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Safehire.ai, the digital risk screening company, has become an official Benefit Partner of the Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA), giving eligible CIMSPA partners preferential access to its Digital Risk Screening service. CIMSPA is the chartered professional body for the UK’s sport and physical activity workforce, supporting the development of a professional, trusted and high-quality sector, spanning national organisations, employers, coaches, and instructors. Organisations across sport and physical activity operate in environments where safeguarding, safer recruitment and public confidence matter. Traditional checks and safeguarding procedures remain essential, but they do not give organisations visibility of publicly available digital risk signals that may be relevant to safeguarding, conduct or reputational risk. Safer recruitment decisions Safehire.ai’s Digital Risk Screening (DRS) service is designed to close this gap. DRS helps organisations identify publicly available digital risk signals that may be relevant to safeguarding, conduct, reputational risk, and safer recruitment decisions. Safehire.ai’s methodology draws on military intelligence analytical processes, combining large language model capability trained around those methods with human verification by ex-military intelligence-trained analysts. DRS searches open-source data on the surface, deep and dark web, then applies AI-enriched context to the raw data before finally integrating human analyst verification to produce evidence based digital intelligence packaged into easy-to-understand background risk reports. Intelligence analytical processes Historically, this depth of digital due diligence, would have been beyond the budget of many sports clubs, coaching organisations, and voluntary bodies to access. Through this new partnership, eligible CIMSPA partners will be able to access DRS, with a preferential, discounted rate available through agreed CIMSPA access channels. Hasan Mussa, Head of Governance and Compliance at CIMSPA, said: “We are delighted to have Safehire.ai onboard as a CIMSPA Benefit Partner. As the sport and physical activity sector landscape evolves, we are committed to ensuring the safeguarding of participants, particularly more vulnerable populations such as children and young people. As a benefit available for our partners, Safehire.ai will allow more confidence in recruitment within trusted roles in their organisations.” “As we prioritise professional recognition through CIMSPA professional status and highlight the importance of competence and safe practice, Safehire.ai aligns with CIMSPA’s strategy and crucial work in the sector to allow everyone taking part in sport and physical activity to enjoy safe and high-quality experiences.” High-quality experiences Simon Holden, CEO of Safehire.ai, said: “As a father of a competitive gymnast, I know how much trust families place in sport. Coaches, instructors and volunteers can play a huge role in a young person’s life, and that trust has to be protected.” “Our partnership with CIMSPA is about giving sport and physical activity organisations practical, proportionate access to digital due diligence, so they can make better-informed decisions about the people they bring into those environments.” “Safehire started in education, where safeguarding and safer recruitment are rightly under intense scrutiny. This partnership is an important step in taking that learning into another high-trust sector where the same responsibility exists.”

With its Middle East entity now operational, Gallagher Security is building on more than 20 years of regional success through continued investment in local talent and a new office in Dubai Silicon Oasis, reinforcing its long-term commitment to a key growth market. “When we announced the establishment of our Middle East entity, we made a commitment to bringing Gallagher closer to our End Users and Channel Partners. The Middle East remains one of the most important growth regions in our global business,” says Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President for APAC and IMEA. Long-term commitment “What gives us confidence about the future is the strength of the team we have in place to support it. Our people bring decades of experience with Gallagher solutions, deep regional knowledge, and trusted relationships that have been built over many years.” Leading Gallagher's next phase of growth in the region is an experienced team of professionals who have already played a role in Gallagher’s success across the Middle East. Sharbil Khalil, Director of Operations, brings more than 22 years of experience in both the electronic security industry as well as with Gallagher technology since its introduction to the Middle East in 2002 – previously known as Cardax and Powerfence. Sharbil will continue to play a key role in driving Gallagher's operational growth, while strengthening customer and partner engagement throughout the region. Integrated security solutions Khodor Habbouche, Regional Sales Director, has been part of Gallagher's Middle East journey for almost 16 years, supporting End Users and Channel Partners across critical infrastructure, banking, healthcare, education, commercial, and government sectors. His extensive regional experience and strong partner relationships position him to help expand Gallagher's presence while delivering the exceptional support he’s known for to customers across the Middle East. Rami Mousleh, National Technical Manager, brings 15 years of Gallagher experience and deep technical expertise in integrated security solutions. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with Technology Partners and End Users to deliver complex security integrations, helping organisations leverage Gallagher's open platform capabilities to build scalable, future-ready security ecosystems. Strategic customer relationships Finally, Ibrahim Ghazal, Business Development Manager, has spent the past decade helping drive Gallagher's growth across the region through business development and consultant engagement, as well as strategic customer relationships. His experience identifying new opportunities and working closely with End Users has contributed to the success of high-profile local projects and strengthened Gallagher's position in key Middle East markets. Craig says Sharbil, Khodor, Rami, and Ibrahim will play an important role in helping Gallagher build even stronger relationships with Channel Partners and End Users as the award-winning security manufacturer continues to grow. Craig says work continues at Gallagher’s new Dubai Silicon Oasis office, which will serve as the regional headquarters and home to a dedicated Gallagher Experience Centre and Training Hub. Increasingly complex security The new office will showcase Gallagher's complete solution portfolio and integration capabilities, while helping industry develop the knowledge and expertise required to address increasingly complex security and resilience challenges. “The Middle East presents enormous opportunities, and we're committed to ensuring Gallagher has the people, infrastructure, and expertise in place to support that growth,” says Craig. "We're building for the long term, and this is the next step in an exciting journey for Gallagher in the Middle East. We're looking forward to growing alongside our customers and partners for many years to come.”

They are proud to announce: Pond Security has been awarded the German B2B Award 2025 as the industry winner in the area of customer service. This important award recognizes their daily commitment to the highest quality of service and partnership-based customer care - a strong sign of trust in a security-relevant industry. The German B2B Award is presented annually by the German Association for Consumer Studies (DtGV) – an independent market research institute with a focus on objective customer satisfaction analyses. The award is based on over 205,000 evaluations from decision-makers from middle and upper management. A total 1,388 companies from 106 sectors were examined. The following were evaluated: Customer satisfaction Customer service. Price-performance ratio. Security services industry Pond Security has taken the lead in the security services industry - particularly in the area of customer service. Their consistent focus on dialog, the needs of the clients and their active understanding of responsibility was impressively confirmed by the results of the study. "We are delighted to have been recognized by the DtGV. It is representative of the high level of commitment of our employees and the trusting, long-standing cooperation with our clients," says Adis Muslimovic, Managing Director of Pond Security Service GmbH. "Particularly in the security-relevant environment, it is crucial not only to act reliably and professionally, but also to maintain open, cooperative communication. This claim is firmly anchored in the Pond philosophy. For us, safety means more than just presence - it is created through responsibility, dialog and mutual trust. We are fully committed to this every day." Sensitive security environment Auch Engin Atmaca, also Managing Director, also emphasizes: “For us, excellent customer service is not just an aspiration, but an obligation - especially in our industry, where reliability and quality are paramount.” The award is not only a company milestone, but also a strong signal to the customers: For existing customers: The decision for Pond Security is confirmed by independent results. For potential customers: Anyone looking for a reliable partner in the sensitive security environment will find Pond Security to be an excellent service provider with proven service quality. Direct customer contact Behind the excellent customer service is a well-coordinated team of over 2,700 employees. This success is the result of: clear internal processes and standards ongoing training and sensitization in customer contact genuine team spirit and a sense of responsibility Whether in project management, scheduling or direct customer contact - everyone contributes to the overall experience, that impresses the clients. They see the award as both a confirmation and an incentive. Their aim is to consistently continue along the path they have chosen: Increased use of digital tools for service optimization Expansion of the feedback culture with clients Stronger internal integration of quality assurance and customer feedback Because: excellent service is not an end point, but a continuous process.

RAD Security takes the stage as a finalist in the Black Hat Startup Spotlight Competition, it unveils the first-ever AI-powered incident investigation capability for behavioural detection and response. Today, cloud security is based almost exclusively on signature-based detections, which are notorious for burdening security teams with false positives. RAD Security is the first to combine AI-powered incident investigation with behavioural, signature-less detections, to significantly reduce false positives and provide much-needed relief for overburdened security teams. Signature-focused approach “By definition, signatures are stateless, making investigations based on the signature-focused approach inaccurate and tedious,” says CTO and Co-Founder Jimmy Mesta. “By adding AI-powered investigations to behavioural detection, which is already a step ahead of signature-based detection in accuracy, security teams can quickly get light years ahead in the accurate assessment of incidents.” RAD’s behavioural approach and AI-powered investigations result in the lowering of false positives on their own; but by putting these two capabilities together, RAD enables security teams to achieve a multiplier effect. The enhanced accuracy of behavioural methods versus signature-based methods is easily demonstrated using multiple examples of attack tactics like reverse shells, access to sensitive data, and a Sudo CVE. Behavioural drift event In these examples, while signatures can be easily bypassed by avoiding the exact parameters, they are detected by RAD’s behavioural solution. By the same token, a behavioural drift event is not always a malicious event, so the addition of the AI investigation capability ensures additional accuracy. AI is particularly suited for looking across large sets of data and quick contextualisation, making it a natural investigation tool and engine to analyse benign versus malicious drift. Throughout the history of cyber security, and most famously in the endpoint and network security markets, signatures have eventually been replaced by behavioural methods in response to an evolving threat landscape. Today, the cloud security category is nearly entirely composed of signature-based approaches with runtime security and Cloud Workload Protection (CWPP) that are standalone or part of a broader Cloud Native Application Protection Platform (CNAPP). Cloud native environments In sharp contrast to signature-based CNAPPs, or posture-focused Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM), RAD Security’s Cloud Detection and Response (CDR) solution creates behavioural baselines of unique good behaviour to detect zero day attacks, enriching detections with real-time identity and infrastructure context that inform response actions. More and more, detection and response is being accomplished by fewer and fewer dedicated people, with 22% of security professionals reporting recent layoffs at their company. The workforce reductions are an even more acute pain in cloud security, with 65% of cybersecurity and infosecurity professionals claiming burnout due to skill gaps. Even though a full 95% of IT decision makers feel their team has been negatively impacted by the cloud security skills gap, cloud native adoption continues, and analysts predict that, by 2025, 95% of new applications will be built using cloud native workloads. Zero days like the XZ Backdoor are now a regular occurrence, making detection and response in cloud native environments more important than ever. Signatureless cloud detection RAD Security has introduced multiple new features to help security teams adopt new innovation that will help them address these alarming trends and emerging threats: Amazon EKS Add-on: RAD Security is now available as an Amazon EKS Add-on in the AWS Marketplace for Containers. This means customers can now provision the real-time KSPM and runtime features of the RAD platform directly from EKS, for real-time visibility into their Kubernetes risk as well as signatureless cloud detection and response. Automated AI-Powered Investigation: RAD Security uses LLMs to quickly analyse multiple behavioral detections and determine whether an incident is malicious or benign, including real-time infrastructure and identity context. Findings Centre: All incidents are now available in an easy to navigate console, making detection and investigation easier and quicker. RAD Open Source Catalogue: New version details and new open source images have now been added to the RAD Catalogue, detailing the changes in behavioural fingerprints over time and bolstering the behavioural workload fingerprint standard. Schedule a meeting with the RAD Security team at the Black Hat Conference this week to discuss improving detection accuracy for attacks in your cloud environments. The team will be exhibiting at booth #219 in Startup City, and at 4:45PM EST they will be presenting at the Innovators and Investors Summit as one of the four finalists in the Startup Spotlight competition.

Nice and its HySecurity division will demonstrate the StrongArm® M30 crash-rated vehicle barrier at GSX (Global Security Exchange) 2026, September 14–16, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Visitors to Booth #1752 can experience live demonstrations of one of the industry's most trusted hostile vehicle mitigation solutions while learning how Nice supports security professionals with a comprehensive portfolio of perimeter protection technologies, engineering expertise, and specification services for commercial, industrial, government, and critical infrastructure applications. Perimeter protection systems "Our focus at GSX is helping security professionals design perimeter protection systems that balance security, safety, vehicle throughput, and long-term reliability," says Jeff Shaw, Chief Product Officer at Nice. "While StrongArm is our featured demonstration, it represents decades of engineering innovation across our entire perimeter protection portfolio. Our goal is to help consultants, architects, end users, and systems integrators identify the right solution for every application, whether protecting critical infrastructure, utilities, transportation facilities, corporate campuses, or commercial properties." Protecting critical infrastructure The focus of the Nice exhibit is the StrongArm® M30, a crash-rated vehicle barrier engineered to stop a 15,000-pound vehicle while maintaining rapid throughput for authorised traffic. Featuring a patented dual-arm hydraulic design, the StrongArm M30 opens in as little as six seconds, helping reduce traffic congestion without compromising security. Designed, tested, and manufactured in the USA, StrongArm combines aircraft-grade hydraulics with heavy-duty steel construction to deliver continuous-duty performance in demanding environments such as government facilities, military installations, utilities, airports, data centers, and other high-security sites. A five-year warranty further underscores the platform's long-term reliability. Mission-critical infrastructure Although StrongArm is the featured product at GSX, the Nice team will also be available to discuss the company's complete portfolio of perimeter protection solutions, including hydraulic gate operators, commercial and residential gate automation, intelligent controllers, and integrated access technologies that support projects ranging from gated communities and commercial campuses to mission-critical infrastructure. Security consultants, architects, engineers, systems integrators, and end users are encouraged to meet with the Nice perimeter protection specialists to discuss upcoming projects, application challenges, and best practices for specifying secure, reliable vehicle access systems. Whether a project requires crash-rated hostile vehicle mitigation, heavy-duty gate automation, or intelligent perimeter access management, Nice offers the engineering resources and application expertise to help identify the most effective solution. Residential gate automation Beyond its products, the Nice HySecurity Specification Sales Team partners with architects, engineers, security consultants, and systems integrators to evaluate vehicle throughput, site conditions, threat levels, operational requirements, environmental factors, and applicable safety standards before equipment is specified. By engaging early in the design process, the team helps ensure each perimeter protection solution is properly matched to its application, reducing project risk while improving long-term performance, reliability, and lifecycle value. GSX attendees are invited to visit Booth #1752 to experience live StrongArm® M30 demonstrations, view digital crash-testing footage, and meet with Nice perimeter protection experts to discuss upcoming security projects and the company's comprehensive approach to securing commercial, industrial, government, and critical infrastructure facilities.

ZeroEyes, creators of the pioneer multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been deployed by Lincoln Unified School District (USD) 298 in Kansas to help protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related threats. Situated in the rural community of Lincoln, the school district employs 85 faculty and staff and serves approximately 330 students from Pre-K through 12th grade across Lincoln, Barnard, Beverly, Shady Bend, Westfall, and surrounding areas. Its two campuses include a pre-school, daycare, elementary school, high school and technology centre. As part of its ongoing commitment to student safety, Lincoln USD 298 is adding ZeroEyes to existing security measures that include secure entrances and door locks across all buildings, all-night campus lighting, and a close partnership with the sheriff's department. Broader community initiatives The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes. The grant followed coordination with local law enforcement and community leaders to identify AI gun detection as a key safety priority aligned with broader community initiatives. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our absolute top priority,” said Nikki Flinn, Lincoln Unified School District 298 Superintendent. “We had been following the development of AI gun detection technology for some time, because any opportunity to add another layer of protection for our kids is incredibly appealing. Thanks to this grant, we were able to make this vital technology a reality for our district.” Situational awareness software ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operations center staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. "We are honoured to support a district that is deeply committed to the safety and well-being of their students and staff,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and cofounder of ZeroEyes. “It’s inspiring to see forward-thinking leadership utilise grant funding to proactively upgrade their security infrastructure, protect their campuses, and provide peace of mind to the entire community."

Across many sectors, AI is transitioning from an experimental process to a trusted tool, but how will construction - and architectural ironmongery specifically - balance this technological opportunity with traditional practice? Artificial intelligence was once considered the trend of tomorrow, but it’s now here, and already it’s impacting the design, specification and management of the built environment. Following a period of refined development, the technology is emerging as a valuable tool for architectural professionals, with its growing role signifying far more than a passing industry trend. Passing industry trend According to the Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) Artificial Intelligence Report 2025, 59% of architectural practices now use AI on at least some projects, an increase from 41% in 2024. Furthermore, a global survey led by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in 2025 found that 56% of investors planned to increase AI investment, suggesting that the rate of adoption will continue to accelerate over the coming years. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address These findings represent a cultural shift, one where AI is firmly embedding itself into workflows and influencing the decision making process. However, whilst innovation typically creates opportunity, there are challenges to address. As more professionals equip themselves with an arsenal of AI-driven tools, are we in danger of becoming overly reliant on technology? Or are those reluctant to adapt likely to be left behind? Daniel May, Director at Consort Architectural Hardware, shares insight: Repetitive administration tasks “The development of the built environment has always relied on technical precision. Specifications naturally contain large volumes of product information and technical data, with professionals managing document-heavy tasks in the form of specification writing, door scheduling and BIM coordination in order to meet project requirements and compliance obligations. All of this data must be analysed and processed accurately - often in line with demanding timescales - and it is here where AI can offer the greatest value.” “Where time was once consumed by repetitive administration tasks and information processing, professionals are now embracing AI as a means of working more efficiently. For architectural ironmongery specifically, where specification accuracy is critical, AI has the potential to support architects and specification professionals as they navigate the product selection process. As a tool, AI can streamline documentation by rapidly processing performance data and certification requirements, whilst also identifying inconsistencies and absent compliance information within schedules.” Complex project requirements “AI systems are helping professionals navigate increasingly complex project requirements quickly, accurately and consistently. As machine learning and autonomous models continue to advance, these tools may further reduce the administrative burden associated with architectural work models whilst improving accuracy and minimising the risk of human error in the process. With that said, the effectiveness of AI software is very much reliant on the quality of the information it receives.” “With the sector so deeply tied to fire safety, accessibility, security and regulatory standards, the caution around adopting AI as common practice is of course justified. Historically, much of the construction industry has been measured in its adoption of new technology, partly due to the critical nature of compliance and the significant consequences of error. Though, AI feels somewhat different because of its pace and potential, and as such, organisations must be measured in their approach to it, ensuring that professional knowledge remains central to delivering safe, efficient and compliant building projects.” The human element As industry standards and the legislation surrounding the built environment continues to evolve, so too will the methods used to achieve high level design and compliance. Seemingly, AI looks set to have an increasingly prominent role, but it should be viewed as a collaborative partner capable of enhancing professional expertise as opposed to a system that can, or should, do it all. Daniel continues: “At this stage, AI alone simply can’t understand the nuances of individual projects and that has implications for both design and compliance. This is particularly relevant in the post-Grenfell regulatory landscape, where accountability, traceability and evidence-based decision-making have become fundamental to product specification and delivery.” Building greater trust “Although AI can assist with information processing, the technology is not ultimately responsible for the decisions being made. Accountability has rightly become a major focus point in construction, and as AI continues to disrupt practices, the industry must ensure that responsibility remains clearly defined. AI-driven errors could lead to serious penalties in relation to compliance, safety and project delivery, proving human expertise remains critical.” “Moving forward, greater transparency within AI systems will be key. If professionals are able to understand how or why AI recommendations have been generated, they can assess them with confidence, building greater trust in the technology.” Architectural design solutions “When it comes to architectural design, the emotional intelligence, contextual understanding and creative balance offered by a team of professionals far outweighs the speed that AI can offer. Already, AI is being used to support visualisation and concept development for multi-layered projects in hospitality, healthcare and commercial environments to name a few, helping teams to explore ideas and communicate concepts at a quicker rate.” “However, can AI effectively develop architectural design solutions based on the bespoke requirements of a project, the operational needs of its users or even the general character of the building? Most would argue that it’s not conceivable, because AI lacks the lived experience and contextual understanding that comes from being present in the project itself.” Architectural ironmongery products “For architectural ironmongery products, professionals must regularly assess how products will function in real environments. Human intuition is impossible to replace and those informed design decisions, made by human professionals, will always be essential. Whilst some question whether AI could one day plan and deliver a project from concept to completion, perhaps the more important question should be whether future generations of professionals could lose the critical design and specification skills that are needed, should the industry become too dependent on AI.” “There is a growing sense of inevitability surrounding AI’s influence on architectural ironmongery and the wider built environment. As the industry continues to embrace this new wave of technological development, it is important to remember that innovation must complement the knowledge, judgement and accountability of the professionals who create safe and functional buildings, not replace it.”

A security camera installed today has more AI processing power than the systems that guided early autonomous vehicle prototypes. And yet the operator who mounts that camera on a wall will, in all likelihood, never use most of that capability.  Industry surveys bear this out: a wide gap persists between the number of security professionals who believe AI can improve outcomes and the much smaller share who have adopted it operationally. The reason has nothing to do with the silicon and everything to do with how the industry has asked people to configure these systems. The problem is not that the industry lacks algorithms. The problem is that physical security has never found a scalable way to personalise systems for each site. The personalisation dilemma hiding in plain sight The problem is that physical security has never found a scalable way to personalise systems for each site A surveillance deployment at an airport, a retail chain, a school campus, and a logistics yard can look strikingly similar in hardware terms. Each installation uses image sensors, edge processors, network connectivity, and a management layer. What changes is what the operator cares about. At a school entrance, the priority might be perimeter approach after hours and controlled access during the day. At a loading dock, the concern is tailgating, vehicle dwell time, and safety incidents near forklifts. At an airport, the operator may need queue-flow analytics one moment, unattended-item detection the next, and then a search for a specific person of interest carrying a particular bag. At a retail store, loss prevention teams want to correlate customer flow patterns with point-of-sale data and identify suspicious behaviour near high-value merchandise. This range of needs forces a reality that the industry has acknowledged in principle but never resolved in practice: the application pool across the market is vast, yet each individual site typically requires only a narrow set of outcomes. Each deployment needs personalisation once, at commissioning, and then again whenever the environment or the risk profile shifts. The app store that never became a market For the better part of a decade, the industry’s most visible answer to the personalisation problem was the “app store” model. The logic was straightforward: curate a marketplace of trained neural network algorithms, let integrators browse a catalogue, and download the right analytic for each job. Queue counting for a passport control hall. License plate recognition for a parking structure. Occupancy monitoring for a conference room. The concept borrowed directly from the consumer smartphone approach. In practice, it never matched physical security’s purchasing and operating rhythm. A phone owner discovers and downloads new apps continuously. A physical security deployment selects one or two analytics functions at installation and rarely revisits them. Another maintenance burden A queue-counting algorithm trained on airport data is excellent at queue counting The economic incentive to maintain, curate, and update a broad catalogue across a fragmented ecosystem of camera OEMs, VMS platforms, and system integrators never materialised when the average buyer drew from only a thin slice of it. And the question of who would operate such a marketplace across that fragmented landscape was never satisfactorily answered. The deeper issue is that distribution was not the hard part. Personalisation was. A queue-counting algorithm trained on airport data is excellent at queue counting. It does not naturally become a general-purpose security tool for whatever the operator needs next. Once a model is trained for a narrow task, adaptation requires another project, another integration cycle, and another maintenance burden. AI-enabled cameras The examples that do exist are instructive. Schiphol Airport in the Netherlands has used trained camera systems for over a decade to measure queue length at passport control and alert staff when additional counters should open. Rome trailed AI-enabled cameras to track pedestrian wait times at crosswalks, measure bus queue length, and monitor parking occupancy to support active transport and reduce vehicle emissions. These are effective, well-regarded deployments. They also illustrate the limitation: each required its own trained model, its own integration effort, and its own maintenance cycle. The queue-counting camera at Schiphol cannot be redeployed to detect an abandoned bag. That is a separate algorithm, a separate procurement, and a separate project. What changes with agentic AI Applied to physical security, this translates into a simpler commissioning experience Agentic AI points to a fundamentally different approach. An agentic system can receive goals expressed in natural language, determine the appropriate actions to fulfil those goals, execute those actions using available tools, and verify the results. Applied to physical security, this translates into a simpler commissioning experience: the operator expresses intent in plain language, and the system configures itself to achieve that intent. Consider the practical implications. An installer commissioning cameras at a retail location could type or speak a set of instructions: “Alert the manager if more than five people are waiting at checkout for longer than two minutes.” A facilities director could ask the system to “Track vehicles that enter the east parking lot after 9 p.m. and flag any that remain for more than 30 minutes.” A school security coordinator might specify: “Notify campus police if anyone approaches the perimeter fence between midnight and 5 a.m.” Appropriate perception capabilities None of these instructions require the operator to select a specific analytic from a catalogue, configure a detection model, or define pixel-level zones in a complex VMS interface. The system interprets the intent, selects the appropriate perception capabilities, configures thresholds and context, and validates behaviour over time. When the operator’s needs change, a new instruction replaces the old one. The camera hardware stays the same. The AI adapts. This is the core of the shift: minimal user input, maximum flexibility, and a security system that personalises itself without requiring the operator to navigate the traditional customise-certify-deploy cycle. Vision language models make it practical A conventional neural network trained for people counting can count people The enabling technology is the vision language model, or VLM. A VLM combines visual encoders with language reasoning, allowing it to interpret images or video in the context of natural language prompts. This is a qualitative leap beyond traditional convolutional neural networks, which classify or detect predefined objects and have no mechanism for open-ended interpretation. A conventional neural network trained for people counting can count people. It cannot distinguish between a crowd of commuters exiting a train station and a crowd assembling in protest. A VLM, by integrating contextual reasoning with visual analysis, can draw inferences that a task-specific model cannot. It can assess behavioural patterns, interpret spatial relationships, and respond to queries about scenes it has never been explicitly trained to analyse. Where a neural network might register two people carrying objects, a VLM could infer whether the scene suggests travellers with luggage or workers transporting equipment, provided the visual context supports that inference. Supporting multimodal input This matters in physical security because operational questions are rarely phrased as taxonomy labels. Operators want to express outcomes. They want to say “show me anything unusual near the loading bay after hours,” and the system should be able to reason about what “unusual” means given the site context. VLMs also support multimodal input. Audio cues such as a raised voice, a scream, an alarm, or breaking glass can contribute to scene interpretation when paired with video. In security applications, where events routinely unfold across both visual and auditory channels, this capability adds a meaningful layer of situational awareness. The edge constraint that forces discipline Large language models in the cloud use hundreds of billions of parameters and consume hundreds of watts None of this works if the architecture assumes data centre conditions. Most surveillance cameras operate under strict power and thermal limits. Power over Ethernet (PoE), the standard delivery mechanism, typically provides between 15 and 30 watts depending on the PoE class, and only a fraction of that budget is available for AI processing after the sensor, ISP, video encoder, and network stack have taken their share. In many installations, the AI workload must fit within a few watts. Large language models in the cloud use hundreds of billions of parameters and consume hundreds of watts. That scale does not translate to a camera mounted on a pole or embedded in a ceiling tile. For agentic AI to work at the edge of a physical security network, the models must be compact, efficient, and designed for the purpose. Neural network acceleration This is where smaller, domain-specific VLMs become essential. Models trained on industry-relevant image and text datasets, combined with techniques such as pruning, quantisation, and parameter-efficient fine-tuning, can deliver meaningful visual reasoning within the compute and memory constraints of an edge processor. The result is a VLM that fits inside a camera’s power budget and still responds to natural language instructions with useful accuracy. Ambarella’s CVflow AI architecture, now in its third generation, was designed for this class of workload. The architecture integrates advanced neural network acceleration with high-resolution image signal processing and video encoding on a single system-on-chip, allowing cameras to run complex AI inference alongside their core imaging functions without exceeding the thermal and power boundaries that define edge deployments. The company's latest addition to its portfolio, the 4-nanometer CV7, runs CNNs and vision language models concurrently across multiple video streams while consuming 20 percent less power than its predecessor. For infrastructure and robotic applications requiring heavier models, the 5-nanometer N1 family supports multimodal LLMs in multi-camera configurations. Distributing intelligence across far edge, near edge, and cloud This tier must respond in milliseconds and operate within a fixed power envelope A workable agentic architecture for physical security distributes intelligence across three tiers, each matched to the processing demands and latency requirements of its role. At the far edge, inside the camera itself, the processor handles real-time perception: object detection, tracking, zone logic, and initial event classification. This tier must respond in milliseconds and operate within a fixed power envelope. At the near edge, on a local gateway or network video recorder, a more capable processor orchestrates across multiple cameras, maintains state, correlates events, retrieves site-specific policies and procedures, and classifies incidents requiring more context than any single camera provides. At the cloud/server tier, available when connectivity permits, the system accesses heavier models for forensic analysis, fleet-wide analytics, model updates, and long-horizon reporting. Periodic cloud access This tiered approach keeps the most time-sensitive decisions local, where latency is lowest and data privacy is strongest. It also means agentic capabilities can scale incrementally. A small installation might run entirely at the far edge with periodic cloud access. A large campus might employ all three tiers, with near-edge orchestration coordinating PTZ patrol patterns across dozens of cameras while the cloud generates shift summaries and updates models based on fleet-wide telemetry. In practice, a security workflow built on this pattern often combines real-time detection at the far edge, behaviour-tree orchestration at the near edge for multi-camera coordination, local retrieval over site playbooks, and conservative safe-mode escalation when system confidence is low. The discipline of deterministic guardrails and structured verification loops is essential in security operations, where unpredictable system behaviour is not acceptable. A hybrid future, with VLMs orchestrating specialist models The transition to agentic AI does not eliminate specialised neural networks The transition to agentic AI does not eliminate specialised neural networks. Purpose-trained models will continue to deliver superior accuracy for well-defined, high-frequency tasks such as license plate recognition, face matching, and fire and smoke detection. In a mature agentic system, the VLM acts as an orchestrator. It handles open-ended perception and natural language interaction while routing to specialised models when a task demands their precision. A PTZ camera at a transportation hub might receive the instruction “monitor the west concourse for unattended items.” The VLM interprets the request, manages the interface, and reasons over broader scene context. Real-time video processing When it identifies a candidate object, it routes to a dedicated abandoned-item classifier optimised for that specific validation step. The VLM orchestrates. The specialist model validates. The operator receives a refined, actionable alert. That hybrid pattern places specific demands on the silicon. The processor must support both traditional CNN inference and generative AI workloads simultaneously while maintaining real-time video processing within the same power envelope. The value of a tightly integrated SoC, one that combines an advanced ISP, a deep learning accelerator, and a video encoder on a single die, is that it eliminates the multi-chip complexity and power overhead that would otherwise make this approach impractical at the edge. Making agentic AI deployable for the ecosystem Ambarella’s Developer Zone, launched at CES 2026, provides a centralised portal of tools Physical security is built on a broad ecosystem of camera OEMs, VMS providers, independent software vendors, module builders, and system integrators. For agentic AI to reach the market at scale, these participants need model-ready tooling, reference workflows, and a practical path from prototype to production. This is where developer ecosystems become part of the story. Ambarella’s Developer Zone, launched at CES 2026, provides a centralised portal of tools, optimised AI models, agentic blueprints, low-code templates, and documentation aimed at accelerating edge AI application development on Ambarella’s SoCs. Common software stack ISVs and integrators can evaluate models, prototype applications, and deploy using a common software stack that spans the company’s CV7 and N1 SoC families through the Cooper development platform. That consistency across the product range reduces per-project engineering cost and accelerates time-to-market for partners building perception and analytics solutions. The point is broader than any single portal: agentic systems require components that have already been tested and optimised for edge deployment, so that integrators can focus on solving their customers' problems rather than rebuilding the AI pipeline from scratch. The ecosystem participants who lead the transition to agentic AI in physical security will be the ones with access to tooling that fits into their existing development and deployment processes. What comes next Physical security has searched for years for a scalable answer to personalisation Physical security has searched for years for a scalable answer to personalisation. The app store model did not provide it. Manual configuration, while functional on a per-site basis, scales poorly across large portfolios of cameras and changing operational requirements. Agentic AI offers a credible path forward because it aligns with how operators actually think. They express outcomes, not model specifications. They want systems that adapt to new requirements without repeated engineering cycles. Traditional neural networks With VLMs as the interface layer, smaller domain-specific models at the far edge, orchestration at the near edge, and disciplined verification loops throughout, personalisation can become a standard part of deployment rather than a custom project. The building blocks are now in place. Power-efficient edge AI processors can run VLMs and traditional neural networks simultaneously. Developer ecosystems are maturing to support rapid prototyping and deployment. Reference architectures for distributing intelligence across far-edge, near-edge, and cloud tiers are solidifying. For an industry that already installs vast numbers of AI-capable cameras each year, the opportunity is to make the intelligence already embedded in those endpoints genuinely usable for the people who rely on them every day.

Acquisitions are often billed as moments of bold opportunity. For senior executives and boards, these deals are about accelerating growth, unlocking synergies, and strengthening competitive advantage. But for the teams responsible for making operations run safely and smoothly — including physical security — acquisitions can feel like controlled chaos. Decisions happen without warning, details are opaque, and the ripple effects of choices made in the boardroom cascade down through every layer of the organisation. Too often, physical security isn’t even in the room where those decisions happen. Beyond access control When security is treated as an afterthought — a cost centre to be rationalised, rather than a strategic enabler — companies expose themselves to risks that go well beyond access control or surveillance coverage. Overlooked integration challenges can compromise the safety of people and property, slow down facility transitions, inflate budgets, and undermine everyone’s confidence in the acquisition deal itself. For seasoned physical security leaders, the imperative is clear: make your program visible, credible, and indispensable before and during acquisition conversations. That means ensuring your voice is represented. Why security visibility matters At first glance, it’s not obvious to some why physical security should rank alongside finance, IT, and legal in the M&A playbook. But consider what’s really at stake:͏ Budget accuracy: If no one accounts for system migrations, access credential re-issuance, or security subject matter expert (SME) travel during due diligence, financial forecasts will be miscalculated. Underestimating these costs by even a small percentage can throw off larger integration budgets. ͏ Technology fit: Acquirers frequently inherit access control, video, and monitoring platforms that don’t align with their standards. Without early planning, companies risk unsupported infrastructure, avoidable downtime, and duplicating expensive features. ͏ People and roles: Security staff redundancies and mismatched responsibilities are often decided hastily, surfacing operational gaps and challenges with morale. ͏ Cultural harmony: Employees at acquired companies can perceive new security measures as heavy-handed or intrusive, jeopardising adoption and compliance. Each of these factors is manageable — but only if you consider them early on in the acquisition and communicate clearly at the decision-making level. Securing a seat at the table Physical security leaders don’t need to wait passively for a seat at the M&A table — they can and should advocate for it. Take practical steps: Identify the M&A committee. This group may go by different names — corporate development team, integration steering group, or even a subcommittee of the board. Pinpoint who leads it and which executives have influence. Make the case for inclusion. Position security not as a compliance hurdle but as a value multiplier. Remind leadership that visibility into risks, costs, and integration timelines reduces surprises, accelerates business continuity, and protects reputation. Bring data, not anecdotes. Prepare a concise playbook: current-state inventories of systems and personnel, cost models for typical integration activities, and sample timelines for cutovers. When executives see that security has done its homework, they’re more likely to view the function as essential. Leverage allies. Partner with your security consultant, along with your facilities, IT, HR and risk management teams who share overlapping interests in safe, seamless operations. Unified advocacy is harder to dismiss than a single voice. By getting on the M&A committee, you ensure your concerns aren’t filtered secondhand or raised too late to influence outcomes. Leading with credibility during acquisitions Visibility is only the first step. Once in the room, security leaders must contribute with authority and clarity. Three practices stand out:͏ Translate security into business impact. Executives don’t respond to jargon about card readers or VMS licenses—they respond to risk, cost, and continuity. Frame every input in terms of: Financial implications, such as “Consolidating platforms will save $X annually, but requires $Y in upfront integration.” Operational implications, such as “Delays in credentialing will stall employee onboarding at three newly merged sites.” Cultural implications, such as “Without a clear change management plan, acquired employees may resist compliance, leading to increased insider risk.”͏ Provide scenarios, not surprises. Acquisitions move fast, but that doesn’t mean you can’t plan. Present modeled scenarios — small target vs. large target, regional vs. global integration — and their associated timelines and costs. This proactive approach demonstrates foresight and earns trust. ͏ Advocate for people, not just systems. In the scramble to integrate technology, companies often forget the human element. Use your platform to ensure that acquired security personnel are evaluated fairly, retrained where possible, and integrated into the new culture. Advocating for people strengthens morale and preserves institutional knowledge. Visibility beyond a single deal For some companies, acquisitions are rare, high-stakes events. For others, they’re a routine growth engine. In either case, physical security leaders should treat M&A as a recurring test of their strategic value. To do this, work with your security consultant to:͏ Document lessons learned from each acquisition, then institutionalise these lessons in playbooks and checklists. ͏ Develop clear security messaging that explains your team’s mission and impact, so executives understand why your presence is non-negotiable. ͏ Commit to realistic timelines for integration work, ensuring leadership sees the discipline and predictability of your function. The goal isn’t just to be consulted during one deal — it’s to become permanently visible in the company’s growth strategy. Don’t be an afterthought In the popular imagination, the “room where it happens” is a place where power dynamics shift and futures are decided. For physical security leaders, being absent from that room during an acquisition means watching others dictate the future of your program, your people, and your company’s security posture. But by proactively seeking visibility — by insisting on a voice in acquisition planning, by bringing data and credibility to the table, and by consistently framing security as a business enabler — you can transform physical security from an afterthought into a recognised pillar of successful acquisitions.

The practice of executive protection changed forever on Dec. 4, 2024, when UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot outside a Manhattan, New York, hotel.  The shocking event raised awareness in board rooms around the world about the need for, and challenges of, executive protection. Questions followed immediately, including why was the high-level executive not protected? Combination of risk and reward  UnitedHealthcare’s stock price has gone down more than 20% since the shooting The event also highlighted what is at stake for companies, extending beyond the safety of executives and impacting many factors, even including a company’s stock price. UnitedHealthcare’s stock price has gone down more than 20% since the shooting, equating to tens of billions of dollars. “Companies are considering the combination of risk and reward like never before when it comes to executive protection,” says Glen Kucera, President of Allied Universal Enhanced Protection Services. “What are the chances this could happen? Before Dec. 4 many thought it was zero. And what are the financial implications for a company if it happens? Executive protection is a small investment to protect against a worst-case scenario.” Evaluation of an executive protection  Before the UnitedHealthcare shooting raised awareness, fewer than 50% of executives had protection. But concerns that previously fell on deaf ears now have the full attention of companies, says Kucera. “Boards of directors are having to figure this out,” he adds. “They may not have executive protection, but now they have to do it.” A threat assessment, conducted by a company such as Allied Universal, provides an independent evaluation of a company’s executive protection needs. The assessment evaluates factors such as an executive’s travel habits, the safety of their home, etc. Does the executive need protection 24/7, or just when they travel into more dangerous areas? Risks increase related to corporate earnings Sometimes, cases increase the need for executive protection, such as an internal threat In assessing threats, security professionals also look beyond the individual to consider the safety of a corporate facility, for example. “Is there a visual deterrent, controlling who comes and goes?” asks Kucera. “If there is good security, it all ties together. We do home assessment, facility assessment, route assessment, and travel assessment as needed.” Sometimes, circumstances increase the need for executive protection, such as an internal threat. Timing is a factor, and risks increase related to corporate earnings releases, new product announcements, and corporate layoffs or consolidation. Monitoring social media tracks shifting threats that impact the need for executive protection. UnitedHealthcare shooting  “He didn’t have it and probably didn’t think he needed it,” comments Kucera about the UnitedHealthcare executive who was gunned down in the streets of New York City. “He was staying at the hotel across the street and was used to walking down the street every day.” “Sometimes executives want to preserve their privacy and be able to walk down the street,” says Kucera. “Getting protection can be seen as a sign of weakness. Some CEOs in the past have said they just didn’t want it.” However, the UnitedHealthcare shooting raised the stakes of the need for more vigilance. “The bottom line is you have to yet beyond objections and make the investment to protect against a worst-case scenario,” says Kucera. Anti-capitalist sentiment in the general population An internal police bulletin warned of an online hit list naming eight executives and their salaries Threats to executives sometimes arise from anti-capitalist sentiment in the general population about perceived inequalities in wealth and power. Executives provide symbolic targets for anyone who fights the system, and social media has amplified the voices of those who oppose capitalism.  For example, a "Most Wanted CEO” card deck seeks to shine a spotlight on "titans of greed." Also, in the aftermath of the UnitedHealthcare shooting, CEO "wanted" posters appeared across New York City, threatening various executives of large companies. An internal police bulletin warned of an online hit list naming eight executives and their salaries. Careful monitoring of social media posts Careful monitoring of social media posts and other sources enables executive protection professionals to analyse data and separate the dangerous threats from the merely negative ones. Sadly, positive support of the UnitedHealthcare shooting was expressed by the 300,000 or so followers of the shooter, who became a celebrity of sorts. A huge outcry of negative sentiment toward the insurance industry led to fear that copycat incidents might occur. “There has been an unprecedented amount of positive support for committing murder,” commented Kucera. Executive protection requests HR executives can be at risk, especially at a time of layoffs or consolidation “Let’s face it, there has been a lot of controversy, from COVID to the Middle East crisis, to the political campaign, and there is negativity on both sides,” says Kucera. “People have opportunities to pick sides, and there is a lot of sentiment going both ways, and there is a small percentage of people who will act aggressively.” Executive protection requests now extend beyond the CEO to include others in the management ranks of companies. Basically, any public-facing executive is at risk, including anyone who makes statements to the press. Human resource (HR) executives can be at risk, especially at a time of layoffs or consolidation.   Private information on the Internet Typically, an executive is assigned a single armed operative for protection. The firearm serves primarily as a visual deterrent that hopefully makes a potential perpetrator think twice. “When they plan an event like this, their expectation is that it will be a soft target,” says Kucera. “If there is an officer, it gives them pause.” Controversial or high-profile CEOs are typically protected 24/7, including when they travel with their family. Adding risks is the fact that private information is now posted on the Internet, including where an executive lives and where their children go to school. Internet monitoring  Internet monitoring also includes the “dark web,” which includes sometimes dangerous information “We offer social media monitoring, and we advise them to be more careful with what they post,” says Kucera. “We monitor reactions to posts including any that might be threatening. We watch social media carefully if a company announces earnings or a change in their service or product offering.” Internet monitoring also includes the “dark web,” which includes sometimes dangerous information that is intentionally hidden and requires specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access.   Own layer of protection Public and government officials can also come under fire in a variety of scenarios. FEMA officials faced threats after the recent floods in the Southeast, for example, among other situations where perceived unfair treatment promotes thoughts of retribution.  Although government agencies have their own layer of protection, there are instances when they call on companies such as Allied Universal for additional help.  Ad hoc protection for various executives In the aftermath of the UnitedHealthcare shooting, calls to Allied Universal’s Command Centre increased by 600%, reflecting requests for ad hoc protection for various executives.  These requests are in addition to the company’s business providing “embedded” operatives that travel with executives all or some of the time. On that side of the business, requests for services are up probably 300%, says Kucera. {##Poll1742194323 - Has the recent increase in violent threats changed your company's view on executive protection?##}

GSX 2023 has its share of new product announcements, although many of the new products are enhancements to technologies shown at last spring’s ISC West show in Las Vegas. Booth traffic on the first day seemed busy at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center in Dallas, although one exhibitor complained that it takes some time for the traffic to make its way to the farthest areas of the show floor. Apparent throughout the GSX show is an expanding idea of what constitutes security. Increasingly, ‘security’ technologies offer benefits throughout other parts of a company or institution. Security is also being broadened to encompass ‘safety,’ including emergency response and wider issues of keeping a company safe. Managing multiple systems People look at the systems they have, and they are looking for more information" Manufacturers at GSX are talking about more than new products. Rather, they are offering new approaches to turn products into ‘solutions’ for customers. Among the benefits of new systems is the availability of more data.  “People look at the systems they have, and they are looking for more information and data and insights from their systems,” says Kyle Hurt, Genetec’s Area Vice-President of Sales for the US and Canada. “In the past, if I’m managing multiple systems and spending time and resources, I am making sure systems are operational. Today, it’s more like: How do I make my enterprise more efficient? I spend less time on making sure systems are working together but more time on how we can use the information.” Manufacturers at GSX are talking about more than new products Security control room Genetec is enhancing its Security Center 5.11 version with a newly redesigned web client that provides new capabilities related to system audio, including the ability to trigger a public address from a mobile device in an emergency, two-way audio to and from the security operations centre, and the ability to record an incident. The new web client offers new levels of “Security on the go,” says Hurt. A mobile device becomes an extension of the security control room. “Customers want to have more remote capabilities and have their security personnel out and about, not tied to a desk,” says Hurt. The new web client works to unify the four pillars of the Security Centre— video, access control, license plate recognition, and now audio.  Single source manufacturer Audio can now be used to broadcast a message, respond to an incident, and notify people" “Audio has taken time to develop legs in our ecosystem,” says Hurt. “We have been developing partnerships and use cases beyond an intercom at the door. Audio can now be used to broadcast a message, respond to an incident, and notify people en mass of what’s going on.” Manufacturers are also fine-tuning how they work to meet customers’ needs. “Customers want one point of contact, a single source manufacturer, and a solution that reflects the manufacturer is listening to the voice of the customer,” says Jerry Burhans, Managing Director of ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions - Critical Infrastructure, which seeks to be a global partner to critical infrastructure industries. The Critical Infrastructure business works across the various product groups of the notoriously siloed company to bring together solutions aimed at meeting each customer’s need. Manufacturers are also fine-tuning how they work to meet customers’ needs Best-in-class technology “We try to have best-in-class technology and collaborate within ourselves to make sure we have what customers need,” says Burhans. Critical infrastructure industries such as water, power and energy, oil and gas are developing standards to help support preparedness of the nation’s infrastructure, and ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions is helping operators secure access and provide audit trails on locking hardware and keys within their security perimeters. Managing customer assets Johnson Controls’ new OpenBlue Service for the security device market seeks to proactively manage customer assets (equipment) as a service. The company’s software platform of connected solutions monitors and manages security devices across vendors and provides remote support services including skilled engineers who can work to ensure that a company’s assets, including cameras and access control readers, operate dependably. Working remotely, OpenBlue analyzes the performance of each system component  Johnson Controls estimates that, unfortunately, up to 25% of a company’s security assets may not be working as intended, whether they lack the latest firmware update or are not connected. Working remotely, OpenBlue analyses the performance of each system component and responds to ensure equipment operates as intended. “We believe we can close that gap with our solutions,” says Greg Parker, Vice President, Innovation & Portfolio Management for Johnson Controls.  Physical security equipment A big advantage of OpenBlue for security customers is the ability to manage cybersecurity and threats at the edge, which may not currently be addressed by the IT department. The OpenBlue offering includes an embedded ‘air wall,’ which is a zero-trust architecture for physical security equipment. OpenBlue also helps customers manage the ever-changing lifecycles of various assets. Another concept prompting discussion at GSX 2023 is the gap between what a customer expects from a product and what the product can realistically deliver. With endless promotion in the last several years centring on concepts such as artificial intelligence (AI), is it any wonder that customers may sometimes have unrealistic expectations about what a technology can accomplish? The good news at GSX is that, as progress marches on, newer technologies are getting closer and closer to delivering on customers’ most ambitious expectations. The forward momentum of technology development is evident throughout the GSX 2023 show floor, reflecting the promise of even greater product capabilities in months and years to come.

A pioneer in the access control sector since 1971, AMAG Technology is looking to the future and the next generation of products that will expand its services to customers. “In our vision, we have advanced approaches that will not only provide our partners with advanced technologies but also ones that are easier to install with tools to expand their services,” says David Sullivan, who was appointed President of the venerable access control company in September 2022. New challenges at AMAG Sullivan brings a new outlook to the AMAG business, a part of Allied Universal, and a new vision to lead the company into the future. We caught up with David Sullivan to discuss his new challenges at AMAG and the journey ahead as the company looks to the future. Q: How does your background inform your approach to leading AMAG? I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry David Sullivan: With the exception of only a few short years, my career has been in access control. I have experience with several systems and have had the privilege to manage several successful access control companies. As a result, I bring a great deal of experience into my role at AMAG. I believe that it helps me to define a vision for AMAG that will be unique and on the leading edge of our industry. Q: How would you describe AMAG’s journey over the last several years and how do you see the future? Sullivan: Prior presidents of AMAG always shared their leadership vision and direction with senior leaders located in the United Kingdom. This had an impact on the full direction of the business, sometimes limiting its ultimate success. Before I became a part of AMAG, these senior leaders that were located in the UK retired, placing for the first time the full management responsibilities of the president. This has allowed me to integrate the business into a single team, with single objectives, and a single vision. We expect to begin to reveal this new vision in the coming weeks. We are excited about the future of AMAG and believe we will surprise the industry with our new products and approach in the coming months and years. Q: How important is it that a manufacturer provides both hardware and software solutions? How does AMAG’s approach (in general) differentiate it in the market? We can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish Sullivan: Regardless of the manufacturer, we all provide hardware and software. An access control solution is not complete without both. Some of us choose to make our panels, and others do not. Those who are dependent on third-party suppliers are restricted to the developments and direction of that company, and while it might be perceived to be an open technology, it still is proprietary to the hardware manufacturer. AMAG has controlled its manufacturing of panels from day one. The result means that we can design the complete solution, providing functionality that others may find more difficult to accomplish. Q: How does the breadth of AMAG’s product suite provide advantages to customers and/or integrators? Sullivan: AMAG’s product portfolio is unique and provides the end user with an end-to-end identity management solution from one company. Our Control Room PSIM, Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management Solution, Symmetry Access Control, and Symmetry GUEST solutions all integrate to provide the user with a broad set of features and capabilities from a single provider. There is no finger-pointing when we come to support your system. We hold full responsibility for making it work and can quickly provide a resolution to any application difficulties the user may be experiencing. Q: How does AMAG address the divide between on-prem and cloud systems? How do you help customers make the transition and/or plan for the future? We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem Sullivan: In our current product portfolio, we have three products that are cloud-based. Our mobile credential platform (Symmetry Mobile), our visitor management solution (Symmetry GUEST), and our physical identity and access management solution (Symmetry CONNECT) are all offerings that operate in the cloud. We are in the early stages of developing our next generation of access control in which we intend to provide on-prem, web client, and cloud-based offerings. One of the primary objectives is to ensure that the large installed base of systems that are out there today will be able to migrate not only to our next generation but as well to the cloud if the client so desires. Q: What is AMAG’s approach to mobile credentialing? Sullivan: As an access control provider, adding Symmetry Mobile credentialing to our portfolio just made sense. We want our customers to have a forward-thinking solution with the opportunity to save money not only on the physical badges but the cost of printing and distributing badges. Mobile credentials can be easily issued and revoked remotely, reducing administrative overhead, and eliminating the need for physical inventory management. Organisations can centrally configure what devices are used and the read range for each type of device and operating system, thus providing flexibility. Symmetry Mobile offers a customised questionnaire that controls access and reduces liabilities. Q: What has surprised you the most in your first year or so leading AMAG? Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company Sullivan: I wouldn’t say I was surprised by this as much as happy to see, but I would say that the quality of our people was a pleasant surprise. As well, the AMAG product offering is broad and has some unique elements. When coupled with the depth of the resources that we have in AMAG, I know that we are second to none. Not many companies are blessed with such a broad portfolio that is supported by a resource-rich company that has so many talented people. Q: Please describe your dealer channel, and how you are seeking to expand it. Sullivan: The AMAG products are sophisticated and typically are installed for higher-end applications. With this sophistication comes a need to be well able to install such a solution. We have a strong group of certified and loyal partners who help us to deliver these enterprise solutions. We desire to provide our existing partners with updated and competitive systems to offer to their end users. Q: What is the security industry’s (and/or AMAG’s) biggest challenge in the next five years? We need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated Sullivan: I believe that the advancements that we are seeing in technology provide our industry with the opportunity to truly change how security is provided to our collective customers. As we advance these solutions, we will need to do so responsibly and in a way that helps the channel’s abilities. We need to find ways to train our partners to both install and support these more complex solutions. At the same time, we need to find ways to provide both our channel partners and the customers with solutions that are easily integrated, moving away from proprietary closed systems to open and cohesive solutions. This will ensure that the users get the best, and most complete solutions. Q: What does the industry as a whole misunderstand about AMAG -- time to set the record straight! Sullivan: Well, I am not ready to openly share where we are heading. We are in the process of putting together some advanced approaches to how we will do business with our partners. We are focused on providing tools that will enhance their services to their customers, and with products that are leading edge. I can only state that all should keep their eyes on AMAG, because over the next few years, we are going to surprise some people, and more importantly make our loyal partners quite powerful.

Verkada, a pioneer in physical security and operations, announces that the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium adopted its platform to enhance fan safety and security. Hard Rock Stadium's new Verkada deployment unifies video security, access control, guest management, intercoms and alarms into a single, cloud-based platform that enables its team to streamline security operations at the scale and speed that the 65,585-seat venue demands. "As a world-class venue hosting global events year-round, we prioritise solutions that align with the scale and pace of our operations," said Sameer Istafa, Chief Technology Officer for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium. "Verkada's unified platform provides a seamless, connected operating environment that supports our focus on delivering a consistent, elevated experience for our fans at every event." Resource-intensive maintenance costs Verkada's unified platform gives Hard Rock Stadium's team: Faster response during high-pressure moments. Activity-based detection and intelligent alerts provide teams with greater visibility into activity across Hard Rock Stadium, enabling faster, more informed responses when needed. Proactive perimeter coverage. Advanced detection tools enable Hard Rock Stadium to take a proactive approach to monitoring the stadium's exterior and surrounding areas, flagging unusual activity before it escalates. Streamlined access across a large campus. Verkada's cloud-managed access credentials replace physical keys and disconnected badge systems. With all door events logged, Verkada's platform can flag anomalies. Flexibility across a wide range of events. In addition to the Miami Dolphins, Hard Rock Stadium hosts college football games, concerts, and other global events – and each event has a different footprint and different security needs. Verkada enables the Hard Rock Stadium team to tailor protocols event-by-event without new infrastructure. Lower infrastructure costs. Moving onto Verkada's cloud-based platform is expected to save Hard Rock Stadium on time- and resource-intensive maintenance costs, with new features delivered automatically through software updates. Insight into operational efficiency. Visual intelligence from Verkada's platform provides insight into occupancy trends that can enable operations teams to reduce bottlenecks and adjust staffing in real-time. World-class experience "Hard Rock Stadium can swing from hundreds of employees and vendors on a weekday to more than 65,000 fans in a matter of hours," said Filip Kaliszan, co-founder and CEO of Verkada. "Verkada is built to handle this kind of complexity, with one unified platform that keeps pace with an operation that never stays still. We're proud to provide solutions that help keep fans, athletes and entertainers who visit Hard Rock Stadium safe – and to give the team behind these legendary events the tools they need to keep delivering a world-class experience." Video security infrastructure Hard Rock Stadium worked with Castaway Technology and Security (CTS) to support its Verkada deployment and implementation across the campus. CTS used Verkada's Command Connector to bring Hard Rock Stadium's existing video security infrastructure into the new platform during the migration period, ensuring a smooth transition and letting security teams work from Verkada's platform from day one. "Hard Rock Stadium is a marquee venue that demands a security infrastructure to match. Our goal was to help them transition to a more agile and integrated ecosystem. With Verkada, we were able to deliver a truly end-to-end solution that eliminates technical friction, allowing the security team to focus entirely on maintaining a safe, premier experience for every fan," said Craig Bruce, co-founder at CTS.

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that Evolv Express®, the company’s people-screening system, has been selected as a security partner in Northwestern University’s new Ryan Field following a rigorous evaluation process. As Ryan Sports Development prepares to open the first NFL-type stadium in college sports, they evaluated available screening solutions before selecting Evolv Express to help deliver an elevated fan security experience. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the location of the potential threat while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. Advanced sensor technology The New Ryan Field, in the final stages of construction, will have a capacity of 35,000 fans when it opens on October 2nd with a nationally televised game. In addition to Northwestern football games, New Ryan Field will also host other athletic and community events throughout the year. The project is designed to set a new standard for the college football experience and boasts several features and innovations fitting its ambitious vision, including the Evolv Express security systems. The multi-year agreement between Evolv and Ryan Sports Development includes a variety of marketing elements and designates Evolv as Northwestern University’s “Official Fan Screening Provider.” Exceptional arrival experience “Our goal for the New Ryan Field is simple: build the best place to watch football in America,” said Pat Ryan Jr., CEO of Ryan Sports Development. “That ambition covers not only the event itself, but also the entire time that a fan is on site. We built a stadium designed to represent the future of college athletics, and so much more, and we rigorously evaluated available screening technologies and selected Evolv Express because it aligned with our goals of delivering a secure, convenient, and exceptional arrival experience.” “When an institution invests in creating what it believes will be the premier college football venue in the country, every decision matters, including the first impression fans receive when they arrive,” said John Kedzierski, President and CEO of Evolv Technology. Ambitious stadium projects “Northwestern had the opportunity to evaluate the industry’s leading screening solutions as part of this landmark project, and we are honoured that Evolv Express was selected to help deliver the elevated fan experience Ryan Field is designed to provide. It’s a testament to the strength of our technology that one of the most ambitious stadium projects in college sports chose Evolv to help welcome fans through its gates.” The New Ryan Field at Northwestern is another signature deployment on Evolv’s growing roster of higher education customers, as well as numerous stadiums, arenas, theme parks, schools, hospitals and other public spaces around the world.

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by Kansas’ Bonner Springs–Edwardsville USD 204 to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. USD 204 serves more than 2,400 PreK–12 students with 455 staff members across a network of schools in the suburban communities of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville, including one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and two pre-K buildings. ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security plan, which also includes school resource officers (SROs), secured entrances, and close, ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across all three communities.  Situational awareness platform The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is at the core of everything we do,” said Lisa Terrell, Director of Education Foundation & Counseling Services. “The deployment of ZeroEyes is a natural extension of our district’s proactive, layered approach to security, enhancing the strong foundation we’ve built through trusted partnerships with local law enforcement, secure facilities, and dedicated personnel.” Digital security cameras ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation centre, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and local security teams, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Thanks to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, we can provide an added level of confidence for USD 204’s families and community with ZeroEyes,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “It's great to see the district reinforce its commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

Gunnebo Entrance Control has completed a major entrance control project for ByteDance’s new corporate offices in Dubai Media City and Business Centre, delivering secure and efficient access for one of the world’s pioneer technology companies. ByteDance, the global organisation behind TikTok, Lark and Lemon8, selected Dubai as the base for its Corporate Services head office. The facility supports business functions including security, procurement, EHS and R&D and reflects the company’s long-term investment in the Middle East. Maintaining robust protection With a rapidly growing workforce and constant visitor traffic, ByteDance needed to maintain a secure workplace while ensuring smooth, welcoming operations. Managing access for hundreds of employees and contractors daily, alongside the onboarding of new staff, was critical to preventing unauthorised entry to sensitive areas and systems while maintaining a seamless day-to-day experience across the offices. Gunnebo Entrance Control worked closely with ByteDance’s internal teams to align with both security and operational requirements, ensuring employees and visitors could move efficiently throughout the building without disruption while maintaining robust protection across key areas. High-traffic corporate environments In total, twenty-four SpeedStile FLs MAX gates were installed across the two sites: seven in Media City and seventeen in the Business Centre. The SpeedStile FLs MAX is a premium speed gate designed for high-traffic corporate environments, combining advanced security functions with a sleek, professional appearance. Compact in footprint and highly adaptable, the solution integrates smoothly with third-party access control systems. Intelligent detection technology reduces the risk of tailgating and piggybacking, ensuring only authorised personnel gain entry while preserving a smooth flow for everyday movement. Entrance control solutions Delivering the project required close collaboration with ByteDance’s IT teams and civil contractors to align the solution with building design and operational requirements. The installation was completed in line with the timeline for the launch of ByteDance’s new headquarters and has become a central part of the company’s entrance control strategy in the region. Jacob Touma concluded: “ByteDance is a global brand with demanding requirements for workplace security and employee experience. Their new Dubai offices mark an important hub for the company’s Middle East future, and the SpeedStile FLs MAX delivers the right balance of safety, efficiency and aesthetics, ensuring smooth movement while maintaining robust protection. This project underlines our commitment to supporting world-leading businesses with reliable, effective entrance control solutions.”

Evolv Technologies Holdings, Inc., a security technology company pioneering AI-based solutions designed to create safer experiences, announces that it has agreed to a multi-year renewal of its hardware and software subscription agreement with TD Garden, the 19,000+ seat multipurpose arena in Boston, Massachusetts. TD Garden, home of the NHL’s Boston Bruins and NBA’s Boston Celtics also hosts a full calendar of other sporting events, concerts, and shows annually. Advanced sensor technology The subscription renewal, which extends an original agreement struck in 2024, includes an upgrade of the Evolv Express® concealed weapons screening systems to the company’s Gen2 hardware. Evolv Express uses advanced sensor technology and AI to detect concealed threats and identify the person and location of the potential threat, while allowing people to move through checkpoints at their natural walking pace. The system is designed to screen visitors effectively while helping minimise congestion and disruptions to traffic flow at entry points. Under the new agreement, the Express units, which are deployed at all venue entry points, will be paired with Evolv eXpedite™ bag screening systems. All the new systems are currently deployed and in use at the venue. Minimising congestion and disruptions The renewal also extends the official partnership between Evolv and the arena, under which Evolv has been designated as the “Official Fan Screening Provider of TD Garden.” “TD Garden operates at an exceptionally high volume, often hosting multiple events in a single day, which makes reliable and efficient systems essential to delivering a strong experience for both guests and staff,” said Tim Townsell, SVP of Business Operations at TD Garden. “We value our continued partnership with Evolv and look forward to further enhancing operations with the Gen2 hardware and new eXpedite systems.” Collegiate sports properties “We’re grateful for TD Garden’s continued trust in Evolv to support entry screening operations at such a busy and high-profile venue,” noted John Baier, Evolv’s Vice President of Sports & Entertainment. “As a company, we take pride in serving one of the landmark venues in our hometown of Boston, so we’re especially pleased to continue our partnership with TD Garden for years to come.” Evolv has official partner status with nearly all of the major professional and collegiate sports properties in the Boston market. In addition to TD Garden, the company is a “Proud Partner” of the Boston Red Sox; the “Official Fan Screening Provider” of the New England Patriots, New England Revolution, and Gillette Stadium; and the “Official Fan Screening Partner” of Boston College Athletics. These official partner designations join more than 50 others held by the company, which in total counts nearly 100 sports teams and venues worldwide as customers.

Xtract One Technologies announces its Xtract One SmartGateway has been selected by Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) for facility entrance deployment following a successful pilot and evaluation period. The selection reflects PRHC’s leadership and commitment to exploring innovative approaches to healthcare safety and adds to Xtract One’s growing presence in healthcare environments. This selection in Ontario follows previous Canadian deployments across Prince Edward Island, Manitoba, and Nova Scotia. Recognised as an innovator in Ontario’s healthcare system serving a regional referral population of 600,000 people, PRHC is taking a proactive approach to addressing modern security challenges. The organisation recently convened a security forum for healthcare leaders across the province of Ontario to collaborate on best practices, followed by a hands-on, three-week pilot to evaluate emerging technologies in a real-world clinical environment. Adopting innovative approaches After the comprehensive pilot and extensive testing, PRHC selected SmartGateway for its ability to detect a broad range and large volume of weapons, ease of use, and seamless integration into the hospital’s operational flow. The deployment will take place at the facility’s Emergency Department entrance. PRHC’s decision reinforces the organisation’s role as a leader in evaluating and adopting innovative approaches to healthcare safety across Ontario. “Healthcare organisations are increasingly embracing digital transformation strategies that enhance safety without compromising the patient experience,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “Our work with Peterborough Regional Health Centre demonstrates how forward-thinking providers can balance intelligent screening technology that proactively addresses modern threats with the openness and accessibility that are essential to care environments. We’re proud to support PRHC as it sets a new standard for healthcare safety in Ontario while contributing to the growing adoption of advanced AI-driven solutions. As more organisations follow in PRHC’s footsteps, we look forward to expanding our provincial and healthcare presence.” Undergo secondary screening “As the Peterborough region’s largest employer, PRHC views care and safety as inseparable. We believe that every team member, patient, family member, and caregiver deserves to feel safe and supported from the moment they walk through our doors,” said Jennifer Taylor, Vice President and CFO at Peterborough Regional Health Centre. “SmartGateway is a solution we’re proud to introduce in our Emergency Department, where it will support us to uphold this standard for patients and families, who depend on us to be there when they need us most.” Modern healthcare settings SmartGateway delivers intelligent, high-throughput security screening using advanced AI-powered sensors that discreetly detect weapons and prohibited items as individuals enter a facility. The system enables fast, accurate screening without requiring individuals to stop, divest personal belongings, or undergo secondary screening. Unlike traditional metal detectors, SmartGateway supports a continuous flow of movement, allowing healthcare facilities to maintain efficient ingress even during peak periods. By combining robust detection capabilities with a frictionless user experience, SmartGateway helps create safer environments while preserving the welcoming, patient-centred atmosphere critical to modern healthcare settings.

At mid-year 2026, the broader economy tells a story of resilience under pressure. Conflict in the Middle East has triggered a shock to the energy supply, driving oil prices up and reigniting global inflation. However, a total downturn has been averted. Exceptional, historic levels of business investment and data centre construction are providing a firm floor for growth, offsetting cooler consumer spending and keeping labour markets fundamentally stable. But how are changing economics impacting the physical security market? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How do changes in the broader economic climate impact physical security?

College campuses are meant to be places of learning, growth, and community. Fostering such an environment requires the deployment of policies and technologies that ensure safety and security. Considering the growing role of security technology in the higher education market, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new applications for security technology in the college and university markets?

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