Reviewing Transport Security Expo 2014 at London Olympia

The 12th annual Transport Security Expo witnessed over 4,000 visitors from all over the world gathering at the Olympia National Hall in West London for two days of networking and education from 2^nd to 3^rd December 2014.

Some 150 security system OEMs and suppliers were exhibiting innovative solutions, ranging for example from Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, Chemring, Excelerate Technology, Gallagher, Honeywell Security, IndigoVision, Kromek and L-3 Communications to Morpho Detection, Pelco, Rapiscan Systems, Salto Systems, Scanna MSC, Smiths Detection, Southwest Microwave, Varian and Vivotek.

Themes of the trade conferences - standing room only in Theatres 1, 3 and 5 for most of the two days - were Aviation Security, Major Events Transport Security, Maritime Security, Rail Security and Secure Transportation. Meanwhile the hands-on Workshop Programmes in Theatre 2 comprised CCTV and Video Analytics; Integrated Security; Perimeter Security; Screening, Scanning and Detection; Secure Transportation; and Surveillance, Comms and Tracking. Furthermore the Live Demonstrations programme in Theatre 4 consisted of 15 fascinating half-hour demonstrations spread over the two days.

Highlights catching the eye in the National Hall included VideoBadge body-worn video from Scottish OEM Edesix. Delivering high-quality video and audio evidence, the VideoBadge camera weighs only 125g and fits onto uniforms, recording continuously for eight hours, and all footage captured is securely encrypted to prevent unauthorised access. Meanwhile another prominent exhibitor from Edinburgh, IndigoVision, best known for its end-to-end IP video security solutions, was displaying its own body-worn camera system FrontLine.

Following the successful completion of user trials, Scanna MSC announced at the Expo that it had won a contract for its portable x-ray systems from Poland's aviation authorities to investigate any unattended packages at their airports. Working with local partner IBCOL, the order includes the provision of ScanX Scout and Scansilc x-ray equipment, training, local maintenance and service support.

Wavestore was demonstrating its video management software. Its open-platform, Linux-based design enables simultaneous recording and management in virtually any format from any combination of analogue, IP, megapixel, HD, HD-SDI, thermal, panoramic and 360° cameras. Scalability presents no barrier: Wavestore's largest current projects include almost 2,000 servers and over 40,000 cameras.

Gallagher was showing its Z20 disturbance sensor, Command Centre v7.20 and T20 card-and-PIN terminal. The Z20 Disturbance Sensor heightens perimeter security through intelligent detection of vibration or movement of the fence structure. Alarms are generated when disturbance meets predefined criteria. The new Command Centre v.7.20 software delivers operational information in context, so that you can respond fully informed and promptly to system events. The T20 is designed to give outstanding performance as both a high-traffic access control card-and-PIN terminal and system management gateway.

Kromek demonstrated its liquid explosive detection system called Identifier, offering detection to ECAC Standard 3 in a fast and accurate single operation scan for containers.

Then, powered by a non-radioactive ITMS (Ion Trap Mobility Spectrometer) source, Morpho Detection's Itemiser 4DX was providing advanced explosives screening of airport passengers and baggage. Optimized for ease-of-use and mobility, Itemiser 4DX eliminates the administrative, regulatory, storage and shipping requirements associated with a radiation-emitting trace detection source.

Forensic expert Samantha Ollerton, Product Line and Technical Director of Rapiscan Systems, gave a live demonstration on December 3rd of Rapiscan's latest explosive trace detection device, the Detectra HX, a neat, battery-operated, handheld device weighing only 1.9 kg to combat terrorism.

Another most interesting presentation was by the ScentLogix founder Dr David Adebimpe, a world pioneer in non-hazardous, chemically formulated, pseudo-scent training aids, that enhance the operational capability of dogs trained to search for explosives, IEDs, mines, weapons, ammunition and narcotics. Close to 100% cargo screening is now achieved in the USA by dogs trained on ScentLogix products, according to Adebimpe.

Among vehicles pulling the crowds in the exhibition hall were the Dutch company Trikke Europe's electric vehicle for intensive daily use by police and security officers and German firm Stoof International's armoured limousines, 4x4's, cash-in-transit vehicles and trucks.

Peter Jones, CEO of the organisers Nineteen Events, summed up the thoughts of many: "This year's event really took the Transport Security Expo to a whole new level in terms of innovation, execution and foreign engagement. Our game-changing decision to make the conferences free for all - and spread the knowledge of our world-class line-up of speakers and the phenomenal turnout of country delegations - really confirmed the event as the de-facto meeting-place for the industry to learn, network and do business."

The eagerly awaited 2015 Transport Security Expo will be held from December 2nd to 3rd, so put those dates in your diary now!

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Nineteen Events, Wimbledon, London, UK

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