Artificial intelligence (AI) - Round table discussions
Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable:...
Ethics can impact a company's reputation, profitability, and overall sustainability. Ethics extend beyond the law to encompass doing the "right thing" even when it is not legally mandated. As technologies such as artificial intelligence and data sharing continue to impact the physical security industry, a focus on ethics today is timelier than ever. A commitment to moral principles is critical to build a successful, sustainable, and respected industry. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What...
In the past, security installers and integrators were used almost exclusively to install hardware. However, the role is changing and expanding along with the technologies used in the physical security industry. Nowadays, an installer or systems integrator is much more likely to use a strategic, IT-centric, and data-driven approach. To gain additional insights, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the role of the security installer/integrator changing?
In the physical security marketplace, artificial intelligence (AI) has evolved beyond the novelty phase. The emphasis has now shifted to the more practical aspects of implementing AI technology. That a system implements AI is no longer impressive in and of itself. The question becomes: What can this AI system do for me? How can it improve my physical security stance? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is artificial intelligence (AI) transforming physical security?
If recent physical security events are a guide, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) will be everywhere at the upcoming ISC West 2025 exhibition in Las Vegas. Cybersecurity solutions are another core focus at today's physical security events, and ISC West will likely follow the trend. Attendees will also be looking for advancements in access control systems, including biometric technologies and integrated security platforms, among other hot topics. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What...
Technology innovations and an evolving threat landscape will be core factors impacting the physical security market in 2025. Technology elements such as artificial intelligence (AI), multi-factor access control, and mobile devices will continue to drive growth in the greater industry. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the outlook for the physical security industry in the year ahead?
2024 was a year of significant challenges and remarkable progress in a world that is more interconnected than ever. Global collaboration continues to point the way toward continuing progress in multiple industries, including physical security. In 2024, technology continued to transform the way we connect and cooperate, driven by new technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How did the security marketplace “change for the better...
New technology advancements significantly increase efficiency and productivity in any industry, including physical security. Enhanced innovation both creates new products and services and improves existing products, all for the benefit of security manufacturers, integrators, and end users. Companies that embrace new technology stay ahead of the curve and gain a significant competitive advantage. In addition, they can differentiate themselves in the marketplace. We asked this week's Expert Panel...
2025 is likely to see further advancements in artificial intelligence, with potential impacts on various aspects of society, including the security industry. The new year will also require security professionals to adapt to changing market conditions and develop contingency plans for unforeseen events. Industry changes will accelerate and challenge everyone in the security market to keep up. Making specific predictions for the new year can be a struggle, but we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable:...
The security marketplace has its share of buzzwords, which are words or phrases that become popular and widely used in a specific industry. Buzzwords can be useful for conveying complex ideas quickly, but they can also be misused or misunderstood. Within a specific industry, such as security, buzzwords can create a sense of shared understanding and belonging. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new buzzword have you heard, and what does it mean for the security industry?
By all accounts, technology development is moving at a rapid pace in today's markets, including the physical security industry. However, market uptake of the newest technologies may lag, whether because of a lack of clear communication or not enough education of potential customers. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How can the industry do a better job of promoting emerging technologies in physical security environments?
Technology automates tasks, streamlines processes, and improves efficiency in various fields, including physical security. But the success of today’s latest technologies depends on our ability to use them responsibly and efficiently. Optimising our industry’s use of technology requires that the industry’s workforce have the needed skills to operate the latest equipment. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How does technology innovation in security systems impact...
The hospitality industry drives economic growth and development by creating jobs, generating revenue, and initiating a ripple effect to improve profitability throughout the supply chain. The hospitality industry includes a vast number of small businesses, including hotels and restaurants. But what are the security challenges of these businesses, and how is the security marketplace serving those needs? We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How can technology address the security challenge...
The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised many industries, including physical security. By connecting physical devices to the internet, IoT technology offers significant enhancements to security systems. Benefits include real-time monitoring, remote access, and the utility of new devices such as temperature and humidity sensors. At the same time, IoT devices come with challenges, including greater cybersecurity vulnerability. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the Interne...
A software platform designed to centralise and manage various physical security systems within an organisation used to be called a PSIM (physical security information management) system. Generally speaking, however, the PSIM term has fallen out of favour because the systems were seen as expensive and difficult to manage. The phrase has been replaced by command-and-control, referring to software that combines access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and other systems into a unifie...
Direct costs such as purchase price and maintenance are important elements in the total cost of ownership (TCO). However, there are others. Elements such as opportunity costs of lost revenue or hidden costs of energy consumption and environmental consequences can also impact the measure of TCO. Costs of training, integration, support, and scalability can also be examined. Considering the security industry impact of TCO, we asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How does/should total cost of...
While technology like cameras, alarms, and access control systems are crucial components, they are only as effective as the people who use and manage them and the systems that deploy them. When installing physical security systems, the focus should be on the holistic operation of the system rather than the functioning of individual components. However, in the end, overlooking critical factors can undermine the totality of system performance. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: Wha...
There is no shortage of threats facing security professionals, including some that are new and emerging. Understanding various new threats allows individuals and organisations to take proactive steps to protect themselves, but the first step is to identify what those threats are. Early detection of threats can minimise the impact of a successful attack, whatever the vulnerability at issue. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What new and emerging threats will physical security pr...
Transportation enables the movement of goods and people, facilitates trade and commerce, and is crucial for businesses to operate and expand. Security technology plays a major role both in protecting today's various transportation systems and increasingly to make them more efficient. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What’s new in technology serving the transportation market?
Factors such as stable demand and large contracts make the government market particularly enticing for security companies and professionals. However, entering and thriving in the government market presents a number of challenges. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the government market, and how should the industry adapt?
Suddenly, artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere. The smart technology brings a range of benefits to our lives, from streamlining everyday tasks to making scientific breakthroughs. The advantages of AI and machine learning (ML) also include automating repetitive tasks, analysing vast amounts of data, and minimising human error. But how do these benefits apply to the physical security industry, and is there a downside? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the benefits,...
Manufacturers make things. That hasn’t changed. Manufacturers today still produce finished goods from raw materials using various tools, equipment, and processes. What is evolving is a greater emphasis among manufacturers on understanding and meeting customer needs. In the security industry and elsewhere, the role of a manufacturer is expanding from a purely production-focused function to one that embraces technology, prioritises adaptability, expands service offerings, and caters to a mor...
Migrating to the Cloud can be a cultural shift for some organisations, especially when it comes to physical security systems. Challenges such as concerns about data security and compliance, cost management, and a skills gap can make adopting the Cloud seem onerous. But the benefits are there, aren't they? We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: Will the impact of the Cloud on physical security integrators be net-positive or net-negative?
The economic fallout of the COVID-19 epidemic was felt in supply chain disruptions, higher prices, and shortages of certain goods. The physical security industry was not spared, although the epidemic also presented opportunities for security companies. Changing access control trends triggered by the pandemic are still reverberating throughout the industry, for example. Four years later, the impact of the pandemic is still being felt in the security market, lingering like the symptoms of "long CO...
When it comes to preventing theft and ensuring overall safety, technology offers a robust toolkit for retail stores to enhance security in several ways. From intelligent surveillance systems to RFID tags used to avoid shoplifting, today’s retail and loss prevention strategies are more effective than ever. Beyond security, the newer technologies can also provide benefits related to merchandising, inventory control, customer service, and the list goes on. The combination of abundant data and...
The security industry offers a vast array of technologies and vendors. This can be overwhelming for end users, who depend on security integrators for guidance and service. But how well do security integrators provide end users with what they need? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the biggest challenges that end users face when working with integrators?
Technology offers a range of tools to bolster security at public events, including before, during, and after. This year, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will draw the attention of the world, requiring the best protection available for the venues, the athletes, and the attendees. Other happenings such as the FIFA World Cup, the Super Bowl, the Tour de France, and the U.S. NBA Finals are momentous events that challenge security and law enforcement personnel to keep them safe. We asked this...
Technology can be a powerful tool, but it can also be misused. Ethical principles help ensure that technology is used in a way that minimises risks and avoids causing harm to people or society. Issues could include factors such as data privacy and algorithmic bias of certain technologies. As the security industry embraces advanced and evolving technologies, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the biggest ethical considerations of using emerging technologies in physical s...
In today's interconnected world, the lines between physical and digital security are blurring. This means that threats can easily exploit vulnerabilities in both realms, potentially causing significant damage. That's why the convergence of cyber- and physical security systems is becoming increasingly important. It has already been a topic of discussion in the security market for more than a decade. To get a reality check, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Has convergence been a...
There is a bright outlook for trade shows in 2024. In particular, ISC West has recently become the must-see event in the security marketplace. ISC West will take place April 9-12 at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas. In addition to providing access to a wide range of technological innovations, the show also serves as a platform to introduce new products and services. As the industry counts down to the big exhibition, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the big news...
