Green security

The new AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 combine up to 100 TOPS of AI performance, four GMSL2 camera connections, and fanless rugged operation for transportation, AMR, and industrial automation applications. Aetina Corporation, a pioneer AI solution provider and an accelerator of edge AI infrastructure, announces the DeviceEdge AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34, Aetina’s first palm-sized in-vehicle edge AI systems, powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX and NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano modules. Delivering up to 100 TOPS of AI performance and supporting up to four GMSL2 cameras in an ultra-compact, rugged form factor, the new systems are ready for mass production and target smart transportation, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), and industrial automation deployments where space and reliability are equally critical. Industrial automation deployments As AI-powered vision systems become increasingly essential across smart cities, intelligent transportation, and industrial automation, real-time processing of high-quality, multi-camera video streams within space-constrained environments remains a persistent challenge. The AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 address this directly: powered by NVIDIA Jetson Orin NX (8GB/16GB) and NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano with Super Mode (4GB/8GB), the systems deliver up to 100 TOPS and 67 TOPS of AI performance respectively, packed into a palm-sized 136.3 x 132 x 63 mm chassis. Each system features four GMSL2 (Fakra-Z) ports, enabling long-distance, low-latency multi-camera streaming, real-time AI inference, and 360-degree environmental perception for surround-view monitoring, blind-spot detection, and situational awareness. Long-distance image transmission To accelerate system integration, the AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 can be flexibly expanded with Aetina validated GMSL2 adapter boards and camera modules, which support with plug-and-play driver-ready for long-distance image transmission of up to 15 meters. This bundle offering brings together camera sensing, high-speed visual data transmission, and NVIDIA Jetson Orin–powered edge inference, helping customers simplify system integration, shorten development and validation cycles, and achieve highly scalable, customisable AI deployment. Automotive electronic equipment Engineered for demanding mobile and industrial applications, the AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 pair rugged reliability with flexible connectivity. Both systems have passed MIL-STD-810H shock and vibration testing and carry E-Mark (E24) certification for automotive electronic equipment, streamlining integration into global vehicle markets. A fanless architecture supports stable, throttle-free operation from -25°C to +55°C, while a 9–36V DC wide-voltage input and integrated Ignition Power Control protect against voltage fluctuations and enable safe startup and shutdown. Isolated CAN FD and GPIO/RS-232 interfaces connect vehicle signals, controllers, sensors, and industrial peripherals, complemented by Gigabit Ethernet (GbE), USB 3.2, HDMI, M.2 M-Key storage, and optional M.2 E-Key wireless expansion. Actionable intelligence for AI agents The convergence of V2X and edge computing continues to drive demand for compact, rugged in-vehicle computing platforms that capable of processing multi-camera vision data locally and in real time. The AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 turn visual data into actionable intelligence for AI agents and autonomous systems, supporting surround-view monitoring and blind-spot detection for commercial vehicles, obstacle avoidance and path planning for AMRs, real-time defect inspection on production lines, and people tracking and security monitoring across smart retail and building environments. AI computing portfolio James Ho, Manager of Edge Computing Product Division at Aetina, stated: “As real-time, multi-camera perception becomes the sensing layer for AI agents operating in vehicles, AMRs, and industrial equipment, customers need edge compute that is rugged enough for the field and ready for mass production from day one, Aetina’s palm-sized in-vehicle edge AI systems bring four-camera GMSL2 support, automotive-grade certification, and NVIDIA Elite Partner-backed BSP support together in one rugged multi-vision platform, helping customers simplify integration and accelerate the deployment of intelligent vision at the edge.” The AIE-VN34/44 and AIE-VO24/34 are available now for mass production, supporting BSP built on NVIDIA JetPack 6.2, with NVIDIA JetPack 7.2 support to be added soon. 

Katja Schwan of Pond Security Service GmbH was named Security Guard of the Year for 2026. The fact that another colleague, Filiz Gülbenim, secured second place right behind her makes this result an extraordinary double success for the entire team. Every year, COREDINATE GmbH and the Federal Association of Medium-Sized Security Companies (BVMS) honor employees who take on special responsibilities in the security industry. The result in 2026: Katja Schwan, Pond Security Service GmbH – 1st place Filiz Gülbenim, Pond Security Service GmbH – 2nd place Marina Locher, Röttinger Unternehmensgruppe GmbH – 3rd place This result is particularly gratifying for Pond Security: two of the company’s employees made it to the finals and took the top two spots. Long-standing commitment Katja Schwan has been with Pond Security Service GmbH since 2003. For more than two decades, she has been known for her sense of responsibility, professionalism, and level-headed approach to security work. Two incidents from her career were highlighted in particular. In 2013, while on duty, she responded to a serious accident at the facility, immediately took the necessary steps, and administered first aid until emergency responders arrived. In 2014, she again demonstrated exceptional composure and sound judgment in a potentially dangerous situation at the factory gate. She recognized the situation early on, denied entry, and stabilized the situation until the authorities arrived. Since January 2026, Katja Schwan has also been completing advanced training to become a Certified Security Officer. The award thus recognizes not only individual incidents but also her long-standing commitment to quality and safety. Filiz Gülbenim is another prime example of growth and achievement in the security industry. As a career changer with no prior experience in the field, she joined Pond Security Service 5.5 years ago and gradually took on more responsibility. Most prestigious awards For three years, she reliably filled in for the shift supervisor before officially taking on the role. Today, she independently leads a team, has earned her Certified Master for Protection and Security, and was honored with second place in one of the industry’s most prestigious awards. Her leadership style combines clarity with a close connection to the team. As a result, Filiz Gülbenim embodies modern leadership in the security industry and the opportunities for professional growth within Pond Security. Two finalists, two top rankings, one company: This result underscores Pond Security’s strong performance. It shows that exceptional work in the security industry doesn’t happen by chance, but stems from experience, ongoing training, and a corporate culture where people can thrive. They warmly congratulate Katja Schwan and Filiz Gülbenim on this achievement and thank COREDINATE GmbH for an award that highlights the accomplishments of the security industry.

On September 25 and 26, 2025, this year's “Masters of Protection and Safety” network meeting took place at a special location: the interim storage facility of BGZ Gesellschaft für Zwischenlagerung mbH at the Unterweser site (Wesermarsch). The format has been organized by Dienstplanmacher GmbH for many years and is aimed at protection and security specialists from all over Germany. In cooperation with various partners, the meeting offers exciting insights into different security-related areas every year. This year, BGZ was the host and gave participants an exclusive look behind the scenes of its facility. Storing radioactive waste Since 2019, the federally owned BGZ has been responsible for storing radioactive waste at the sites of decommissioned nuclear power plants until it is transferred to a final repository. In addition to radiation protection and maintenance, Plant Security plays a particularly important role in this process. Around 40 participants took advantage of the opportunity to exchange ideas on current developments in the field of security organization in specialist presentations and personal discussions. In addition to various discussion rounds, the event also offered an exclusive insight into the operation of the Unterweser interim storage facility. Speakers included: Christian Otter, Site Manager BGZ Unterweser and Stade Torsten Remmers, Area Manager Pond Security Jens Abker, Head of Operational HR Management, BGZ Oliver Lauch, Team Lead HR Marketing and Recruiting BGZ Strengthening professional dialog They provided practical insights into the challenges and opportunities associated with protecting sensitive facilities—from personnel recruitment to day-to-day operational security. The event was jointly organized by Christian Otter and Jonas Wingert (BGZ), Torsten Remmers (Pond Security), Uli Pflanz (network organization) as well as Simon Schneider and the team at Dienstplanmacher GmbH. Special thanks go to Jonas Wingert, who, together with Christian Otter played a key role in making the network meeting at the Unterweser site possible. Both of them worked hard from an early stage to establish the event as worthy of support and to make it possible on the part of the BGZ. Thanks to the close cooperation between Dienstplanmacher GmbH, BGZ and Pond Security a varied program was put together, featuring presentations, discussions, a tour of the facility, and a joint dinner at the Butjadinger Tor restaurant. The network meeting not only offered exciting insights, but also valuable opportunities for networking and exchanging experiences. As a partner in the field of security services, Pond Security is delighted to contribute to strengthening professional dialog within the industry by participating in and helping to shape this format.

System Surveyor, the pioneer site survey and system design platform for security integrators and technology managers, today announced the full agenda for their inaugural conference, System Surveyor THRIVE 2026, taking place September 28–30 in Austin, Texas. System Surveyor THRIVE 2026 will bring together security integrators, end users, and technology partners for two days of education, community networking, and interactive sessions focused on improving operational efficiency throughout the physical security project lifecycle. Improving operational efficiency “THRIVE was created to give our growing community and industry an opportunity to explore emerging technologies and have meaningful conversations about where our industry is headed,” said Chris Hugman, co-founder and CEO of System Surveyor. “These peer-led sessions set the tone for the conference by combining strategic industry insights with practical takeaways attendees can immediately apply within their organizations.” Throughout THRIVE 2026, System Surveyor’s product team will announce exciting new offerings and discuss product roadmap and workflow integration opportunities. System Surveyor customers, including Aaron Simpson of Stone Security and Christian Skuce of ASAP Security, will reflect on their experience deploying System Surveyor over the years, spurring discussion on the opportunities and challenges in the field. Stronger business outcomes Agenda Highlights: Together to Thrive (9/29 at 9:15 AM) – To kick off THRIVE 2026, SIA CEO Don Erickson, M.C. Dean, Inc., Sr. Vice President and SIA Board Member Julaine Simmons and System Surveyor CEO Chris Hugman will draw on key findings from the SIA 2026 Security Megatrends Report to examine three of the industry’s most significant trends and their implications for manufacturers, systems integrators, and end users. Customer Firesite Chat w/ Aaron Simpson, Stone Security (9/29 at 10:45 AM) – A highly anticipated discussion between Chris Hugman and Stone Security Co-Founder and President, Aaron Simpson, will unpack the ways that the Stone team has streamlined and simplified their site surveys, proposal creation workflows, post-sales delivery, and ultimately long-term customer engagement to scale the business efficiently and effectively. Problem-solving approach Stop Selling. Start Solving: 3 Practical Ways to Set Yourself Apart (9/29 at 1:45 PM) – After an interactive demo with System Surveyor’s new “AI Notetaker,” presenters Ken Kocher (Executive Director of Government Solutions, DMP) and Tradd Kendrick (Business Development Manager, System Surveyor) will challenge attendees to rethink how they engage customers and stakeholders, demonstrating how a consultative, problem-solving approach and use of technology tools helps build trust, uncover customer needs and deliver stronger business outcomes. Explore System Surveyor THRIVE 2026’s full agenda here. If users haven’t registered yet, the standard registration window (June 13–August 31) closes in two weeks. Registration includes conference sessions, networking events, and meals throughout the event.

Nedap is proud to introduce uPASS Go: the next generation reader in long-range vehicle access control. As the latest addition to Nedap’s esteemed uPASS product line, uPASS Go establishes a new standard in managing vehicle entry for basic gates, like car parks, gated communities, and staff parking zones. Designed to blend significant commercial appeal with the latest technological advancements, uPASS Go transforms the landscape of vehicle access control to be smarter, more secure, and exceptionally efficient. Reliable vehicle identification Nedap’s uPASS Go is the successor of the uPASS Reach, widely recognized as our most cost-effective solution for vehicle access points. uPASS Go leverages cutting-edge UHF RFID technology to provide reliable vehicle identification from up to 10 meters (33 feet). This product is perfectly suited for managing access in environments such as car parks, gated communities, and staff parking zones. It seamlessly integrates with existing access control systems, supporting key industry-standard interfaces like Wiegand, OSDP, and TCP-IP protocols. Features like a new mounting bracket and service hatch simplify the installation process, enhancing operational convenience. Providing robust security “With uPASS Go, we’re setting a new benchmark in the field of vehicle access control. Its user centric design simplifies the installation process, makes it easy to implement and convenient to use. It meets the stringent demands of modern security professionals and offers a forward-thinking solution to access challenges.” – Edwin Grobbink, Product Manager at Nedap. As part of Nedap’s extensive uPASS product range, the uPASS Go benefits from our longstanding expertise in passive UHF solutions. uPASS Go ensures quick and secure identification of vehicles, which helps maintain smooth traffic flow and creates a welcoming entry experience. The reader is designed to be adaptable, providing robust security across vehicle access points like car parks, gated communities, and staff parking zones. Automatic vehicle identification Drawing on more than 30 years of experience in automatic vehicle identification, Nedap has designed the uPASS Go to be both cost-effective and technologically advanced. This combination makes it an ideal choice for access control points where affordability and high functionality are required. Nedap’s commitment to sustainability and user-friendliness makes the uPASS Go a continuation of their legacy of innovation in access control technology.

The technology pioneer launches new sort gate and ear tag. The SmartSort sort gate and SmartTag Ear are the next evolution in Nedap’s dairy data ecosystem to meet farmers’ needs. As dairies progress, so do their data and technology needs. Similarly, the dairy insights suite from Nedap, a global pioneer in automated dairy herd monitoring and management technology, is also advancing in depth and breadth. Dairy data ecosystem “We’re launching the SmartSort sort gate, a highly requested modern and simplified twist on sort gate technology. We are also adding to our monitoring sensor line-up with the SmartTag Ear, a sleek new ear tag for data collection on dairy animals,” says Maarten Idink, managing director of Nedap Livestock Management. “These additions to our dairy insights suite mean greater labor and herd efficiencies on-farm. They also underscore our commitment to the development of reliable, accurate data to benefit cows and people,” he adds. Efficient health checks The SmartSort sort gate features one recognition point with an unmatched degree of accuracy, few moving parts to reduce cow stress, low maintenance and high-capacity operation. Based on specific goals, users can decide which cows need to be separated or routed and the location to where they need to be sent. At Pagel’s Ponderosa Dairy, Kewaunee, Wisconsin, about 4,000 cows pass through the SmartSort gate per shift. Thanks to this technology, the farm now sorts cows with nearly perfect compliance, which is essential for efficient health checks and breeding protocols. High-capacity operation “Having the sort gate helps us work with the cows we need without disrupting the rest of the herd. It just streamlines the whole system,” says Pagel’s Ponderosa Herd Manager Chris Szydel. “The rest of the herd can go back to their pens, eat, drink, walk around, lie down and be a cow. The system does a great job of identifying cows that need attention on a day-to-day basis.” “If you’re not looking at new technology and new ways of keeping up with the industry, pretty soon you’re behind,” says Dave Styer, co-owner of Alfalawn Farm, Menomonie, Wisconsin. “With the SmartSort system, we’ve been able to reach much higher accuracy than with our previous system. One of the unique things about this system is that it’s a continuous flow sort gate. It doesn’t stop the cows like our previous sort gate, so our throughput is very good. We’re very happy with the SmartSort sort gate and supporting technology.” Data transmission reliability The SmartTag Ear captures insights on activity, reproduction, rumination and eating time. Its lightweight, streamlined design includes data storage for 24 hours and is removable for use on other animals. It is built on long-lasting, proven infrastructure used for other Nedap sensors to ensure data transmission reliability. “To me, the ear tag is just easier to manage than the collars or the pedometers we used to have,” says Sutton Rooks, owner of Milking R Dairy, Okeechobee, Florida. “It helps bring those cows to the forefront that need attention and get them back on track. We’re using everything in our toolbox we possibly can to keep our cows happy and healthy.” Actionable information ecosystem hub Adds Garrett Rooks, the fourth generation of Milking R Dairy, “Our goal moving forward with the Nedap tag system is addressing issues before they become a bigger problem. We want to keep cows in our herd as long as we can. Longevity pays, reproduction pays and everything ties together to be a profitable farm.” These new tools are the latest evolution of Nedap’s data insights suite available to dairy farmers. This interconnected data grid means dairies can track, manage and act on information generated at multiple points around the farm – from cow activity to rumination data to milk production and much more. With the Nedap Now platform at the center of its actionable information ecosystem hub, data flows from hardware into data sensors that flow into the cloud for safekeeping and analysis. Herd management advances The integrated insights suite enables users to accurately and efficiently: Capture data using ear tags or neck tags Sort cows and route them where they need to be Locate individual cows for further actions Monitor parlour performance with the SmartFlow milk meter Use actionable data to empower employees Hone health, reproductive and nutrition protocols “Our technology is trusted to help dairies around the world better manage their herds,” says Idink. “We deeply value that trust and persistently seek ways to assist farmers and improve life on the farm. Our new sort gate and ear tag are our latest innovations to meet these goals.” “As dairies’ information needs grow and change, we’re leading the way with greater insights and herd management advances they can depend on,” he concludes.

Europe has set an ambitious goal. With the European Green Deal, leaders aim to make the continent climate neutral by 2050. Ireland is following this lead, promising to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 51% before 2030. And solar energy is a key part of this plan. If you drive through rural Ireland today, you can see the changes happening. Solar farms now cover former grazing land and open fields. They work quietly and efficiently, providing clean electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, and businesses. Most of the time, these sites are empty. There are no workers patrolling the area and no lights in office windows at night. Clean energy supply That stillness, however, hides a growing risk. Each solar site holds millions of euros worth of equipment. Every megawatt of solar power relies on a complex network of copper cables, solar panels, inverters, and electrical systems. These parts are valuable, especially when copper prices are high. For thieves looking for quick profit, an unmanned solar farm can seem like an easy target. Just one act of trespassing or vandalism can lead to stolen wiring, damaged panels, and production shutdowns that last days or even weeks. Repairs are expensive, but the bigger problem is the impact on clean energy supply and trust in the infrastructure supporting Europe’s low-carbon future. Standard video cameras A report from PV Magazine says police in the United Kingdom have seen a sharp rise in solar-related crimes That stillness hides a growing risk. Each solar site holds millions of euros worth of equipment. A report from PV Magazine says police in the United Kingdom have seen a sharp rise in solar-related crimes, with cases increasing by 93% between 2021 and 2022. This trend is familiar: when commodity prices go up, rural energy sites attract more attention from criminals. While a passerby might see only glass and steel, others see scrap metal and resale value. For a long time, many of these sites and businesses did not prioritise security. They put up fences, used standard video cameras, and hired guards. These steps provided some reassurance, but often only responded after damage had already happened. Traditional cameras record events but rarely stop them. Guards cannot monitor every part of a large site, especially when solar farms cover hundreds of acres. Traditional security methods As renewable infrastructure expands, traditional security methods are no longer enough. The industry needs to change its approach. As Europe builds more renewable energy projects, security should become a main part of planning. Developers now consider not just energy output, but also how resilient a site will be. Communities want the infrastructure supporting their climate goals to run smoothly, and investors want to know that sites and assets are safe. New technology is now helping protect remote energy sites. One method uses video analytics along with live operators who watch camera feeds from remote centers. Instead of waiting for alarms to go off after a breach, these systems can spot unusual activity as it happens. For example, if someone lingers near a fence late at night, the system can send an alert that is different from one triggered by wildlife passing by earlier. Preventing similar problems This approach aims to move security from just recording events to actually stopping them When something suspicious happens, security teams can check the situation and decide if they need to respond. Sometimes, operators send a live audio message to let people know they are being watched. This can stop trespassing or theft because it takes away the feeling of being anonymous. This approach aims to move security from just recording events to actually stopping them. If a situation gets worse, staff can follow set procedures and keep watching until it is over. Afterward, they write incident reports. These records help with reviews, regulatory paperwork, insurance claims, and learning how to prevent similar problems in the future. Large solar projects Ireland already shows how this model works. Several large solar projects across the country now use integrated, remote monitoring from the very start of construction. At one major site, developers installed 170 cameras, investing nearly €1 million in security alone. This amount shows more than just caution. It marks a change in how the industry sees protection. Security is now as important as engineering and grid connection in project planning. Security is now as important as engineering and grid connection in project planning A solar farm that runs smoothly does more than just make electricity. It helps meet climate goals, boosts energy independence, and shows stability. If a site is left unprotected, the impact goes beyond one facility. It affects energy supply and public trust. That is why security should be a basic part of development. Providing reliable power As Ireland grows its solar capacity, it sets an example for the rest of Europe. Clean energy is not just about building infrastructure. It also requires steps to protect what has been built. The new fields of glass and steel are more than just power sources — they are shared commitment to a more sustainable future. Protecting that future requires ongoing effort. Europe is creating its clean energy landscape one panel and one field at a time. By caring for the security of these sites as much as their construction, these quiet areas will keep providing reliable power and support a stronger energy system for years ahead.

Modernizing security infrastructure requires research and planning to build intelligent, connected systems that are secure, scalable and positioned to take the organization into the future. Prioritising needs, total cost of ownership, interoperability, resilience and sustained value will help ensure that a surveillance system upgrade will deliver both protection and measurable operational impact. Before making that investment, however, security leaders must answer a few key questions to manage expectations, gain buy-in, and minimize disruptions or hurdles during the upgrade itself. What are our needs? First and foremost, leadership must define the overall need for a surveillance system. Some organizations use surveillance purely for security and protection. Others will have additional operational requirements or wants, such as streamlining visitor management, providing data to other departments, or automating specific operations. Defining current and potential future applications is an important starting point. First and foremost, leadership must define the overall need for a surveillance system Surveillance systems are more capable than ever of tackling applications beyond security, including safety, business intelligence, and operational efficiency. Therefore, security teams should loop those areas of business that may have a stake in the system into the discussion as early as possible to further determine must-haves and manage expectations. Managing specific access Next, security teams ought to consider lapses in the capabilities of their current system, along with protocols or compliance requirements already in place. Other considerations include determining how many locations and users will access the system (which is especially important if considering business intelligence opportunities), how many cameras and which types are necessary, and whether the organization plans to manage specific access. Unless already specified by their business, security leaders should also weigh the pros and cons of a cloud-based system, on-prem system or hybrid approach — taking into account the rising costs of memory and servers. How can we plan for the future? AI and advanced analytics have rapidly changed the security landscape AI and advanced analytics have rapidly changed the security landscape, enabling businesses to ramp up protection and operational efficiencies with just an upgrade. But, in order to take advantage of many of these intelligent advancements, security leaders have to verify that their surveillance system, and the manufacturing partners they are working with, can handle today’s — and tomorrow’s — technology. An open platform, open standards system gives security teams the flexibility to upgrade, add or integrate other systems or new technology over time as the organization’s needs evolve, technology advances or compliance changes. Open platform systems Flexibility can benefit organizations when it comes to video camera compression. For example, while much of the compression currently is driven by the H.264 codec, the industry is moving toward AV1. Considering cameras that handle multiple types of compression, including H.264, H.265 and AV1, empowers the organization to pivot and adapt without ripping and replacing all devices. Flexibility can benefit organizations when it comes to video camera compression When taking a long-term approach to planning, if a path toward interoperability could potentially help with operations, communication or workflows in the future, security leaders should confirm that a new surveillance system has those capabilities before upgrading. Open platform systems that support ONVIF open standards protocols, for example, allow organizations to create interoperable platforms with other systems across the enterprise, including mass notification, two-way audio, access control and HVAC systems. What infrastructure do we have in place? Understanding system capabilities is imperative to managing expectations and determining the best system for the organization, but it’s crucial for security leaders to look at the existing infrastructure in place, from cabling, network and servers to operations staffing and number of locations — all during the research and planning phase. It’s important to take a current assessment of existing equipment and complete a needs analysis to determine which systems should work together or be integrated with the surveillance system. These findings can change potential capabilities and budgetary requirements. Cutting-edge analytics Another consideration when looking at infrastructure is bandwidth and storage capabilities From a practical standpoint, evaluating the existing network, along with cabling and conduit, is critical to understanding if adding additional systems or devices are physically possible within the current infrastructure. Another consideration when looking at infrastructure is bandwidth and storage capabilities. If bandwidth and storage are pain points or roadblocks for a surveillance system, unless businesses are required to process at the server for compliance reasons, processing analytics at the edge could be more economically feasible. Some cameras come with built-in analytics for a wide range of applications and, with an open platform system, custom, cutting-edge analytics can be loaded directly onto the camera without purchasing additional servers as needs or technologies evolve. How can we manage cybersecurity across device lifecycles? In today’s world, with systems such as surveillance often living on a shared network or network governed by IT, it’s necessary for security teams to understand compliance requirements from a cybersecurity perspective. Researching manufacturing partners and their built-in protections to aid with compliance and tighter cybersecurity is an important consideration before any surveillance system investment. Features such as signed firmware prevent third parties from loading firmware that could contain malware onto a camera or other device on the network. Another feature such as secure boot assures that a device boots up using only software that is trusted by the original equipment manufacturer or OEM. Mitigating larger risks Security teams must also factor in when a manufacturer will stop supporting specific firmware Built-in cybersecurity features, health checks and batch updates are essential for ensuring the physical security technology is not the weak point on the network. Many video management systems can alert staff when a camera is not working or there is a problem with network communication. Cloud-based automated device management can perform health checks, track warranties and streamline updates. Security teams must also factor in when a manufacturer will stop supporting specific firmware and confirm that that timeline matches with the organization’s replacement strategy. Robust lifecycle management will not only address vulnerabilities and mitigate larger risks, but contribute toward a lower cost of ownership as well. Can we quantify our total cost of ownership? Tracking the total cost of ownership (TCO) of the organization's current surveillance system and planned upgrade empowers leadership to compare similar solutions to find the best long-term option, taking into account, purchase price, implementation, training, maintenance and hidden costs. TCO is much more than the cost of the hardware, itself, but the cost of bandwidth, storage, operations staffing, maintenance costs, and even energy consumption of the devices on the network. For example, if an organization has 1,000 cameras across the enterprise, quantifying the energy costs between devices and product offerings can add up to significant differences. New technology capabilities Third-party consultants can help organizations with planning and design Security stakeholders can turn to a number of resources to help them make an informed decision about upgrading their surveillance system, as well as to help ensure their current and future needs will be met. Third-party consultants can help organizations with planning and design. Some manufacturers have customer-facing teams and field sales engineers that can conduct site walks and help security teams understand new technology capabilities, current infrastructure and potential use cases. Researching case studies and custom applications both online and through manufacturers is another avenue that allows security leaders to see how specific technologies can help their organization. By remaining agile and understanding where to start and what possibilities exist before a surveillance system investment, security teams can justify the cost of ownership and future-proof their organization with stronger, more integrated, traceable security that leads to a strong return on investment.

In the ever-evolving struggle between cyber offense and defense, attackers have almost always moved first. In the emerging domain of artificial intelligence, this pattern appears to be repeating itself. Yet, global cybersecurity pioneers appear disconcertingly disengaged. Just over half even agree that AI-driven attacks are set to become dramatically more complex and widespread. Equally concerning is the widespread apathy regarding AI’s role in expanding an already sprawling corporate attack surface. This is no small oversight. A recent global Trend Micro study showed that 73 percent of organizations have already suffered cybersecurity incidents due to unknown or unmanaged assets. In an era where digital blind spots are both common and consequential, hesitation is a risk few can afford. Security has to shift from reactive protection to proactive risk exposure management. The opportunity and the risk of AI Threat actors are now using jailbroken versions of legitimate generative AI tools such as ChatGPT The potential for AI to transform enterprise operations is enormous, but so is the risk. The warnings have been loud and clear. As early as the first quarter of 2024, the UK’s National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) stated that AI would “almost certainly increase the volume and heighten the impact of cyber-attacks over the next two years.” Their prediction is proving accurate. Threat actors are now using jailbroken versions of legitimate generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, freely traded as services on the dark web, as well as malicious models like FraudGPT, built on open-source large language models (LLMs). These tools are no longer just about automating tasks; they are turbocharging the entire attack lifecycle. From more convincing phishing emails and precise target selection, to sophisticated malware creation and lateral movement within breached systems, AI is driving a step-change in threat actor capability. Integrating open-source models However, this is only one side of the coin. The other, often overlooked, is AI’s impact on the corporate attack surface. Even well-meaning employees can unintentionally expand organizational risk. The widespread use of AI-as-a-service tools like ChatGPT introduces significant shadow IT concerns, especially when sensitive business information is input without proper oversight. Data processing and storage practices for many of these services remain opaque, raising additional compliance concerns under regulations like the UK GDPR and the EU’s AI Act. For those organizations that choose to build or customize their own LLMs, the risks multiply. Integrating open-source models may expose businesses to vulnerabilities, misconfigurations and flawed dependencies. Each new tool and environment adds to the complexity of an attack surface already strained by remote work setups, sprawling cloud deployments, IoT ecosystems, and accelerating digital transformation programmes. Managing the expanding risk landscape Many have already shared security incidents where a lack of asset visibility was the root cause Many security pioneers do understand what is at stake. Nine in ten agree that effective attack surface management is tied directly to business risk. They cite a long list of potential consequences, disruptions to operations, reputational damage, declining competitiveness, strained supplier relationships, financial losses and reduced staff productivity. Many have already experienced security incidents where a lack of asset visibility was the root cause. Despite this recognition, however, the response remains largely inadequate. Fewer than half of global organizations use dedicated tools to monitor their attack surface proactively. On average, only a quarter of cybersecurity budgets are allocated to managing cyber risk exposure. Third-party risk management is similarly neglected: fewer than half of firms actively monitor their vendors for vulnerabilities. This inertia creates an obvious contradiction. Security pioneers understand the business implications of unmanaged risk, but they are not equipping themselves with the tools or processes to respond. That needs to change—and fast. How AI can help defenders take the lead There is good news: AI is not only a weapon for cybercriminals. It can also be a powerful ally for defenders, particularly in the field of Cyber Risk Exposure Management (CREM). The best tools in this category use AI to continuously scan an organization’s entire digital footprint. They can automatically detect vulnerabilities, spot misconfigurations, identify rogue or shadow assets, and provide prioritized remediation recommendations. CREM platforms apply contextual filtering to reduce false positives and elevate the most urgent threats Intelligent algorithms can also analyze network behavior to identify anomalies that could signal a breach in progress. Unlike traditional tools, which often drown analysts in noise, CREM platforms apply contextual filtering to reduce false positives and elevate the most urgent threats. For overburdened security teams, this enables a far more focused and effective response. However, the keyword here is “continuous.” The nature of today’s IT environments, especially in the cloud, is dynamic and fast-moving. Assets appear and disappear within minutes. Static, point-in-time assessments are no longer sufficient. Yet more than half of organizations still lack continuous scanning processes. This leaves them exposed to risks that might persist undetected for weeks or months. Overcoming barriers to adoption So what is holding organizations back? In many cases, it’s not the technology itself but the internal politics of investment. Security pioneers interested in CREM tools often prioritize real-time alerting, clear dashboards, and seamless integration with their existing environments. All of this is now achievable. The challenge lies in securing board-level support. Many security teams still work in silos, disconnected from the broader business Boards are often cautious when it comes to cybersecurity investment, particularly when immediate ROI is not clear. To gain their trust, security pioneers must learn to speak the language of business risk, not technical threat. They must frame cyber exposure in terms of reputational impact, regulatory liability, operational continuity, and investor confidence. There is also a cultural component. Many security teams still work in silos, disconnected from the broader business. This limits their influence and makes it harder to embed security as a strategic enabler. In the AI era, this divide must be bridged. Cybersecurity must become a board-level concern, and risk exposure must be treated as a fundamental operational issue. Time to act We are at a critical inflection point. The AI revolution is not on the horizon, it is already here. Threat actors are moving rapidly to exploit it, leveraging tools and techniques that were unthinkable just a few years ago. Meanwhile, organizations remain slow to respond. Too few are investing in the tools, processes, and people needed to manage their risk exposure effectively. AI can be used not only to attack but to defend. CREM tools powered by AI offer a powerful way to regain visibility, restore control, and build lasting resilience. They enable proactive rather than reactive security. And they help organizations align their cybersecurity strategy with their broader business objectives. Security teams have to elevate the conversation. They must advocate not just for new tools, but for a new mindset, one that treats cyber risk as an enterprise risk, and one that prioritizes continuous visibility as a prerequisite for resilience.

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.

2025 was another impactful year for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the security industry, which is undergoing an enormous transformation as global pioneers prioritise specialized technology to drive future growth.  The year 2025 has been defined by massive corporate reorganisations, most notably Honeywell and Resideo spinning off core divisions to unlock shareholder value. Simultaneously, an aggressive wave of mergers and acquisitions is reshaping the landscape, with giants like ASSA ABLOY and Motorola Solutions absorbing innovators in AI-driven surveillance, cloud-native access control, and identity management. From residential security shifts to critical infrastructure enhancements, this article will summarise how these strategic moves signal a decisive industry pivot toward integrated and intelligent security ecosystems. Resideo to spin off ADI business Resideo Technologies, Inc. announced its intention to separate its ADI Global Distribution business from its Products & Solutions (P&S) business via a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls The goal is to unlock value, enhance operational performance, and improve strategic flexibility for both entities. After the separation, P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls and sensing solutions. ADI will become an independent public company and remain a global wholesale distributor of low-voltage products, including security and audio-visual solutions. Honeywell separates into three companies There are big changes pending at Honeywell, another global security industry company. Honeywell announced plans to separate its Automation and Aerospace businesses into two independent, publicly traded companies following a comprehensive portfolio evaluation. Combined with the previously announced spin-off of Advanced Materials, this strategy will create three distinct industry pioneers. The Automation and Aerospace separation is targeted for completion in the second half of 2026 as a tax-free transaction for shareholders. The largest portion of Honeywell’s traditional security business (cameras, access control, and fire safety) sits within the Building Automation segment of the new Honeywell Automation company. This unit includes products from recent major acquisitions, such as LenelS2. SimpliSafe’s new chapter SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman, another private equity firm. As the third largest U.S. residential security provider, SimpliSafe will continue under the leadership of the current CEO, while its founders remain significant investors.  GTCR, an experienced security industry investor, intends to support the company’s expansion and continued innovation in AI-powered, DIY home protection. This marks a new chapter in SimpliSafe’s mission to provide professional monitoring without long-term contracts. SimpliSafe is GTCR’s fifth investment in the security alarm industry, including prior investments in residential-focused security companies SecurityLink and Protection1, along with commercial-focused security companies HSM and Everon. Motorola grows technology portfolio Motorola Solutions grew its portfolio through acquisitions in 2025. The industry giant strategically expanded its safety and security ecosystem through the acquisition of four specialized technology firms. The company acquired Blue Eye to integrate AI-driven remote video monitoring and 24/7 security operations into its threat detection workflows. To support frontline workers, Motorola added Theatro’s voice-powered communication platform, which complements existing mobile and video technologies. Motorola further bolster its public safety capabilities with the acquisition of RapidDeploy, a cloud-native Next Generation 911 provider that offers real-time caller mapping and data analytics to accelerate emergency responses. Motorola also agreed to acquire InVisit to enhance its Avigilon Alta suite with cloud-based visitor management, streamlining guest registration and blocklist screening for enterprise security. These acquisitions aim to unify detection, communication, and response across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Allied sells majority stake in AMAG Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners In December, Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners. Shore Rock is a growth investor focused on critical infrastructure, with strategic backing from BellTower Partners. Allied Universal will retain a significant minority share. The sale is intended to allow 54-year-old AMAG, which provides integrated access control, identity, guest, and video management solutions, to operate independently from Allied Universal's services-based model for long-term growth. Shore Rock's plan is to invest in advancing AMAG's product line and customer relationships. With this transaction, David Sullivan, AMAG's President, will become CEO. Everon acquires ADT multifamily segment Commercial security provider Everon announced in September that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the business-to-business (B2B) multifamily segment from ADT. This acquisition is a strategic extension that expands Everon's reach in the valuable multifamily market. It will allow the company to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of tailored solutions, including access control, video surveillance, and self-guided tour capabilities. Everon's CEO states that the deal enables them to help property owners and managers increase net operating income and improve operational efficiency. Dormakaba acquires TANlock and Avant-Garde Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July. TANlock is a German firm specializing in innovative high-security access solutions for data centers and other critical infrastructure. The acquisition strengthens Dormakaba’s presence in the data center market.  TANlock's intelligent system provides enhanced server cabinet security using electromechanical rack locks and various authentication modules. This solution is scalable, future-proof, and can be integrated into existing IT infrastructures for both retrofits and new installations. Dormakaba also agreed to acquire Indiana-based Avant-Garde Systems Inc. to strengthen its North American entrance control portfolio. This move bolsters Dormakaba’s presence in high-growth sectors like airports and data centers. Acre acquires REKS for AI Recent M&A activity also reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence. For example, Acre Security acquired REKS, a purpose-built generative AI solution designed to transform access control, allowing professionals to use natural language queries for instant data insights. Integrated into Acre’s cloud-native ecosystem, this AI-powered platform prioritises data privacy while streamlining operations. Led by a new AI Development Team, Acre plans to expand these capabilities into intrusion detection and visitor management. Two acquisitions for Allegion Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC, a manufacturer of security and access technology, specializing in RFID credentials and readers solutions designed in Germany and sold globally.  ELATEC’s portfolio of readers leverages their internally developed software stack and ensures compatibility with nearly 100 credential types, making the company a pioneer in interoperability, which aligns well with Allegion’s partner-of-choice strategy. Allegion, also through one of its subsidiaries, acquired Brisant Secure Limited, a security hardware provider in the United Kingdom. Senstar acquires Blickfeld for LiDAR sensors Senstar Technologies Corporation has agreed to acquire Blickfeld, a specialist in 3D LiDAR sensors and software. Expected to close in Q1 2026, the acquisition integrates Blickfeld’s hardware into Senstar’s advanced security ecosystem. This strategic move expands Senstar’s addressable market into volume monitoring and traffic applications while enhancing its AI-powered situational awareness capabilities. Following the transaction, Blickfeld will operate largely independently as a subsidiary. ASSA ABLOY continues acquisition spree Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025 Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025, demonstrating aggressive market growth, strategically reinforcing its core business, and expanding its technological footprint across the global security marketplace. The acquisitions delivered on the company's strategy to strengthen its position in mature markets by integrating complementary products and solutions. A major theme for ASSA ABLOY was the enhancement of the door and perimeter security portfolio, particularly in the Americas. This effort included acquiring US-based Metal Products Inc. (MPI) for custom-made hollow metal doors and frames and International Door Products (IDP) for fire-rated steel door frames, both in the fall. Earlier in the year, ASSA ABLOY gained a stronger presence in Central Canada with the addition of Wallace & Wallace and Wallace Perimeter Security, a manufacturer, distributor, and installer of perimeter fencing, door, and gate solutions. The Entrance Systems Division also saw expansion with the acquisition of Belgium’s Kingspan Door Components, a manufacturer of sectional door panels. Furthermore, Door System, a Danish manufacturer of high-quality fire-rated doors, was signed for acquisition in the spring. Cloud-based platform ASSA ABLOY also made significant moves in electronic and access control solutions. Early 2025 saw two key acquisitions: Uhlmann & Zacher, a German supplier of access control handles and knobs, and InVue, a US-based provider of connected asset protection and access control solutions. Reinforcing this segment, SiteOwl, a pioneering cloud-based platform for physical security lifecycle management, was acquired in the summer. The spring acquisition of Pedestal PRO, a US manufacturer of access control pedestals and mounting solutions, further strengthens the electromechanical offerings in the Americas. ASSA ABLOY bolstered its capabilities in remote care technology with Germany’s TeleAlarm Group in late spring. HID Global expands in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025, aggressively driving the convergence of physical and digital identity solutions and signaling a clear roadmap for security professionals. HID's move to purchase Vancouver-based IDmelon, announced in the autumn of 2025, targets the critical need for robust logical access control. IDmelon’s proprietary software platform transforms everyday identifiers, including existing physical credentials, smartphones, or biometrics, directly into enterprise-level FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) security keys. This approach streamlines an organization’s transition to phishing-resistant, passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA) and minimizes the need for disruptive changes by integrating physical and digital access into a single, cohesive solution. Safer patient experience Separate from its focus on digital access, HID also bolstered its Identification Technologies Business Area by acquiring the Calmell Group. Calmell is a long-established manufacturer specializing in smart cards, smart paper, and magnetic tickets for the public transportation sector. This addition is expected to expand HID’s footprint and relevance in global public transportation ecosystems, allowing the Barcelona-headquartered firm to leverage HID’s core expertise in digital credentials to drive future-proof solutions for seamless mobility. Also, HID acquired Intelligent Observation to expand its Healthcare Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) portfolio. Intelligent Observation provides a platform to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by tracking hand hygiene compliance. The system uses wearable Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) devices and a cloud-based SaaS dashboard. This technology records and reports if healthcare workers sanitize appropriately, providing granular compliance data to administrators to enable a safer patient experience.

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioral insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimization, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organizations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organizations digitize their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organizations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximizing the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organizations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organizations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organizations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organizations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognized certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2, and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organizations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimization by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetization, and monetization funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed-use development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimization, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviors. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognized sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

PPLD serves El Paso County across multiple branches — from busy urban libraries to new rural buildings. Its security program, built on systems dating back to the late 1980s, had to keep pace with a fast-growing footprint. “I don’t know that we would have been able to get to the point where we had everything we wanted deployed if we didn’t have tech like this,” said Michael Brantner, Chief Facilities & Security Officer, Pikes Peak Library District. Pikes Peak Library District (PPLD) is one of Colorado Springs’ most-used public institutions, serving the El Paso County community across multiple branches with 780 cameras and more than 150 doors under active monitoring. Their physical security program had been trying to keep pace. Legacy systems dating back to the late 1980s. Cameras and access control systems that didn’t talk to each other. A small team buried under too many alarms. The model was reactive, and it was overdue for a rethink. Legacy security technology The challenge - PPLD’s footprint was growing in a few ways, through new construction and the addition of more rural buildings under its umbrella – and Chief Facilities & Security Officer Michael Brantner needed more visibility across all of the buildings. Combining the systems in place to protect these locations, plus the new ones, required a new approach: bring decades of legacy security technology into a unified, modern operation that could scale alongside the district’s growth. PPLD wanted to centralize the management of the district’s security function, which led Michael to explore the creation of a new security operations center (SOC). “We had a lot of technology that didn’t talk to each other,” Michael said. “We wanted to be able to consolidate it into one place where we can manage what’s happening across our sites.” Consolidate disconnected systems When he started building PPLD’s SOC, the mandate was clear: bring decades of legacy security technology into a unified, modern operation that could scale alongside the district’s growth. But he also needed to consolidate disconnected systems, prove ROI to the C-suite, and staff and train a team that could actually move the program forward. At the time, PPLD’s setup was a patchwork: Cloud-based cameras and access control sitting next to legacy equipment, with no shared view across them Operators who were refreshing screens to see new alarms Panic alerts, door alarms, and intercom calls each requiring a different screen, a different workflow, and a different response Notifications were inconsistent Response times couldn’t be measured No centralized SOC to manage alarms cohesively Residents experiencing homelessness Most incoming alarms generated by PPLD’s ACS were false: held-open doors, cleaning crews, and after-hours trip alarms. But every single alarm still demanded a response from someone on the team, even if there was no safety issue. The complexity was real. PPLD’s branches serve a diverse community that includes families, students, and residents experiencing homelessness across locations with very different security profiles. Some deal with routine access events. Others face behavioral incidents, policy enforcement issues, and higher alarm volumes. Across all of them, public spaces had to stay public, and private staff areas had to stay private. Those boundaries need to be enforced, all day, every day. Access control systems The solution - As Michael stood up PPLD’s new SOC, HiveWatch stood out as a way to centralize the security program and allowed the growing team a single, active view of every incident across every system. The platform connected directly to PPLD’s existing cameras and access control systems. This meant operators were able to view door alarms, access events, video clips, panic alerts, and environmental sensors (including vape and smoke detection) in one single incident list in a web-based browser. Instead of refreshing screens and guessing at what they might have missed, operators could see every active incident and incoming alarm the moment it surfaced and respond from the same place. Killing redundant alerts Alarm deduplication cut volume on day one, killing redundant alerts before they hit an operator. Noisy doors became easy to spot and fix. When specific issues surfaced, like a flood of DHO alarms, for instance, the system helped the SOC adjust alarm timing. That adaptability, tuned to actual door and user behavior without loosening security, kept the program compliant and cut the alarm load the SOC had to manage. Operators, along with field officers, made use of the mobile app, too. The team’s ability to acknowledge, investigate, and resolve incidents from anywhere in the building was a huge benefit. Security triage stopped being tied to a desk. Response became coordinated, in real time, across every location. Standard operating procedure But the shift went beyond operations. For the first time, PPLD’s leadership had detailed data on its security program: response times, alarm volumes, and incident trends. Michael could walk into a leadership meeting with numbers that proved the program’s value. He could spot which operators were hitting targets, which branches were generating outliers, and where more operator or officer training was needed. “We aren’t just operators staring at cameras anymore. HiveWatch lets us cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and actually expand what our team can do,” said Joe Vickous, SOC Supervisor, Pikes Peak Library District. Single active queue Every shift, PPLD’s operators manage a single active queue. Door forced at a branch. Vape detection in a restroom. Held-open back door after a cleaning crew shift change. An intercom call from a side entrance. All surfaced in one view without screen-refreshing or system-hopping. When an access control alert comes in, the response is immediate. The operator sees the alert with the connected camera feed in the same view, follows the built-in standard operating procedure (SOP), and, if warranted, dispatches the field officer with full context from within the platform. Audible alerts mean the SOC can run HiveWatch in a single tab without sacrificing a full monitor, freeing operators to handle more important work like footage pulls, door testing, and badge creation between incidents. Badge creation between incidents “HiveWatch makes the operators more flexible and makes them more versatile, as well,” Michael said. “They’re able to focus on something else and it will prompt them and say, hey, pay attention. We have to interact. They can check it out, dispatch somebody, and then go back to what they’re doing.” And when something crosses the public-private line, such as a patron drifting into a staff-only corridor, the platform surfaces it in real time. The operator sees it, the field officer responds, and the boundary holds. Public stays public. Private stays private. No guessing. No discovery after the fact. Incidents are caught early, handled according to protocol, and documented with a full record attached. “The biggest benefit for us is having the tool that sorts through the noise and focuses the operators on the notifications that are actually coming in that need attention,” Branter said. Standard operating procedure The results: Median time to acknowledge incidents of 21 seconds and median time to resolve of 28 seconds using HiveWatch. Scaled the SOC from 2 operators to 6 plus a manager, with the platform absorbing the workload increase. Extended the SOC beyond the control room with mobile triage and response for field officers and operators. Equipped leadership with real-time data on acknowledgement and response times, and alarm trends, turning a reactive program into a proactive, measurable one. Positioned the program to absorb 800 additional cameras and access points without proportional headcount growth.

As Missouri’s largest and busiest aviation facility, St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL) welcomed more than 15 million passengers in 2025. To implement a digital 360-degree surveillance system and secure over 70 million square feet of airport infrastructure, STL required a solution capable of covering vast spatial areas while significantly reducing infrastructure costs and complexity. At the same time, the airport aims to implement AI-applications to optimize its operations. With Dallmeier’s Panomera® multifocal sensor technology, STL achieved comprehensive high-resolution coverage with approximately 90 % fewer cameras and 75 % less infrastructure compared to the original surveillance design. Video security system Due to the continuous growth in passenger numbers, the STL Operations and Security Teams decided to modernise the existing video security system in June of 2018 in two areas: Firstly, in surface parking areas to increase customer safety and eliminate criminal activity such as vandalism and theft. The second solution targeted the airport’s four runways, the taxiways, and all terminal buildings to monitor the activities of aircraft, ground vehicles, and airport personnel. STL Airport Operations Team contacted their security integrator, Tech Electronics, to design and deploy an updated camera solution. The initial design used a combination of PTZ and single sensor IP cameras and would have required more than 130 cameras in total. From an infrastructure perspective, this would have required the installation of more than 42 new camera poles and the corresponding infrastructure (cable, network, power, etc.). The airside solution required significantly more technology to achieve the desired surveillance coverage. So, STL and Tech Electronics decided to look for another, more economical solution. Desired surveillance coverage During their technology search, STL discovered the Dallmeier Panomera® multifocal sensor technology, which was developed specifically for surveillance of large spatial areas using the fewest number of cameras to achieve the required surveillance coverage.  David Kulinsky, Deputy Director of Operations & Maintenance at STL, recalls: “When we discovered Panomera® and saw that one Panomera® camera can capture large areas at high resolution and replace several single-sensor cameras, including the costly infrastructure, it became clear that Panomera® provided STL a more economical solution with higher quality images at a lower overall cost.” Intuitive user experience The test installation at the airport proved the image quality of the Panomera®. Kevin Hubble, Services Manager for STL with Tech Electronics, comments: “I was surprised at how few Panomera® cameras were needed to replace several PTZs and single sensor cameras and display the images in a much more user-friendly format. The SeMSy® Compact VMS software enables the user to view a single high-resolution image of the entire scene with simple digital PTZ controls to ‘zoom’ into any part of the image in greater detail. The result is an intuitive user experience resulting in greater operational efficiency – not to mention the superior high resolution video coverage.” To date, STL has installed more than 27 Panomera® cameras. Multiple IPS 10000 recording appliances and 5 user workstations with the SeMSy® Compact VMS client software complete the video system. Compared to the original planning, this resulted in approximately 90 % reduction in the number of cameras and approximately 75 % reduction in infrastructure required for the installation. Comprehensive situational awareness A particular highlight of the deployment is STL’s digital 360-degree surveillance concept. Using only ten Panomera® cameras, the airport achieves comprehensive situational awareness across large airside areas including runways, taxiways and apron operations.  Unlike conventional camera concepts that require numerous PTZ and single-sensor cameras, Panomera® delivers a complete high-resolution overview in a single seamless image. This enables operators to monitor critical airport activities more efficiently across large spatial areas, while significantly reducing infrastructure complexity, maintenance effort and overall operating costs. AI-based video analysis Beyond security applications, STL is also evaluating Panomera® technology for operational process optimization inside the terminals. As part of a planned deployment in the ticketing area, a Panomera® V8 system will support AI-based video analysis functions such as passenger flow and waiting time analysis. The objective is to improve operational efficiency, optimize check-in processes and enhance the passenger experience — while leveraging the same high-resolution surveillance infrastructure already deployed throughout the airport. Video information technology David Kulinsky with STL summarises: “Any technology project at an airport must deliver a solution that is operationally efficient, resilient, and built for long-term performance. Our decision to deploy Panomera® cameras significantly enhanced overall surveillance coverage across the airport while reducing the technology and infrastructure footprint required to support it.” “The system also provides the ability to zoom into specific areas without sacrificing full-scene situational awareness or recording capabilities—an operational advantage over traditional PTZ cameras, which only record the field of view being actively monitored and can limit broader operational visibility.”  In 1984, Dieter Dallmeier founded what is now Dallmeier electronic – not in the proverbial garage, but in a garden shed in Regensburg, Germany. Today, the company, which can justifiably call itself a hidden champion for video information technology "Made in Germany", has several hundred employees worldwide, more than 250 of them at the company headquarters in the center of Regensburg alone. Digital image storage system Dallmeier's camera, recording, software, and analysis solutions optimize security and processes for B2B end customers in a wide range of industries in over 60 countries. The focus is on users from the casino, smart city, airports, logistics, stadiums, and industrial sectors. But also, banks, critical infrastructure facilities as well as medium-sized companies from all sectors. With pioneering innovations, Dallmeier has succeeded time and again in placing itself at the forefront of technology: From the world's first digital image storage system with motion analysis in 1992, the patented "multifocal sensor technology" Panomera® with its "Mountera®" mounting system, to the latest Domera® camera family, which allows up to 300 camera variants with only 18 components. Complete manufacturing process These and many other innovations provide real, tangible customer benefits. And with a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a high Return on Investment (ROI) they can easily compete with systems produced and supplied from low-wage countries. With "Made in Germany", we also guarantee our customers the highest standards in data protection, cybersecurity, and ethical responsibility. With high quality and short supply chains, we also ensure – almost incidentally – sustainability and environmental protection. From our prestigious headquarters in the center of Regensburg, Dallmeier not only carries out its own research and development but also the complete manufacturing process – from component to product to solution.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that Evolv Express®, the company’s people-screening system, has been selected as a security partner in Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field following a rigorous evaluation process. As Ryan Sports Development prepares to open the first NFL-type stadium in college sports, they evaluated available screening solutions before selecting Evolv Express to help deliver an elevated fan security experience. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the location of the potential threat while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The New Ryan Field, in the final stages of construction, will have a capacity of 35,000 fans when it opens on October 2nd with a nationally televised game. In addition to Northwestern football games, New Ryan Field will also host other athletic and community events throughout the year. The project is designed to set a new standard for the college football experience and boasts several features and innovations fitting its ambitious vision, including the Evolv Express security systems. The multi-year agreement between Evolv and Ryan Sports Development includes a variety of marketing elements and designates Evolv as Northwestern University’s “Official Fan Screening Provider.” Exceptional arrival experience “Our goal for the New Ryan Field is simple: build the best place to watch football in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That ambition covers not only the event itself, but also the entire time that a fan is on site. We built a stadium designed to represent the future of college athletics, and so much more, and we rigorously evaluated available screening technologies and selected Evolv Express because it aligned with our goals of delivering a secure, convenient, and exceptional arrival experience.” “When an institution invests in creating what it believes will be the premier college football venue in the country, every decision matters, including the first impression fans receive when they arrive,” said John Kedzierski, President and CEO of Evolv Technology. Ambitious stadium projects “Northwestern had the opportunity to evaluate the industry’s leading screening solutions as part of this landmark project, and we are honored that Evolv Express was selected to help deliver the elevated fan experience Ryan Field is designed to provide. It’s a testament to the strength of our technology that one of the most ambitious stadium projects in college sports chose Evolv to help welcome fans through its gates.” The New Ryan Field at Northwestern is another signature deployment on Evolv’s growing roster of higher education customers, as well as numerous stadiums, arenas, theme parks, schools, hospitals and other public spaces around the world.

Viação Santa Brígida partnered with Dahua Technology to improve the safety and efficiency of its bus fleet in São Paulo, Brazil. The integrated solution enables real-time monitoring, reduces blind spots, supports passenger counting and fare-evasion control, and helps operators respond to incidents more effectively. Overview - Viação Santa Brígida is a major operator serving São Paulo with a fleet of more than 650 buses. To improve fleet supervision, passenger and driver safety, and operational visibility, the client partnered with Dahua Technology to deploy an intelligent mobile video surveillance and fleet management solution featuring onboard cameras, passenger counting, vehicle tracking, and centralized real-time monitoring. Potential safety risks Challenges - Managing hundreds of buses operating across a densely populated metropolitan area requires continuous coordination and reliable access to operational information. Viação Santa Brígida needed a more effective way to monitor its vehicles in real time and respond rapidly to incidents. Limited visibility inside and around buses made it difficult for the company to verify events, identify potential safety risks, and support drivers during daily operations. Blind spots around large vehicles also presented a concern, particularly during passenger boarding, manoeuvring, and interactions with pedestrians and other road users. Assessing vehicle occupancy The company additionally needed better tools to address fare evasion and monitor passenger movement. Without centralized and accurate data, assessing vehicle occupancy, reviewing suspicious activity, and identifying possible revenue losses could be time-consuming. Another priority was improving the efficiency of fleet management. Information from individual vehicles had to be consolidated and made readily accessible to the operations team, enabling managers to make faster, better-informed decisions. Centralized management software Solutions - Working with Dahua Technology, Viação Santa Brígida deployed an integrated mobile video surveillance solution combining strategically positioned onboard cameras, intelligent analytics, vehicle information, and centralized management software. Cameras installed inside the buses provide continuous recording and real-time monitoring of passenger areas. This allows the operations team to review incidents, observe passenger movement, and obtain reliable video evidence when necessary. The system also helps identify cases of fare evasion, supporting the protection of company revenue and improving operational control. Passenger-counting capabilities External cameras give drivers a more complete view of the areas surrounding each vehicle. By reducing blind spots, the solution helps drivers see pedestrians, passengers, and other nearby road users more clearly throughout the journey. This is particularly valuable during boarding and disembarking, when people may be positioned close to the vehicle or outside the driver’s direct field of vision. The deployment also incorporates intelligent passenger-counting capabilities. By automatically analyzing boarding activity, the system provides more accurate information about passenger volumes, vehicle occupancy, and potential discrepancies associated with revenue collection. Comprehensive view of fleet activity All information is brought together at Viação Santa Brígida’s Integrated Control Center, where operators can monitor the fleet through a video wall and Dahua’s mobile management software. The platform consolidates live and recorded video with vehicle location and operational information, giving the control team a clearer and more comprehensive view of fleet activity. The centralized system also supports the identification and investigation of unusual events. When an incident occurs, operators can access the relevant vehicle information and video footage, helping the company evaluate the situation and take appropriate action more efficiently. Continuous video monitoring Results - Dahua’s integrated mobile video surveillance solution has significantly improved Viação Santa Brígida’s fleet visibility by enabling continuous video monitoring, more accurate passenger counting, stronger fare-evasion control, and faster incident verification. External cameras also reduce blind spots, helping drivers operate more safely during daily journeys and passenger boarding. By centralizing video, location, and operational data in the Integrated Control Center, the company can analyze events more quickly and make better-informed decisions. Overall, the collaboration between Viação Santa Brígida and Dahua Technology has delivered a safer, more transparent, and more efficient approach to public transportation management, benefiting the company, its employees, and the thousands of passengers who rely on its services each day. “Today, we can continuously monitor the cameras installed across our buses and provide our managers with more accurate operational information. Dahua’s technology helps us control fare evasion, improve safety for drivers and passengers, and manage our fleet with much greater efficiency and confidence,” says a representative from Viação Santa Brígida.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that it has agreed to a multi-year renewal of its hardware and software subscription agreement with TD Garden, the 19,000+ seat multipurpose arena in Boston, Massachusetts. TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics also hosts a full calendar of other sporting events, concerts, and shows annually. Advanced sensor technology The subscription renewal, which extends an original agreement struck in 2024, includes an upgrade of the Evolv Express® concealed weapons screening systems to the company’s Gen2 hardware. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat, while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimize congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. Under the new agreement, the Express units, which are deployed at all venue entry points, will be paired with Evolv eXpedite™ bag screening systems. All the new systems are currently deployed and in use at the venue. Minimizing congestion and disruptions The renewal also extends the official partnership between Evolv and the arena, under which Evolv has been designated as the “Official Fan Screening Provider of TD Garden.” “TD Garden operates at an exceptionally high volume, often hosting multiple events in a single day, which makes reliable and efficient systems essential to delivering a strong experience for both guests and staff,” said Tim Townsell, SVP of Business Operations at TD Garden. “We value our continued partnership with Evolv and look forward to further enhancing operations with the Gen2 hardware and new eXpedite systems.” Collegiate sports properties “We’re grateful for TD Garden’s continued trust in Evolv to support entry screening operations at such a busy and high-profile venue,” noted John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “As a company, we take pride in serving one of the landmark venues in our hometown of Boston, so we’re especially pleased to continue our partnership with TD Garden for years to come.” Evolv has official partner status with nearly all of the major professional and collegiate sports properties in the Boston market. In addition to TD Garden, the company is a “Proud Partner” of the Boston Red Sox; the “Official Fan Screening Provider” of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Gillette Stadium; and the “Official Fan Screening Partner” of Boston College Athletics. These official partner designations join more than 50 others held by the company, which in total counts nearly 100 sports teams and venues worldwide as customers.

Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport plays a central infrastructural role in the East Westphalia-Lippe region of Germany. In order to meet the growing requirements of the German Aviation Security Act (LuftSiG), the airport comprehensively modernised its existing video surveillance system. The objective was to ensure efficient monitoring of critical areas such as the apron, access roads, car parks, and terminal entrances – with minimal resource use. Together with systems integrator Horn Sicherheitstechnik, Dallmeier developed a solution that allows gradual migration to IP-based components such as the multifocal sensor system Panomera®, without the need to immediately replace existing analog technology. The solution complies with all applicable security and data protection requirements and is designed for future scalability. Secure airport operations Roughly six million people live within the catchment area of Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport. As a regional transportation hub, the airport provides vital connectivity to both tourist and business destinations. Scheduled and charter flights as well as business, private, and cargo traffic are all part of daily operations. This makes the airport not only an important infrastructure facility but also a regional employer and mobility partner. Smooth operations and full compliance with legal obligations – such as the Aviation Security Act (§5 and §8), the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), and the NIS-2 Directive – form the foundation for secure airport operations. Increasing regulatory requirements The decision to upgrade and extend the video security infrastructure was driven by increasing regulatory requirements and technological advancement. The focus was on reliable video coverage of the approximately 65,000 square metre apron area, as well as other critical zones such as access roads, car parks, terminal entrances and the so-called aviation security boundaries – the transition point for passengers from landside to airside. Analog systems were not replaced in one step; instead, a step-by-step migration to IP technology was planned and implemented – in a manner that was flexible and adapted to the airport’s existing infrastructure and operational needs. Modern IP cameras The implementation was carried out by experienced systems integrator Horn Sicherheitstechnik in collaboration with Dallmeier electronic. At the heart of the project is a hybrid system architecture that combines existing analog components with modern IP cameras. Video recording is handled by Dallmeier recording appliances such as the DMS 2400 and IPS 10000, which enable simultaneous operation of both analog and IP technologies. To monitor sensitive zones, various camera models are used – including Domera®, fisheye, and bullet cameras, as well as Panomera® systems from the W4 and S8 series. Panomera® enables wide-area coverage with a minimum number of cameras while still delivering high-resolution detail – a major advantage for large apron areas where both overview and detailed monitoring are essential. Video management is handled via SeMSy® Compact in combination with the SeMSy® Event Manager. Additionally, door and alarm contacts were integrated using Moxa devices to enable functional synergies and alarm forwarding – particularly at the aviation security boundaries. Aviation security boundaries With the new system, the airport fully meets the requirements of §5 and §8 of the German Aviation Security Act – for example, in monitoring aviation security boundaries, access roads and other sensitive operational areas. The hybrid system architecture allows targeted expansion of the existing infrastructure. One key benefit: Thanks to Panomera®, the number of cameras required was significantly reduced – without sacrificing field of view or image quality. This results in savings not only in installation and operational costs but also in ongoing maintenance. The modular system design supports step-by-step migration and offers long-term flexibility. “With the Dallmeier solution, we were able to seamlessly modernise our existing infrastructure while efficiently meeting new security requirements. We were particularly impressed by the flexibility to integrate both analog and IP systems,” explains Paul Sawatzki, Head of IT & Technology at Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport. AI-driven technologies The Dallmeier solution meets all requirements set forth by the GDPR and the NIS-2 Directive – especially in terms of data protection, IT security, and system availability. As an ISO-certified company – including certification to ISO/IEC 27001 for information security management systems – Dallmeier delivers the highest standards in the handling of sensitive data. These certifications provide a reliable foundation for deploying the technology in critical infrastructure environments. Additionally, Dallmeier’s in-house development and production in Germany (“Made in Germany”) ensures transparency and legal certainty for operators. Another key advantage of the new system is its future-proof design. Beyond surveillance alone, AI-based analytics for process optimization and cost savings are increasingly in focus. The airport plans to deploy AI-driven technologies such as the Dallmeier “Attribute Finder”, which can be seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure. High integration capability The project at Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport demonstrates how intelligent planning and cutting-edge technology can bridge the gap between legacy infrastructure, system modernisation, and long-term readiness. The “Made in Germany” solution delivers durability, efficiency, and high integration capability – representing a successful deployment of modern video technology in a critical infrastructure environment. Horn Sicherheitstechnik also draws a positive conclusion: “Thanks to close coordination with all project stakeholders and the use of Dallmeier’s PlanD camera planning tool, we always had full control over the project. The tool gave us complete planning reliability right from the design phase,” says Michael Horn, Managing Director of Horn Sicherheitstechnik. Video information technology In 1984, Dieter Dallmeier founded what is now Dallmeier electronic – not in the proverbial garage, but in a garden shed in Regensburg, Germany. Today, the company, which can justifiably call itself a hidden champion for video information technology "Made in Germany", has several hundred employees worldwide, more than 250 of them at the company headquarters in the center of Regensburg alone. Dallmeier's camera, recording, software, and analysis solutions optimize security and processes for B2B end customers in a wide range of industries in over 60 countries. The focus is on users from the casino, smart city, airports, logistics, stadiums, and industrial sectors. But also, banks, critical infrastructure facilities as well as medium-sized companies from all sectors. Image storage system With pioneering innovations, Dallmeier has succeeded time and again in placing itself at the forefront of technology: From the world's first digital image storage system with motion analysis in 1992, the patented "multifocal sensor technology" Panomera® with its "Mountera®" mounting system, to the latest Domera® camera family, which allows up to 300 camera variants with only 18 components. These and many other innovations provide real, tangible customer benefits. And with a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) and a high Return on Investment (ROI) they can easily compete with systems produced and supplied from low-wage countries. With "Made in Germany", they also guarantee their customers the highest standards in data protection, cybersecurity, and ethical responsibility. With high quality and short supply chains, they also ensure – almost incidentally – sustainability and environmental protection. From their prestigious headquarters in the center of Regensburg, Dallmeier not only carries out its own research and development but also the complete manufacturing process – from component to product to solution.

Audio might detect sounds like breaking glass or footsteps before a person even enters the field-of-view of a video camera. Audio also helps to provide context: Someone running in a video image might be suspicious, but the situation is different if they are yelling for help. Furthermore, audio enables operators to talk remotely to people on site, which can deter crime, de-escalate situations, or gather information. And yet, optimizing audio is often an overlooked aspect of physical security system design. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the expanding role of audio in today's physical security systems?

Machine learning (ML) is a field within Artificial Intelligence (AI) and one of the more common buzzwords in the physical security market. ML focuses on building computer systems that can learn and improve on their own, without being explicitly programmed for every scenario. Machine learning is poised to revolutionize physical security by offering a more proactive, data-driven approach to securing people and assets. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is Machine Learning (ML) and how can it benefit physical security? 

Headlines of violence in our schools are a reminder of the need to keep educational institutions safe. In fact, if there is a positive aspect to the constant bombardment of headlines, it is that it keeps our attention perpetually focused on how to improve school security. But what is the role of physical security systems? As the new school year begins, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Are schools safer because of physical security systems? Why or why not?