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This section features articles and papers of interest that have been published in various industry magazines. Please note that this is copyrighted material and is presented here for your personal use.  Reprint information is available from the respective publications.

In addition to these featured stories, Bob Grossman is proud to be affiliated with Security Sales and Integration Magazine, where he currently writes a popular monthly column on issues facing end users in the security industry.

   
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Story Name and Synopsis

Casino System Leaves Nothing to Chance by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2007 -- The video surveillance installation at Odawa Casino, located near the waters of Lake Michigan in Petoskey, Mich., was such a project. The design included two control rooms and auxiliary monitoring locations, encompassing a new casino, parking structure, special events area and a remote waste water treatment plant. All of it secured with full integration between video, access control and other gaming systems. While I’d like to say I was pleasantly surprised, all of us involved with this project genuinely knew it would succeed from the start.

Hybrid Systems are a Safe Bet for Casinos by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2007 -- While the odds at table games and chances of winning at a slot machine are frequent topics for debate in the gaming industry, one thing is certain: Casinos around the world, both corporate and Native American, are in the midst of performing the biggest upgrade since one-way glass was replaced with CCTV cameras. That upgrade is the move to digital recording.

When Not Just any Integrator Will Do by Robert Grossman, Campus Safety Magazine, July/August 2007 -- As a CCTV and other security consulting company that often works with hospitals, schools and universities, our goal is to get as many qualified integrators so the process of bidding on a safety and security project is competitive and the quality level will be roughly comparable, regardless of the vendor selected.

Picking a Partner...Harmoniously by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, June 2007 -- Last month’s column (“Matchmaker, Matchmaker …”) focused on the first steps involved in choosing the right integrator for your project. I reviewed the process of selecting prospective bidders for your bid list and outlined how to ensure participation. As promised, this month I’ll take the discussion to its logical conclusion: supporting the bid process, evaluating the bids and selecting a partner.

Matchmaker, Matchmaker...by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2007 -- In operating a consulting company, one of my challenges is to find suitable partners for our clients. It’s not about arranging marriages (or other encounters); the aim is to identify the right integrators to bid on a project. The goal is to get as many qualified bidders as possible to ensure the process is competitive and the quality level will be roughly comparable regardless of the vendor selected.

Kick Off the Road to Success With a Meeting of the Minds by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, April 2007 -- Most people agree that communication is a major element behind the success of any team effort. The importance of everyone understanding their participation in the CCTV project — functioning as a team — and focusing on moving the project to a successful completion is as universally praised as motherhood and apple pie. However, the mechanics of ensuring this happens is often left to chance or ignored until there’s a problem. A key element for ensuring success on a given project is the project kickoff meeting.

Deploy a 'Belt-and-Suspenders' Approach by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, March 2007 -- However, at the enterprise level there is an equal reemphasis on controlling entry and egress at facilities, and we want to be sure we are addressing all areas of concern for our readers. Because I often use events that are happening in my consulting practice as topics for this column, the timing couldn’t be better. We are currently involved in several major access control projects and no doubt facing the same sort of issues that commonly affect you. In fact, an issue that we’ve seen with three different clients in as many weeks brings us to this month’s column.

IT and Security: Sharing the Sandbox by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, February 2007 -- Much is being written about IP video and network video recorders (NVRs), not the least of which includes configuration, advantages, performance and features. If you are sold on the concept and are thinking about deploying NVRs at your facility, there may be one final hurdle you’ll need to overcome. One of the primary advantages of an NVR-based system is that it uses existing infrastructure, open standards and is very familiar to the IT folks. Unfortunately, that familiarity means they will have an opinion as to how and where you should deploy the system, and what restrictions will be imposed. In other words, you are not alone in the sandbox any more.

New Year Offers New Opportunities by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, January 2007 -- Last year the January “Enterprising Solutions” featured a look into the crystal ball — or in my case, the Magic 8 Ball — with predictions for technologies and trends for the coming year. We jumped the gun a little early and talked about that last month, but since January is the month for predictions I thought we’d try a different kind of crystal ball this issue.

Crystal Ball: IP to Flourish, but Analog to Linger by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, December 2006 -- The December issue of Security Sales & Integration is distributed in tandem with the magazine’s annual 2007 Top 500 Industry Resource Guide, which features the popular “Industry Trends and Challenges” section. This industry assessment consists of “Top 5” lists provided by four experts. Consider it essential reading. The topics include the top trends of 2006, plus industry challenges and predictions for 2007.In the spirit of looking backward (and forward), I’d like to take a crack at the same items, with a little more explanation. As an added bonus, we’ll take a look at my “Gazing Into the Security Industry Crystal Ball” column from January 2006 (available online at www.securitysales.com) and see how I did.

Do Not Underestimate the Power of the UPS by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, November 2006 -- Now more affordable than ever, UPS units have become an essential piece of equipment in myriad settings, from large data centers to home entertainment systems. But nowhere is a UPS application more essential than for security. In a day and age when most products incorporate microprocessors and, therefore, require boot-up time, UPS units have become even more critical. Consider a half-second loss of power to a system could easily result in a reset time of several minutes or longer - an unacceptable episode for equipment that requires 100-percent uptime, such as surveillance cameras and access control systems.

Deliberating "Build Vs. Buy' by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, October 2006 -- During my career, I have had the opportunity to work for several different manufacturers in the electronic security field and built consulting relationships with others as well. One aspect common to all of these organizations is a healthy internal debate over “build vs. buy” when it comes to new product development. This month, I’d like to review the reasons for that decision-making process and illustrate how you might benefit from a similar line of thinking in your own organization.

Upgrade or Replace: Questions Abound to Flesh Out Answers by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2006 -- The debate over whether or not to maintain, upgrade or replace aging electronic security systems. Should you maintain the status quo by performing maintenance and repairs? Upgrade a system (or portions thereof)? Or just chuck it all and replace it? This is not simply a technical question. For many it encompasses all areas of a security operation and requires consideration of a number of factors.

Consultant's Notebook: The Nuances of Network Video Recorders by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, August 2006 -- An NVR is a system component that takes digital video streams and stores them on an array of hard drives. It also presents these images for later playback, archiving and manipulation. While this may seem like the function of all digital recording systems, there is a distinction between a NVR and a DVR.

Getting Video From Point A to Point B by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, August 2006 -- As the various technologies and associated equipment change the landscape of the video surveillance industry, a byproduct of this change seems to get little attention: signal transmission. Regardless of the technologies used, it is still necessary to get a video signal from one point to another, whether that signal be analog or digital, composite or IP based.  

Interview is Critical to Vendor Selection by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, July 2006 -- Last month, we discussed the increasing use of the RFQ, or “Request for Qualifications,” process by end users in the CCTV business to whittle down the number of consultants, integrators and even manufacturers they’re willing to consider on their project. Often, the RFQ leads to a request that a proposal for services is submitted, but there’s often one more step: the interview. In fact, the interview is a critical part of almost every vendor selection process. Sometimes it takes the form of a sales call, a meeting at a trade show, or a telephone conversation, but there’s no escaping the need for a personal exchange.

Writing and Responding to RFQs by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, June 2006 -- More and more CCTV projects are issuing “Requests for Qualifications” (RFQs) to whittle down the number of consultants, integrators and even manufacturers they’re willing to consider on their project. Let's take a look at how to evaluate what data is meaningful as an end-user and how much information a respondent may want to provide.

Getting Picky with Products by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2006 -- Explaining the process to use when evaluating a product: Analyzing Performance, Ranking Reliability, Understanding Usability, Looking for Features, and Documentation. This process will help in the CCTV business and in everyday life.

A 'Murphy's Law' Guide to Planning for Disaster by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, April 2006 -- To properly plan for the unexpected, it is essential to go beyond the usual careful design and preparation and ensure that a “Plan B” is always available when working with a CCTV System.

Sailing the Security Waters of Mystic Lake by Robert GrossmanSecurity Sales & Integration, March 2006 -- COVER STORY - An insider's look at the installation of the Digital CCTV System installed at Mystic Lake Casino.
Narrowing the Field by Robert GrossmanSecurity Sales & Integration, March 2006 -- Narrowing the field of prospective vendors and integrators for the Mystic Lake Casino Digital CCTV System installation.
DVR Architecture - How Dumb is Your User? by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, February 2006 -- The choice between PC-based and embedded digital video recorders (DVRs) is often more difficult than it looks. See the differences and how one better fits your overall CCTV system.
Keep Your Cameras Honest by Robert Grossman, Campus Safety, January/February 2006 -- Many campuses now consider their CCTV system to be a critical part of their operation — why not perform a regular audit of that system as well? Types of audits are system functionality, system performance, preventative maintenance. These audits would analyze your PTZ and fixed cameras, and the overall performance of your CCTV system. (Also published in Security Sales & Integration, December 2005)
Asia 100: Asia, Asia Everywhere: Have you Had a Drop to Drink (Full Article), A&S International, January 2006 -- A discussion on Security Products and Manufacturers in Asia -. (Quoted in Story)
Asia 100: Asia, Asia Everywhere: Have you Had a Drop to Drink (Part Two), A&S International, January 2006 -- A discussion on Security Products and Manufacturers in Asia -. (Quoted in Story)
Asia 100: Asia, Asia Everywhere: Have you Had a Drop to Drink, A&S International, January 2006 -- A discussion on Security Products and Manufacturers in Asia -. (Quoted in Story)
Gazing into the Security Industry Crystal Ball by Robert GrossmanSecurity Sales & Integration, January 2006 -- Using past trends (and a secret tool) to predict and analyze the direction for 2006 regarding IP Cameras, Digital Recorders and other facets of the Security Industry.
Performing a CCTV Audit by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, December 2005 -- Many companies now consider their CCTV system to be a critical part of their operation — why not perform a regular audit of that system as well? Types of audits are system functionality, system performance, preventative maintenance. These audits would analyze your PTZ and fixed cameras, and the overall performance of your CCTV system.
Electronic Security: Your Silent Partner Part Three of a Three Part Series by Robert Grossman, Information Security & Product Destruction, November/ December 2005 -- This article is the third installment in a three part series on designing, selecting, and installing a video surveillance system. In this article, the team that is needed to design and install a CCTV system will be reviewed.
Trust Me - A Guide to Honest Salespeople by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, November 2005 -- A CCTV salesperson is at odds with the end user. As the salesperson's job is not necessarily to help solve problems as it is to sell a video surveillance system product. This column will help guide you to spot the right salesperson to fit your needs.
Subcontracting - Friend or Foe by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, October 2005 -- When hiring an integrator to install your video surveillance system, they may not be doing the installation alone - they may hire subcontractors. Find out how this can be positive and negative.
How to Set Up an On-Site Security Command Center by Robert Grossman, Campus Safety, September/October 2005 -- When it comes to creating a security systems command center, campus security professionals need to consider not only equipment and functionality, but also design and aesthetics. (Also published in Security Sales & Integration, September 2005)
Electronic Security: Your Silent Partner Part Two of a Three Part Series by Robert Grossman, Information Security & Product Destruction, September/October 2005 -- This article is the second installment in a three part series on designing, selecting, and installing a video surveillance system. In this article, the team that is needed to design and install a CCTV system will be reviewed.
The Secret of  Designing Security Control Centers by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2005 --When it comes to creating a security system command center, dealers and integrators need to take off their installation hats and consider design and aesthetics. Find out the steps needed to create a successful and productive security hub. (Also published in Campus Safety, September/October 2005)
Find an Easier Way to Bridge the Gap with End Users by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration,  September 2005 -- Our goal of bridging the gap between CCTV manufacturers, integrators and end users is still as important as ever, and you’ll continue to find real-world, common-sense coverage of issues that concern all of these parties. We’ll be focusing more on issues that apply to larger or more complex systems and the special needs that these projects bring with them.
Get Customers to Stop Worrying and Love Digital by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration,  August 2005 -- This article is less about the advantages of going digital and more about overcoming the objections and trepidations of customers to make it happen sooner, rather than later.
The Softer Side of Upgrading to Digital by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, August 2005 --We all know that digital video brings new levels of features and performance to what were utility products in the past. But the ability to upgrade these products and add features by simply updating software has major implications.
Electronic Security: Your Silent Partner Part One of a Three Part Series by Robert Grossman, Information Security & Product Destruction, July/August 2005 -- Many businesses install video surveillance to protect their assets, document problems, reduce liability, and deter theft or other illegal behavior. In the document and data destruction industry there’s another tremendously valuable benefit: In addition to protecting your business, a video surveillance system can become an extremely powerful sales tool.
Trade Shows Offer End Users a One-Stop ROI by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, July 2005 --  If you’re at all involved in making technology decisions for your company or need to understand the options that are available to you, there is no substitute for going to the right trade show.
Big Systems Need Help From Small Manufacturers by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, June 2005 -- When planning a system or adding on to an existing project, many end users and integrators are reluctant to involve smaller manufacturers.
Birth of a Security Product by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration,  May 2005 -- Every motion sensor, DVR, card reader, control panel or any one of thousands of other electronic security and fire/life-safety devices in existence today was once just an idea put forth by one of our industry’s manufacturers.
Reps Link Manufacturers to Integrators  by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2005 -- One of the most misunderstood links in the chain from manufacturer to end user is the role of the manufacturer’s representative, or rep firm.
Look for the Hidden Costs in Contracts by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, April 2005 -- A contract is there to ensure both parties understand and agree to the work that needs to be done, that expectations are met and the end user gets the value they are looking for.
Managers Deal with Digital Data Dilemma by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, March 2005 -- Let’s start with a basic premise that all recording media has a life expectancy. With the exception of units that record using some sort of flash memory — which can exceed the usable life of the product — most recordable media will ultimately fail.
Casinos Ride Digital Wave by Joanne Friedrick, Security Director News, March 2005 -- Analog video is becoming a "has-been" in the world of gaming surveillance. (Quoted in story)
Be at the Service of Customers by Maintaining Systems by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, February 2005 --  Despite declining prices, electronics equipment continues to become more and more reliable. That might make some forget that most electronic security systems still need some level of care and feeding.
Make Skepticism Your Ally – Read Between the Lines By Gary Gazaway - Pelco Press,  Winter 2004 -- Time and again, when reading articles that make reference to various aspects of the acceptability of video evidence (especially digital) in court, one runs across such phrases as “the courts prefer,”; “the courts tend to lean towards”; or “such and such a compression scheme is preferred.” As well intentioned as these statements may be, you can be sure that the more narrowly focused they are on any specific technical attribute, the farther away they will be from what the courts actually require. (Courtesy of Pelco, www.Pelco.com ).
Building Connections to Colleagues by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration,  January 2005 -Everything is networking these days — from cameras to card readers, computers to cash registers, it seems our whole world is networked. How about you? Are you networked?
Checking References Takes A Personal Touch by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, December 2004 -- Surprisingly, few end users know what to check for when asking for references — if they bother checking them at all. This is perhaps the greatest opportunity to separate the winners from the losers, and easily the one used least frequently.
Documenting Your System: Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Information? by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, November 2004 -- When documenting a system installation, how much detail is appropriate? The fact is, documenting a system is handled differently by all parties involved and is driven primarily by what the end user requires, demands and is willing to pay for.
Sophisticated Technology Still Requires Tech Support by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, October 2004 -- When a product fails, the easiest solution usually is to replace it. While this worked at one time, the convergence of reliable electronics, product complexity and increasing amounts of environmental hazards make this option far less effective. Tech Support is often still needed to save the day.
Digital Done on a Grand Scale by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2004 -- The world’s largest casino resort — Connecticut’s Foxwoods — undergoes the largest analog-to-digital recording conversion ever undertaken. Without the luxury of downtime, everyone associated with the project works as a single mind to pull off the massive upgrade, which includes a new state-of-the-art control room. The approach offers integrators a way to ease the transition to digital for their customers.
Creating an Illusion of Security by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, September 2004 -- When evaluating the ever-increasing arsenal of electronic and physical security products at our disposal, it’s easy to lose sight of the primary purpose of these products; to deter crime.
Warranties and Service Contracts: To Buy or Not to Buy? by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, August 2004 -- We are in a golden age of electronics. Never have there been so many features packed into products that cost so little and work so well. And, since this trend has been building for many years, there’s every reason to believe it will continue. Consider this when evaluating service plans, extended warranties and maintenance contracts.
What the Sales Pitch Won't Tell You About Digital Needs by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, July 2004 -- Forget about pixels, file sizes and bandwidth for a moment, and concentrate on the things that will matter when you justify your investment. Your application will determine what is important to you and what compromises you’ll make.
Even if It Ain't Broke, Old CCTV Equipment Might Need Fixing by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, June 2004 -- How can we justify a decision to upgrade equipment that is perfectly functional but no longer state-of-the-art? Examining old and new equipment’s functionality, cost, features and aesthetics can be an eye-opener.
The Matrix Revealed by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2004 -Once the mainstay of video surveillance and still one of the most sophisticated products widely in use, the cross-point matrix switching system, or matrix switch, has come a long way. On one hand, it is still the predominant method for routing video signals around a facility. On the other, there are many products that have taken large portions of its functionality..
Everybody Loves a Showoff: Showcase Your Security System by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2004 --Many security end users are asked to give tours, allow photos and otherwise promote the security awareness of their organizations. For many, the natural inclination is to say no, but are you being paranoid?
2004 International Security Conference (ISC) West: March 30-April 2, Las Vegas by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, May 2004 -- A commentary by SSI columnist Robert Grossman on his impressions of the 2004 ISC West.
How End Users Can Get Their Voices Heard by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, April 2004 --Sometimes, reason and realism are not enough: You might need more than rationality to get what you want. As promised in January, let’s look at some strategies for escalating the issues and making sure your voice is heard loud and clear in those times when being reasonable doesn’t get you far enough.
Consultants: Time to End the Confusion by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, March 2004 -- Webster’s Dictionary defines a “consultant” as “a person who gives professional or expert advice.” But, with that definition, isn’t just about everyone a consultant?
Industry Changes Start With End User by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, February 2004 -- A review of how the products we use and depend on to keep our friends, customers and property safe and secure have changed during the past quarter-century.
What End Users Should Reasonably Expect by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, January 2004 -- Despite the best of intentions, there is often a “disconnect” between the people who design, manufacture, distribute, sell, and install electronic security products, and those who specify, purchase and use them.
New Opportunities for 1-4 Door Access by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, October 2003 -- No longer considered security accessories, small access control systems incorporate sophistication and capabilities, opening up a wide range of new applications.  In fact, many larger systems are constructed from the same building blocks as these entry-level systems.
  System Hardening by Robert D. Grossman, Security Products & Technology News, September 2003 -- A lot of time and energy goes into protecting a facility when a video surveillance system is installed, but what about protecting the system itself from vandals and would-be thieves?
Casinos Bet on CCTV and Win by Robin H. Gray, Security Sales & Integration, September 2003 -- Gaming establishments all across the nation now realize that the latest surveillance technology can protect them against customer cheating, employee misconduct, and fraudulent claims better than ever before. As a result, many have already adopted or are seriously considering state-of-the-art digital CCTV equipment. (Quoted in story)
CCTV in the Real World: Giving Users What They Want by Robert Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, December 2001  -- An optimal CCTV system installation sometimes requires unconventional or fresh thinking. Combining that with truly understanding your client, the intended application, video technology, system design procedures, and future needs is the ticket to achieving superior results.
Your Competitive Advantage: The Integration of Services by Robert D. Grossman, Security Sales & Integration, February 2001 -- A business' road to success and growth can be paved with an increasing sense of disconnection and fragmentation among personnel. That's when a company needs to observe its organization from a fresh perspective, determining the different roles being played by the members of its team and exploring how they can be better integrated.
  CCTV Tech Update: Screen, Time Multiplexing Are Among Your Recording Options by Bob Grossman, Security Sales, July 1999 -- Column discussing video recording options (analog and digital).
  MGM Grand Doubles Size of Security Monitoring Center Security Magazine, June 1999 -- Column discussing expansion of MGM Grand Las Vegas Monitoring Center. (Quoted in story)
  CCTV Tech Update: Y2K Will Not Affect CCTV Cameras by Bob Grossman, Security Sales, January 1999 - Column discussing Y2K issues with regard to CCTV equipment.
CCTV in the Real World: Designing Systems for People Who Use Them by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, August 1997 -- Sometimes experts get so caught up in the features and buzzwords that they forget an  important element in any CCTV system: the people who use them.
What to Expect from Your Supplier by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor,  April 1997 -- The sale is made, the system installed, and something's wrong. Will manufacturer service and support save the day?
  Training Classes for the Faint of Heart by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, February 1996 -- If you wonder why anyone would voluntarily listen to your expert advice, here are some pointers that will give you confidence.
  Staying Small: The Integration of Services by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, February 1995 -- Integrating your employees into a team rather than individual players can increase efficiency, profitability, and morale.
  Troubleshooting for the Sleepless by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, July1994 -- If you're up nights worrying about whether the systems you install will work, here's some pointers that demystify the troubleshooting process.
  A Well Oiled Machine by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, February 1994 -- Motivating your employees can help the wheels of your company run more smoothly and profitably.
  Efficient Project Management by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, August 1993 -- You can't eliminate all of the surprises, but a little thought and planning will eliminate the damage they can do.
  Project Documentation for the End User by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, December 1992 -- A professional looking "owners manual" is certainly beneficial to your customer, but it can also dramatically affect your company's image, reputation, and bottom line.
  Style and Function Combine in Bally's Garage CCTV System by Robert D. Grossman, Sound & Video Contractor, August 1991-- With an in-house design, you can't refuse to renew a service contract if a problem arises later. Planning for any eventuality and designing for easy repair and upgrade become personal goals.

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