Convergint - Experts & Thought Leaders

Boon Edam, a pioneer in physical security entrance products, has joined Convergint’s Global Elite Partner Program. Boon Edam’s acceptance into the Global Elite Partner program provides a unique opportunity for improved market penetration and new business development. Convergint’s Global Elite Partner program was created to deepen collaboration amongst top-tier solution providers through shared innovation, expertise, and customer support. Participation in the program allows Boon Edam and Convergint to better align their go-to-market strategies on a global scale to enhance the deployment and implementation of secured entry solutions across key vertical markets. Secured entry solutions “This partnership builds on nearly two decades of collaboration”, said Frank Mackenzie, Chief Commercial Officer at Boon Edam. “And reinforces our commitment to strategic relationships with organizations that share our values and dedication to delivering innovative solutions that protect people, property, and assets.” This shared business philosophy is supported by Boon Edam’s comprehensive portfolio of best-in-class security entrances, including optical turnstiles, full-height mechanical turnstiles, security revolving doors, and security mantrap portals integrated with biometric and sensor technologies from industry partners. Evolving customer needs “Convergint’s Global Elite Partner Program reflects our commitment to working closely with technology providers to support customers with consistent, scalable solutions around the world,” said Joe Young, Vice President of Partner Development and Strategic Alliances at Convergint. “Through strong collaboration across our partner ecosystem, we are better positioned to align technology, expertise, and service delivery to meet evolving customer needs.” Both Boon Edam and Convergint are experiencing significant growth together in multiple regions around the world. As both organizations continue to expand globally, this new partnership creates opportunities for sustained long-term growth.

Convergint will mark its 25th Annual Convergint Social Responsibility Day (CSRD), closing operations worldwide for a full, paid workday so colleagues can volunteer in the communities where they live and work. Coinciding with Convergint’s 25th anniversary, this year’s effort also includes the expansion of its STEP (Secure, Train, Educate, Protect) Up for Schools initiative through a newly structured grant program to help underserved K-12 schools strengthen safety and security infrastructure. “Convergint Social Responsibility Day reflects a commitment our colleagues have carried forward for 25 years by showing up for the communities where we live and work,” said Ann Fandozzi, CEO of Convergint. “As we mark this milestone anniversary, we’re continuing to expand the impact of STEP Up for Schools alongside our partners to help provide safer, stronger learning environments for students and educators around the world.” Strengthening local communities This year’s Convergint Social Responsibility Day efforts will bring together nearly 11,000 colleagues, families, and more than 45 industry partners across 37 countries, contributing approximately 60,000 volunteer hours worldwide. From supporting children and families in need to advancing school safety and strengthening local communities, these initiatives reflect Convergint’s belief that creating a safer and more secure world starts with investing in the people and communities we serve. Through the 2026 STEP Up for Schools Grant Program, Convergint and its technology partners awarded 20 grants to underserved K-12 schools across the U.S., supporting a range of school safety and security needs, including access control, video systems, environmental and vape sensors, preventative maintenance services, fire alarm inspections, and security risk assessments. Stronger communities worldwide Since launching in 2018, STEP Up for Schools has supported more than 175 schools and communities through donated security upgrades, assessments, volunteer-led projects, and in-kind contributions. While the average STEP Up for Schools project represents approximately $25,000 in donated products and services, Convergint and its partners have also delivered several flagship initiatives valued at more than $250,000. Since the program’s inception, Convergint estimates STEP Up for Schools has contributed more than $7 million in donated products, services, and expertise to help create safer learning environments and stronger communities worldwide. Underserved schools worldwide Since 2002, on the first Friday in June, the company has observed Convergint Social Responsibility Day (CSRD), closing for a full, paid workday so colleagues can serve in their communities through various service projects. Convergint established its STEP Up for Schools Initiative as part of CSRD to help strengthen school security. Through the program, Convergint provides free safety and security installations, upgrades, and assessments to underserved schools worldwide. These initiatives aim to give back and create impactful change in communities around the world, and Convergint Social Responsibility Day strives to inspire all colleagues to surpass what they believe is possible.

Global security solutions specialist Convergint is giving its time and technology to deliver video surveillance improvements at Hythe Bay Primary School in Kent, supporting a community-focused project designed to strengthen site safety and provide added reassurance for pupils, staff, families and the wider school community. The project, which is being delivered voluntarily by Convergint’s UK team, will help improve visibility across the school site, supporting day-to-day safety while helping Hythe Bay remain an open, welcoming place to learn. Practical security support The work is being delivered as part of Convergint’s STEP Up for Schools — Secure, Train, Educate and Protect — global initiative, which helps schools access practical security support, technology and expertise. The Hythe Bay project is being supported with solutions and support from Genetec, Hanwha and Wesco. The activity forms part of Convergint Social Responsibility Day, the company’s annual day of service, when colleagues around the world volunteer their time and expertise to support the communities where they live and work. In the UK, the Hythe Bay project brings that global initiative into a local school setting, with a focus on practical, proportionate security improvements. Video surveillance improvements For schools, safety has to be balanced with the need to remain open, calm and welcoming. The Hythe Bay project focuses on video surveillance improvements that support visibility and reassurance without changing the character of the school environment. “Schools have to remain open, welcoming places for pupils, staff and families, but they also need practical security measures that support day-to-day safety,” said Amy O’Loughlin, Europe Marketing Manager at Convergint UK. “The most effective approach starts with understanding the site, how people move through it and where additional visibility or control can make a meaningful difference. Technology has an important role to play, but only when it is applied in a way that supports the school environment.” Safety in learning environments “Hythe Bay Primary School took a proactive step by putting itself forward for STEP Up, and the project reflects exactly what the initiative is designed to do: bring together Convergint’s expertise, our colleagues’ time and support from partners to help strengthen safety in learning environments.” “STEP Up is something our teams around the world are eager to participate in each year because it creates practical value for the communities where we live and work. Supporting Hythe Bay through this UK project gives us a valuable opportunity to bring that approach into a local school community, and we hope to build on it with more STEP Up activity across the UK and Europe in the future.” Practical safety measures Hythe Bay Primary School put itself forward for support through the initiative after identifying an opportunity to strengthen practical safety measures across its site. The application was taken forward by Convergint’s STEP Up team and has helped create one of the first UK school projects connected to the program. Rebecca Prout, Hythe Bay Primary School’s headteacher, said: “A safe and welcoming school environment is fundamental to everything we do. We put ourselves forward for STEP Up because we wanted to explore ways to strengthen safety across the school site, and the support from Convergint will help us take that forward. This is a positive project for our pupils, staff, families and wider school community.” Security risk assessments In addition to the UK project, a further school project in France is also planned to be delivered on June 5, marking the first two STEP Up installs in Europe. In total, 2026’s Convergint Social Responsibility Day will bring together nearly 11,000 colleagues, families and more than 45 industry partners across 37 countries, contributing approximately 60,000 volunteer hours worldwide. From supporting children and families in need to advancing school safety and strengthening local communities, these initiatives reflect Convergint’s belief that creating a safer and more secure world starts with investing in the people and communities we serve. Through the 2026 STEP Up for Schools Grant Program, Convergint and its technology partners have awarded 30 grants supporting a range of school safety and security needs, including access control, video systems, environmental and vape sensors, preventative maintenance services, fire alarm inspections and security risk assessments. Underserved schools worldwide “Our long-standing partnership with Convergint is built on shared values, including a commitment to innovation, customer success and community engagement,” said Georges Tannous, Area Vice President, META/UK & Ireland at Genetec. “Initiatives like STEP Up for Schools demonstrate what’s possible when technology providers and integrators combine to make a tangible difference.” Since 2002, on the first Friday in June, the company has observed Convergint Social Responsibility Day (CSRD), closing for a full, paid workday so colleagues can serve in their communities through various service projects. Convergint established its STEP Up for Schools Initiative as part of CSRD to help strengthen school security. Through the program, Convergint provides free safety and security installations, upgrades, and assessments to underserved schools worldwide. These initiatives aim to give back and create impactful change in communities around the world, and Convergint Social Responsibility Day strives to inspire all colleagues to surpass what they believe is possible.

In the past, security installers and integrators were used almost exclusively to install hardware. However, the role is changing and expanding along with the technologies used in the physical security industry. Nowadays, an installer or systems integrator is much more likely to use a strategic, IT-centric, and data-driven approach. To gain additional insights, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of the security installer/integrator changing?

If recent physical security events are a guide, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) will be everywhere at the upcoming ISC West 2025 exhibition in Las Vegas. Cybersecurity solutions are another core focus at today's physical security events, and ISC West will likely follow the trend. Attendees will also be looking for advancements in access control systems, including biometric technologies and integrated security platforms, among other hot topics. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the big topics of discussion at ISC West 2025?

Technology innovations and an evolving threat landscape will be core factors impacting the physical security market in 2025. Technology elements such as artificial intelligence (AI), multi-factor access control, and mobile devices will continue to drive growth in the greater industry. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the outlook for the physical security industry in the year ahead?