121 569 7790 or email us on sales@dom-co.uk

Codelocks’ expanding product range opens up new uses for digital and smart locks

Codelocks’ expanding product range opens up new uses for digital and smart locks

by | Apr 20, 2020 | News

Codelocks has been designing digital locks for over 15 years, and in 2019 was declared Keyless Entry Company of the Year by the National Locksmith Awards. In recent years, it has been adding smart locks to its growing range, combining the convenience of keyless operation with the extra control and functionality afforded by smart technology.

Its latest addition to the KitLock by Codelocks range is the KL1100 RFID. It is designed for lockers and cabinets, and highlights many of the advantages afforded by digital locks. With Remote Card Authorisation (RCA), a facilities manager can remotely manage cards from a computer using the Codelocks Card Management Client software (CCMC) and up to 250 locks within a lock group.

The KL1100 is suitable for both private and public lockers. In Private Function mode, the lock can only be opened with a card that has been registered with that lock – either by using the CCMC software or a standalone keypad programmer that can be bought separately. This gives staff or customers convenient and secure access to their own private locker. In Public Function mode, an operator can lock the KL1100 with any compatible card, and then unlock it with the same card. It is then ready for the next user – an ideal solution for shared facilities such as gyms and leisure centres.

Added features of the KL1100 include a block card and an audit card. The block card allows a facilities manager to quickly block and unblock users from accessing specific locks, while the audit card lets them easily upload a lock’s audit data to the CCMC platform. The KL1100 can also be set to open after a set period of time. This is useful for ensuring fair use where there is heavy demand for a limited supply of lockers. And for situations where extra security is required, there is a Dual Authorisation mode, where two authorised users must present a card to open the lock.

Codelocks also recently introduced its new Access range of standalone door controllers, opening up the benefits of keyless and digital locks for a wider range of applications. The card controlled A3 RFID, keypad controlled A3 Dual and A3 Vandal Resist door controllers are ideal for situations where doors and gates are locked magnetically or with electric strikes. One handy built-in feature of the Access range is the panic code or panic card. In the event of a client being forced to open a door against their will, they can enter a unique code, or present a unique card, which allows entry but also triggers an alarm. This functionality is an example of the way Codelocks designs its locks around the end user’s needs, always looking to provide the right solution for the customer.

When Porsche Centre Preston was looking for an adaptable, easy-to-use access control system, enabling its staff to easily programme locks accordingly for employee and customer access, the CL5500 smart lock range fitted the bill perfectly.

Codelocks’ Smart Locks range offers the ultimate in flexibility and control. These benefits are important for Porsche Centre, as it is able to restrict access to certain areas quickly and efficiently, ensuring cars and equipment are always secure. It also helps to reduce the operational costs of hiring a security service, and assists with the management of visitor, staff and delivery driver access.

Paul Pasquali, Group Operations Manager at Porsche Centre Preston explains, “As a prestige automotive retailer, the business needs an access control system that offers the utmost peace of mind. The unique entry codes, design of the lock and the ability to control access at certain times is very beneficial to us, especially as the vehicles and equipment on site are of such high value.”

Codelocks’ Smart Locks utilise wireless technology giving users the ability to connect remotely and choose between pushbutton code, smart card or smartphone access. NetCode is Codelocks smart way to generate and send codes for easy access. Through Codelocks online NetCode portal or via the Codelocks Application Programming Interface (API), you can create codes that have a specified start date, time and duration that will automatically expire. By automating code generation, the need for onsite staff is dramatically reduced. Businesses can recognise new levels of convenience without compromising on security.