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Showing posts from March, 2024

TMA Appoints Security Central President to Co-Chair Five Diamond Committee

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McLEAN, Va. – Caroline H. Brown, president of Security Central, has accepted the position of co-chairperson of The Monitoring Association ’s Five Diamond Committee . TMA’s Five Diamond designation is granted annually to TMA member monitoring centers that satisfy all of the requirements of the five points of excellence. In her new leadership role, Brown will work to ensure the designation remains current and reflective of excellence in security monitoring.   “ As a third-generation business owner, I have a vested interest in industry programs that make my team better,” says Brown in the association announcement. “This leadership position provides an opportunity for me to be involved during a pivotal time in our industry as rapid changes take place. “During a time with so much consolidation, I feel this committee is an avenue to ensure the integrity of security monitoring moving forward,” she says. Why TMA Chose Brown as Five Diamond Co-Chairperson Photo courtesy of...

Business Fitness: Prophet or Profit? Part 2

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Related: Security Industry Forecast: Experts Chime in, Sharing Expectations for 2024 and Beyond “ The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.” — Helen Keller Last month, I left you with the challenge of being a prophet of your profits with more confidence. We talked about how to better manage variances in projected and actual results in very simple terms. Mea culpa to those who passed Cost Accounting for the first time. In addition, I threatened to share additional pointers to guide your profit prognostication. This month, I intend to follow through! A Quick Level-Set on Profit vs. Prophet Let’s start with a refresh. You have developed a clear and concise company vision statement that encapsulates where the company is going and when you expect to get there. Remember, this statement must paint a picture of your mission that motivates the team to “buy into” where you are headed. This is not an easy task but remember this: You don’t carry this loa...

Video Mount Products to Feature its 22U ERWEN-F22E Wall Rack Enclosure at ISC West 2024

STEVENSVILLE, Md.—Video Mount Products (VMP), a provider of mounting solutions for the security, commercial, CI, residential, and pro audio/video markets, has announced it will feature the new 9-inch, 22U ERWEN-F22E wall rack enclosure for its ERWEN Series during ISC West 2024. The annual trade event is set to take place in Las Vegas, Nev. from April 10-12 at the Venetian Expo and Convention Center, and VMP notes that it will be exhibiting in booth #1046. “Durable and appealing, the ERWEN-F22E is the workhorse wall mounted rack enclosure that our customers have been asking for,” says Keith Fulmer, president of VMP .  “This fixed wall, feature-rich cabinet was designed with functionality and aesthetics in mind and provides the reliability you’ve come to expect from VMP. It also gives our customers the flexibility to choose between the ERWEN-F22E and its hinged counterparts in the ERWEN family.” At ISC West 2024 the company will highlight the ERWEN-F22E’s internal 4-Post rails th...

Highlighting 3 Benefits of App-Free Live Video for Security Companies

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Home security systems have gone mainstream. The advent of technology including Ring doorbells has meant that virtually any consumer can add a layer of security to their home. But security technology isn’t the only thing that’s evolved. Security companies have rolled out newer, easier self-service guides and tutorials for customers that want to independently set up their security system(s). Related: Blitzz, Guardian Protection Launch Virtual Appointments Still, easier implementations don’t cut out the need for attentive customer support. Today’s consumers might be online, but many seek out product support in the same way they have for decades: over a phone call. That can lead to more than a few problems for physical device installations. (If you’ve ever attempted to troubleshoot a modem issue over the phone with your internet provider, you understand this pain.) Fortunately, these problems are avoidable with app-free visual support. Here’s why – along with the three benefits ...

ASIS International and SIA Announce Security LeadHER 2024 Conference Lineup

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ALEXANDRIA, Va. and SILVER SPRING, Md.  – ASIS International and the  Security Industry Association  ( SIA ) have announced the agenda and speaker lineup for their second annual  Security LeadHER conference , an event designed to showcase women in security. Security LeadHER 2024 is scheduled for June 24-25 at the Sheraton Phoenix Downtown. This conference from ASIS and SIA “will bring together security professionals committed to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession,” according to the joint announcement. Related: Inaugural Security LeadHER Conference Attracts More Than 300 Attendees On June 24, the Security LeadHER conference programming will include interactive workshops and lectures focused on personal wellness, professional growth and leadership development. Following these high-impact sessions, the event will kick off with a motivating keynote from Debby Stone, CEO of Novateur Partners, LLC – “Promote Yourself! B...

Bosch Highlights Visual and Audio Intelligence at ISC West 2024

Paul Garms, director of regional marketing, video systems, for Bosch Security and Safety Systems in North America recently talked to SSI about the company’s plans for ISC West 2024 (booth #11053), scheduled for April 9-12 at the Venetian Convention and Expo Center. What is a leading product or offering that your company is showing off at ISC West this year? What makes it unique or special?  Garms: At ISC West, Bosch is highlighting solutions using visual and audio intelligence to enhance security, safety, and operations across industries, including energy and utilities, education, smart cities, and more. For example, our Gun Detection System is the first to pair video and audio AI for a multi-layered approach designed to detect guns at schools. When a person brandishing a gun approaches a school entrance, two Flexidome 5100i cameras with Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) Visual Gun Detection are designed to promptly alert personnel. If a gun is not visually detected...

Inside the Modernization of Scores, One of Boston’s Most Iconic Sports Bars

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The owners of Scores sports bar in downtown Boston had some big shoes to fill when they purchased what was formerly The Fours Restaurant & Sports Bar. Since 1976, the establishment has been the place for diehard Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots fans to gather on game days. The 6,300-square-foot, bi-level stomping grounds still caters to these core customers, as well as the next generation of patrons, thanks to the addition of several smart systems from Rexx Home Systems and Snap One during a massive cosmetic and technological renovation. Related: Fischer Homes Partners with Clare Controls & Guardian Alarm to Build Smart Security Offerings “Sports always will be a huge part of our identity and as diehard fans, we would never want to change that,” says Scores general manager Tyler Smith. “We want to be top-of-mind to everyone from our fellow Boston sports fanatics to groups looking for something fun to do on a Tu...

The Cloud Enables Integrators to Easily Add Security Solutions

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“The first line of defense.” It’s a phrase that still resonates throughout the systems integration community when it comes to physical security. It starts with protection at the perimeter and can include a wide range of detection, depending on the needs of the user. Stopping intruders or bad actors from entering a protected environment or facility to keep it safe and uncompromised from outsiders is the name of the game. Locks and Electronic Controls It’s well-known in the physical security industry that locks are one of the products that are the first line of defense. However, they are often a basic security feature that many premises may be missing. In fact, a recent NBC news article pointed out that the school classroom in Uvalde, Texas, lacked that basic security feature and the classroom doors could not be locked from the inside. Related: Cloud of Recurring Revenues Awaits Security Dealers Thousands of schools across the U.S. lack doors that can be locked from the insid...

Magnasphere Anti Cut/Climb Fence Intrusion Detection System Completes National Safe Skies Testing

WAUKESHA, Wisc.—Magnasphere Corp., a Wisconsin-based manufacturing company has announced that its Magnasphere Anti Cut/Climb System (MACS) fence intrusion detection system and its MSK Radar motion sensor have completed a nine-month evaluation by the National Safe Skies Alliance at the testing organization’s outdoor security equipment facility. The Midwest company states the Safe Skies’ evaluation report is now available for distribution to qualified airport personnel at U.S. commercial-service airports and to U.S. government agencies via the Homeland Security Information Network (HSIN) or by request. “We are pleased with the nine-month evaluation and excited about protecting our nation’s airports, government facilities and critical infrastructure with our fence cut and climb detection systems as well as our radar motion sensing detector” says Michael Keegan, vice president of security products at Magnasphere . Magnasphere explains the National Safe Skies Alliance, Inc. (Safe Skies) ...

LLSSA Appoints Karen Shall as New Convention Committee Chairperson

METAIRIE, La. — The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) has named Karen Shall as its new convention committee chairperson , according to an association announcement. Shall and the rest of the LLSSA convention committee “will organize and plan for the upcoming dealer conference and annual tradeshow/convention and golf tournament, which is scheduled for Nov. 20 and 21. She has been involved in the security industry for 20 years, starting with a sales position at ADI in 2003, then spending time working for Security Data Supply, Stanley Security and just completing five years as a regional sales manager with Napco Security Technologies . Shall “enjoys being part of the security industry because of the fact that competitors are so helpful and friendly with each other,” according to the association announcement. On her days off, she loves beach vacations and spending time with her large family in New Orleans. “I’m looking forward to my new position with the LLSSA Co...

Security Industry Association Names New RISE Chairperson and Vice Chairman

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SILVER SPRING, Md. –  The  Security Industry Association  ( SIA ) has named a new chairperson and vice chairman to lead SIA RISE, a community that “fosters the careers of young professionals and emerging leaders in the security industry,” according to the association announcement. Dakota Bierly of Northland Controls – former SIA RISE vice chairperson – has assumed the role of chairperson of the RISE Steering Committee with Esteban Pastor of ZKTeco USA now serving as vice chairman. In these new roles, Bierly and Pastor “will deliver educational content and networking opportunities to young professional employees and rising stars at SIA member companies, college students and recent graduates interested in the global security industry,” according to the SIA announcement. More About the New RISE Leadership Team Bierly is the sales and marketing manager at Northland Controls. Prior to joining the security industry, she worked as a client services coordinator at the Washi...

Inovonics Cloud Services to Debut at ISC West 2024

  WESTMINSTER, Colo.–Inovonics, a high-performance wireless security solutions provider, has announced that it will be launching Inovonics Cloud Services at the 2024 International Security Conference & Exposition (ISC) West show taking place April 9-12, 2024 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas at booth location #3103.   Inovonics , traditionally known for its almost four decades of providing wireless security hardware, plans to exhibit at the ISC West show in 2024 in which it will not only feature its flexible hardware, but it will also showcase its new Inovonics Cloud Services software. The company states the new cloud-based solution is designed to leverage the dependable hardware and network infrastructure that customers have come to trust from Inovonics with the expanded capabilities of its cloud platform.   “At Inovonics, we’re committed to innovation and Inovonics Cloud Services is just that – this advanced software tool is a natural evolution from our world-clas...

Empowering Business Security: The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

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In the rapidly evolving security landscape, technology integrators and partners play a crucial role in equipping small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with the tools needed to combat an increasingly complex array of physical security threats. Related: Advocating for the Industry: Highlights from ESA and SIA’s 2nd Annual Security Hill Day Vandalism, theft, unauthorized access, and external threats pose significant challenges to SMBs, highlighting the critical need for advanced, precise, and swift security solutions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) stand at the forefront of technological innovation, offering transformative potential for the security systems of SMB clients. Integrators leveraging AI and ML technologies can significantly enhance threat detection and response capabilities, providing SMBs with advanced defenses that ensure the security of their assets, data, and operations. Importance of Advanced Security for SMBs Integrators and techno...

Hotel Keycard Hack Can Open Guest Rooms

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Hackers Ian Carroll and Lennert Wouters, along with a team of other security researchers, have discovered a technique that would “enable intruders to unlock any of millions of hotel rooms around the world in just seconds,” according to a recent People report, citing information from  Wired . The hackers recently unveiled a hotel keycard hacking method called Unsaflok , which highlights “the series of security vulnerabilities that would allow a hacker to almost instantly unlock certain models of Saflok-brand RFID-based keycard locks sold by Switzerland-based lock manufacturer dormakaba ,” the report says. Related: 8 Expert Tips to Help Cannabis Businesses Ensure Safety and Win Licenses Saflok keycard systems are installed on about 3 million doors worldwide at 13,000 properties in 131 countries, according to the report. The hacking technique unveiled by Carroll and Wouters begins with obtaining any keycard from a target hotel, reading a certain code from that card using...

The Dangers of Swinger Shutdown

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When an alarm contractor designs and installs a burglar alarm system , they are providing these services for a specific purpose. First, a security survey should be conducted, which is an exhaustive search of all risks and vulnerabilities. Secondly, a needs analysis needs to be performed by the alarm contractor to ascertain the motivation of why the prospective customer wants to have an alarm system for their premises. Based upon the aforementioned findings, the system’s design should follow. Of course, there may be mitigating factors that can change what the alarm contractor can install, such as its limitations based on financial budgetary concerns. Related: Central Station Monitoring: A Complete Guide Along those same lines, alarm contractors make certain representations to subscribers. Yet, there are choices that alarm companies make, which by design are not disclosed to their customers. With this in mind, the decision to provide information, or not, to a subscriber may be ...

JPS Health Network Deploys AI Gun Detection and Intelligent Situational Awareness

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PHILADELPHIA — JPS Health Network in Fort Worth, Texas, has deployed a proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness solution from AI-based gun detection video analytics platform ZeroEyes to mitigate gun-related violence. Located in Tarrant County, the 582-bed hospital includes an acute care facility, outpatient care centers, and psychiatric emergency room. Its Level I Trauma Center receives more than 125,000 emergency department visits annually from local and air EMS agencies, as well as others outside the county. “At the hospital, we witness first-hand the impact of gun violence, which is why we strive to safeguard our patients, staff, and visitors,” says Randell Hayen, chief of the Tarrant County Hospital District Police Department. “Along with our onsite police department, adding ZeroEyes gives us another tool to use to do just that,” says. Why JPS Health Chose ZeroEyes ZeroEyes’ HIPAA-compliant AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software ...

VMP to Showcase Several Products at ISC West 2024

STEVENSVILLE, Md.—Video Mount Products (VMP), a provider of mounting solutions for the security, commercial, CI, residential, and pro audio/video markets, has announced it will feature a host of rack mount accessories during ISC West 2024, held in Las Vegas, Nev. from April 10-12 at the Venetian Expo and Convention Center in booth #1046. “Accessories can be as important as the rack and mounts themselves in many cases,” explains Keith Fulmer, president of VMP . “VMP has designed our rack mount accessories with numerous features and goals in mind so that each unit performs to its full potential.” During ISC West 2024, VMP will feature these products in its booth: ERHCM-1: The 1U Horizontal Cable Manager provides a functional management system for a variety cables and the wide spacing (1.4-inch) between guide fingers, giving added versatility. ERLBAR-RA: The Right Angle 2-Inch Offset Cable Lacing Bar is a space saving solution that VMP says are a must have for managing a network i...

ASSA ABLOY Critical Infrastructure Shifts to ALCEA Brand Name

STOCKHOLM— ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions has announced that its critical infrastructure offering will adapt ALCEA as its main brand. French-based ALCEA SAS has roots in the security solutions industry dating back to 1995 and was acquired by ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions in 2022. The introduction of the brand marks the beginning of a journey to position ALCEA as a provider of total security solutions for critical infrastructure worldwide. By integrating products, solutions, and services from ASSA ABLOY, ALCEA, ABLOY, and third-party companies, ALCEA is set to enhance ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions’ position as a unique solution provider and trusted partner to several strategically important industries globally. “When critical infrastructure such as energy, water, telecom, or transportation is interrupted, societies can’t thrive. ALCEA exists to protect critical infrastructure globally and ensure businesses and people can continue to feel safe and operate uninterrupted,” says Stephanie Ordan...

Emerald Revamps Total Tech Summit 2024 to Boost Integrators’ Long-Term Success

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SAN ANTONIO, Texas — Total Tech Summit (TTS), a hosted buyer event serving the AV integration community, has a new location, a new format and a new website for 2024. The #TotalTech24 team is excited to bring these changes to the event that VIP commercial and residential integrators already know and love. It reflects organizers’ commitment to being directly responsive to guest feedback, thus ensuring an even more impactful TTS experience. Related: Security Customers Push Integrators to Be Long-Term Partners, Not Just Salespeople TTS hosts the world’s most successful thought leader integrators for two-and-a-half days of networking, education and tailored meetings. Integrators must apply to attend, with applicants qualified based upon factors like annual revenue. This aligns with TTS’ mission to bring in only top-tier integration company representatives from around the world. Participating manufacturers are paired with integrators for boardroom and one-on-one-style meetings....