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Showing posts from January, 2024

The Importance of Audio in School Safety

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Ensuring the safety of students, staff, and faculty in K-12 schools is paramount. Security in educational institutions goes beyond traditional measures, encompassing a multi-layered, multi-factor approach that combines technology, personnel training and emergency preparedness. Related: North Syracuse Central School District Modernizing Security at 11 Buildings As threats evolve, so too must a school’s response efforts change through new or different tactics and technologies. Most schools have a public address system for broadcasting morning announcements, paging and triggering bells that signal the start and end of a classroom period and a separate system for emergencies that uses a horn or siren and flashing lights, but not voice. Those emergency alerts are not typically tied into the public address system, and maintaining separate systems no longer meets the needs of today’s emergency preparedness. Hearing instructions audibly and intelligibly can be critical for ensuring ...

Snap One Demonstrates Smart Home Capabilities at ISE 2024

BARCELONA—During the annual ISE 2024 show Snap One will demonstrate how its Control4 and OvrC ecosystems with expanded KNX support can help international dealers grow their smart-home and commercial business projects. Show attendees will also experience Control4 CORE controllers that provide comprehensive smart home control, as well as new real-time surveillance benefits of the AI-powered Luma Insights solution, and Control4 Vibrant Linear Lighting with color temperature and color slider controls. Other technologies and features the global company will showcase at ISE 2024 include WattBox power products with OvrC remote management that provide monitoring and troubleshooting benefits for both Partners and end customers. “We pride ourselves on being a one-stop shop where professionals can find everything from control and security solutions to new revenue stream opportunities and educational programs that support professional growth,” says Mark Reynolds, president & g...

Release: Transmitter Fibra is now available for order

Ajax Systems is thrilled to announce the release of a new product. Transmitter Fibra is a module for integrating one third-party wired device into the Ajax system. From now on, the product is available for distribution. Where to buy Transmitter… from Ajax Systems | Official website https://ajax.systems/blog/transmitter-fibra-release/ via CCTV Engineer

The Wallflowers Will Headline First-Ever ISC West After-Hours Concert April 10

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NORWALK, Conn. — ISC West and its premier sponsor, Security Industry Association (SIA), today announced that Grammy-winning rock artist, The Wallflowers, will headline the first annual ISC West Concert . This after-hours experience will take place on Wednesday, April 10 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Main Stage, located in the Venetian Ballrooms, right off the show floor. The ISC West Concert will be presented by headline sponsor Wavelynx. Related: ISC West Opens Call for Entries for 2024 SIA New Products and Solutions Awards “Each year at ISC West, our team is dedicated to providing attendees and exhibitors with the best experience possible,” says Mary Beth Shaughnessy, ISC event vice president, in the announcement. “This year, we are excited to double down on that commitment by hosting the first-ever ISC West Concert. “With the award-winning rock group, The Wallflowers, headlining the event, we hope the concert not only fosters further connections among security professionals but...

SECURE Perspectives: Rhianna Daniels, Chief Strategy Officer, Compass

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Editor’s Note: SECURE Perspectives is a column by the Security Industry Association ( SIA ) profiling women in the security industry. This column is part of SIA’s Women in Security Forum (WISF), an initiative to support the participation of women in the security field through programs, networking and professional growth events and thought leadership opportunities. For this edition of SECURE Perspectives, Security Industry Associations spoke with Rhianna Daniels, chief strategy officer at Compass. In spring 2023, Daniels was recognized as a 2023 SIA WISF Power 100 honoree, having been selected as one of 100 exceptional women in security who are raising the bar, changing expectations and breaking barriers. SIA: How did you get into the security industry? Rhianna Daniels: My entry into the security industry began rather unexpectedly. I was a journalist working in the finance field, but I was interested in a new challenge. I happened upon a job listing for an industry trade publ...

N.J. Officials Duped Into Using COVID Funds on Banned Dahua Surveillance Cameras

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Federal prosecutors have charged Tamer Zakhary, CEO of Lyndehurst, N.J.-based surveillance company Packetalk, with three counts of wire fraud and a separate count of false statements for repeatedly lying to state and local officials in the Garden State about the origin of his company’s surveillance cameras . Related: U.S. Lawmakers Charge Costco with Selling More Banned Security Products The criminal complaint says some of the cameras Packetalk sold to local agencies were Dahua cameras that had the Dahua logo removed and the colors of the camera changed, according to a report by 404 Media. New Jersey state and local agencies bought at least $35 million worth of equipment from Packetalk, which allegedly rebranded banned Chinese surveillance cameras made by Dahua Technology, a company that has been implicated in the surveillance of the Uyghur people in Xinjiang, the 404 Media report says. At least $15 million of the equipment was bought using federal COVID-19 relief funds, accor...

Between Us Pros: Artificial Intelligence’s Impact is About to Get Real

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Now is the time when seemingly everyone is forecasting what type of business year to anticipate from a revenue, growth and opportunities perspective. All of us are also discussing the hottest vertical markets, security technologies and services. We’re all so fortunate to be in an industry that — thanks to the eternal and ever-growing human need for safety and security, the accelerating pace of technological advancements, and the expanding applications of industry solutions for general business, operational efficiency, convenience and “out-of-the-box” innovation — is uncommonly resilient and near impervious to downturns. Related: Exploring Security Industry Association’s 2024 Security Megatrends I’m not saying you have to try to fail in this business. But, if you come at security with a modicum of entrepreneurial fortitude, sensible leadership and ethical commitment, as well as quality personnel, technical and sales skills, and a customer-centric focus, your company has as goo...

Markup Hero adds Notion and Annotate Extension

LOS ANGELES—Providing users with more features, Markup Hero has introduced its new Notion and Annotate Chrome Extension to its platform. The company points out that as the digital workspace for notes, tasks, wikis, and databases, Notion has emerged as a solution for individuals and teams seeking organized and efficient ways to manage their projects and ideas. Recognizing the need for a more streamlined workflow, Markup Hero developed “Screenshot to Notion and Annotate,” an extension designed to bridge the gap between web content and Notion pages. “Our mission was to create a tool that not only complements Notion’s robust functionality but also enhances the overall user experience,” comments Jerry Bain of Markup Hero. “With ‘Screenshot to Notion and Annotate,’ we are excited to offer a solution that streamlines workflow and boosts productivity.” Notion and Annotate Extension Simple to Use The California-based manufacturer states that security industrial professionals can utilize th...

Security Business Leaders Speak Loudly and Clearly About Key Industry Issues

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Security Sales & Integration exists to help security dealers and installers run more successful businesses and, through the years, we’ve found one of the best ways of doing that is to amplify the voices of some of our most successful industry members. Thus, we’re proud to present Part 1 of a roundtable discussion featuring four dealers/integrators that have cracked the code to achieving success even in difficult times. All of the companies are Resideo partners who came together at Resideo CONNECT 2023 , an annual customer event delivering thought leadership and networking. Related: Resideo CONNECT 2023 Empowers Dealers Through Networking, Best Practices This year’s panel includes Doug Yarger, president, SouthCross Security; Michael Alfano, president, greensite Security; Jesse Foglio, president, First Response Security; and Michael Gibson, president, Mulhaupts. Together, they examine some of the most topical and profit-relevant subjects affecting security businesses today...

The Key to Successful Operations: A Dynamic Digital As-Built for Lifecycle Management

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Systems are not static. Operations managers know this better than anyone. Related: Security Industry Forecast: Experts Chime in, Sharing Expectations for 2024 and Beyond Especially when it comes to physical security systems, video surveillance cameras need regular inspection, door systems need to be replaced, cabling needs to be updated—the list goes on. Whether an organization manages their own physical security assets or partners with a system integrator to do the job for them, conducting this work without a dynamic, digital as-built in your toolbelt can render a job that should be a no-brainer frustrating, time-consuming and costly. The good news is that there are system design, management and operations software packages that are purpose-built to improve efficiency and effectiveness of operations. The Power of a ‘Single Pane of Glass’ in Systems Design Most operations teams will tell you that one of their biggest pain points is the handoff from sales to operations to de...

PSA Network Opens Registration for 2024 PSA TEC, Set for Dallas May 13-17

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WESTMINSTER, Colo. – The PSA Network ,  the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators,  has opened general registration for PSA TEC 2024, its annual education and collaboration event for security integrators. Discounted early bird pricing is available until March 11. Attendees are encouraged to register promptly to secure their seats. Related: PSA Launches Swell Marketing Agency for Security and AV Industries “The power of this year’s TEC is the convergence of opportunities for attendees, including premier education and certifications, sessions with industry experts, the latest in security technology and networking to build important professional relationships,” says Matt Barnette, PSA CEO and president, in the announcement. “It is where business gets done, and we are so excited to welcome integrators and technology partners to PSA TEC 24,” he says. PSA TEC will be held May 13-17 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas in Dallas. This education and networking e...

Invincible keypad, or why you shouldn’t trust what you see in movies

What happens in movies or TV series may never happen in real life. In fact, when it comes to break-ins, robberies, or hacker attacks, movies are full of completely unrealistic things. Often, the highly specialized technicians are not even involved… from Ajax Systems | Official website https://ajax.systems/blog/invincible-keypad-in-movies/ via CCTV Engineer

SIA Extends GovSummit 2024 Call for Speakers Until This Friday, Jan. 26

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The  Security Industry Association  ( SIA ) has extended its call for proposals for the 2024 SIA GovSummit , SIA’s annual public policy and government security technology conference, to this Friday, Jan. 26. SIA GovSummit is scheduled for May 21-22 in Washington, D.C. “Attended each year by hundreds of public- and private-sector leaders, SIA GovSummit delivers a robust array of engaging content and expert insights on emerging policy trends, the government’s technology needs and how the changing risk environment shapes development of security products and advanced systems integration,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson in the association announcement. “If you or a colleague have an idea for an informative, commercial-free session that would benefit GovSummit attendees, we encourage you to submit your proposal today,” he says. Each year, SIA GovSummit “brings together government security leaders with private industry technologists for top-quality information sh...

National Security Technician Day: Embracing Challenges for 13 Years and Counting

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Today marks the second annual National Security Technician Day , a celebration started last year by the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) to honor the unsung heroes in the security industry who help those who get the headlines and work in the corner offices be even more successful. To mark the occasion, we continue our ongoing series of Q&A’s with some of those behind-the-scenes folks who really make the sector hum. Let’s get to know Ryan Huyler, 34, field superintendent for commercial security at South Western Communications, a little better on this special day for all of us. What’s one installation that made you particularly proud? One install that really sticks with me is the Radius building, formerly known as the Lifeway building. There were so many different aspects of the project, from access control, turnstiles, vehicle gates, intercoms, cameras and guard stations. Related: National Security Technician Day 2024: Celebrate Unsung Industry Heroes The a...

Allied Universal, G4S to Acquire Barbados-Based J E Security Systems & Services Inc.

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IRVINE, Calif. — Security and facility services provider Allied Universal today announced the proposed acquisition of the assets of St. Thomas, Barbados-based guarding and technology provider J E Security Systems & Services, Inc. , through its subsidiary, G4S Secure Solutions. The proposed acquisition is expected to close during the first quarter of 2024, according to the joint announcement. “This proposed acquisition marks a significant milestone in advancing Allied Universal’s global growth strategy,” says Allied Universal global chairman and CEO Steve Jones in the joint announcement. Related: Everon Continues Acquisition Spree, Adds Idaho’s Apex Integrated Security Solutions “As we continue to expand our presence internationally, the acquisition of the market-leading technology business of J E Security Systems & Services allows us to expand the value of our security services we offer to the customers and communities we serve in Barbados and the English Caribbean,”...

Radiflow Opens Integration Possibilities for its ServiceNow Platform

TEL AVIV, Israel— Radiflow has announced its Service Graph Connector application for ServiceNow Operational Technology Management (OTM) platform is now capable of allowing companies to integrate Radiflow’s network direction and monitoring capabilities into their existing environments and workflows. According to the manufacturer, the joint effort enables Radiflow to create better experiences and drive value for customers with its unique solution built on the Now Platform. “This integration saves time and effort, provides accurate and comprehensive OT asset inventory, and gains unified visibility across the organization’s IT and OT domains,” says Ilan Barda, co-founder & CEO of Radiflow. “It leverages the ServiceNow OTM Data Model feed automatically from Radiflow’s threat modeling and threat detection system with detailed OT asset inventory and device connection details.” Radiflow ServiceNow Integration Benefits Everyone Radiflow asserts that ServiceNow’s expansive partner ecosy...

Elite Interactive Solutions Celebrates Record Year in Preventing Crime

LOS ANGELES — Elite Interactive Solutions (EIS) , the pioneer in manned guard replacement using proprietary intelligence and 100% verified police calls, announces its final 2023 year-end crime prevention results have shattered the company’s previous high-water marks. Elite’s industry-leading remote guarding services are making a dramatic impact in preventing crimes as verifiably proven by having achieved more than double the voice-down command center interventions since 2021 and teaming with law enforcement on 80% more arrests as compared to 2022. By the time 2023 reached its conclusion, Elite’s 24/7/365 Security Operations Command Center (SOCC) directly had prevented nearly 73,000 incidents and actively assisted with police in nearly 1,700 other real-time crime situations that concluded with suspects being detained or arrested 60% of the time. Those are all record highs, as are the nearly 8 million events that were managed and 1,010 detainments and arrests. It’s the culmination o...

New Smart Video Applications Demand New Storage Requirements

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By Marc Tanguay Sponsored by Western Digital Powered by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), advances in smart video recording are radically changing the way organizations in industries like transportation and retail use video to provide surveillance, optimize physical spaces and processes, or to improve the customer or user experience. However, not all data storage is created equal. To accurately record incoming video and analytic data, choosing the right storage is key. Smart video management systems and AI applications demand new storage requirements and organizations are rethinking their approach in today’s data driven era. AI is revolutionizing smart video and the storage it resides on AI is used in every step of the smart video recording data chain. On camera, AI video analytics detect objects such as people, vehicles, packages and pets and apply rules-based actions. These actions can range from zooming in or expanding the field of view to saving seconds o...