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Showing posts from January, 2025

Legal Briefing: Positioning Your Company for Sale When You Have No (or Poor) Contracts

You’ve operated your business for one year or 50 and you decide that it’s time to sell. The problem is, you don’t use contracts or the form you use is so poorly written that you might as well not have a contract. Reality hits when you seek a valuation of the accounts or start to get offers — or, worse yet, get no offers. You just can’t fathom why others in the industry don’t understand or appreciate the profit you make each year and how happy your customers are. Won’t Throw Money Your Way Here’s why others in the security industry don’t seem to appreciate the value of your operation and won’t be throwing money your way: They aren’t willing to take the risk of a loss and claim, which is infinitely increased without proper contract protection. They are concerned that their errors and omissions carrier will cancel or not renew the E&O policy or increase the premium significantly because of the added risk. They are concerned that their central station will refuse to monitor the ...

Quanergy Solutions Advocates the Benefits of 3D LiDAR for Data Center Security

SAN JOSE, Calif.— Quanergy Solutions, Inc., a provider of 3D LiDAR solutions, is driving awareness of its advanced 3D LiDAR system, which the company says was created to address critical vulnerabilities in data center security. The company points out that with the rise of hyperscale, colocation, and edge facilities, data centers face unprecedented challenges in safeguarding sensitive information and ensuring uninterrupted operations.  “The future of data center security lies in proactive, intelligent solutions,” says Adam Andres, global VP of sales at Quanergy Solutions . “Our 3D LiDAR technology offers the advanced capabilities to detect and deter threats, ensuring the safety and reliability of critical infrastructure.” Quanergy Solutions LiDAR Fills in Surveillance System Gaps Quanergy Solutions boasts that its 3D LiDAR eliminates blind spots, reduces false alarms by over 90%, and delivers 360-degree real-time tracking, all while seamlessly integrating with existing security...

Paxton Hosts Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony at New U.S. Headquarters in Greenville, S.C.

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GREENVILLE, S.C. – Security technology solutions manufacturer Paxton Access recently announced that construction on the company’s new U.S. headquarters is complete, completing a $10 million investment by the company to grow its footprint across the country. “Paxton’s new U.S. headquarters has been built to a world-class standard,” says Paxton CEO Adam Stroud in the company announcement. “It reflects the scale of our ambition and belief in Greenville as a fantastic hub to recruit talented people and service business growth in the North American market. “We anticipate a rapid expansion of our technology manufacturing capability and delivery of associated services, generating jobs in the local community,” he says. Inside Paxton Access’ New U.S. Headquarters Photo courtesy of Paxton Access The new 29,000 square foot Paxton U.S. headquarters building “has been designed for the evolving needs and expectations of Paxton’s customers and colleagues,” according to the company announceme...

PSA Network Strengthens Access Control Solutions with Addition of Wavelynx

WESTMINSTER, Colo. – The PSA Network today announced Wavelynx ​​as its newest technology partner . Known for their access control solutions, Wavelynx “equips integrators with tools that simplify installations, enhance system compatibility and deliver scalable, cost-effective security solutions to their clients,” the announcement says. “Wavelynx delivers transformative solutions that address the most pressing challenges faced by our integrators,” says Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network, in the joint announcement. “Their commitment to simplifying processes, supporting legacy system compatibility and driving forward-thinking innovation makes them a valuable addition to our network.” Why PSA Network Added Wavelynx as a Tech Partner Wavelynx is “dedicated to empowering integrators with efficient, reliable and future-​ready​ access control solutions,” according to the joint announcement. ​The company’s Configure​ app “streamlines complex installations, saving time and...

The Monitoring Association (TMA) Opens 2025 Virtual Mid-Year Meeting Registration

McLEAN, Va. — The Monitoring Association (TMA) has opened registration for its 2025 virtual mid-year meeting, set for April 29 to May 1. The annual virtual mid-year meeting “convenes monitoring and security professionals, ranging from frontline technicians to managers and executives to engage in meaningful discussions, sharing challenges and exchanging best practices in a collaborative environment,” the announcement says. The three-day TMA virtual mid-year meeting “offers attendees important and timely insights into the latest trends and pressing issues in the monitoring industry, covering topics from cutting-edge technology to operational strategies,” according to the association announcement. Inside the 2025 TMA Virtual Mid-Year Meeting Agenda Education sessions “are thoughtfully curated to provide actionable insights and solutions,” the announcement says. Focused tracks are: Day 1: Leadership and Industry Trends Day 2: Technology and Innovation Day 3: Opera...

Pye-Barker Acquires Encore Technology Solutions, Adds Arkansas as 46th State

ATLANTA – Full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider Pye-Barker Fire & Safety has acquired Little Rock, Ark.-based Encore Technology Solutions, marking Pye-Barker’s entry into its 46th state. This acquisition “aligns with Pye-Barker’s commitment to delivering full fire code compliance to customers across the country,” according to the joint announcement. Encore Technology Solutions is known for its expertise in fire alarm systems, access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection and mass communication systems. The company serves commercial clients across eight states, including nationwide retail, manufacturing, entertainment, education and government facilities. Why Pye-Barker Acquired Encore Technology Solutions Encore’s recent accolades — as a 2024 Most Admired Company (Arkansas Money & Politics) and an Arkansas Business of the Year finalist — “underscore its commitment to the quality standards Pye-Barker values,” according to the ...

DoorBird to Display D31 Series at ISE 2025 Trade Show

BARCELONA—Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) is the annual meeting place for the audiovisual and systems integration industry, and the global access control company DoorBird is set take part in the event by showing products like its D31 Series. The annual trade event will take place for the 21st time in 2025. DoorBird a manufacturer of smart door communication products will also be at ISE 2025, which takes place from February 4 to 7, to present its latest products. During the show at stand 2H300, visitors at the show can stop by the DoorBird booth to see the company’s range of door communication products for themselves. “The vision of ISE is to make technology more accessible and efficient for everyday life,” says Sascha Keller, CEO of DoorBird . “Our smart access control solutions, which can be individually adapted to the needs of users, fit in perfectly with this and we are looking forward to presenting them to visitors to the trade fair.” DoorBird to Highlight the Range of D31 Seri...

Allied Universal Among America’s Most Admired Workplaces According to Newsweek

IRVINE, Calif. — Global security and facility services provider Allied Universal is one of America’s Most Admired Workplaces , according to Newsweek . The news outlet’s 2025 list features “companies most respected by both current employees and job seekers,” the announcement says. “It’s humbling to be recognized as one of America’s most admired workplaces,” says Allied Universal global chairman and CEO Steve Jones in the company announcement. “We are totally committed to being an employer of choice and have created programs to show our team members that we value them, their contributions and their professional development.” Why Newsweek Honored Allied Universal Allied Universal “boasts the security industry’s highest employee retention rate and internal promotion rate,” according to the company announcement. In 2024, more than 18,000 North American team members earned promotions. To join the Allied Universal team, visit  jobs.aus.com. Allied Universal is dedicated to becomin...

Between Us Pros: Rely on Genetec Founder and CEO Pierre Racz to Keep It Real

Shortly after I entered the security industry in 1998, it became apparent to me that Genetec , which had been launched just one year prior, was one of the most innovative up-and-coming manufacturers. I soon learned the person behind that vision was founder and CEO Pierre Racz. Aside from one of us going on to build a multinational market leader that annually generates nearly a half-billion dollars, we have had somewhat parallel careers (ha!). Genetec’s Racz: Innovative and Outspoken All kidding aside, Racz is one of the most innovative and outspoken company leaders — someone whom I have had the pleasure of getting to know a bit and whom I respect a lot. In addition to seeing him at dozens of events and conferences, I was, on multiple occasions, among guests invited to spend time in and around Genetec’s Montreal headquarters (typically in the dead of winter!). Being a reporter for SSI, as I was then, and especially before social media took hold, I found that covering this industr...

Security Industry Association Releases New and Enhanced Data Privacy Resources

SILVER SPRING, Md. – The Security Industry Association ( SIA ) has released a set of new and updated resources and programs around data privacy for security industry professionals. SIA’s new  Data Privacy Pro Certificate  is a new course offering that “helps learners gain a strong understanding of key data privacy concepts,” according to the SIA announcement. The course covers topics including: Understanding personally identifiable information Security industry-specific considerations Privacy by design Privacy impact assessments Encryption and security Navigating data partnerships Key principles of data protection and securing data Building trust through transparency and informed consent Collaborating with law enforcement Essential data handling strategies Navigating data privacy and compliance in the U.S. and abroad More About the SIA Data Privacy Pro Certificate Member registration for the Data Privacy Pro Certificate is free thanks to the underwriting sup...

Endor Labs AI Model Discovery Provides Critical Security Screening for Users

PALO ALTO, Calif.— Endor Labs, a developer of open source software security, has announced a brand new feature in its signature platform enabling organizations to discover the AI models already in use across their applications, and to set and enforce security policies over which AI models are permitted. The Endor Labs AI Model Discovery directly addresses three critical use cases: It enables application security professionals to discover local open-source AI models being used in their application code; it evaluate risks from those models; and it enforces organization-wide policies related to AI model curation and usage. It even goes a step further with automated detection, warning developers about policy violations, and blocking high-risk models from entering production. This latest effort to help organizations govern AI code further cements Endor Labs as a leader in addressing emerging AI risks for application security programs. “There’s currently a significant gap in the ability to...

Maven Collection from Kwikset Brings Style and Safety to Access Control

LAKE FOREST, Calif.—   Kwikset, a developer of residential security solutions, and a registered trademark of ASSA ABLOY Americas Residential Inc., an ASSA ABLOY Group Company, has announced the launch of the Maven Collection, a product line the company says is a stylish addition to its lineup of door hardware. The Maven Collection features a modern square profile, textured perimeter, and versatile finishes, designed to complement nearly any home interior. Kwikset offers its latest door locks in a choice of polished chrome, satin nickel and matte black. The product line also offers two rosette styles: A round option for a classic aesthetic and a square option for a contemporary look the ASSA ABLOY brand says gives homeowners the flexibility to customize their spaces. “With the Maven Collection, we’re giving homeowners a unique and stylish way to enhance their interiors with door hardware that’s both elevated and budget friendly,” says Amanda Archer, group product marketing manag...

ASSA ABLOY Acquires InVue

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STOCKHOLM, Sweden — ASSA ABLOY has acquired Charlotte-based asset protection and access control solutions provider InVue , according to a joint announcement. Related: 2025 Campus and Visitor Management Predictions: More Installations, Integrations Invue “enables tailormade security solutions to a broad spectrum of industries and retailers,” the announcement says. “I am very pleased to welcome the InVue team to ASSA ABLOY,” says Nico Delvaux, president and CEO of ASSA ABLOY, in the joint announcement. “This acquisition delivers on our strategy to grow our business through adding complementary products and solutions to our core business.” “InVue is a global technology provider at the forefront of innovative security solutions for protecting assets in the retail business,” says Stephanie Ordan, executive vice president and head of global technologies unit business unit for ASSA ABLOY. “InVue is an excellent addition to Global Solutions, the acquisition will expand our core cap...

Juno from Nice North America Provides Convenient Automated Gate Functionality

CARLSBAD, Calif.—Nice, a global manufacturer of home and building management solutions, has announced the launch of Juno, a sleek gate operator designed to provide modern residential gate automation. The company asserts that as the market increasingly demands compact, feature-rich solutions, Juno offers a fresh design that blends style, performance, and ease of use to deliver value for both dealers and end users. “Our partners need reliable, easy-to-install solutions that align with modern aesthetic and functional demands,” says Lisa Steinberg, senior product manager at Nice North America . “With Juno, we’re providing a revolutionary product that not only performs exceptionally but also elevates the standard for gate operators in residential applications.” Juno Easy to Install and Loaded with Features According to Nice North America , Juno smart home solutions features a compact and modern design inspired by European aesthetics but tailored for the North American market. Through i...

Security LeadHER Opens Call for Speakers and Registration for 2025 Event

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ALEXANDRIA, Va., and SILVER SPRING, Md. – ASIS International  and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have announced details for the 2025 Security LeadHER conference , an annual event “dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession.” The third annual Security LeadHER conference is scheduled for Monday, June 9 and Tuesday, June 10 at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center in Detroit. Related: Security Gives Back: SIA’s CEO Pounds Pavement to Help Young Security Talent Born “of a need to effect change and create a more enriching and inclusive security community,” Security LeadHER offers “impactful keynotes, lively networking, small group breakouts and many opportunities to help Security LeadHERs develop their skills, connect and collaborate,” the announcement says. Security LeadHER is seeking “engaging, informative and motivational speakers and sessions” for the 2025 conference. Session proposals are wanted on topics such as: ...

Evolv Technology Lays Off 40 Employees

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WALTHAM, Mass. — Security technology company Evolv Technology announced the layoff of 40 employees, about 14% of its global workforce, according to a Boston Business Journal report. Related: Evolv Technology Integrates Omnilert’s AI Gun Detection Technology into Evolv Extend This follows the company’s decision last year to let go of top members of its executive team and other employees following an internal investigation focused on financial practices, the report says. The company had almost 300 employees at the end of 2023. In an emailed statement to BBJ , Evolv CEO John Kedzierski said “the optimization of the operating expenses included a percentage of role reductions.” “I am confident that these changes will strengthen our business performance without impacting organizational effectiveness,” he wrote in the statement. “We will, of course, continue to prioritize excellence in customer service with a focus on our mission of making places and people safer. We are ...

RaptorVision, Konverge AI Alliance Maximizes Companies’ AI Technologies

IRVINE, Calif.—RaptorVision and Konverge.AI have announced a global strategic partnership, leveraging both organizations’ technology experience in developing AI technologies and solutions to enterprise clients. This partnership is geared around building specific solutions based on client-centric AI use cases to deliver performance-based high ROI results to the enterprise. Based on the integration of the RaptorVision Product Engagement, Concealment and Integration Platform with the Databricks Data Warehouse & Data Lake architecture and enterprise capabilities, RaptorVision and Konverge.AI plan to collaborate on client implementation projects that address strategic opportunities for clients to accelerate their initiatives into the world of Gen AI and deep learning with proven AI technologies and implementation experience. “The RaptorVision Konverge.AI partnership brings together experienced data scientists with a solution-driven set of ideas and ability to implement now often fo...

Elite Interactive Solutions Staffers Rise to Los Angeles’ Latest Wildfire Challenges

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LOS ANGELES — Remote guarding solutions provider Elite Interactive Solutions , which uses proprietary intelligence and integration in its crime prevention efforts, today announces the company and its many California customers safely made it through the recent Los Angeles wildfires. Related: NFPA Offers Resources and Information Related to Southern California Wildfires With its headquarters and security operations command center (SOCC) in the heart of downtown Los Angeles, Elite “remained on high alert for its operations, personnel and their families, and its many local clients during the unprecedented fire tragedy ,” according to the company announcement. “Fortunately, our operations were not affected in any way,” says Elite security director Noel Delgado. “Our remote location was secure, and our team was able to remote monitor all properties with no interruption. “Our [emergency action plan] protocol was on standby if anything should arise but ultimately it was not implement...

Enhancing Traffic Monitoring in Centennial

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CENTENNIAL, Colo. — The City of Centennial operates a state-of-the-art traffic management center (TMC) to monitor regional traffic conditions. Serving a population of more than 108,000 people, Centennial’s TMC ensures smooth traffic flow, supports city operations such as snow management and engages the public with initiatives including Centennial 101, which provides residents with a behind-the- scenes look at city departments. In August 2023, Centennial installed RGB Spectrum ’s Galileo video wall processor to address its operational needs. The city sought a solution that would enable operators to monitor live feeds from 60 CCTV cameras, improve situational awareness and facilitate content management for real-time operations and training purposes. The Challenge Centennial’s Traffic Management Center required a reliable, flexible system capable of displaying numerous video streams simultaneously. Operators needed the ability to monitor critical intersections and road conditions in...

Invixium Launches New Enterprise Series Biometric Access Control Products

DUBAI—Invixium, a global manufacturer of biometric access control solutions, has announced its competitively priced Enterprise Series of products. The new products include the IXM ROSTO (face + card) and IXM TOUCH 3 (finger + card). Invixium states that its latest products are engineered with the same design-centric quality and cutting-edge technology as its Industrial Series of products, but the Enterprise Series the company continues, is priced as cost-effective solutions for the mass market. “We want Small to Medium Businesses (SMBs) to experience Invixium the same way our Industrial customers have,” says Shiraz Kapadia, CEO and president of Invixium . “In a nutshell, these products are priced to be extremely competitive and purposely designed with relevant features for the SMB market.” Enterprise Series Products Loaded with Features The Enterprise Series IXM ROSTO is a sleek and versatile biometric device designed for fast and secure access control , workforce, and visitor man...

Fireside Chat: Inside the Updated National Fire Alarm & Signaling Code (NFPA 72)

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After three years of work by the various technical committees, the correlating committee and the staff of the National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ), the 2025 edition of NFPA 72, National Fire Alarm and Signaling Code , has been published. Related: Fireside Chat: The National Electrical Code (NEC) is Set for Some Major Changes This edition is now available for purchase and review through the NFPA. In a series of articles, I will cover the changes that have been made from the 2022 edition to the 2025 edition. Depending on the area in which you perform your fire alarm work, the 2025 edition may become effective this year; meanwhile, in other areas, it may a few years from now. The first adoption will most likely be with the United States federal government, which uses the most recent published standards. As the 2025 edition is adopted, you should remember to check for any state or local amendments that may have been made. A Number of New Definitions in NFPA 72 In this...

NFPA Board of Directors Announces Standards Council Appointments

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QUINCY, Mass. – The National Fire Protection Association ( NFPA ) board of directors has announced the appointment of three new members to the NFPA Standards Council: Guy Colonna of FSL Consulting LLC; Raymond Grill of Ray Grill Consulting PLLC; and John LeBlanc of Factory Mutual. In addition, Randy Krause was reappointed to a second three-year term, Jeffrey Foisel’s appointment was extended for three years and Rodger Reiswig’s appointment was extended for one year. All appointments and re-appointments began Jan. 1, 2025. More About New NFPA Standards Council Members Colonna joined NFPA as an engineer and staff liaison after serving in the US Coast Guard for 12 years with assignments afloat and ashore. During his 34-year tenure at NFPA, he staffed committee projects responsible for documents on maritime fire protection and industrial and chemical hazards. He also developed and instructed training programs for many of these topics and authored numerous technical papers and presen...

D-Tools adds Inventory Management, Other Features to D-Tools Cloud

CONCORD, Calif.—D-Tools, a provider of core business management software for electronic systems contractors, has introduced a number of new features for D-Tools Cloud, including a fully integrated Inventory Management module and Job Costing capabilities. D-Tools points out that its platform now supports the ability for users to charge clients convenience fees for credit card payments taken through the D-Tools Payments feature in D-Tools Cloud to offer dealers more flexibility and profitability. “As a complete end-to-end, cloud-based software solution for system integrators, D-Tools has moved beyond the basics of generating proposals, managing projects, and selling service plans,” says Randy Stearns, CEO, D-Tools . “D-Tools Cloud is now attacking head-on the toughest challenges facing system integrators—tracking inventory, assessing project profitability, and managing cash. The release of the new inventory module, job costing capabilities, and convenience fee option demonstrates our ...