ZKTeco USA - Experts & Thought Leaders

ZKTeco USA, a provider of biometric verification and access control technology, announces, along with its sister company Armatura, that its latest line of access control products are OSDP Verified and can help customers improve data security. The company’s newly released list of OSDP Verified products includes the EP series of access control readers, six Atlas series controllers, three IO Boards, and four new access control panels scheduled for release in 2026. The importance of being OSDP Verified has intensified over the years, and it involves a comprehensive testing program that verifies whether a device conforms to the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard. Comprehensive testing program This achievement is a testament to ZKTeco’s unwavering philosophy as a forward-thinking company at the forefront of security. “When it comes to access control, it’s all about keeping our customers’ data secure at all times; as what good is security if your own devices are not secure,” states Esteban Pastor, Product Manager at ZKTeco USA. This third-party validation from the Security Industry Association (SIA) confirms stringent adherence to the Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) standard and its Secure profile, as specified in version 2.2.2. Security vulnerabilities stemming “We are proud to offer customers a way to elevate their security with our commitment to high-security and interoperability among readers and controllers,” says Pastor. “Our products have undergone testing to ensure they conform to the SIA OSDP standards, and we look forward to helping our customers better protect their data.” “With a myriad of security vulnerabilities found with Wiegand, it’s extremely important that organizations look for manufacturers that are OSDP Verified,” states Pastor. “This ensures that data is secure when encrypted from the access control reader back to the panel.” Wiegand is associated with security vulnerabilities stemming from its reliance on outdated technology, which may compromise user safety. A major vulnerability found is the lack of encryption, which makes it extremely easy for a perpetrator to hack or tamper with the access control system. ZKTeco USA & Armatura continue to raise the bar on access control technology and understands the importance of complying with OSDP standards to help create a more secure world for all.

ZKTeco USA, a major provider of  biometric verification and access control technology, announced the company will be highlighting its full portfolio of access control solutions ranging from its multi-tech standalone readers, metal detectors, optical turnstiles, Torus key cabinets, visitor management, and new scalable cloud-based access control software - Cielo365 at GSX 2025 (booth #3047) in New Orleans September 29th – October 1st.  The company’s newly released cloud-based access control software platform, Cielo365 will be on display and enables customers to easily transition from an on-premise solution to a cloud-based system. Cielo365 The new software supports legacy ZKTeco devices and is compatible with existing access control hardware The new software supports legacy ZKTeco devices and is compatible with existing access control hardware including Omni Series standalone readers, Pro Series panels, and SpeedFace. Cielo365 has a new mobile app available that offers users remote management capabilities that include opening and closing doors, adding/removing users, viewing sites, reporting, and real-time notifications.  “We are excited to personally meet with our customers and offer one on one live demonstrations of our forward-thinking access control solutions at GSX,” states Manish Dalal, President at ZKTeco USA, adding “We pride ourselves on providing greater choice to customers looking to elevate their security by offering flexible, cost-effective solutions to control access and monitor their locations globally.” Live demonstrations Attendees will be able to view live demonstrations at booth #3047 of ZKTeco’s wide array of products including standalone biometric readers such as the Omni Series (Omni 20 and 30), EP Series, SpeedFace Series (SF1008-WP, SF1005V) along with the AtlasCloud access control hardware and software solutions.  The Omni standalone reader controller is the perfect solution for end users looking for one access control system that can do it all. Omni 30 standalone reader control The Omni 30 standalone reader control can also act as an intercom with SIP based-calling  The Omni 30 standalone reader control can also act as an intercom with SIP based-calling that includes one-way video and two-way audio communication in addition to offering access control and visitor management. It easily integrates with Cielo365 and Torus key cabinets creating a seamless user experience. Both the Omni 30 and The Omni 20, multi-biometric readers offer versatility and are one of the most rugged and reliable door readers on the market. Combining palm and face authentication empowers end users to better protect their assets and premises with precision, efficiency, and reliability – all from one device. In addition, ZKTeco continues to raise the bar in seamless integrations and offers customers the ability to integrate Cielo365 with Hanwha Vision’s and Digital Watchdog’s video surveillance cameras. FMD Pro 2.0 ferrous metal detector The FMD Pro 2.0 ferrous metal detector, a lightweight state-of-the-art security screening solution designed to detect metallic objects carried or concealed by perpetrators, will be showcased at the ZKTeco booth. In addition, ZKTeco’s optical turnstiles (MARS S100, SBTL7000/7200, and SBTL 8000/8200 will be highlighted.  Both the FMD Pro 2.0 and optical turnstiles offer a 5-year warranty; making it an easy choice for customers.  ZKTeco’s Visitor Management Solution - MySmartGuard+ will also be on display and designed to streamline the visitor screening process. The cloud-based software platform creates pre-scheduled appointments where visitors receive text messages with a QR code to gain access.  Visitor management system Visitors can pre-register off site with the self-registration feature to save time or check in manually. The visitor management system also offers delivery assistance for packages by notifying employees when a package is dropped off.  ZKTeco USA understands the needs of the market and is redefining the access control industry with disruptive technology. Visit booth #3047 at GSX to see the latest in access control hardware and software and learn more about how its standalone readers can be used as an intercom and integrated with visitor management, biometrics & video surveillance systems. ZKTeco USA offers everything needed to streamline an organization's access control, whether it’s across a single facility or multiple sites.

Lumeo, a designer of computer vision solutions, announces a unique anti-tailgating (and mantrap) AI analytic for turnstiles that prevent tailgating at entrance points. This innovative solution incorporates advanced AI algorithms to detect the number of individuals entering a turnstile lane (or mantrap) and grants access only if no more than one individual is detected. Anti-tailgating / mantrap solution at GSX ZKTeco, a company globally renowned for its multi-factor authentication (MFA) touchless biometric technology, developed these innovative analytics using Lumeo’s video analytics platform.   ZKTeco USA will showcase this “anti-tailgating / mantrap solution” while exhibiting at GSX 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia (September 12-14) at Booth 1329.  Tailgating Even if the “breach” is harmless, the authorized person is freely cooperating with the unauthorized person Tailgating is a common security breach that occurs when an unauthorized person gains access through a turnstile (or door) by walking closely behind an authorized person and sneaking in behind them. In most cases, even if the “breach” is harmless, the authorized person is freely cooperating with the unauthorized person. This violates security protocols and puts the business at substantial risk should any resulting improprieties occur as a result of the tailgating (i.e. property theft, violence, vandalism, etc.). AI-based solution While most vendors are already address tailgating by providing monitoring cameras and resulting alert notifications, ZKTeco’s solution actually prevents tailgating from occurring in the first place. This AI-based solution not only authenticates the visitor wishing to pass through the turnstile (or door) but additionally recognizes the presence of more than one person using cameras.   If multiple people are detected attempting access, this overrides the turnstile’s locking mechanism, notifies security personnel, and prevents further access, even to authorized personnel.   No-code building-block approach ZKTeco has created a unique integrated solution that prevents tailgating, instead of merely generating alarms" “Preventing tailgating is a major challenge for access control equipment manufacturers and security professionals,” said ZKTeco USA President Manish Dalal. “ZKTeco has created a unique integrated solution that prevents tailgating, instead of merely generating alarms.”  “In doing so, time to market was critical for ZKTeco, and Lumeo’s ‘no-code’ building-block approach to video AI and analytics, and high-accuracy ready-to-use AI models enabled ZKTeco to design an effective security solution in record time. Lumeo’s platform also made it easy to integrate with our access control systems and deploy to existing ZKTeco turnstiles.” Mantrap Another key feature developed by ZKTeco is creating stronger mantraps for customers who require heightened security (i.e. banks, research labs, post offices, airports, healthcare facilities, data centers, etc.).    A mantrap is an access control system that consists of a small space (i.e. vestibule) and two interlocking access points (i.e. doors). The vestibule’s “entry door” must close before the vestibule “exit door” can be opened.  This in effect “traps the man” inside the vestibule until the “entry door” is closed.   Advanced video analytics ZKTeco’s mantrap can also be programmed to prevent more than one person at a time from passing ZKTeco’s mantrap can also be programmed to prevent more than one person at a time from passing through it; the moment Lumeo’s advanced video analytics detects more than one person is in the vestibule, it can override the ZKTeco access control system and keep the vestibule’s exit door locked shut.   The exit door is programmed to release only when the entry door is closed, and AI detects one person present inside the mantrap. Custom AI analytics Dalal concluded, “ZKTeco turned to Lumeo, given their reputation for quick development and deployment of custom AI analytics.” “The proper access control hardware and cutting-edge AI analytics that are easy to deploy can go a long way to solving the tailgating challenge. A multi-faceted approach is essential to protecting people, property, and assets.”

The security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as evidenced by the innovations showcased at the ISC West Expo 2026. From dismantling of silos between physical and digital security to the ongoing transition to cloud and hybrid platforms, much of the discussion on the show floor was familiar, if somehow more urgent than ever. Clearly the industry is moving toward unified, cloud-native, and highly automated ecosystems. In a series of deep-dive meetings and demonstrations at the recent show, I got a first-hand glimpse of the future of the physical security marketplace. Spoiler alert: The future is now! HID Global: Tearing down the silos HID Global is addressing the long-requested convergence of physical and digital security. Recognizing that the industry has historically operated in silos, HID is now leading with a combined implementation team to leverage the power of both sides. HID is supporting the transition by combining its logical and physical security teams to help end users design secure, end-to-end journeys for their employees. By leveraging its massive existing footprint in physical access, HID is uniquely positioned to help organizations upgrade their cybersecurity posture without a total "rip and replace" of their hardware. HID is seeing a surge in demand for converged credentials that unite building access with digital identity. On the digital front, HID has implemented FIDO (Fast Identity Online) and passkeys to replace traditional passwords with more secure, biometric-backed authentication methods. Acre Security: Bridging the gap to the cloud Acre Security previewed a cloud-native video solution, reinforcing its cloud-first security strategyAcre Security is currently consolidating brands, bringing established names like Feenics and AccessIt under a single corporate umbrella. A primary theme for the company at ISC West is the migration of legacy systems to modern infrastructure. To facilitate the transition, they are launching "The Bridge," a technology designed to help on-premise customers transition to the cloud at a pace that suits their operational needs. The company is also expanding its portfolio into video. Attendees at the show received a preview of a new cloud-native video solution slated for release later this year, signaling Acre’s commitment to a holistic, cloud-first security suite. Acoem: Real-time acoustic threat detection With a 35-year foundation in vibration and acoustics—including military sniper detection—Acoem is providing gunshot detection through edge processing. Unlike systems that rely on the cloud and may suffer from latency, Acoem’s technology processes data at the sensor level for instant alerts. Their sensors are engineered for massive outdoor spaces, covering a 500-foot radius (roughly 11 football fields) and can detect high-powered rifle shots from up to half a mile away. The system provides critical intelligence by distinguishing between muzzle blasts and "mach noise" from bullet travel, delivering an audio file to the end-user that maps the location and direction of the threat. They use AI to filter out environmental false positives, such as skateboards hitting metal rails. Alarm.com: The all-in-one dealer ecosystem Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process Alarm.com is doubling down on "giving tools to dealers to help them be successful," with a focus on unified commercial solutions. A highlight at ISC West is their new fire communicator, which integrates fire monitoring into their single app, completing what they call the "fourth leg of the stool." The product allows fire systems to benefit from the same real-time customer engagement and push notifications that have long been available for intrusion and video. The key products, such as commercial-grade hardware, are now available for immediate purchase. Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process. Their new AI Proposal Builder uses customer meeting notes to automatically generate customized, value-driven sales proposals for dealers. Allegion: A global shift in credentialing Following the acquisition of ELATEC, Allegion is adopting a more global market approach and expanding its OEM business. The company is involved in the development of Aliro, the newly unveiled mobile credentialing standard. Allegion’s strategy is built on versatility: While Aliro serves the burgeoning mobile market, they also offer PKOC for plastic cards, allowing them to provide solutions regardless of the user's preferred credential type. The ELATEC acquisition has effectively filled previous gaps in their use-case portfolio, positioning them as a comprehensive provider for both physical and digital access needs. AtlasIED: Engineering for life safety Transitioning from audio to a fully automated threat detection company, AtlasIED showcased its new IPX line at ISC West. This modular platform uses a single PoE++ port to power various "plug-and-play" modules, allowing for easy system upgrades. Their gun detection technology achieves a 99% confidence rating by "stacking" AI models; it cross-references audio data with infrared signatures to detect muzzle flashes and air quality sensors for particulates. With systems already running in 80% of U.S. international airports, the company maintains 24/7 domestic engineering support to manage these "life-safety adjacent" environments. Axis Communications: Unifying connectivity Axis Communications is advancing network video with 4G/5G surveillance, reducing cabling needs Axis Communications continues to lead in network video, with a new focus on offering surveillance through 4G and 5G networks to eliminate the need for extensive cabling in long-range applications. Axis also introduced several specialized hardware pieces, including the P1486-LE global shutter camera for high-speed traffic monitoring and the Q2802-TE, which integrates thermal and visual monitoring into a single unit.  To assist technicians, they launched a new installer app that uses Bluetooth for easier camera pairing and management directly from a mobile device. Axon: De-escalation through enterprise wearables Focusing on frontline safety, Axon is expanding from law enforcement into the enterprise sector with its retail and healthcare-focused body camera. Weighing only 0.25 lb, these cameras are designed to be less intimidating, using colorful designs and acting as a primary de-escalator for aggressive behavior. A clear front display signals when recording is active, striking a balance between safety and a non-intimidating appearance. These devices feature live-streaming and panic alarms that connect workers to a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). To ensure the footage is legally viable, Axon maintains a rigorous audit trail that authenticates every action recorded. Genetec: The value of the unified platform Genetec is advocating for unified platforms that reduce the time between incident detection and resolution. They argue that AI is becoming a commodity and that the true value lies in unified platforms that reduce the time from incident to resolution. Their approach emphasises the "outcomes" customers need, such as allowing security teams to coalesce around an investigation quickly. Genetec remains a strong supporter of open systems for enterprise customers, ensuring they have the choice to integrate diverse technologies rather than being locked into a manufacturer’s “walled garden.” This flexibility is critical for high-end security environments that require tailored, responsive systems. Johnson Controls: Large-scale enterprise solutions Johnson Controls has made a significant push into the enterprise video market with C-Cure IQ, a standalone VMS designed for major hubs like airports and large campuses. Through a partnership with Scylla, they have integrated 11 advanced analytics—including facial recognition and weapons detection—directly into their cameras. They also showcased new multi-sensor panoramic cameras capable of "stitching" multiple images into a single 360-degree view. While innovating in video, Johnson Controls also confirmed modern upgrades to their intrusion line, including their legacy DSC Neo line. The new DSC PowerSeries Neo 5, a high-end residential and commercial platform, features an all-new user interface and built-in PowerG+. They have also begun shipping the IQ5 family lineup, which is powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor.  ONVIF: Standardising the future of AI and cloud ONVIF continues to lead the charge in establishing common languages for the security industry. A major focus is their new "Cloud Profile," which enables cameras to connect directly to the cloud through a standardized protocol. They are also expanding into audio standards to ensure IP-based speakers can seamlessly connect to Video Management Systems (VMS). To combat the rise of sophisticated digital manipulation, ONVIF is developing "video signing" standards. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standardsThis feature protects the integrity of video for evidentiary purposes by embedding a digital signature and timestamp directly into the footage at the camera level. Additionally, the organization has formed an AI Working Group to develop common communication methods for "AI agents" within physical security systems. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standards. Roberto Licari is the new ONVIF Ambassador, seeking to attract new companies (even outside the security sector) to ONVIF as they look to expand their offerings. SwiftConnect: Bridging digital and physical identity SwiftConnect is redefining access control by shifting the focus from physical cards to digital identity. As a cloud-based "connected access network," the platform bridges the gap between IT identity providers (like Okta or Azure AD) and legacy physical access control systems. At the show's Security Experience Center demonstrations, SwiftConnect showcased its ability to integrate mobile credentials within Apple and Google Wallets across multiple technology platforms. By aligning physical security with Zero Trust principles, they ensure that access is governed by the same rigorous standards as digital networks. Their software-centric approach allows for a more seamless employee experience while simplifying the management of complex, multi-site building security. This emphasises a future where the mobile device becomes the primary tool for navigating the physical workspace. Wasabi Technologies: Redefining cloud storage economics With cloud technology becoming a baseline requirement at every booth, Wasabi Technologies highlighted its "hot cloud storage" as a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers. Their model claims to be 80% less expensive than competitors, notably removing hidden fees. Wasabi is increasingly bundled at the "back end" of security solutions through partnerships with integrators and end users. A key feature for law enforcement and high-security sectors is their "Object Lock" capability, which ensures that video evidence remains untampered with and immutable during defined retention periods. By providing high-performance storage without the unpredictable costs typically associated with the cloud, Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications that require long-term, secure retention. Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications ZKTeco USA: Versatile and integrated access ZKTeco USA showcased a range of integrated solutions, including turnstiles, visitor management, and access control. Their Atlas access control series offers versatility, supporting everything from traditional readers and keypads to QR codes and fingerprint scanning, with the flexibility to operate on-premise or in the cloud. For tight environments, they introduced the Mars 100 turnstile, which features a compact 2x3-foot footprint. They also highlighted the Omni series, an all-in-one standalone reader-controller that manages access, intercom, and visitor functions in a single device. Innovation in portability was evident in their new walk-through metal detectors, which consist of two poles with an 8-hour battery life—ideal for schools and temporary events. While they offer their own Armatura readers, ZKTeco emphasized that their solutions can integrate with other industry leaders to fit diverse customer needs.

ISC West (International Security Conference & Exposition), March 25–27, 2026, at The Venetian Expo in Las Vegas, is widely regarded as the most important event in the security industry. The yearly exhibition serves as the primary launchpad for new technology and as the central meeting point for global security professionals. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the big topics of discussion at ISC West 2026?

Emphasizing proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?