Branches and roots

Cathexis is a locally owned South African company where development engineers in the Durban office continue to innovate and improve the company’s video surveillance management systems. Well-known for its helpful, down-to-earth staff, the team work hard to innovate and build on the strengths of the flagship product, CathexisVision, which keeps businesses and homes secure and…

Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer Award

On 2 June 2022, Dene Alkema, Managing Director of Cathexis Africa, accepted the trophy for “Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer” on behalf of Cathexis at an in-person OSPAs award ceremony. Cathexis Technologies received the award in June 2021, at the first-ever South African Outstanding Security Performance Awards (OSPAs) in collaboration with Securex. Dene Alkema, MD of…

Video management for the future

The VMS has been around for many years and in various forms as the basis for surveillance projects. The ‘various forms’ in the past have included full enterprise-level systems that can manage hundreds or even thousands of cameras, down to free versions that are developed and supplied by camera manufacturers, as well as free versions…

The impact of AI on surveillance

Artificial intelligence (AI), deep learning (DL) and machine learning (ML) are popular buzzwords in the security industry (and everywhere else too) that have us expecting real-life science fiction from our hardware and software. But how amazing is the real impact of these technologies on the surveillance market? One of the primary environments where AI is…

Cathexis specialises in integration

When most people hear that Cathexis is a video surveillance company, they think that recording and playing back video is the extent of our capability and usefulness. Video is our major component, but providing holistic security and operational management solutions for our customers is our top priority. CathexisVision specialises in integrated infrastructure. The integration of multiple systems is intrinsic and essential to our goal of creating an effective and efficient operational environment. The ability of CathexisVision to integrate with a plethora of systems enhances the feature-rich CathexisVision video surveillance management software.

CathexisVision Securing Savannah Hills Estate

Savannah Hills Estate is located in Midrand, close to Blue Valley Golf Estate. Since February 2018, the estate manager, Dawie van Rensburg has been planning a security upgrade, involving perimeter cameras. The project finally went out to tender, which was awarded to Rhyco Risk Projects. The project started in March 2019 and was completed in May 2019. The estate has two river crossings which can cause nuisance alarms due to insects. Rhyco made use of the Cathexis Vision’s VMS platform, ensuring proper analytics and making use of the Cathexis dynamic background function, ensuring that nuisance alarms are kept to the minimum.

CathexisVision Video Management Software

The CathexisVision IP video management software (VMS), with its extensive range of features, provides efficient and effective surveillance solutions to help clients get the most out of their surveillance investment and reap rewards for their companies. Based on an open platform, CathexisVision enables the seamless integration of IP cameras, recording servers and viewing infrastructure. The software is also capable of integration with third-party devices such as access control, alarm and fire panels, weighbridges, fence monitoring systems, and logistics scanning systems.

Axis Technology Day – Johannesburg

Cathexis Africa will be participating in the Axis Technology Day, alongside Axis Communications, on 20 June 2019. The event will be hosted at the Country Manor Lodge in Fourways, Johannesburg. We will be demonstrating the latest CathexisVision software release, which places greater emphasis on privacy and security. The software has several new features and enhancements.…

A Platform To The Future

In the past there were two types of management platforms for video and other physical security systems, those made by the hardware vendors that offered limited capabilities and scalability, and which focused on the vendor’s products; and those that allowed multiple brands from multiple vendors to be integrated into a single solution. While the smaller, limited solutions are still available and widely used in small installations, with a little poetic license we can say that the top-tier platforms today are also loosely divided into two camps.

The one camp we can call an open platform that allows partners and developers to integrate just about any third-party system or solution into the basic platform, expanding its use far and wide. The other we shall call a unified platform that is controlled by one company that ensures all the systems and tools are integrated into the platform and perform optimally. Often these platforms still allow third parties to develop add-ons, but limit access to ‘the crown jewels’.

Protecting people’s money, and their data

The temptations inherent to the banking sector, and financial institutions more generally, pit them in an eternal and increasingly high-tech battle to secure themselves against threats from within and without. They also have a responsibility to protect their customers and their data from unauthorised access, and since bank branches are essentially businesses they are seeking ways to improve the customer experience in similar ways to the retail sector.

Addressing all these concerns requires a highly integrated approach that uses the cutting-edge of security technologies across the board. We asked IDEMIA, Cathexis Africa and CA Southern Africa how their companies’ particular areas of expertise are being leveraged in the financial sector.

Delivering greater control room value

While surveillance has become a key component in security and operations management, a truly integrated security system requires that all aspects of the security system work seamlessly together, while being managed by the heart of the system, which is the control room. Working in a 24/7 security control room environment demands a lot of physical and mental commitment from operators. Thankfully several security product providers are designing and manufacturing products that reduce the risk of human error while enhancing the control room operators’ working environment. Real-time information followed by prompt decision-making and immediate action can make all the difference, which is why sophisticated video management software is central to the control room environment and its operators. The true power of a surveillance system, and what it can offer in terms of security, operations and infrastructure management becomes even more apparent when combined with sophisticated video management software,” says Gus Brecher, managing director of Cathexis Africa and business development director of Cathexis Technologies.

Cathexis and PRISMABYTES: A runaway success at IFSEC Southeast Asia

Cathexis Technologies is pleased to announce the successful conclusion of its participation at IFSEC Southeast Asia. Cathexis was delighted to join its Malaysian distributor, PRISMABYTES at its stand from 19-21 March at the MITEC, Kuala Lumpur. Cathexis Technologies was proud to be co-exhibiting with PRISMABYTES, a company that offers various fully-integrated complete security solutions for a diverse range of vertical market sectors, with emphasis on video management surveillance solutions.

Cathexis wraps up successful national roadshow

Cathexis Technologies successfully concluded its national CathexisVision Roadshow. With events held in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Johannesburg and Cape Town, the objective was to take the Cathexis story to all current and prospective partners, customers, key decision-makers, installers, integrators, consultants and end-users across the country. This would provide delegates with the opportunity to test-drive the latest technology, while gaining insight into the future of security trends.

CathexisVision gets another global stamp of approval

CathexisVision, the Video Surveillance Management Software Suite from Cathexis Technologies has received another complimentary verdict from Benchmark as a “ Recommended” and “Best Buy” product for March 2019. Benchmark is a globally recognised business-to-business publication for installers and integrators, dedicated to technological innovation and the design and implementation of smarter solutions. It delivers independent and…

Ski Dubai opts for Cathexis

When the operations management team for Ski Dubai were looking for an alternative video management software (VMS) system provider, CathexisVision was able to meet the challenge for this retail client. “At the core of CathexisVision’s successful integration into new markets is the flexibility of this software suite to facilitate tailored solutions that satisfy the needs…

Growing Need for Surveillance Systems

The systems at every step in the chain need to be secured. This is a major advantage, especially in today’s insecure digital scenario, says Matthew Brecher, General Manager, Cathexis Question 1. What role do you foresee surveillance systems playing in the overall security scheme of the organizations, going forward in the future? Answer: I think,…

Integrated Campus Security

While school and university campuses should provide a safe and collaborative environment for learning and excellence, they have regrettably also become targets for violent crime. On a global scale these institutions face the threat of abductions, shootings, vandalism and even bomb threats. Closer to home, the impact of mass protest action in recent years has threatened the safety and security of thousands of students and educators across the country.

Making the right security decisions

Residential estates are wonderful places to live, offering luxury, space, relaxation (often including sports facilities) and security. And it’s in the security aspect that problems often arise. It’s a cliché, but when estates are designing their houses and facilities for residents, only the best will do; when it comes to security, the best is often…

Cathexis Africa Securex 2018

The CathexisVision video surveillance management software range can be tailored to meet the individual needs of each client. The ability to provide customised solutions makes CathexisVision the ideal surveillance product to satisfy all infrastructure and surveillance management requirements in a wide range of sectors.

ASIS Dubai breakfast meeting

This month’s Dubai chapter meeting is sponsored and hosted by Cathexis. Cathexis will host our chapter meeting at the Rove Hotel in Downtown Dubai. The topic for the meeting will be: Building Value into Modern Video Surveillance. About the Speaker.

Brecher, an Electronics Engineer has over two decades of experience in the electronics industry, of which he has spent about 15 years in the IP surveillance technology space. Gus is a regular speaker at events where he is invited to share his knowledge on the latest technologies and innovations being deployed within the video surveillance sector.

The question of value

Anyone can throw a few cameras on a few poles or screw them into a wall and say they have installed a surveillance system, but will that system actually deliver value? Will the needs of the end user be met in terms of secur-ity or will they simply be able to say they have a surveillance system and perhaps get a little discount from their insurance company?

What lies ahead in 2018?

The start of a new year always brings predictions of what we can expect to see happening in the coming year, and this year is no different. To find out what the physical security industry is expecting in 2018, Hi-Tech Security Solutions asked a few of the leading players what they expect and how they see the year panning out in South and southern Africa.

VMS for effective campus security

IP video surveillance systems are one of the most popular and effective security systems on the market today, gaining traction in various markets across the globe and particularly in educational institutions such as schools, campuses and universities. VMS solutions need to be proactive and results-oriented, providing a safe and secure environment, but also an infrastructure management tool. IP surveillance can assist in managing protest action, managing discipline challenges and even vehicle traffic flow when it comes to parking areas and the flow of students between classes.

Access at speed

Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) or Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) can support the access control function by allowing preregistered vehicles automatic entrance to a facility. Not only does it allow for simpler and faster access, but the location of a vehicle can be tracked wherever there are suitable cameras onsite, and one can do additional identity checks of the person in the vehicle to ensure that the individual is supposed to be in that vehicle.

Integrated mining surveillance

When it comes to safeguarding the mining industry, there’s no easy way out. There are a host of unique problems that drive security and surveillance requirements on mining sites. One issue with mining is that these sites are often very remote and far removed from major metropolitan areas, meaning significantly less infrastructure to work with, which can make our task more challenging.

Measurable policies and multi-layered approach hit the mother lode

Extremely large sites, multiple facilities, high volumes of pedestrian and vehicular traffic and very valuable assets are common characteristics of mining operations. Securing these behemoths is often a logistical nightmare as threats from common thieves to illegal miners are added to the inherent safety and security risks synonymous with mine complexes. Hi-Tech Security Solutions discusses solutions with industry specialists.

Enhancing Estate Control Rooms

World-class security systems that offer peace-of-mind may be one of the biggest contributing factors for an increasing number of local and international buyers in some of South Africa’s luxury lifestyle estates. For those that can afford it, the allure of comfortable and convenient living, combined with the assurance that comes with a well-established, carefully managed and holistic security system is rapidly driving investment.

Advances in Video Analytics

As the resolutions of digital surveillance cameras have increased and new technologies such as thermal imaging have been introduced, the ability to detect details and recognize objects has improved dramatically. To assist in automating recognition tasks and reduce the chances of human error, analytics technologies are continually advancing to keep pace by not only alerting to potential threats but also reducing the occurrence of false alarms