Covert Surveillance

The milestone gives European fire engineers and risk professionals independent evidence when specifying thermal image fire detection, complementing established European and national approval requirements. Teledyne FLIR's A40 and A70 (Axx-Series) thermal imaging cameras are the first models to achieve UL 2684 listing. They are listed as thermal image fire detectors under ANSI/CAN/UL 2684, the Standard for Video and Thermal Image Detectors for Fire Alarm Systems. Although UL 2684 is a North American standard, the Teledyne FLIR milestone has important implications for Europe. Covering established technologies European fire detection is supported by a mature standards and certification environment covering established technologies such as smoke, point heat, aspirating, and flame detection. Radiometric thermal image detection has no harmonised European product standard of its own, and is addressed through project-specific approval pathways and national certification schemes, including VdS in Germany and CNPP in France. These pathways support the assessment of systems that continuously measure temperature across a scene and identify abnormal heat before smoke or flame develops. EN 54-10 covers flame detection, including the flame-response capability of certified thermal cameras. UL 2684 is written specifically for video and thermal image detectors, evaluating and testing them as fire detection devices. Determines project acceptance In the United States, the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, the National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code, created a dedicated category for thermal image fire detection (Sec. 17.12), which requires thermal image fire detection systems to be listed for the purpose of fire detection. UL 2684 is a North American product standard that provides an independent benchmark for the performance of video and thermal image fire detectors. In Europe, it can support the technical evidence presented through the applicable European approval pathway. European regulatory requirements, CE marking obligations, relevant EN 54 standards, national certification schemes such as VdS and CNPP continue to apply, and the approving authority determines project acceptance. Considerably stronger position “Fire engineers work from evidence, and the strongest evidence is a published benchmark with an accredited laboratory behind it,” said Matthew Hasty, Global Vertical Director for Science, Automation, and Early Fire Detection at Teledyne FLIR. “That is what the listing adds for Europe. It gives the people building the technical case something independent to build on.” What the listing changes is the strength of the evidence behind the specification. A consultant, a risk engineer, or a fire protection professional can now put forward a detector whose fire performance has been tested against a published benchmark by an accredited laboratory and show the reviewer where that benchmark came from. That benchmark is concrete: flaming wood, flammable liquid, and polyurethane fires with defined response criteria, plus the environmental, electrical, and durability program around them. In a submission that has to be argued rather than ticked off against a standard, that is a considerably stronger position than manufacturer test data. Defined response criteria The listing tests fire performance. The everyday value sits in the instrumentation. A radiometric thermal camera is a calibrated measuring instrument, not a camera that renders heat in color. Every pixel in the scene reports a temperature, many times a second. Teledyne FLIR Early Fire Detection solutions monitor defined regions of interest and report minimum, average, and maximum values for each, with alarms set on absolute thresholds, on the difference between regions, and on rate of rise. The system responds to how heat is behaving rather than only to how hot something is, and it leaves a record: a measured value, a location in the scene, a history behind it. That record is what an approving authority or an underwriter can actually review. Battery energy storage installations Demand is coming from operators. Waste and recycling sites deal with deep-seated fires in stored material. Manufacturers run bearings, motors, and hydraulic lines that heat up well before they ignite. Battery energy storage installations face thermal runaway. Data centres concentrate electrical load, and a failing connection runs hot long before it smokes. Rooftop solar arrays develop hotspots at connectors and modules, often on roofs with no conventional detector at all. In each case, thermal imaging provides continuous temperature-based monitoring that can identify developing heat conditions before smoke, flame, or conventional heat thresholds are reached. Project-specific approval pathway Thermal imaging is line-of-sight, so a camera protects what is in its field of view. In practice that means specific high-value assets: a switchboard, a battery enclosure, a conveyor run. It works alongside conventional detection rather than in place of it. The cameras are also multispectral: detection is thermal, while an integrated visible camera supplies the picture, so an alarm arrives with video of what caused it. An operator can see what they are dealing with before stopping a line, and a stoppage that turns out to have been unnecessary is money the site never gets back. For projects being designed in Europe today, the UL 2684 listing provides independent evidence that can strengthen the specification and approval case. It works alongside the applicable European, national, and project-specific approval pathway.

Milestone Systems, a pioneer in open platform video management software, announces XProtect 2026 R2 and the fall 2026 updates to Arcules. Together, the releases help organizations turn growing numbers of cameras, devices, sites and operational data into clearer, more manageable operations across on-premises, cloud and hybrid deployments. As video environments expand, the challenge is less about accessing more video data and more about helping operators understand what is happening while giving administrators efficient ways to manage the systems behind it. XProtect 2026 R2 adds context around incidents and simplifies administration of growing installations, while Arcules strengthens resilience, operational insight and secure communication across cloud and hybrid environments. Cloud and hybrid environments “Our customers are managing more cameras, more sites and more information than ever, and they need that complexity to work for them rather than against them,” said Andrew Burnett, CTO, Milestone Systems. “With XProtect 2026 R2 and the latest Arcules updates, we’re giving operators clearer context when incidents happen and giving administrators simpler ways to keep growing systems secure, current, and reliable, however they choose to deploy.” Maps in XProtect add location context to video security, bringing cameras, alarms, connected devices, and live video together in geographic and floor plan views. Stronger situational awareness Maps is designed for complex environments such as campuses, hospitals, and airports, where hundreds or thousands of cameras can make it difficult to pinpoint an incident. It helps operators see where an event is happening, identify nearby cameras, and open live video directly from the map, supporting faster response and stronger situational awareness. Maps will be available in future XProtect Smart Client releases. New Sticky Notes keep important operational knowledge where operators work. Users can attach a note to each camera view in XProtect Smart Client to capture site-specific information, shift handover details, or operating instructions, with color coding to signal priority. Administrators manage and configure notes centrally through the XProtect Management Client, helping teams maintain continuity from one shift to the next. XProtect 2026 R2 also reduces the administrative effort of running large, distributed installations. Supporting compliance reporting Server Logs centralises audit, system, and rule logs generated across the XProtect environment, giving administrators a consistent way to review activity, troubleshoot issues, and support compliance reporting. It also integrates with preferred monitoring and third-party log management systems. Permission Inheritance lets newly added cameras and devices automatically receive the access permissions already assigned to their group, so administrators define rules once and apply them consistently as the system grows. The value of XProtect continues well beyond initial deployment, and Milestone Care helps customers protect and extend that investment by keeping their systems current with the latest releases. Multi-site XProtect deployments XProtect Remote Manager, available through Care Plus, gives partners and end customers secure, browser-based oversight of multi-site XProtect deployments. It delivers system health updates in seconds so teams can prioritise the actions that keep their systems running at their best. For Arcules customers, Cloud Backup for Edge Gateways provides off-site video retention by uploading a lower-resolution secondary stream to the cloud, improving resilience while minimizing bandwidth and storage requirements. A new integration with Triton Sensors extends video security with environmental and occupancy awareness. It brings sensor data together with video and event data so users can create alarms, rules, and video-linked sensor events from a single platform. Complex network environments Additional Arcules updates include: Secure Device Communication automatically encrypts communication between gateways and supported cameras using HTTPS, protecting video and credentials without additional configuration. Faster Local Video Streaming speeds stream startup and delivers smoother multi-camera viewing and playback, including in complex network environments. Arcules-XProtect Operational Enhancements bring safer upgrades, improved diagnostics, and role-based alarm access to hybrid environments. As a continually updated cloud service, Arcules delivers new capabilities automatically and does not require Milestone Care. Together, these releases reflect Milestone’s continued investment in helping customers operate with greater clarity and confidence.

Commvault, delivering continuous recovery for the AI era, announces new identity resilience capabilities that will help organizations discover changes across a wide range of identity environments, understand their Tier 0 exposure, and quickly remediate associated risks. Identity systems are a prime target for attackers because they can offer fast access to critical enterprise resources. With 80% of large enterprises using multiple identity providers, including Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta, organizations face growing complexity across human and non-human identities, permissions, and policies. Critical identity systems Commvault’s latest capabilities give identity, IT, and security teams more awareness, control, and response capabilities that take identity resilience to the next level, including: Continuously detecting changes across identity providers: Cross-provider identity auditing will give administrators visibility into a broad range of changes affecting identities, permissions and the configurations that govern access across Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta environments. Uncovering Tier 0 exposures: Identity attack intelligence capabilities will identify an organization’s most privileged identity assets and reveal who has control over them. By having a complete view – a Tier 0 inventory – teams can uncover hidden risks that otherwise could give attackers control of critical identity systems. Guiding remediation and recovery: AI-guided recommendations help teams understand why exposure exists and how to address risky access, while supporting rollback of unwanted changes and recovery of trusted identity configurations. Critical identity infrastructure “Attackers don't need to compromise every system. They just need to compromise the identities that control them,” said Pranay Ahlawat, Chief Technology & AI Officer, Commvault. “As AI agents and non-human identities proliferate, this risk is only growing. Our goal is simple: help customers understand who controls their most critical identity infrastructure, identify dangerous changes, and restore trusted access when things go wrong.” “Identity threat detection and response leads identity security priorities and resilience ranks next, yet only 47% of organizations have a completed identity recovery plan,” says Emanuel Figueroa, Senior Research Analyst for Identity and Access Management Security, IDC. “Breaking the kill chain ends the attack, but not its aftermath: changed permissions, group memberships, policies, and trust relationships can persist after access is revoked. Access controls can’t by themselves return a directory to a verified state, so recovery is becoming a distinct buying criterion. Commvault’s extension of recovery across Active Directory, Entra ID, and Okta shows data-protection vendors are moving to meet it.” Identity attack intelligence Identity attack intelligence and cross-provider identity auditing are planned for early access in the coming quarters. They will be offered as part of Commvault IDRecover – a portfolio of innovations that help organizations uncover identity risk, monitor and detect suspicious changes, and rapidly restore trusted access when identity systems are compromised. Learn more about this announcement at SHIFT 2026, where attendees will explore the new rules of resilience in the age of AI and learn how recovery, visibility, and cyber resilience can help organizations adopt AI with confidence. SHIFT 2026 will be the boldest event in the company’s history, enabling attendees to explore and immerse themselves in the new rules of resilience – and it all starts with AI. You can register for your place here.

With over 60 locations, Manatee County Schools needed a flexible, scalable solution that would help them centralize their security management. By using OpenEye Web Services, they are able to access their surveillance from a single pane of glass for improved campus safety. Manatee County School District, based in Bradenton, FL, oversees 63 locations, 6,000 employees, and over 50,000 students across its schools. Due to the significant growth of their school district in recent years, they needed the ability to expand their security system with their needs so they could seamlessly add locations and systems. Improved campus safety By working with OpenEye, Manatee County Schools utilizes a cloud-managed video platform that improves management of their locations, users, and devices, with benefits including: Centralised Management: Manatee County Schools unified their devices, locations, and users under a single platform to improve management of security across their multiple facilities. Flexible, Scalable Solution: OpenEye Web Services’ scalable, open platform solution not only works with Manatee County Schools’ additional security measures but also enables seamless deployment across new and existing locations. Streamlined Investigations: The school district reduced workload associated with investigative time by leveraging cloud-managed clip sharing through OpenEye Web Services. With OpenEye Web Services, Manatee County Schools has been able to improve management of their video security system so they can better protect their students and faculty as well as work with law enforcement more effectively.

SharpEagle Technology, a manufacturer and system integrator of explosion-proof CCTV and industrial safety solutions, today announced that its team will attend ADIPEC 2026, taking place from 2 to 5 November 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Abu Dhabi, UAE. At the world's largest energy gathering, SharpEagle's specialists will meet operators, EPC contractors, safety managers and channel partners. Discussions will focus on how ATEX-certified surveillance, lighting and forklift safety systems reduce risk and improve visibility in hazardous environments across oil and gas, petrochemical, maritime and logistics operations. Rapid technological change Held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, and hosted by ADNOC, ADIPEC 2026 brings the global energy industry together in Abu Dhabi. This year's edition examines how energy systems are adapting to rising demand, geopolitical uncertainty and rapid technological change. The event is expected to welcome 239,000 attendees and more than 2,250 exhibiting companies across 17 halls, including 30 country pavilions. The ADIPEC Conferences span 13 strategic and technical programmes. Specialized zones include Decarbonisation, Digitalisation in Energy, Maritime & Logistics and a dedicated AI innovation area. Preventing workplace collisions SharpEagle's team will be available throughout the four days to discuss site-specific requirements and solutions, including: Explosion-proof CCTV systems – ATEX-certified PTZ, fixed, dome and zoom IR cameras for Zone 1 and Zone 2 hazardous areas Explosion-proof portable devices – intrinsically safe digital cameras and ATEX-approved flashlights for inspection and maintenance teams Forklift and material-handling safety – wireless forklift cameras, sensor systems and safety lighting that help prevent workplace collisions Remote site monitoring – 4G solar-powered camera systems for pipelines, wellheads and remote installations Custom system design – consultation, solution design, installation support and after-sales service across the GCC and the UK Most demanding environments "ADIPEC is where the energy industry decides how it will operate safely and efficiently in the years ahead," said Yash Malik, Operations Head, SharpEagle Technology. "Our customers in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and the UK work in some of the most demanding environments in the world. We are coming to Abu Dhabi to listen to their challenges and show how certified explosion-proof surveillance and safety systems can protect people, assets and operations."

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH has joined IPAI in Heilbronn as a partner. The industrial camera manufacturer is contributing its expertise to the network, particularly in the areas of computer vision and edge AI. At the same time, IDS aims to engage with companies, research institutions and technology partners to develop new AI applications together, share experience and discuss current issues surrounding artificial intelligence. IPAI is an innovation platform for applied artificial intelligence and supports companies and institutions in their AI transformation. With the AI campus currently being developed in Heilbronn, IPAI aims to create Europe’s leading centre for applied artificial intelligence. Wide range of fields The ecosystem brings together expertise from a wide range of fields and provides an environment in which new ideas and approaches can be explored and advanced. Through the partnership, IDS aims to draw on the experience and inspiration provided by the network to further develop the use of AI within the company. In addition, the image processing specialist wants to actively share its own know-how as an "expert for the eyes" with the community and play a key role in topics relating to computer vision. The focus is on questions that are crucial to many industrial AI applications: How can visual data be used effectively for AI? What requirements does AI place on camera technology? And how can AI methods be used directly on or close to the camera? AI-based image processing "For us, artificial intelligence is not just a topic for the future. It is already an integral part of specific developments and applications today. At the same time, there are still many questions that we, as a company, do not want to and cannot answer in isolation. What matters is collaboration: learning from one another, exploring approaches together and using them to develop solutions that deliver real added value in practice.” "IPAI offers an exciting environment for this," says Jan Hartmann, Managing Partner at IDS. IDS specifically focuses on formats that combine knowledge transfer with hands-on experimentation. The new “AI Vision Circle” gives IPAI members an opportunity to exchange ideas on AI-based image processing and further develop them together. With a Vision Readiness Check and computer vision hackathons, the industrial camera manufacturer supports participants in identifying potential and testing concrete solutions. Testing concrete solutions In addition, they can borrow IDS cameras for their projects and receive expert advice on their use. Exploring new requirements and applications together also helps IDS look beyond today’s use cases. From a technology perspective, IDS has also been working with artificial intelligence for many years. With IDS NXT, the company offers a complete system for deploying intelligent cameras. This expertise is now increasingly being incorporated into the uEye Live portfolio for industrial process monitoring. AI-enabled monitoring cameras allow AI-based image analysis on-the-edge. Powerful neural networks from IDS partner DENKweit handle typical tasks such as rapid object and position detection, precise parcel handling and efficient code reading. Development of future cameras For IDS, the partnership also opens up new perspectives on future requirements for cameras and machine vision. Dialog with stakeholders from industry, research and technology helps the company identify new fields of application at an early stage and understand how technological developments, such as vibe coding or quantum computing, may change applications and business models. IDS intends to incorporate the insights gained into the development of future cameras and computer vision components.

Control room operators face a tricky and ever-growing list of responsibilities. Every day, they're expected to monitor dozens, sometimes hundreds, of camera feeds, identify suspicious behavior, and respond quickly when something goes wrong. Add in a constant stream of alerts, many of which turn out to be false alarms, and it's easy to see how even the most experienced security professionals can become overwhelmed. Indeed, in the UK alone, there are an estimated six million CCTV cameras, with around one in 70 publicly owned. A human, or team of humans, cannot possibly be expected to keep on top of every single one of those devices without missing something. Monitoring multiple locations Recently, the UK's Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure (CPNI), now part of the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA), uncovered a challenge faced by many security operators known as the vigilance decrement, where concentration can begin to decline after just 20 to 30 minutes of continuous monitoring. A study of 42 professional CCTV operators, published in Applied Ergonomics, found that they detected only around half of the target behaviours during a 90-minute video review task. For security teams working long shifts and monitoring multiple locations, this presents a significant challenge. Missing an incident can have serious consequences, yet expecting operators to maintain the same level of concentration throughout an entire shift simply isn't realistic. Identifying unusual activity The result is that operators spend less time reviewing routine activity, have faster responses to threats This is where AI-powered video analytics makes a huge difference. By automatically identifying unusual activity, filtering out unnecessary alerts, and highlighting events that require attention, AI can help operators work more effectively and focus on what matters most. The result is that operators spend less time reviewing routine activity, have faster responses to potential threats, and there are more opportunities for security professionals to apply their experience and judgement where it's needed. Breaking the cycle of alarm fatigue Traditional video surveillance systems have often relied on motion detection and basic rules to identify potential security incidents. While useful, these technologies can also generate large volumes of unnecessary alerts. A tree branch moving in the wind, an animal crossing a perimeter, or a delivery vehicle stopping near a building can all trigger a false alarm. Now imagine this happening across hundreds of cameras, throughout an eight- or twelve-hour shift. Operators can quickly find themselves dealing with a seemingly endless queue of notifications, most of which turn out to be harmless. Over time, this can lead to alarm fatigue. When operators are repeatedly presented with false alarms, they may become less responsive to new notifications, increasing the risk of a genuine threat being overlooked. This isn't a reflection of their professionalism or experience, but a natural response to information overload. Persistent alarm fatigue It can also make it harder for organizations to demonstrate the value of their security investments The consequences extend beyond missed incidents. Persistent alarm fatigue can contribute to stress and burnout, slow response times, and place additional pressure on security teams that may already be stretched. It can also make it harder for organizations to demonstrate the value of their security investments. Simply adding more cameras, hiring more operators, or increasing training isn't necessarily the answer. Instead, organizations need to consider how technology can reduce the volume of information operators must process and ensure that the alerts reaching them are genuinely useful. Smarter alerts, faster responses AI-powered video analytics is helping to address this challenge by making surveillance systems more intelligent and proactive. Rather than simply detecting movement, modern analytics can identify objects, recognize patterns and provide greater context around what's happening within a camera's field of view. For example, a traditional system might generate an alert every time something moves near a perimeter fence. AI analytics can help distinguish between an animal passing through, an authorized vehicle following its usual route, and someone loitering near a restricted entrance. Operators can then focus on the activity that warrants further investigation, rather than spending valuable time reviewing harmless events. Providing relevant information The system identifies potential concerns and provides relevant information Advances in vision-language models are taking this a step further. These technologies can interpret and describe activity within video footage, helping operators understand what's happening without having to manually review every camera feed. This shift is gaining momentum across the industry. The Security Industry Association's 2026 Security Megatrends report identifies the automation of security operations centres as a leading trend, highlighting opportunities for AI to support activities such as incident reporting and filtering lower-priority alarms. Importantly, the aim isn't to remove operators from the process. Much of this technology takes an agentive AI approach, where AI assists human decision-making rather than acting independently. The system identifies potential concerns and provides relevant information, while operators remain responsible for assessing situations and deciding how to respond. For security teams, this creates an opportunity to improve situational awareness while reducing the pressure of constant monitoring. Identifying threats before they escalate One of the most valuable capabilities of advanced video analytics is its ability to identify unusual behavior and patterns over time. Consider a vehicle driving slowly around a business park. On its own, this might not appear suspicious. However, if the same vehicle returns on three consecutive evenings, stopping near a restricted entrance before leaving, it could indicate someone assessing the site's security arrangements. An operator working a single shift might not notice the connection, particularly if the activity occurs across several days. But AI analytics can help identify recurring patterns and flag them for further investigation. Identifying recurring incidents These capabilities also offer benefits beyond immediate security monitoring The same principle applies to other scenarios. Someone repeatedly approaching a restricted area, a person remaining in an unusual location for an extended period, or a vehicle traveling against the normal flow of traffic could all trigger an alert based on predefined rules or patterns of behavior. With the right information available, security teams can investigate potential threats earlier and respond before an incident escalates. These capabilities also offer benefits beyond immediate security monitoring. Analytics can help organizations identify recurring incidents, understand how spaces are being used and make more informed decisions about patrols, staffing and security resources. For multi-site organizations, this can be particularly valuable, allowing security teams to identify trends across locations rather than treating each incident in isolation. Making investigations faster and more effective AI can also significantly reduce the time required to investigate incidents after they occur. Reviewing hours of recorded CCTV footage has traditionally been a painstaking process. Investigators may need to search through multiple camera feeds to identify a person, vehicle, or sequence of events, often under considerable time pressure. Advanced video search and synopsis technologies can simplify this process by condensing lengthy recordings into a much shorter visual summary. Events and objects captured at different times can be presented together, allowing investigators to identify relevant activity quickly while retaining links to the original footage and timestamps. For example, an investigator looking for a particular vehicle can search footage based on characteristics such as color, type, or direction of travel, rather than watching hours of recordings manually. For police forces, local authorities and private security teams, these capabilities can make a substantial difference to investigations, reducing the time spent searching through footage and helping important evidence reach the right people sooner. Demonstrating the value of intelligent video AI-powered video analytics can also deliver a measurable return on investment Alongside the operational benefits, AI-powered video analytics can also deliver a measurable return on investment. An Omdia survey of 140 end users across North America and Europe found that more than 85% of organizations achieved a return on investment from their video analytics deployments within one year. More than half reported seeing returns within the first six months, with banking and manufacturing reporting particularly strong results at 95% and 90%, respectively. Evidently, intelligent video can deliver value far beyond traditional surveillance. Improved incident detection Reducing false alarms can help operators use their time more effectively, while faster investigations can lower the resources required to review footage. Improved incident detection and response can also help organizations minimize disruption, protect assets and strengthen their overall security posture. There are benefits for installers and integrators too. By introducing advanced analytics into existing video management systems, they can help customers get more value from their security infrastructure, while offering additional capabilities that can evolve alongside operational needs. Rather than viewing video surveillance solely as a cost centre, organizations can increasingly use the intelligence it provides to improve security performance and inform wider operational decisions. Keeping people at the heart of security As AI becomes more capable, questions around human oversight and decision-making will become increasingly important. There is a distinction between AI that supports operators and fully autonomous systems that can independently make decisions and take action. While more agentic AI capabilities are emerging, many of the most practical applications in video security today are designed to assist people, not replace them. Making informed decisions This combination of machine intelligence and human experience is where the greatest value lies For instance, AI might identify a person behaving unusually near a restricted entrance, but an operator can assess the wider context, determine whether there is a genuine threat and decide on the appropriate response. Similarly, analytics can highlight a vehicle that has repeatedly visited a site, but it takes human judgement to establish whether that behavior is suspicious or entirely legitimate. This combination of machine intelligence and human experience is where the greatest value lies. AI can continuously analyze large volumes of footage, identify patterns across different cameras and shifts, and highlight events that deserve attention. Operators bring the contextual understanding, professional judgement and accountability needed to make informed decisions. An operator reviewing five relevant alerts, each supported by useful information, is in a much better position to respond effectively than someone attempting to process 50 notifications with little context. The goal is therefore not to automate every aspect of security, but to create a more effective partnership between people and technology. A smarter approach to security operations The demands placed on security teams are unlikely to decrease. Organizations are managing larger sites, more cameras and increasingly complex security environments, often without equivalent increases in staffing or resources. At the same time, the limitations of human attention remain unchanged. No matter how experienced or well-trained an operator may be, maintaining constant concentration across dozens of video feeds is an unrealistic expectation. AI-powered video analytics offers a way forward. By reducing unnecessary alerts, identifying suspicious patterns, and accelerating investigations, these technologies can help security teams become more proactive, efficient, and effective. Most importantly, they allow operators to concentrate on what they do best: understanding situations, making informed decisions and protecting people and places. The future of security isn't about replacing the people behind the screens. It's about giving them the intelligence and tools they need to do their jobs better.

There was a time when physical security and cybersecurity occupied two very different worlds. One was concerned with the nuts and bolts of locks, doors and perimeter protection. The other focused on networks, software and digital threats. Today’s modern access control systems – used in everything from offices and hotels to hospitals and data centres – combine the two, fusing mechanical engineering and cloud platforms. That means that a door is no longer simply a physical barrier. Instead, it’s a connected endpoint within a much wider digital ecosystem. And it’s changing expectations across the industry. Increasingly, developers, architects and operators are turning their backs on separate products in favour of integrated access solutions that combine doors, locks, access controls, environmental monitoring and digital management into a single, connected system. A new connected approach to security This change is part of a wider shift in the way that security itself is perceived This change is part of a wider shift in the way that security itself is perceived. Traditionally, physical security was about keeping unauthorized people out. Today, it’s about making sure the right people have the freedom to move within a restricted space. That is particularly important in places such as hospitals, data centres and other critical infrastructure, where security helps protect essential services while minimizing disruption. And it’s why our Research & Security Center (R&S) in Berlin, Germany, brings together both disciplines under one roof. Their job is to test products against both physical attacks and cyber threats. Employing unconventional tactics Sometimes, that means employing unconventional tactics, such as using professional lockpickers to test the security and resilience of new physical products. While modern locks are still based on mechanical engineering, they are more advanced than they look. Improvements in design, materials, and manufacturing mean they are stronger, more reliable, and harder to tamper with. But there’s more to locks than just security. Some systems can even use the motion of inserting and turning a key to generate a small amount of electrical energy, which provides energy to power extra functions without wiring or batteries. This means they are not just standalone locks but can also be used as part of wider digital access systems. Bridging physical and digital security For instance, great strides have been made recently in terms of biometric authentication However, as everyone knows, digital systems have their own security risks, especially now that artificial intelligence (AI) is part of the emerging threat. This means the cybersecurity team needs to ensure that systems are robust enough to withstand a wide range of risks – from attempts to breach access platforms to phishing attacks – as well as other tactics designed to exploit human behavior. It’s here that researchers adopt a ‘hacker’s mindset’ to keep systems safe. And that means continuously testing, probing, and strengthening systems to identify vulnerabilities against existing real-world threats while also anticipating what might be around the corner. Mobile-based access control systems For instance, great strides have been made recently in terms of biometric authentication, including facial recognition and fingerprint scanning. Similarly, smartphones are increasingly being used to secure credentials for mobile-based access control systems. But improvements in technology also come with their own risks. For instance, For instance, AI-generated deepfake videos and voices are becoming more convincing, making it easier to trick people into giving access, sharing information or approving actions they should not. And as I alluded to earlier, criminals are now using AI and automated tools to identify weaknesses and exploit them much faster than before, sometimes with little or no human involvement. But it’s also true that it’s being used to bolster defences. Work is currently underway to use AI to analyze data in real time to identify unusual entry times, identify multiple failed authentication attempts, or spot any other anomalies that might suggest someone is trying to gain entry illegally. Modern access control Cloud-based platforms allow security teams to issue and revoke credentials remotely Increasingly, the value of modern access control lies not just in the hardware, but in the software that sits behind it. Cloud-based platforms allow security teams to issue and revoke credentials remotely, monitor activity across multiple sites and respond quickly to emerging threats. This makes security a real-time, always-on, continuously managed service rather than a collection of standalone products installed and largely forgotten about. The importance of regulation and compliance This is something that policymakers are aware of. In the European Union, for example, the  EU’s NIS2 Directive relates to cybersecurity protecting network and information systems and significantly broadens both the scope and the obligations for compliance. It also takes an “all-hazard” approach to security, which means protecting not just digital networks and systems, but also the physical environments in which they operate. Similarly, the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is designed to ensure that all digital products are safe from cyber threats. Its goal is to ensure that connected devices and software are built, updated, and maintained with security in mind, helping protect users in an increasingly connected world. And by introducing clearer requirements and standards, the CRA will help consumers and organizations identify products with strong security features and configure them more securely from the outset. Security by design Security can no longer be treated as something that is bolted on at the end of the development process In both cases, it is incumbent on vendors not only to meet or exceed these rules and regulations but also to keep customers, the wider industry, and other stakeholders informed about developments. For me, these regulations also reflect a broader shift in thinking. Security can no longer be treated as something that is bolted on at the end of the development process or addressed only after a vulnerability has been identified. Instead, it needs to be considered from the very beginning and maintained throughout a product's lifecycle. For manufacturers, that means continuously assessing risks, testing products against emerging threats and ensuring they remain resilient as technology and the threat landscape evolve. As I said at the beginning, the reason is simple. Today's buildings are no longer just bricks and mortar. They are connected environments where doors, locks, cameras, sensors and access control systems increasingly communicate with one another and with cloud-based platforms. You might want to think about that the next time you walk into a secure building.

When news broke that a Renoir painting had been stolen from an exhibition in the south of France, days after 600 diamonds were taken from a museum in Vienna, few in the art or security worlds would have been surprised. Europol had recently published “Changing Tactics, Changing Targets: The Evolving Nature of Museum Heists,” highlighting criminals’ growing focus on high-value objects and their increasing use of force. The latest theft also echoes the Louvre heist almost a year ago, both in how quickly it unfolded and in the security lessons it exposes. When every second counts Both French museum thefts happened in broad daylight. Both were fast. CCTV from the Renoir museum shows the perpetrators cutting through the perimeter fence early in the morning. Police were reportedly on site within five minutes of the alarm being raised. It still wasn’t fast enough. That matters. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option As criminals become bolder, custodians of national treasures and high-value objects need to rethink where protection begins. For many museums and galleries, simply building higher walls or stronger fences isn’t an option. These buildings are often architectural landmarks and public spaces. Turning them into fortresses defeats the point. But there is another lever security teams can pull: earlier detection. A few extra seconds of warning could give on-site security or nearby police the time they need to intervene before a work of art disappears. Forget the Hollywood lasers The cover of Europol’s museum heist report shows a criminal wielding a mallet in front of artefacts protected by red laser beams. It is the kind of security system made famous by films including “Entrapment,” “Ocean’s Twelve” and “The Thomas Crown Affair.” Virtual perimeters aren’t science fiction. But the technology available today looks very different. Museums and galleries need stronger protection without compromising their architecture or the visitor experience. One technology attracting attention is LiDAR, a spatial sensing system that uses lasers to understand what is happening within a physical environment An invisible perimeter The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second LiDAR is already used in environments ranging from railway stations and prisons to electricity substations. Its appeal lies in its accuracy and flexibility. It can operate indoors and outdoors, integrate with existing cameras, alarms and sensors and strengthen security without major physical alterations to a site. The technology sends out laser pulses and takes millions of spatial measurements every second, building a three-dimensional picture of its surroundings. Security teams can use that data to create virtual zones around a building, room or individual exhibit. Those zones can be changed as the site changes. Three-dimensional picture A museum perimeter, for example, might remain protected around the clock. A gallery being prepared for a new exhibition could be temporarily excluded while authorized staff work inside it. Once the zone becomes active again, an intrusion can trigger an immediate alert. The same principle can work while a museum is open. If someone gets too close to an exhibit, crowds begin to form or a person remains in a sensitive area, the system can alert staff or bring up feeds from relevant cameras. That means security teams can focus their attention where it is needed instead of relying on someone to spot every incident across banks of CCTV screens. Seeing what cameras can miss During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles During an attempted robbery, LiDAR can identify the location and movement of people and vehicles, including their direction and speed. It also has a significant advantage over conventional CCTV: it does not depend on external light. Detection can continue in bright daylight or complete darkness. That makes the perimeter less about a physical barrier and more about knowing, instantly, when someone crosses a line they shouldn’t. Security before the doors even open The technology can do more than detect intruders. Walk-through simulations allow teams to move through a virtual version of a site much as they would navigate an open-world computer game. Before an exhibition changes, teams can test how a new layout could affect visitor movement, identify blind spots and bottlenecks and assess evacuation routes. That gives security teams the chance to find problems before visitors arrive, not after something goes wrong. Protect the art, not the fortress Museums and galleries face a fundamental tension: make art and culture accessible while protecting objects that can be culturally irreplaceable and financially priceless. The answer cannot simply be more barriers. The next generation of museum security needs to detect threats sooner without getting between visitors and the works they came to see. The strongest perimeter may be the one nobody notices.

Deploying artificial intelligence (AI) tools should be seen as a business initiative rather than a technology initiative, says Martin Soukup, CTO of Solink, a cloud-based video security and data intelligence platform. The approach makes a difference that plays out in practical terms. A technology initiative is tactical and solution-oriented, often solving an isolated problem within a single department's silo. In other words, it might solve just a security problem. In contrast, a business initiative is cross-disciplinary, driven by executive leadership to impact the entire organization in a measurable way. “Viewing AI tools as a business initiative ensures they adapt to multiple departmental needs and drive high-level strategic growth rather than just fixing a localised technical issue,” says Soukup. AI platform combines video and business systems Demonstrating the value of embracing AI as a business initiative is Solink’s new video intelligence platform Demonstrating the value of embracing AI as a business initiative is Solink’s new video intelligence platform that combines video with business systems to detect threats and send real-time alerts. The capabilities are designed to help security teams operate smarter and more efficiently, supporting the next generation of lean, intelligence-driven security operations centers (SOCs). And benefits of the platform extend beyond security to include other parts of the business. “At the end of the day, video cameras only tell part of the story, much like looking at a 2D shape,” says Soukup. “They capture dimensions and colors, but only from a single perspective, even with powerful AI analysis providing traffic metrics, wait times, product interaction, and compliance logs. The addition of operational data, such as inventory, shipping, labor, and sales data, fills out that shape into 3D, adding critical context.” For example, while a camera simply shows three people standing in a line, and AI data flags that those individuals have been waiting for over five minutes, operational data lets you know also that a cashier has not checked into their shift yet. Combining these data streams gives businesses full situational awareness, turning passive observation into immediate, contextual intervention. AI agents handle repetitive tasks The Solink platform uses AI Agents, which are software that operates autonomously to handle manual, repetitive, or high-volume tasks based on specific instructions and tools. For Solink users, AI Agents unify their existing camera and data source investments into a single automated workflow. “AI Agents transform Solink from a security tool into an operational investment that benefits all departments,” says Soukup. “Modern operational leaders are turning to AI to scale productivity without increasing overhead.” Integrating business intelligence Operations checks compliance, loss prevention investigates theft, and security assesses threats Customers already use Solink to centralize video, integrate business intelligence, and trigger real-world responses like real-world alerts, two-way communication, or smart locks. AI Agents tie these pieces together, analyze the data and identify what matters most, and then take action either without human intervention or with humans in the loop. Businesses currently watch video manually across separate workflows. Operations checks compliance, loss prevention investigates theft, and security assesses threats. However, a human must always watch the footage to get results. Solink AI Agents automate this entire workflow. If an operational event can be seen on camera and matters to the business, a Solink Agent can be integrated to automatically review, assess, and trigger the next step in the workflow across hundreds or thousands of locations simultaneously. Calling all stakeholders to the discussion When discussing applications, stakeholders should include revenue and marketing officers, compliance officers, and line-of-business executives. Agents leverage existing infrastructure by adding an intelligent automation layer that drives efficiency and grows revenue across the entire organization without large capital investment. Solink AI Agents will not replace employees; they empower lean teams to maximize their existing resources. Job descriptions will shift toward human-in-the-loop workflows where humans and machines collaborate. The AI Agent handles the high volume, filtering out noise and processing data at scale. Human employees set up and guide the Agents, give feedback to improve performance over time, and step in to make final decisions, managing the nuanced situations that require critical thinking, empathy, and deep context. Passive data visualization In contrast, a Solink AI Agent is deployed with a clear mandate for a specific task, deliverable, or outcome Given the convergence of physical and digital security, AI Agents, not dashboards, are the right unit of enterprise AI deployment. Dashboards typically aggregate data without evaluating the context or importance of the source. Data looks identical whether it comes from 10 sources or 100. In contrast, a Solink AI Agent is deployed with a clear mandate for a specific task, deliverable, or outcome. This approach shifts the focus from passive data visualization to active intent, creating a direct path of accountability and clear attribution for business results. With dashboards, everyone can see the problem, but nobody owns it. An agent with a mandate either did the job or it did not, and you can audit exactly what it saw and why it acted or did not. Overcoming obstacles to deploy AI agents The primary obstacles to integrating AI Agents into the physical security workflow are change management, building trust, and system interoperability. Physical security requires absolute reliability, which demands rigorous initial configuration to establish trust. Furthermore, Agents are only as effective as the data they can access. Overcoming these hurdles requires comprehensive team training, shifting organizational mindsets, and ensuring seamless integration with existing tools so the Agents have the full context needed to execute tasks accurately and integrate with human workflows seamlessly. Addressing common security challenges Several use cases are driving the deployment of AI Agents among Solink's customers Several use cases are driving the deployment of AI Agents among Solink's customers. Overnight guarding, loss prevention, and store readiness will be the first wave of use cases. These are proven, high-frequency scenarios in which Solink provides pre-built template Agents to address common security challenges out of the box. The second wave of use cases will include highly customisable occupancy tracking, health and safety, and food quality. Pre-built template Agents are coming for these next. In addition, custom, niche operational use cases can be tailored to a specific business environment. Just like hiring a specialized contractor, companies can deploy custom Agents to tackle unique operational challenges rapidly across all locations. Measuring the effectiveness of AI agents The effectiveness of AI Agents can be measured by multiple factors. Core Accuracy, and consistency and accuracy of detections and automated outputs. Business Outcomes delivered, such as reduced inventory loss, reduced fraud, and faster incident resolution. Financial Impact, measured through recovered budget, reduced operational overhead, and increased per-store conversion. There is a perception that AI Agents possess predictive or flawless capabilities, like stopping crime before it happens or operating perfectly in dark, chaotic environments. Not true, says Soukup. AI cannot understand ambiguous requests like "look for suspicious activity." Success requires explicit parameters, tools, and skills, defining what is acceptable, what is unauthorized, and how to handle the gray areas. Another misconception is that Agents need a fundamentally different security model than people. “I run security for this company as well as engineering, and I hold our own Agents to the same standard I would hold a third-party vendor,” says Soukup. “That means least privilege, full audit trails, anomaly detection, random audits, and no action they can't explain after the fact.”

Combining VIVOTEK’s branded video security business with March Networks paves the way for the combined brands to meet customers’ increasing appetite for integrated solutions rather than individual components. The merger brings VIVOTEK's branded video security business together under one operating structure with March Networks’ enterprise-grade video surveillance, AI analytics, and cloud-managed security solutions. Customers now have access to a broader, more integrated portfolio spanning enterprise video management, advanced cameras, edge artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, recording platforms, and business intelligence, says Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at March Networks and VIVOTEK. Distinct product strategies Given the combined companies, product development, sales, marketing, and customer support can move in step rather than in parallel. March Networks and VIVOTEK were already both part of the Delta Electronics family, but they previously operated as separate businesses with distinct product strategies, teams, and routes to market. March Networks and VIVOTEK announced the merger of their branded video security businesses last spring following Delta Electronics' acquisition of remaining VIVOTEK shares. “Aligning our complementary capabilities lets us innovate faster, simplify engagement, and respond more quickly to a market moving toward AI, cloud and intelligent video,” says Payne. This merger reflects a broader shift across the physical security industry, adds Payne. “Customers no longer see video purely as a tool for reviewing incidents after the fact,” he says. “They expect it to help identify risks earlier, simplify investigations, improve operations, and support better decisions across the organization.” Cloud video management Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems. Rather, it requires cameras, edge intelligence, recording, software, cloud services, and business data working together as one coordinated platform. “By bringing March Networks and VIVOTEK together, we combine deep expertise across the full video technology stack while preserving the relationships, sector knowledge and customer focus both companies have built over many years,” says Payne. “Our goal is to make intelligent video more integrated, scalable, and practical for customers and partners worldwide.” Both entities bring strengths to the combined companies. March Networks brings experience in enterprise software, cloud video management and large-scale deployments; while VIVOTEK brings strength in imaging, camera technology and edge intelligence. Together they seek to ensure more choice when designing systems, a clearer path for future expansion, and technologies that work together more effectively without compromising the reliability, cybersecurity, and support customers expect from both companies. Advantages for channel partners Channel partners gain a broader portfolio to address a wider range of customer requirements, combining components as each deployment demands. Channel partners also benefit from expanded geographic reach, deeper technical expertise, and greater investment in training and enablement. “Importantly, this is designed to be a seamless transition,” says Payne. “Partners keep working with the teams and relationships they already know, while gaining access to new capabilities and certification opportunities. Over time, that alignment should make it easier to design, deploy and support complete solutions.” Because they are established and respected brands, March Networks and VIVOTEK branding will continue to be used. Rebranding is not a goal, and neither identity is being replaced by the other. Coordinated decision-making “The immediate priority is organizational alignment by making it easier for customers and partners to benefit from the combined portfolio,” says Payne. Product branding will continue to reflect the relevant portfolio and market context. As product roadmaps become more closely coordinated, customers can expect greater interoperability and a more cohesive experience, says Payne. Any future branding changes will be managed carefully and communicated clearly. Combining the businesses reduces duplication and enables coordinated decision-making across product strategy, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and customer support. “Instead of developing capabilities independently, teams can share their expertise, align roadmaps, and direct investment to where it has the greatest customer impact,” says Payne. Combining specialized knowledge globally The combined organization operates across six continents and more than 75 countries The combined organization includes more than 300 research and development (R&D) engineers across four Centres of Excellence in Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Poland, thus bringing together a substantial base of specialist knowledge. The unified network also sharpens the ability to prioritise global opportunities, respond to regional needs and bring innovations to market faster. The combined organization operates across six continents and more than 75 countries, supported by more than 1,100 certified channel partners. That footprint provides greater capacity to support multinational customers while staying responsive to local market needs. Looking ahead, future growth will increasingly come from helping customers turn video into useful, actionable intelligence. “The market is moving beyond conventional surveillance toward solutions combining AI, cloud services, edge processing, video management and operational data — and our new structure brings these together as one connected solution rather than several isolated technologies,” says Payne. Broader technical expertise There will also be closer collaboration among specialists in imaging, hardware, software, analytics, and cloud, which is important given how much customer infrastructure, regulatory, and deployment requirements vary. The companies can support cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, giving organizations a practical path toward more intelligent video. More choice comes from bringing together complementary technologies across product groups. Greater scale is achieved through a larger engineering organization, broader technical expertise and more capacity to invest in innovation. Challenges for the industry at large Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI responsibly, securely and at scale, says Payne. Video systems will generate more data and automate more decisions, but organizations must be able to trust how that intelligence is created, protected, and applied, he adds. “Cybersecurity, privacy, data sovereignty, system interoperability and AI accuracy are more important than ever,” says Payne. Addressing these elements requires expertise across the entire technology stack: from camera and edge processing to recording, cloud infrastructure, video management and analytics. “Together, March Networks and VIVOTEK can coordinate development across all these layers, giving customers flexible architectures that balance innovation with security, transparency and operational control,” says Payne.

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.

Genetec Inc., the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that Newark Central School District (NCSD) in New York has expanded its deployment of Genetec Security Center across seven buildings. The district has connected video surveillance, access control, emergency communications, and sensors to help staff assess incidents and coordinate their response. NCSD serves approximately 1,800 students and nearly 600 staff. Its security environment had grown over time, and administrators were managing several technologies separately. The district needed a clearer view of activity across its buildings and a more coordinated way to respond when incidents occurred. Managing several technologies “It was a multi-year project, but we can confidently say it was worth it. With the help of Convergint and Genetec, we’ve improved our processes and have a clearer picture of what’s happening across our district,” said Mike Ishler, Co-Director of Technology at NCSD. “Our students and staff feel safer, and our community has greater confidence in what we’re doing to keep it that way.” Working with Convergint, NCSD expanded its existing Security Center deployment to connect video surveillance, access control, emergency communications, and other sensors through a single platform. By retaining its existing camera infrastructure and deploying upgrades in phases, the district was able to enhance its security capabilities while managing costs. Existing camera infrastructure Today, NCSD manages more than 400 cameras, 200 doors, 500 cardholders, 30 vape sensors, and several automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) cameras through Security Center. By bringing these technologies into one platform, the district has improved security operations in several key areas: Faster incident response: Automated alerts provide designated personnel with linked video to quickly assess incidents, while centralized monitoring and lockdown procedures help coordinate emergency response. Simplified access management: Integration with Microsoft Active Directory automatically assigns building access based on employee roles, reducing manual tasks and keeping permissions up to date. Reduced vaping incidents: When a vape sensor is triggered, Security Center bookmarks the event and notifies school administrators and the school resource officer for further investigation. Vaping incidents decreased by approximately 93%. Security Center’s open architecture gives NCSD the flexibility to introduce additional technologies as its needs change. Through an ongoing service agreement with Convergint, the district has access to remote support, maintenance, and on-site help when needed.

Gonzaga University enhanced its campus security with OpenEye Web Services (OWS), providing a safer environment for students, faculty, and staff. Learn about the benefits of using OWS for school campuses, including scalability, remote access, simplified video management, high-definition cameras, and secure, reliable systems. Gonzaga University, located in Spokane, Washington, is home to a diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. With over 7,800 students enrolled and a sprawling 152-acre campus, ensuring the safety and security of everyone on campus is a top priority. The university’s security needs are complex, with a focus on maintaining a secure environment, preventing incidents, and providing quick and effective responses when necessary. Reducing maintenance costs To achieve these objectives, Gonzaga University turned to OpenEye to utilize powerful cloud-managed video surveillance, with benefits including: Scalability: Seamless integration with Gonzaga’s existing infrastructure and easy expansion as the University’s needs change. Remote Access: Real-time monitoring of multiple locations across campus, leading to faster response times. Simplified Video Management: Cloud-based platform streamlines video management and reduces maintenance costs.

Bargain Hunt successfully consolidated their security system by selecting Alarm.com for intrusion and access control, and OpenEye Web Services (OWS) for commercial video surveillance. Bargain Hunt is a retail discount store that carries overstock and returned brand-name merchandise at deeply discounted prices. The retail chain operates 85 stores within a 400 mile radius of Nashville, Tennessee. Legacy security systems Bargain Hunt experienced rapid growth in recent years, increasing from 30 to over 80 retail locations and 2 distribution centers. As a result, they acquired numerous legacy security systems that were complex and required specialized training. As their retail footprint grew, Bargain Hunt needed a security and loss prevention solution that would allow their Loss Prevention team to easily monitor theft and safety in stores and distribution centers. Learn how OpenEye allowed them to bring their locations together in a single, centralized portal to standardize security and strengthen loss prevention efforts.

Discover how Wheatland Bank enhanced its security operations and increased efficiency by implementing OpenEye video surveillance solutions and OpenEye Web Services, leading to faster video retrieval, streamlined security, and improved productivity. Wheatland Bank, a community bank in the Pacific Northwest, significantly improved its security operations by implementing OpenEye video surveillance solutions and OpenEye Web Services (OWS). Facing challenges with their existing video surveillance system, Wheatland Bank decided to upgrade to OWS to improve their security infrastructure and overall efficiency. Video management platform By adopting OpenEye’s cloud-based video management platform, Wheatland Bank has experienced numerous benefits: Faster video retrieval Reduced investigation times Enhanced security Simultaneous monitoring of multiple branches Streamlined security operations Time savings on video management tasks These improvements have not only allowed employees to focus on more critical functions but also upgraded the bank’s security infrastructure to better serve its customers and communities. With OpenEye’s reliable and efficient solutions, Wheatland Bank has successfully transformed its security operations and increased overall productivity.

B&B Theatres brought their video surveillance under a single platform with OpenEye Web Services (OWS), helping them to more easily manage their security systems across locations. Learn more about how B&B Theatres were able to improve their ROI with a flexible, scalable cloud video solution. With a rich history spanning a century, B&B Theatres is now the fifth largest theatre chain in North America, and the largest privately held operator of cinemas. As B&B Theatres rapidly expanded over the past decade, they inherited many disparate and legacy video security systems, creating a need for an improved video security platform. Improved video security platform B&B Theatres partnered with OpenEye to utilize powerful cloud-managed video surveillance, with benefits including: Open Ecosystem: The OWS open ecosystem enables B&B Theatres to integrate their existing cameras and security solutions into OWS. Cybersecurity: OpenEye’s video security platform utilizes cybersecurity best practices for a more secure video platform. Health Monitoring: Automated health monitoring keeps B&B theatres ahead of any pending hardware or system issues. Through working with OpenEye, B&B Theatres is now able to manage their security equipment across multiple locations under a single, convenient platform for improved safety and enhanced operations.

Located in the mountains just outside Denver, Colorado, Platte Canyon School District serves around 685 students, from preschool through 12th grade, supported by 150 staff members. The district operates multiple school buildings across a single campus, each bringing distinct safety, security, and access requirements. For Platte Canyon, providing a safe learning environment is a deeply held commitment. Following a school tragedy 20 years ago, the district has continually invested in strengthening campus security, protecting students and staff, and ensuring that emergency responders have the information they need to act quickly and effectively. Over the years, this commitment has driven a series of improvements to its security infrastructure, largely supported by grant funding. Today, 3xLOGIC's VIGIL Video Management System (VMS) plays a central role in helping Platte Canyon maintain visibility across its campus, streamline security operations, and support a coordinated approach to student and staff safety. Maintaining reliable surveillance The challenge: Platte Canyon historically had three separate camera platforms securing its different buildings and, as these systems aged, maintaining reliable surveillance became increasingly challenging. Some equipment had reached the end of its useful life, while incompatible operating systems prevented the platforms from working together. Staff had to switch between different applications to access cameras across the campus, creating unnecessary complexity and limiting their ability to accurately follow activity between buildings. In some cases, cameras and entire sections of the legacy systems were no longer functioning, leaving gaps in coverage and making it difficult to retrieve footage when needed. The district also faced challenges associated with its location. Situated alongside a major highway and popular routes into the mountains, the campus regularly experiences passing traffic, including visitors stopping to walk dogs or occasionally attempting to camp in parking areas and on school grounds. With students moving between multiple buildings throughout the day, including younger children using playgrounds directly connected to classrooms, Platte Canyon needed a security environment that could provide consistent, reliable visibility across indoor and outdoor spaces while supporting controlled access for staff, students, parents, and visitors. School Resource Officers (SROs), administrators, and local emergency services also needed quick access to relevant video footage, especially during incidents requiring a coordinated response. Campus security infrastructure The solution: Working with its security technology provider and using grant funding, Platte Canyon undertook a phased modernization of its campus security infrastructure beginning with electronic access control for building entrances, followed by a wider camera replacement program. Subsequent improvements extended security to campus gates and additional outdoor areas, creating a more comprehensive, layered approach to protecting school buildings and grounds. At the center of this video surveillance infrastructure is 3xLOGIC VIGIL VMS, which brings camera feeds from across the district into a single management environment. The system supports approximately 210 to 220 cameras, including bullet, dome, and 360-degree models, positioned strategically throughout the campus to provide extensive coverage of buildings, entrances, corridors, and outdoor spaces. Multiple campus areas The unified platform enables authorized users to monitor activity and retrieve footage without switching between separate camera systems. This is particularly valuable when staff wish to follow the movement of visitors across buildings or when investigating incidents across multiple campus areas. Platte Canyon has also implemented a layered approach to visitor access. Gates at the campus perimeter help manage vehicles entering the parking lots, with visitors required to contact school staff before being admitted. Once on-site, visitors must request access again at the building entrance before proceeding to the school office. Access control arrangements The district's access control arrangements also support scheduled access during busy periods, including student arrivals, class transitions, and afternoon pickup. Staff can use their badges to move between authorized areas, while designated personnel monitor doors during periods when students are moving between buildings. VIGIL VMS provides video visibility that complements these access control measures, allowing staff to monitor activity across the campus from a central platform. For day-to-day security operations, SROs have access to live camera feeds through large monitors in their offices, with some using multiple screens to maintain visibility across different areas. Authorized staff members also have appropriate access levels, ensuring the right people can view relevant footage when needed. Compromising student privacy The district uses sensors to identify potential vaping, elevated noise levels, and other activity in bathrooms, where video surveillance would be inappropriate. When an alert is triggered, staff can use the video system to review activity around entrances and exits, establishing who was in the surrounding area without compromising student privacy. VIGIL also supports collaboration with external emergency services. Authorized personnel from the sheriff's department and fire department can remotely access relevant cameras, including through mobile devices, giving them visibility into events before arriving on-site. This complements the district's separate SchoolSAFE radio communications system, which connects school personnel, dispatch, police, and fire services during emergencies. Video surveillance infrastructure Immediate results: Since consolidating its video surveillance infrastructure onto 3xLOGIC VIGIL VMS, Platte Canyon’s day-to-day security management has been streamlined with improved visibility across its campus. The single, reliable platform has freed up staff resources, and the Facilities and IT team now spends less time maintaining an aging, often-broken system. For SROs, viewing video footage from different cameras on one system has made it easier to maintain situational awareness across the campus. The system also supports a more proactive approach to safeguarding. With extensive camera coverage throughout the campus, staff can review activity in corridors, entrances, playgrounds, and outdoor spaces, helping them investigate incidents and respond to potential concerns. Respond to potential concerns "Our SROs have one location now that they have displayed, whether it's on their iPad or on their big screens. They're not having to try and switch between systems, and it's much more streamlined for them," explains Kay Genschorck, Director of Instructional Services. Beyond operational efficiency, the investment has helped reinforce confidence in the district's approach to school safety. “Parents want to feel confident that their children are safe and secure while they're at school, and it's our responsibility to provide that peace of mind,” Kay Genschorck at Platte Canyon School District said. “By investing in the right technology, we can maintain visibility across our campus, manage who comes and goes, and ensure our staff and emergency responders have the information they need to act quickly if something happens. Ultimately, it's about creating an environment where students can focus on learning, and teachers can focus on teaching.”

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