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Showing posts from November, 2023

Finland Getting Driver’s License and Second-Generation Smart Tachograph Card Solution

AUSTIN, Texas — Identity solutions provider HID has been awarded a contract to provide Finland with a new high-security driver’s license cards and personalization services solution, incorporating the European second-generation smart Tachograph solution. This collaboration “reflects HID’s commitment to enhancing security and efficiency in Finland’s transportation systems,” according to the HID announcement. Finland “will benefit from a comprehensive, tailor-made, and configurable solution that integrates software, hardware, and equipment to align with the Traffic Authority’s vision of a streamlined and efficient digital document issuance system,” the announcement says. For the project, HID has joined forces with CardPlus Systems, a trusted partner that provides secure ID documents, services, and systems, to ensure an exceptional driver’s license solution with industry-leading features. “The Finnish Transport and Communications Agency, Traficom, is pleased to enter into a partners...

TIA Supply Chain Security Management System Improves Global Security Posture

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ARLINGTON, Va. – The Telecommunications Industry Association today announced the release of SCS 9001 2.0 Supply Chain Security Management System . SCS 9001 Release 2.0 is “a certifiable standard designed to help organizations operationalize the National Institution of Standards and Technology (NIST) and other government guidelines and frameworks,” according to the association announcement. The SCS 9001 2.0 standard “builds on its predecessor by providing a more comprehensive global cybersecurity and supply chain security standard that is adaptable to any type of communications network across all industries and sectors,” the announcement says. Related: 2023 Security Industry Forecast: Experts Tackle Technology, Markets, Supply Chain & More It is “designed to adhere to the evolving information and communications technology (ICT) market, increased government legislation and growing industry initiatives,” according to the announcement. “Cyber and supply chain security are c...

Security Industry Association Announces 2024 SIA RISE Scholarship Awardees

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SILVER SPRING, Md. – The  Security Industry Association  ( SIA ) has named 18 recipients for the 2024  SIA RISE Scholarship , a program offered through SIA’s RISE community, which supports the education and career development goals of young industry talent and emerging leaders. Through this scholarship program – open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees at SIA member companies – each awardee will receive a $3,000 scholarship to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, SIA program offerings and/or other academic or education programs. Related: Security Industry Association Announces Inaugural 25 on the RISE Honorees Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources (HR), information technology (IT), marketing, sales, project management, security engineering and/or risk management. “The 2024 class of SIA RISE Scholarship awardees is an inspiring, accomplished and dedic...

Tech Talk: Holiday Gifts for the Tech Enthusiasts in Your Life

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It’s that time of the year again: time for all grateful managers, bosses and owners to take a special moment to reward personnel who have done their best to keep the business going through these rough times. As has become tradition in this space, we’re highlighting some tech-related gifts that are most likely to put a big smile on the faces of even the toughest person to find something unique for. Techie Gifts for 2023 Now, let’s get down to the techie gifts for 2023. I have tried to find a mix of some very techie gifts and some more holiday-type items, as well. Enjoy. Blade Sharpener ($15): We have always selected Leatherman for their amazing multi-tools. Did you know they make an inexpensive blade-sharpening tool? This device comes with a carbide sharpener, ceramic sharpener and diamond-coated sharpening rod specially designed for serrated blades. Rechargeable Waterproof Pocket Flashlight BBM6411 ($27): This is one very compact flashlight from Blackfire/Klein Tools. It is rech...

Interface Systems Appoints New Chief Revenue Officer, Chief Marketing Officer

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ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Managed services provider Interface Systems , which delivers business security, managed network, UCaaS and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, has appointed Sean Foley as chief revenue officer and Sunita Mani as chief marketing officer. Foley “was instrumental in building Interface’s Customer Success organization and spearheaded some of the largest deals in the company’s history,” according to the company announcement. In his new position, he will be responsible for leading Interface’s national and regional sales, account management and customer experience functions. He has been with the company for about 10 years. “Building the Customer Success organization while serving some of the most recognizable brands in the U.S. has been a rewarding journey. I am thrilled to take on this new challenge,” says Foley in the company announcement. “Interface has a proven track record of delivering cutting-edge solutions to our clients, and I am committ...

acre security Introduces SPCevo and SPC Connect 4.0

LAS VEGAS—acre security, a global developer of security systems recently announced its latest hardware and software solutions: SPCevo and SPC Connect 4.0. The Nevada-based company boasts that SPCevo represents the next evolution in acre security’s intrusion detection line of controllers, offering improved performance, higher powered power supplies, and auxiliary power distribution. In addition, existing SPC controllers can be easily migrated to the new SPCevo series. “In an age where technological advancements are redefining the scope of security operations, acre security remains unwavering in its commitment to innovation,” says Andreas Kull, global product director for intrusion solutions, acre security . “The launch of SPCevo and SPC Connect 4.0 underscores our dedication to continually adapt to the security demands of modern businesses. With our extensive range of products and exceptional customer support, we further establish ourselves as a dependable partner in safeguarding i...

WISE Panelists Highlight California Alarm Association Winter Convention

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SAN FRANCISCO – The 2023 California Alarm Association (CAA) Winter Convention , scheduled for Friday, Dec. 8 from 1-3 p.m. PST at the Fairmont San Francisco Hotel, will feature a symposium including three executives from Women in the Security Evolution (WISE). Industry veteran George De Marco will moderate the CAA executive symposium, which will feature panelists  Kelly Bond, partner at Davis Mergers & Acquisitions Group ; Audrey Pierson, principal at Audrey Pierson Consulting; and Joey Rao-Russell, president & CEO of Kimberlite Corporation dba Sonitrol & Security First Alarm King. “The Executive Symposium is a special event that I have the pleasure to moderate annually,” says De Marco in the CAA announcement. This year is particularly exciting as we feature three of our industry’s most influential individuals. “Their perspectives are crucial in understanding the evolving landscape of the security industry,” he says. WISE will officially be launched at this year’s ...

How to Win SAMMY Awards: Top Tips for Dealers and Integrators

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If you’re an electronic security dealer or integrator, the chances are pretty good that you know all about the SAMMY Awards and their value. Now in their 29th year, the SAMMYs — short for the Sales & Marketing Awards — are among the most prestigious honors that a security systems company can earn. When a dealer or an integrator wins a SAMMY Award, it attests to their exceptional expertise in creating sales and marketing materials, executing business best practices and delivering outstanding installations. Security Sales & Integration  bestows the SAMMY Awards annually during ISC West, scheduled for April 9-12, 2024, in Las Vegas. The program represents a prime opportunity to stand out among your peers and enjoy a well-deserved moment in the sun. But receiving accolades during the ceremony at the Venetian Expo is just the start of the perks! SAMMY winners also get a majestic SAMMY trophy, as well as extensive coverage on SecuritySales.com and in CI + SSI.  In that ...

3 Tips for Assessing Your Product Lines for 2024

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As the end of 2023 nears, you are probably looking at your 2024 plans with a careful eye on what was successful in 2023 and what was not. Sure, it can be easy to look at your company metrics from a project and installation perspective, in terms of how many jobs were completed and at what size and scale. This is a great benchmark, but it doesn’t really tell the whole story. The end of the year is also a great time to assess the product lines you have been carrying or purchasing from distributor partners and how they have performed in your installs, how customers have responded to them, and how they have contributed to the bottom line. Taking a look at all your product lines takes time, so we’ve outlined three best practices to help you evaluate and drive profitability and growth in 2024. What’s Still on the Shelves? Checking your shelves is a great place to start if your business carries inventory. What is it currently comprised of? Is it the foundational products you know you’ll u...

These States Are Considered the Safest and Most Dangerous in the U.S.

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Vermont is the safest state in the U.S., while Louisiana ranks as the most dangerous, according to the 2023 Safest States in America report by personal finance website WalletHub. Related: These Are the 2022 Safest and Most Dangerous States in the U.S. The annual rankings look at 52 key metrics grouped into five major categories: personal and residential safety; financial safety; road safety; workplace safety; and emergency preparedness. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with a score of 100 representing the highest level of safety. “With every new headline about a mass shooting, terrorist attack, hate crime or natural disaster, many of us fear for our safety and that of our loved ones,” the WalletHub report says. “Recent concerns like the COVID-19 pandemic may have cooled off, but they’ve been replaced with things like elevated homicide rates and severe weather. “Americans have to worry about their financial safety as well, as the government continues to ...

Eagle Eye Networks Expands Immix Partnership

AUSTIN, Texas— Eagle Eye Networks , a global developer of cloud video surveillance, has announced the integration with central station monitoring software provider Immix to securely connect any business location using the Eagle Eye Cloud VMS (video management system) with any central station using Immix. Eagle Eye Networks states the integration brings the distinct advantages of cloud, including greatly simplified installation, robust end-to-end cybersecurity, centralized management of multiple locations, and AI-filtering to dramatically reduce false-positive activity to the monitoring center or command center professional. “The Eagle Eye system is cloud-based and open, so our built-in AI can also be augmented with third-party AI technology,” says Eagle Eye CEO Dean Drako. “Furthermore, Immix also connects with Brivo Access, which means their dashboard can complete the full loop of receiving alarms, viewing video, performing a 2-Way Audio session, and providing remote access.” Eag...

Wavestore Announces Security Industry Veteran Kim Loy as Senior Vice President

LONDON — Video management software and analytics provider Wavestore has named senior vice president Kim Loy the leader of its North American operations , with a focus on product development and innovation for the company’s offices in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Ottawa, Ontario. The company, which also has locations across the U.K. and Middle East, is “poised for growth” under new owner Sam Shalaby, who took over the business in July. Under Shalaby, Wavestore “aims to expand its user base by leveraging existing relationships and tapping into new markets,” according to the company announcement. The company “has a solid footprint among its users and will capitalize on those relationships while reaching out and securing new clients to expand its customer base in untapped markets,” says Loy. “Wavestore’s platform is a highly proven, well-established solution deployed globally in many prestigious customer wins, and we will reengage with current users while reintroducing the brand to new...

Landmark London Hotel Updated With End-to-End 1,000-Camera Video Solution

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The Zedwell Piccadilly Hotel , located in the heart of London’s West End, recently expanded and transformed its historic location with a top-to-bottom refurbishment, including an extension with an annex on neighboring Great Russell Street, bringing the total number of rooms to more than 700. A major part of the expansion and renovation was the addition of a 1,000-camera video solution by IDIS , the Coppell, Texas-based manufacturer behind South Korean-made video technology. Related: Yves Rocher Expands Store Network With IDIS Surveillance and AI Retail Box Video surveillance is an important resource for the hotel’s management team and staff, helping operations to run more smoothly, improving guest experiences, and ensuring security for visitors and employees. IDIS, together with integration partner Rukey Solutions, completed the project in two months. IDIS DirectIP was key to meeting the challenge, with its promise of plug-and-play connectivity and immediate, seamless interope...

The Monitoring Association Names Industry Executive Steve Butkovich Its 37th President

McLEAN, Va. – The Monitoring Association ( TMA ) has announced Steve Butkovich, chief product officer of CPI Security Systems, as its new president. Butkovich officially began his two-year term on Nov. 8 at the conclusion of TMA’s 2023 Annual Meeting in Maui, Hawaii. Butkovich recently served a two-year term as TMA vice president, serving on the TMA board leading up to his presidency. He succeeds Morgan Hertel of Rapid Response Monitoring, Inc., as the association president. Hertel will serve an additional two-year term as immediate past president. “It is a great honor to serve as TMA’s president, most especially during such a critical time for the monitoring industry,” says Butkovich in the TMA announcement. “As rapid technological advancements in sectors such as telecommunications, video, and AI/machine learning introduce many new challenges and opportunities, it is imperative that TMA is on the front line to support, protect, and defend its members’ interests. “Federal and s...

KESMobile from Kidde Commercial Provides Cloud-Based Access to Data

BRADENTON, Fla.—Kidde Commercial, a developer of fire and life safety solutions for over a century, has announced its new KESMobile platform, which the company says represents the next generation of remote fire and life safety systems management. This cloud-based service productivity tool offers service providers with enhanced real-time data access, allowing them to optimize the management of individual systems, sites, and site groups with data for informed decision-making and resource optimization. “KESMobile exemplifies Kidde Commercial’s commitment to creating and  leveraging cutting-edge technology to continuously evolve the future of fire & life safety  so that it is not just secure, but also smart and accessible.” says Kartik Kumar, VP & GM  commercial fire and Kidde Commercial Managing Director. KESMobile Delivers Immediate Access to Important Information Kidde Commercial boasts that KESMobile provides site managers with real-time insights, accessible ...

Legal Briefing: What Happens When You Underestimate the Job

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It’s not uncommon to underestimate what a job is going to cost and then face a challenge — namely, whether you can find a way to increase your contract price rather than eat the additional expense. This can arise when you send a proposal out with a job quote that does not require a formal agreement to be signed; a formal agreement might, in fact, address certain conditions that would increase the price. I recently received the following inquiry: “We have been thinking about how best to ask for extra hours when a job goes longer than anticipated. We want to get paid for the extra hours. We had written that the quote includes 100 hours, and we will give you five hours at no additional cost. If it exceeds 105 hours, you agree to pay $120/hour.” The first problem is this: Although you have this in your “quote,” which I assume to be your proposal, you need it in your agreement with the subscriber. Related: Legal Briefing: Do You Face Liability for Installing a Noncode Fire Alarm? ...

Kaadas Announces Z-Wave Enabled, Alarm.com Certified Deadbolt Locks

Kaadas Group , a global manufacturer with over 30 years of dedication to the lock industry, has announce that three additional Z-Wave smart lock models including the KA202 Z-Wave Fingerprint Keypad Deadbolt, KA210 Z-Wave Key-Free Touchpad Deadbolt, and KA214 Z-Wave Touchpad Lever locks that are now each certified by Alarm.com . This certification the company explains, ensures the interoperability of select Kaadas locks with Alarm.com, which is a popular platform for smart properties residents and property managers. Back in July 2023, Kaadas announced Alarm.com certification of several Z-Wave deadbolt lock models including the KA200 Key Free Deadbolt Lock, KA201 Keypad Deadbolt Lock, and KA211 Touchpad Deadbolt Lock. With this latest round of certification complete, Kaadas boasts that dealers have greater access to a new selection of robust and reliable locks that have recently become available within the U.S. market. “We’re very pleased to announce that our most rece...

Boosting Profitability and Efficiency for Your Integration Business

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In this exclusive Q&A with SSI sister publication Commercial Integrator ,  Randy Stearns, CEO of D-Tools , explains how D-Tools’ System Integrator (SI) and D-Tools Cloud software programs can help drive profitability and efficiency for your integration firm. D-Tools’ SI and D-Tools Cloud are more than just proposal creation — its offers a suite of features such as a customer relationship management tool, estimation, project management, service contracts, invoicing and much more. In addition, it seamlessly integrates with third-party accounting solutions for a streamlined experience. D-Tools’ SI and D-Tools Cloud are constantly updated to meet the evolving needs of businesses. Stearns touches upon upcoming features like enhanced scheduling, inventory management and drawing solutions. Whether you’re in commercial AV integration, residential system integration or security integration, D-Tools has got you covered. Commercial Inte grator : These days, many integrators are so bu...

Time to Replace Those Key Cards With Modern and Secure Access Control Options 

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With technology advances and emerging security threats, it might be surprising to know that most organizations are using access control systems with a key card and panel. The problem is that such methods contain 40-year-old technology and are not as secure.     “This technology, known as Wiegand , named after its inventor John R. Wiegand, is an unsupervised communication protocol and has several security vulnerabilities including being easily cloned with DIY, as well as commercially available handheld and kiosk-type cloners,” says Troy Riedel, director of sales at Springfield, Missouri-based Digital Monitoring Products (DMP).     Criminals can easily copy a key card and gain unauthorized access, which can lead to physical harm to property and people or information theft.     “Over the last five years, access control technology has shown an accelerated digital transformation, leading physical door locks and basic security cameras to be solutions of the pa...