Smoke Detection

Honeywell Building Automation will showcase seven immersive demonstration areas at ISC West 2026 that mirror real-world customer environments. Located at Booth #20059, the Honeywell experience will take visitors through dedicated zones for Data Centers, Healthcare, Hospitality, Critical Infrastructure, Education, Government and Commercial Real Estate. Across these seven environments, attendees will see how Honeywell’s broad solutions portfolio—including access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, advanced automation, cloud solutions, AI-powered capabilities and fire and life safety—works together to help organizations: Improve situational awareness Enhance safety and security for people and assets Streamline security and building operations Strengthen resilience and compliance Reduce complexity and support more efficient environments Interactive software demonstrations Each area is anchored by interactive software demonstrations tailored to the specific needs and challenges of that vertical. Visitors can explore how Honeywell’s comprehensive solutions portfolio supports everything from uptime and cybersecurity in data centers, to patient safety in healthcare, to compliance in federal facilities, to occupant experience and operational efficiency in commercial real estate and more. Honeywell will also preview its vision for the future of security operations that features an integrated, AI enabled environment where video, access control, fire detection and building systems work seamlessly as one. By layering agentic AI capabilities onto established platforms like OnGuard, Honeywell is empowering security teams to automate event validation, reduce false alarms and take smarter, more informed actions—not just receive alerts. This unified, data driven approach positions Honeywell at the forefront of transforming how modern security ecosystems operate.   Outcome driven solutions Honeywell’s demonstration areas will highlight contextual, outcome driven solutions, while also featuring Honeywell’s latest technologies that help bring those solutions to life, including: Access control solutions LenelS2 OnGuard + VMS: Enhanced enterprise UX, expanded browser based clients, FICAM and FedRAMP support and deep integration with Honeywell video platforms and other seamlessly integrated video management systems. LenelS2 NetBox + VMS: A highly scalable, browser based access control system with improved reporting, expanded video integrations and simplified user workflows. Pro-Watch + MAXPRO VMS: A powerful and dynamic access control and video management system for local, regional or global security monitoring with the built-in scalability of Pro-Watch. Video and analytics Honeywell 35 and 60 Series Cameras: NDAA compliant camera families with enhanced low light performance, encrypted transmission and AI-driven analytic capabilities across multiple verticals. 35S NVR: Scalable recording and integrated analytics for small-to-medium business and entry-level enterprise deployments. Innovation, cloud and mobile LenelS2 Elements: A cloud native access and video platform that supports customers at any stage of their cloud journey - whether fully cloud-ready or moving at a paced, hybrid speed. LenelS2 Elements connects with existing on-premises systems including OnGuard and NetBox, while delivering multi-site scalability, broad ecosystem integrations and intuitive administration tools. LenelS2 BlueDiamond: Frictionless access with enhanced security and mobile credentials, multi technology readers, and seamless access control system integration. Sine: Sine’s mobile-first digital visitor check in and compliance tools will be featured in multiple vertical scenarios, highlighting streamlined guest management, contractor workflows and site-level safety control. Fire and life safety Farenhyt Ultra Series: An end-to-end fire alarm and mass-notification solution designed to deliver power, control and flexibility to end users. The Farenhyt Ultra Series introduces new fire alarm panels featuring backward compatibility that supports system upgrades, firmware and software integration, and an all in one fire alarm and voice evacuation system. Silent Knight Ultra Series: A cost-effective fire alarm solution for small- to medium-sized buildings. With an extensive portfolio of life safety devices, Silent Knight offers the products needed to protect lives and property while staying current amidst continuously evolving code requirements. Fire-Lite XP UL: Easy-to-use, simple-to-install addressable fire alarm control panels with built-in cellular communication that uses a wide range of smoke detection, carbon monoxide detection, intelligent modules, pull stations and annunciators. Fire-Lite is a great fit for commercial real estate. System Sensor LED AV notification devices: The next generation of L-Series notification appliances with energy efficient design, helping to ensure optimal safety and reliability for diverse environments. The range of appliances includes strobes, horn strobes, speaker strobes and next-generation low-frequency sounders and sounder strobes. Connected Life Safety Services (CLSS): With CLSS software capability, all steps of the fire alarm journey, from early detection and communication to fire station alerting and dispatch, are tied together with real-time monitoring and analytics. Customers benefit from enhanced protection, streamlined compliance and proactive risk mitigation, helping to ensure reliable life safety across diverse environments. Reducing operational disruptions These tools help organizations help improve compliance, streamline alarm workflows and reduce operational disruptions. This year’s Honeywell booth is designed to give visitors a clear view of how Honeywell’s technology ecosystem converges across security, life safety and building operations—providing the foundations for more connected, autonomous and efficient facilities. Attendees are invited to visit Booth #20059 to walk through the seven demo zones, speak with Honeywell experts and experience the technologies shaping the future of security and building automation.

Brivo, the pioneer in cloud-native AI-driven physical security, announces an integration with AI video analytics company Actuate to deliver additional advanced AI video analytics via the Brivo Security Suite. Ideal for enhancing remote video monitoring (RVM) effectiveness, Actuate’s AI is designed for real-time detection, false alarm reduction, and faster operator intervention during security incidents. Capabilities include: Intruder detection Hard hat detection Crowd detection Loitering detection Fire and smoke detection Operator-driven environments These combined capabilities give integrators and monitoring centers a cloud-first foundation designed for high-stakes, operator-driven environments. “The RVM market is moving from experimental AI to mission-critical AI,” said Tijmen Vos, VP of Product at Brivo. “With Actuate, we’re adding a layer of intelligence for professional monitoring environments—where accuracy, speed, and trust in the alert really matter. Together, we’re helping monitoring centers cut through noise, focus on real incidents, and deliver better outcomes for their customers.” Remote video monitoring The Actuate AI integration is now part of the Brivo Security Suite’s existing ecosystem of technology partners. As an open platform, the Brivo Security Suite easily integrates with third-party AI providers, and gives business owners and resellers the flexibility to choose their preferred cameras and integrated technologies—all within one unified, cloud-native physical security solution. The Brivo Security Suite also offers the convenience of a single invoice, one support team, and one business relationship. “Remote video monitoring only works if operators can trust the alerts they receive,” said Brian Leary, CEO of Actuate. “By integrating Actuate’s AI analytics with the Brivo Security Suite, we’re helping monitoring teams move from reactive surveillance to proactive monitoring by filtering out false alarms and surfacing the events that actually require action.”

Blackline Safety Corp., a global entity in connected safety technology, has announced G8, the next evolution of worksite safety and the most connected wearable the company has ever built. Designed from the ground up as a true platform, G8 combines advanced gas detection, lone worker protection, and radio-quality communication in one rugged device that connects workers to each other, to their safety teams, and to the broader digital worksite — with real-time data streamed to the cloud to keep safety and operations leaders informed. Workers safety “G8 gives workers access to the tools and information they need to confidently get the job done and get home safe,” said Cody Slater, CEO and Chair, Blackline Safety. “By unifying gas detection, real-time monitoring, and communication in one connected device, we’re delivering more than incremental improvement. We’re giving every worker a direct line to the people, data, systems and support they need to make faster, safer decisions.”G8 builds on the proven foundation of Blackline’s G7 line, while introducing breakthrough capabilities that set a new standard for connected safety and productivity. Fully featured gas detector  At its core, G8 is a fully featured, connected gas detector with a rugged, IP-67 rating that’s built to meet the most demanding industrial environments. But G8 also goes further, consolidating several critical tools into one intrinsically safe device, so workers no longer need to carry and manage multiple devices. Plus, real-time cloud connectivity so teams get the field data they need to respond faster and keep operations running smoothly. With G8, organizations get: Safety and situational awareness Advanced gas detection – swappable cartridges covering 20+ gases Lone worker protection – monitoring falls, no motion, health events, physical assaults, getting trapped or stranded, and more. Dual-band GNSS/GPS (L1/L5) – faster time-to-first-fix and location accuracy within one meter, delivering more reliable positioning in challenging environments where GPS alone often struggles. Access to ZoneAwareTM geofencing in Blackline Live – define site zones, see who’s where, spot bottlenecks, and speed up muster drills.  3 ways to communicate (in emergencies or for everyday productivity) with enhanced speaker and mic technology: Push-to-Talk – loud, clear worldwide radio functionality so crews can talk across sites, regions, or even countries. Emergency voice calling – connecting workers directly with a live monitoring agent when an alert is triggered—because nothing replaces a real person in a critical situation.  Text messaging – send pre-set or custom messages and receive mass notifications in the event of evacuations, severe weather, and more. Internal full-range speaker delivering up to 1W of audio power, producing loud, clear alerts and voice communication with low distortion — even in noisy industrial environments.   Optional RSM with up to 1.5W output to extend sound capability even further.   Visibility and usability: 64-color backlit display – approximately double the size of Blackline’s G7 display. Reflective active-matrix TFT LCD and nearly 77,000 pixels – for improved visibility of alerts and device status at-a-glance, without draining battery life. NFC TagAssignTM – instant device assignment with a single tap for faster shift starts. 35-lumen, easy-access flashlight – reliable visibility in low-light or confined spaces. Real-Time Data That Drives Safer, More Productive Work: Every G8 streams live data to Blackline’s data and analytics platform—Blackline Live—via the cloud. This gives safety leaders real-time visibility into worker status, gas readings, and site conditions, and it gives operations teams actionable insights to prevent incidents, reduce delays, and keep projects moving.A Platform Built for Today — and What Comes Next: Unlike traditional gas detectors, G8 functions as a connected platform that’s built to be able to integrate with the rest of the digital worksite. It’s future-ready to plug into other digital platforms that organizations use today, from human resource management systems (HRMS) to field service management tools to hot-permitting applications and more, helping eliminate manual workflows and remove barriers to getting work done. And because G8 receives automatic firmware updates, it will continue to evolve with new capabilities, expanded integrations, and emerging technologies like AI-driven insights. Platform to grow “We’re talking about a platform built to grow with you,” said Phil Benson, VP, Product, Blackline Safety. “As worksites become more connected, automated and data-driven, G8 has the flexibility to meet tomorrow’s needs, not just today’s. It lays the foundation for future capabilities like AI integrations, expanded calling features, and predictive analytics that will continue to raise the bar for connected work for years to come.”G8 is protected by more than a dozen patents with additional patents pending.

As the world transitions to renewable energy, Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESSs) are helping meet the growing demand for reliable, yet decentralized power on a grid scale. These systems gather surplus energy from solar and wind sources, storing it in batteries for later discharge. This process helps stabilize the grid by ensuring a steady power supply and mitigating the variability associated with renewables. Excess daytime electricity from solar farms, for instance, can be stored at a BESS facility for use overnight. More than 90% of these grid-sized energy storage systems utilize lithium-ion batteries with spending for new facilities expected to grow at an annual rate of more than 30%, reaching $12.1 billion by 2025. Lithium-ion batteries offer higher energy density, faster charging and longer life than traditional batteries. Addressing BESS safety concerns Lithium-ion batteries in energy storage systems have distinct safety concerns that may present a serious fire hazard unless operators understand and address the risk proactively with holistic, advanced fire detection and prevention methods. Once a lithium-ion battery overheats in a BESS and the process of “thermal runaway” occurs, it can be nearly impossible to extinguish, potentially causing catastrophic damage and risking the lives of first responders called to put out the fire. Such an event occurred in April 2022 at a 10 MW storage facility in Chandler, AZ, where fire crews struggled to extinguish a blaze for four days. In 2019, a fire and explosion at an energy storage system in Surprise, AZ, near Phoenix, was triggered by an overheated lithium-ion battery injuring several first responders and resulting in significant damage to the facility and disruption to the surrounding community. Abuse Factors Lithium-ion cells are prone to failing if not kept within specific environmental conditions. When these conditions are compromised, so-called abuse factors can lead to thermal runaway. Awareness of these abuse factors can help operators prevent thermal runaway at its earliest stage. Electrical Abuse: This occurs when a battery exceeds voltage limits during charge or discharge and overheats. The simultaneous operation of these batteries poses the risk that any one of the battery cells could exceed voltage limits during charge or discharge and can cause overheating that triggers a potential fire event. Mechanical Abuse: This can be caused by physical or mechanical damage to the battery such as a crush, indentation, or puncture from vibration or shock. Thermal Abuse: This is initiated when the operational temperature exceeds the limits of the battery. If caused by overcharging, the extra current triggers a chemical reaction that breaks down the battery’s organic liquid electrolytes and changes them from a liquid to a highly flammable gaseous state. Why is the earliest possible detection of a battery failure When an abuse factor continues unaddressed, more of the liquid electrolyte from the battery will convert to gas, causing an internal build-up of pressure sufficient to vent or rupture the battery seals and resulting in an off-gassing event. Eventually, as more gas is generated, internal pressure and heat continue to increase rupturing, melting the separator, and releasing the smoke. By this point, thermal runaway is imminent. A single cell failure can quickly overheat and spread to surrounding cells. That’s why the earliest possible detection of a battery failure is crucial to preventing a potential disaster caused by thermal runaway. It is common for mobile BESS units to utilize traditional heat and smoke detectors in interior spaces, but these sensors are not equipped to provide sufficiently early warning of an impending fire. They are only sensitive enough to detect smoke after a fire has started, which is much too late to stop thermal runaway from igniting an entire bank of batteries. Furthermore, these pre-installed systems cannot be serviced, monitored, or maintained to ensure they are in basic working order due to unit design. The best protection is prevention A holistic approach using advanced detection and performance-based solutions combined with battery management systems can work together to establish layers of safety and fire protection. Battery Management Systems monitor voltage, current, and temperature to identify any battery abuse factors. While this is an important initial layer, it should not be the only layer of protection. Temperature and Humidity Sensors measure the temperature of the air surrounding the sensor including ambient room temperature, shock/vibration/AC power quality and conditions. Advanced detection innovations provide the very earliest possible intelligence about conditions inside the BESS. These early warning systems can be professionally tested, serviced, maintained, and monitored at the fire alarm control panel. Thermal Imaging Cameras graphically illustrate the temperature of the objects and equipment the camera can see. Off-Gas Detection technologies can provide an alert in the initial stage of lithium-ion battery failure when venting of electrolyte solvent vapors begins and prior to thermal runaway. Very Early Warning Smoke Detection systems use ultra-sensitive sensors to provide early warning of an impending fire event, buying time to initiate an appropriate emergency response to prevent injury, property damage or business disruption. If an off-gas event occurs, sensors can be used to quickly notify facility operators to shut down the system or contact first responders to mitigate the spread of fire from cell to cell. Responding to the ever-evolving fire and life safety industry Fire and life safety industry standards are evolving to minimize the fire risks associated with BESSs. Ensuring appropriate criteria to address the safety of such systems in building codes and fire codes is an important part of protecting the public, building occupants, and emergency responders. International Fire Code (IFC) 2021 1207.8.3 Chapter 12, Energy Systems requires that storage batteries, prepackaged stationary storage battery systems, and pre-engineered stationary storage battery systems are segregated into stationary battery bundles not exceeding 50 kWh each, and each bundle is spaced a minimum separation of 10 feet apart and from the building wall. National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) 855 establishes requirements for design, construction, installation, commissioning, operation, maintenance and decommissioning of stationary energy storage systems and applies to battery installations over 70 kWh. UL 9540—Standard for Safety Energy Storage Systems and Equipment outlines safety requirements for the integrated components of an energy storage system requiring that electrical, electro-chemical, mechanical and thermal energy storage systems operate at an optimal safety level. UL 9540A—Test Method for Evaluating Thermal Runaway Fire Propagation in Battery Energy Storage Systems implements quantitative data standards to characterize potential battery storage fire events and establishes battery storage system fire testing on the cell level, module level, unit level and installation level. Design, construction, installation, and operation of a BESS Because these requirements are continuously evolving, careful investigation of all standards must be performed before beginning the design, construction, installation, and operation of a BESS. Lithium-ion battery storage facilities are pivotal to the transition to a greener economy. Just as eco-friendly technology is evolving to strengthen the renewable energy industry, advanced fire prevention and life safety technology must also advance to protect it. Off-gas detection, very early warning smoke detection and thermal imaging camera systems combined with advanced alarm monitoring can help keep BESSs operating at the highest levels of safety.

Hochiki Europe has released highlights from its 2025 Customer Survey, with respondents reporting consistently high satisfaction in the areas that matter most to specifiers, installers and facilities teams. Customers praised the experience delivered by Hochiki’s people, friendliness, helpfulness and product knowledge, alongside product fundamentals such as high quality and reliable performance that helps reduce false alarms. Service delivery also strengthened versus last year. Respondents noted improved stock availability and faster delivery, as well as high order accuracy and ease of ordering, reflecting focused investment in planning and logistics across the business. Aspirating smoke detection “Customers trust Hochiki for robust, high-quality devices and responsive support, and we’re delighted to see that recognized so clearly,” said Shinsuke Kubo, Managing Director for Hochiki Europe. “The step forward in stock and delivery performance shows our operational investments are landing where customers feel them most.” Looking ahead, the survey points to a clear technology roadmap. Customers are most interested in aspirating smoke detection, cloud/remote access and control, multi-sensors and fully wireless systems over the next two to five years. Demand for control panels continues to center on the half- to two-loop range, aligning with a broad mix of project sizes across commercial, education and public-sector estates. Ongoing product approvals Sustainability remains a decisive theme for many organizations. Customers expressed strong interest in circular design and end-of-life pathways, complementing ongoing product approvals and compliance requirements across European markets. Commenting on the overall results, Kubo added “I am very pleased with this year’s survey results. Customer service is at the forefront of what we do. We pride ourselves in delivering a best in class, value-added service to every customer.” Stronger service performance “For our customers to acknowledge this makes me very proud. These results reflect the hard work, dedication and commitment our entire team put into putting people first, which helps drive our success. I want to thank everyone who participated in this year’s customer survey. Your input and feedback are essential for continuing to create meaningful progress in how we support you.” The results confirm a confident market position for Hochiki Europe: trusted people, reliable products and stronger service performance, with customers energized by a roadmap focused on wireless, cloud and advanced detection, and underpinned by lifecycle responsibility. The team at Hochiki are well-aligned to deliver practical innovation that will help partners design safer, smarter life safety systems in 2026 and beyond.

SimpliSafe®, maker of award-winning smart home security systems, announced the SimpliSafe® Smoke & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm Listener, an innovative device that enables customers to integrate their current smoke and CO detectors with SimpliSafe's connected system and 24/7 professional monitoring for fire and carbon monoxide hazards. The Alarm Listener works with existing detectors to trigger the SimpliSafe System when there's smoke or CO danger, providing an added layer of protection and, when paired with professional monitoring, enabling a rapid emergency response. SimpliSafe Base Station SimpliSafe Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that listens for the distinct sound patterns The SimpliSafe Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that listens for the distinct sound patterns of smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors in the home. When it detects an alarm, it identifies the type of threat and signals the SimpliSafe Base Station. This allows SimpliSafe to send them a notification and enables their professional monitoring agents to initiate an emergency response. New SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener As part of its whole-home protection, SimpliSafe offers affordable, innovative solutions to keep homes safe from fire and CO. While SimpliSafe already offers SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO detectors for a fast response, the new SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener extends this 24/7 protection to customers with other existing smoke and CO detectors that they cannot or prefer not to replace. UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms The Alarm Listener recognizes the distinct sound of UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms The Alarm Listener recognizes the distinct sound of UL-certified residential smoke and CO alarms, triggering the SimpliSafe system, activating the siren, and sending instant app notifications.  With SimpliSafe's professional monitoring, agents can swiftly dispatch emergency services, ensuring a rapid response even if homeowners are unreachable. Current smoke and CO detectors "At SimpliSafe, our mission is to keep every home secure and that includes from the perils of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning," said Hooman Shahidi, Chief Product Officer, SimpliSafe. "We're thrilled to offer this life-saving device to customers who are happy with their current smoke and CO detectors or who cannot change their existing hard-wired alarms. The SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener seamlessly integrates with existing detectors, giving customers the power to protect their families from smoke, fire, and carbon monoxide." Key features Key features of the SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener include: Works with existing detectors in the home: The Alarm Listener works with all UL-certified residential smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to enable 24/7 professional monitoring for the entire home. UL-Certified: The Alarm Listener is equipped with a microphone that's certified to differentiate between smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and transmit the appropriate alarm signal to the Base Station, ensuring reliable performance. Rapid emergency response: Once triggered, the Alarm Listener signals the SimpliSafe Base Station, enabling SimpliSafe to send the owner a notification and prompting SimpliSafe's monitoring agents to request immediate emergency dispatch, even if the owner cannot be reached. Instant notifications: Real-time alerts are pushed via the SimpliSafe® App if an alarm is triggered. Easy installation: The Alarm Listener is wireless and designed for simple self-installation with minimal tools and step-by-step instructions in the SimpliSafe® App. Only one listener needed for hardwired systems: For homes with interconnected, hardwired smoke and CO detectors, only one Alarm Listener is needed to monitor the entire home. For battery-powered systems, one listener is recommended per detector for monitoring. Long-lasting battery life: The Alarm Listener has a long-lasting battery designed to last up to three years. Pricing & availability The SimpliSafe® Smoke & CO Alarm Listener is available for purchase starting now for $44.99 on SimpliSafe.com and on BestBuy.com in the US. The Listener will launch later this Fall on Amazon.com. The Alarm Listener requires a SimpliSafe Gen 3 Home Security System (Base Station and Keypad), UL-certified residential smoke and/or CO detector and a professional monitoring plan for emergency dispatch. To access SimpliSafe® Professional Monitoring, customers can choose between monitoring plans, including Core ($32.99/month), Pro ($49.99/month), and Pro Plus ($79.99/month).

Residential burglaries and break-ins are a problem for many homeowners. The FBI estimates there were approximately 1,117,696 burglaries in 2019 in the United States, which accounted for 16.1% of property crimes. Having proper home security can not only protect your home and belongings, but it can also keep your family safe. Even if you’re new to the idea of having and using smart home security devices, it’s easy to get started. This guide will provide the information and actionable tips you need to get started with your home security system. Why do I need a home security system? When you have a home security system, you’re able to detect a possible intrusion into your home, even when you’re not there. This detection system may help protect you, your family, and your property from various crimes, including home invasions. Property crime and theft cost Americans billions of dollars each year. Installing and using a home security system can prevent you from becoming a victim. Some homeowner insurance companies also offer customers a discount for installing a security system. Not only will you feel safer and more protected, but you could also save money in the long run. Multi-layered security system New smart security technology makes it easier than ever to monitor your home from almost anywhere Having the right home security keeps you safe, and it’ll also cause criminals to think twice before entering your home. Using the right equipment can prevent these crimes from happening to you in the first place. It’s vital to ensure that you’re using multi-layered security, including alarms, intrusion detection, cameras, and more. New smart security technology makes it easier than ever to monitor your home from almost anywhere in the world. The more barriers you can put in place between your home and potential criminals, the safer you and your family will be. Important equipment for installing a home security system Every home security system needs some fundamental pieces of equipment in order to be effective. Here are the most important items you’ll need to get started: Intrusion detection: This equipment includes the main security panel that allows you to control the system. It can be called the keypad, control panel, or security hub. The panel allows you to make changes or arm and disarm the system as needed. Door and window sensors alert you when someone tries to enter your home, as well as motion sensors that detect any unusual movement. Glass break sensors are another great piece of equipment, they recognize breaking glass, which signals the alarm if someone tries to break a window. Lighting: Even something as simple as bright exterior lighting can keep your home safer. Consider upgrading your outdoor lighting to motion-sensing lights that turn on whenever they detect movement. Add this lighting to the corners of your home, near the garage, and at the front and back doors. Cameras: Security cameras record activity in and around your home. Choose a PTZ or pan-tilt-zoom camera so you can move the camera, zoom in, and adjust it remotely for better footage. Use cameras that store the footage just in case you need to view it or show it to the police later. Some cameras include built-in memory cards, while others require payment for storage on a cloud network. A camera doorbell is another great way to keep you safe. It alerts you and records video when someone approaches your home. Monitoring: If you travel or you’re away from home frequently, enrolling in home security monitoring is a great way to protect your property. It requires a monthly fee, but this service connects to your system and keeps a watchful eye over your home when you’re not there. The authorities and you will be immediately alerted if an alarm goes off or fire is detected. This is a great way to get peace of mind whenever you’re not at home. If you’re unfamiliar with how to install any of your new pieces of security equipment, a professional installer can help. They have the skills and experience required to ensure that every piece of equipment is correctly installed and connected for the best coverage to keep you safe. Secure your Wi-Fi network with strong passwords The longer and more complex your password is, the less likely your network will be hacked by nefarious outsiders Once you have your new smart home security system installed, you’ll need to protect it from hackers. Most Wi-Fi routers aren’t immediately secure upon installation until you change the password. Make sure you’re using a strong password containing a unique mixture of letters, numbers, and symbols. Integrating capital letters will also make it more difficult for hackers to access them. The longer and more complex your password is, the less likely your network will be hacked by nefarious outsiders. It’s also crucial to ensure that your Wi-Fi network and equipment come from a trusted, reputable manufacturer with a long history of providing security to its customers. You should also double-check to see how the manufacturer uses the information it collects and if it’s being given to third parties for marketing or other purposes. Enable multi-factor authentication The term multi-factor authentication refers to the several pieces of information required from a user to access an account. This access method is put in place to protect yourself from possible breaches and verify your identity. This option is usually available with the majority of newer smart home security systems and collects more than just a password. Using multi-factor authentication may require you to scan your fingerprint or retina to ensure it’s really you trying to access the system. It may also ask for things like a numeric passcode or have you answer a security question. If this option is available to you, it’s highly recommended that you set it up. This simple additional step will help to prevent cybercriminals from trying to use your user credentials and access your profile. It’s also a great way to protect yourself from potential data breaches. Regularly update your devices Set a reminder to check the manufacturer’s website every month or so to confirm there are new updates ready Just like your smartphone or computer, your smart home security devices should be updated regularly. These new updates provide improvements to the usability of your equipment, better protection against hackers, and new hardware updates that help the equipment run smoother. Some devices will alert you when an update is available, and others won’t. Set a reminder to check the manufacturer’s website every month or so to confirm there are new updates ready. You should also pair your mobile app to your security devices and adjust the settings to turn on automatic software updates so you never miss anything. This is the best way to ensure you have all of the latest hardware upgrades and security patches. Keeping the home and family safe Use these important tips if you’re just beginning the process of installing a home security system. With the right equipment and proper protections in place, you can keep your home and family safe. Remember to install the most essential equipment, use unique passwords, and take steps to ensure that your new software and equipment are as secure as possible for peace of mind.

Most of the assumptions you’ve made about gunshot detection could be wrong. To those security professionals who stay on top of their homework, this is probably not true, but the ‘you’ in this context is directed to the collective security industry reader that, when looking into indoor gunshot detection products, sees terms like concussive force, percussion, or shockwave and wonders if these are important differentiators – or something the marketing department decided would get a reader’s attention. The truth is that all these terms, from an application standpoint, mean the same thing. Detractors of gunshot detection might question the validity of the technology since the perpetrator is already in action and shooting is in progress. Directing emergency personnel The purpose of gunshot detection is to alert with absolute certainty and as soon as possible that there is a shooting in progress, and very importantly, to identify the location of the incident. The purpose of gunshot detection is to alert with absolute certainty and as soon as possible With this information, we can guide victims away from the shooter while also directing emergency personnel to the perpetrator’s location so they can mitigate the threat. If your loved one found themselves in a work or school shooting, which would you prefer – that they hide until law enforcement arrives, or that they know a safe path for immediate evacuation? As a security operator, would you prefer to manually search camera feeds to find the shooter, or have gunshot detection instantly cue cameras to the incident location? Gunshot detection technologies When you see the value gunshot detection has to offer, the next step is gaining a deeper understanding of the technology and sifting through marketing claims to find the system that works for your application. Before jumping into the circuit boards and algorithms of modern indoor gunshot detection sensors, it helps to go back in time and learn about the genesis of gunshot detection technologies. Many sources generalize gunshot detection into two classifications: military or civilian/law enforcement application. Gunshot detection’s history tracks back to systems built in the 1990s for military applications that detected and reported on sniper fire from high caliber weapons. These systems were then made available for civilian applications in the form of city-wide applications that triangulate signals to locate gunfire in urban areas. Existing outdoor technology This feeds the collective understanding that all gunshot detection systems operate in one simplistic way Although these systems differ in how they detect, locate, and report gunfire, at their core is a reliance on acoustics (and therefore microphones) as their single mode of detection. Because these systems were essentially first to market, they are the most publicized and reported on. This feeds the collective understanding that all gunshot detection systems operate in one simplistic way; they ‘listen’ for the sound of gunshots, triangulate a location, and then produce some type of alert. Detecting a gunshot outdoors is different than detecting one indoors. Early attempts by indoor gunshot detection pioneers to use the existing outdoor technology didn’t work very well. There are several reasons for this, but they can be summarised as follows: The acoustic pattern of a gunshot indoors is different than one that is produced outdoors. Walls, furniture, and general building layout will create echoes and reverberations that combine to create a signal that is difficult to interpretate. Some outdoor systems were reliant on the shockwave of supersonic rounds outdoors. In the indoor environment, the acoustic properties of that shockwave can break down quickly, rendering the result degraded and therefore unusable as a reliable indicator of gunfire. Systems reliant upon triangulation, like the ones used in city applications, also do not work indoors because those echoes and reflections in the acoustic environment interfere with both detection and location accuracy. Indoor gunshot detection This compression continues as the bullet moves forward through the air Indoor gunshot detection requires a different approach. But before diving into the deep end of the technical pool, a few words about what happens when a gun is fired. We are all familiar with the bullet flying out of the gun part, but what else happens? When the bullet leaves the muzzle (end) of the gun, air molecules around the bullet get rapidly compressed. Just like a guitar string that has just been plucked, rapid compression or vibration moves the air molecules around it. This compression continues as the bullet moves forward through the air, but the initial, violent change is what we first capture. The gasses that are part of the gun powder burned to propel the bullet out of the gun are also released. This causes a ‘flash’ which can been recorded as part of the visible and infrared (IR) spectrum. Indoor gunshot detection requires a different approach Sound pressure sensor The talk of 'rapid vibrating or compression of air molecules’ is where confusion can begin. Why? Because this same property can be measured in different ways. One way is acoustical – a microphone recording the ‘bang’. Another way is through pressure. But wait a minute – if we remember our high school physics, a sound wave is the same as a pressure wave! Simply stated, a microphone is a pressure sensor - usually tuned to capture very small changes - and a sound pressure sensor is just a clunky microphone. As humans, we forget that sound – like the loud bang of a firearm – is just our way of describing a very distinct change in the vibrations of air molecules around us. Air pressure sensors Gunshot detection devices use sensors to detect a change in the compression of air molecules Gunshot detection devices use sensors to detect a change in the compression of air molecules. Manufacturers can say that they use different types of sensors – microphones, air pressure sensors, concussive force sensors, shockwave sensors, etc. – but these devices are all measuring the same thing. The primary difference between different sensors is how sensitive to disruption they are, which is usually a function of cost, and what frequency or range of disruption they are designed to look for. Some manufacturers claim to capture the ‘shockwave’ of a bullet. Shockwave is a rather loose term, but the manufacturer is usually referring to a special pressure wave in the air that is created when an object travels faster than the speed of the sound. An object passing through the sound barrier will make a loud noise – or large, fast pressure change – but again, the sensor is simply capturing a change in the compression of air molecules. Serving particular market At first, the idea of using a bullet’s speed – and therefore shockwave - as an inexpensive mechanism for capturing and verifying that a gunshot has occurred may seem interesting. But be careful of products that promote shockwave as their principal factor of gunshot detection. Many types of bullets – a 45 caliber pistol for example – do not create a shockwave when fired, meaning these types of gunshots fired in your building will be excluded from detection. Manufacturers all take different approaches to serving a particular market. In the world of security, one would hope that all products deliver exactly as advertised. Unfortunately, a sensor that is calibrated to one range of sound or pressure can inadvertently register other, unwanted sounds. Different building configurations A nail gun or balloon popping will trip a sensor calibrated to listen for the frequency A nail gun or balloon popping will trip a sensor calibrated to listen for the frequency – or vibrational – range of most gunshots. Sensors can be pre-programmed with a library of gunshot-like sounds, but this requires the sensor to analyze the signal it just captured, creating a delay in alert times. A study done by Florida Atlantic University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science recently concluded that ‘most gunshot detection systems cannot tell the difference between a gunshot and a plastic bag popping’ – and this points to why consumers believe that gunshot detection systems are unreliable. Also, as we learned above, different building configurations will create different signal characteristics. Is there a library of gunshots signals for all possible building or room configurations? Single sensor approach As a way to reduce costs, some manufacturers offer a single measurement sensor for both indoor and outdoor applications, but this approach requires extensive calibration for two different environments, meaning that accuracy inevitability suffers. As a way to reduce costs, some manufacturers offer a single measurement sensor Define your expectations accordingly because the single sensor approach is limited. The level of accuracy will be low, and you will experience false alerts, creating a need for an additional layer of verification that further delays notification. In the physics lesson above, we mentioned that there was a second characteristic of a gunshot – the release of light – or more accurately, heat – from the infrared (IR) spectrum. To avoid the problem of concussive force/shockwave/microphone sensors capturing signals that are not gunshots, a second sensor dedicated to measuring the IR signal emitted by a bullet leaving a gun is added. Generate false alerts Just like online banking services enforce two-factor authentication to ensure authenticity, gunshot detectors can use two sensors measuring the two different characteristics of a gunshot to deliver the highest level of accuracy. And since the speed of light and the speed of sound are different, programming can be employed to further validate that the signal received was truly a gunshot and not a similar-sounding non-ballistic event, like a nail gun. From an accuracy standpoint, single measurement sensors perform worse than a dual-sensor in all cases and are significantly more likely to generate false alerts. The only benefit of a single-sensor shot detection system is that they may be cheaper to purchase in terms of upfront costs. But those savings will quickly be erased by the cost of avoidable business disruptions due to a higher false alert rate. Normal hospital services Schools are probably the hardest to estimate as intangible costs like staff/student wellbeing In manufacturing, warehousing, or transportation environment your accounting department can easily calculate how much a one-hour shutdown of work will cost the organization if a false alert causes an interruption in operations. In industries like healthcare, calculating the cost of a false alert is a little more complicated, but one study determined that canceling normal hospital services for just one day can cost approximately $978,418.00. Schools are probably the hardest to estimate as intangible costs like staff/student wellbeing and law enforcement-related activities do not lend themselves to a straightforward financial calculus. Single measurement sensors However, when investigating indoor gunshot detection systems, the following top five questions should be asked of each vendor you contact: Does the system use Single Factor or Dual Factor sensor verification to reduce false alerts? The definition of Dual Factor, in this case, is that both factors are required to produce a gunshot alert. Remember that merely adding more single measurement sensors to a product will not reduce false alerts. Does the manufacturer have an independent, third-party verification of their product? If so, what were the testing parameters? Look for gunshots occluded (facing away) from the sensor, types of noises tested including firearms and false alert tools used, sensor distance from the gunshot, and the validity of the testing agency as a trusted, impartial operation. Real-world testing is also extremely valuable, meaning in a customer’s installed environment, outside of the gun range. If the single factor sensor is advertised to work both indoors and outdoors, how does the device technology compensate for these two different environments? Does the manufacturer’s solution require a human to validate that the signal received was a gunshot? Systems that require human verification will considerably slow down the speed at which Law Enforcement is contacted and, because of normal human behaviors during periods of stress, can also lead to inaccurate information being communicated to first responders. Is the manufacturer an expert in gunshot detection or did they just add a microphone to a product and bundle it with other types of sensors like smoke detection, aggression, vaping, glass breaking, etc.? These all-in-one sensors are currently common as manufacturers attempt to test the market’s appetite for gunshot detection. False gunshot alert There are currently no regulatory bodies monitoring gunshot detection manufacturers and their claims Gunshot detection does not have to be complicated, but when an emerging technology begins to gain traction in the marketplace, it is important to follow the science and keep learning. There are currently no regulatory bodies monitoring gunshot detection manufacturers and their claims, so doing your due diligence is key with this technology. Talk to your business leaders about the impact a false gunshot alert could have on the organization from a risk standpoint. Seek to understand the underlying technology of any shot detection system you are considering and look for two factors of gunshot authentication. Hopefully, this technology primer on gunshot detection helps integrators and end-users understand the underlying technology so they can find the most effective solution for their facilities. Bill Aheimer, Principal of Security DNA, is co-author of this article.

Enclosures containing electronics, communications or cabling infrastructure offer a simple attack point for cyber breaches and an opportunity for a physical attack on the hardware. Yet, many of these assets are housed within enclosures that provide minimal security features to offer a deterrent to any would-be attacker. This has always just been a pet hate. Walking down the high street of a town anywhere in the United Kingdom, you can often see open street communication cabinets. You can actually look directly inside at the equipment. And if I was a bad guy, I could quite easily just put my foot into their enclosure and quite quickly take out their infrastructure. Charged service for enclosures This seems crazy when a US$ 2 magnetic contact on a door can quickly tell you whether your enclosure is open or shut, and can be vital in keeping your network alive. Moreover, the operators of these systems, whether it is telecoms or internet providers, are providing a charged service to their customers, so they should really be protecting their enclosures. Why has that security level not been so readily taken into the outside world, into the unprotected environment? More sobering, if you contrast this security approach to the approach taken in the data center world, an environment that already has multiple stringent security protocols in place, you get a very different picture. For instance, security devices can capture snapshots of anyone who opens a cabinet door in a data room, so it is recorded who has opened that door. While that is just one simple example, it begs the question. Why has that security level not been so readily taken into the outside world, into the unprotected environment? In my mind, a lot of it boils down simply to education. Network connection, easy point of cyber attacks Our preconceived idea about cyber security is some big corporation being knocked out or held to ransom by, again in our mind, someone sitting at a laptop, probably with their hood up over their head, typing away in the darkness, attacking us through the internet. But how the would-be criminal is going to come at us is just like in sport. They attack at the weakest point. Networks can be deployed in the outside world in many ways, such as cameras monitoring the highways. That means those locations will have a network connection. And that can be a point of attack in a non-secure outside world. Enclosures can be broken into by attackers Many people think, ‘That is okay because I’m going to take that ethernet device that my cameras are connected to and I’m going to put it inside an enclosure.’ However, what people do not realize is that the only thing that the enclosure is doing is protecting the ethernet device from Mother Nature. Because, without proper security, those enclosures can be broken into pretty easily. Many of them are just a single key that is not in any way coded to the device. Twofold cyber security People need to realize that cyber security is twofold. It can be carried out by hacking the network or physically breaking Therein lays the problem. People need to realize that cyber security is twofold. It can be carried out by hacking the network or physically breaking into the weakest physical point. And so, a simple boot through the open door of an enclosure can vandalise the devices inside and take down a small or large part of a network. And by definition, this meets the criteria for a cyber-attack. So, how do we go about tackling this problem? Well, security is a reaction marketplace. And for enclosures, there’s not, at present, a plethora of solutions out there for to counter these types of attacks. It can be challenging to find what you’re looking for through a quick Google search compared to searching for more traditional security protection measures. Deploying smart sensors and detectors But, under Vanderbilt and ComNet, we are currently taking our knowledge and experience from system installation and compiling it together. We’re bringing different products from different parts of our business to make a true solution. For instance, we have sensors for enclosures that detect anything from gas or smoke to open doors, detectors that will tell you if someone is trying to smash open your enclosure with a sledgehammer, or that someone is trying to lift your enclosure off of its mount. More importantly, as is not really a one-size-fits-all solution, we have developed a menu structure available that allows customers to pick and choose the ones that will best fit their own requirements.

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasized new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasizes ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the Mid-Market to the Cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realized from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realize the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘Soft’ Features for Integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organization more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organization more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centers around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasizing performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centers are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring center where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

Gunshot detection today is part of more physical security systems than ever before, and many manufacturers are developing interfaces to the latest gunshot detection technologies. Genetec has integrated ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology into its unified IP security platform, Security Center. Thanks to this integration, police departments and security professionals will be able to receive more actionable information, gain rapid access and detailed location insights when a gunshot situation occurs.   Cloud-Based Analysis Software ShotSpotter uses wide-area acoustic surveillance that automatically gets activated when gunfire occurs, providing comprehensive outdoor coverage on campuses and in complex urban geographies. ShotSpotter sensors and cloud-based analysis software triangulate and pinpoint the precise location of each round fired within seconds, the number of shots fired and provide an immediate gunfire alert with an audio clip. Detailed incident data is immediately sent to SST’s Incident Review Center (IRC), a secure data processing and alert validation facility, where acoustics experts analyze the data and qualify the incident in real-time 24/7. Once validated, an alert is sent directly into Genetec’s Security Center, all in under a minute. Once the alarm is triggered within Security Center upon gunshot detection, operators can quickly access video and other related data surrounding the location of a gunshot alert, and immediately visualize it on Security Center maps, leveraging the dynamic visualization capabilities of the Security Center Plan Manager. Genetec has integrated ShotSpotter gunshot detection technology into its unified IP security platform Gunshot Identification Software Stanley Security has announced a partnership with Shooter Detection Systems LLC (SDS), gunshot detection solutions provider. As an authorized dealer, STANLEY Security is now certified to sell, install and service SDS products and services. SDS’s Guardian Indoor Active Shooter Detection System combines acoustic gunshot identification software with infrared gunfire flash detection for a fully automated gunshot detection and alerting solution. The Guardian System immediately detects gunshots and simultaneously alerts building occupants The Guardian System immediately detects gunshots and simultaneously alerts building occupants and first responders within one second and with zero false alerts. Johnson Controls has announced that its exacqVision video management system now integrates with Databuoy Corp.’s ShotPoint acoustic gunshot detection and localization system to speed response time and heighten the decision-making process for local responders during active shooter situations. Integrated Security Systems Johnson Controls has also released the Detect360 Active Shooter Response (ASR) system, combining reliable gunshot detection with notification technology to provide immediate warning when a gunshot is fired within a building. By providing early notification and precise location of the shooter, the ASR system gives occupants time to find safety and allows police and security personnel to mitigate the threat up to 60 percent faster. Detect360 ASR gives first responders information as it develops at the scene, including shot location, number of shots, location of the shooter in near real-time and the ability to remotely monitor the situation through integrated security systems. It also collects forensic information that can later be used by law enforcement. The system supports multiple integration options, including video feeds from existing CCTV and intrusion systems, mass notification systems, access control systems and panic button/manual initiation systems. Public Safety Access Points Listed as one of the most important new technologies debuted at CES 2019 by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News, Safe Zone also showcased its Safe Zone Gunfire Detector (GFD) at ISC West 2019. Priced at $149 per unit, the Safe Zone Gunfire Detector combines infrared and sound detection technologies with immediate cloud-based data analysis that can analyze more than 3,000 data points of each loud noise that exceeds ambient levels by a certain threshold. Utilizing the data from multiple detectors simultaneously, the system determines the location of shots fired, the number of shots, and the type and caliber of gun being used. Within 10 seconds of the trigger pull, an alert is sent to Public Safety Access Points in the appropriate dispatch center, giving local 911 dispatchers all critical information on their computers. Reseller Recruitment Program Shot Tracer has launched a reseller recruitment program with a highly attractive on-boarding proposition for qualified dealers. Qualifying resellers can receive a Gunshot Simulator Kit valued at $1,000 when they commit to becoming a Shot Tracer dealer. Shot Tracer’s Eagle Gunshot Detection System easily integrates with virtually any security, alarm, surveillance and access system via contact closure – or wirelessly via IP integration. The system determines the location of shots fired, the number of shots, and the type In fact, Shot Tracer gunshot detection sensors are as easy to install as a smoke detector, so there’s virtually no learning curve for installing dealers. The new Shot Tracer Reseller Recruitment Program includes an exclusive offer for installing dealers to receive a free Gunshot Simulator Kit, valued at over $1000, which is essential for demonstrating Shot Tracer Eagle Gunshot Detection sensors. Terms and conditions apply for qualifying resellers.

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for manufacturers of life safety and security products, and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) wants to help solve the problem. Specifically, UL seeks to work with manufacturers to up their game on cybersecurity and to certify compliance to a minimum level of cybersecurity “hygiene.” UL Cybersecurity Certification UL is a familiar brand in consumer goods and in the security and life safety markets. UL certification is sought by manufacturers in a range of product lines, from electrical goods and smoke alarms to access control and central monitoring stations. Approximately 22 billion UL marks appeared on products in 2016. In the physical security industry alone, products are certified to around 20 different standards covering access control, intrusion detection, locks, safes and vaults, software and other categories. Now UL is working to increase the prominence of their brand in cybersecurity with the UL Cybersecurity Assurance Program (CAP). The UL 2900-1 standard, the standard that offers General Requirements for Software Cybersecurity for Network-Connectable Products, was published in 2016 and in July 2017 was published as an ANSI (American National Standards Institute) standard. The standard was developed with cooperation from end users such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. National Laboratories, and other industry stakeholders. UL 2900-2-3 – the standard that focuses on electronic physical security/Life Safety & Security industry, was published in September 2017. Testing For Cybersecurity Weaknesses The UL 2900 standard encompasses three main areas related to cybersecurity – software weaknesses, known vulnerabilities and risk control such as encryption, access control, passwords, remote communications, and software patches and updates. UL conducts structured penetration, fuzz testing and other tests to establish a reasonable level of confidence that a product or system has addressed cybersecurity concerns. “Certification to the standard means that a product or system has been evaluated to a minimum level of cyber hygiene,” says Neil Lakomiak, Director of Business Development and Innovation, Building and Life Safety Technologies, for UL LLC. “It covers the ‘blocking and tackling’ that you would expect manufacturers to do. It doesn’t provide absolute assurance, but rather a level of confidence that a product has been vetted.” The certification is good for one year, and changes in products require recertification. UL has written more than 1,600 standards defining safety, security, quality and sustainability Lakomiak says applying the standard will: “create an environment where companies are starting to incorporate cybersecurity into their development processes; creating security by design. It will elevate the industry to consider cybersecurity earlier in the development process.” An overall goal of UL is to “give people peace of mind around the products and systems they use.” Underwriters Laboratories At ASIS 2017 Companies that achieve certification can promote it as a point of differentiation in the market, although not a guarantee that a product is cybersecure. UL’s independent evaluations carry weight in the market, as reflected by the ubiquity of the UL brand, and Lakomiak contends the industry can benefit from applying the same level of testing and certification to the area of cybersecurity. He sees UL’s cybersecurity initiative as complementary to other cybersecurity measures, such as “white hat” hacking. From a standards perspective, UL’s efforts seek to complement industry efforts such as SIA, ASIS International, PSA and ONVIF. Lakomiak was at the ASIS 2017 show in Dallas, where he met with existing manufacturer customers and potential future clients – including large and small companies in the industry – to discuss cybersecurity and the road to certification. He says many manufacturers are not yet ready for certification, in which case UL provides consultancy and advisory services to help them get there. “A lot of companies just need help understanding what their current processes and cybersecurity posture are,” says Lakomiak. “They want help to create a roadmap to get certification. A variety of manufacturers are on the path to certification.” Underwriters Laboratories Security Mission The cybersecurity element is an extension of UL’s mission to help companies demonstrate safety, confirm compliance, deliver quality and performance, and build excellence. Lakomiak says many people mistakenly perceive UL as a quasi-governmental organization, perhaps because UL standards are sometimes incorporated into regulations. However, the organization is a business and wants to operate like one by serving the needs of its manufacturer customers. “We want to have the service we provide be market-driven. We understand the pain points of manufacturers, integrators and others as they interface with technology. We want to devise programs to help them be successful in the market. Our focus is to make our customers succeed by providing objective certification.” To the extent that cybersecurity is a growing pain point for the physical security industry, there is a large potential role to be played by UL and many others.

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.

Honeywell has been selected as the building automation provider for LG Energy Solution’s cylindrical EV battery manufacturing facility being built in Queen Creek, near Phoenix, Arizona. Set for completion in 2026, this state-of-the-art project represents a critical milestone in LG Energy Solution’s strategy to lead EV battery innovation in North America, and it also supports Honeywell’s alignment of its portfolio to three compelling megatrends, including automation and the energy transition. New standard for operational efficiency Deployment of Honeywell’s building automation technologies at the Queen Creek facility Global battery demand is projected to quadruple by 2030 according to Bain, and the deployment of Honeywell’s building automation technologies at the Queen Creek facility will help set a new standard for operational efficiency in high-tech manufacturing environments. This 1.3-million-square-foot standalone facility will integrate a suite of Honeywell technologies to help optimize performance, enhance safety and support sustainability outcomes. Future of automation “By developing and delivering solutions that blend cutting-edge technology and energy management, we are driving the future of automation," said Billal Hammoud, president and CEO of Honeywell Building Automation. "Honeywell’s collaboration with LG Energy Solution demonstrates how advanced building automation can help empower companies to achieve operational excellence in their facilities while also accelerating the shift to a more secure energy future.” Honeywell’s innovative solutions Honeywell’s innovative solutions will provide the Queen Creek facility with the following: Unified Systems Integration: Honeywell’s Enterprise Buildings Integrator platform will help enable seamless control of building management and safety systems via integration into Honeywell Forge, which provides advanced monitoring and analytics. Honeywell Forge, an IoT platform, enables condition-based maintenance to improve the resiliency of critical systems around the clock, helping to reduce unplanned reactive work and help lower energy costs. Its machine learning capabilities will continuously study a building's energy consumption patterns, which will enable LG Energy Solution to automatically adjust the facility to optimal energy-saving settings. Comprehensive Fire and Safety Solutions: Honeywell’s VESDA smoke detection and advanced self-testing fire alarm system offers automated and continuous air sampling enabling early warning of an impending fire hazard, often even before heavy smoke or flames are detected. VESDA and the networked fire alarm solution will be integrated into the facility’s building management system to allow coordinated and near-instant responses from the HVAC system if smoke is detected. Mission Critical Control and Advanced Cybersecurity: The QronoX Programmable Logic Controller will enable LG Energy Solution to enhance operational performance and resilience by providing advanced cybersecurity for its facility. The Honeywell technology will also help ensure asset security and compliance while reducing downtime for critical systems. Honeywell’s scalable solutions are designed to support the future expansion of the project as well, reinforcing its role as a key collaborator in this transformative industrial sector.

Corsight AI is proud to announce its involvement in a groundbreaking security project at the 14th Battalion in Osasco, a neighboring city within the metropolitan area of São Paulo. The initiative marks a significant step forward in leveraging advanced technology to enhance public safety. Comprehensive security solution Captain David, a key sponsor and advocate for this initiative, has been instrumental in integrating Segdboa's comprehensive security solution at the battalion. The solution features Corsight AI's cutting-edge Facial Intelligence platform, Digifort's Video Management System (VMS) and License Plate Recognition (LPR), IP Extreme's video analytics for gun detection, smoke detection, fall detection, and fight detection, as well as Dahua's cameras, video walls, and touch screen TVs positioned throughout the battalion. Faster response times "This project is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance public safety in Osasco and beyond," said Captain David, coordinator of activities at the 14th Battalion. "With the advanced technology provided by Segdboa and Corsight AI, we can respond more quickly and effectively to potential threats." Real-time monitoring Segdboa also installs surveillance poles with cameras in front of critical private and public venues This initiative is part of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) spearheaded by Segdboa, which donates fully-equipped monitoring rooms to each battalion, outfitted with the latest security technology. These rooms enable real-time monitoring and rapid response to potential threats. Segdboa also installs surveillance poles with cameras in front of critical private and public venues such as shopping centers, condominiums, bridges, and parks. These cameras detect suspects and alert the Military Police forces within the battalion’s jurisdiction, ensuring swift action and increased public safety. Accuracy in public safety "We are proud to support this initiative and bring our cutting-edge technology to the forefront of public safety efforts," said Roberto Rocha, CEO of Segdboa. "Our goal is to create a safer environment for everyone by integrating the best technology available with the dedicated efforts of our police forces. We chose Corsight AI's technology for its proven accuracy in real-world conditions and its unbiased performance across gender and ethnicity." Advanced technology  Segdboa has donated monitoring rooms to five cities and the Civil Guard Corps of Ibiúna city To date, Segdboa has donated monitoring rooms to five cities and the Civil Guard Corps of Ibiúna city. The project aims to eventually deliver monitoring rooms to each of the 380 battalions of the Military Police of São Paulo state, known as Brazil's powerhouse and often sets the standard for the nation. "We are excited to be part of this innovative project that leverages our Facial Intelligence platform to enhance security and public safety," said Geraldo Sanga, Corsight AI's Brazil Regional Sales Director. "This collaboration demonstrates the power of combining advanced technology with dedicated public service." Efficient law enforcement operations Additionally, Segdboa plans to integrate each battalion's facial recognition database with the national Cortex system from the Ministry of Justice. This national database includes photos of all citizens with legal mandates and records of stolen vehicles, facilitating more efficient law enforcement operations across the state. Corsight AI is committed to supporting this vital initiative and enhancing public safety through innovative facial recognition technology. It looks forward to continuing the collaboration with Segdboa and the Military Police of São Paulo.

Installers JTI Brandbeveiliging was contracted to help make safety a number-one priority at a pioneering food manufacturer in The Netherlands. They achieved this by choosing Hochiki Europe’s marketing pioneering fire detection system, Latitude, alongside waterproof devices from the ESP range. This comprehensive solution ensures the highest level of fire protection throughout the facility, giving the food manufacturer peace of mind and allowing them to focus on what they do best: producing delicious food.  Kervo Kervo is a specialist in the high-quality cultivation and processing of fruit in the Netherlands. Since 1980 morello cherries have been grown in the Vossen family’s orchards in Roggel, The Netherlands. The family was one of the first growers in the region to use mechanical harvesting in the ’80s, fast forward 43 years later and Kervo currently runs operations across Europe and the UK and is proud of its reputation for offering the finest quality fruit to bakeries and fresh food processors.   Fire protection systems Complexities of this project were that during food production significant amounts of steam were generated JTI Brandbeveiliging was founded in 2009 and is trusted by its customers for advice, installations, repairs, and maintenance of fire protection systems across the region. The team, led by Luciën van Eldijk was commissioned in 2022 to design and fit the fire safety system that would be integrated into Kervo's new manufacturing plant in Neer. One of the complexities of this project was that during food production, and particularly during the cleaning processes, significant amounts of steam are generated, thus causing false alarms. Latitude fire safety system Lucien explains how he and the team navigated this issue, “In food production sites like this, the machinery needs to remain clean throughout the entire process. This means there is a lot of steam and water present, which, unfortunately, can trigger false alarms." "We needed to install devices that could negate this issue, Hochiki’s waterproof call points, sounders, and sensors were the perfect solution. They worked seamlessly with the Latitude fire safety system from Hochiki.”  Fire detection devices and systems Latitude, which is BOSEC-approved, a requirement for fire detection devices and systems in The Netherlands, has a powerful network-wide cause-and-effect capability. The system can support 5000 entries, with up to 20,000 inputs and 20,000 outputs across the network.  Benefits of Latitude The new building at Kervo is a huge facility making the Latitude system the best solution The new building at Kervo is a huge facility, at over 40 meters in height it required over 2.5km of cabling and hundreds of fire detection devices to help make the building secure, making the Latitude system the best solution.   “Due to the nature of this project, there have been some technical aspects where we have needed to seek advice, but the team at Hochiki has been very helpful in working with us to create the best solution for our customer." Easy to install with high standards "We choose Hochiki products and systems because they are reliable, they are easy to install and, most importantly, meet the high standards and regulations required by the laws of The Netherlands, we would recommend Hochiki products for this reason.”  Hochiki’s analog addressable range (ESP intelligent) together with the Latitude system are EN54 Part 13 certified and with the BOSEC certification also in place, they provide the best complete and compliant fire detection system for businesses across the Belgium region as well as bordering countries such as Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and Germany.  

Since the end of 2023, Bosch's artificial intelligence has been safeguarding the world-renowned Aachen Cathedral, which is more than 1,200 years old. Germany's first UNESCO World Heritage site has been equipped by Bosch Building Technologies and the engineering firm planning with an intelligent video solution that protects it against a multitude of potential threats. Intelligent video solution Fires, in particular, can be devastating for such a historic building of inestimable intangible value and this is precisely why Aachen Cathedral has opted for the new system, which can detect a potential danger particularly quickly: Over 50 Aviotec cameras from Bosch in 16 rooms use intelligent video analytics to visually detect smoke and flames directly at their source. Due to AI algorithms, video cameras can also differentiate, for example, candlelight from a developing fire. This substantially reduces the likelihood of false alarms. Thus, the cameras respond much earlier than conventional ceiling-mounted fire detectors, which require smoke to rise to them. Fire detection "We are proud of this globally unique project at Aachen Cathedral," says Dr. Marcus Nadenau, Head of the European system integrator business Energy and Building Solutions at Bosch Building Technologies. "Aviotec offers an invaluable speed advantage in fire detection, especially in buildings with complex layouts and high ceilings," adds Dr. Nadenau.   Video surveillance Cathedral master builder Dr. Jan Richarz, who took over the project from his predecessor Helmut Maintz, emphasizes the significance of this technology for the protection of Aachen Cathedral, supported by the Karlsverein / Cathedral Construction Association and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, "With this video surveillance solution, Aachen is a global leader." "It protects our World Heritage site as reliably and innovatively as befits its historical, religious, and cultural significance. I am very satisfied with the result and the collaborative partnership," says Dr. Richarz. AI protects treasures of immeasurable value Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits Aviotec primarily secures the cathedral's interior with its valuable relics and unique artworks, admired by over a million visitors annually. The video solution ensures that visitors can get as close as possible to the many treasures without endangering them: Aviotec raises the alarm if someone enters the virtual exclusion zones around individual exhibits.  Day-night surveillance During the day, it protects the cathedral from vandalism and theft, and at night from break-ins. Thanks to Aviotec, visitor flows can now be managed much more efficiently, as only a limited number of people are allowed in the cathedral at any one time: The previously laborious manual counting of visitors is now undertaken by the video solution. Protecting an important building together Bosch Building Technologies, in collaboration with the engineering firm, planned, developed, and implemented the comprehensive video solution for the cathedral. Every step was closely coordinated with the Cathedral Construction Lodge, whose challenging task is to preserve the cathedral and its treasures for the future.  "Aviotec from Bosch offers early fire detection and video security functions in one system, perfectly meeting the special protection needs of this sacred building," says Ralf Wolters from the engineering firm planning. "Cutting-edge technology meets centuries-old treasures. This combination has excited me," says the engineer. Integrated fire alarm system A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location An advantage of the Aachen solution is its close integration with the local fire department: As soon as one of the Aviotec cameras detects a developing fire, the Aachen professional fire department is informed via the normatively integrated fire alarm system. A monitor shows arriving firefighters live images from the cathedral and informs them about the exact location where the danger was detected. This saves valuable time. Due to the high Aviotec standard, the fire department allowed the solution to be connected to its systems as a special detector. As the world's first system for video-based fire detection, Aviotec was certified by VdS in 2017. Close coordination with heritage conservation To determine the ideal position for each camera within the building, digital floor plans were initially created, followed by an elaborate 3D simulation. Heritage conservation was involved early on, allowing the video system to blend almost invisibly into the existing ensemble. During the installation phase, more than 30 craftsmen worked in the cathedral at times, implementing electricity, lighting, and the new video solution in coordination. For the entire team, it was a special experience to work on a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Boosting its safety credentials in the French market, global wireless solutions provider Ramtech has successfully helped safeguard La Tour Pleyel – a 129 m skyscraper undergoing major restructuring ahead of the Paris Olympic Games. The iconic venue, which is due to complete in spring 2024, is being turned into a multi-purpose complex in the Plaine Saint-Denis and Greater Paris area – requiring a comprehensive fire safety solution to protect workers and site assets during the construction phase. Event of a fire incident The WES3 Wireless Fire Safety and Evacuation System is being used throughout the 39 floors of the site, providing an automatic 24/7 smoke and heat detection system that helps coordinate emergency response in the event of a fire incident.  Fire safety should be the top priority at any construction site in order to keep workers safe" Stephane Stoesser, business development manager – France at Ramtech, said: "Fire safety should be the top priority at any construction site in order to keep workers safe, as well as project timelines and finances in check, and the WES3 system is the perfect choice for protection against potential hazards. This was a significant project, across a huge number of floors, so traditional methods of incident response, such as air horns or walking patrols, would only pose long delays between detection and emergency response. A forward-thinking, digital solution was needed, and we were delighted that our system was chosen to help keep people safe ahead of the Olympic Games.” WES3 wireless fire system The extensive renovation process at La Tour Pleyel has seen the construction of a hotel, conference center, and additional towers. The adaptability and ease of installation of the WES3 system were crucial in providing effective fire detection to an ever-evolving construction site. The WES3 wireless fire system proved the ideal choice for the large-scale project Ramtech’s role in safeguarding La Tour Pleyel comes off the back of further success in Paris, including protecting The Arboretum – a 125,000 sq ft tertiary campus on the banks of the river Seine. The solid wood structure of the building put it at particular risk of fire damage, and the WES3 wireless fire system proved the ideal choice for the large-scale project, as chosen by contractor GCC Groupe thanks to the system’s scalability and efficiency.  Author's quote Adam Kovics, sales manager at Ramtech, said: “Right now we’re experiencing an accelerated growth period in the French market, which shows contractors are putting safety first and investing in technology to help futureproof construction sites." “Our aim at Ramtech is to help increase fire safety education across Europe and beyond, and these recent projects show we’re well on our way to achieving that. We’re pleased with the presence we’re building in the French region and look forward to working with even more contractors and fire safety professionals in 2024.”

The holiday season is marked by festive spirit and family celebrations, but it is also the busiest time of year for retailers. Busy shoppers willing to spend money are an upside to the holiday shopping season, and many businesses depend on the holiday rush as a critical element to having a successful year. A downside of a busy holiday season is an increase in retail security threats including shoplifting. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can technology address loss prevention challenges during the holiday shopping season?

The new school year is a good time to reflect on the role of security in protecting our schools. From video to access control to some newer technologies, our Expert Panel Roundtable found plenty to talk about when we asked this week’s question: How does security technology make our schools safer?