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Showing posts from June, 2024

9 Tips for Choosing an AI-Powered Gun Detection System

Editor’s Note:  This thought leadership piece on choosing an AI-powered gun detection system originally published on our sister site, CampusSafety.com . Gun violence in educational facilities has become a critical issue in recent years, leaving lasting impacts on communities, families, and the educational environment itself. The frequency and severity of these incidents necessitate robust security measures to protect students, staff, and visitors. This has led to a burgeoning interest in AI-powered gun detection technology as a potential solution capable of enhancing safety measures in mass shootings and individual firearm incidents. However, with the array of offerings available, it can be overwhelming to select the optimal system to suit your needs. This article is designed to guide you through the gun detection solution tender process, helping you select the most effective option for your educational institution. The Call for Adopting Gun Detection Technology in Educational...

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Adds Seattle-Based AlarmTech Inc.

Pye-Barker Fire & Safety just acquired AlarmTech Inc. The latter specializes in security systems, fire alarm systems, access control and CCTV for customers in Seattle and the surrounding area. Pye-Barker is, of course, the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the U.S. Adding AlarmTech’s skilled team, with expertise in low-voltage systems, complements Pye-Barker’s growing presence delivering integrated life safety services in Washington State. AlarmTech Inc. is located just north of Seattle, in Mountlake Terrace, Wash. The company protects businesses and commercial customers with end-to-end fire alarm and security services. These, of course, include design, installation, maintenance, inspections and 24-hour emergency monitoring. Pye-Barker Continues Acquisition Strategy with AlarmTech Inc. This move reflects Pye-Barker continuing its high-velocity, but purposeful, acquisition strategy . The company seeks to par...

HID’s State of Physical Access Control Report Highlights Top Five Technology Trends

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AUSTIN, Texas – Identity and physical access control solutions provider HID has released the 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report , identifying “five key trends that are shaping the future of access control,” according to the company announcement. Produced by IFSEC Global in partnership with HID, the report surveyed more than 1,200 security professionals across the globe “to paint a picture of an industry that has been going through considerable transformation,” the announcement. Conducted between November 2023 and January 2024, the survey reveals five trends: Mobile Access and Digital ID Set to Become Ubiquitous “While physical ID is still prevalent within the access control industry, there is no doubt that mobile access credentials and digital IDs are quickly gaining ground,” according to the HID announcement. According to this report, nearly two in five organizations (39%) now actively use mobile identities with respondents naming touchless/contactless solutions (48%)...

Centrios from ASSA ABLOY Launches Complete Access Control Product Line

BERLIN, Conn.—Centrios, a new brand created within ASSA ABLOY to serve the small business market, has announced its first shipment of hardware products to SECLOCK. Centrios is a cloud-based access control solution developed to radically simplify the needs of small and growing businesses. By connecting the Centrios mobile app with Centrios smart readers and locks, owners and managers can quickly and easily manage access for all employees and visitors in one place. The first shipment of Centrios product left Centrios HQ in Berlin, Connecticut on June 18 and is now available for ordering through SECLOCK. End-users that are looking to purchase or have Centrios product installed at their business can find local support on the Centrios Where to Buy Finder on centrios.com. Bryan Lieberman, general manager for Centrios, says this shipment marks an important step forward in digital transformation for small and growing businesses. According to Lieberman, the shipment of produc...

SIA Announces 2024 Women in Security Forum Scholarship Opportunity

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SILVER SPRING, Md. – The  Security Industry Association  ( SIA ) is now accepting applications for the 2024  SIA Women in Security Forum (WISF) Scholarship , an initiative led by the SIA Women in Security Forum. The 2024 program will offer multiple scholarships worth $7,500 each that SIA members and students can use toward professional development and education, according to the association announcement. Applications for the 2024 SIA Women in Security Forum Scholarship must be submitted by Wednesday, July 31. SIA’s Women in Security Forum is “a community for both women and men that works to promote, recruit and cultivate the leadership of women for a more inclusive and diversified industry,” the announcement says. The WISF Scholarship program “was created to further educational opportunities for the widest spectrum of people and empower all to join the SIA Women in Security Forum and thrive in the security industry.” according to the announcement. “The SIA Wome...

Grow Your Business With ButterflyMX’s Industry-leading Dealer Program

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Maintaining an edge is more important than ever in the competitive landscape of security technology. The ability to offer advanced, reliable access control solutions can set your business apart. ButterflyMX’s dealer program recognizes this need and offers partners exclusive benefits like discounted pricing on hardware, installation referrals, and comprehensive training. A close look at the benefits of ButterflyMX’s Dealer Program: Discounted Pricing One of the standout features of the ButterflyMX dealer program is access to discounted pricing on cutting-edge products. This empowers you to offer competitive rates to your clients without compromising on margins. By providing high-quality products at reduced costs, you can attract more business and grow your client base. Installation Referrals Building a client base is a critical aspect of business growth. Through this dealer program, ButterflyMX supports you by providing local installation referrals. These referrals connect you wit...

Allegion US Introduces Von Duprin 70 Series Exit Devices

CARMEL, Ind.–Allegion US, a provider of security solutions, technology and services, has announced the launch of the Von Duprin 70 Series Exit Devices. This new product line the company says, combines the quality and trust associated with Von Duprin with a medium price point, making it a choice for a wide range of applications including warehouse, industrial, office, multifamily, retail and hospitality spaces. “The Von Duprin 70 Series Exit Devices serve as a testament to our commitment to delivering durable and high-performance solutions for a diverse range of applications,” says Marli Williams, general manager of exits for Allegion US . “We are proud to offer customers the quality and trust they expect from Von Duprin at a medium price point.” The Von Duprin 70 Series Exit Devices are ANSI/BHMA Grade 1 certified to offer users high standards of quality. The new series from Allegion US offers both panic and fire rated options that are available in both the 78 series wide stile and...

Electronic Security Association Creates Stan Martin Excellence in Advocacy Award

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DALLAS – The Electronic Security Association (ESA) today announces creation and winner of the Stan Martin Excellence in Advocacy Award. This prestigious accolade recognizes individuals who exemplify an extraordinary commitment to advocacy in the electronic security and life safety industry. Shane Clary, the longtime Fireside Chat columnist and vice president of codes and standards compliance at Bay Alarm Company for more than 40 years, is the first winner of the annual award that celebrates an underrated aspect of spreading the word about the amazing work being done across the industry. “ESA wanted to recognize these champions of the industry, so they knew their efforts were appreciated,” according to the association announcement. “That is why ESA created the Excellence in Advocacy Award. However, anyone can simply create an award. We wanted there to be a strong significance to it. “We wanted it to be named after a true champion of advocacy so that whenever someone won the award, ...

The Monitoring Association Releases Automated Secure Alarm Protocol Updates

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McLEAN, Va. – The Monitoring Association ( TMA ), the non-profit trade association representing the professional monitoring industry, announced it has signed a multi-year managed services agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to power the growth of TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP) Service . This award was made after a competitive procurement process, according to the joint announcement. ASAP is a standards-based service for the digital dispatch of alarm events to 911 centers. Since its introduction in 2011, ASAP “has been helping public safety agencies reduce the time to dispatch first responders by an average of two minutes, enabling faster and more informed response for improved outcomes, saving lives and property,” the announcement says. ASAP “has the largest adoption rate in the industry, with over 80 percent of the alarm systems in the United States monitored by an alarm company connected to the ASAP Service,” according to the announcement. More About th...

Brainboard Report Finds Cloud Security in Crisis as Security Engineers Drown in Alerts

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SAN FRANCISCO — A new report released by cloud infrastructure management company Brainboard.co has discovered a crisis in the cloud security world, with professionals spending 80% of their time “ battling fires caused by preventable security misconfigurations in the cloud.” The report found that, on average, cloud security systems are bombarded by an average of 500 security alerts per week. With the average cost of a data breach in the cloud being more than $4 million, this “represents a crisis for the industry and means professionals are left with little time or energy to focus on proactive measures that could improve their organization’s security posture,” according to the announcement. The Price of Human Error Human error remains a major contributor to cloud security incidents, being cited as the main reason behind 55% of breaches. Related: Cloud Technology Opportunities and Challenges for Security Integrators However, more than 60% of cloud and DevOps engineers are ju...

SAGE Integration Hires Katie Krug as Senior Account Executive

SAGE Integration Holdings LLC just welcomed Katie Krug to its growing team of security professionals. Her role is that of senior account executive. As Krug joins the company , she brings more than 18 years of experience , working extensively in sales, marketing and business development. Her background has encompassed concentrations in various industries. During her tenure as the AIoT director at EPIC iO, Krug was the tip of the spear in enhancing brand visibility and awareness through innovative marketing strategies. Achieving strong results, she successfully expanded the company’s reach into key new verticals. Her role involved generating sales prospects using value-based selling and the MEDDIC methodology. Moreover, she was charged with developing strategic marketing initiatives for enterprise clients. Earlier in her career, Krug worked at Scylla AI, BodyViz and Verizon Wireless. In those roles, she worked in sales, marketing and business development. Notably, throughout those year...

A Guide for Security Businesses on Selling Their Wholesale Monitoring Accounts

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Industry trends strongly suggest that security companies that run their own wholesale monitoring accounts should consider selling this part of their business. We believe that security and monitoring are two completely different businesses. That’s why we advise our clients to sell the monitoring arm of their company to concentrate on their core business and avoid the pitfalls wholesale monitoring presents. Wholesale Monitoring Companies Have an Edge While it may seem profitable for security firms to hold onto monitoring accounts and maintain that revenue stream, many clients are looking for comprehensive monitoring services that large wholesale monitoring companies provide. Related: Parks Associates Survey Finds 33% of Security Dealers Considered Selling Their Businesses These companies have the experience and resources to offer high-tech security monitoring bundled with a wide range of related services such as risk assessment and rapid incident response. For security compan...

i-PRO Announces New Anti-Ligature Corner Camera With High-Impact Rating

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TOKYO, Japan – Surveillance and public safety security solutions provider i-PRO Co., Ltd. (formerly Panasonic Security) today announced its new artificial intelligence-enabled Corner Camera. Built in Japan for the rigors of correctional facilities, this stainless steel camera “represents the smallest form factor, which is IK11 compliant,” according to the company announcement. Its ability to withstand a 70 Joule (70J) impact far exceeds the common IK10 (20J) impact ratings of similar devices, the announcement says. Related: i-PRO Advocates for Responsible Artificial Intelligence Practices in Physical Security “The i-PRO Corner Camera represents a new standard for high-security environments, providing unmatched reliability and advanced AI-powered analytics all within the most compact form factor,” says Gerard Figols, chief product officer at i-PRO. “With its IK11+ 70J rating, it is clearly the most shock-resistant corner mount surveillance camera in the industry today.” The ...

Allied Universal’s Steve Jones Receives 2024 Excellence in Executive Leadership Award

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IRVINE, Calif.  – Allied Universal global chairman and CEO Steve Jones recently received the 2024 Excellence in Executive Leadership Award from California State University Fullerton’s Giles-O’Malley Center for Leadership. “I am honored to be recognized for the innovative strategies Allied Universal has implemented to further the security industry,” says Jones in the company announcement. “Leadership and innovation have always held a steadfast place at the core of our company’s mission and remain the primary focus of our growth strategies. This award is a testament to the hard work of the entire Allied Universal team.” Why Steve Jones Won Executive Leadership Award Related: Allied Universal Employee Receives Patriot Employer Award From Secretary of Defense Under Jones’s leadership, Allied Universal “has developed and implemented several cutting-edge technology platforms that have revolutionized the security industry, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to auto...

Parks Associates Research Finds 28% of Employees Use AI for Professional Needs

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ADDISON, Texas — Research featured in  Parks Associates’ new Smart Home and Security Tracker reveals 28% of full-time employees and business owners use artificial intelligence (AI) applications for their professional needs, from automating routine tasks to enhancing decision-making processes. Related: Security Industry Forecast: Experts Chime in, Sharing Expectations for 2024 and Beyond The firm ’s Smart Home and Security Tracker “provides insights on the latest industry news and trends, including how the integration of AI is transforming the smart home industry,” according to the Parks Associates announcement. Jennifer Kent, vice president of research for Parks Associates, is speaking at the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) member meeting in Washington, D.C., on the growing requirements for interoperability, security, and integration between devices and ecosystems for consumer, SMB (small-to-medium business) and multifamily markets. “AI applications span multiple i...

Nice Names Juan B. Mogollon as Its New CEO

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ODERZO, Italy — Home management solutions company Nice today announced that Juan B. Mogollon has been appointed to the board of directors of Nice Spa and designated as the new CEO of Nice Spa. After a transition period, Mogollon will succeed Roberto M. Griffa, who has decided to leave the company to pursue new professional challenges. The board of directors of Nice “expresses its sincere gratitude to Roberto M. Griffa for his work over the years within the group, and his contribution in terms of commitment, management, and leadership, guiding the company’s growth and achieving remarkable results during his long tenure,” the company announcement says. Mogollon’s “proven leadership and extensive experience across various industrial segments − both in mature and emerging markets − will be key elements in the development process of the Nice group,” according to the company announcement. His expertise spans products, services, and high-tech solutions for construction, energy, telecomm...

Kirk MacDowell Honored as ESA’s 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year

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DALLAS — The Electronic Security Association ( ESA ) recently named MacGuard Security Advisors president and 2024 SSI Industry Hall of Fame inductee Kirk MacDowell as the recipient of the 2023 Morris F. Weinstock Person of the Year Award, which was presented to him at ESX 2024. This annual honor “recognizes individuals who exemplify extraordinary dedication and leadership in advancing the electronic security and life safety industry,” according to the ESA announcement. MacDowell’s career and commitment to security industry excellence “align seamlessly with the legacy of Morris F. Weinstock, the award’s namesake and a pioneer in the security sector,” the announcement says. “Through his visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, MacDowell has significantly contributed to the growth and prosperity of the industry, embodying the spirit of innovation and service that defines the Weinstock legacy,” according to the ESA announcement. More About Kirk MacDowell and Morris Weinstock ...

Huffmaster and Elite Fire Safety Partnership to Boost Remote Camera Monitoring

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CLAWSON, Mich. –  Huffmaster Crisis Response, Inc., which provides strike services, industrial and healthcare staffing, security services and more to Fortune 500 companies, recently announced a strategic partnership with Elite Fire Safety, a division of Sciens Building Solutions. This collaboration “revolutionizes remote camera monitoring by integrating a cutting-edge mobile security camera trailer (Remote Tactical Surveillance Unit – RTSU) with Huffmaster’s state-of-the-art VirSec Operation Center,” according to the joint announcement. As part of this partnership, Huffmaster will deploy Elite Fire Safety’s new Remote Tactical Surveillance Unit (RTSU) across the United States. These trailers will transmit live feeds to Huffmaster’s VirSec Operation Center. The VirSec team will monitor these feeds 24/7 to expedite the response time. “With each new partner, we expand the reach of our VirSec Operation Center, enhancing visibility and driving future business,” says Scott R. Gane, ...

Adapting Your Access Control Strategy for the “New” Commercial Real Estate

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Every physical security integrator has their own “bag of tricks” when it comes to implementing access control systems – best practices they use to increase efficiency, maximize profits, and better serve their clients. But when working in the commercial real estate (CRE) industry , the standard bag of tricks simply will not do. Implementing and installing access solutions within CRE properties presents unique challenges that require a unique approach. Related: On the RISE: Andrew Campagnola Uses Data-Driven Approach to Solve Security Problems And to better serve this key industry, it is first important to understand what sets it apart. Unlike government facilities or critical infrastructure sites, there are several stakeholders each influencing security and access decisions based on their own goals. This is more apparent now than ever before. The owner’s relationship with the tenant has changed because the tenant’s relationship with their employees has changed. It’s no longer ...

Integrators Embrace Bogen’s Partnership Mentality

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Bogen Communications ,  a well-known audio and paging solutions provider , boasting over 90 years in business, has earned the trust of key integrators in our industry. After all, the breadth of Bogen products spans multiple markets — they range from education and retail to healthcare and transportation — and the company is known for emphasizing audio innovation while, at the same time, maintaining quality, dependability and ease of installation across applications. Related: Bogen Communications Enters Into Several Partnerships It’s little wonder, then, that  Electrical Corporation of America (ECA) puts its trust in Bogen Communications as a key vendor partner. ECA, based in Kansas City, Mo., and founded in 1970, has been an integral part of the audio electronics contracting sphere for the last 25 years, earning an outstanding reputation along the way. According to ECA project manager Greg Freeman, ECA is particular about whom they choose to work with as a co...