Xtract One Technologies Inc. (formerly Patriot One) - Experts & Thought Leaders

Xtract One Technologies announced its SmartGateway has been selected by Nova Scotia Health to strengthen security measures and provide AI-powered weapons detection across facilities province-wide, with an initial order of 25 systems.   Nova Scotia Health, in tandem with its nurses’ union, is working to modernise and strengthen security across its facilities to ensure a safe environment for all patients, visitors, and staff. Adopting and deploying advanced technologies like SmartGateway is an important step toward achieving that goal. Safe and secure health care By helping to limit the number of potentially dangerous items entering their hospitals, this technology supports its commitment to providing safe and secure health care. Xtract One was selected for its proven efficacy to accurately detect knives, a top priority for the organisation. Previously tested in Truro, Nova Scotia, over a 12-day trial period, SmartGateway successfully scanned 7,400 individuals entering the facility and detected 49 prohibited items during that period, mostly pocket knives and box cutters. Deploying SmartGateway “Violence against healthcare workers is a challenge that persists and demands addressing. By deploying SmartGateway, Nova Scotia Health is setting an important example for what it means to take meaningful action to protect frontline healthcare workers, patients, and visitors,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “This installation marks another key step in our expanding work with Canadian healthcare organisations, having deployed in Manitoba earlier this year. We look forward to  continuing to deliver effective threat detection as more providers take proactive measures to prioritise security and peace of mind for their teams.” Overall approach to security      “Our goal is to deliver first class healthcare, and ensuring the safety of all who enter our facilities is a critical step in providing that service,” said Dean Stienburg, Director of Security for Nova Scotia Health. “With SmartGateway, we’re making tangible strides in bolstering our overall approach to security. We were impressed by the system’s effectiveness during the trial period and are looking forward to the deployment helping us mitigate and respond to the threats of today’s environment.”  Maximising security screening outcomes SmartGateway delivers fast, discreet, and accurate individual screening, utilising AI-powered sensors to unobtrusively scan for weapons and other prohibited items upon entry. This technology replaces intimidating, traditional metal detectors and mitigates the need for individuals to remove personal items. This prioritises individual privacy and comfort, all while maximising security screening outcomes. SmartGateway is designed to enable seamless passage through checkpoints and promote the uninterrupted flow of movement.

Xtract One Technologies announced its SmartGateway has been selected by Meridian Public School District (MPSD) in Meridian, Mississippi, to amplify school safety throughout its campuses. The comprehensive, customisable entry screening solution is designed to unobtrusively scan students and visitors with the ability to detect concealed threats before they are brought onto campus, maintaining a secure, yet welcoming, school environment. Xtract One’s SmartGateway Meridian Public Schools is set to deploy Xtract One’s SmartGateway initially for the High School Understanding the importance of fostering a safe learning environment, Meridian Public Schools is set to deploy Xtract One’s SmartGateway initially for the High School, and with plans to eventually deploy across all ten campuses, prioritising the safety of over 4,500 students and 1,000 employees. After evaluating several safety solutions, Meridian Public Schools selected SmartGateway due to its proven ability to deliver advanced detection capabilities with minimal disruptions. Proactive threat detection “Proactive threat detection is crucial for preventing disturbance in educational institutions. The right system combined with a strategic, holistic, and people-first plan makes for an even more effective safety protocol,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We’re excited to expand our school footprint working with Meridian Public Schools, as our presence helps ensure that students and faculty can prioritise a focus on education without personal safety concerns.” Safety of students “At Meridian Public Schools, maintaining the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority, and our partnership with Xtract One is an example of that,” said Chief Cornelius Parks, Chief of Police at Meridian Public School District. “We’re passionate about cultivating safer spaces for the community that allow individuals to enter our buildings and experience a positive learning environment.” “The implementation of SmartGateway demonstrates the shared commitment between MPSD and Xtract One in proactively detecting and addressing security challenges and creating safer environments for the community that allow individuals to enjoy campus life, experience an optimal learning environment, and have peace of mind.” Replacing intimidating metal detectors SmartGateway replaces intimidating metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening SmartGateway replaces intimidating metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening at security checkpoints. Powered by AI sensors, SmartGateway detects threats discreetly, without invading the sense of privacy of those passing through the system. SmartGateway unobtrusively scans individuals for guns, knives, and other prohibited items as they enter the building. The system allows for seamless passage through checkpoints, enabling uninterrupted flow of movement that lets individuals enter the building, significantly reducing the need to divest of low-volume personal items.

Xtract One Technologies announced its SmartGateway has been selected by Meridian Public School District (MPSD) in Meridian, Mississippi, to amplify school safety throughout its campuses. The comprehensive, customisable entry screening solution is designed to unobtrusively scan students and visitors with the ability to detect concealed threats before they are brought onto campus, maintaining a secure, yet welcoming, school environment. Xtract One’s SmartGateway Meridian Public Schools selected SmartGateway due to its proven ability to give advanced detection abilities Understanding the importance of fostering a safe learning environment, Meridian Public Schools is set to deploy Xtract One’s SmartGateway initially for the High School, and with plans to eventually deploy across all ten campuses, prioritising the safety of over 4,500 students and 1,000 employees.  After evaluating several safety solutions, Meridian Public Schools selected SmartGateway due to its proven ability to deliver advanced detection capabilities with minimal disruptions. Effective safety protocol “Proactive threat detection is crucial for preventing disturbance in educational institutions. The right system combined with a strategic, holistic, and people-first plan makes for an even more effective safety protocol,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We’re excited to expand our school footprint working with Meridian Public Schools, as our presence helps ensure that students and faculty can prioritise a focus on education without personal safety concerns.” Security challenges and safer environments “At Meridian Public Schools, maintaining the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority and our partnership with Xtract One is an example of that,” said Chief Cornelius Parks, Chief of Police at Meridian Public School District. SmartGateway replaces rough metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening at security “We’re passionate about cultivating safer spaces for the community that allow individuals to enter our buildings, and experience a positive learning environment." "The implementation of SmartGateway demonstrates the shared commitment between MPSD and Xtract One in proactively detecting and addressing security challenges and creating safer environments for the community that allow individuals to enjoy campus life, experience an optimal learning environment, and have peace of mind." SmartGateway AI sensors SmartGateway replaces intimidating metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening at security checkpoints. Powered by AI sensors, SmartGateway detects threats discreetly, without invading the sense of privacy of those passing through the system. SmartGateway unobtrusively scans individuals for guns, knives, and other prohibited items as they enter the building. The system allows for seamless passage through checkpoints, enabling uninterrupted flow of movement that lets individuals enter the building significantly reducing the need to divest of low-volume personal items.

With the year 2025 stretched out before us, there are many techniques one could use to predict what will happen in the new year. You might analyse historical data and analyse future trends. Or you could try statistical or economic modelling. Or you could develop multiple scenarios based on various assumptions to explore potential outcomes. Or you could just check your email. At this time of year, my email is full of industry folks looking to predict what the future holds in 2025. Ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to privacy, the retail market to drones, here is a sampling of forecasts for 2025 provided by various players in the security market, courtesy of my email messages. What’s Ahead for AI? From Faisal Pandit, VP & GM, Global Security Products, Johnson Controls (JCI): “The future of security operations includes customisable, scalable solutions where users can control if, when, and how they use AI to improve efficiency depending on the size and function of their organisation.” Says Kevin Woodworth, Vice President, Global Product Management, Intrusion, JCI: “Next year will see a growing focus from product developers on designing systems that streamline setup and configuration through increased AI integration. This reflects a broader trend of leveraging AI to simplify use and enhance adaptability as solutions evolve, rather simply employing it because it’s popular.” From Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies: “AI algorithms will significantly advance in distinguishing between harmless, everyday items and potential threats. With this, we will see false alerts become even more rare.” Says JP Castellanos, Director of Threat Intelligence, Binary Defense: “Machine learning (ML)-powered anomaly detection will move beyond proof-of-concept to become mission-critical, enabling teams to uncover unknown threats and behavioural anomalies in real time – well before they escalate.” Evans of Xtract: “As AI becomes more advanced in threat detection, it will lead to more sophisticated protection of individual privacy. We can expect to see more AI techniques utilised for threat identification that do not capture personal data and are privacy-first.” Predictions on interoperability and compliance Woodworth of JCI: “New products added to singular systems must be interoperable. In 2025, organisations will need to embrace interoperability. AI will progress past reactive measures to achieve predictive capabilities.” Pandit of JCI: “With organisations increasing their focus on the regulatory environment, there will be an uptick in specialised certification programs to meet these needs. New security roles will emerge that will be focused on tracking and applying relevant regulatory changes.” Expanding capabilities for video cameras Woodworth of JCI: “Beyond capturing images, cameras will be able to detect potential threats and also mitigate them instantly, issuing vocal warnings, controlling access, or escalating issues without human intervention.” Looking ahead to retail developments Hansel Oh, Director of Product Marketing at Brivo: “Centralized, cloud-based security platforms will enhance credential management and monitor logistical operations to enable retailers to battle cargo theft.” Stephen Burd, Vice President, Essence Security: “With an increase in police response times, sophisticated crime, and smash and grabs, 2025 will see a huge demand for security solutions that go beyond simply notifying the police and will look to actively intervene and prevent damage or loss from occurring.” The role of drones and training Mary-Lou Smulders, CMO, Dedrone by Axon: “Drones will transition from being viewed as supplementary tools to becoming essential components of public safety operations. As departments recognise their effectiveness in various scenarios, the perception of drones will shift, and they will be integrated into core operational frameworks alongside traditional assets like patrol cars while replacing helicopters as a cost-effective and versatile alternative.” Erik Hohengasser, Electrical Technical Lead at NFPA: “As the skilled trades evolve, there will be an increasing demand for specialised and technical training. Predictive analytics, virtual simulations and hands-on experiential learning will become especially valuable due to allowing employees to gain real-world expertise in safe and controlled environments.”

Companies at GSX 2023 emphasised new ways that technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the cloud can address long-standing issues in the security market. Among the exhibitors at the event in Dallas were companies seeking creative ways to apply technology, lower costs, and make the world a safer place. Reflecting on the exhibition, here are some additional takeaways. Expanding AI at the edge  i-PRO is a company reflecting the continued expansion of edge AI capability in the security market. Today, more than half of the company’s lineup supports AI at the edge so the customer has a wide choice of form factors when seeking to leverage the feature set.  AI processing relay, extended warranty i-PRO is increasing their warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases I-PRO also has an “AI processing relay” device that accepts non-AI video streams and applies edge analytics. AI has progressed from a high-end technology to a feature available in a variety of cameras at different price points. i-PRO is also increasing its warranty period from 5 to 7 years, which could be a lifetime warranty in some cases depending on a customer’s refresh schedule and lifecycle management. Active Guard, MonitorCast The company’s video management system (Video Insight) is continuing to build new features including “Active Guard,” an integrated metadata sorter. Their access control platform, MonitorCast, is a Mercury-based solution that is tightly integrated with Video Insight. Their embedded recorders now have PoE built in.  “We can move at a faster pace to fill out our product line since leaving Panasonic,” says Adam Lowenstein, Director of Product Management. “We can focus our business on adapting to the market.” Emphasis on retail and other verticals  Shoplifting is a timely issue, and retail is a vertical market that got a lot of attention at GSX 2023. “We see a lot of retailers who are primarily interested in protecting employee safety, but also assets,” says Brandon Davito, Verkada’s SVP of Product and Operations. “Shrinkage is a CEO-level priority.”  “Retailers are getting more engaged with security posture, instead of letting perpetrators walk,” Davito adds. Intrusion detection Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm On the alarm side, Verkada has an intrusion product that will notify a central station if there is an alarm, and operators can review videos to confirm the alarm. Other capabilities seeking to discourage trespassers include sirens, strobes, and “talkdown” capabilities.  International expansion Verkada continues to expand internationally with 16 offices in all, including Sydney, Tokyo, and London. The core value proposition is to enable customers to manage their onsite infrastructure more simply, including new elements such as PTZ cameras, intercoms, and visitor management. Verkada emphasises ease of use, including a mobile application to allow access to be managed across the user base. Forging partnerships “We are committed to the channel and industry, and we continue to build relationships and expand our reach,” says Davito. Among the industry relationships is a new partnership with Convergint, which was hinted at during the show and announced later the same day. They are also expanding their partnerships with Schlage, Allegion, and ASSA ABLOY.  Working with other verticals They offer new features for K -12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage Verkada has also found success across multiple other verticals, notably healthcare, where they integrate with an electronic medical records system. They offer new features for K-12 schools, and a new alarm platform is easier to deploy and manage. They are integrating wireless locks to secure interior doors in schools, looking to secure the perimeter, and installing guest management systems. Transitioning the mid-market to the cloud  Salient is squarely focused on the “mid-market,” a large swath of systems somewhere between small businesses and enterprise-level systems. Pure cloud systems are not as attractive to this market, which has a built-out infrastructure of on-premise systems. Adding a camera to an existing system is easier and less expensive than tying it to the cloud. Benefits of cloud It’s a market that may not be ready for the pure cloud, but there are benefits to be realised from adding a cloud element to existing systems. “We are continuing to augment our premise-based solutions with added cloud capabilities and flexibility,” says Sanjay Challa, Salient’s Chief Product Officer.  The feedback Salient hears from their customers is “I want to own my data.” The hybrid cloud approach offers the right mix of control, flexibility, and unit economics. Cloud add-on capabilities We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive" Cloud add-on capabilities include bringing more intelligence about system operation to the user via the cloud. Over time, Salient expects to sell more cloud-centric offerings based on feedback from integrators and customers. “We want to provide the flexibility for customers to go full-cloud as it becomes more economically attractive over time,” says Challa.  Vaidio AI technology Salient seeks to be a transition pioneer to help customers realise the path to the cloud. Their approach is “crawl, walk, run,” and helping customers make the transition at each stage. Salient has added AI to its product offering, incorporating Vaidio AI technology from IronYun into a powerful suite and broad array of on-premise analytics, which are gaining traction. The seamless approach makes it easy for customers to embrace AI analytics, although Salient remains broadly committed to open systems. Addressing ‘soft’ features for integrators AMAG is in the process of enhancing its product line with the next generation of access control panels. However, “product” is just part of the new developments at AMAG. In addition to “hard” features (such as products), the company is looking to improve its “soft” features, too; that is, how they work with the integrator channel. Integrator channel Rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, is relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence" “We have the depth of our legacy customer base we can learn from, we just need to close the feedback loop quicker,” says Kyle Gordon, AMAG’s Executive Vice President of Global Sales, Marketing, and commercial Excellence, who acknowledges the value of reinstating face-to-face meetings after COVID. “We are laser-focused on nurturing our integrator channel,” he says.  “Developing new features takes time, but rebuilding a process to make your organisation more efficient, that’s relatively easy; it just takes a lot of persistence,” says Gordon. More cohesive internal communication is another useful tool, he says.  Disrupting the cloud based on price  Wasabi is working to make cloud applications less expensive by offering a “disruptive” price on cloud storage, $6.99 per terabyte per month (80% less than hyperscalers). Contending “hyperscalers” like AWS are charging too much for cloud storage, Wasabi is using its own intellectual property and server equipment co-located in data centres around the world. Wasabi sells “hot cloud storage,” which refers to the fact that they only have one tier of storage and data is always accessible. In contrast, a company such as AWS might charge an “egress fee” for access to data stored in a “colder” tier.  Cloud storage “We saw that several video surveillance companies had not yet adopted cloud storage, and we saw an opportunity to make it easy to use,” said Drew Schlussel, Wasabi’s Senior Director of Product Marketing. “We just install a little bit of software that allows them to store data in the cloud and bring it back from the cloud.” Performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies Wasabi works with integrators, resellers, and distributors and also integrates with VMS companies such as Genetec and Milestone. Emphasising performance, protection (cybersecurity), and price, their data centres are certified to SOC 2 and ISO 27001 standards.  Faster throughput for weapons detection Xtract One is a young company focusing on weapons detection in a time of accelerated concern about gun issues post-COVID. Founded in Canada and based on technology developed at McMaster University, Xtract One has found a niche in providing weapons detection at stadiums and arenas. These customers already have budgets, and it is easy to shift the money to a newer, faster technology. Madison Square Garden in New York City is among its customers.  Cost savings solution Xtract One can increase throughput to 30 to 50 people per entrance per minute (compared to 5 to 6 people per minute when using metal detectors). The solution doesn’t require anyone to empty their pockets and the system alarms on items beyond guns and knives. Using Xtract One allows customers to reduce the number of screening lanes and security staff, providing additional cost savings, all while getting fans through the screening process in half the time. Purpose-built sensors The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties In addition to stadiums and arenas, Xtract One, formerly Patriot One, is also getting “inbound” interest from schools, hospitals, manufacturers, and other verticals that makeup 50% of their business. “We’re on a rocket ride, mainly because the weapons issues are not going away,” says Peter Evans, CEO and Director at Xtract One. The system uses purpose-built sensors looking for specific characteristics, such as reflective and density properties, all correlated by an AI engine.  Providing early warning of violence ZeroEyes is another company focused on weapons detection. Their AI gun detection system works with video images to identify if someone is “brandishing” (carrying) a weapon. In other words, the system does not detect concealed weapons. Identifying someone carrying a weapon provides early warning of a possible violent act. Increased response with AI-enables images Images are identified by AI and sent to a monitoring centre where a human confirms the image before contacting first responders. Knowing the location of a shooter enables staff to lock entry points, move people to safety, and direct first responders. The company was founded to leverage existing camera views to stop mass shootings and gun violence by reducing response times. 

Owning and operating an entertainment venue comes with increasing levels of risk – whether it’s during the current pandemic or in a post-pandemic world. With the additional challenge of safe re-opening comes increased levels of social unrest, emboldened and unruly patrons, and increasing threats from weapons and other prohibited materials. The venue owners and operators have an obligation to keep patrons and employees safe from these kinds of security threats, while not negatively affecting the patron experience. The consequences are far-reaching and often extend beyond the brawl or other acts of violence. The recent events at Leister square at the Euro finals speak to the ongoing issues. As former FBI Director, William H. Webster, once said, “Security is always seen as too much until the day it is not enough.” The impacts of a security failure fall into three categories of potential business damage that venue operators need to factor in when considering the total cost of a security incident: Business Disruption There is an immediate business impact due to an act of violence in a venue in the form of business disruption. Cancelling the event and future events, evacuating the facility and the impact of panic and distress to patrons, police investigations, and interruptions of normal business operations can have costly and long-term implications to the business. These impacts are immediate – in the moments and period shortly after the incident – and have a longer effect as the business has to address the perpetual disruption from an unplanned situation.  Additionally, there are other considerations to ensure that the staff is managed through the event and are confident of a safe work environment. There will be obvious concerns and stresses, and distractions resulting from the event that will require staff care support, along with potentially incremental hiring and training of staff. Further, the current social unrest has created a security challenge for staff who are no longer guaranteed protection as they perform their security functions, adding to the cost of staffing and security. Lawsuits The current social unrest has created a security challenge for staff who are no longer guaranteed protection as they perform their security functions With violence comes lawsuits and media attention.  The collateral “damage” from an event is often lengthy, with teams from legal, media, operations and the executives engaged in costly and lengthy processes to manage through the post-event complexities. The direct costs of these events can be hundreds of millions, as previously reported for the Mandalay Bay and Pulse Nightclub shootings. The indirect and sometimes hidden costs for business disruption can often be the same or more. We live in a very litigious society – and violent incidents are fertile ground for both legitimate and opportunistic lawsuits. Reputation Damage Major physical security incidents can come with the risk of a negative brand impact. Regardless of the incident, or the proximity to the venue, the venue brand gets tainted with negative news.  With “cancel culture” and our social media-fueled world, the headlines and impressions created can have long-lasting impacts to patron attendance, revenues, and profitability – especially since they are circulated without all the details and facts. Unfortunately, individuals consciously or unconsciously avoid venues that have a negative brand impression. A brand that has a challenge with guns or fights may also cause many potential patrons to stay away – a key reason why Major League Baseball stadiums opened “family sections,” though ideally, all areas of the ballpark would be suitable for families. Mitigating the Cost of Security Incidents In the post 9/11 world, security has become a top priority for larger entertainment venues, with particular attention and certifications being driven by the Department of Homeland Security. Unfortunately, this has also had a detrimental impact on the patron experience. Historically, security, whether physical security or cybersecurity, has been at the cost of patron experience and ease of use. More security equals a much poorer experience. For example, long lines at metal detectors are now expected by people when they attend sporting or entertainment events. While this helps to protect against the risks and costs articulated above, it reduces the amount of time patrons are in the facility, which impacts revenue. Also, it simply shifts the target from one side of the metal detector to the other, where long lines and crowds form outside the venue. This open area is still considered within the brand's responsibility.  Digital technology holds one answer to managing risk and the impact of an incident while ensuring a very positive experience. Historically, security, whether physical security or cybersecurity, has been at the cost of patron experience and ease of use.  The world of metal detectors, wands and widely deployed security guards is all part of today’s “brute force” manual approach to security. This is a very labour-based business model that does not scale and has a fixed approach that cannot adapt to changing venue requirements. New, multi-billion-dollar stadiums are being built with a focus on a broad and immersive patron experience. Digital technology fits into this model to deliver next-generation patron safety with enhanced experiences. For example, modern gateway weapons screening solutions enable patrons to walk into venues unimpeded – just like the pre-9/11 world. These systems only alert guards when an actual weapon is detected, eliminating the need to screen the 99+% of patrons who are not carrying anything dangerous into the venue. Likewise, AI-enabled video can surveille the premises 24/7 and automatically alert and brief guards when they detect a disturbance or other concerning event (like an abandoned package, or even a spill on a floor). This also removes guards from the “look for trouble” model – guards spend their time effectively responding to actual digitally-detected events. With these new technologies, security transforms from being a roadblock to being an enabler. The technologies enable patrons to have a better experience in the venue and they enable guards to become knowledge workers focused exclusively on mitigating developing problems for patrons, rather than manual screen-watchers. And, they enable venues to dramatically reduce the likelihood of incidents happening in the first place – which is the best way to mitigate the costs of security incidents.