Voice recognition systems

Data Center's house the critical systems, sensitive data, and hardware that keep businesses, governments, and communities running around the clock. In these environments, uptime is everything. Risk tolerance is low. And physical security has to work seamlessly alongside daily operations without creating friction or complexity. The global data center physical security market was valued at USD 1.39 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 4.19 billion by 2033, reflecting a fundamental shift in how seriously the industry treats physical protection. Yet despite this growth, physical security protections still account for as little as 5% of overall build budgets at many facilities. Physical security protections A breach at the perimeter, an unauthorised entry into a data hall, or a failure in environmental monitoring can cascade into downtime, data loss, and compliance violations. The challenge is building security that addresses all of this while still enabling the constant flow of engineers, contractors, and operators who keep the facility running. Every data center is carefully zoned to control the movement of people. Public areas, internal corridors, and customer-only data halls each carry different risk profiles and require different levels of protection. Critical infrastructure zones A unified data center access control system aligns policies with how these spaces are actually used. Multi-layered authentication (including dual-badge verification, anti-pass back, biometrics, and physical credentials) ensures the right people are in the right place at the right time. Anti-tailgating systems, duress PIN codes, and photo ID pop-ups integrated with live Video, add further layers of verification at critical entry points. For the most sensitive areas, such as data halls and critical infrastructure zones, Inner Range offers its High Security (Class 5) intrusion detection solution, purpose-built for environments where insider threats and advanced tampering must be addressed. Less sensitive zones can run cost-efficient commercial-grade security, all managed through a single unified platform. Generating automated alerts Maintaining uninterrupted visual oversight across server rooms, equipment cages, and operational areas is essential for both protection and compliance. Inner Range links video surveillance directly to access events, so every door tap, denied entry, or after-hours access is connected to corresponding footage. AI-powered video analytics detect unusual behaviour, loitering, or breaches proactively, generating automated alerts for rapid response. This transforms video from a passive recording tool into an active layer of the data center security system. Tamper-proof locks Security in a data center goes beyond doors and corridors. At the rack level, tamper-proof locks, open-rack monitoring, and integration with CCTV and alarm verification ensure physical infrastructure stays protected. Environmental monitoring is equally critical. Humidity, temperature, fire compliance, and emergency egress are constantly tracked through sensors tailored to each zone. The system integrates with environmental sensors to detect overheating, smoke, or tampering early, helping teams act before infrastructure is compromised and uptime is affected. Meeting regulatory standards Data centers rely heavily on third-party specialists, vendors, and service partners. Managing this access safely is one of the biggest operational challenges. Manual processes and siloed systems make it harder to maintain audit trails, respond to incidents, and meet regulatory standards. Inner Range governs contractor and visitor access through structured workflows that map qualifications, certifications, and standard operating procedures directly to permissions. Real-time location tracking (RTLS) ensures contractors and assets are monitored across zones, maintaining compliance with automated reporting. Access is granted only when requirements are met and revoked automatically when conditions change. Multi-factor authentication In environments where trust must be earned, Inner Range enforces strict verification at every door, rack, and zone. Access is never assumed. Credentials are validated against identity, role, and time, with support for biometrics and multi-factor authentication. This approach aligns physical security with modern zero-trust frameworks, reducing exposure to insider threats and unauthorised escalation. Operational simplicity matters in environments where complexity increases risk. Inner Range delivers a true single-pane-of-glass view across access control, intrusion detection, video surveillance, and environmental monitoring. Real-time visibility A powerful vector-based mapping interface provides real-time visibility across a single facility or a global multi-site deployment. Operators can monitor alarms, review access events, and track environmental conditions without switching systems. Advanced auditing, dashboards, and centralised reporting support compliance requirements and operational transparency. With more than 130 third-party integrations (including IT asset management, environmental monitoring, HR systems, and building automation), the platform connects into existing infrastructure and scales as the network grows. During unexpected outages Downtime in a data center is measured in dollars per second. Server downtime alone can cost large organisations up to $9,000 a minute. Inner Range is engineered for continuity, with encrypted communication, automated failover, and real-time fault detection built into its core. Redundant power ensures continuous operation even during unexpected outages. Whether managing a single facility or a global network of data halls, the system scales without adding complexity. Modular architecture allows expansion by adding racks, cages, or entire server rooms without infrastructure replacement, allowing physical security to grow in lockstep with infrastructure demands.

Herta, a Spanish company specialising in facial recognition, video analytics and artificial intelligence, has successfully completed its participation in the first Regulatory Sandbox for Artificial Intelligence in the European Union, led by the Government of Spain through the State Secretariat for Digitalisation and Artificial Intelligence. Herta has participated in this controlled testing environment with BioSurveillance, its high-performance video surveillance system based on facial recognition, designed to identify people in crowded, dynamic and highly complex operational environments. Protection of fundamental rights The completion of this process represents a milestone for the company and for Europe’s biometrics sector. Herta positions itself as the first European company specialising in facial recognition prepared to implement projects in public spaces in line with the new European Artificial Intelligence Regulation, AI Act, in those cases permitted by the regulation and under the safeguards required in terms of human oversight, risk management, traceability, technical documentation, cybersecurity and protection of fundamental rights. The accreditation diploma awarded to Herta recognises its participation with BioSurveillance in the Artificial Intelligence Sandbox, developed between May 2025 and June 2026 and framed within Royal Decree 817/2023. The closing ceremony took place in Madrid on 11 June 2026. Facial recognition technology “Completing the European Union’s first Artificial Intelligence Sandbox is a strategic milestone for Herta. It demonstrates that it is possible to develop and deploy facial recognition technology from Europe with the highest legal, technical and ethical safeguards,” says Javier Rodríguez, General Manager of the company. With this recognition, Herta reinforces its leadership as a European provider of advanced biometric technology for public security, critical infrastructure, transport, major events, border control and high-traffic spaces.

iDenfy, a global RegTech company that provides identity verification and fraud prevention solutions, has integrated a new digital ID verification method, Mobile-ID, a SIM card-based non-document onboarding workflow. It’s now available for all iDenfy users, with direct, no-code enablement using the ID verification dashboard. The new addition of Mobile-ID specifically targets Estonian and Lithuanian businesses that need to onboard their users through a credential embedded on the SIM card instead of asking the customer to upload their identity document during their verification journey. Standard-based solution Mobile-ID is a SIM-based eID provided by mobile operators in Estonia and Lithuania. It combines approximately 3 million people from the two markets, currently connecting 705,000 active users with a 21% adoption rate among the general population. Currently, Mobile-ID is issued by a local mobile operator as a standard-based solution, which is ranked at eIDAS LoA High (Mobile-ID’s eIDAS High certification places it fully within that framework), putting it at the same level of assurance as the nationally issued national identity systems recognized across EU member states. From the end-user’s perspective, Mobile-ID allows users to access multiple e-services and sign documents, which is the legal equivalent of a traditional, handwritten signature. National identity systems In contrast to the eID solutions that are application-based, this SIM-card-based option is built on a unique SIM card, which is itself another “secure element” in the onboarding. Mobile-ID is widely used for e-signing and as an authentication measure. That means, using iDenfy, businesses will be able to verify users and automate access to Mobile-ID and its use of digital signatures across any capable mobile device without the necessity of downloading any additional applications or implementing multiple separate APIs. Physical ID documents Authentication for Mobile-ID happens through a non-biometric two-factor process that asks the users to input their SIM-resident credential-based PINs, instead of asking for their facial biometrics on their smart devices. End-users don’t need to carry physical ID documents and can use their Mobile-ID linked to the SIM on their phone. This innovation makes Mobile-ID an accessible way for any Estonian and Lithuanian user, who are often already familiar with this workflow and use it for accessing documents, especially when remote signing is often required due to many services being provided online without the need to communicate with the other party face-to-face. Image quality problems “We know how important a customized, native experience is. Given our history and the first HQ that we built and still have in Lithuania, we know first hand why users like Mobile-ID and similar, country-specific onboarding options,” commented Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. The user sees a process that they have completed multiple times in their lifetime and is more likely to convert to other businesses’ services, without dropping off. That has been an issue for other onboarding workflows that require uploading a real photo of the user’s ID. iDenfy also mentioned that the standard KYC-compliant government-issued ID workflow won’t go anywhere, but global businesses are looking for better U/X and alternatives to match each country’s requirements. Authenticated identity attributes Using iDenfy’s automation solution, Mobile-ID’s system cross-matches the user’s given name, family name, and nationality as deterministic attributes. Date of birth is available as a conditional attribute depending on configuration or user consent. This structured verification output allows businesses to receive authenticated identity attributes from the SIM card credential, and doesn’t have to use manual document extraction methods with their associated image quality problems. iDenfy suggests businesses enable the Mobile-ID workflow if they operate in Lithuania or Estonia, and then, if the user doesn’t have a Mobile-ID, they can onboard themselves via Smart-ID (which is more of a general authentication option, not e-signing, and has a wider user base), or trigger another, custom workflow, such as a general biometric check with a document capture.  Mobile-based authentication “Businesses can use iDenfy to route users to a SIM-based identity verification path automatically when document capture is unavailable or fails due to image quality or lighting conditions,” explained Domantas Ciulde, the CEO of iDenfy. Also, it is worth placing it in context that Estonia is one of the leading digital governments in the world, with a full digital ID infrastructure on which government and commercial services are built. Lithuania has been on a similar path, with mobile-based authentication widely deployed in banking and government services. Mobile-ID is part of that infrastructure alongside app-based options such as Smart-ID, together covering the range of options on how users in those countries could execute the authentication process. A business with an offering across Estonia and Lithuania, but only supporting document-based authentication, will be losing a good proportion of users who rely on SIM-based credentials. Smart-ID onboarding workflow The news of Mobile-ID adoption came shortly after iDenfy announced that it offers automated access to the Smart-ID onboarding workflow, another mobile electronic identity (eID) application used in Estonia and Latvia. This makes iDenfy one of the few KYC providers that offer eIDAS-compliant, EU-adopted workflows for both document-based and non-document-based onboarding in the market. For business, this saves costs, especially on implementation. Mobile-ID support is available across iDenfy’s identity verification platform and is available via the dashboard to all clients at no additional cost.

RecFaces, a global developer of enterprise-grade facial biometric software, will host an exclusive online expert panel, "Fueled by Face: Smart Biometrics for MENA Oil & Gas", on June 30 at 3:00 PM (GMT+4). Organised in partnership with Milestone Systems, the event will bring together regional technology experts to explore how facial biometrics is helping Oil & Gas operators strengthen security, improve workforce management, and accelerate digital transformation across critical infrastructure environments. Demanding security requirements Oil & Gas facilities throughout the Middle East and North Africa operate under some of the world's most demanding security requirements. Refineries, production sites, pipelines, compressor stations, and corporate campuses must manage thousands of employees, contractors, and visitors, many of whom require temporary or rotating access to sensitive areas. At the same time, operators face growing regulatory, health and safety, and operational pressures that require accurate, real-time visibility into who is on site, where they are located, and whether they are authorised to be there. The panel discussion will examine the security and workforce management challenges facing MENA Oil & Gas organisations and demonstrate how facial biometric technologies can address them. Attendees will gain practical insights into real-world use cases, including perimeter and restricted zone access control, contractor attendance verification, watchlist management, incident investigations, and emergency mustering. Enhancing security operations During the session, the experts will also provide a live walkthrough of the integration between RecFaces' biometric solutions and Milestone Systems' XProtect video management platform, demonstrating how organisations can enhance security operations through a unified technology ecosystem. The event will feature: Eugenia Marina, Business Development Director for the MENA region, RecFaces Mohammed Bajarsh, Vice President of Products, RecFaces Chebel Bou Chebel, Technology Partner Manager, Milestone Systems Traditional identification technologies "The Oil & Gas sector presents a unique combination of security, compliance, and operational challenges that traditional identification technologies struggle to address," said Eugenia Marina, Business Development Director for MENA at RecFaces. "Across the region, operators are looking for solutions that not only strengthen physical security but also provide verifiable, real-time workforce visibility. This panel is designed to share practical knowledge from projects and market conversations happening across MENA today, helping security leaders and system integrators understand where facial biometrics delivers measurable business value." Intelligent security technologies The discussion will also address how regional modernisation initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030, UAE Vision 2031, and other national digital transformation programs, are accelerating the adoption of intelligent security technologies throughout the energy sector. "Many organisations still rely on fragmented processes that make it difficult to verify identity, investigate incidents efficiently, or maintain accurate workforce records across multiple locations," said Mohammed Bajarsh, Vice President of Products at RecFaces. "What we're seeing now is a shift toward unified biometric ecosystems where access control, video surveillance, attendance management, and incident response operate as a single network. During the session, we'll demonstrate how this approach can improve both security outcomes and operational efficiency from day one."

Iris ID, the global leader in m biometrics identity technology, is showcasing its latest face and iris fusion biometric identity solutions at Identity Week Europe 2026, stand 302. The event focuses on bringing together thought leaders to address the latest threats facing identity and the technology that is critical in helping to mitigate these risks. Identity Week Europe aligns directly with Iris ID’s mission to deliver authentication technologies that are fast, accurate, and trusted across the world’s most demanding environments. Iris and facial recognition working together As governments, enterprises, and transportation organisations face rising expectations for instant, reliable identity verification, Iris ID is demonstrating how iris and facial recognition work together to meet these challenges. The company’s multimodal biometric fusion approach strengthens security, improves user experience, and ensures resilience against spoofing and presentation attacks which are key priorities highlighted throughout Identity Week’s agenda. Delivering unmatched accuracy and speed “Governments and private industries across the globe need identity verification to be instant and foolproof,” said Mohammed Murad, Chief Revenue Officer, Iris ID. “Our multimodal solutions show how iris and face fusion biometrics can operate in harmony to deliver unmatched accuracy and speed, whether for national identity programs, border management, workforce authentication, law enforcement, border patrol, critical infrastructures or large-scale enrollment initiatives.” Other solutions on the exhibition floor Across the exhibition floor, attendees can experience Iris ID’s suite of hardware and software technologies designed to support the full identity lifecycle of enrollment and verification to ongoing authentication. These solutions are built to integrate seamlessly into existing infrastructures, enabling organisations to modernise identity workflows without compromising security or user convenience. Stop by booth 302 to see live demonstrations of the IrisAccess® iA1000, the iCAM TD200, IrisAccess® iT100, iBAR 600E, iCAM D2000 , iCAM R100, and the iCAM T10.

NEXT Biometrics, the world's pioneer in advanced high-security fingerprint sensor technology, has received three orders from the Taiwanese and Malaysian governments in the second quarter of 2026. The orders span NEXT’s FAP20 fingerprint authentication sensors and reader module for use in a range of governmental use cases. The orders will be fulfilled from existing inventory for delivery in Q2. The digital identity market in Asia-Pacific is experiencing strong growth, expected to record a 19% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over 2026-2031 (Mordor Intelligence). This is being driven by large-scale national ID programs, booming mobile commerce, and rapid adoption of digital wallets integrating payments and biometrics. Deliver exceptional performance “It is really encouraging to receive our first public sector order in Taiwan and further orders from Malaysia,” comments Ulf Ritsvall, CEO of NEXT Biometrics. “We can see that digital authentication and identification is a growing market in Asia-Pacific, led by Government initiatives. Our solutions are bringing the speed, security and liveness detection that governments need to authenticate access to public services and enable national digitalisation plans.” The orders represent modest initial values for delivery in Q2 from existing inventory. NEXT’s Active Thermal® technology uses both heat from the finger and 3D imaging to authenticate the user. This enables superior authentication speed and liveness detection to combat spoofing attacks, when compared with other fingerprint authentication technologies. The sensors also minimise energy consumption and deliver exceptional performance in varying light and environmental conditions. Logical access control The Oyster III plug and play fingerprint reader enhances security and streamlines logical access control, and Identity & Access Management (IAM), workflows by replacing slower, less secure sign-in methods. It is built to support the latest software and ensures compatibility with the new and existing hardware via the Windows Biometric Framework (WBF). Over the last 25 years, NEXT Biometrics has shipped more than 10 million sensors. Its Active Thermal technologies are certified by entities including Aadhaar, FBI-PIV, MOSIP Compliance and NIBSS, and have been implemented in countries including Bangladesh, China, Ghana, India, Malaysia, Pakistan, U.S. and Vietnam.

For years, physical security and cybersecurity evolved on parallel tracks. One team managed doors, badges and cameras, while the other handled network access, authentication and logical assets. The systems rarely shared information and, in many organisations, they still do not. That separation is becoming harder to defend now that employees move continuously between physical and logical environments throughout the workday. A single person may badge into a building, access cloud applications, reserve workspaces, connect to operational systems and authenticate into sensitive applications within minutes. Disconnected identity systems Yet many organisations still treat each interaction as a separate identity event managed by different systems with different policies and different visibility. Attackers, with the help of AI, are becoming increasingly adept at exploiting those gaps. According to HID’s 2026 State of Security and Identity Report, identity management is now the top strategic priority for security leaders, with 73% identifying it as a trend shaping their security planning. The report also found that managing multiple disconnected identity systems is now the primary operational challenge for more than half of respondents. This shows that identity is becoming the link between physical security, cybersecurity and operational resilience. Fragmented identity creates operational and security risk The growing convergence between physical and logical environments has raised the stakes considerably Many organisations accumulated identity systems over time rather than designing them as a unified architecture. Access control platforms, visitor management systems, HR provisioning tools, multifactor authentication systems and workplace applications were often deployed independently to solve specific operational needs. Individually, these systems may function well. Together, they often create administrative duplication, overhead and blind spots. A terminated contractor may lose network access immediately while retaining physical access to facilities for days. An employee may require multiple credentials to navigate a single workday. Security teams may need to reconcile disconnected logs across several systems during an investigation. These inefficiencies slow response times and increase operational risk. The growing convergence between physical and logical environments has raised the stakes considerably. Modern attacks increasingly target the connections between systems, particularly where identity validation is inconsistent. HID’s research highlights growing concern around AI-driven credential attacks, biometric spoofing and phishing campaigns designed to exploit fragmented identity environments. This is one reason organisations are reevaluating identity management from the ground up. Converged credentials reduce complexity One of the clearest developments in this evolution is the growing adoption of converged credentials One of the clearest developments in this evolution is the growing adoption of converged credentials, where a single trusted identity is used across both physical and logical environments. This allows one credential to securely support access to buildings, workstations, cloud applications and other enterprise systems. The operational advantages are substantial since security teams gain more consistent governance across environments and IT and facilities teams reduce administrative duplication. Organisations simplify onboarding and offboarding workflows while improving auditability and compliance visibility. Users benefit from a more seamless experience that supports how modern workplaces actually operate. Importantly, converged identity strategies also reduce the number of credentials employees must manage. They are no longer forced to manage separate badges, passwords, tokens and access workflows across disconnected systems. That simplification means employees are less likely to seek workarounds. HID’s 2026 State of Security and Identity Report found that 75% of organisations have either deployed or are actively evaluating physical-logical identity convergence solutions. Mobile credentials are changing expectations Mobile credentials are also reshaping how organisations think about identity management. What began primarily as a convenience initiative has matured into a broader security and operational strategy. HID’s research found that 74% of organisations have already deployed or are actively planning to deploy mobile credentials. Security improvement now ranks ahead of convenience as the primary driver for adoption. Mobile credentials support encrypted communication, biometric authentication and real-time credential lifecycle management. Administrators can issue, revoke or update credentials remotely without requiring physical card replacement. Organisations also gain stronger visibility into credential usage and access patterns. Credential lifecycle management Equally important, mobile identity aligns with broader expectations of the workforce Equally important, mobile identity aligns with broader expectations of the workforce. Employees increasingly expect workplace access experiences to mirror the simplicity of consumer technology, whether they are accessing offices, applications or services. The future is unlikely to be entirely mobile, however. Most organisations are expected to maintain hybrid credential environments for the foreseeable future, combining mobile credentials with physical cards and other identity technologies based on operational needs and user requirements. Biometrics expands beyond MFA Biometric technologies are becoming more central to identity strategies across industries. Historically, biometric technologies were primarily deployed for multifactor authentication and to protect highly secure environments. HID’s research shows that organisations are increasingly adopting biometrics as part of core access control and identity verification workflows. This trend is particularly visible in sectors where identity assurance and operational efficiency are both critical. Healthcare organisations are using biometrics to strengthen patient identification, secure sensitive areas and streamline staff authentication workflows. Higher education institutions are exploring biometric-enabled mobile experiences that support campus access, workspace login and digital services. Transportation operators are deploying facial recognition to accelerate passenger processing while improving identity verification. With broader adoption comes greater scrutiny around privacy, transparency and governance. Organisations are paying closer attention to how biometric data are collected, protected and managed. HID’s report found that privacy and ethical concerns surrounding biometrics rose sharply year over year, reinforcing the importance of encryption, secure architecture and privacy-first design approaches. Physical access is now part of cybersecurity As physical and logical systems converge, every access decision carries more weight As physical and logical systems converge, every access decision carries more weight. The credential used at the door may also support workstation login, cloud application access and other enterprise workflows. That makes the integrity of the entire identity chain more important, from the credential and reader to the systems that manage permissions, events and audits. This is where older access infrastructure becomes a real liability. Legacy cards, weak reader-to-controller communication and disconnected credential systems can undermine even a strong cybersecurity program. If an organisation cannot prove who entered a facility, whether the credential was valid and how that event relates to logical access activity, it is working with partial visibility. Common governance model Converged identity helps close that gap by linking physical and logical access under a common governance model. Organisations can apply more consistent policies, reduce credential fragmentation and accelerate investigations. IT gains stronger assurance that the person accessing systems is tied to the same trusted identity used to enter the building. Security teams gain better context when reviewing access events, anomalies or incidents. This does not require an organisation to replace everything at once. The practical path is phased modernisation: moving away from easily cloned cards, strengthening reader and credential security, improving integration with identity systems and choosing architectures that can evolve as requirements change. Identity is becoming core to enterprise infrastructure. It now supports access control, cybersecurity, compliance, workplace experience and operational continuity. Organisations that treat identity as an infrastructure will be better positioned to reduce risk without adding unnecessary friction for users.

A key characteristic of many successful companies is that good ideas come from everyone, not just specific departments or job titles. What one person sees as obvious may be questioned by someone else who is less familiar with the product or process.  This simple interaction can spark a whole new, faster, and better approach. While valuing tradition is important, if someone uses the phrase “that’s how we’ve always done it,” it’s essential to analyse the process to ensure it remains optimal.  Business conditions change rapidly, and what was considered a perfect process last week may need adjustments this week. Comprehensive approach to innovation This comprehensive approach to innovation fosters continuous improvement across all aspects of the organisation Innovation should permeate every level of an organisation, from product development and customer experience to sustainability practices and employee training. This comprehensive approach to innovation fosters continuous improvement across all aspects of the organisation, allowing companies to stay agile, competitive, and in tune with their customers' constantly evolving needs. Addressing real-world challenges At the heart of pervasive innovation in the security industry lies the development of smart products and solutions that address real-world challenges. This approach integrates advanced technologies to enhance security while improving user experience.  For instance, the integration of mobile credentials, biometrics, real-time wireless locks, intelligent keys, and cloud-connected access control systems exemplifies how technology can streamline operations and provide users with seamless and secure access. Offering user-friendly solutions  These advancements reflect a deep understanding of user needs and preferences, offering solutions that are not only secure but also convenient and user-friendly. A notable example is UniKey's Kēvo, the first Bluetooth-enabled touch-to-open smart lock, introduced in 2013.  Developed in partnership with Kwikset, this innovative product allowed users to unlock doors simply by tapping the lock with a compatible smartphone. By continuously innovating across various aspects of security products and solutions, companies can ensure that their offerings remain relevant and effective in addressing the evolving challenges of the security landscape. Design-driven features  Products designed for quick and straightforward installation reduce labor costs and minimise downtime Innovation extends beyond technology to encompass design-driven features that prioritise user convenience and satisfaction. For instance, ease of installation is a critical factor in the adoption of new door hardware.  Products designed for quick and straightforward installation reduce labor costs and minimise downtime, making them more attractive to both installers and end users. For electronic locks, long-lasting battery performance is essential for minimising maintenance and ensuring reliability. Products with extended battery life reduce the frequency of replacements and enhance user confidence. Incorporating antimicrobial finishes into door hardware addresses growing concerns about hygiene and cleanliness. Taking hygiene a step further, touchless technology in door hardware minimises physical contact, reducing the potential for cross-contamination and enhancing user convenience. Sustainability initiatives  Sustainability initiatives in door hardware have evolved from niche considerations to central pillars of modern product development, not least of which is the growing consumer demand for sustainable products, which is influencing purchasing decisions.  According to a Nielsen report, 66% of global consumers are willing to spend more on a product if it comes from a sustainable brand, leading many companies to prioritise the use of recycled and recyclable materials in their products. Beyond material selection, manufacturers are also refining their production processes to minimise environmental impact.  Finishing processes are evolving to use non-toxic and low-impact finishing methods, such as powder coating and physical vapor deposition. Energy-efficient door hardware Energy-efficient door hardware plays a significant role in the overall energy conservation of buildings Energy-efficient door hardware plays a significant role in the overall energy conservation of buildings. Properly designed door hardware can help maintain a building’s thermal envelope, reducing heating and cooling demands.  For instance, the HID® Signo™ access control reader includes improved power supply technology and energy-saving features that ensure reduced energy consumption when the reader is in a resting state. Environmental Product Declarations  To further demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, many manufacturers seek certifications validating their environmental efforts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certifications have become key indicators of a product’s environmental performance.  An EPD provides detailed information about the environmental impact of a product throughout its lifecycle, aiding in the transparency that architects and builders require to make informed choices.  Similarly, LEED certification emphasises energy savings and broad environmental priorities, including water efficiency, CO₂ emissions reduction, and improved indoor environmental quality.  Customer service and training Innovation is also making great strides in the behind-the-scenes efforts of customer service and training. Predictive maintenance technologies are revolutionising how companies manage product performance and customer support.  By utilising data analytics and IoT technologies, companies can offer maintenance alerts, remote diagnostics, and connected support services that anticipate issues and failures before they occur.  This shift from reactive to predictive maintenance minimises service disruptions and enhances customer trust by ensuring products operate at optimal levels. Digital training initiatives Digital training initiatives equip employees and customers with the skills needed to utilise new technologies In parallel, digital training initiatives equip employees and customers with the skills needed to utilise new technologies in a cost-effective and accessible manner. Digital installer certification programs, learning portals, and customer enablement initiatives are all part of a comprehensive strategy to equip stakeholders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed. By investing in comprehensive training programs, companies foster a culture of adaptability and competence, ensuring that customers can fully leverage technological advancements. This approach not only enhances operational efficiency but also strengthens customer relationships by empowering them with the knowledge to make informed decisions. Incremental improvements  While groundbreaking innovations often capture headlines, it’s the steady, incremental improvements that consistently deliver real-world value. Companies can achieve sustained growth and success by focusing on continuous innovation across all facets of the organisation.  This quiet progress, though less visible, is often more impactful as it builds a solid foundation for long-term achievement. In a world where change is the only constant, fostering a culture of pervasive innovation is the key to sustained relevance and growth.

Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore. It has become part of our lives, and its uses and applications are growing every other day. Even the public sector, which usually is a late adopter of new technologies, has come onboard this new train. Law enforcement, in particular, has seen the advantages different AI technologies can offer to their work and has started to integrate them into their workflow and daily routines. But there is much more to come. Task automation: AI as a workhorse Due to the increasing importance of media files in police investigations, current police cases have an increasing amount of digital files to be analysed. Videos from mobile phones, computer files, sound recordings, voice messages from chat applications…the list is almost endless. But, in contrast to other types of digital files, like documents or PDFs, it is not possible to search directly a certain information in a video. It has to be watched by someone. And that takes an inordinate amount of time for a human being, as there can be hundreds of videos in a case. This is one of the areas where artificial intelligence shines. Modern analytics systems are able to find almost any kind of information in media files due to the improvement of artificial vision, object recognition and face biometrics. It is simply a matter of feeding the hundreds or thousands of media files to a AI analyser, which will work through them and find specific sounds, words, faces, cars, etc. Case of law enforcement On top of that, an analyser does not tire after long work hours and does not make errors What is more, unlike human officers, these systems can work 24/7 which speeds up investigations considerably, as more evidence is found in less time. On top of that, an analyser does not tire after long work hours and does not make errors. This is why police work can be helped greatly by AI Analytics, as it frees police officers to do high value work, instead of endlessly watching videos on a computer of listening to audio recordings, in search of evidence. As soon as the system finds what the officer has specified (a face, name, number plate, object, etc.) it sends an alarm to the officers’ phone, so he or she can take a look and decide what to do with that information. Despite AI being touted as a danger to many workplaces, in the case of law enforcement, it is a valuable tool to help police do more, with more accuracy, and in less time, freeing officers from the repetitive and boring work of checking mountains of evidence in search of clues. The AI Analyser landscape The field of AI analytics is expanding constantly and new types of analysis are being discovered that may be helpful to police or intelligence. The most used analysers today are probably Automatic Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR), object and face recognition. But OCR is equally useful not just for reading documents, but also signs and logos that may appear in pictures or videos, to help identify a location. And for audio (as in interception or surveillance recordings) there is speech-to-text (S2T), translation, Speaker ID, audio fingerprinting (AFP) and natural language processing (NLP) which is able to extract sentiment from what is said. All of these have their application in daily police work and can save time in investigations or make them possible in the first place. But looming on the horizon are new possibilities, which we will discuss later and that are even more powerful. So the field of AI Analytics is, by no means, a closed one. Generative AI in law enforcement LLMs will be an important part in all those tasks related to investigate large sets of documents For the past year, the term “Generative AI” has become part of our general vocabulary, although most of the time we just say ChatGTP, Copilot o similar. The large language models (LLM) use Deep Learning and different AI strategies to, amongst other things, analyse and summarise vast amounts of information, in order to generate a short report with the highlights. This can be of use for Law Enforcement in all those cases that have great amounts of documents that may contain evidence. Again, this is a case like the above, where AI helps speed up operations by doing the grunt work much quicker than any person could.  The difference is in the Deep Learning part. The model can be tuned to specific needs (like financial crimes, for example) and will get better over time when dealing with specific sets of documents. Thus, LLMs will be an important part in all those tasks related to investigate large sets of documents during a case. What the future holds As with all technology, it is virtually impossible to predict what the future will hold. Because any breakthrough can upend complete sectors, as demonstrated by ChatGPT not that long ago. However, there are several promising AI technologies in the pipeline, some of which are already being tested and perfect around the world: Behaviour analysis: as facial recognition systems get better and better, they are not only able to recognise faces, but also facial expressions. This means that AI systems could be assisting during interrogations, to evaluate the truthfulness of what is being said. Combined with the analysis of small voice inflections, they can be a non-invasive “lie detector”. Robotics: already in use by many police forces around the world, robots are going to be ever so important. Particularly the autonomous kind, which is able to do missions on its own, without a human behind the controls. This, combined with swarm technology, could be an incredible help in disaster areas, where time is of the essence in locating victims. Predictive policing: thanks to pattern analysis, predictive policing, which has been to the test several times already, will be an important part of police work, to figure out where to send units or concentrate surveillance efforts. In short, AI has much more to offer, and we are going to see and incredible evolution of this technology applied to law enforcement, over the next years.

2025 was another impactful year for mergers and acquisitions (M&As) in the security industry, which is undergoing an enormous transformation as global pioneers prioritise specialised technology to drive future growth.  The year 2025 has been defined by massive corporate reorganisations, most notably Honeywell and Resideo spinning off core divisions to unlock shareholder value. Simultaneously, an aggressive wave of mergers and acquisitions is reshaping the landscape, with giants like ASSA ABLOY and Motorola Solutions absorbing innovators in AI-driven surveillance, cloud-native access control, and identity management. From residential security shifts to critical infrastructure enhancements, this article will summarise how these strategic moves signal a decisive industry pivot toward integrated and intelligent security ecosystems. Resideo to spin off ADI business Resideo Technologies, Inc. announced its intention to separate its ADI Global Distribution business from its Products & Solutions (P&S) business via a tax-free spin-off to shareholders. The separation is expected to be completed in the second half of 2026. P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls The goal is to unlock value, enhance operational performance, and improve strategic flexibility for both entities. After the separation, P&S will continue as Resideo, a building products manufacturer of residential controls and sensing solutions. ADI will become an independent public company and remain a global wholesale distributor of low-voltage products, including security and audio-visual solutions. Honeywell separates into three companies There are big changes pending at Honeywell, another global security industry company. Honeywell announced plans to separate its Automation and Aerospace businesses into two independent, publicly traded companies following a comprehensive portfolio evaluation. Combined with the previously announced spin-off of Advanced Materials, this strategy will create three distinct industry pioneers. The Automation and Aerospace separation is targeted for completion in the second half of 2026 as a tax-free transaction for shareholders. The largest portion of Honeywell’s traditional security business (cameras, access control, and fire safety) sits within the Building Automation segment of the new Honeywell Automation company. This unit includes products from recent major acquisitions, such as LenelS2. SimpliSafe’s new chapter SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman SimpliSafe has agreed to be acquired by private equity firm GTCR from Hellman & Friedman, another private equity firm. As the third largest U.S. residential security provider, SimpliSafe will continue under the leadership of the current CEO, while its founders remain significant investors.  GTCR, an experienced security industry investor, intends to support the company’s expansion and continued innovation in AI-powered, DIY home protection. This marks a new chapter in SimpliSafe’s mission to provide professional monitoring without long-term contracts. SimpliSafe is GTCR’s fifth investment in the security alarm industry, including prior investments in residential-focused security companies SecurityLink and Protection1, along with commercial-focused security companies HSM and Everon. Motorola grows technology portfolio Motorola Solutions grew its portfolio through acquisitions in 2025. The industry giant strategically expanded its safety and security ecosystem through the acquisition of four specialised technology firms. The company acquired Blue Eye to integrate AI-driven remote video monitoring and 24/7 security operations into its threat detection workflows. To support frontline workers, Motorola added Theatro’s voice-powered communication platform, which complements existing mobile and video technologies. Motorola further bolster its public safety capabilities with the acquisition of RapidDeploy, a cloud-native Next Generation 911 provider that offers real-time caller mapping and data analytics to accelerate emergency responses. Motorola also agreed to acquire InVisit to enhance its Avigilon Alta suite with cloud-based visitor management, streamlining guest registration and blocklist screening for enterprise security. These acquisitions aim to unify detection, communication, and response across various sectors, including retail, healthcare, and critical infrastructure. Allied sells majority stake in AMAG Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners In December, Allied Universal sold a majority stake in AMAG Technology to Shore Rock Partners. Shore Rock is a growth investor focused on critical infrastructure, with strategic backing from BellTower Partners. Allied Universal will retain a significant minority share. The sale is intended to allow 54-year-old AMAG, which provides integrated access control, identity, guest, and video management solutions, to operate independently from Allied Universal's services-based model for long-term growth. Shore Rock's plan is to invest in advancing AMAG's product line and customer relationships. With this transaction, David Sullivan, AMAG's President, will become CEO. Everon acquires ADT multifamily segment Commercial security provider Everon announced in September that it had entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the business-to-business (B2B) multifamily segment from ADT. This acquisition is a strategic extension that expands Everon's reach in the valuable multifamily market. It will allow the company to offer a more comprehensive portfolio of tailored solutions, including access control, video surveillance, and self-guided tour capabilities. Everon's CEO states that the deal enables them to help property owners and managers increase net operating income and improve operational efficiency. Dormakaba acquires TANlock and Avant-Garde Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July Dormakaba, a global provider of access solutions, acquired TANlock GmbH in July. TANlock is a German firm specialising in innovative high-security access solutions for data centers and other critical infrastructure. The acquisition strengthens Dormakaba’s presence in the data center market.  TANlock's intelligent system provides enhanced server cabinet security using electromechanical rack locks and various authentication modules. This solution is scalable, future-proof, and can be integrated into existing IT infrastructures for both retrofits and new installations. Dormakaba also agreed to acquire Indiana-based Avant-Garde Systems Inc. to strengthen its North American entrance control portfolio. This move bolsters Dormakaba’s presence in high-growth sectors like airports and data centers. Acre acquires REKS for AI Recent M&A activity also reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence. For example, Acre Security acquired REKS, a purpose-built generative AI solution designed to transform access control, allowing professionals to use natural language queries for instant data insights. Integrated into Acre’s cloud-native ecosystem, this AI-powered platform prioritises data privacy while streamlining operations. Led by a new AI Development Team, Acre plans to expand these capabilities into intrusion detection and visitor management. Two acquisitions for Allegion Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC Global security provider Allegion, through one of its subsidiaries, completed the acquisition of ELATEC, a manufacturer of security and access technology, specialising in RFID credentials and readers solutions designed in Germany and sold globally.  ELATEC’s portfolio of readers leverages their internally developed software stack and ensures compatibility with nearly 100 credential types, making the company a pioneer in interoperability, which aligns well with Allegion’s partner-of-choice strategy. Allegion, also through one of its subsidiaries, acquired Brisant Secure Limited, a security hardware provider in the United Kingdom. Senstar acquires Blickfeld for LiDAR sensors Senstar Technologies Corporation has agreed to acquire Blickfeld, a specialist in 3D LiDAR sensors and software. Expected to close in Q1 2026, the acquisition integrates Blickfeld’s hardware into Senstar’s advanced security ecosystem. This strategic move expands Senstar’s addressable market into volume monitoring and traffic applications while enhancing its AI-powered situational awareness capabilities. Following the transaction, Blickfeld will operate largely independently as a subsidiary. ASSA ABLOY continues acquisition spree Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025 Global giant ASSA ABLOY was probably the most active company in the M&A market in 2025, demonstrating aggressive market growth, strategically reinforcing its core business, and expanding its technological footprint across the global security marketplace. The acquisitions delivered on the company's strategy to strengthen its position in mature markets by integrating complementary products and solutions. A major theme for ASSA ABLOY was the enhancement of the door and perimeter security portfolio, particularly in the Americas. This effort included acquiring US-based Metal Products Inc. (MPI) for custom-made hollow metal doors and frames and International Door Products (IDP) for fire-rated steel door frames, both in the fall. Earlier in the year, ASSA ABLOY gained a stronger presence in Central Canada with the addition of Wallace & Wallace and Wallace Perimeter Security, a manufacturer, distributor, and installer of perimeter fencing, door, and gate solutions. The Entrance Systems Division also saw expansion with the acquisition of Belgium’s Kingspan Door Components, a manufacturer of sectional door panels. Furthermore, Door System, a Danish manufacturer of high-quality fire-rated doors, was signed for acquisition in the spring. Cloud-based platform ASSA ABLOY also made significant moves in electronic and access control solutions. Early 2025 saw two key acquisitions: Uhlmann & Zacher, a German supplier of access control handles and knobs, and InVue, a US-based provider of connected asset protection and access control solutions. Reinforcing this segment, SiteOwl, a pioneering cloud-based platform for physical security lifecycle management, was acquired in the summer. The spring acquisition of Pedestal PRO, a US manufacturer of access control pedestals and mounting solutions, further strengthens the electromechanical offerings in the Americas. ASSA ABLOY bolstered its capabilities in remote care technology with Germany’s TeleAlarm Group in late spring. HID Global expands in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025 HID Global, a subsidiary of ASSA ABLOY, was also active on the M&A front in 2025, aggressively driving the convergence of physical and digital identity solutions and signaling a clear roadmap for security professionals. HID's move to purchase Vancouver-based IDmelon, announced in the autumn of 2025, targets the critical need for robust logical access control. IDmelon’s proprietary software platform transforms everyday identifiers, including existing physical credentials, smartphones, or biometrics, directly into enterprise-level FIDO (Fast IDentity Online) security keys. This approach streamlines an organisation’s transition to phishing-resistant, passwordless multi-factor authentication (MFA) and minimises the need for disruptive changes by integrating physical and digital access into a single, cohesive solution. Safer patient experience Separate from its focus on digital access, HID also bolstered its Identification Technologies Business Area by acquiring the Calmell Group. Calmell is a long-established manufacturer specialising in smart cards, smart paper, and magnetic tickets for the public transportation sector. This addition is expected to expand HID’s footprint and relevance in global public transportation ecosystems, allowing the Barcelona-headquartered firm to leverage HID’s core expertise in digital credentials to drive future-proof solutions for seamless mobility. Also, HID acquired Intelligent Observation to expand its Healthcare Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) portfolio. Intelligent Observation provides a platform to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) by tracking hand hygiene compliance. The system uses wearable Near-Field Magnetic Induction (NFMI) devices and a cloud-based SaaS dashboard. This technology records and reports if healthcare workers sanitize appropriately, providing granular compliance data to administrators to enable a safer patient experience.

The pattern of veins in the hand contains unique information that can be used for identity. Blood flowing through veins in the human body can absorb light waves of specific wavelengths. Irradiating the human palm with near-infrared light waves yields an image of the vascular pattern. A venous distribution map can be processed and compared to pre-registered data to match and confirm identity.    Palm vein biometrics The idea of palm vein biometrics goes back to the 1980s when palm vein scanners emerged as commercial products in the 1990s. The devices gained some traction in military-grade and high-security applications, although the technology was too expensive to become popular among mainstream applications such as physical access control.    Anviz Global is expanding palm vein technology into mainstream applications, featuring a lower price point that will open new market opportunities.    Palm vein technology “Palm vein technology has been viewed as a boutique product because it is costly and has not developed as a mainstream product,” says Mark Vena, Senior Director of Business Strategy and Development for Anviz Global. “With a more compelling price point, the market can see the technology more broadly. We can change the game in terms of how people think about palm vein technology.”  FAR and FRR Palm vein technology is more accurate than either fingerprint (0.0001% FAR) or facial recognition (0.001% FAR) Iris recognition is considered the gold standard in biometric identification, but palm vein technology can almost achieve the accuracy of iris. The false accept rate (FAR) for palm vein technology is 0.00008%, compared to 0.00005% for iris recognition systems. The false reject rate (FRR) is comparable at 0.01% for either technology. Palm vein technology is more accurate than either fingerprint (0.0001% FAR) or facial recognition (0.001% FAR). Palm vein identification occurs in less than half a second.   M7 Palm “Anviz is seeking to bring a high level of capability to more mainstream commercial applications,” says Vena, specifically providing a lower-cost palm vein unit. The M7 Palm by Anviz can achieve next-generation biometric access control for greater security and intelligence. The door-mounted unit combines palm vein recognition with an RFID card reader and PIN code (using a 17-button keypad), all configurable for multi-factor authentication.   Outdoor applications The robust unit, including a narrow metal exterior design, provides strong vandal resistance (IK10) and stability for outdoor applications. To ensure a weatherproof design, the IP66 rating indicates the product is completely protected against dust and can withstand strong jets of water from any direction. Power-over-ethernet (PoE) enables centralised power management and the ability to remotely reboot devices.  Wiegand-out interface The unit communicates using RS-485 or TCP/IP and can connect locks, exit buttons, door contacts, doorbells, etc The unit communicates using RS-485 or TCP/IP and can connect locks, exit buttons, door contacts, doorbells, etc. The Wiegand-out interface can connect to standard third-party controllers, or a built-in relay can trigger a lock directly. Capacity is 500 users.   Because palm vein recognition originates from the physiological characteristics of the human body, it represents a “credential” that cannot be forged, lost, or left at home. It is not easily counterfeited or worn out.  Multi-factor authentication Applications include industries requiring high security such as government, judicial, and banking. Multi-factor authentication eliminates fraud and ensures safety at banks, data centers, airports, prisons, and government.   An end user might opt for higher levels of access control for a laboratory or server room. For dealers and integrators, palm vein technology, including multi-factor authentication, provides an additional option for customers seeking to protect high-security areas on a large campus. Card readers Card readers may suffice for most of the doors, but an important laboratory or cash-handling area requires more protection.  Palm vein technology can secure a casino cash cage or a room containing corporate secrets.   Time of Flight ToF laser-ranging uses a laser to measure the distance to an object by calculating the time Time of Flight (ToF) laser-ranging achieves accurate measurement to ensure the right distance for operation. ToF laser-ranging uses a laser to measure the distance to an object by calculating the time it takes for the laser light to travel to the object and back. Palm vein technology operates in the range of 10 to 30cm (4 to 12 inches). The proprietary BioNANO palm vein recognition algorithm enables accurate and fast scanning speed.  Non-contact biometric The non-contact biometric performs in touchless environments and does not contribute to lingering health concerns in the post-COVID world. The technology is accurate across all hand types and skin tones. Users may feel more comfortable scanning their hands than their eyes.   Optimal human-machine interaction M7 Palm’s optimal human-machine interaction and user experience include a low-power-consumption OLED screen to deliver clear text notifications to the user.  Advantages of M7 Palm include accuracy, stability, security, and privacy. Features include easy installation with standard processes and no special tools, centralised power management, simplified cabling, and less maintenance.  Managing the system is expedited by integration with the Anviz CrossChex Standard access control and time management dashboard, used by more than 30,000 enterprises, and the system can be integrated with any access control system.   Security for SMBs Anviz Global is a converged intelligent security provider for SMBs and enterprise organisations Anviz Global is a converged intelligent security provider for small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) and enterprise organisations. The company’s product line includes biometrics, video surveillance, and security management solutions based on the cloud, Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies.  Privacy concerns Anviz is part of the Xthings family of companies, which includes Ultraloq (smart locks), Utec (smart home), Bright (smart lighting), Secu365 (SaaS Platform), and Ulticam (smart cameras).  Privacy concerns are minimised because palm vein recognition does not directly store the original image but rather extracts feature information through algorithmic models. Personal data is protected through obfuscation and encryption.

In the competitive world of physical access control, Big Tech companies are seeking to play a larger role. Physical access competition Apple Wallet continues to stake its claim on mobile credentialing. Amazon One Enterprise is pushing a palm-based identity service. Google/Nest offers smart locks for home access control, with identity and access management provided in the Google Cloud. The entry of these big companies in the historically fragmented physical access control market is causing disruption and foreboding new levels of competition.  Apple Wallet impacting credentialing trends  The popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2021, the company announced support for home, office and hotel keys, including corporate badges and student ID cards, in Apple Wallet. Later, the company announced Hyatt as the first hotel partner to support the technology. Since then, the popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand for a seamless solution such as Apple Wallet. Easy access  In 2023, HID Global announced the availability of their employee badge in Apple Wallet, allowing staff and guests to easily access corporate spaces with their iPhone or Apple Watch, including doors, elevators, turnstiles, etc. Employees just need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to unlock.  Factors affecting the rate of adoption However, implementing and maintaining an Apple Wallet-based access control system can incur costs for hardware updates, software licencing, and ongoing maintenance. Factors affecting the rate of adoption include the need to upgrade existing infrastructures to accommodate the technology, and the necessity for access control manufacturers to develop and implement integrations with Apple Wallet.  Benefits of adoption Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch With larger companies leading the way, some smaller ones might take longer to catch up. There is also a need to educate building owners and administrators to see the value and benefits of switching to Apple Wallet-based access control. Convenience and greater security can accelerate adoption. Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Sensitive data protection A compatible app, specific to the building’s access control system, is needed. Once added, credentials are securely stored in the iPhone's Secure Enclave, a dedicated hardware chip designed for sensitive data protection.  Holding an iPhone near an NFC-enabled reader enables transmission of encrypted credentials. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), some systems also utilise Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for added security, longer read range, and hands-free unlocking. Phones need sufficient battery charge to function.  Amazon One Enterprise Enables Palm-Based Biometrics  In November 2023, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) announced an identity service providing comprehensive and easy-to-use authentication for physical and digital access control. The system enables users to employ their palm as an access control credential, allowing organisations to provide a fast and contactless experience for employees and others to gain access to physical locations as well as digital assets.  Physical and digital locations Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts, and educational institutions. IT and security administrators can easily install Amazon One devices and manage users, devices, and software updates using AWS’s Management Console.  Elimination of physical credentials An advantage of the Amazon approach is the elimination of physical credentials such as fobs and badges, and digital elements such as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. AWS says security is built into every stage of the service, from multi-layered security controls in the Amazon One device, which is the same technology used in the Amazon Go retail stores, where shoppers can pay for purchases by scanning the palm of their hands. The devices combine palm and vein imagery for biometric matching and deliver an accuracy rate of 99.9999%, which exceeds the accuracy of other biometric alternatives, says the company. AI and ML The palm-recognition technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a “palm signature” that is associated with identification credentials such as a badge, employee ID or PIN. Boon Edam, a revolving door and turnstile manufacturer, offers Amazon’s palm biometric technology on its equipment, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses the technology to provide employees a convenient way to identify themselves and gain access to software systems. Google and Nest Devices in Access Control  When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone Google’s Nest devices include smart locks for home access control. The Google Nest × Yale Lock allows access control via both physical keys and passcodes accessible through the Google Home app. When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone. Passcodes can be created for family, guests, and other trusted persons. Alerts can be provided whenever someone unlocks and locks the door. When Nest “knows” a resident is away, the door can lock automatically. Voice control, Google Home app Voice control, using Google Assistant integrated with various Nest devices, enables use of voice commands to lock and unlock doors, thus adding another level of convenience. Smart home devices from various manufacturers can be controlled through the Google Home app. SMART Monitoring ADT’s Self Setup smart home security systems integrate Google Nest smart home products with ADT security and life safety technology, including SMART Monitoring technology. Microsoft Azure is another company that could impact access control. The Microsoft Azure Active Directory is an identity and access management platform that could be extended to physical access control, leveraging existing user credentials. Long-Range Impact on the Security Marketplace  Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems Increasingly, Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems, and offering analytics for optimising security and building operations. Big Tech is also actively researching and developing new technologies for access control, such as facial recognition, voice authentication, and AI-powered anomaly detection.  Access control communication and integration As their involvement in physical access control grows, Big Tech companies could potentially gain more influence in setting industry standards for access control communication and integration, similar to how they have become dominant in other areas such as mobile platforms. Given their expertise in user interface design and data analysis, Big Tech companies could help to direct how future access control systems are managed and how users interact with them, including more intuitive and user-friendly operations. Future of physical access control Existing concerns about privacy, security, and potential dominance by a few Big Tech companies could spill over into physical access control. However, traditional security companies, startups, and industry consortiums are also actively developing innovative solutions. Ultimately, the future of physical access control will likely be shaped by a combination of many different players and technologies – large and small. 

Large entertainment venues offer opportunities for memorable experiences enjoyed by many attendees. With such breadth and scope of operations comes great operational complexity in managing a massive amount of foot traffic which exponentially increases risks for the safety and security of patrons. Increasingly, entertainment operators are looking to technology to help solve some of the most pressing challenges in managing these environments in real-time. Facial recognition technologies Facial recognition technologies among sports venues, casinos, and corporate buildings are increasing because of their ability to quickly and accurately recognise people — whether they are bad actors (e.g., felons, hooligans) or authorised personnel. This capability is increasingly being leveraged across a broad range of use cases from watchlist alerting, access control, and forensic investigations. It’s not surprising that the market is facing explosive growth and is expected to quadruple by 2026, according to Global Market Insights. Challenges for the racecourse included issues with identifying and managing evictions of bad actors across multiple entries and exits throughout the massive property. Theft and fraud are rampant in such large crowds, and it is humanly impossible to monitor everyone at all times. Security personnel needed to identify bad actors who had caused trouble on one property and to be able to recognise them again at another time, and in another one of the ATC racecourses. Maintaining data protection Coupled with a challenging and evolving risk landscape, more than 500 staff, including up to 300 security officers (and over 2000 casual staff) needed to be accounted for and kept safe on 120 major race days. Moreover, with an ever-changing set of regulatory requirements, ATC needs to comply with a strict set of regulations in order to maintain the integrity of operations while maintaining data protection. Finally, ATC needed security technology that would enable real-time monitoring as well as the ability to analyse video footage retrospectively for post-event investigations to track behaviors - especially during high-traffic times. Essential security tool And the final requirement? A solution that needed to be user-friendly as the head of security knew all too well that if a system were too complicated, it wouldn’t get used and would be money not well spent. The human eye alone is imperfect, and most facial recognition solutions underperform in real-world conditions (i.e. when there are crowds, facemasks, and POIs looking directly at the camera). This is even more challenging when the cameras are positioned on ceilings or high on walls, which makes facial recognition even more challenging (especially if the lighting is less than ideal). That’s why facial recognition technology is an essential security tool for entertainment venues and gaming operations. Video analytics software The Australian Turf Club and its systems integrator, Quorum Systems, turned to Oosto to take their venue’s enterprise security systems to a new level and solve their existing challenges. “Positioned at key entry points, our passive cameras were turned into smart cameras with Oosto’s video analytics software nearly instantly,” said Gary Colston, Head of Security and Access at Australian Turf Club. “We didn’t have to invest in a bunch of brand new cameras or a massive amount of servers and things like that. It was easy for us to implement it on our system.” Moreover, said Mr. Colston, “We needed something that was user-friendly. If it’s too complicated, [security teams] won’t use it and it becomes a waste of money.” Biometrics-based technology Once The Australian Turf Club implemented Oosto OnWatch real-time watchlist alerting to recognise potential security threats, the solution delivered vast efficiencies in operations by ensuring that evicted and banned patrons were immediately refused entry, while security teams were able to better track persons of interest throughout the venue without disruption. Since OnWatch can identify a person of interest through both face and attribute recognition in real-time or in historical footage, security personnel can receive alerts instantly on any device, without having to rely solely on memory or manual comparison of images between systems. With the world’s pioneer-edge biometrics-based technology in use, ATC was empowered to identify individuals a lot quicker than traditional methods allowed and manage their operations more efficiently and safely. Addressing compliance risks Oosto OnWatch quickly and accurately recognised persons of interest for security teams – from VIPs to banned players – to help improve the player experience, address compliance risks, and make ATC ultimately a safer, more enjoyable destination for patrons and a safer place to work for employees. "Positioned at key entry points, our passive cameras were turned into smart cameras with Oosto’s video analytics software nearly instantly. We didn’t have to invest in a bunch of brand new cameras or a massive amount of servers and things like that. It was easy for us to implement it on our system. We needed something that was user-friendly. If it’s too complicated, [security teams] won’t use it and it becomes a waste of money," said Gary Colston, Head of Security and Access at Australian Turf Club. Context of a security incident Since working closely with the ATC and Quorum to implement Oosto’s OnWatch solution, ATC has significantly improved in the rate of detection, finding individuals, and being more proactive than reactive with potential threats. The ability to search backward in video footage at a rapid speed to find POIs’ locations historically has been a welcome tool and a key point of differentiation for ATC; Oosto’s technology has dramatically improved ATC’s ability to perform forensic investigations and understand the full context of a security incident or crime scene. Forward-thinking venues Oosto’s cutting-edge technology is also in use at the Club to help protect guarded points of entry for authorised employees. According to Mr. Colston, this proved especially beneficial recently: “One of our staff members was assaulted and we were able to obtain a photo of the person we thought had done it and run them through the facial rec system here and we were able to locate him at the event at the time and have that person banned.” Oosto’s Vision AI technology is helping entertainment destinations like the Australian Turf Club stay focused on the fundamentals of strong client service while remaining resilient as the marketplace continues to shift. As forward-thinking venues look to stay competitive, grow revenues, solve business challenges, gain greater operational efficiencies and ensure safer, more secure spaces, they look to Oosto - and then never look back.

There have always been risks on school campuses. However, several high-profile events in recent years have brought the need for tighter security to the public eye. Learn about modern campus security technology designed to keep students safe.  Integrated Monitoring and Alert Systems Campus monitoring is not a new technology. However, modern tech provides more accurate, clearer, and instantaneous feedback than previous generations. When implemented properly, these three main components can help keep students and staff safer.  Cameras Schools use cameras to monitor campus activities. While cameras are not new, their capabilities have improved greatly in the past decade. Today’s security cameras use high-definition imaging and AI to detect suspicious activity.  Communication and Alert systems When a threat is detected, integrated systems send out an alert to students and staff warning them of the danger. They may provide specific instructions, such as to shelter in place or go to a location away from the threat.  Intrusion Alarms Intrusion alarms detect entry into restricted spaces on campus and alert the security team. In fully integrated systems, they can trigger smart door locks to help contain the threat. Alarms can be on doors, barriers, or glass, or they can be set up to detect motion.  By integrating multiple components into a whole system, administrators and security personnel get a better idea of what is happening on campus at any time. If an incident gets reported, they can immediately access video of the area in question and see what is happening in real-time.  Comprehensive monitoring should always be tied to an appropriate incident response plan. Key components of the plan include communicating and responding to the threat. It also establishes roles for campus members and requires training so they can fulfill them.  Access Control Systems Managing physical access to campus areas is a crucial part of keeping students and faculty safe. However, campuses generally must remain open for people to come and go. Access control systems resolve those two points by giving security personnel a way to direct, monitor, and restrict traffic flow.  Pedestrian Safety School campuses have a lot of people walking about. Whether they are going between buildings, heading to a car, or simply enjoying the campus grounds, pedestrians can fall victim in several ways.   Bollards are one of the primary access control measures used to protect pedestrians. With crash ratings of up to 50 MPH, Delta Scientific security bollards can easily stop cars and trucks from entering walkways and gathering spaces.   Vehicle Traffic Some campuses restrict vehicle traffic coming in and out. Common tools for this purpose include guard booths and beam barricades. When deployed, traffic teeth ensure that cars can only go in one direction.  Modern barriers can have integrated lighting to make inspecting vehicle undercarriages easier. This can be critical in the case of a known threat.  Area Access Guard booths, fencing, and barricades help limit who can access certain areas. Physically limiting who can enter an area ensures that only those who should be there get in.  You may recognize these most on campus at stadiums and other public gathering areas. For example, a custom ticket booth outside of the football stadium provides a measure of security by restricting access to ticket holders.  Gates are also found within buildings to limit who can enter secure or restricted areas. Swinging arm, sliding, and folding gates are all effective for these purposes.  Fencing is also used around secure areas such as parking structures, Access controls are also widely used for buildings and classrooms. Chip-enabled cards provide students entry to dorms, classrooms, and laboratories.  In addition to letting people in and out, these also provide a record of who has been in an area. This record is a key security measure because campus security and law enforcement can use it to track student movement in an emergency. The Role of Smart Technology in Campus Security A major area where campus security technology has changed is the adoption of smart technology.  AI analysis of video and sound feeds Chip-enabled ID cards for building access and movement monitoring Gunshot detection devices to locate the source of gunfire Smart lockers that open with passcodes or biometrics These advances give security teams much greater awareness of campus activity and help to keep everyone on site safe.  Delta Scientific Is At the Forefront of Campus Security Technology Delta Scientific uses the latest campus security technology to create sophisticated and dependable access control systems. Contact us to learn how we can help improve campus security for students and school staff.

Matrix client, a pivotal divisional office within the Railways Department, manages railway operations across multiple divisions. Serving as the central administrative hub, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office is dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and dependable train services, while addressing operational challenges and enhancing the passenger experience. This case study explores the DRM office’s adoption of innovative communication strategies and processes that optimise management, streamline operations, and elevate service delivery throughout the region.  Requirements The DRM office sought a telecom solution to modernise their existing system, to enhance communication efficiency and reliability. The primary challenges they faced included:  Outdated Communication Infrastructure: The existing system struggled to keep up with operational demands, causing frequent communication disruptions both within the office and with external entities.  Need for Technology Integration: The office required a scalable, modern solution capable of merging traditional telephony with advanced VoIP systems, enabling seamless communication across all departments.  Seamless System Compatibility: It was essential for the Matrix VoIP Gateway to integrate smoothly with the current third-party PBX, ensuring uninterrupted communication and compatibility with the existing setup.  Improved Call Management: Reliable, real-time communication between the DRM office and other railway divisions was vital for coordinated operations and efficient management.   Solution The Matrix solution, featuring the Matrix VoIP gateway, was seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, successfully bridging modern communication technologies with legacy infrastructure. Key aspects of the solution include:  Connection with Third-party PBX: The Matrix VoIP-PRI gateway (SETU VTEP) seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, while the Matrix SIP phone (SPARSH VP510) connected effortlessly via LAN to support cohesive and efficient communication within the same PBX setup.  Connection to Railway Network: The VoIP-PRI gateway established a dependable PRI network specifically for the Railways, efficiently managing multiple communication lines and ensuring robust connectivity across the network.  Analog Network Integration: The Matrix FXO and FXS gateway (ETERNITY GENX12S) enabled analog connections, linking to the third-party PBX through a network switch to extend connectivity options, while maintaining a unified communication structure.  This configuration allowed the DRM office to bridge modern digital and analog communication systems, ensuring reliable and adaptable connectivity across all platforms. Results The implementation of the Matrix VoIP Gateway in the DRM office's communication system brought significant operational improvements, achieving the following outcomes:  Improved Reliability: The ETERNITY GENX12SAC ensured continuous connectivity across divisions, enabling a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information. This enhanced reliability improved coordination and accelerated decision-making processes. Effortless Integration: The Matrix VoIP Gateway integrated seamlessly with the existing third-party PBX system, creating a unified and efficient communication ecosystem that streamlined internal and external communications.  Future-Ready Solution: Designed with scalable VoIP technology, the Matrix solution was built to support future growth, upgrades, and evolving communication needs. This future-ready approach provides the DRM office with long-term efficiency and adaptability without requiring major infrastructure changes.  Matrix VoIP Gateway The Matrix VoIP Gateway delivered a robust, integrated, and future-ready communication system that not only addressed the office's current needs, but also strategically positioned it for future advancements and scalability. 

Matrix's client, a pivotal divisional office within the Railways Department, manages railway operations across multiple divisions. Serving as the central administrative hub, the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) office is dedicated to ensuring safe, efficient, and dependable train services, while addressing operational challenges and enhancing the passenger experience. This case study explores the DRM office’s adoption of innovative communication strategies and processes that optimise management, streamline operations, and elevate service delivery throughout the region.  Requirements The DRM office sought a telecom solution to modernise their existing system, to enhance communication efficiency and reliability. The primary challenges they faced included:  Outdated Communication Infrastructure: The existing system struggled to keep up with operational demands, causing frequent communication disruptions both within the office and with external entities.  Need for Technology Integration: The office required a scalable, modern solution capable of merging traditional telephony with advanced VoIP systems, enabling seamless communication across all departments.  Seamless System Compatibility: It was essential for the Matrix VoIP Gateway to integrate smoothly with the current third-party PBX, ensuring uninterrupted communication and compatibility with the existing setup.  Improved Call Management: Reliable, real-time communication between the DRM office and other railway divisions was vital for coordinated operations and efficient management.  Solution The Matrix solution, featuring the Matrix VoIP gateway, was seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, successfully bridging modern communication technologies with legacy infrastructure. Key aspects of the solution include:  Connection with Third-party PBX: The Matrix VoIP-PRI gateway (SETU VTEP) seamlessly integrated with the existing third-party PBX system, while the Matrix SIP phone (SPARSH VP510) connected effortlessly via LAN to support cohesive and efficient communication within the same PBX setup.  Connection to Railway Network: The VoIP-PRI gateway established a dependable PRI network specifically for the Railways, efficiently managing multiple communication lines and ensuring robust connectivity across the network.  Analog Network Integration: The Matrix FXO and FXS gateway (ETERNITY GENX12S) enabled analog connections, linking to the third-party PBX through a network switch to extend connectivity options while maintaining a unified communication structure.  This configuration allowed the DRM office to bridge modern digital and analog communication systems, ensuring reliable and adaptable connectivity across all platforms. Results The implementation of the Matrix VoIP Gateway in the DRM office's communication system brought significant operational improvements, achieving the following outcomes:  Improved Reliability: The ETERNITY GENX12SAC ensured continuous connectivity across divisions, enabling a smooth and uninterrupted flow of information. This enhanced reliability improved coordination and accelerated decision-making processes.  Effortless Integration: The Matrix VoIP Gateway integrated seamlessly with the existing third-party PBX system, creating a unified and efficient communication ecosystem that streamlined internal and external communications.  Future-Ready Solution: Designed with scalable VoIP technology, the Matrix solution was built to support future growth, upgrades, and evolving communication needs. This future-ready approach provides the DRM office with long-term efficiency and adaptability without requiring major infrastructure changes.  The Matrix VoIP Gateway delivered a robust, integrated, and future-ready communication system that not only addressed the office's current needs but also strategically positioned it for future advancements and scalability. 

The university in rural Maharashtra is committed to providing a holistic and inclusive education that focuses on character building, intellectual growth, and community service. Its mission is to develop knowledgeable, compassionate citizens. With an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies, experiential learning, and cultural heritage preservation, the institution aims to foster creativity, innovation, leadership, and responsible global citizenship. Featuring one of the largest campuses in Mumbai, the university offers a diverse range of programmes across nine different disciplines.  Challenge/Requirements The client faced considerable difficulties with their current communication system. The wired configuration demanded frequent maintenance and ongoing problems with voice communication quality persisted. The primary challenges they encountered included:  Problems with wired communication: The wired system experienced issues like corrosion, causing a decline in communication quality.  Call Quality: The communication system faced problems like dropped calls and interruptions during active conversations.  Multi-location and Unified Communication Solution: Upgrading the infrastructure was essential to connect and unify various sites across the campus.  Integration with Existing Infrastructure: The new solution had to be compatible with their current setup to bring modernisation.  Redundancy: To guarantee minimal or no downtime, especially in emergencies, incorporating redundancy was essential.  Matrix solution Matrix, in partnership with Shreeji Comsec, designed a solution that greatly improved the university's communication capabilities. The key aspects of this solution are summarised below:  The current infrastructure relied on copper PRI lines, which needed to be upgraded to IP. To support this transition, two Matrix VoIP-PRI gateways, the SETU VTEP2P and SETU VTEP4P, were utilised.  The VoIP-PRI gateways are now compatible with two Matrix IP Phones: the SPARSH VP510 and SPARSH VP210.  The IP connection can now be routed through SIP (TATA) trunks via the Matrix server-based PBX, ANANT.  The server-based PBX, ANANT, provided seamless communication with integrated redundancy, effectively eliminating downtime.  Results observed The solution enabled the university to consolidate multiple sites into a single communication network. Legacy systems were smoothly integrated with modern VoIP technology, optimising existing investments and enhancing the overall communication infrastructure. This upgrade notably increased operational efficiency. Here is a detailed overview of the solution:  Multi-location Solution: Multiple sites were integrated into a unified, comprehensive communication system.  Unified Communication Solution: Integrating with the server-based PBX, ANANT, facilitated seamless collaboration and ensured uninterrupted information transfer and reception.  Investment Optimisation: The integration of SIP with the Matrix Solution, seamlessly incorporated into the existing network infrastructure. This approach maximised the use of existing resources and avoided the need for additional investments.  Operational Efficiency: The redundancy built into ANANT ensured minimal or no downtime, facilitating a continuous flow of information and significantly enhancing workflow efficiency. This feature was crucial for maintaining critical communications and handling emergencies effectively.  Modern Features: The office benefits from advanced functionalities provided by Matrix Standard SIP desk phones, including the SPARSH VP510. These features, such as call-back and auto-answer over secure SIP communication, greatly enhance the university’s communication capabilities.  The Matrix communication solution allowed the university to both enhance and modernise its communication capabilities, equipping them with advanced, state-of-the-art call features.  Products offered Matrix ANANT: PBX Server for Unified Communications Matrix SETU VTEP4P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VTEP2P: VoIP - PRI Gateway Matrix SETU VFXTH: VoIP - FXO - FXS Gateway Matrix SPARSH VP510E: Standard SIP Phone 

Omnilert, a pioneer in active shooter solutions, announced that Sarasota County Schools in Florida is deploying its Omnilert Gun Detect system to monitor over 4,800 security cameras throughout the entire school district, representing the largest deployment of its kind in Florida aimed at thwarting the presence of weapons on school campuses. Omnilert Gun Detect is the most effective and complete AI visual gun detection system available–providing 24/7 monitoring with a near-instant response at the first sight of a gun with rich automation capabilities that can lock doors, notify police and trigger alarms to ensure the best possible outcomes in the event of an active shooter incident. Additional layers of technology Sarasota Schools educates and covers over 45,000 pupils across 56 schools and employs more than 5,200 teachers Sarasota County Schools already completed a successful deployment in one of its high schools the past year, which received overwhelmingly positive results and response from parents and staff. It is now in the process of deploying the system with the entire district’s camera network. Sarasota County Schools educates and protects over 45,000 students across 56 schools and employs more than 5,200 teachers and staff including its own police department and school resource officers. “Maintaining a safe learning environment is paramount for our school district,” said Terry Connor, Superintendent of Schools for Sarasota County. “Our district is fortunate to have a safety conscious School Board and community who understands this need and invests in solutions that will make for safer schools. It is critical to have additional layers of technology such as Omnilert Gun Detect working behind the scenes to ensure the safety our students and staff every day of the school year.” Infrastructure of safety systems “Omnilert Gun Detect clearly fit our requirements for flexible detection verification and response escalation with the ability to activate our existing infrastructure of safety systems,” said Sean O’Keefe, Director of Security at Sarasota County Schools. “Accurate gun detections and fast verifications are only the beginning of a response. It is critical for us to share the intelligence from Omnilert with our safety systems immediately to ensure we maximise as many seconds or minutes as possible for our police and security teams to respond to a potential situation and to protect lives.” Largest deployments of AI gun detection Security cameras can be altered into 24/7 monitors of weapons that never get tired and distracted Omnilert Gun Detect is protecting several hundred schools and other organisations across the country, with many deployments being the largest ever recorded. Sarasota sets the record in Florida and is the second largest in the nation next to Baltimore County Public Schools, the largest deployment of AI visual gun detection in the United States with their 7,500 cameras.  These large installations highlight the ease of use and flexibility that customers experience when integrating Omnilert technology with their existing cameras and security infrastructure. Security cameras can be transformed into 24/7 monitors of weapons that never get tired and distracted and can automatically initiate a pre-planned response to save lives in the event a weapon ever came on campus. Activation of safety systems “Sarasota’s comprehensive safety program to enhance school security is a model for school districts across the nation as it combines early detection with an activation of safety systems that speeds response and removes the potential for human error,” commented Dave Fraser, CEO of Omnilert. “We make it a priority to ensure our technology integrates with other safety systems so security teams can capitalise on their existing investments and utilise a full range of capabilities to protect their people.”  How Omnilert Gun Detect works Omnilert Gun Detect is an advanced AI system that detects handguns and long guns throughout a campus Omnilert Gun Detect is an advanced AI system that detects handguns and long guns throughout campus, both indoors and outdoors. Once a gun is detected, it sends an alert to a designated person at either Omnilert Monitoring centres or the customer’s security operations centre to verify detections.  When a threat is confirmed, Omnilert Gun Detect triggers a series of alerts that sets security systems into motion and police into action to protect those in harm’s way. This solution gives emergency response teams advance warning before shots are fired and delivers precise information on the location and a photo and video of the potential shooter for a much more effective response. Omnilert’s software  Unlike other solutions that merely provide weapon identification and verification, Omnilert Gun Detect integrates with video management systems, access control systems, emergency mass notification solutions, audio and video communication platforms and more. Omnilert’s software can easily be deployed with any existing IP-based camera and can monitor spaces that other safety technologies miss such as exterior grounds and parking lots. The software was designed with privacy concerns in mind so there is no use of biometrics like facial recognition and the live video feeds never leave the school premises.

Technological leaps in the last several decades have revolutionised biometrics. The technologies are constantly evolving, spanning facial recognition to iris scanning to fingerprints, to provide new levels of security and convenience. Biometrics are everywhere, from smartphones to border control, constantly evolving to meet the needs of our increasingly digital world. They are also more accurate and easier to use than ever. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new with biometrics?

There is safety in numbers, or so the expression goes. Generally speaking, several employees working together tend to be safer than a single employee working alone. Even so, some environments require that workers complete their jobs alone, thus presenting a unique combination of security vulnerabilities. The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) defines a lone worker as “an employee working alone, such as in a confined space or isolated location.” We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can security technologies help to protect "lone workers?" 

Headlines of violence in our schools are a reminder of the need to keep educational institutions safe. In fact, if there is a positive aspect to the constant bombardment of headlines, it is that it keeps our attention perpetually focused on how to improve school security. But what is the role of physical security systems? As the new school year begins, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Are schools safer because of physical security systems? Why or why not?