Eddie Reynolds

There was a time when men dominated the physical security industry. On second thought, that time is today. Even with increasing numbers of women entering our community, it’s an industry that is still mostly populated by men. But change is coming, and the industry as a whole is benefiting greatly from a surge in female voices. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the changing role of women in security?

Ten years is a long time, but it seems to pass in an instant in the world of security. In terms of technology, 2010 is ages ago. Changes in the market have been transformative during that decade, and we called on our Expert Panel Roundtable to highlight some of those changes. We asked this week’s panelists: What was the biggest change in the security industry in the 2010-2019 decade?  

The new year comes with new opportunities for the security industry, but what technologies will dominate our discussions in 2020? Topics such as artificial intelligence (AI) and HCI (hyperconverged infrastructure) became familiar in conversations during 2019, and they are likely to dominate our thoughts again in the new year. But other buzzwords are also gaining steam, such as “blockchain” and “frictionless access control.” Connectivity and the cloud will also be timely technology topics as the industry evolves. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What technology buzz will dominate the security industry in 2020?

Tools such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists ensure that every factor is considered when installing a physical security system – or do they? Security system installations are detailed projects, and any overlooked detail is a missed opportunity to make the system better. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

ISC West 2019 is in the industry’s rear-view mirror, and what a show it was! The busy three days in April offered a preview of exciting technologies and industry trends for the coming year. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What was the big news at ISC West 2019?

Increasing the quality of illumination with LED can help deter crime and improve the accuracy of video analytics One of the greatest challenges that indoor and outdoor security surveillance solutions face is lack of light. However, obtaining the proper amount of illumination for security goes beyond merely flooding a specific area with light. Without an adequate lighting source, video cameras are ineffective. When capturing only dark, blurry images and video, they can quickly become worthless to security staff or law enforcement personnel. On the other hand, too much of the wrong type of light can create issues like ‘hot spots’ and overheating, which can diminish crucial details and eventually cause irreversible camera damage. Fortunately, there has been a recent global shift that is sending users away from the old incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, and toward LED lighting. Regardless of the type of CCTV application, there are an abundance of reasons to stop using alternative types of illumination. Here are 3 of the most substantial. 1. Better Illumination And Clarity You would think it would be common knowledge by now that cameras need light to see, and well-lit areas provide less cover for criminals to commit crimes. However, it is still somewhat commonplace to have sites where either not enough lighting or the wrong kind of lighting is implemented. Increasing the quality of illumination in an area has the ability to deter crime, make other accompanying safety devices perform better and even improve the accuracy of video analytics. LED lamps are currently the only security lighting option that possesses a multitude of point sources, making it possible to  aim your light Integrators need a lighting solution that consistently performs, and when it comes to supplying the best operation, price, and durability; external LED lighting is the only choice. One particular aspect of external LED lighting that makes optimum illumination possible is the strategic uniformity of its design. External LED lamps are currently the only security lighting option that possesses a multitude of point sources, making it possible to literally aim your light by situating individual diodes in a specific angle or position. This type of alignment offers a more consistent and predictable light source than anything else on the market, eliminating much of the uncertainty involved in installation. This allows you to light a larger area more effectively and efficiently with nearly zero effort. 2. Faster Start-up Time Whether you are talking about protecting a utilities facility, school campus or international border, it doesn’t take long for an incident to occur. Unlike traditional HID (high intensity discharge) lights, which can take up to a half an hour to reach full competency, LED’s spark up immediately. The colder the climate of the area, the more difficulty the HID bulbs have getting started and functioning properly. Given that there are many places in the United States alone where temperatures can sit at or below single digits, it seems almost absurd to consider anything else besides LED lighting. This sizable flaw can be especially detrimental if attempting to set up any kind of crime deterring, motion detection solution. One of the most crucial components of a sufficient response system is reaction time. Having a sluggish start up regarding any component is much like having a 15 year-old guard dog laying in your yard. By the time the security lights get up and running, the offender has already committed the crime and vacated the premises. And as dependable as the old boy may have been in the years past, he is now just too darn slow. And with an industry that is quickly moving toward more effective real-time, situational security solutions, a hesitated response is the last thing desired. Unlike traditional HID lights, which can take up to a half an hour to reach full competency, LED’s spark up immediately 3. Increased Life Span And Efficiency Organizations have the opportunity to save thousands of dollars each year in energy costs, while increasing site security by switching to LED based illuminators. LED’s provide the lowest running cost currently available, with less than 100 watts needed for the most powerful of units. Not to mention, the majority of additional wattage needed for other types of lighting units is generally burned off in the form of unwanted heat, decreasing both quality and length of life. How much longer LED’s lasts when compared to the alternative is astounding. For example, the average life span of an incandescent bulb is about 1,000 hours; fluorescent bulbs last for around 10,000 hours, while LED’s can shine bright up an impressive 100,000 hours. That is 100 times longer without changing a bulb. Furthermore, installing LED’s not only saves money in the form of lower energy and running costs, but also provides a very low rate of bulb malfunction or failure. This cuts down on maintenance fees as well as possible down time that could result in vulnerability. Inspections and servicing of lights alone can be very expensive and time consuming. LED’s radiate much less heat, reducing the chance of insect complications and helping prevent hot spot development, again saving you time, money and frustration at every camera site. Enhancing Overall Security Solution As time goes on, the importance of strategic lighting becomes more and more evident for the security industry. The continual growth of technologically advanced video solutions (biometrics, crowd detection, motion tracking, etc.) demands a level of clarity and consistency that can only obtained through proper lighting. LED’s not only yield a lower running cost and better performance, they provide an enhanced level of control. The most important benefit of a security tool is not always how it performs independently, but how it increases the effectiveness of the overall security solution it is a part of.

Lighting, or the absence of it, is one issue that significantly affects a camera’s video quality Video surveillance has rapidly advanced over the last two decades. Today, integrators can purchase IP cameras offering complete network control, megapixel cameras with HD imaging, and PTZ cameras with remote directional control. Although these features are impressive, they don't solve all the challenges that surveillance solutions face. Importance Of Lighting For Camera Performance Lighting, or the absence of it, is one issue that significantly affects a camera’s video quality. Many think street lamps emit a sufficient amount light for surveillance. The truth is they don’t provide enough illumination nor are they strategically placed to optimize object capture and video monitoring. To respond to the need for better lighting, video manufacturers have introduced cameras with built-in lights, which have worked to a limited degree. Today, the best lighting solution for a surveillance system is an independent illuminator. Let’s look at why. Built-In Illuminator Challenges Integrated cameras, or cameras with built-in infrared (IR) illuminators, are convenient. These surveillance and lighting all-in-one solutions offer the ultimate ease of use. Common types of infrared security cameras are day/night or black and white cameras. They often have several IR light-emitting diode (LED) lights surrounding the lens. These integrated night vision cameras are effective for short distance applications, as they typically capture objects within 100 feet. Although infrared cameras are useful for close range monitoring, there are significant challenges that occur when deploying these systems Although infrared cameras are useful for close range monitoring, there are significant challenges that occur when deploying these systems. Integrated cameras often create hotspots. A hotspot develops when the camera lens angle is wider than the LED field of view. For example, you may have a camera whose angle is 90 degrees, but your angle of illumination is only 30 degrees. The effect is similar to when a person shines a flashlight on someone and takes a picture. The person or object is washed out. When LEDs are inside a camera and next to other electronic components, heat can build up. The heat then attracts insects, which can trigger motion detection and set off false alarms. Other times, spiders are attracted to the light and will spin webs around the camera lens, obstructing the camera’s view. Moreover, the heat buildup actually erodes the LED light, shortening its lifespan. Once the lights burn out, there is no easy way to replace it. Often, the end user has to replace the entire camera. However, the better option is to install a separate light source. Independent illuminators are the premier option today based on their coverage and flexibility Eliminating Hotspots Independent illuminators are the premier option today based on their coverage and flexibility. Whereas the built-in, fixed infrared lights have narrow angles that only produce partial coverage, separate illuminators are available in a variety of angles that can achieve total coverage. For example, when working with a panoramic or PTZ camera, an integrator can install a triple mounting bracket that holds three, 120-degree illuminators that can be angled in different directions. The result is 360 degrees of light. In the same way, an integrator can pair a dome camera with a 10-degree illuminator to target a specific area of interest such as a gate or doorway. By deploying a light whose angle of illumination directly corresponds with the camera lens angle, hotspots are eliminated. End users can enjoy consistent lighting and a clear picture. Typically, you can purchase lights that yield 10, 30, 60, 100 and 120 degrees of coverage. Preserving LED Life For independent illuminators, heat accumulation is not a concern. In infrared cameras, all of the heat is centralized in one area – the camera lens. Separate light sources are designed differently. The lights are usually arranged in rows, which allow the heat to dissipate in all directions. This not only deters insects, but also preserves the life of the LED. Increasing Distances In an era where cameras are capturing more data than ever before, it’s important to maximize your camera’s storage space Another advantage of stand-alone illuminators is that they capture light at longer distances. On a street corner where an infrared integrated camera provided 10 degrees of coverage, it could capture objects up to 100 feet. On the other hand, an independent infrared light emitting 10 degrees illumination can cover over 900 feet. This is more than 9x the average of an integrated camera. Lastly, deploying a separate light source frees up bandwidth on the camera. In an era where cameras are capturing more data than ever before, it’s important to maximize your camera’s storage space. Independent illuminators help you do that. Spreading Awareness It’s clear that independent light sources provide more powerful, adjustable illumination. However, if there’s not a general understanding of the critical need for lighting in security solutions, knowledge on various lighting products will be a moot point. Generally speaking, many professionals in the security sector are in the dark when it comes to lighting. People forget that that without light, there is no video and that a camera will only pick up as much video as the light in its environment allows for. So what can you do? You can spread awareness among your peers about the importance of proper illumination. Share training resources and educational webinars. Review case studies and testimonials. Empower your team and decide to invest in high-quality lighting.

There was a time when men dominated the physical security industry. On second thought, that time is today. Even with increasing numbers of women entering our community, it’s an industry that is still mostly populated by men. But change is coming, and the industry as a whole is benefiting greatly from a surge in female voices. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the changing role of women in security?

Ten years is a long time, but it seems to pass in an instant in the world of security. In terms of technology, 2010 is ages ago. Changes in the market have been transformative during that decade, and we called on our Expert Panel Roundtable to highlight some of those changes. We asked this week’s panelists: What was the biggest change in the security industry in the 2010-2019 decade?  

Tools such as standard operating procedures (SOPs) and checklists ensure that every factor is considered when installing a physical security system – or do they? Security system installations are detailed projects, and any overlooked detail is a missed opportunity to make the system better. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

iluminar, a specialty security lighting manufacturer, is excited to announce its partnership with Professional Sales Representatives (PSR) to increase the company’s services and sales presence with customers across the western United States. PSR is an independent sales agency operating in the 13 western states and Guam. Their associates bring many years of field sales experience in the security marketplace as well as the audio/video, low voltage, fire and life safety industries. Since PSR’s founding in 2001, their fundamental principles are to represent quality products from quality manufacturers. Experienced representatives “Our partnership with PSR will allow us to bring the latest solutions in lighting technology to our customer base in the western U.S.,” said Eddie Reynolds, iluminar CEO. “A key part of iluminar’s growth is building a team of experienced representatives who know our products, our value and our industry.” "We are very proud to be a part of Eddie’s team,” said Scott Crown, PSR managing partner. “We have respected the accomplishments of this brand and have enjoyed our friendship with Eddie for years. We will do great things together.”

iluminar, a specialty security lighting manufacturer, is excited to announce that its CEO, Eddie Reynolds, has been selected to speak on a panel at ISC West 2019, the largest trade show for the security channel in the United States. Taking place April 9-12, 2019, ISC West will welcome over 30,000 security professionals and 1,000 exhibiting companies at the Sands Expo and Convention Center in Las Vegas. Female-Driven Panel Reynolds will join a female-driven panel at ISC West on April 9 called, “Being a Woman Owned Business Owner in the Security Industry is an Advantage, not a Disadvantage.” The discussion will center around the task of starting a business within the security industry, traditionally seen as male dominated. The panel of female entrepreneurs represent a security supplier, security integrator, security recruitment firm, and a government security contracting consultant. Each woman will share what led her to start her own business as well as best practices for success. “I am honored to speak alongside such exemplary women and discuss information and tools that can empower women to start their own businesses in the security industry,” said iluminar’s CEO Eddie Reynolds. “I hope this panel inspires more women to be self-starters and leaders because a diverse workforce helps the entire industry to thrive." The Panel Will Feature The Following Executives: Maureen Carlo, business development manager at BCDVideo Christine Lanning, president of Integrated Security Technologies Rebecca Bayne, president of Bayne Consulting & Search Inc. Lynn De Seve, president of GSA Schedules Inc. Eddie Reynolds, CEO and co-founder of iluminar Inc.

iluminar is proud to announce that January 2019 signifies a decade in business. Ten years ago, Eddie Reynolds and Joni Hamasaki came together to launch iluminar with a mission to supply high-quality and reliable lighting and license plate recognition products to the video surveillance market, backed by unsurpassed customer service. According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ Business Employment Dynamics report, less than one third of all small businesses make it to the 10-year mark. As such, it is an immense accomplishment for iluminar to reach this milestone thriving with products deployed on every continent. City Surveillance Applications “iluminar is beyond grateful for all of our partners and clients who have continued to support us for the last decade,” said Eddie Reynolds, iluminar CEO and co-founder. “In 1966, Marie Van Brittan Brown designed the CCTV system that we know today. It is wonderful to be able to continue the legacy as a black woman owned manufacturer, since a black woman invented the CCTV business.” As a global specialty manufacturer and supplier of infrared and white light illuminators, iluminar has come into its own as a voice in the security industry. From deploying award-winning products that have been part of major city surveillance applications in Abu Dhabi, Macau and Australia, to forging partnerships with Altronix, Arecont Vision, Pelco and Milestone– to name a few– iluminar continues to pave its path to success for the future.

Thousands of security professionals gathered Nov. 14-15 at the Javits Center in New York City to explore new products, solutions and technologies, network with security luminaries and obtain high-quality industry education. ISC East, sponsored by the Security Industry Association (SIA), is the Northeast’s largest security industry event; more than 7,000 security professionals attended or exhibited at this year’s conference. Following day 1 of ISC East, SIA gathered industry luminaries and experts for SIA Honors Night, an annual event featuring a cocktail reception, a gala dinner benefiting Mission 500, engaging entertainment and an awards ceremony recognizing industry leaders. Sold-Out Event SIA Honors Night 2018 was a sold-out event held at the Current at Chelsea Piers. The awards presented at SIA Honors Night 2018 were: SIA Progress Award (presented by SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Eddie Reynolds, president and CEO, iluminar Inc. Women in Biometrics Awards (co-founded by SIA and SecureIDNews and co-presented with sponsors FindBiometrics, IDEMIA and SIA’s Women in Security Forum) – Kelly Gallagher, senior account manager at NEC Corporation of America; Lisa MacDonald, director of the Identity Management Division in the Office of Biometric identity Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security; Colleen Manaher, executive director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; Lora Sims, senior biometric examiner at Ideal Innovations, Inc.; and Anne Wang, director of biometric technology research and development at Gemalto Cogent SIA Insightful Practitioner Award – Guy M. Grace, Jr., chair of the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools Steering Committee and director of security and emergency planning for Littleton Public Schools in the Denver suburb of Littleton, Colorado Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award – Larry Folsom, co-founder and president, I-View Now George R. Lippert Memorial Award – Pat Comunale, retired security industry veteran, former member of the SIA Board of Directors and former CEO and president for Tri-Ed Distribution, an Anixter company Standout Keynotes SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States Honors Night guests enjoyed keynote remarks from Bonnie St. John, a Paralympic ski medalist, Fortune 500 business consultant, Rhodes scholar, former White House official and best-selling author. St. John discussed her journey to become the first African-American ever to win medals in Winter Olympic competition despite having her right leg amputated at age five and shared her top lessons from mentors and her advice for cultivating resilience. SIA Honors Night also highlighted Mission 500, a charity that advocates for children and families living in extreme poverty in the United States; each year, SIA Honors Night raises funds for Mission 500. SIA presented 26 engaging education sessions through the SIA Education @ ISC East program, including two standout keynotes and four hands-on workshops. Hundreds of conference attendees participated in these sessions, with impressive speakers like Valerie Thomas, ethical hacker and executive consultant at Securicon; Pierre Bourgeix, president at ESI Convergent; Scott Swann, president and CEO of IDEMIA National Security Solutions; and Jumbi Edulbehram, regional president – Americas, Oncam. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event Confronting Emerging Threats Highlighted education sessions at this year’s conference included: Friend or Foe? Technology Disruption and the Physical Security Industry, a keynote address by Philip Halpin, senior vice president and head of global security at Brown Brothers Harriman, one of the country’s oldest and largest privately held financial firms 21st Century Best Practices: Reporting From the Front Lines on How Law Enforcement and the Security Industry Are Confronting Emerging Threats, a keynote address by James A. Gagliano, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, CNN law enforcement analyst and adjunct assistant professor at St. John’s University Cybersecurity Professionals ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo Additional cutting-edge topics covered in the education sessions included the move to smart cities, convergence in the security industry and the use of artificial intelligence in video analytics. ISC East 2018 was co-located with two additional conferences – Infosecurity North America and Unmanned Security Expo. SIA sponsored Infosecurity North America’s Keynote Stage, the central hub of the event, which featured a presentation from world-famous hacker Kevin Mitnick, insights from Dave Hogue of the National Security Agency’s Cybersecurity Threat Operations Center, a discussion on the cyber skills shortage gap and ways to attract, develop and retain talented cybersecurity professionals and more. Handle Sensitive Data Additional events at ISC East 2018 included: A breakfast presented by ISC Security Events and SIA’s Women in Security Forum featuring a panel discussion celebrating women in security and supporting the participation and advancement of women in the industry Paid hands-on workshops providing cutting-edge information and valuable insights on the most current business trends, technologies and new developments in security Free exhibitor product training sessions sharing live, in-depth demonstrations A meeting with SIA’s Data Privacy Advisory Board, which provides information and best practices to help SIA members handle sensitive data in a safe and secure manner to protect the personally identifiable information of their employees, partners and customers from potential breaches

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named industry veteran Edwina (Eddie) Reynolds – president and CEO of Iluminar Inc. – as the 2018 recipient of the inaugural SIA Progress Award, an honor presented by SIA’s Women in Security Forum celebrating individuals who pave the way to success for women in the security industry. The award will be presented to Reynolds during SIA Honors Night on Wednesday, Nov. 14, in New York City. Reynolds has been the founder and CEO of multiple established CCTV lighting companies. She began her security career as an account executive for U.K. integrator Chubb Fire & Security in the mid-1990s and went on to work for Pinkerton Security, Rainbow CCTV and Sony. From 2005 to 2008, Reynolds was the U.S. partner for a U.K.-based CCTV lighting company, and she founded Iluminar in 2009. Reynolds has led Iluminar to develop award-winning solutions and be the lighting solution partner for several market leaders. In 2018, she was appointed to the SIA Executive Council, where she works with other security leaders to launch initiatives that support the growth and advancement of the security industry at large. Advocating Equality And Diversity In The Industry Reynolds has been a longtime supporter of initiatives to support the advancement of women and overall diversity in the security and technology industries Reynolds has been a longtime supporter of initiatives to support the advancement of women and overall diversity in the security and technology industries. As part of these efforts, she traveled to the University of Arkansas on behalf of the International Organization of Black Security Executives in early 2018 to speak to students about career development skills and job opportunities within the industry. “I am truly humbled to be the first recipient of the SIA Progress Award, and I want to thank SIA for this incredible honor,” said Reynolds. “I have been working in the security industry for over 25 years, and while challenges still exist, the industry has made a lot of progress, and I am committed to continuing to advocate for more equality and more diversity across the field. As influencers, leaders and companies across the security industry have a greater focus on the advancement of women, I believe we can truly empower women to be leaders and agents of change in their respective fields and shift the narrative in our industry.” Speech By Reynolds At ISC West 2019 Reynolds recently contributed to the first women-authored issue of SIA Technology Insights with an article on the importance of external illumination systems when lighting for video surveillance and will speak on a women’s panel at ISC West 2019 – coming up April 10-12 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She also featured in Security Technology Executive and Security Systems News’ 2016 features on women in security. SIA’s Women in Security Forum is designed to support the participation of women in the security industry “SIA is proud to present Eddie Reynolds with the first-ever SIA Progress Award for serving as a longtime advocate and role model for women in the security industry,” said Don Erickson, SIA’s CEO. “Mentorship and thought leadership are critical to helping women grow in this field, and we applaud Eddie for her dedicated involvement in the industry and contributing her expert insight, knowledge and advice.” SIA’s Women in Security Forum is designed to support the participation of women in the security industry. Through programs like the Progress Award, thought leadership opportunities, professional development offerings and networking events, the forum engages both men and women who share this goal. Different Awards At The SIA Honors Night SIA’s Progress Award recognizes SIA members who have shown excellence in their advancement of opportunities and success for women in the security industry. Each year’s recipient will be determined based on their contributions to advancing women in the industry, promotion of women’s professional growth through mentorship and/or sponsorship, recognitions and awards for related activities and demonstration of the highest levels of professionalism and integrity in the security industry. SIA Honors Night features a gala dinner reception, an awards ceremony recognizing industry leaders and engaging entertainmentSIA Honors Night – held each year concurrently with ISC East, New York City’s biggest security products trade show – features a gala dinner reception, an awards ceremony recognizing industry leaders and engaging entertainment. In addition to presenting the SIA Progress Award, SIA will honor industry leaders at Honors Night 2018 with the George R. Lippert Memorial Award, the Insightful Practitioner Award, the Jay Hauhn Excellence in Partnerships Award and the Women in Biometrics Award co-founded by SIA and SecureIDNews and co-presented with sponsors FindBiometrics, IDEMIA and SIA’s Women in Security Forum. SIA will also honor the 2018 recipients of the SIA RISE Scholarship and the inaugural Denis R. Hebert Identity Management Scholarship.

iluminar Inc., the specialist manufacturer and supplier of infrared and white light illuminators, is proud to announce that CEO Eddie Reynolds has been selected as an ambassador for the 2018 IoT Now Applications in Connectivity Conference. The seminar will take place Sept. 19, 2018 in the Hyatt Regency Tysons Corner Center, in Tysons, Va. 2108 IoT Now Applications In Connectivity Conference IoT Now will focus on innovations in physical security, cybersecurity, industrial automation, digital transformation and connectivity requirements IoT Now will welcome CEOs, CISOs, IT managers, network operations managers, facilities managers and other senior executives from various companies in manufacturing, utilities, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure. This high-level, one-day seminar will focus on innovations in physical security, cybersecurity, industrial automation, digital transformation and connectivity requirements. Senior executives will be able to listen to education sessions that provide valuable insight on what solutions to invest in for increased productivity and efficiency in security. Attendees will also be able to network with peers and see cutting-edge solutions on the expo floor. Bringing over 20 years of security experience, Reynolds will serve as an ambassador for IoT Now, driving collaboration and facilitating important discussions between industry leaders. IoT Devices To Grow Exponentially By 2030 “With the number of Internet of Things devices predicted to grow to 125 billion by 2030, it is critical that we discuss the implications of this technological revolution for security,” said iluminar CEO Eddie Reynolds. “I am honored to serve as an ambassador and host for IoT Now.” iluminar's lineup of Power over Ethernet (PoE) enabled lighting solutions will also be showcased on the expo floor in the Alternate E Source/ Kentix US booth, demonstrating the tight integration between lighting and IP video as well as keypads provided by Alternate E Source/ Kentix US.

Technology, products and services are vital to the security market, but so are the people behind them. This year, SourceSecurity.com has been highlighting some of the key characters who make up the security market. Along the way, we’ve discovered a broad spectrum of experiences and viewpoints that make up the industry. Many of the most insightful responses were to the question: What is the best professional advice you have received (and from whom)? Don’t underestimate yourself, says Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association Scott Brothers, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development, Oncam Listen, listen and listen some more. Which continues to take real training because of my passion over spilling into a “need to be heard” when really, I should be listening. It’s a trait I continually work on and seek feedback on. Listening for me equals learning and the best ideas sometimes come from the unexpected voice in the room. The open environment we cultivate at Oncam really promotes this kind of interaction at all levels. Don Erickson, CEO of the Security Industry Association Don’t underestimate yourself. John Stroia who is a former chairman of SIA and presently the president of Hamilton was literally the first person who encouraged me to apply for the CEO role at SIA. I was perfectly content handling government relations at the time the position opened. I also hadn’t aspired to the role. John actively encouraged me to go for it despite my reservations about whether I was ready for it.  Liam McShane, Sales Director at Perfect Display Technology Take whatever chances come along. It’s much better to regret something you did than something you didn’t do! (From a mentor at my first financial services company) Return all calls as soon as possible and no later than the end of each day, advises Scott Schafer Eddie Reynolds, President & CEO of Iluminar Many of my childhood friends' parents would always say to me, “If no one wants to give you an opportunity, create your own.” Scott Schafer, Chairman-elect of the Security Industry Association My father was in the major appliance industry and showed by example the importance of outworking your competitor.  He also made sure to return all calls as soon as possible and no later than the end of each day. Kim Loy, Director of Marketing at Vanderbilt Industries The best advice I have received is that we are only in competition with ourselves. If we strive to always improve our knowledge and performance, success will follow. That there are no boundaries, we are all capable of doing anything we strive to do as long as we don’t set limits for ourselves. This advice is something that I heard from a very young age and grew up completely believing – it came from my dad, Chuck Robinson. Thomas J. Langer, President of ASIS International From my father and totally by accident. He was 60 and learning computer aided design which was making his drafting table obsolete. I asked him why, at 60, do that now? His response was that he doesn’t get to choose where advancements take his profession. I have never forgotten that and therefore never settled for the status quo. Change and advancement are a constant in everything. You have to have a work life balance and be resilient in order to manage the ups and downs of business and your career Thomas Cook, Vice President of Sales at Hanwha Techwin America My first manager, Marty Meyer, told me when to keep emotion out of everything you do at work; especially when you are negotiating and presenting your side or case. Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President of the Americas at Axis Communications My manager, Bodil Sonesson, VP of Global Sales at Axis has given me great advice over the years. She says that your career “is a marathon not a sprint,” meaning, in order to be successful long-term you have to have a work life balance and be resilient in order to manage the ups and downs of business and your career. Kenneth Hune Petersen, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Milestone Systems Flemming Tamstorf, CEO of my former company, showed me by example that you should never tell anyone “See, I told you so.” He never did it himself. If you play to the limit, there is a risk that you will fail. If you’re taking a risk, things can go wrong. And he never said “I told you so.”

iluminar Inc., the specialist manufacturer and supplier of infrared and white light illuminators, announced that it will join Ameristar Perimeter Security’s Perimeter InSite partnership initiative as the expert in perimeter lighting technology. Spearheaded by Ameristar, Perimeter InSite is a strategic initiative that aims to bring together industry leaders from several technology sectors to offer customers integrated perimeter security solutions that address and mitigate a variety of threats. Perimeter InSite technology partners are the top manufacturers in intrusion detection, sensors, seismic-acoustic sensors, gunshot detection, assessment cameras, thermal cameras, engineered gates, automation and perimeter lighting. Improving Perimeter Security “We are pleased to have iluminar join our partnership initiative,” said Benjamin Shirley, director of marketing for Ameristar Perimeter Security. “Integration of these types of technologies within our fence systems allow our customers to take advantage of a single platform, enhancing the overall effectiveness of their perimeter.  We understand that no single technology can provide a turnkey perimeter security solution, but by bringing together each of these technology partners under Perimeter InSite, we are able to provide our clients with unique solutions that deliver a level of project insight unseen in the perimeter security industry.” “We are excited to work with Ameristar and join the Perimeter InSite technology partnership,” said Eddie Reynolds, CEO of iluminar. “Lighting plays a strategic role in perimeter security, whether by acting as a deterrent for trespassers or by providing illumination that enhances video capture and image clarity. Through this initiative, we’ll be able to educate a broader customer base on the advantages of effective lighting and how to deploy it with other solutions for maximum impact.” iluminar’s WL 643-2 Series Display Characterized by its impressive LED technology, low power consumption and white light illumination coverage of more than 640 feet, iluminar’s WL 643-2 Series will be showcased in the Perimeter InSite showroom at Ameristar’s headquarters in Tulsa, Okla. Modeled to imitate security situations from various industries, the showroom will feature iluminar’s lighting solutions alongside other technologies– such as barriers, bollards, gate automation and access controls– so that customers can see the advantages of deploying an integrated perimeter solution first-hand.

As the founder and CEO of several established CCTV companies, Ms. Eddie Reynolds is at the forefront of bringing innovation to the surveillance industry. In 2009 Reynolds co-founded Iluminar Inc., a leading manufacturer and global supplier of IR and white light illuminators and license plate recognition products. Before launching this venture, Reynolds founded Raytec Technologies, Inc. and oversaw operations until 2009. Her extensive experience in the CCTV industry also includes work with companies including Sony, Rainbow CCTV, Chubb Security and Pinkerton. How did you come to work in the security industry? I met a childhood school friend who hired me as an account executive for Chubb Security (integration company) in 1994. What is the best professional advice you have received? Many of my childhood friends' parents would always say to me, “If no one wants to give you an opportunity, create your own.” Quick Facts Favorite film Raising Arizona First job Telemarketer for the Houston Post Newspaper Ideal vacation Some remote island Night in or night out? Night in Smart or casual? Smart What's something few people know about you? I’m really a nerd at heart! What's the most rewarding thing about what you do for a living? I love to see people’s reactions when they realize how using Iluminar’s external lighting products can significantly improve their CCTV systems. What are your interests, hobbies and passions outside security? I LOVE to cook! I love to help young people find out what they are passionate about and guide them on how to make that passion a business. Where was your last vacation? Would you recommend it to others and why? My last real vacation was in 2004 to France. It was amazing! If you love food, wine, fashion and beautiful terrain, it is one of the many places to go.

Today’s video cameras are better than ever, now able to capture images despite low light and other impediments. But do the images always provide enough clarity for security applications and/or for video analytics? The ability to capture an image in a variety of environments isn’t the same as capturing the best possible image, says Eddie Reynolds, President and CEO of Iluminar Inc., a provider of LED white light and infrared illuminators to the video surveillance market. Better cameras capable of adapting to various lighting situations are just part of the equation. The resulting images, though much better than those provided by previous-generation cameras, still may not provide the needed clarity. More light can improve the situation. “There is a lot of misunderstanding in the industry about the hows and whys of lighting,” says Reynolds. And lighting matters even more with the new 4K and 7K cameras, she adds. Infrared Vs. Visible Light LEDs By touting their cameras’ abilities at lower lux levels, camera manufacturers may have even increased end users’ tolerance of lower image quality. For all their improvements, cameras operating in low light can still produce pixelated, cloudy and/or grainy images. Yes, you can now see the color of a car even in extremely low light, but can you recognize a face?  “When you have a lot of pixels and high-definition cameras, you just need more lighting,” says Reynolds. “Video analytics only work well with good clean images.” “Cameras work like our eyes,” she says. “You can see that restaurant menu in low light, but if you want to see the details – to read the menu – you need more light. When an event occurs, customers want to see the details.” In addition to visible light LEDs, Iluminar provides “invisible light” infrared illuminators that work with cameras that are “true day/night” – the cameras have an infrared filter that is removed when light goes down to a certain level. Infrared LEDs have greater range than visible lights – up to 919 feet for infrared versus 643 feet for visible light. Infrared light is also covert (cannot be seen by the human eye). Separate Illuminator Advantages "When you have a lot of pixels and high-definition cameras, you just need more lighting. Video analytics only work well with good clean images," says Iluminar CEO, Eddie Reynolds Many of today’s cameras have attached lighting, of course, but that lighting may not be optimum for every setting of the camera, says Reynolds. For example, a camera’s built-in infrared illuminator may cover only a 30-degree field-of-view (FOV), even though the camera’s widest FOV is 90 degrees. Using the narrower light with the wider FOV produces a “hot spot” in the middle of the camera view, which can white-out the image if someone comes onto the scene. It’s like walking around with a flashlight – you can’t see the larger image. In contrast, a separate light source can have a larger selection of fields-of-view – from 10 degrees to 120 degrees – and can also provide light at longer distances. With more choices, a separate light source can specifically match the FOV of the camera lens – in short, the exact amount of light needed for each application. Separate illuminators can also have longer life, since they are not affected by the heat of camera components and they are designed for greater heat dissipation, says Reynolds. Separate LED lights also tend to attract fewer insects to the camera lens. About Iluminar Reynolds launched Iluminar in 2008 to supply LED white light and infrared illuminators. Iluminar designs the products and works with a third-party manufacturer in the United Kingdom. The products are distributed all over the world. In the security industry for 22 years, Reynolds has built the business rapidly through her relationships in the market and partnering with camera manufacturers, distributors and clients. “My challenge is to change the perception out in the market of what good video is,” says Reynolds.

Iluminar products are available in Arecont Vision MegaLab as part of agreement to enable pre-installation integration and new product testing Arecont Vision®, the industry leader in IP-based megapixel camera technology, has announced that Iluminar, a leading manufacturer of IR and white light illumination products, has joined the Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program. Iluminar products are available in the Arecont Vision MegaLab™ as part of the agreement to enable pre-installation integration and new product testing. “The opportunity to pre-test Iluminar IR and white light illuminators with Arecont Vision megapixel cameras will be of great benefit to our integrators and end user customers,” said Eddie Reynolds, President and CEO of Iluminar. “The result will be easier design work and faster installations, with the advanced knowledge of what configurations and models work best together.” Integration To Benefit Mutual Customers Iluminar offers innovative lighting solutions for the professional video surveillance market. The complete range of highly-efficient infrared and white light LED lighting products offered by Iluminar provides significant operational cost savings over traditional bulb-based competitors. Illuminator lighting products are vandal resistant and feature a five-year warranty. “We are excited to have Iluminar join the Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program,” said Jason Schimpf, Director of Sales Operations and Partner Relations. “Many customers around the world rely on Iluminar lighting products to support Arecont Vision megapixel cameras. With Iluminar participating in the Technology Partner Program and included in the available technology in the MegaLab, we are now able to offer even closer integration for the benefit of our mutual customers than ever before.” The Arecont Vision Technology Partner Program includes sales, development, and support contacts between the two companies in order to better engage with end user customers and integrators, integrate new features and technology, and quickly resolve customer support issues.

Iluminar and Axis’ integrated security solutions will provide the highest quality video and CCTV performance to customers Iluminar Inc., a manufacturer specializing in infrared and white light illuminators, has joined Axis Communications’ Technology Partner Program. Iluminar brings over two decades of experience and expertise in lighting technology, innovation and specification to Axis’ premier network of 80,000 partners in 179 countries. Axis is the number one security manufacturer in the industry and the market leader in network video. Together, Iluminar and Axis’ integrated security solutions will provide the highest quality video and CCTV performance to customers. Axis Technology Partner Program Through the program, numerous hardware vendors, resellers and software developers will now be able to integrate with Iluminar’s signature line of low voltage and PoE powered infrared and white light illuminators. By deploying Iluminar’s products, rather than a camera’s built-in illuminator, security professionals will experience enhanced image capture, clearer video feeds (free from insects and hotspots), a longer LED lifespan, and an image captured at distances of up to 919 feet (280 meters). “We are thrilled to collaborate with an industry innovator like Axis and join its Technology Partner Program,” said Mrs. Eddie Reynolds, president and CEO of Iluminar. “Through the initiative, we are looking forward to raising awareness on the critical role lighting plays in video and analytics clarity, lowering bandwidth and crime deterrence with our illuminators. We are also excited to introduce our exceptional lighting products to new audiences.” Iluminar Illuminators With Osram LEDs Iluminar is known for its extensive range of infrared and white light products. The company’s illuminators feature the latest high-efficiency Osram LEDs, an IP67 weatherproof rated enclosure, and an optional remote control that manages LED light intensity, photocell sensitivity and timer functions. All IR and white light illuminators are available in a variety of angles, from narrow to panoramic, making them ideal for use with the latest Axis’ multi-sensory camera. When Iluminar lighting is paired with Axis cameras that are configured to the correct settings for license plate recognition, the cameras can effectively capture plates at distances up to 450 feet 24 hours a day. To help educate the masses on the how’s and why’s of lighting, Iluminar offers a free, one-to-one training via WebEx. Iluminar’s distinguished products will be featured at ISC West in Las Vegas, April 6-8, 2016 in the Louroe Electronics, Altronix and Dotworkz booths.

The training covers how LED lighting can dramatically improve nighttime camera surveillance imaging As video surveillance needs and applications continue to expand, so does the need for proper lighting to aid in surveillance capabilities. Dealer education on how to specify and install LED lighting products to aid in surveillance capabilities is critical to ensuring solid surveillance results because: Most crime occurs at night; All cameras need light to see, especially IP and megapixel cameras; and, regular street lighting is usually not adequate to deliver clear surveillance footage, which is often needed to provide evidence for judicial purposes. To respond to this growing  need, Iluminar, a specialist manufacturer and supplier of infrared (IR) and white light illuminators, is pleased to announce its certified, 'one-to-one' training offering on LED lighting products. Iluminar's Training Course Is Free Of Charge And The Content Covers: How to specify LED lighting and maximize night-time CCTV surveillance effectiveness How to support cameras with crisp, clear and even illumination The application of infrared vs. white light, and why separate illumination is more effective than an integrated LED lights camera. "Customers across the globe have come to rely on Iluminar for supplying high-performance, high-quality and reliable lighting solutions and great customer service," notes Eddie Reynolds, President and CEO of Iluminar "Now, we are extending that ethos by offering customers Iluminar-certified one-to-one training on the specification and installation of LED lighting products." Installers, specifiers, consultants, and end-users who would like to learn more about how LED lighting can dramatically improve nighttime camera surveillance imaging. Interested participants can register for Iluminar’s WebEx based training course by emailing sales@iluminarinc.com.