Energetic ISC West Reflects Industry On The Cusp Of Accelerated Change

ISC West 2024 mirrored a vibrant industry on the precipice of accelerated change. Factors such as the cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), edge computing, and biometrics are shaping the future of the security marketplace, and they were front-and-center at the industry’s biggest U.S. show in Las Vegas. 

Foot traffic was steady and impressive, including more than 29,000 security industry professionals viewing 750 exhibitors. A torrent of eager attendees crowded the lobby on the first day and could not wait for the doors to open. When they were admitted, the wealth of technological innovation and business opportunity did not disappoint.

Focus on cloud systems

Cloud systems were high-profile at ISC West. Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference. Meanwhile, Genetec officially launched their Security Center SaaS platform, which aims at eliminating points of friction to enable integrators to easily embrace cloud systems from quoting and ordering to provisioning and installing. 

Camera manufacturer Axis, for example, introduced their Axis Cloud Connect at a press conference

Cloud provider Eagle Eye Networks promoted their new “Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing” technology under which both non-Eagle Eye Cloud VMS customers (via Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Camera Sharing) and Eagle Eye customers can opt to share their video feeds for use by 911 operators in case of emergency. If users opt-in, 911 operators can have access to live video as an emergency unfolds. Eagle Eye Networks provides the feature by integrating with RapidSOS call center software. Camera locations are based on geolocation coordinates, and customers can choose if they want to participate and which cameras they want to share.

Biometrics in the mainstream

Biometrics were well represented at ISC West, including Alcatraz AI, which introduced an outdoor version of their biometric face recognition product. The Rock X works well despite harsh lighting. Alcatraz’s products do not have to be integrated, they communicate just like a card reader using OSDP or Wiegand protocol. “At the show, customers are excited about moving to a frictionless environment and getting rid of existing credentialing,” said Tina D’Agostin, CEO and co-founder of Alcatraz. “We are making access control frictionless, secure and private. The experience can be as passive as possible – people can just walk in.”

Multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video

SAFR from Real Networks also featured biometric face recognition, emphasizing feature sets, convenience, and price/performance. They offer multiple types of authentication, and the ability to detect tailgating and stream video. A new device is a small mullion mount that is “approaching the price of a card reader, factoring in the need to purchase cards,” said Brad Donaldson, Vice President and General Manager. SAFR focuses on convenience: You don’t have to take out your phone to pass through a door. Enrollment is easy by incorporating existing databases, and costs are lower than competitors, said Donaldson. The system analyses multiple points on the face, turns it into data and then encrypts it, providing a “unique signature for each person.” 

Credentials in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet

AMAG Technology announced the compatibility of credentials with the Apple Wallet and Google Wallet. The company is also embracing a new strategic direction under President David Sullivan. They launched a new website in January, are developing dynamic resources and a partner page, and they now integrate with 120 tech partners. AMAG Technology Financial Services now enables their channel partners to offer leasing and financing options to customers. The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different,” according to the company.

The big new booth at ISC West reflected an effort to “market different and look different"

The new Symmetry Control Room, a command-and-control system, is a relaunch of an earlier AMAG product with enhanced features. Suitable for large enterprise customers, the software enables a big video wall to display all the various systems and incorporates all the data into a single “pane of glass.” Operators can “draw a lasso” around cameras they want to display on the video wall and can follow action across multiple camera feeds. 

Navigating megatrends

A breakfast meeting for integrators, sponsored by Assa Abloy Opening Solutions, was built around the theme “Navigating Megatrends for Sustainable Growth." The megatrends are artificial intelligence, sustainability and cybersecurity.

Related to cybersecurity, there are 350 common vulnerabilities and exposures (CVE) published per week, reflecting the continuing threat to cybersecurity. Physical security has a “data lake” of information from various physical security systems that can be an attractive target for cybersecurity breaches. Data sets can be exploited and/or poisoned. The security industry needs to apply “defense in depth” to the challenges of protecting data. “The threat landscape is always changing, and security technology is an iterative process,” said Antoinette King, i-PRO’s head of cyber convergence, one of the panelists.

Natural language systems

Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West

Natural language systems are a newer approach making an early appearance at ISC West. Brivo, for example, has an early prototype of its “natural language search capabilities” that can answer questions such as “Who is in the office?” or “Where is Bob and what has he done?” Brivo also promoted its all-in-one door station device that combines a card reader and a camera (for facial authentication) and serves as a video intercom, thus eliminating the need for multiple devices at the door. Brivo is also emphasizing tailgate prevention, facial authentication, and people counting using AI at the edge.

Also promoting natural language systems was Verkada, which unveiled a beta version of its AI Search feature that embraces national language capabilities. With AI Search, users will soon be able to use natural language to search for people or items. For example, a search could be “person climbing over a fence” or “person making phone call” or “person wearing football jersey.” Verkada wants to be thoughtful with the rollout and make sure effective guardrails are implemented to prevent abuse and bias. The release should happen in the coming months.

Multi-family applications

Allegion is promoting the XE360 hardware lock platform in various formats, including cylindrical lock, mortise lock, deadbolt, and exit trim. At the show, Allegion noted an enthusiasm for multi-family applications. “We have been surprised by the people who want to add electronics and to retrofit existing multi-family facilities to compete with newer facilities,” said Henry “Butch” Holland, Allegion’s Regional Director, Channel Sales East Region.

Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec

Allegion also offers an “indicator” display on its locks, showing at a glance whether a door is locked or unlocked. The “indicator” might also display “occupied” or “vacant.” Allegion works with 60 different physical access control software providers, including familiar players such as LenelS2 and Genetec. 

Integrator M&A trends

Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts

A conversation with Everon at ISC West provided insights into the accelerating trend of mergers and acquisitions among the integrator community. Everon, formerly ADT Commercial, has done six acquisitions of local integrators since they changed their name last year. In targeting companies to acquire, they look for a good company with a good reputation, and they consider how the new company’s competencies complement their own. Some M&A strategy is geographic, as Everon looks for acquisitions in areas where they do not currently have support for national accounts. They also consider density, seeking to add new acquisitions in larger markets where they don’t currently have a big market share.

“A lot of investment is coming into security because it is seen by investors as recession-proof,” said Michael Kennedy, VP, Mergers and Acquisitions, for Everon. Kennedy met with 95 businesses last year for possible acquisition, and the company only finalized a handful – reflecting that Everon is selective and careful that corporate cultures are aligned. “With an acquisition, the goal is to keep every customer and every employee,” said Kennedy.

Voice of the customer 

ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less. “We have every kind of problem come to the booth,” commented Heather Torrey, Honeywell’s General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas. “People are passionate, interested and very specific with their questions and comments,” she said. “We are driving a complete system, but we are flexible, helping our customers to meet their needs and not try to fit every foot into the same shoe. Sometimes meeting customer needs involves working with competitors," Torrey commented. “It truly comes back to listening to the customer, not just ‘this is what we have to offer,’” she adds.

ISC West provides an opportunity for manufacturers to listen to the “voice of the customer;” in person, no less.

Edge applications are everywhere at ISC West, and one company is promoting a new approach to expand functionality at the edge. Camera company i-PRO advocates the use of the “Docker” platform for app development, an option they offer on their cameras. Docker “containers” package deep-learning algorithms to make it easier to embed software into edge devices. Anyone can run Docker apps on i-PRO cameras that use the powerful Ambarella chip. A Docker “swarm” can combine multiple edge devices to work together and share resources. For example, the approach can increase computing power at the edge to increase the capabilities of instant analytics. It’s faster and provides better redundancies. A “distributed computing platform” ensures less latency than communicating analytics to a central server. 

Unification of capabilities

Johnson Controls (JCI) also promotes the trend of combining multiple systems into a single pane of glass. Their “Open Blue” platform, with a security version unveiled at the show, integrates various security systems into one, combining data and monitoring device health. 

Basically, the system manages all resources holistically. JCI also notes a trend toward “unification of capabilities,” e.g., combining access control and video. “The scope of security is evolving from a focus on protection to a broader focus on operations,” commented Julie M. Brandt, JCI’s President, Building Solutions North America.