Store surveillance

Artificial Intelligence Technology Solutions, Inc. (the “Company”), a global pioneer in AI-driven security and productivity solutions for enterprise clients, along with its wholly owned subsidiary Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), today announced the signing of a new national authorized dealer, marking a significant expansion into the logistics sector. The new dealer has placed an initial order for four RIO™ Mini solar-powered security trailers, each equipped with RAD’s powerful SARA™ (Speaking Autonomous Responsive Agent), destined for one of the country’s largest logistics providers. Benefits of the partnership This latest dealer partnership represents the Company’s continued penetration of the logistics market with a dealer specifically bringing RAD solutions to them. The imminent deployment of the RIO Mini units underscores the rising demand for agile, AI-powered security solutions within the logistics sector. By aligning with a top-tier dealer serving one of the nation’s largest logistics operations, RAD is positioned to drive further adoption and expansion across a market that demands performance, reliability, and innovation. RIO Mini RIO Mini is designed to deliver powerful autonomous security wherever it is needed most RIO Mini is designed to deliver powerful autonomous security wherever it is needed most. Compact, solar-powered, and rapidly deployable, each unit will be fully integrated with SARA, RAD’s agentic AI-driven monitoring and response platform. SARA enables every RIO Mini to detect, analyze, and respond to security events in real time, providing the end user with continuous, interactive protection. For logistics operators managing vast properties and complex operations, this level of autonomous oversight translates into faster incident response, stronger deterrence, and a measurable reduction in traditional security costs. Words from the AITX and RAD CEO “We are on track for our best quarter with growing revenues just part of the story,” said Steve Reinharz, CEO/CTO and founder of AITX and RAD. “We are thrilled to welcome this new partner and see our RIO Mini units heading straight into the heart of the logistics industry. This relationship highlights the market’s growing appetite for proven AI-driven security solutions and positions us to accelerate our expansion into critical infrastructure sectors.” Rising incidents of trespassing and theft Recent industry reports show rising incidents of trespassing and theft at logistics and distribution centers, making advanced security an urgent priority across the sector. RIO Mini, powered by the SARA platform, delivers a cost-effective solution that meets these needs directly. With real-time detection, active deterrence, and clear reporting capabilities, RIO Mini provides logistics providers with reliable, performance-driven security and monitoring. By automating surveillance and response, this solution protects high-value assets and delivers the data and accountability today’s operations require. RAD invites logistics providers, security professionals, and industry leaders to discover how RIO Mini and SARA are reshaping the future of security. ROSA ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution Sitting atop a standard RIO configuration are one or two ROSA™ units. ROSA is a multiple award-winning, compact, self-contained, portable, security and communication solution that can be installed and activated in about 15 minutes. ROSA’s AI-driven security analytics include human, firearm, vehicle detection, license plate recognition, responsive digital signage and audio messaging, and complete integration with RAD’s software suite notification and autonomous response library. Two-way communication is optimized for cellular, including live video from ROSA’s high-resolution, full-color, always-on cameras. RAD has published six Case Studies detailing how ROSA has helped eliminate instances of theft, trespassing and loitering at retail centers, hospital campuses, multi-family communities, car rental locations and construction sites across the country. Redefining security and guarding services industry AITX, through its subsidiary, Robotic Assistance Devices, Inc. (RAD), is redefining the nearly $50 billion (US) security and guarding services industry through its broad lineup of innovative, AI-driven Solutions-as-a-Service business model. RAD solutions are specifically designed to provide cost savings to businesses of between 35%-80% when compared to the industry’s existing and costly manned security guarding and monitoring model. RAD delivers these tremendous cost savings via a suite of stationary and mobile robotic solutions that complement, and at times, directly replace the need for human personnel in environments better suited for machines. All RAD technologies, AI-based analytics and software platforms are developed in-house. Company’s operations and internal controls The Company’s operations and internal controls have been validated through successful completion of its SOC 2 Type 2 audit, reinforcing the Company’s credibility with enterprise and government clients who require strict data protection and security compliance. RAD has a prospective sales pipeline of over 35 Fortune 500 companies and numerous other client opportunities. RAD expects to continue to attract new business as it converts its existing sales opportunities into deployed clients generating a recurring revenue stream. Each Fortune 500 client has the potential of making numerous reorders over time.

ZKTeco USA, a major provider of biometric verification and access control technology, announced the company has launched its new cloud-based access control software platform, Cielo365 that is changing the game in access control. Cielo365 is an add-on product that enables customers to easily transition from an on-premise solution to a cloud-based system effortlessly. The new software supports legacy ZKTeco devices and is compatible with existing access control hardware including SpeedFace and Pro Series panels, and new hardware such as the Omni Series. Cielo365 Cielo365 is an industry pioneer, cloud-based SaaS access control software application that allows users the ability to manage their access control from anywhere at any time, on any device. “We truly offer customers a one stop shop access control solution that is extremely scalable and cost effective,” states Esteban Pastor from ZKTeco USA. “Users now have an easy way to transition to the cloud with Cielo365 and utilize one centralized interface to control access and monitor multiple locations globally.” Blue Sky and ZKTeco partnership “Blue Sky Systems is extremely excited to partner with ZKTeco USA and provide greater choice to customers looking for a cloud solution,” states Jason Bair. “The best part about Cielo365 is the ease of integration to ZKTeco’s existing standalone reader & controller; making it the perfect solution for customers who want to transition to the cloud with ease." Software features Cielo365 software was designed to be a flexible, scalable foundation to help customers elevate their security Cielo365 software was designed to be a flexible, scalable foundation to help customers elevate their security by eliminating the need for onsite servers. Features include device and real-time monitoring, alarms & notifications, multi-site management, site maps and reports, customer user roles, and interlock & anti-passback. With remote access capabilities, users receive their own login and can manage various functions, such as opening doors, locking doors, adding users, and more, from any location using their tablet, laptop, home PC, or mobile device. Needs of the market ZKTeco USA understands the needs of the market and manufactures all products in-house to help keep costs low and quality high.  Its rugged hardware line includes a standalone reader and controller that eliminates the need for wires for a faster installation. With different screen sizes available, the standalone unit can be used as an intercom and integrated with visitor management, biometrics & video surveillance systems, and can also be used for mobile credential management. ZKTeco USA offers everything needed to streamline an organization's access control, whether it’s across a single facility or multiple sites.

DGS Service Solutions, an established provider of outsourced security, cleaning and facilities management services, has successfully implemented Podfather logistics software within its newly launched Industrial Division. With a focus on window cleaning, gutter cleaning, high level cleaning, power washing, and industrial deep cleans, Podfather provides DGS Industrial Services with a proven way to boost its customer experience. Addressing emerging market needs Using the Podfather app, operatives capture detailed evidence of time spent on-site and works undertaken, complete with time, date, and location stamped photographs, and signatures. This information can then be shared with the customer for real-time reporting and also keeps back-office support staff, the finance team, and management, up-to-date. “The new Industrial Services division represents an exciting expansion of our capabilities and a strategic move towards addressing emerging market needs,” commented David Huxley, Managing Director and founder of DGS Services Solutions. “With this move, we aim to redefine standards, foster growth, and make a lasting impact in our industry.” Processing customer reports DGS has secured major contracts with two retail customers as well as Lisburn and Castlereagh Council Headed by Industrial Services Director Jason Allen, the new division of DGS has gone from a standing start in early 2024, to an established team that is serving customers across Northern Ireland. In the first few months alone, DGS has secured major contracts with two retail customers as well as Lisburn and Castlereagh Council, and Belfast City Council. “I have worked with clients in this sector for many years and I know what their expectations are in terms of customer experience,” added Allen. “Having used Podfather in a previous position I knew what it could deliver us in the way of customer reporting. The Podfather ePOD app is easy to use, easy to integrate and easy to customize.” Capturing detailed information “With just a few clicks we can capture detailed information of who did what, where, and when, and this can instantly be shared with the end-client, who may or may not be onsite, in a format and delivery method that suits them. The information is also instantly accessible by our customer services team who are the first port of call for any customer queries and our accounting team to inform invoicing.” “We are also incorporating our use of Podfather within our bidding and tender process,” Allen continued. “By demonstrating its power and adaptability within the customer experience, I am confident that this is helping us win more business.” Digital capture of information The electronic proof of delivery (ePOD) functionality used by DGS, is part of the wider Podfather solution which includes route planning and optimization, vehicle checks, ETA notifications, tracking, and reporting. Running on even the most basic of smartphone or mobile device the digital capture of information reduces the use of paper delivery notes or worksheets, making time sensitive information instantly accessible. It also reduces the administrative burden of processing customer reports and invoices. Established in 2013, DGS Service Solutions provide a range of outsourced Security, Cleaning and FM Solutions, to customers including shopping centres, offices, factories, and retail outlets, across Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Six Degrees is pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Drolet as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Tony Healy as its new Chief Information and Technology Officer (CITO). Both appointments bring an impressive track record to Six Degrees. As the Chief Operating Officer, Mike is focused heavily on the transformation and delivery of technology and services to the customers. Extensive experience With extensive global experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge in the deployment of innovative technology With extensive global experience, he brings a wealth of knowledge in the deployment of innovative technology and the delivery of strong, customer-centric results. Mike has held multiple COO positions within the technology, professional services, and consulting industries, and his tenure includes global roles with Geometric Results, Inc (GRI), Pontoon (a subsidiary of the Adecco Group), Infocrossing (a Wipro Company), and Deloitte. New CITO Tony is an award-winning Chief Information and Technology Officer with a proven track record of leading global technology functions across complex, fast-paced environments. He brings extensive experience from multiple private equity-backed organizations operating in pharma, transportation, retail, infrastructure, software, and professional services. Tony has delivered large-scale digital transformations, executed M&A integrations, and embedded cyber and data strategies that drive measurable business outcomes. He is known for shaping high-performing teams, modernising technology platforms, and aligning innovation with commercial growth. Drive new innovation Regarding his new role, Mike Drolet, COO, Six Degrees, said: “I’m delighted to be joining the Six Degrees team as Chief Operating Officer at such a pivotal time. I’m passionate about technology and delivering meaningful outcomes for our customers; I look forward to working with the extremely talented teams at Six Degrees to drive new innovation and deliver cutting-edge services and value to those we serve.” Ready to meet the future Tony Healy, CITO, Six Degrees, said: “I’m excited to join Six Degrees as Chief Information and Technology Officer. My focus will be on aligning our technology, cyber security, and product strategies with our broader business goals – delivering successful product launches, improving customer satisfaction, and ultimately driving organic growth.” “I’m particularly passionate about harnessing the potential of data and AI to drive innovation and value for Six Degrees and our customers, and I look forward to shaping agile, high-performing teams that are ready to meet the future head-on.” Authority comments Commenting on Mike and Tony’s appointments, Vince DeLuca, CEO, Six Degrees, said: “I’m really pleased to welcome Mike and Tony to Six Degrees. Their appointments will help us to achieve key strategic pillars including delivering for our customers now and in the future; reaching new markets; and elevating our service portfolio."  "With their combined experience in transformation, innovation, and delivery, I believe we now have the right leadership team in place to realize our vision to be the most trusted and innovative managed services partner, empowering our clients’ success.”

Digitalization is high on the agenda, or well under-way, in all kinds of commercial environments. As part of this process, many businesses are discovering an additional ROI when they digitalize access management for offices, retail spaces, entertainment venues, warehouses and more.  The challenges of securing these buildings are no secret. Staff and business security are a priority, including the resilience of operations and the maintenance of a company’s hard-earned reputation. Filtering access, however, should not erect barriers to accessibility. Buildings should be comfortable to use for all those who are authorized to enter them. Web management software Digital access makes this much easier to achieve, providing day-to-day benefits for each building stakeholder – employees and building managers, owners and the contractors who come and go through commercial building spaces every day. During use, when employees, contractors and visitors can come-and-go with ease, collaboration is simpler and administration for building managers is more streamlined. This functionality supports the broad contribution to business efficiency that digitalisation brings. This functionality supports the broad contribution to business efficiency that digitalisation brings There’s a device to lock almost any opening and a digital solution which can either extend existing access management capability or implement digital access from scratch without cabling or invasive installation. Mobile credentials stored on a smartphone can simplify and accelerate the process of issuing, amending and revoking access. Facility and security managers can benefit from web management software, including mobile access management, which enables remote monitoring and control from one convenient point, or even while off-site. Generating higher revenues According to digital transformation experts, digital access enhances operational agility, improves productivity, enhances security and encourages innovation. Deloitte research found evidence that businesses with greater ‘digital maturity’ generated higher revenues. “Access is an increasingly important part of a digital picture which incorporates both physical and cyber security measures,” says Joachim Mahlstedt, Director and CCO Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access quickly provides benefits which a business can turn into a competitive advantage. It puts powerful tools in the hands of a commercial building manager, as these four real projects demonstrated.” Multiple building technologies Example 1 – Office building Managing access manually and updating multiple systems in parallel can eat up a large amount of facilities staff time. There is a more efficient alternative: management of offices is more streamlined and errors are minimised when multiple building technologies, including access, are connected. There is a more efficient alternative: management of offices is more streamlined and errors are minimised At a new corporate headquarters for Canal+ near Paris, for example, various devices from ASSA ABLOY’s suite of connected Digital Access Solutions – including battery-powered Aperio® wireless handles with integrated readers and ABLOY electromechanical security locks – integrate with a Genetec system to filter access to and through all technical areas, for 1,200 employees plus visitors and contractors. This native integration adds control without adding management complexity. Aperio is not an ‘add-on’, no extra database is required. It becomes part of one streamlined system, controlled from a single interface. Programmable key-operated digital access Example 2 – Manufacturing site Digital access is also available for high security environments and/or locations where multiple different cylinder types must be used. In Germany, RheinfelsQuellen opted for ASSA ABLOY’s eCLIQ programmable key-operated digital access. At its Duisburg HQ and other locations around North Rhine–Westphalia, their new digital locking operates reliably both indoors and outside. The system is managed via the CLIQ Web Manager (CWM); system data may be accessed at any time, and from any location, via the CWM interface. The software's flexibility makes it especially suited to large access systems or for multiple locations which are geographically dispersed. “We would choose this secure and flexible locking solution time and time again,” says Marcus Schlötels, Project Manager at RheinfelsQuellen. Software-powered digital access solution Example 3 – Small retail ASSA ABLOY’s Code Handle locks fitted on a few key doors were the answer Petty theft from stockrooms and shop floors is a persistent problem for retailers. Yet in small premises, a software-powered digital access solution may not be appropriate. In Leuven, Belgium, upscale fashion boutique Patio sought an easy, low-cost deterrent. ASSA ABLOY’s Code Handle locks fitted on a few key doors were the answer.  Door security is operated by a discreet PINpad built into a brushed-chrome handle. Two standard batteries slot inside each Code Handle to power the digital security. These typically last for 30,000 lock/unlock cycles. Code Handle comes with one Master PIN; the store manager issues up to 9 additional 4–6-digit PINs. When an employee leaves Patio, it’s simple to delete their PIN. Flexible work environment Example 4 – Flexible workspace Modern workplace design needs access control that is powerful, flexible and aesthetically in tune with building users. At Plexal, an East London flexible work environment used by up to 800 entrepreneurs, ASSA ABLOY Aperio digital access achieves all three. Plexal offices are fitted with Aperio wireless digital locks which are integrated with DoorFlow, NetNodes’ online platform for managing and auditing access. These locks provide Plexal with physical security and transmit door status to DoorFlow in real time. Because they are battery- rather than mains-powered, Aperio locks also keep maintenance costs and energy consumption low. “Digitalisation presents huge challenges and opportunities for businesses of every size and type, in access management and beyond,” adds Joachim Mahlstedt. “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to truly get their access ready for what’s ahead. With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”

Hanwha Vision, the global vision solution provider, has launched Q series fisheye cameras with enhanced AI, providing a range of intelligent analytics alongside 360-degree monitoring. Ideally suited for retail, hospitality, public spaces, and residential settings, with models QNF-C9010 for indoor use, and QNF-C9010V for outdoor use. Efficient investigations with AI Accurate object detection and classification, powered by leading AI algorithms, reduces false alarms caused by wildlife, weather, and changing light patterns. The cameras generate object metadata for quick forensic search in complex scenes, making investigations highly efficient. Footage can be searched based on detected vehicles, people - plus color of clothing (upper and lower) and vehicle color. Nine colours can be detected, including black, white, gray, and primary colours. The cameras feature a host of intelligent video analytics including virtual area, appear and disappear, and line-crossing detection. Alerts can be issued based on predefined rules, such as a person remaining in a space for a specific time, or a vehicle crossing a virtual line into a car park. Business intelligence for data-driven decisions The fisheye cameras include heatmapping analytics, people and vehicle counting, and queue management, to enable more strategic decisions such as staffing for checkout counters in a retail space, where to place advertising in public spaces, or limiting the number of people entering a hospitality venue. This delivers value beyond security in other business areas such as marketing, sales, and operations. Clear images, compact form To deliver clear images to operators, the cameras have on-board dewarping To deliver clear images to operators, the cameras have on-board dewarping, which stretches footage out to a horizontal, wide field of view, with no distortion of the image at the edges. There are options for single four-frame views of a space, double or single panoramas, and quad views. The QNF-C9010 is a compact fisheye camera, 52mm in height, making it ideal for indoor settings where it can be discreetly installed on a ceiling or wall. The QNF-C9010V is a larger model with an aluminum casing and IP66 and IK10 ratings, and vandal protection, designed for outdoor environments. Next-level cybersecurity The Q series AI fisheye cameras come with industry-leading end-to-end cybersecurity features, including user and network authentication, secure communication, access control based on IP addresses, device ID, and secure storage. Footage and data are securely stored, with hacking risk pre-empted through unauthorized access blocking. John Lutz Boorman, Head of Product and Marketing, Hanwha Vision Europe, said, “The latest Q series fisheye cameras deliver the benefits of our leading AI-powered analytics to help operators and businesses make smarter decisions. With 360-degree monitoring, a compact and discreet form factor, and business intelligence capabilities, these cameras suit a multitude of applications.”

Retailers now often find themself in a precarious situation. Profit margins are being squeezed by widespread shoplifting: The Council on Criminal Justice reports that between the first half of 2023 and the first half of 2024, shoplifting reports increased by 24%. Meanwhile, the strategies used by shops to deal with this situation are alienating consumers and affecting total sales. Andy Jassy, the CEO of Amazon, stated during an earnings call that customers are now purchasing more pharmaceuticals from Amazon in response to other retailers locking their cabinets. Media reports This crisis impacts not only the large chains—more than 7,100 retail stores were closed in the U.S. in 2024, a 69% increase from the previous year—but also small, local businesses, whose profit margins are even narrower.  Media reports out of Los Angeles show that small businesses in regions with greater shoplifting rates are more likely to close, and small business owners' job satisfaction and general well-being are negatively impacted by the fear of crime. How to safeguard staff and inventory Unchecked retail theft demoralizes staff and makes the store less attractive to customers This is obviously not a sustainable situation. In addition to lowering revenue, unchecked retail theft demoralizes staff and makes the store less attractive to customers.  Unfortunately, making customers wait in line to enter a store or locking up toothpaste and deodorant only makes the customer relationship worse. Retailers need to figure out how to safeguard staff and inventory without alienating their customer base—and they need to figure it out fast. Advanced video security A new tool has come to the forefront of this fight: advanced video security. Of course, video surveillance has been used in stores for many years. However, the technology currently being used to reduce retail theft is very different from the outdated analog video systems of the past. With features like cloud-based flexibility and AI-enhanced analytics, this new generation of video surveillance systems has all the advantages of modern technological advancements, while also providing businesses with a competitive edge in the fight against retail theft. Security's new AI video standard Workers are constantly rushing from aisle to aisle in an effort to satisfy eager consumers Although the typical chain pharmacy may appear straightforward to the customer, retailers are aware of how intricate these spaces are. Hundreds or even thousands of shoppers may come and go on any given day, with a larger volume during busy seasons like holidays or special promotional events.  It's common for shoppers to pick up merchandise and put it down in another part of the store, often far away from its original location. Meanwhile, workers are constantly rushing from aisle to aisle in an effort to satisfy eager consumers, particularly during these busy seasons. How much can recorded videos reveal in a busy Using traditional CCTV, managers and security teams can monitor some of this activity, but their viewpoint of events will always be incomplete.  There is a limit to how much recorded videos can reveal in busy, fast-paced customer situations, and even the largest chain stores lack the staff and resources to continuously sort and evaluate all of the data they collect. When more customers are in the store for a special event, there’s also naturally a higher risk of theft. New generation of video security Using machine learning algorithms trained on large amounts of retail-specific data The new generation of video security aims to provide retailers with comprehensive intelligence that covers all aspects of their operations.  Using machine learning algorithms trained on large amounts of retail-specific data, they are focused on predictive actions and can recognize problematic behavior in real time from raw video footage. AI-powered surveillance For example, if someone entered a store with empty bags but bypassed the cashier and started heading to the exit with a full bag, AI could predict a potential theft before it happens. Instead of just recording the theft, security action could be triggered in the moment. AI-powered surveillance is like an all-seeing security officer, quickly analyzing the thousands of variables at play and spotting the warning signs of a possible crime before it happens. This is especially crucial during the holidays and busy shopping periods. Security personnel required to monitor cameras Imagine a chain store with 500 locations and 32 cameras each: that’s 1,600 cameras Cameras with AI can also alert human security personnel of events that would have otherwise been missed. Imagine a chain store with 500 locations and 32 cameras each: that’s 1,600 cameras. Now just imagine the number of security personnel required to monitor all of those cameras – when it comes down to it, traditional security is a numbers game. AI is the differentiator here that will allow retailers to win this game. VSaaS: A new tool to Deter Theft The emergence of Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS), a surprisingly under-discussed aspect of the broader SaaS revolution, is an important part of video security’s evolution. VSaaS solutions are especially helpful for chains that require a high level of centralization and coordination across hundreds or even thousands of locations. In addition to offering action alerts at the shop level, VSaaS offers comprehensive security systems accessible from any location. This gives corporate headquarters access to complete, aggregated insights on all aspects of business operations. Identify the best ways to deploy staff Retail operators are constantly in a state of triage, rushing to identify the best ways to deploy staff This is significant in part because of the importance that social engineering and store layout have in preventing theft. Stores are frequently more busy during specific hours than others, and consumers may congregate in particular areas of the store while others are comparatively empty.  Retail operators are constantly in a state of triage, rushing to identify the best ways to deploy staff and organize inventory while accounting for all of these variables. Cloud-based VSaaS solutions Cloud-based VSaaS solutions help streamline this process by eliminating uncertainty, highlighting blind spots and bottlenecks, and informing retailers of what truly works.  Another regrettable reality is that employees frequently steal from businesses they work at.  Here, too, VSaaS solutions—when combined with sophisticated, integrated access controls—are essential. AI analytics technology Implementation and deployment of VSaaS is also easier and less costly than CCTV Implementation and deployment of VSaaS is also easier and less costly than CCTV. When new AI analytic updates become available, the client software and hardware don’t need to be upgraded, and the onsite technology and cameras also don’t need to be replaced. The AI analytics technology is upgraded in the cloud, enabling faster deployment and implementation of new technology. New VSaaS solutions Theft will always occur at some level; it's just a part of doing business. However, the growth in shoplifting that retailers have experienced in recent years is unacceptable, and if these figures keep rising, the consequences will be disastrous. In a time of dire need for retail, new VSaaS solutions have come to the forefront and are already turning the tide.

A survey conducted by Blackhawk Network finds the average shopper plans to spend almost half of their holiday budget to buy gift cards this year versus only 39% in 2023. The global gift card market was valued at $1.3 billion USD in 2023, and it is projected to reach more than $5.2 billion USD by 2032. Fraud - a growing concern While gift cards continue to be top of mind for consumers for streamlined gifting, gift card fraud is a growing concern for consumers and businesses alike. According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) unit, gift card fraud, perpetrated by Chinese and other organized retail theft (ORT) rings, can be attributed to losses in the hundreds of millions of dollars globally, and is being used to fund other illicit crimes such as drug and human trafficking. The retailers implement procedures to mitigate attacks. Using data insights to detect emerging threats and identify hidden connections is among the ways retailers can protect the integrity of their gift card programs. How gift card fraud is manifested Typical physical gift card scheme involves purchasing items using stolen credit cards  Gift card fraud occurs both at physical locations and online. A typical physical gift card scheme involves purchasing items using stolen credit cards and then returning the items for store credit or gift cards. While some stores have strict and well-enforced return policies to ensure that only customers entitled to refunds receive them, fraudsters employ fake tracking ID (FTID) tactics that focus on bypassing identification checks during returns, enabling them to return stolen merchandise or exploit refund policies.  They use a combination of fake IDs and altered receipts or rely on lax return processes to achieve their goals. Once gift cards are obtained, criminals can sell them at a discount or use them for personal purchases, effectively converting stolen goods or false claims into untraceable funds. Tactics to convince consumers One tactic involves draining a gift card by obtaining the barcode, Card Verification Value (CVV) number, personal identification number (PIN), or activation code from beneath the slim cardboard packaging. Once they obtain the code(s) from physical cards, they reseal them, monitor online for consumers to buy and load the cards, then spend the balances before the consumers can. Some merchants have sought to combat this by keeping store-branded gift cards behind the checkout counter, handing them out after purchase. However, this approach can be costly and inconvenient for both retailers and customers, as it requires additional resources for in-store management and potentially slows the purchasing process. Other online tactics involve people who misrepresent themselves in a variety of phishing scams to convince consumers to purchase gift cards, then provide the card details to others who then drain the cards. Scammers tell the victim which gift card to buy (and where). They might say to put money on a card for an online store, a streaming service, or a specific retail store. These scammers often work as part of an organized crime network. Retailers leveraging open info, AI, to combat gift card fraud Retailers are empowered to improve the monitoring and analysis of gift card transaction patterns A growing number of retailers are leveraging publicly available (PAI) and hard-to-reach data and analytics to extract key insights that help fight various forms of gift card fraud and stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics. With such tools, retailers are empowered to improve the monitoring and analysis of gift card transaction patterns, identify anomalies, and implement proactive measures to prevent fraudulent activities before they can impact consumers and sales revenues. Retailers need this type of approach in their efforts to battle scammers, who continue to refine tactics for draining gift cards and committing other types of retail fraud. Beyond simply refining their techniques, fraudsters continue to advance their use of technology to commit their crimes. For example, cybercriminals also use bots to perform brute force attacks on gift card websites. They are increasingly using AI to perpetrate gift card fraud. Leveraging Latest AI And LLMs Retailers need to continually upgrade their fraud-fighting strategies and technologies as well. They can lean into PAI and analytics, in conjunction with existing security operations and investigations, to safeguard the integrity of their gift card programs and demonstrate their commitment to customers, reinforcing brand trust. In addition to leveraging the latest versions of AI and large language models (LLMs), retailers can take advantage of open-source intelligence (OSINT). By leveraging PAI and difficult-to-obtain data with analytics, brands are using OSINT to more quickly seize on evolving threat patterns to recognize current and shifting fraud schemes and stay ahead of evolving fraud tactics. In this way, the AI operates as a resource multiplier, compiling and processing data at faster-than-human speeds, while enabling the ability to extract actionable insights at scale. Users can make more accurate and timely decisions. Retailers need to upgrade their fraud-fighting strategies and technologies. Safeguarding gift cards, customer trust, and Brand integrity OSINT can inform retail security managers, loss prevention directors, fraud investigators, and others to help spot and deter gift card fraud. By using AI to detect patterns and anomalies, OSINT solutions can help fraud specialists spot patterns of suspicious activity that may indicate distinct instances of fraud. AI further helps fraud specialists identify members of ORT rings by uncovering hidden connections among seemingly unrelated individuals and transactions. The market for retail gift cards is large and continues to grow, and so too, is the gift card fraud threat. By adopting OSINT for fraud prevention, retailers can stay ahead of tech-savvy criminals, safeguarding gift card revenue streams as well as customer trust and brand integrity.

The artificial intelligence revolution in physical security has arrived, transforming how we protect people, assets, and infrastructure. From smart buildings that automatically adjust access protocols based on real-time threat assessments to healthcare facilities using AI-enhanced video analytics for patient safety, these technologies are reshaping the industry landscape. But with this transformation comes a new era of regulatory oversight that security professionals must navigate carefully.  Convergence of AI The convergence of powerful AI capabilities with traditional security systems has created unprecedented opportunities for enhanced protections while simultaneously raising important questions about privacy, transparency, and responsible deployment. As these technologies become more sophisticated, security professionals face the dual challenge of maximizing their potential while ensuring compliance with evolving regulatory frameworks.  The current state of AI in security systems  By combining multiple data streams, AI creates a more comprehensive and intelligent security ecosystem Today's AI-driven security solutions extend far beyond traditional security capabilities. Modern systems can understand complex human behaviors, analyze crowd patterns in transportation hubs, detect early signs of trouble in retail environments, and even predict potential security breaches before they occur. By combining multiple data streams — video feeds, access control systems, audio detection, and various sensors — AI creates a more comprehensive and intelligent security ecosystem.  Industrial applications The impact is particularly evident in integrated security operations. In healthcare settings, AI systems can simultaneously monitor patient safety, manage access control, and detect unauthorized entries, all while maintaining strict privacy protocols. In education environments, these technologies help safeguard campuses by identifying unusual behavior patterns while respecting student privacy rights. Retail operations benefit from AI's ability to not only detect potential theft but also analyze customer flow patterns and identify operational inefficiencies.  The technology's capabilities continue to expand through: Advanced anomaly detection that establishes normal activity patterns and flags deviations.  Predictive analytics that forecast potential security risks before incidents occur.  Natural language interfaces that allow security teams to query video data using voice or text commands.  Multimodal analysis combining data from thermal cameras, LIDAR, IoT sensors, and other sources.  Integration of multiple data sources Security systems are evolving into predictive platforms that can anticipate and prevent incidents These innovations represent just the beginning of AI's potential impact on security applications. As algorithms become more sophisticated and computing power increases, security systems are evolving into predictive platforms that can anticipate and prevent incidents rather than simply respond to them. The integration of multiple data sources allows for a more nuanced understanding of security situations, enabling more precise and effective responses to potential threats.  Emerging regulatory frameworks  The rapid advancement of AI capabilities has prompted governments worldwide to develop comprehensive regulatory frameworks. The European Union has taken the lead with its AI Act, categorizing AI systems based on their potential risks and establishing strict guidelines for high-risk applications.  Focus on safe, secure AI The United States is following suit, with recent executive orders focusing on safe, secure, and trustworthy AI development. These initiatives reflect growing global awareness of the need to balance technological advancement with ethical considerations and human rights protection. These regulations are reshaping how security technology providers approach development and implementation. Responsibility-by-design approach Companies must consider the entire lifecycle of their AI solutions, from initial development The focus has shifted toward a "responsibility-by-design" approach, where privacy protection, data security, and ethical considerations are built into systems from the ground up. This includes robust testing protocols, responsible data practices, and continuous monitoring of AI systems post-deployment. Companies must consider the entire lifecycle of their AI solutions, from initial development through deployment and ongoing operation.  Transparency, accountability For security professionals, this regulatory evolution means adapting to new requirements around transparency, accountability, and human oversight. Security teams must document how AI systems make decisions, implement safeguards against bias, and ensure human operators maintain final authority over critical security decisions. The regulations also emphasize the importance of data protection, requiring organizations to implement strict controls over how information is collected, stored, and used within AI-powered security systems.  Address challenges of AI The regulatory landscape continues to evolve, with new frameworks emerging that specifically address the unique challenges of AI in security applications. These include requirements for regular system audits, mandatory impact assessments for high-risk deployments, and specific guidelines for handling sensitive personal data in security contexts. Organizations must also develop clear procedures for addressing potential AI system errors or biases, ensuring that corrective measures can be implemented quickly when needed.  Preparing for the future  The challenge lies in maximizing security effectiveness while maintaining transparency and public trust The security industry stands at a crucial junction where innovation meets responsibility. As AI capabilities grow more sophisticated, security professionals must balance the use of these powerful tools while adhering to evolving regulatory requirements. This balance becomes particularly critical in smart city applications, where AI systems might monitor public spaces for safety while respecting individual privacy rights. The challenge lies in maximizing security effectiveness while maintaining transparency and public trust.  Proactive approach Success in this new landscape requires a proactive approach. Security teams should invest in understanding both the technical capabilities and regulatory implications of their AI systems. This includes developing clear protocols for data handling, establishing robust testing procedures, and implementing continuous monitoring systems that can detect and address potential issues before they become problems. Organizations must also create comprehensive training programs to ensure security personnel understand both the capabilities and limitations of AI-powered systems.  Human-in-the-loop approach The human element remains crucial. While AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns beyond human capability, security professionals must maintain oversight and final decision-making authority. This "human-in-the-loop" approach ensures that AI serves as a powerful tool for augmenting human judgment rather than replacing it. Training and education become increasingly important as security teams must understand not only how to operate AI-enhanced systems but also how to interpret their outputs and make informed decisions based on AI-generated insights.  An ever-evolving environment  The integration of emerging technologies like large language models and computer vision will create new opportunities Looking ahead, the security industry will likely see continued evolution in both AI capabilities and regulatory requirements. Future systems may incorporate more advanced predictive capabilities, enhanced natural language processing, and improved ability to understand complex human behaviors. However, these advancements will need to develop within an increasingly structured regulatory framework that prioritizes privacy, transparency, and ethical use. The integration of emerging technologies like large language models and computer vision will create new opportunities while also introducing novel regulatory challenges.  Physical security transformation The transformation of physical security through AI represents both an opportunity and a responsibility. By embracing responsible innovation practices while maintaining strong ethical standards, security professionals can help shape a future where advanced AI capabilities and regulatory compliance work together to create safer, more secure environments for everyone.  Need for security guidelines The key to success lies in viewing regulatory requirements not as obstacles but as guidelines for developing more trustworthy and effective security solutions. As the industry continues to evolve, organizations that prioritize both innovation and compliance will be best positioned to leverage AI's full potential while maintaining public trust and regulatory compliance.

Anyone who has been in a proverbial cave for the last couple of years faced a language barrier at this year’s ISC West 2025 trade show. The industry’s latest wave of innovation has brought with it a new bounty of jargon and buzzwords, some of which I heard at ISC West for the first time. As a public service, we are happy to provide the following partial glossary to promote better understanding of the newer terms. (Some are new to the security industry but have been around in the IT world for years.) Obviously, if we can’t understand the meaning of the industry’s lexicon (and agree on the meaning of terms!), we will struggle to embrace the full benefits of the latest industry innovation. Not to mention we will struggle to communicate. Generative AI Generative AI can identify an object in an image based on its understanding of previous objects This was perhaps the most common new(ish) term I heard bouncing around at ISC West. While the term artificial intelligence (AI) now rolls off everyone’s tongue, the generative “version” of the term is catching up. Generative AI uses what it has learned to create something new. The name comes from the core function of this type of artificial intelligence: it can generate (or create) new content. It doesn’t just copy and paste; it understands the underlying patterns and creates something original based on that understanding. In the case of video, for example, generative AI can identify an object in an image based on its understanding of previous objects it has seen. Video and security Generative AI can tell you something digitally about what is happening in an environment. There is no longer a need to write “rules;” the system can take in data, contextualize it, and understand it, even if it does not exactly match something it has seen before. In the case of video and security, generative AI offers more flexibility and better understanding. From 2014 to 2024, the emphasis was on detecting and classifying things; today AI is expanding to allow new ways to handle data, not so prescriptive and no more rules engines. Agentic AI Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can operate autonomously to achieve specific goals Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can operate autonomously to achieve specific goals, with minimal to no direct human intervention. In addition to the capabilities of generative AI, agentic AI can take action based on what it detects and understands. Use of agentic AI typically revolves around an if/then scenario. That is, if action A occurs, then the system should proceed with action B. For example, if an AI system “sees” a fire, then it will shut down that part of the building automatically without a human having to initiate the shutdown. There is a lot of discussion in the industry about the need to keep humans involved in the decision-making loop, so use of truly autonomous systems will likely be limited in the foreseeable future. However, the ability of agentic AI to act on critical information in a timely manner, in effect to serve as an “agent” in place of a human decision-maker, will find its place in physical security as we move forward. Inference Inference is another common term related to AI. It refers to the process by which an AI model uses the knowledge it gained during its training phase to make predictions, classifications, or generate outputs on new, unseen data. The direct relationship of this term to physical security and video is obvious. In the simplest terms, an AI system is “trained” by learning patterns, relationships, and features from a large dataset. During inference, the trained model is presented with new questions (data it hasn't seen before), and it applies what it learned during training to provide answers or make decisions. Simply put, inference is what makes AI systems intelligent. Containerization Dividing a massive security management system into several separate containers enables management of the various parts In IT, containerization is a form of operating system-level virtualization that allows you to package an application and all its dependencies (libraries, binaries, configuration files) into a single, portable image called a container. This container can then be run consistently across any infrastructure that supports containerization, such as a developer's laptop, a testing environment, or a server in the cloud. In the physical security industry, you hear “containerization” used in the context of separating out the various components of a larger system. Dividing a massive security management system into several independent containers enables the various parts to be managed, updated, and enhanced without impacting the larger whole. Genetec’s SecurityCenter cloud platform Think of it like shipping containers in the real world. Each container holds everything an application needs to run, isolated from other applications and from the underlying system. This ensures that the application will work the same way regardless of the environment it is deployed in.   “It took us five years to containerize Genetec’s SecurityCenter cloud platform, but containerization now simplifies delivering updates to products whenever we want,” says Andrew Elvish, Genetec’s VP Marketing. Among other benefits, containerization enables Genetec to provide more frequent updates--every 12 days. Headless appliance Headless appliance is a device that is managed and controlled remotely through a network or web interface A headless appliance is a device that is managed and controlled remotely through a network or web interface. The device is like a “body without a head” in the traditional sense of computer interaction: It performs its intended function, but without any visual output or input device for local interaction. In physical security, such devices are increasingly part of cloud-based systems in which the centralized software manages and operates all the disparate “headless” devices. A headless appliance does not have a Windows management system. “The whole thing is managed through the as-a-service cloud system,” says Elvish. With a headless device, you just plug it into the network, and it is managed by your system. You manage the Linux-based device remotely, so configuring and deploying it is easy. Democratizing AI You hear the term democratizing AI used by camera manufacturers who are looking to expand AI capabilities throughout their camera lines, including value-priced models. For example, even i-PRO’s value-priced cameras (U series) now have AI – fulfilling their promise to democratize AI. Another approach is to connect non-AI-equipped cameras to the network by way of an AI-equipped camera, a process known as “AI-relay.” For instance, i-PRO can incorporate non-AI cameras into a system by routing/connecting them through an X-series camera to provide AI functionality. Bosch is also embracing AI throughout its video camera line and enabling customers to choose application-specific analytics for each use case, in effect, tailoring each camera to the application, and providing AI to everyone. Context Cloud system also enables users to ask open-ended queries that involve context, in addition to detection Context refers to an AI system that can understand the “why” of a situation. For example, if someone stops in an area and triggers a video “loitering” analytic, the event might trigger an alarm involving an operator. However, if an AI system can provide “context” (e.g., he stopped to tie his shoe), then the event can be easily dismissed by the automated system without involving an operator. Bosch’s IVA-Pro Context product is a service-based model that adds context to edge detection. The cloud system also enables users to ask open-ended questions that involve context in addition to detection. For example, rather than asking "do you see a gas can?" you can ask "do you see any safety hazards in this scene?" The pre-trained model understands most common objects, and understands correlations, such as "a gas can could be a safety hazard.” A scaled-down on-premise version of the IVA Context product will be available in 2026. Bosch showed a prototype at ISC West. Most video data is never viewed by an operator. Context allows a system to look at all the video with "almost human eyes." Cameras are essentially watching themselves, and understanding why something happened and what we can do. All that previously unwatched video is now being watched by the system itself, boosted by the ability to add “context” to the system. Any meaningful information based on context can trigger a response by an operator. Data lake A data lake is a centralized repository that allows one to store vast amounts of structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data in its native format. In the case of the physical security marketplace, a data lake includes data generated by systems outside the physical security infrastructure, from inventory and logistics systems, for example. A data lake is where an enterprise can accumulate all their data, from the weather to Point-of-Sale information to logistics, to whatever they can gather. Putting the data in one place (a “data lake”) enables them to mine that data and parse it in different ways using AI to provide information and insights into their business. Notably, a data lake contains all a company’s data, not just security or video data, which opens up new opportunities to leverage the value of data beyond security and safety applications. Crunching the various information in a data lake, therefore, security technology can be used to maximize business operations.

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Center.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasized the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Center allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centers on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command center and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognize that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analyzed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a license plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customization of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specializes in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localized network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialize in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides license plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centers (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Center, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

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. 

Forklift collisions cost UK businesses over £100 million annually in workplace injury claims and equipment damage, according to HSE statistics. SharpEagle Technology, a globally renowned provider of industrial safety solutions, has announced a significant breakthrough in warehouse safety across the UK. Facilities that adopted SharpEagle’s Radar Blind Spot Detection System have reported up to 70% reduction in forklift-related accidents, marking a major milestone in workplace safety. The UK's blind spot crisis With over 1,300 forklift-related incidents reported to HSE each year, many involving serious injuries, UK regulators are pushing for smarter safety solutions. Traditional mirrors and cameras frequently fail in: Rainy loading docks Dusty manufacturing plants Crowded retail distribution centers Visual and audible signals The system, which uses radar sensors to monitor blind spots and detect real-time sign around forklifts The system, which uses radar sensors to monitor blind spots and detect real-time movement around forklifts, has proven to be a game changer in accident prevention.  It immediately alerts operators through visual and audible signals when people or objects enter dangerous proximity zones, reducing the likelihood of collisions, especially in busy loading docks and narrow warehouse aisles. Real-time awareness "In a typical warehouse, poor visibility and human error can lead to severe accidents. Our technology gives operators real-time awareness they didn’t have before," said the UK Business Head of SharpEagle Technology, adding "The impact has been measurable. Clients report fewer incidents, improved productivity, and safer working conditions." Adoption growing across logistics  The system offers cost-effective safety enhancement without the need for vehicle relief The Radar Blind Spot Detection System has quickly gained popularity among UK logistics providers, manufacturing units, and retail distribution centers — sectors where high forklift traffic and pedestrian movement often intersect. By integrating with existing forklift infrastructure, the system offers cost-effective safety enhancement without the need for vehicle replacement. It is also compatible with SharpEagle’s wider range of forklift safety solutions, including AI-based camera systems and anti-collision lights. Regulatory & insurance benefits In addition to preventing injuries, the deployment of radar-based detection systems has helped warehouses comply with UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines. Several facilities have seen a reduction in insurance claims and premiums, along with fewer incidents of lost workdays due to injury. "Workplace safety is not just a legal requirement — it’s a business imperative. This technology ensures companies are equipped to meet the demands of a modern, high-speed supply chain without compromising on the well-being of their workforce."

Richard Thorp has been fascinated with aviation since childhood. A self-described “aviation geek,” Thorp is now the Chief Technology Officer at Swissport International AG, where he leads IT infrastructure strategy for the world’s largest ground-handling company, ensuring seamless operations across 276 airports in 45 countries, handling approximately 247 million airline passengers per year, as of the end of 2024. “If we were an airline, we’d actually be the biggest airline in the world in terms of a number of passengers we support and handle,” he says.   Security challenges Swissport’s goal is to make a tangible impact on people’s lives by enabling smooth air travel Swissport’s goal is to make a tangible impact on people’s lives by enabling smooth air travel. “If the things we do get people to their destinations safely and on time, then magically, we become more successful and profitable as an organization,” he says.   But casting that spell had been challenging for Swissport. Three years ago, legacy IT leadership at Swissport had overcome network challenges with Cato, but more work was needed to address their security challenges, particularly in securing endpoints. Thorp and Swissport CISO, Giles Ashton-Roberts, joined Swissport in the middle of the Cato deployment. Having deep experience with a legacy zero trust provider, they were skeptical that Cato could meet Swissport’s requirements.    Cato platform Over the next 10 months of meetings, investigation, and testing Thorp and Ashton-Roberts challenged Cato, ultimately changing their perspective.  “IT is no longer seen as a blocker; it just works,” says Thorp. “I relax a bit more with the Cato platform around. It’s given us holistic way of protecting ourselves today, and a secure foundation for everything we want to do in the future.”  The challenges of a global, always-on operation  Swissport’s network helps millions of passengers, cargo shipments, and lounges worldwide Swissport’s network supports millions of passengers, cargo shipments, and lounges worldwide. Three years ago, scale was an enormous challenge—ensuring reliable connectivity for operations spanning locations and time zones. The company relied on a mix of MPLS and regional SD-WAN solutions across its now 320+ sites and airport locations. But bandwidth limitations and performance variability impacted many applications, including cloud-based, mission-critical applications.   As a result of that complicated network, expanding to new locations was resource-intensive, requiring manual setup and multiple vendor dependencies. Differences between networking tools made troubleshooting inconsistent and time-consuming. The IT team in turn had to maintain expertise in multiple networking technologies, increasing operational overhead.  What security inspection existed For unencrypted traffic Visibility was an enormous challenge. With multiple network platforms in place, Swissport’s IT team lacked a centralized view of network performance and security threats. “In the past, working with multiple systems meant inconsistency,” says Thorp. “Different platforms required different configurations, which complicated troubleshooting and made security enforcement a challenge.”  Swissport relied on a patchwork of security appliances, including firewalls and web gateways. Remote users are connected through different VPN servers deployed across different regions. The complex appliance stack required manual maintenance and lacked centralized visibility and control. Security patching was manual and error-prone and implementing consistent security policies was practically impossible, weakening Swissport’s security posture.  What security inspection existed was relegated to unencrypted traffic due to the well-founded concern that inspecting encrypted traffic could break the application experience that in this case were airline partners’ systems. Finally, the lack of consistent, advanced threat detection worldwide limited Swissport’s ability to detect and stop threats.   Visibility differentiates the Cato SASE cloud platform  Thorp and the IT team had initially leaned away towards deploying that architecture Recognizing these inefficiencies, Swissport’s legacy IT team initiated the Cato relationship, connecting many of the now 320+ sites and instances in AWS and Azure to the Cato SASE Cloud Platform. When Thorp and the new IT leadership joined Swissport, about two-thirds of the connections had been deployed. Having been familiar with a legacy cybersecurity provider, Thorp and the IT team had initially leaned away towards deploying that architecture. Hearing about the value of Cato they decided to have a closer look.  “What really drew me to Cato is the visibility the platform provides. It’s incredibly easy to pinpoint connectivity issues, analyze traffic patterns, and secure our network from a single interface,” says Thorp. Cato uniquely stores the metadata of all enterprise traffic crossing the Cato SASE Cloud Platform — whether to the Internet or another location — from all endpoints — in the office and outside of it — in a single data store. This incredible resource provides Cato customers with deep, end-to-end insight into their complete network.   Much improved security and a better network  With a platform that is resilient, secure, and easy to manage, Swissport has been able to take a more proactive approach to security, streamline IT processes, and ensure a seamless digital experience for employees across the globe.   Advanced threat prevention now operates globally and protects against malware and ransomware even in encrypted traffic. “Cato’s TLS Inspection gives us the ability to inspect encrypted traffic while avoiding unintended service disruptions,” says Ashton-Roberts. “It’s been a major improvement to our security posture.”   Fine-grained access control through the always-on Cato Client connects remote users to Cato, granting access only to permitted resources. The Cato Client fully implements zero trust principles and operates outside and inside the office under one common policy set. “With Cato, every device—whether in a Swissport office or in an airport lounge—operates under the same set of security policies. That level of consistency wasn’t possible before,” says Ashton-Roberts. Deploying new network sites Cato not only delivers optimized network version worldwide but also makes deploying new networks Access is across the Cato Global Private Backbone built into the Cato SASE Cloud Platform, delivering an exceptional, secure user experience anywhere in the world. Cato not only delivers optimized network performance worldwide but also makes deploying new network sites effortless. “Connecting new airlines or contracts now takes just a few clicks,” says Thorp. Thorp’s team has also dramatically reduced network resolution times. “We recently identified and solved a performance issue in a South African location that would have taken us days before Cato,” says Thorp. “Within 15 minutes, our team identified excessive database traffic, blocked the device, and restored normal operations.”    Transforming IT by transforming the infrastructure  The transformative impact of the Cato SASE Cloud Platform on the IT team has been profound. Previously, managing multiple networking platforms required maintaining expertise in diverse technologies, creating an operational burden. The IT staff was constantly troubleshooting connectivity issues, manually configuring security appliances, and dealing with inconsistent policies across different locations. The shift to Cato not only simplified management but also allowed the IT team to focus on higher-value strategic initiatives.   “Before Cato, we had to maintain different skill sets for different platforms, which spread the team thin. Now, we have one standardized system that allows us to be much more efficient,” Thorp says. Newfound network visibility  Swissport has been able to optimize resource allocation and improve overall productivity By consolidating security and networking into a single platform, Swissport has been able to optimize resource allocation and improve overall productivity.  The newfound network visibility has also brought a shift from reactive to a proactive IT strategy that has helped the company ensure consistent service delivery across its global operations.   “For me, Cato future proofs Swissport’s IT infrastructure,” says Thorp. “The platform constantly evolves, adapts to new technologies, and provides the visibility and security we need to support our business today and tomorrow.”  Partnership With Cato Proved Unique  The success of Swissport’s IT transformation was built on more than just technology—it was about forming a strong, collaborative relationship with Cato Networks. From the start, Cato worked closely with Swissport to understand its unique challenges and deliver tailored solutions that addressed its global security and networking needs. “We worked directly with Cato’s product team to enhance capabilities—not just for us, but for all customers,” says Thorp.   The success of Swissport’s IT transformation was built on more than just technology Features requested by Swissport were implemented on schedule, unlike other vendors who provided only lip service. Thorp says, “Many vendors say they listen, but Cato actually delivers on what they promise.”   This close partnership has given Swissport confidence that its evolving needs will continue to be met as Cato refines its platform. “With Cato, we’re not just another customer; we’re part of a continuous innovation cycle that ensures our IT infrastructure remains future-ready,” says Thorp. “It’s rare to find a vendor so responsive and committed to delivering what they promise.” Looking ahead to the future  Swissport IT requirements continue to evolve with Cato remaining a key pillar. “With Cato in place, we know that our network is not the limiting factor in our growth,” Thorp explains.  The ongoing partnership between Swissport and Cato ensures that as technology continues to evolve, Swissport’s IT infrastructure remains secure, scalable, and adaptable to the demands of a fast-paced aviation industry.   On a personal level, Cato has given Thorp peace of mind. “I relax a bit more with the Cato platform around. It’s given us a holistic way of protecting ourselves today and a secure foundation for everything we want to do in the future. Swissport’s IT leadership now can focus on innovation rather than crisis management.”

ZeroEyes, the creators of the only AI-based gun detection video analytics platform that holds the full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that its proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by the Modesto Police Department (PD) in strategic locations throughout the city. This partnership reflects the Modesto Police Department’s commitment to utilizing the latest tools to improve public safety and reduce crime in the community. Firearms and instant alerts “We want our community members to feel secure in their work, leisure, and daily lives,” said Cat McFadon, Police Civilian Manager of Modesto PD. “ZeroEyes’ ability to detect firearms and trigger instant alerts will allow us to respond more quickly and efficiently to gun-related threats. With this additional technology in our toolbelt, we’re reinforcing our efforts to drive down crime and make Modesto a safer place for everyone.” Effectiveness of ZeroEyes technology  Pilot program is intended to assess the effectiveness of ZeroEyes technology in real-world conditions Modesto, a city of 216,000 residents in Northern California, is known for its progressive law enforcement efforts. The department has a long-standing dedication to equipping its officers with the most advanced technology to support their mission to protect life and property.  This pilot program is intended to assess the effectiveness of ZeroEyes technology in real-world conditions, with the goal of expanding its use in key areas such as local schools and the city’s shopping mall. ZeroEyes' AI gun detection ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine that the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to Modesto PD as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. Modesto PD’s expectations “The Modesto PD’s commitment to increasing public safety through innovative technology aligns perfectly with our mission, and we look forward to the collaboration,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO of ZeroEyes. “We’re confident that ZeroEyes will not only meet but exceed Modesto PD’s expectations, enhancing response times and reducing the impact of gun-related threats.”

Upgrade the surveillance capabilities at MOD Pizza locations while maintaining a safe and welcoming “people-first” environment. Solution Install Hanwha Vision Q series and X series cameras (dome and fisheye models). Results Enhanced ability to deter and resolve in-store incidents involving customers and Squad members, as well as “slip and fall” accidents or crashes in the parking lot. Faster response times to police requests for surveillance footage. Hanwha security and surveillance solutions At MOD Pizza, business is like family. They think of their stores as people-places more than pizza-places, and even refer to employees as the “Squad.” Jason Swanson, Director of Asset Protection for MOD Pizza, says that “people-first” approach helped make choosing Hanwha Vision as its surveillance partner an easy decision. “There are a lot of great technology companies,” he said, “but it’s ultimately about the people and how they work with us.” Hanwha security and surveillance solutions are helping MOD Pizza reduce in-store incidents, work closely with law enforcement and future-proof their operations while protecting their main assets: customers and the Squad. Latest security and surveillance technologies The first MOD Pizza store opened in 2008, in the middle of a U.S. economic recession The first MOD Pizza store opened in 2008, in the middle of a U.S. economic recession. Despite any business uncertainty, the MOD mission was clear. “We envisioned a place where families and people could gather, and have great pizza at a great value,” said Swanson. Now, with more than 500 company-operated and franchised locations across the U.S. and Canada, MOD is still staying true to that vision by adding the latest security and surveillance technologies to its environment. MOD Pizza has recently deployed Hanwha Vision solutions including Q series and X series cameras, a mix of dome and 360-degree fisheye models to cover larger areas. Hanwha products for surveillance footage The Hanwha products help deter and even resolve in-store incidents involving customers and Squad members, as well as “slip and fall” accidents or crashes in the parking lot. The MOD team can respond faster to police requests for surveillance footage, whether related to in-store events or activities occurring in the immediate areas surrounding a MOD location. “We're able to provide accurate interpretations of exactly what happened,” said Swanson, “and we're able to be a better resource for law enforcement due to the access we have to real-time information while keeping our Squad safe.” Enhanced safety and security Hanwha Vision products offer flexibility and modularity to help MOD avoid time-intensive In addition to enhanced safety and security, the Hanwha Vision products offer flexibility and modularity to help MOD avoid time-intensive and cost-prohibitive “rip and replace” scenarios when it’s time to update. “We want to make sure everything that we put in is future-proof to keep pace with the changing landscape of safety in our stores and locations,” said Swanson. “Hanwha Vision has been a great partner, whether it's helping us find a different camera system, placing something in a different area, or using technology in a way that we hadn't previously thought of.” Camera selection and surveillance expertise Swanson said the Hanwha Vision team has worked with them closely to continually advise the MOD team on camera selection and surveillance expertise. “We want to do what's right for each location, for our Squad, for safety, and for our customers,” he said. “Hanwha Vision helps us protect our most important assets: our people, our customers, our food, our cash, and our buildings. We’re able to future-proof our stores with solutions that make sure that we are on the forefront of the technology.”

Established in 1997, Dubai-based BMA International operates fashion retail in the Middle East and Asia across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar with more than 250 stores offering two major brands — Redtag and twenty4. BMA’s steady growth is a testament to its focus on building trust with its shoppers, employees, suppliers and stakeholders to create a company that is people-centric, ambitious and results-oriented. Challenge Fraud is a common problem in the retail sector, particularly within large chains with hundreds of locations and tens of thousands of employees. BMA’s retail stores were no exception. Following an internal audit, security of point-of-sale (POS) terminals in retail outlets were identified as a serious concern, particularly the misuse of floor supervisors’ credentials to access terminals and modify or cancel transactions. The problem persisted even after BMA switched from passwords to a smart card-based authentication system The problem persisted even after BMA switched from passwords to a smart card-based authentication system. The most common issues involved supervisors leaving smart cards with cashiers to use in their absence and failing to return the cards when separation from an employer occurs — a frequent occurrence as many of BMA’s retail employees are expatriates who often return to their home countries. Fraudulent use of the smart card was also a common problem. Once a sale was completed and the customer had left the store with their purchased items, the smart card could be used to improperly access the system so the cashier could void the transaction and pocket the “refund,” resulting in both monetary and inventory losses. Biometric-based system “BMA’s internal auditors were concerned with the lack of control over the cards and the potential for fraudulent transactions due to their mishandling. They observed clear gaps in security and authentication practices that led directly to fraud and revenue leakage, resulting in the Internal Audit Committee recommending to the BMA Board of Directors that action be taken to plug the security holes by tightening the authentication process,” said Nainan M. Kurian, CEO of Technowave International LLC. The decision was made to transition authentication to a biometric-based system that would provide the required security at a competitive price that aligned with the esthetics of the retail stores. The system also needed to be compatible with the Oracle Retail Xstore Office Cloud Service, which BMA International was adopting across its brands. Solution A fingerprint reader from HID is ideal for use by multiple people in a shared environment BMA International and its technology partner, Technowave International LLC, determined that the HID DigitalPersona® 4500 Fingerprint Reader met all their requirements — a decision supported by recommendations from other retailers that had deployed the product, and by the fact that competitive solutions were incompatible with Oracle Retail Xstore, a crucial requirement. A USB peripheral with a compact design to conserve space, this fingerprint reader from HID is ideal for use by multiple people in a shared environment. Its professional, modern design looks elegant in retail settings while offering superior authentication control via biometric functionality that uses optical scanning technology to achieve excellent image quality and reliability. HID DigitalPersona 4500 Fingerprint Reader With this easy-to-use technology, floor supervisors simply place their finger on the reader window, which rapidly captures and encrypts the fingerprint image, and then provides a red flash as a visual cue indicating that it was properly captured. That image is sent to the DigitalPersona FingerJetTM biometric engine for verification, and once the user has been authenticated, access to the POS terminal is granted. “Deploying the HID DigitalPersona 4500 Fingerprint Reader was simple and caused no disruption to retail operations. It paved the way for significant reduction in the malpractice that had been occurring with the smart card system,” said Kurian. Result Since deploying more than 1,100 HID fingerprint readers in retail outlets across KSA, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar, BMA has eliminated nearly all POS fraud and abuse. The system has also driven tangible improvements in the attendance and punctuality of floor supervisors, who must now be physically present in the store for authentication to take place. The HID authentication system is also capable of multiple types of authentications — providing flexibility that is appreciated by users who work at multiple locations. “Because the HID DigitalPersona 4500 Fingerprint Reader requires proof of presence for authentication, there is greater accountability among supervisors which resulted in immediate cessation of POS fraud and stopped both revenue and inventory leakage. The exceptional support provided by HID Global has also allowed BMA to take full advantage of the system’s functionality and flexibility,” said Kurian.

Take a walk to the local high street. Compared to a few years ago, they may notice many more “To Let” signs in empty shop windows.  It comes as no surprise given the number of shocks to the economic system over the last five years, ranging from COVID-19 to international conflicts, all of which have led to various consequences, such as energy price hikes, interest rate increases, and a general shift in many people's work patterns and consumer behavior. Vacant retail space The total number of void private sector commercial properties stands at approximately 165,000 According to Savills Research, the overall footfall of vacant retail space in the UK is around 14.5%, while the total number of void private sector commercial properties stands at approximately 165,000.  Additionally, an estimate of 7,000 commercial and business properties owned by Local Governments in Great Britain have been unoccupied for over 12 months. Net Zero ambitions Furthermore, a recent BBC article points out that business tenants are more inclined to search for smaller, newer and more energy-efficient office spaces to rent, are willing to downsize owing to hybrid working, and seek buildings that complement their Net Zero ambitions. This might be interpreted as an indication that a number of long-standing commercial premises would become vacant in the near future, forcing owners to update and repurpose empty spaces to meet the demands of a changing market. A costly asset that requires extra protection Insurance companies charge higher premiums for void property and require regular security While the property market and customer demands are shifting, some truths remain unchanged: commercial property should generate money, not drain it. However, void sites imply outgoing costs and no profit, so it only makes sense that any vacant space should be flipped as soon as possible. Unoccupied premises can become an alluring target for squatters, vandals, thieves, and trespassers, which is one of the main reasons why insurance companies charge higher premiums for void property and require regular security and fire safety checks too. Enhanced security measures Such properties must be protected by enhanced security measures. This often involves the installation of steel doors and screens, perimeter protection, vigilant surveillance, and prompt alarm response. After all, any break-in can cause far greater financial damage than the costs of protection; and the owner is legally liable for any injuries sustained by trespassers. Meanwhile, legit access is very much required by contractors to upgrade and renovate the site in preparation for the next business occupier. Any delays or missed visits result in further charges on an asset that is essentially nothing but another bill while vacant. Access issues: Fetch the keys For every contractor visit, property check or viewing, a key must be obtained offsite and then returned A minor but, consequently, very important issue might arise when accessing a site that is unmanned 24/7. For every contractor visit, property inspection or viewing, a key must be obtained offsite and then returned. This takes time, implies unnecessary travel and, potentially, may result in additional missed visit fees and rebooking arrangements in instances when a contractor is unable to gain entry. As a result, it may slow down the void property turnaround time. Keyholding arrangements Furthermore, complex keyholding arrangements can also slow down the security alarm response time. More and more security companies are moving away from the traditional keyholding model, in which keys are stored at the central location or in heavy key lockers in vans during patrols. While reaction time is critical, time is frequently wasted collecting keys or waiting for a keyholding patrol (rather than the nearest one) to arrive on site. Lock up and leave the keys. Securely. Keyholding solution must be more robust than doors or other means of entry to stop opportunistic intruders What about storing keys at the point of entry? This may be controversial, but it is a solution that has gained popularity in void property management with the implementation of secure range key safes and lock boxes. The primary concern in such an approach is security. Even though the property is void, the keyholding solution must be more robust than doors or other means of entry to prevent opportunistic intruders from taking advantage of the new keyholding arrangement. Smart key management solutions Stuart Wheeler, Managing Director of Keynetics, a company that offers smart key management solutions with security-certified key safes, comments, “Over the years, we have developed strong relationships with the top void property management companies in the UK and Europe. These clients require a keyholding solution that enables efficient FM service provision for vacant properties while also providing a high level of security.” “Storing keys at the point of need enables quicker alarm response times and allows approved contractors to enter the premises without any delays, but security must not be compromised; in that respect, our SentriGuard key safes are suitable for commercial properties and certified to LPS 1175 (Loss Prevention Standard) C1 and C3 security ratings, which is unrivaled by any other supplier.” SentriGuard key management system Stuart confirmed that in addition to security, the SentriGuard key management system is highly praised for its innovative technology. First, it incorporates a bespoke cloud-based platform that allows customers to manage access to multiple properties remotely and generate various audit reports that can also serve as proof of service delivery. Second, assigned individuals may gain access to premises either using the mobile app or a time-restricted code. He added, “The ability for clients to access real-time data of site visits with a solution that does not break the bank and is secure has been the key to the success here in the U.K. and now across mainland Europe.”

Cloud implementations enable organizations to slash IT costs, boost performance, increase efficiency, and provide flexibility in a variety of applications. Cloud computing is a great way to store and access data from anywhere in the world, as long as you have an internet connection. In the case of video management, Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) systems are becoming more popular, both as a means of managing costs and to deliver expectations of accessing video from any device anywhere in the world. But on-premise video management systems (VMSs) still have a role to play, don’t they? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the continuing role of video management systems (VMS), given the growth in Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS)? 

Video storage has come a long way since rooms full of VCRs stored video from an entire system of cameras. Video storage equates to data storage, and there are multiple options ranging from hard disk storage to the cloud to storage on each individual camera using SD cards. Increasingly, cloud-based storage is an attractive option to store video footage conveniently and safely. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How is expansion of video storage capabilities impacting the security industry?

As physical security technologies become more complex, it is incumbent on the dealer/integrator to have the skills and expertise needed to ensure that a system operates smoothly. The value of integrators increasingly rests on the skill sets they bring to bear when installing a system. If the skills are missing, there is a problem. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What missing skills among security integrators can cause problems for customers?