Alarm.com - Experts & Thought Leaders

Alarm.com, the platform for intelligently connected properties, has announced the appointment of Bert McGaughey as International Business Development Manager. In this role, McGaughey will drive dealer growth and partner development across the United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa, reporting to Aitor Gauna, Alarm.com European Sales Director, supporting Alarm.com's continued expansion into international markets. McGaughey brings more than 15 years of experience across the security, smart home and connected-technology industries, with a career built on developing dealer and distributor relationships throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East. Fire alarm signalling systems He joins Alarm.com from EBS Sp. z o.o., where he served as International Sales Manager, managing accounts and business development across Turkey, the UK and Ireland, the Benelux region and Nigeria, with a focus on critical-path intruder and fire alarm signalling systems. Before EBS, McGaughey spent more than four years as Area Manager for SATEL, a European security systems manufacturer, where he built and expanded the company's customer base through sales, technical training and field support across the UK, Ireland, Spain, Portugal and several African markets, including Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Tanzania. Earlier in his career, he held supply chain and operations leadership roles with Satel UK and Perfect Integration, a London-based smart home technology integrator recognised with CEDIA awards for Best Multiple Scheme and Best Innovative Solution. AI-powered capabilities The appointment comes as Alarm.com continues to scale its international business. The company's international operations recently surpassed 1 million active subscriber accounts, with international video attachment rates climbing to 33% as Alarm.com expands its residential and commercial offerings internationally. The company has also extended its AI-powered capabilities into new markets, including AI Deterrence with Spanish and French-Canadian language support, and this year launched its Fire Communicator (ADC-FC100), bringing commercial fire alongside intrusion, access control and video onto the Alarm.com for Business platform. Today, Alarm.com's platform powers the backend for roughly 10 million properties worldwide, delivered through a network of thousands of service provider partners. Video attachment rates McGaughey said: “I'm excited to join a platform trusted by millions of home and business owners every day. I'm looking forward to building strong partnerships and unlocking new opportunities for our dealers across the UK, Ireland and South Africa.” McGaughey is based in Poland and will work remotely in support of his international remit.

Mission 500, the security industry's nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, hosted its annual Awards Ceremony on Thursday, March 26, during ISC West 2026. The ceremony, held at The Bridge on the show floor, brought together industry leaders to recognise individuals and organisations making a meaningful impact through service, philanthropy, and community engagement. Humanitarian Award The 2026 Mission 500 Humanitarian Award was presented to Fredrik Nilsson, Vice President of the Americas at Axis Communications. This award honors individuals within the security industry who demonstrate an exceptional commitment to giving back. Under his leadership, Nilsson has not only upheld this commitment but embedded it into the culture at Axis Communications through initiatives like Axis Community Day and by supporting charitable causes in meaningful, often personal ways. A founding member of the Mission 500 board, Nilsson has shown unwavering support for the organisation’s mission while consistently inspiring others to get involved. Social Responsibility (CSR) Award The Mission 500 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award is designed to honor companies in the Security Industry who make important contributions to those in need. This year’s CSR Award was presented to RX Global in recognition of its ongoing commitment to giving back. Through initiatives such as its global RXCares program, which provides employees with dedicated volunteer time to support causes they care about, RX Global empowers its teams to engage in volunteerism, fundraising, and community impact efforts. Presentation The ceremony also included the presentation of the Chairman’s Award, now in its second year and designed to recognise individuals who go above and beyond in their support of Mission 500. This year’s honorees included Jeffrey Eichenlaub, Executive Director at Serve All NY and Mission 500 board member, whose behind-the-scenes leadership has been instrumental in the success of Mission 500’s care pack build initiatives. Also recognised was Phil Leverette, CEO of ECT Fire & Security, a steadfast supporter of Mission 500 who has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the organisation’s mission, both during the 2025 Service Trip and behind the scenes.  Top performers from the Mission 500 5K/2K In addition to honoring leaders in service and philanthropy, the ceremony also recognised top performers from the Mission 500 5K/2K, held earlier that morning at Sunset Park. Top finishers included: Men’s Division: 1st Place: Jacob Erdman; 2nd Place: James Goddard; 3rd Place: Brennen Quigley Women’s Division: 1st Place: Cathy Hartwell; 2nd Place: Amanda Hoskins; 3rd Place: Courtney Terlecki Fastest Team: Alarm.com Best Dressed Team: HID Awards were also presented to top participants across multiple age groups, reflecting the strong support and enthusiasm from the security industry community. Recognition of the people and organisation “The security industry is known for its dedication to protecting others, and it’s that same dedication that shines through in the way we serve others,” said Jason Lutz, Chair of Mission 500. “While there is no one right way to give back, the people and organisations recognised here set an example of service we can all learn from.”

Alfred International, designer and manufacturer of secure, modern smart locks for residential and multifamily environments, announced that its ML2 Smart Mortise Lock, DB2S, and DB1 Pro Smart Deadbolt Series—each built on Z-Wave Long Range (ZWLR) 800 Series technology—have earned certification from Alarm.com. The certification expands Alfred’s compatibility with one of the most widely deployed and trusted smart security platforms in North America and reinforces the company’s leadership in delivering scalable, interoperable access control solutions.  Certification validation The certification validates Alfred’s implementation of the latest generation of Z-Wave technology, delivering measurable improvements in wireless range, network reliability, scalability, and power efficiency. By certifying multiple smart lock platforms on ZWLR 800 Series simultaneously, Alfred expands the practical deployment options available to integrators, builders, and property managers working across single-family, multifamily, and mixed-use environments. Built on Z-Wave Long Range 800 Series technology All three certified Alfred platforms leverage ZWLR on the 800 Series, enabling projects to take advantage of long-range, point-to-hub communication or traditional Z-Wave mesh networking within the same application. This flexibility allows system designers to tailor connectivity strategies based on building layout, density, and infrastructure—without changing hardware. The result is a smart lock portfolio engineered for proven security, stability, and real-world performance, even in challenging environments where range, interference, or scale can limit traditional wireless deployments. By delivering multiple ZWLR-enabled smart lock series at once, Alfred joins a small group of manufacturers actively supporting the industry’s newest Z-Wave standard across diverse form factors—giving partners more choice without fragmenting platforms or workflows. Alarm.com certification: Validation beyond the standard While Z-Wave certification establishes protocol compliance, Alarm.com certification represents a deeper level of validation, confirming that Alfred’s ZWLR 800 Series smart locks meet the operational, security, and performance requirements of one of the most trusted smart security platforms in North America. This additional testing reflects real-world implementation, interoperability, and long-term reliability expectations—providing both explicit and implicit assurance to integrators and end users. “Interoperability and flexibility have always been core pillars of our product strategy,” said Brad Cook, Head of Product & Integrations at Alfred International. “Alarm.com certification validates our approach to leveraging Z-Wave Long Range 800 Series technology at scale, while giving our partners confidence that Alfred smart locks will perform reliably across a wide range of deployment scenarios.” Alarm.com–certified ZWLR 800 Series Smart Locks ML2 Smart Mortise Lock — One of the very few smart mortise solutions available on the market, ML2 combines a patented, retrofit-friendly design with ZWLR 800 Series connectivity. It delivers architectural-grade aesthetics, robust mechanical security, and modern smart access capabilities while simplifying upgrades from traditional mortise hardware. DB2S Smart Deadbolt Series — A premium ZWLR 800 Series smart deadbolt supporting multiple access methods, including physical key, PIN code, Bluetooth mobile access, Z-Wave, and RFID credentials. DB2S is Wi-Charge ready and uses rechargeable battery packs to reduce long-term maintenance costs while supporting more sustainable power management. DB1 Pro Smart Deadbolt Series — A sophisticated designed, highly efficient, professional-grade ZWLR 800 Series solution designed to maximize value and deployment flexibility. DB1 Pro supports up to 250 PIN codes, modular connectivity options, commercial-style keyway compatibility, a 90-minute fire rating, wired door position switch inputs, and standard AA batteries—balancing essential functionality with broad interoperability.  Together, these platforms demonstrate Alfred’s ability to apply ZWLR 800 Series technology consistently across multiple product categories, supporting a wide range of architectural, retrofit, and PropTech-driven requirements without sacrificing performance or design. Strengthening products With Alarm.com certification, Alfred continues to strengthen its role within the broader security and smart home ecosystem. The company supports industry-standard protocols including Z-Wave and Zigbee, alongside proprietary integrations through the Alfred API, giving integrators and property managers the flexibility to design connected access systems tailored to each installation. ISC West Alfred will showcase these capabilities at ISC West 2026 (Booth #7042), where attendees can experience live demonstrations of its interoperable access control solutions.

The security landscape is undergoing a profound transformation, as evidenced by the innovations showcased at the ISC West Expo 2026. From dismantling of silos between physical and digital security to the ongoing transition to cloud and hybrid platforms, much of the discussion on the show floor was familiar, if somehow more urgent than ever. Clearly the industry is moving toward unified, cloud-native, and highly automated ecosystems. In a series of deep-dive meetings and demonstrations at the recent show, I got a first-hand glimpse of the future of the physical security marketplace. Spoiler alert: The future is now! HID Global: Tearing down the silos HID Global is addressing the long-requested convergence of physical and digital security. Recognising that the industry has historically operated in silos, HID is now leading with a combined implementation team to leverage the power of both sides. HID is supporting the transition by combining its logical and physical security teams to help end users design secure, end-to-end journeys for their employees. By leveraging its massive existing footprint in physical access, HID is uniquely positioned to help organisations upgrade their cybersecurity posture without a total "rip and replace" of their hardware. HID is seeing a surge in demand for converged credentials that unite building access with digital identity. On the digital front, HID has implemented FIDO (Fast Identity Online) and passkeys to replace traditional passwords with more secure, biometric-backed authentication methods. Acre Security: Bridging the gap to the cloud Acre Security previewed a cloud-native video solution, reinforcing its cloud-first security strategyAcre Security is currently consolidating brands, bringing established names like Feenics and AccessIt under a single corporate umbrella. A primary theme for the company at ISC West is the migration of legacy systems to modern infrastructure. To facilitate the transition, they are launching "The Bridge," a technology designed to help on-premise customers transition to the cloud at a pace that suits their operational needs. The company is also expanding its portfolio into video. Attendees at the show received a preview of a new cloud-native video solution slated for release later this year, signaling Acre’s commitment to a holistic, cloud-first security suite. Acoem: Real-time acoustic threat detection With a 35-year foundation in vibration and acoustics—including military sniper detection—Acoem is providing gunshot detection through edge processing. Unlike systems that rely on the cloud and may suffer from latency, Acoem’s technology processes data at the sensor level for instant alerts. Their sensors are engineered for massive outdoor spaces, covering a 500-foot radius (roughly 11 football fields) and can detect high-powered rifle shots from up to half a mile away. The system provides critical intelligence by distinguishing between muzzle blasts and "mach noise" from bullet travel, delivering an audio file to the end-user that maps the location and direction of the threat. They use AI to filter out environmental false positives, such as skateboards hitting metal rails. Alarm.com: The all-in-one dealer ecosystem Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process Alarm.com is doubling down on "giving tools to dealers to help them be successful," with a focus on unified commercial solutions. A highlight at ISC West is their new fire communicator, which integrates fire monitoring into their single app, completing what they call the "fourth leg of the stool." The product allows fire systems to benefit from the same real-time customer engagement and push notifications that have long been available for intrusion and video. The key products, such as commercial-grade hardware, are now available for immediate purchase. Beyond hardware, Alarm.com is leveraging AI to streamline the sales process. Their new AI Proposal Builder uses customer meeting notes to automatically generate customised, value-driven sales proposals for dealers. Allegion: A global shift in credentialing Following the acquisition of ELATEC, Allegion is adopting a more global market approach and expanding its OEM business. The company is involved in the development of Aliro, the newly unveiled mobile credentialing standard. Allegion’s strategy is built on versatility: While Aliro serves the burgeoning mobile market, they also offer PKOC for plastic cards, allowing them to provide solutions regardless of the user's preferred credential type. The ELATEC acquisition has effectively filled previous gaps in their use-case portfolio, positioning them as a comprehensive provider for both physical and digital access needs. AtlasIED: Engineering for life safety Transitioning from audio to a fully automated threat detection company, AtlasIED showcased its new IPX line at ISC West. This modular platform uses a single PoE++ port to power various "plug-and-play" modules, allowing for easy system upgrades. Their gun detection technology achieves a 99% confidence rating by "stacking" AI models; it cross-references audio data with infrared signatures to detect muzzle flashes and air quality sensors for particulates. With systems already running in 80% of U.S. international airports, the company maintains 24/7 domestic engineering support to manage these "life-safety adjacent" environments. Axis Communications: Unifying connectivity Axis Communications is advancing network video with 4G/5G surveillance, reducing cabling needs Axis Communications continues to lead in network video, with a new focus on offering surveillance through 4G and 5G networks to eliminate the need for extensive cabling in long-range applications. Axis also introduced several specialised hardware pieces, including the P1486-LE global shutter camera for high-speed traffic monitoring and the Q2802-TE, which integrates thermal and visual monitoring into a single unit.  To assist technicians, they launched a new installer app that uses Bluetooth for easier camera pairing and management directly from a mobile device. Axon: De-escalation through enterprise wearables Focusing on frontline safety, Axon is expanding from law enforcement into the enterprise sector with its retail and healthcare-focused body camera. Weighing only 0.25 lb, these cameras are designed to be less intimidating, using colorful designs and acting as a primary de-escalator for aggressive behavior. A clear front display signals when recording is active, striking a balance between safety and a non-intimidating appearance. These devices feature live-streaming and panic alarms that connect workers to a Global Security Operations Center (GSOC). To ensure the footage is legally viable, Axon maintains a rigorous audit trail that authenticates every action recorded. Genetec: The value of the unified platform Genetec is advocating for unified platforms that reduce the time between incident detection and resolution. They argue that AI is becoming a commodity and that the true value lies in unified platforms that reduce the time from incident to resolution. Their approach emphasises the "outcomes" customers need, such as allowing security teams to coalesce around an investigation quickly. Genetec remains a strong supporter of open systems for enterprise customers, ensuring they have the choice to integrate diverse technologies rather than being locked into a manufacturer’s “walled garden.” This flexibility is critical for high-end security environments that require tailored, responsive systems. Johnson Controls: Large-scale enterprise solutions Johnson Controls has made a significant push into the enterprise video market with C-Cure IQ, a standalone VMS designed for major hubs like airports and large campuses. Through a partnership with Scylla, they have integrated 11 advanced analytics—including facial recognition and weapons detection—directly into their cameras. They also showcased new multi-sensor panoramic cameras capable of "stitching" multiple images into a single 360-degree view. While innovating in video, Johnson Controls also confirmed modern upgrades to their intrusion line, including their legacy DSC Neo line. The new DSC PowerSeries Neo 5, a high-end residential and commercial platform, features an all-new user interface and built-in PowerG+. They have also begun shipping the IQ5 family lineup, which is powered by a Qualcomm DragonWing processor.  ONVIF: Standardising the future of AI and cloud ONVIF continues to lead the charge in establishing common languages for the security industry. A major focus is their new "Cloud Profile," which enables cameras to connect directly to the cloud through a standardised protocol. They are also expanding into audio standards to ensure IP-based speakers can seamlessly connect to Video Management Systems (VMS). To combat the rise of sophisticated digital manipulation, ONVIF is developing "video signing" standards. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standardsThis feature protects the integrity of video for evidentiary purposes by embedding a digital signature and timestamp directly into the footage at the camera level. Additionally, the organisation has formed an AI Working Group to develop common communication methods for "AI agents" within physical security systems. ONVIF is actively seeking more diverse enterprise participation to help shape these emerging AI standards. Roberto Licari is the new ONVIF Ambassador, seeking to attract new companies (even outside the security sector) to ONVIF as they look to expand their offerings. SwiftConnect: Bridging digital and physical identity SwiftConnect is redefining access control by shifting the focus from physical cards to digital identity. As a cloud-based "connected access network," the platform bridges the gap between IT identity providers (like Okta or Azure AD) and legacy physical access control systems. At the show's Security Experience Center demonstrations, SwiftConnect showcased its ability to integrate mobile credentials within Apple and Google Wallets across multiple technology platforms. By aligning physical security with Zero Trust principles, they ensure that access is governed by the same rigorous standards as digital networks. Their software-centric approach allows for a more seamless employee experience while simplifying the management of complex, multi-site building security. This emphasises a future where the mobile device becomes the primary tool for navigating the physical workspace. Wasabi Technologies: Redefining cloud storage economics With cloud technology becoming a baseline requirement at every booth, Wasabi Technologies highlighted its "hot cloud storage" as a cost-effective alternative to major hyperscalers. Their model claims to be 80% less expensive than competitors, notably removing hidden fees. Wasabi is increasingly bundled at the "back end" of security solutions through partnerships with integrators and end users. A key feature for law enforcement and high-security sectors is their "Object Lock" capability, which ensures that video evidence remains untampered with and immutable during defined retention periods. By providing high-performance storage without the unpredictable costs typically associated with the cloud, Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications that require long-term, secure retention. Wasabi is positioning itself as the foundational layer for data-heavy video surveillance applications ZKTeco USA: Versatile and integrated access ZKTeco USA showcased a range of integrated solutions, including turnstiles, visitor management, and access control. Their Atlas access control series offers versatility, supporting everything from traditional readers and keypads to QR codes and fingerprint scanning, with the flexibility to operate on-premise or in the cloud. For tight environments, they introduced the Mars 100 turnstile, which features a compact 2x3-foot footprint. They also highlighted the Omni series, an all-in-one standalone reader-controller that manages access, intercom, and visitor functions in a single device. Innovation in portability was evident in their new walk-through metal detectors, which consist of two poles with an 8-hour battery life—ideal for schools and temporary events. While they offer their own Armatura readers, ZKTeco emphasised that their solutions can integrate with other industry leaders to fit diverse customer needs.

When working in the technology marketplace, it’s always good to expect the unexpected. Increasingly, readiness to anticipate and embrace uncertainty is the baseline for survival in the world of technology. If we in the physical security industry know anything, it is that technology is in a state of perpetual disruption. Therefore, looking ahead to the next 12 months, surprises are inevitable. We turn to our Expert Panel Roundtable for guidance, asking our panelists: What will be the biggest surprise for security in the year ahead?

Physical security innovation is accelerating due to the convergence of AI-driven automation and IoT connectivity. The trend makes you wonder: How far will physical security technologies evolve in the next decade? Already, modern systems are shifting from reactive recording to proactive prevention via real-time analytics. Additionally, the need for hybrid cloud scalability and integration with IT infrastructure is driving rapid hardware-to-software modernisation. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which current technology will revolutionise physical security in the next 10 years?