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With 1,300 cameras recording 24/7 and more than 1,000 investigations to process per year, Massachusetts General Hospital’s security team was not able to keep up with the vast amounts of recorded video. Now, BriefCam Syndex Pro for fast video review, search and analysis, embedded within a Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) platform is making efficient and effective video investigation possible. Unique challenges to security Massachusetts General Hospital’s (MGH) Police, Security and Outside Services Department provides some security services to many other Partners hospitals and facilities. Following its recent digital conversion, unified on the Milestone XProtect VMS platform, MGH’s security team was able to expand camera coverage by adding new Axis network cameras directly to the existing IP network. The hospital environment presents unique challenges to security, Michelman points out “The number of investigations we were doing was taking huge amounts of time in terms of reviewing video, and that was really a waste of time,” said Bonnie Michelman, MGH Executive Director of Police, Security and Outside Services and Consultant for Partners Healthcare. The hospital environment presents unique challenges to security, Michelman points out. MGH’s 17-acre urban campus, comprising 29 contiguous and 14 separate buildings (including underground and freestanding garage facilities), is complex. The security team must also take into account not only the main location, but also dozens of satellite facilities around the Boston area. Enterprise risk management “We can’t cover all of these facilities with security staff,” said Michelman. “We need to augment heavily with very good, state-of-the-art technology that allows us to combine our intelligence, labour, policies and procedures, in order to create a better holistic approach to enterprise risk management.” Charged with creating a safe environment, MGH’s security team at the same time is challenged by the clinical team’s needs for increased efficiency through lowering length of stay and moving patients through the hospital as quickly as possible. The 24-hour Emergency Room, with its anxious, highly volatile population presents challenges of its own. In addition, patient elopement and patient wandering – unauthorised departures from the medical facility, whether intentional or unintentional – pose liability threats that can be very damaging to a hospital. Providing customer satisfaction A unified system was required to balance the video surveillance needs of a busy hospital campus A unified system was required to balance the video surveillance needs of a busy hospital campus with remote satellite locations while upholding the highest level of security possible, maintaining operational flow, and providing customer satisfaction that includes expectations of privacy. Michelman, together with MGH Senior Manager, Systems and Technology Robert Leahy, decided on the Milestone XProtect VMS platform. Camera count was increased from 400 to 1,300, and standardised with Axis network cameras connected directly to the IP network. To deal with the marked increase in video data, MGH’s team chose BriefCam Syndex Pro, a powerful set of tools intended to reduce the time and effort needed to conduct video reviews, post-event video investigation and real-time video monitoring. The BriefCam solution ties in seamlessly with the Milestone video management solution, providing efficient workflow for investigators. Presenting video metadata According to Michelman, BriefCam has already proven invaluable. A two year long ROI examination of video surveillance use at MGH has shown a progressive rise in success rates with the use of video in incident investigations. According to Michelman, BriefCam has already proven invaluable “I see BriefCam as a very important part of our toolbox of excellent practices for protecting what is a very complex environment of tangible and intangible assets,” said Michelman. BriefCam Syndex Pro’s ability to present video metadata in graphic visualisation format, such as bar graphs, pie charts and the like, has opened up new realms of possibilities to extend the role of CCTV video beyond security into organisational efficiency and more informed, data-driven decision making. Better investigative focus “In the past, there might have been things that would have been a ‘nice to do,’ but we couldn’t do it because we didn’t have resources to watch many hours of video,” said Michelman. “Now we can manage the content and we can see trends, which in turn can drive redeployment of resources, and by extension, facilitate a better investigative focus and success.” BriefCam Syndex Pro embedded within Milestone XProtect VMS platform is helping MGH in its mission to effectively and efficiently protect and safeguard the hospital community. Michelman said: “We’re happy with these products, but it’s not just about the quality of the technology, it’s about the quality of the partnership. You know, it’s easy to sell a product, but to sustain it, service it, and be there after it is in is really very critical for us.”

Being isolated on the edge of wilderness means there’s a need for a video system that’s both reliable and flexible. For that reason, the team at Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) since 2009 has relied on video management software (VMS) from Milestone Systems to enhance security, safety, and efficiency. Challenge - Help to keep scaling At the edge of the frontier, Jackson Hole Airport has experienced considerable growth over the years. Significant capital investments in expansions have made new video system integrations possible several times, and Milestone XProtect has supported the airport’s needs along the way. As of 2020, over 220 cameras were in use, and the airport shows no signs of slowing down As of 2020, over 220 cameras were in use, and the airport shows no signs of slowing down. New projects will include building a fuel farm, a car wash and expanded parking facilities. XProtect’s open platform software As the need to increase security continues, XProtect’s open platform software will continue to enable both IT team growth and the seamless integration of new cameras and data storage capabilities. Solution - Integrations are in the fly zone Milestone XProtect Professional Plus and Smart Client Network cameras from Axis Communications and Panasonic Optimised video server hardware from Razberi Integrated video analytics from Agent Vi All video is stored for up to a full year, with most of the system’s 200 cameras set for motion recording, 24/7. Result - Greater situational awareness for higher security The video system has enabled improvements throughout the entire airport. For example, Jackson Hole Airport has to contend with a great deal of plane de-icing for several months each year. This occurs at a distance from the main buildings and, thanks to the video expansion, each airline is now able to monitor the de-icing of their planes. Allowing clients to monitor progress on their own has saved airport staff time and resources. The airport uses the system to closely monitor the security checkpoint, too, capturing video documentation in case of an incident. Baggage areas are also monitored, so it’s possible to investigate lost bags and left-behind items by reviewing video. New 4K, multi-sensor cameras New 4K, multi-sensor cameras support a largely unmanned investigatory system New 4K, multi-sensor cameras support a largely unmanned investigatory system. They capture everything and provide enough data to zoom in after the fact, if needed. Additionally, the team has deployed video analytics from Agent Vi to provide a layer of automated alarms and notifications for flagging abnormal occurrences. Video analytics can detect events, such as travelers moving against the foot traffic flow and crossing into restricted areas. Milestone’s XProtect Smart Client Milestone’s XProtect Smart Client has shifted general situational awareness in the airport, as a new standard for authorising users’ remote access to the surveillance from multiple locations. It provides seamless viewing of live and recorded video, instant control of cameras and connected security devices, and a comprehensive overview of activity. The ongoing use of Milestone Systems’ video management software (VMS) makes it possible to maintain the independence and efficiency of a small team of personnel, thereby delivering maximum security at the base of the Grand Teton Mountains. Situational awareness for the JAC team and their clients Andrew Wells, the IT Manager for the Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), said “Situational awareness for our team and our clients allows us to be as secure and efficient as possible with our small team. The flexibility of the open platform VMS allows us to scale our system and add the features we need now and in the future.” Jackson Hole Airport (JAC) lies seven miles north of Jackson, Wyoming, at the base of the Teton Mountains, in USA. It is unique for being entirely within Grand Teton National Park. It is the busiest airport in the US state of Wyoming, with nearly 500,000 in-bound passengers annually. The airport covers over 500 acres and has one runway that supports 11 hard-stands, nine boarding gates and three baggage carousels.

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico needed to implement a centralised and efficient perimeter security system for all public schools on the island. Intrusions and assaults at educational institutions have increased, and Hurricane Maria further exacerbated problems with the destruction of infrastructure. The solution: The need to repair hurricane damage also provided opportunities to invest in modern improvements. The Department of Education chose to install a video surveillance system with more than 10,000 cameras, speakers, and other security devices in 856 schools. In the same way, a centralised control centre was established using the Corporate version of Milestone Systems XProtect® video management software (VMS). Devices installed  Milestone Systems: XProtect VMS Software XProtect Smart Client Milestone Interconnect Cameras from Axis Communications and Uniview DH-Vision Seneca Servers and Optex Sensors The advantages: Audiovisual material captured by the system helps agencies to evaluate and manage areas for public use Endowed with the same annual budget that allowed the monitoring of 250 institutions, the new system enabled the Puerto Rico Department of Education to cover all 856 public schools. Since the system has been operational, there has been a 97% reduction in intrusions within educational institutions. In addition to protecting the educational programme, the audiovisual material captured by the system helps other government agencies to evaluate and manage areas for public use and investigate incidents. Need for a centralised security system Ensuring a safe environment is a growing challenge for schools and colleges: theft, fights, and bullying are some of the problems that not only affect students, but also teachers, employees, and, ultimately, the government entities that subsidize the educational system. In Puerto Rico, for example, the Department of Education was concerned about the increase in unauthorised intrusions, robberies, and assaults within its schools. This index shot up after Hurricane Maria destroyed much of the island’s infrastructure in 2017. Even before this natural phenomenon, there was no centralised security system that integrated an overview of all schools. There were disparate installations of video surveillance equipment (cameras, alarms, and lighting) but only in approximately 250 of the schools. Centralised command centre González said, the proposal was born to begin the process to acquire a video surveillance system for public schools  After the hurricane, top priority was given to providing perimeter security for all schools through an effective centralised command centre instead of investing in the repair and purchase of separate systems. “The hurricane damaged the island’s communication and lighting systems, a circumstance that promoted intrusions into schools and increased vandalism. We had no visibility of what was happening and we could not find a way to avoid these escalations,” said César González Cordero, Security Commissioner for the Puerto Rico Department of Education. He adds, “However, we could not afford to buy and repair equipment individually for all schools, so a centralised and coordinated effort was necessary.” Based on this context, González said, the proposal was born to begin the process to acquire a video surveillance system for public schools in Puerto Rico, focused on perimeter security. Perimeter security for all schools Genesis Security Services, Inc. of Puerto Rico was selected to develop the perimeter security project for the 856 public schools on the island. This Puerto Rican corporation was founded in 1997 in Yabucoa, Puerto Rico by brothers Roberto and Emilio Morales, who are leaders in security services at the government level. “We have been providing security to the Department of Education for more than 15 years through our onsite guard service. That is why we knew the design, location, assets, and vulnerabilities of various educational establishments. This was a great advantage when executing the project,” said Yasel Morales, Technology Director at Genesis. Video system Milestone XProtect video management software supports more than 8,500 security and surveillance devices In October 2018, the installation of cameras and other devices began in all schools. The video system mission control was built inside the Genesis Central Station, located in the Carolina municipality (in the island's northeast region). Video data from all schools are returned to Central Station, where it is managed with the Milestone Systems XProtect Corporate open platform VMS. Leveraging the power of the open platform, Milestone XProtect video management software supports more than 8,500 security and surveillance devices, and more than 450 software integrations from more than 3,500 technology partners. NVRs, DVRs and cloud solutions Alliance partners include providers of network video cameras, cloud solutions, DVRs and NVRs, servers and storage equipment, alarm and detection systems, video analytics, GPS technology, laser and radar scanners, boxes of emergency calls, and more. “At the Central Station, we have fifteen workstations, with the same number of operators per shift. There we have a videowall of ten monitors distributed between the stations. Likewise, we have two dispatch centers that serve as backup: one in the municipality of Yauco and the other in the municipality of San Juan,” Morales explained. Uniview DH-Vision 4-megapixel cameras, audio speakers As part of the project, approximately 10,000 Uniview DH-Vision 4-megapixel cameras were installed in 856 schools (an average of 12 cameras per campus). Audio speakers from Axis Communications and a range of Optex sensors also were integrated. The combination of these technologies made it possible for every school to have an anti-intrusions system with its alerts feeding back to the Central Station. XProtect Express+, Milestone Interconnect Milestone Interconnect connects remote sites for a low-cost video surveillance solution Each campus has a Seneca brand server with the XProtect Express+ software installed. This communicates with the Corporate version at the Central Station through Milestone Interconnect™, a licensing platform that opens a communication channel between different hardware that normally cannot communicate with each other. Milestone Interconnect connects remote sites for a low-cost video surveillance solution. It is the ideal surveillance for a wide variety of industries that want an inexpensive way to get centralised supervision of multiple locations spread across one region. Remote management and monitoring With Milestone Interconnect, engineers and managers can easily monitor critical and remote areas from one central location. This means faster intrusion management because operators in the central system can access the video and receive alarms from remotely connected sites. This reduces the need to have local security personnel, maintenance, operation, and other costs, including visits onsite. Virtual gates Genesis created virtual gates using cameras that, in addition to protecting school spaces, also ensure the safety of substations and solar panels, which are considered important assets for institutions. If someone crosses the virtual gate, an alert is generated locally and passed to the Central Station through Interconnect. Operators then make a visual confirmation and, if applicable, the emergency protocol is activated. “The emergency protocol is to contact the Security Commissioner and the Department of Operations. For this liaison, we internally designate an inspector. Once informed, they activate the security officers at the sites, who are trained to give quick responses and inform the police,” said Morales. Identifying suspicious activities Due to the management software, Genesis can easily find any recording of the schools Due to the management software, Genesis can easily find any recording of the schools and send it to the Security Commissioner, who can also receive the alerts directly through an application on his mobile phone. It should be noted that all personnel handling the system, both operators and technicians, have Milestone Systems certifications, which they obtained on the manufacturer’s website. Security Commissioner González explained that the directors and residents of the schools may contact the Central Station if they wish to report any suspicious activity within a school after regular hours. Genesis operations centre González also clarified that “if for any reason a school principal requires a recording, he must contact us, and we request the information from the Genesis operations centre. This protocol is designed to respect the right to be in a place without feeling guarded at all times, as stipulated in the public policy of Puerto Rico. In total, this system directly benefits almost 400,000 people.” Increased security at a lower cost According to the Security Commissioner, since the first camera was installed, they went from two or three intrusions per day to one or zero. Even in October 2018, they had no record of intrusions. Genesis Security Services, Inc. confirmed that since the system has been operational, there has been a 97% reduction in school intrusions. Reduced physical assaults Video technology has helped dispel theft of property by employees and has helped reduce rates of physical assault Video technology has helped dispel problems such as theft of property by employees and, more importantly, has helped reduce rates of physical assault and bullying among students. These results have helped build trust among Puerto Rican families when they enroll their children in schools. “The system provides agility and precision. It is more efficient and immediate than communicating with a guard who has to enter a facility to verify what is happening. It’s great working with a system that has visibility 24/7 in schools,” said González. Cost savings On the other hand, due to this project, it was possible to reduce the cost of security in schools using technology, one of the main objectives of the Department of Education at the beginning.  “We spent about $25 million annually covering just 250 schools with the guard system, and we had almost 600 schools left unattended. This project gave us the possibility of covering 100% of the public schools in Puerto Rico with the same budget,” González reported. Finally, it is important to note that many of these schools are located in vulnerable places on the island, so the system is also helping the Police and the Prosecutor’s Office to resolve cases that occurred around the educational facilities, and in general to contribute with the welfare of the community. Future projects On behalf of the Department of Education, the Puerto Rican Government is seeking ways to integrate this type of video analytics system with software programmes and databases of organisations that advocate for sexual assault victims. “In the future, we want to have a system that is capable of identifying if a sex offender crosses the perimeter in school zones so that we can warn in time,” said González. On the Genesis side, Morales said that the next step with this project would be to develop video analytics for the VMS, not only to give perimeter security but also statistics such as counting people and vehicles. They also plan on integrating access control systems into all schools.

The healthcare industry faces unique and significant security challenges. Healthcare security professionals must balance an open, welcoming environment for patients and visitors with the need to protect valuable assets and personnel in a high-stress, 24/7 setting. These requirements direct the physical security technologies deployed in medical facilities. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the healthcare market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

There was high-level energy at GSX 2025, befitting an industry undergoing massive change. Artificial intelligence (AI) was everywhere, but not so much in the booth signage. Rather, AI has made its way beyond marketing claims and solidly into the core of the products themselves. There were hundreds of examples of how AI is changing how security systems operate, all for the better. Clearly on display at GSX 2025 was an industry in the midst of metamorphosis.  Deep integration of AI My conversations with companies across the security ecosystem revealed an industry heavily focused on leveraging advanced technologies like AI and the cloud to address increasingly complex global and localised threats. Several key themes emerged at the Global Security Exchange (GSX), sponsored by ASIS International, held Sept. 29–Oct. 1 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre in New Orleans, La. Themes I heard repeated throughout the show floor included deep integration of AI, the ongoing shift toward cloud-based and hybrid architectures, and a sharp focus on modernising security systems to meet current challenges. AI and intelligent automation transform security The use of GenAI is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support Companies are integrating AI and intelligent technologies to enhance analytics, streamline incident response, and improve internal efficiency. The use of Generative AI (GenAI) is moving beyond simple search functions into real-time decision support. For example, Bosch Video Systems introduced a "second tier" to its video analytics capabilities by combining highly sensitive edge detection with GenAI models in the cloud. For example, in visual gun detection, edge analytics might flag a potential gun (yellow), but the cloud-based GenAI then quickly reviews and confirms the threat (red), helping to filter out false alarms. Bosch is also using GenAI for more open-ended searches, such as a "Where's Waldo" application demonstrated at their booth. GenAI-powered system  Eagle Eye Networks says they are focused on helping integrators "organise the AI chaos” through their cloud-based video platform. Their precision person and vehicle detection capabilities work across multiple cameras. Motorola Solutions introduced Inform, an AI-assisted incident response solution designed to bring clarity to the "noise" and help security teams respond to complex threats. They also offer Avigilon Visual Alerts, an on-prem GenAI-powered system that expands the natural language interface. AI internally to improve processes The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft." The Axon Body Workforce Mini, a small “computer with a lens” for non-police applications, is AI-capable and can perform real-time translations, automated report writing, and summarisation, and can even act as a personal assistant by incorporating company policies. All those functions are built into a lightweight body-worn camera designed to safeguard frontline workers in retail and healthcare verticals. The Body Workforce Mini protects frontline workers and businesses "amid rising violence and theft." Beyond products, integration company Everon is using AI internally to improve processes, such as handling commoditised tasks, which they expect will result in better customer satisfaction. Everon wants to be known as a premier service provider and will be introducing new services in the video realm. AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades Genetec prefers the term Intelligent Automation (IA), instead of AI, to describe its empathetic interface, which can "know" what additional information a security professional needs when they click on an image, for example. Genetec says the advantages of the cloud include AI-powered search and continuous system upgrades. Their Security Centre SaaS has had a fast and successful launch. It enables cloud-based systems with local storage.  Genetec also highlighted the Cloudlink 210, a cloud-managed appliance designed to unify physical security operations that can be simply plugged in without involving IT staff. They call it a “headless appliance.” Cloud migration and the push for hybrid systems Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product The industry continues its strategic march toward the cloud, often through hybrid applications that blend on-prem strength with cloud flexibility. Acre's access control is described as "cloud-first technology," and they continue to focus on cloud solutions, incorporating AI. To help customers transition, they offer the "Bridge," a migration tool that allows systems to communicate throughout the move. At the same time, they are continuing to develop and enhance their core on-prem products – DNA Fusion and AccessIt!. Adding access control to supplement their video product line, Hanwha debuted OnCAFE (Cloud Access for Everyone), a new cloud-based access control product. The goal is to provide “access control that is easy;” It works alongside their OnCloud direct-to-cloud VMS as a Service platform. Future of video management The future of video management is increasingly hybrid. Milestone recently completed a three-year process of updating XProtect and building for the future of hybrid applications. At GSX, they showcased how their XProtect Evidence Manager seeks to "democratise evidence management" by collecting video, cell phone data, notes, and other metadata related to a case for easy sharing and prosecution. Also, Milestone’s “app centre” enables additional features to enhance XProtect without involving integration.  Milestone is also focusing on "Metadata Ingest," which collects and aggregates data from various manufacturers (including Genetec, Motorola, and Exacq) for use by AI. Strategic modernisation and open integration Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernisation Outlook" white paper A key theme for the future is the shift toward open systems and strategic modernisation, enabling security professionals to better utilise new technology. Convergint and Genetec collaborated on a "2026 Technology Modernisation Outlook" white paper, arguing that dealers and end-users need to think more strategically when buying technology. They predict that "2026 will be the year of modernisation," with tangible results including unified intelligence, flexible deployment, and lower total cost of ownership. The call for open standards and architecture was also strong. What AI needs from open systems Johnson Controls noted that cloud, AI, and open standards are its three big focus areas. Their C-CURE IQ 3.10 is gaining adoption as it unifies access and video. OpenEye is seeking to address the "AI disruption anxiety" in the industry, focusing on what AI needs from open systems. The emphasis is on the value of a Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open standard and framework to enable AI systems to integrate and share data with external tools and sources. Addressing shifting global and local threats Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights a risen focus on executive protection Companies unveiled solutions targeted at new security concerns, particularly the rising threat of violence, theft, and misinformation. Allied Universal's "World Security Report 2025" highlights an increased focus on executive protection and cites the rise of misinformation and disinformation as the number two threat. They noted that macro trends around instability and the political and social environment are driving security threats globally. To combat physical threats, Shooter Detection Systems introduced a new outdoor sensor, which is now generally available after a favourable feedback period that included an apprehension in one municipality. The company notes the unique challenge of developing technology for a "non-cooperative" threat like a person with a gun, in contrast to most security technologies that are "cooperative" and depend on user compliance. Implementation of integrated security Flock Safety is expanding its focus beyond licence plate readers into solutions for retail, with a new initiative to automate and streamline investigative processes, which are often manual. The company also showcased "drones as automated security guards," which can be deployed within 90 seconds to provide "eyes" on a site and enhance safety. The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system A tour of the City of New Orleans' Real Time Crime Centre (RTCC), hosted by Axis Communications, demonstrated a mature implementation of integrated security. The RTCC uses Axis cameras, Genetec VMS, and is tied to a Motorola Solutions Command Centre to enhance efficiency and effectiveness, operating independently of the police department. They measure success in terms of valuable hours saved in an investigation or even when an event is happening. The system works on its own network and is firewalled away from the city system. Rapidly changing industry on display The GSX 2025 highlights an industry that is moving toward more intelligent and integrated solutions. The investment in AI is shifting security from reactive monitoring to proactive, automated assistance. Throughout the show floor, the continued embrace of hybrid cloud architectures, coupled with an emphasis on open standards and modernisation roadmaps, suggests a security ecosystem built for agility and future growth.  These trends, and the GSX show itself, collectively underscore the industry's commitment to delivering scalable, next-generation solutions for a changing threat landscape.

Data overload is real. Sometimes it seems we are bombarded by the sheer volume, velocity, and variety of data available in our personal lives, and in our work lives. The solution is to figure out how to make sense of the data and transform it into real information we can use. In the case of physical security systems, new opportunities are emerging every day to utilise data to make our businesses safer and better managed. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the expanding role of data in physical security systems? Why does it matter?