The Global Security Exchange (GSX 2022) in Atlanta in September 2022 is the latest example of the energetic post-COVID resurgence of security trade shows. On the vibrant show flow, discussions centered on topics such as the security industry’s need for more employees and the lingering impact of a months-long supply chain crisis.
Against a backdrop of continuing industry challenges, exhibitors and attendees were diverted by a wealth of new opportunities as the industry rebounded. Several major players had big product announcements at GSX 2022 in Atlanta.
Manufacturers unveil the latest technology
The big news at Genetec was “5.11.” That’s the newest version of Security Center, which is “all in,” i.e., providing everything Genetec offers in a single “unified” platform.
The unified approach streamlines the process for systems integrators, makes quotes easier, and adds value for customers. Standard, Pro, and Enterprise versions provide video, access, and LPR “right out of the box.” Genetec is also launching a new web and mobile client for the “next generation operator.”
Paid intern program
Kyle Hurt says the security industry’s biggest challenge is attracting personnel
Kyle Hurt, Genetec’s Senior Sales Director, North America, says the security industry’s biggest challenge is attracting personnel (even more challenging that the supply chain.)
Genetec’s response is a robust paid intern program, welcoming 120 interns into various departments for a full semester. The program helps to feed Genetec’s need for new talent. “You can’t coach passion,” said Hurt.
WiseNet Edge
Hanwha Techwin introduced a “serverless camera” at GSX 2022, named the WiseNet Edge. It is a video camera with a built-in solid-state hard drive for storage. The camera can store its own video and take in other camera feeds. In effect, it operates like an NVR but is less expensive and with an internal solid-state drive.
Video can be viewed through a cloud browser, and Hanwha’s WAVE software, loaded on the camera, enables the management of several cameras at a site. High-res video is stored inside the camera, and any information can be shared with the cloud according to the needs of the application.
i-PRO Mini
i-PRO launches its own Video Insight video management system and MonitorCast access control
i-PRO has fully transitioned away from Panasonic and is charting its own ambitious future path. Seeking to be “bold, trusted, and flexible,” the company is releasing a raft of new products, filling in previous gaps in the line, and bringing forward new innovations, including a full complement of AI.
In addition to hardware, they have their own Video Insight video management system and MonitorCast access control, which was part of the Video Insight acquisition in 2015. An i-PRO Mini is a tiny camera, smaller than a smartphone. All cameras are NDAA compliant.
People are coming together
“The show has been phenomenal,” said Josh Letourneau, Chief Commercial Officer, Prosegur USA. “It’s very nice to see that people are coming back. After the pandemic, we are finally in a position of coming together. Lots of organizations are coming to see us.”
Intelligence-led risk management
Prosegur is a global company looking to expand aggressively in the United States, creating multiple “metropolitan service areas,” where the company’s fully integrated offerings are available. What makes the company unique is its “intelligence-led risk management,” says Josh Letourneau, adding “It’s more than AI, it’s about human intelligence, too."
Prosegur sees evolution and growth opportunities in the U.S. market. “We are one of the largest companies no one has heard of,” adds Letourneau.
“The show seems as back to normal as possible,” said Keith Bobrosky, President of Delta Scientific, who attended the show although his company did not exhibit, adding “There seems to be a generally positive spirit about the show this year.”
Physical security protocols
Bobrosky sees data centers as the next big market for his company’s vehicle barriers
Bobrosky’s company has worked aggressively to avoid the impact of supply chain issues, ordering plenty of extra inventory to avoid the possibility of a part running out of stock. “We got ahead of it and are past the worst of it,” he said.
Bobrosky sees data centers as the next big market for his company’s vehicle barriers. “The government will mandate physical security protocols for cybersecurity locations because they house data that affects national security,” he says.
Robots and indoor drones
ADT Commercial highlighted robots and indoor drones for security apps at their booth. The newest versions of the humanlike robots offer extra padding, more fluid movement, and 360-degree viewing for a better virtual reality (VR) experience, including better peripheral vision.
Robots can operate for four hours without a charge and “know” when to return to the charger (to “top off” every hour). Fully autonomous indoor drones can also replace guards, flying near the ceiling and generally after business hours. The use of either robots or drones can lower costs when compared to hiring human guards.
Varied uses for canines in security
Glen Kucera, Chief Executive Officer, MSA Security, highlighted the capabilities of canines for explosives and firearms detection. “People don’t realize the flexibility of what they can do,” he said. Kucera says canines provide a sophisticated solution to address the escalating active shooter and criminal threat.
MSA Security was acquired last year by Allied Universal, adding to the company’s varied offerings for threat detection and management. Rather than individual products, Allied Universal’s emphasis at the show was on bringing solutions together. Their message: Risk is multi-dimensional and different from one client to the next.
Access control
Access control needs to develop more modern interfaces to compete with new technology companies
AMAG’s news at the show included a new president, David Sullivan, who highlighted AMAG’s role as one of the “last independent access control companies.” He said, “The beauty of AMAG is its installed base and loyal integrator channel.” Sullivan sees changing trends in how office space is managed in the wake of the pandemic.
More workplace management applications will emerge, with one of the elements being access control. Access control also needs to develop more modern interfaces to compete with new technology companies entering the market. An encouraging sign is that AMAG had its best year ever in 2021.
Orion Entrance Control
Orion Entrance Control showed off one of its modern new turnstiles at the RealNetworks/SAFR booth at GSX 2022. The turnstile incorporates an access control module from Elatec to update and expand card reader functionality.
Using the module streamlines Orion’s processes and avoids having to update a customer’s readers individually. The turnstile at GSX also incorporated a facial recognition system from SAFR, which could be used instead of, or in addition to, the access control reader.
Balancing the cloud and on-premise systems
Salient Systems is looking to balance the use of on-premise and cloud systems and emphasize data instead of video. Rather than a single market, Salient sees security as a variety of smaller markets, each focused on different needs.
Salient’s customers are typically larger and have multi-site deployments with thousands of cameras. On-premise systems appeal here because they offer an element of control.
Open-platform APIs
Internal teams at customer sites are seeking out and finding new ways to leverage the data from video systems
“People have a keen interest in control and ownership of their data,” says Sanjay Challa, Chief Product Officer, Salient Systems. Internal teams at customer sites are seeking out and finding new ways to leverage the data from video systems, and some of the uses fall outside the traditional “security” market.
Open-platform application programming interfaces (APIs) enable more integration with various systems, and broader applications enable customers to leverage budgets from other stakeholders in an organization.
Add-on services
“They’re unwilling to shift the entire solution to the cloud, but they want to leverage cloud technologies,” says Challa. For Salient, a cloud system provides remote access to monitor and service video installation remotely. “We enable the integrator to reach into your system to provide a higher level of service,” says Sanjay Challa.
He concludes, “Our add-on services bring the best of the cloud to on-premise systems, and integrators don’t have to roll a truck to solve a problem with the system. We are focused on helping integrators succeed.”
- Network / IP
- Biometrics
- Digital video surveillance
- Remote video surveillance
- IP video surveillance
- Electronic security systems
- Shop security systems
- Application security
- Physical security
- Industrial security
- Mall security
- Commercial security
- Perimeter security
- Shopping centre security
- Security management
- Security devices
- Security installation
- Security cameras
- Covert cameras
- Security camera systems
- Security monitoring system
- Security access systems
- Radio frequency Identification
- Facial recognition systems
- Network monitoring
- Vehicle tracking
- Asset tracking
- Video analytics
- Remote video monitoring
- Electronic access control
- Identity management
- Building security
- Facility security
- Store security
- Store surveillance
- Industrial security systems
- Network cameras
- Door access control
- Security software
- IP Surveillance
- Security service
- Industrial surveillance
- Physical Security Information Management (PSIM)
- IP security solutions
- Covert Surveillance
- Security communication
- Integration software
- Event security
- Perimeter protection
- Cyber security
- Video Management System
- Corporate Security
- Central Monitoring
- Data Security
- Network Video Recorders
- Digital Video Recorders
- Incident Management
- Security Assessments
- Cloud security
- Drones
- Mobile access
- Video surveillance
- COVID-19
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Touchless Security
