Here’s how we’re perpetually innovating the product category
The countdown to ASIS 2016 in Orlando (September 12 through 14) is on! We’ll have lots of innovation to talk about at the industry’s premier security conference and exhibition. At the show, LifeSafety Power® will highlight new, exciting networking features, partnerships, integrations and expanded product capabilities. Until then, we want to revisit some of the excitement that’s been going on over the last months, like the release of the award-winning FlexPower® Gemini RGM power management system.
The state of systems integration
Footprints and real estate in data centers and customer sites can be a challenge, especially as these spaces may be extremely tight. They may even be located in a small electrical closet or similar constricted location. It’s this world of IT that we have to co-exist in today, and we’re getting the job done in a big way with the compact Gemini.
Gemini RGM is designed specifically for small footprints and is a 19-inch rack mount product that provides both operating power and mechanical housing for Authentic Mercury Security access control hardware. This enclosure is totally ground breaking: it combines system power, lock power and remote power options in a UL-listed (U.S. and Canada) enclosure. The breakthrough is in the UL-listing garnered for all integrated components within the enclosure, allowing systems integrators to have a fully compliant, turnkey solution suitable for four doors and easily expandable in four-door increments. Now, systems installers have the availability of an IT-centric solution that’s fully listed and allows them to specify power for a variety of vertical market customers and facilities they may not have been able to reach before.
Gemini received a Most Valuable Product (MVP) award in April 2016 from Security Sales & Integration magazine. It’s the first and only solution of its kind on the market with the listings, compact design and integrated technologies inside. It’s also an affirmative nod to managed services for systems integrators. When deployed with LifeSafety Power network communication modules, integrators can remotely monitor power to both Mercury panels and locks to provide proactive managed services to customers while adding recurring monthly revenue.
LifeSafety Power prides itself on continually evolving the product category – from static device to network centric solution – in an effort to meet new and emerging product needs of the installation and end-user communities. So stay tuned and see us at ASIS, booth 3461. Contact LifeSafety Power today for an ASIS appointment or more information on your next progressive power installation.
Application Notes for Superior Installations Featured
Written by LSP Marketing in BlogLifeSafety Power’s Application Notes are at the ready to assist with the successful specification of access control, security and networked power applications. These documents are available for download, with detailed and helpful technical tips, wiring and other information to assist you with your integrated power solution deployment.
With an increasing number of lockdown solutions leveraged for school and healthcare campuses, it’s critical to know the proper way to install power solutions so egress can be achieved automatically and facilities locked down quickly during an emergency or duress event. 
Did you know that we have an Application Note (33) that covers basic set ups for four different potential locking scenarios? You can find them online here. And be sure to check out the full library of other online Application Notes, Downloads and White Papers in our comprehensive Learning Center.
Making the most of your networked power solution deployment and adding value to your installation is the goal at LifeSafety Power as we perpetually innovate the power category.
Brivo partnership broadens installation specs
LifeSafety Power® works closely with the integration community to best serve their networked power needs. Recently, we responded to the growing Brivo Inc. cloud computing community by providing the seamless, mechanical integration of power and access control hardware in a single solution with the Brivo Integrated Power Supply.
Integrated Brivo Power supplies bring new efficiencies to the installation community, with easier deployment and wiring, and that means less time in the field and higher profit margins. With the FlexPower® Unified Power Solutions BCLASS™ (Brivo) enclosure integrators can easily add value to end-user specifications with the complete mechanical integration of power, access controller boards and optional lock power for 4-, 8-, and 16-door Brivo systems in single and dual voltage. In addition, with our patented and industry leading remote networking capabilities, system solution providers can easily add managed services with optional NetLink™ Network Communications Modules.
Other BCLASS efficiencies include:
- One AC drop minimizes wall space, streamlines installation and reduces time and labor costs.
- FlexPower’s modularity yields unlimited system configurations and specification possibilities.
- Factory pre-wired section saves configuration time and removable back plate simplifies controller wiring.
- Spacious enclosure includes ample room for additional output distribution or remote monitoring and managed services with NetLink.
LifeSafety Power is a perpetual innovator of the category with a fine-focus on meeting integrator needs, yielding solutions that move power succinctly into the area of networking capabilities and managed services.
Our favs in review
Whether you are a LifeSafety Power aficionado or new to the line of patented, customizable, networked power solutions, we want to keep you up to speed with all the information you need for an effective design-build specification. So we’ve assembled a list of our top seven technical tips that may be just what you need to spark a new idea or address a customer’s challenge in the healthcare, government, education, corporate or other vertical markets.
We make it easy for you to customize the perfect system. Our solutions are based on what integrators need in the field and the current challenges of their end-user customer. We’re not just hawking static hardware; we are changing the power category with intelligent, networked devices that yield critical enterprise data. We are thinking of the future of connectivity and the Internet of Things in all our recent innovations. For example, the NetLink™ remote monitoring network communications module has been tested and received independent accreditation as meeting effective cybersecurity criteria in networking communications processes and protocols.
Be sure to check out our newly designed application notes at http://www.lifesafetypower.com/support/application-notes. We also publish tips and other helpful information on Twitter and LinkedIn. Contact our experienced technical support and engineers at our offices for more detailed questions at (888) 577-2898.
Top 7 Tech Tips
1 FlexPower® Unified Power Solutions are factory set to 12V (unless a B100 is installed) to protect devices from accidental exposure to 24V.
2 Accidentally order a single voltage system but need both 12V and 24V? Simply adding a B100 will get you out of the jam. The B100 only requires a low voltage input (no high-voltage AC wiring) and can be added to the end of the accessory board chain with plug-in connectors. For more information, see the B100 application note.
3 Want to send an SMS text message from a NetLink network communications module? This new Application note shows you how.
4 Did you know that firmware updates are available on our website for NetLink, Multi-Site Manager and NetPower® NPR Series? Updates may also include new features or cybersecurity improvements. You can find downloads here.
5 Want a convenient and easy way to remember output voltage settings on accessory boards? The top power supply in a dual FPO system is always Buss 1 and the bottom FPO is always Buss 2. That means position 1 on the voltage setting jumpers of the C8 and D8 boards select the top power supply and position 2 selects the bottom supply.
6 Did you know our DC and power over Ethernet products will operate on a 208VAC line when configured for 230VAC?
7 We make it easy to find replacements with ATM-style fuses. Traditional glass fuses are becoming difficult to find locally, but the ATM automotive miniature fuses used in LSP products can be purchased at auto parts stores, big box retailers and sometimes the local grocer. In addition, we offer quantities of replacement fuses to stock up the tool box.
PSA Security Integrators ‘Get It’ Featured
Written by LSP Marketing in Blog
They recognize the value of networked power solutions
PSA TEC, the quintessential educational and networking conference for systems integrators produced by PSA Security Network, Westminster, Colo., is in the record books, but the excitement from the show is still fresh.
Not only did we walk away with new integrator partners, but we also received an Outstanding Vendor Partner of the Year Award. Joe Holland, co-founder of LifeSafety Power®and vice president of Engineering accepted the award from PSA’s Craig Patterson, director of Vendor Management. The Vendor Award winners were selected by PSA owner companies based on rankings for pricing, shipping, support, lead generation, returns and product performance. The 2016 awards were issued during the Vendor Awards Luncheon on May 10. LifeSafety Power also recently attained status as a Premier PSA Network Vendor.
The award was quite significant in that it’s based on feedback gathered from integrator-customers. “It’s not simply an internal award,” Holland said. “It’s the customer base of PSA Security and the integrators who select the winners based on their experience with our company and how they perceive our innovative products,” he added.
New LSP certification course unveiled
Holland kicked off LifeSafety Power’s educational session participation at PSA TEC on May 9 with a LifeSafety Power Certification Course, newly created and recognized as qualifying to earn BICSI technicians certification credits for their credentialing. Some heavy-hitter integration companies were on hand to learn about the LifeSafety Power approach to power management, design and installation, and of course, managed services with networked power solutions.
During exhibits, the booth was a constant flurry of activity and it was evident that those who visited appreciated and understood the rewards LifeSafety Power products bring through managed services, including the ability to receive emailed notifications of system status and other real-time reports.
Managed services take center stage
At the booth, LifeSafety Power showcased its patented NetLink® remote communications module as well as the Flexpower® Multi-Site Manager which collects, consolidates and displays information by NetLink on a single computer screen from multiple devices. Also on display was the award-winning FlexPower Gemini RGM small footprint rackmount solution that integrates all components within the enclosure and meets cUL and UL listings for the integral design.
“PSA Security Network and its members continue to be a fantastic avenue of success for us,” said John Olliver, senior vice president of Sales and Business Development. “We're always impressed with the quality of integration companies who are part of the organization and look forward to helping them increase their profitability and recurring monthly revenue with networked power solutions.”
It was a constant flurry of visitors, while news and accolades kept pouring in
Crunched with curious visitors and inquiring minds who wanted to know how to network power solutions seamlessly in their integrated security and life safety specifications, ISC West 2016, April 6-8 in Las Vegas was an outstanding success.
Just prior to the exhibit floor’s opening and what would become a record-breaking three-day show of some 30,000 attendees, LifeSafety Power was presented a prestigious Most Valuable Product (MVP) award from Security Sales & Integration (SSI) magazine.
Michael Bone, Applications & Training, accepted the award from Rodney Bosch, senior editor of SSI at a special awards ceremony. LifeSafety Power received the award for the FlexPower® Gemini RGM power management system -- the first and only fully Underwriters Laboratories (U.S.) and Underwriters Laboratories Canada listed enclosure incorporating Authentic Mercury hardware, operating power modules and optional power in a completely compliant rackmount solution.
LifeSafety Power previously won the MVP award in 2015 for Helix™, redundant power management systems and in 2014 was presented with an SSI Top 30 Innovations award and the Security Industry Association's New Product Showcase award for iSCAN®, network managed power solutions that have revolutionized the power category.
At the booth, the LifeSafety Power display focused on its ever-expanding partnerships, including those with Brivo, Honeywell, HID, DAQ Electronics, Authentic Mercury Hardware and more. In addition, it unveiled its new marketing slogan and future direction: Power is Knowledge® reflecting the importance of monitored power solutions in security and life safety applications.
Awards for top producers
In addition, each year the company presents awards to the companies and their personnel who so adeptly and enthusiastically represent the growing LifeSafety Power product line. The 2015 Rep of the Year Award for outstanding service and sales performance was presented to The Milsk Company, Southfield, Mich. The Milsk Co. was also recognized for 2015 Performance to Budget for exceeding their budget by the highest percentage.
Other sales awards included: PowerPro Award (recognizing overall enthusiasm and drive in representing the LifeSafety Power product line)--Scott Joyal, REP Marketing Solutions Inc., Dracut, Mass.; Evan Milsk, The Milsk Co.; Tonya Davis, Campion Sales, Coppell, Texas; and Ryan Johnson, Warren Associates, Livermore, Calif.
Thanks to all who visited. We will look forward to seeing you at PSA TEC in May!
Application Notes: Keeping You Spec Ready Featured
Written by LSP Marketing in BlogSystem wiring for your favorite access controllers
LifeSafety Power® continues to support the security installation and specification community with the latest technical information to assist in providing the most robust, professionally installed power solutions.
We’ve been updating the Application Notes for our flagship FlexPower® Unified Power Solutions line, created when we launched the company in 2009. The idea behind FlexPower was to give integrators choices, flexible specification capabilities if you will, based on their manufacturer-specific access control or other security/life safety product so they could achieve greater installation efficiencies. FlexPower lets integrators select from standard DC voltages or other, manufacturer-specific wiring methods and configurations for power enclosures.
Software House notes revised
Most recently, we revamped the Software House by Tyco access control panel application notes, including iStar Pro, iStar Ultra and iStar Ultra SE in standard and SCLASS. The SCLASS line of power is designed to accommodate Software House controllers and iStar components within the power supply enclosure, simplifying and streamlining installation and wiring management. These application notes cover the basic wiring required between the power system and the iStar series with illustrations and other critical information.
Watch for new updates regularly, including for HID VertX (VCLASS) and AMAG Technology (ACLASS).
New Director of Sales Matt Virga Joins LifeSafety Power Featured
Written by LSP Marketing in BlogWelcome Matt Virga to the LifeSafety Power® team!
There's a new sales 'sheriff,' in town, handling the eastern region of the U.S. for LifeSafety Power: Director of Sales Matt Virga.
Virga has some 25 years of experience in the industry, most recently with Sony Electronics and Pelco by Schneider Electric. He will be responsible for developing new sales opportunities and working with systems integration channel partners. Virga recognizes the leadership role LifeSafety Power has established in networked power solutions by bringing ‘disruptive’ technology to the security and life safety marketplace.
"Power supplies may not have the glamour of cameras or a video management system, but the networked power LifeSafety Power has pioneered is inspiring a legion of followers who recognize a truly unique solution that outperforms anything they were accustomed to installing/operating,” Virga commented.
“And now, it’s something they can leverage to gain additional recurring monthly revenue through managed remote services. Many respected, well-known systems integrators in the industry already rely on the capabilities of LifeSafety Power.”
LifeSafety Power® leads in proactive measures
It’s a growing epidemic: threats to the network and the devices and data residing on it. As the Internet of Things (loT) continues to take hold, this trend will become even more pronounced. LifeSafety Power is taking a proactive approach to today’s issues and challenges, providing testing and certifications that validate the inherent safeguards in its premiere NetLink™ Network Communications Module.
NetLink received its Cyber Security Assessment Certificate recently after the module was tested to evaluate for cybersecurity-related features and design parameters by Rodney Thayer of Smithee, Spelvin, Agnew & Plinge, Inc. The company conducts independent cybersecurity assessments for infrastructure deployments, Internet-based solutions and network-attached devices. NetLink is the network connected control unit for LifeSafety Power’s FlexPower® product line.
Smithee, Spelvin, Agnew & Plinge certified NetLink as having been tested and evaluated for certain cybersecurity features in the product and said the module “provides a cybersecurity posture appropriate for enterprise use.” NetLink demonstrated proven system interfaces, instrumentation and infrastructure safeguards to prevent surreptitious attacks to networked power solutions. (Specific cybersecurity features, testing parameters and other information can be found here.)
Working together for a greater good
There’s a bigger picture in all this, and that’s that the industry needs to provide users with safeguards for communicating devices, especially when it comes to the network.
“Not only is it critical for products residing on the network to have been tested and certified for cybersecurity features, it’s important for the vendor community to lead this posture and adopt measures in manufactured devices as appropriate,” says Larry Ye, President, LifeSafety Power.
PSA Security Network, Westminster, Colo., has led the way in providing awareness, education, and resources to the physical security market through its Cybersecurity Program. The program is intended to provide a wealth of tools and resources that integrators and vendors can use to help prevent, detect and mitigate cybersecurity breaches related to physical security products deployed on customer networks. PSA has also partnered with a number of premier cybersecurity service providers that offer an array of services including risk management, information security assessments, and independent validation testing services such as those conducted on NetLink.
“Cybersecurity is quite possibly the most critical topic facing the physical security industry today,” says Craig Patterson, Director of Vendor Management. “What we have learned through our program over the last couple of years is that cybersecurity really is everyone’s responsibility. Everyone in the supply chain from sourcing, product development and installation plays a critical role in ensuring a cyber savvy solution at the end of the day,” he adds.
LifeSafety Power is leading the way, ensuring network communications modules such as NetLink provide cybersecurity and hardening capabilities.
What’s Your Best Project from 2015? Featured
Written by LSP Marketing in Blog
It’s your time to shine!
What really separates your systems integration company from the competition and puts you ahead of the game?
It’s most likely that it’s a turnkey, integrated security, access control or other life safety system specification that gets your customers talking—one that fuels referrals and highlights your competencies in the field. And of course, we’re sure it may incorporate the latest technologies from LifeSafety Power, starting with our FlexPower® Unified Power Solutions as you strive for differentiation in the marketplace and new ways to assist the customer with remote monitoring as a managed service.
Systems integrators now understand the value of networked power and the capabilities and value it provides to them in the field and for every vertical market customer. They are performing installations that range from SMB specifications to enterprise-level, multi-location projects.
Have you recently completed a successful installation with a LifeSafety Power product? How are you using networked power to better manage the solution and provide detailed logs, health and other reports, as well as real-time status? We’d love to hear from you so we can get you some exposure for your hard work. If you and your customer agree, we’ll work up a great article—with the ultimate goal of publication online or in print in the industry’s leading publications.
Find out more by contacting your local representative, or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .