ISC West

Gallagher Security has wrapped up another successful year at ISC West 2026, using the industry’s premier event to demonstrate the power of integration, debut innovation, and lead discussion on the future of security. Held March 23–27 at the Venetian Expo, ISC West saw strong engagement at Gallagher’s booth, which served as a hub for connection and conversation. Partners, End Users, and industry leaders spent time with the team exploring how a unified and interoperable security ecosystem can unlock greater operational value. Spanning access control Gallagher’s disruptive QuickSwitch platform stood out across the event, generating strong interest from End Users and Partners. Designed to simplify migration from legacy security systems to Gallagher’s advanced platform spanning access control, intrusion and perimeter, it continues to build momentum for its ability to reduce complexity, accelerate upgrades, and deliver immediate ROI. AccessNow, Gallagher’s new cloud-based platform, featured strongly in conversations for its ability to simplify and automate access and credential management. As a cloud-native extension of Gallagher’s Command Centre, the solution is designed to streamline physical identity workflows, reduce administrative overhead, and enhance compliance through improved visibility and control. Cloud-based platform Across the event, feedback from End Users and Channel Partners pointed to a clear shift in priorities. Rather than focusing solely on what’s shiny and new, attendees showed increased interest in how systems work together, how the need for solutions that simplify migrations, and how integrations can drive further efficiency and value. “Our conversations at ISC West reflected a broader shift we are seeing across the industry,” says Matt Butts, Executive Vice President – Americas at Gallagher Security. “There’s less interest in standalone features, and more focus on how everything connects; how data flows through a system, how it’s managed, and how much effort it takes to run day to day. That’s where we’re seeing the most value, and it’s where our integrated solutions are making a real difference.” Most anticipated sessions This perspective also extended into broader industry discussions at the event. Gallagher contributed to one of ISC West’s most anticipated sessions, with Jeff Ogborn, Director of Complex Solutions, participating in The Interface — a live debate exploring competing philosophies in access control architecture. The session sparked lively discussion as it examined the merits of open, multi-vendor platforms versus fully integrated, interoperable end-to-end systems. “The ISC debate was a light-hearted opportunity for both of us to share our perspectives”, says Jeff. “It may not have changed the minds of those already set on one side or the other, but I think it helped highlight that both architectures have a place in security—as long as manufacturers stay focused on the real goal: addressing today’s security concerns while keeping an eye on evolving threats.” Delivering strong outcomes Taking the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the role Channel Partners play in delivering strong outcomes in market, Gallagher hosted a Channel Partner Awards during the event offering a valuable moment to connect, acknowledge success, and strengthen alignment for the year ahead. “ISC West continues to be a key moment for the industry,” adds Matt. “For us, it’s about bringing our partners, customers, and team together, recognising the great work being done in market and strengthening the relationships that drive long-term success. That connection is what turns strategy into real-world outcomes.”

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

Xthings, a global provider of AIoT and smart security solutions, introduces X Tower, an autonomous, solar-powered security tower designed for rapid deployment in environments where traditional wired systems are impractical or cost-prohibitive. Debuting at ISC West 2026, X Tower is built to address common physical security challenges, including limited infrastructure, long installation timelines, and gaps in coverage across large, distributed, or remote sites. The system is designed to provide continuous monitoring, real-time detection, and immediate response capabilities in a self-contained platform that can be deployed without trenching, wiring, or dependence on grid power. Real-time event analysis “Many sites still rely on systems that are difficult to deploy and constrained by infrastructure,” said Raj Sundar, Senior Director of Product Management at Xthings. “X Tower is designed to provide immediate coverage with minimal setup, while enabling real-time detection and response at the edge.” X Tower combines video surveillance, radar sensing, and on-device AI to support continuous monitoring and real-time event analysis. 360° Coverage: Four 4K UHD cameras provide full-area visibility. Radar-Assisted Detection: Integrated radar improves motion detection and helps reduce blind spots in challenging environments. Edge AI Processing: On-device analytics enable real-time detection and classification of events such as intrusion, perimeter breaches, loitering, and other potential threats. Event Response: Configurable alerts, integrated lighting, and two-way communication support immediate response and deterrence. By processing data locally, X Tower supports lower latency, improved reliability in low-bandwidth environments, and stronger privacy protection. Designed for fast, flexible deployment X Tower is engineered to reduce installation time and eliminate dependence on fixed infrastructure. Solar-powered with integrated battery storage Fully off-grid deployment with no trenching or wiring required 4G/LTE connectivity with optional wired Ethernet NDAA-compliant architecture Rapid deployment in days rather than weeks or months Traditional wired installations This enables security teams, integrators, and channel partners to deploy coverage quickly across distributed environments without the cost and complexity of traditional wired installations. X Tower is designed for a range of applications where rapid deployment and flexible coverage are required: Commercial & Industrial: logistics yards, construction sites, business parks, and remote facilities Education: campus perimeter monitoring, student safety, and emergency response Municipal & Public Safety: parks, transit areas, public spaces, and temporary event locations Critical Infrastructure: utilities, energy sites, telecom infrastructure, and substations Remote Locations: infrastructure-limited sites, temporary deployments, and off-grid environments Additional capabilities such as environmental monitoring and device charging expand the system’s value beyond traditional surveillance and support broader site utility. Integration with the Xthings platform X Tower integrates with Xthings One and the company’s broader portfolio of access control, biometric, and video security solutions, enabling centralised monitoring and management across multiple locations. This allows organisations to extend coverage to locations where traditional infrastructure may be difficult or uneconomical to deploy, while maintaining visibility through a unified platform. See X Tower at ISC West: X Tower will be on display at ISC West 2026 at the Xthings booth - Stand #32061.

At ISC West 2026, Xthings, a pioneer in AIoT and smart security, introduces Xthings One, a modular, on-premises security command center designed for organisations seeking to unify video surveillance, access control, and workforce intelligence in a single edge platform. Xthings One unifies video surveillance, access control, time and attendance, and visitor management into a single edge-based platform, giving business owners and security teams the clarity and control that fragmented systems have long failed to deliver. Dedicated AI compute modules Xthings One runs on the Xthings Station series, a family of compact edge appliances designed to deploy the platform directly on-site. Powered by dedicated AI compute modules, the Station series processes video analytics, access events, and operational data locally, eliminating dependence on cloud infrastructure while providing a scalable foundation for unified security and operations. For too long, SMBs have been caught between enterprise platforms that are too complex and consumer tools that don’t scale. Cameras, doors, time clocks, and visitor logs live in separate systems, each with its own subscription, dashboard, and blind spots. When an incident occurs, there is no single place to see the full picture. Xthings One changes that by bringing everything into one timeline, one dashboard, and one source of truth, all running locally on Xthings Station edge appliance, powered by 25 TOPS of AI compute. AI-powered video surveillance “Security for small businesses is broken, not because of hardware, but because of fragmentation,” said Raj Sundar, Senior Director of Product Management at Xthings. “Xthings One gives every business a professional-grade security command center that’s simple to deploy, doesn’t depend on the cloud, and grows with them over time. You start with one problem and scale with confidence.” Xthings One is designed so businesses can start with the problem that matters most to them, then expand as their needs evolve, all on the same system, with one learning curve. SecureSite (Video + Incidents): AI-powered video surveillance with detection for people, vehicles, and perimeter events. Smart zones reduce false alarms, access events are automatically linked to video, and a built-in incident workflow moves teams from detection to resolution: acknowledge, assign, resolve, and audit. DoorControl (Access + Audit): Enterprise-grade access control without enterprise complexity. Centralised credentials and schedules, fast employee onboarding and offboarding, compliance-ready audit logs, and life-safety integrations including fire release and offline mode. TimeGuard (Time + Attendance): Presence-verified time tracking that ties clock-in and clock-out to physical access and location. Flexible shift scheduling, real-time attendance visibility, and payroll-ready exports that integrate directly with existing accounting systems. GuestFlow (Visitor Management Add-On): A digital visitor experience with self-check-in, pre-registration, temporary access that expires automatically, and a full audit trail, giving businesses a professional front door with built-in security and compliance. Flexible shift scheduling What sets Xthings One apart is how it links every event – video, door access, and time records, into a single, correlated timeline. When a door opens, the nearest camera clip is automatically bookmarked. When an employee clocks in, their presence is validated against access data. When a visitor checks in, their access and video trace are logged together. No more switching between systems, no more guessing. Every event carries context. Xthings One runs entirely on the Xthings Station series edge appliances, which provide dedicated AI compute and local storage for video, access events, and operational intelligence. Privacy-sensitive environments All video analytics run locally on the Xthings One edge station’s 25 TOPS AI compute module; no raw video is sent to the cloud. Capabilities span three domains of intelligence: security and safety (intrusion detection, loitering, suspicious activity detection, real-time incident alerts), operational intelligence (occupancy monitoring, PPE compliance, behavior and anomaly detection), and vehicle intelligence (license plate recognition, vehicle tracking, parking and loading-zone monitoring). The on-prem architecture is designed for privacy-sensitive environments, with biometric templates for facial recognition and fingerprint authentication stored and matched locally. Reduce maintenance costs Xthings One supports a broad range of devices managed from a single console: access control readers, intelligent locks, and biometric attendance terminals for identity and access; ONVIF-compatible IP cameras for indoor and outdoor surveillance; turnstiles, barrier gates, and perimeter intrusion sensors for flow and perimeter control; and visitor registration kiosks for front-of-house management. The platform uses PoE connectivity to simplify installation and reduce maintenance costs. Xthings One is designed with installers and integrators in mind. Faster installs through PoE and edge deployment, fewer systems to support, and a clear upsell path, from doors to video to time to visitors, make it easier to sell and easier to support. The platform delivers SMB-friendly deployment with enterprise credibility. Xthings One will be on display at ISC West 2026 at the Xthings booth: [Booth #32061].

AMAG Technology and SwiftConnect today announced that the integration between Symmetry CONNECT 2.0 and SwiftConnect won the Security Industry Association (SIA) New Product Showcase award in the Convergence & Integration Solutions category, underscoring the industry’s growing demand for a smarter, more practical approach to physical identity and access management in complex enterprise environments.  The SIA New Product Showcase occurred at ISC West, the world’s largest security tradeshow in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Integrated solution The integrated solution addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing large organisations today: managing identities and credentials across multiple physical access control systems (PACS), often spread across regions, business units, and facilities acquired via mergers and acquisitions. Built to help customers manage one identity across disparate PACS environments, the integration provides organisations with a path to centralised identity administration without requiring a disruptive and expensive rip-and-replace of existing systems.   An exciting validation “Winning the SIA New Product Showcase is an exciting validation of the problem we set out to solve,” said President and CEO, David Sullivan at AMAG Technology. “With Symmetry CONNECT 2.0, networked by SwiftConnect, we are meeting customers where they are, helping them manage identities across existing different access control systems. That is a game changer for organisations dealing with growth, acquisitions, and increasing security complexity.”  Simplyfying identity “This recognition highlights the power of partnership and smart innovation,” said Co-CEO, Matt Kopel at SwiftConnect. “Together with AMAG, we’ve created a solution that helps enterprises simplify identity lifecycle management across mixed PACS environments while preserving their existing investments.”   Seamless benefits For customers, the benefits are immediate and measurable. Instead of relying on disconnected systems, manual processes, spreadsheets, and email-based approvals, organisations can centralise identity and access administration. That means faster onboarding and offboarding, fewer orphaned access privileges, cleaner audit trails, more consistent policy enforcement, and a more efficient path to scaling security operations globally. It is seamless to the employees who use the same credential regardless of location or access system.    The integration is valuable for large enterprises in critical infrastructure, healthcare, banking, data centers, and other highly regulated industries where centralised management, compliance, and operational continuity are essential. 

SwiftConnect, provider of the connected access network for places and spaces, will demonstrate its connected access network platform through live integrations at ISC West 2026. Across access control platforms, hardware, credentials, turnstiles and other access points, the company will highlight how organisations can move from disconnected, building-by-building access control to unified identity management that works across every location, system, and technology…all without requiring infrastructure replacement. Mobile access credentials The Industry’s Connected Access Network in Action at The Security Experience Center - SwiftConnect will demonstrate its platform that seamlessly integrates mobile access credentials in Apple and Google Wallet across multiple systems and technology platforms, illustrating how a unified identity layer orchestrates permissions and policies across an organisation's existing infrastructure. Turnstile Integrations for Fast and Easy Building and Lobby Access - See SwiftConnect’s platform at Automatic System, Booth 29069 and Smarter Security, Booth 21109. The company will demonstrate its expertise in hardware-level integrations that bridge access control systems and credentials with turnstiles for fluid access to lobbies. Live demonstrations also include: An effortless, Street-to-Seat® access journey with credentials provisioned on demand and access permissions that update automatically as a user’s role changes Centralised and automated credential lifecycle management Real-time access control orchestration across vendor platforms WHEN: ISC West 2026, Las Vegas Convention Center, March 25-27, 2026 WHERE: Security Experience Center, ISC West Lobby Automatic Systems America Booth 29069 Smarter Security Booth 21109

The physical security industry's entire value proposition is built on the idea that the right people get in and the wrong people stay out. It is somewhat ironic, then, that the industry itself has been fairly cavalier about who gets into a career inside it. I work in an industry that designs and deploys the systems that decide who enters a building, who carries a credential, and who is trusted with access. The technology has grown remarkably sophisticated with AI-based and biometric technologies. And yet when I look at who is building, selling, installing, and managing those systems, the workforce gap is harder to ignore. That gap has a cost, and as the industry transforms, it is becoming harder to ignore. Access granted, but not always for leadership While women are well represented in the functions that connect the industry to the outside world — communications, marketing, sales — the roles closest to the product itself are where female representation drops most sharply. Walk a trade show floor like the Security Event or ISC West, and the pattern is hard to miss. When you identify who is in installation, systems engineering, integration or technical pre-sales roles, the numbers thin out quickly. The higher the technical barrier to entry, the lower the representation. This is not unique to physical security, but the gap here is particularly pronounced and particularly costly. The 2026 Security Megatrends report from the Security Industry Association identifies workforce development as one of the sector's most pressing foundational challenges. The industry is struggling to find qualified technical talent at every level. It is doing so while leaving a significant portion of the available pool largely untapped. The access control problem nobody is scanning for Physical security professionals spend considerable time thinking about entry points: where they are, who controls them and what happens when they are not properly managed. The same rigour rarely gets applied to who enters the profession itself. The career path into physical security is not taught in any curriculumThe career path into physical security is not taught in any curriculum. There is no degree in access control integration or credentialing systems, so people often arrive from adjacent fields such as IT, electrical engineering, construction, facilities management.  This lateral entry model is actually an asset, because it means the potential talent pool is far broader than the industry's traditional recruiting channels suggest. As an industry, we need to demystify these pathways and make security feel accessible and relevant much earlier. Because if we want a stronger, more innovative workforce, we need a broader range of experiences and perspectives reaching the field, and we must be intentional about who feels invited to be part of it. Broadening the pipeline means deliberately going somewhere different: universities, STEM programmes, professional networks in adjacent industries where women are better represented. Reading the room, across every room One thing working across multiple geographies has taught me is that the conversation about women in professional leadership is not the same everywhere. It plays out differently in Paris than in Hong Kong, in Lisbon than in Sydney. Cultural context shapes how women present themselves in the workplace, how career progression is defined and discussed, and what entry points into an industry like security actually look like in a given market. That is not a problem to be solved with a single global programme. It is a reminder that building a more balanced workforce requires cultural intelligence, not just good intentions. The organisations making progress are the ones that take the time to listen before they act, adapt their approach to local nuance and resist the instinct to export a template. What holds across every market is the outcome: when women are in the room, they contribute. The conditions that get them there and keep them there will look different depending on where you are. The inflection point The physical security industry is in the middle of a significant technology transition. Access control is evolving from a standalone hardware category into converged identity ecosystem of software, cloud platforms and AI-driven analytics. The profession is changing faster than the people pipeline feeding it. And most organisations are not monitoring that gap nearly as closely as they monitor their physical perimeters. The newer roles lack long-standing male dominance, prompting organisations to actively recruit womenI see this transition is an opportunity. The new roles it is creating are being defined now, by the organisations hiring for them now. Unlike the industry's more established functions, these roles should not carry decades-long history of male incumbency. The organisations that understand that are actively recruiting women into technical and leadership positions. And in the process, they are also building a competitive advantage that compounds over time. In practice, this means going earlier in the talent pipeline: think universities and adjacent industries where women already perform in technical roles. It also means building the internal infrastructure that makes staying in an organisation worthwhile: think mentorship programmes, women's networks and enough operational flexibility that ensures strong performers are not forced to choose between professional ambition and personal commitments. The industry has been remarkably successful at keeping the wrong people out. The irony is that in doing so, it has also been keeping the right ones out of its own workforce. That is a system running with a gap that’s overdue a fix. The organisations that fix it first will have the better teams and the better outcomes. The rest will have the same talent shortage in five years that they have today.

The security industry is going increasingly digital these days, with more small- and medium-sized businesses joining their global brethren by moving their data to the cloud, leveraging the benefits of artificial intelligence, and embracing more open solutions. Innovation is expected to continue at a rapid pace, thanks in part to the residual effects of the pandemic which has driven changes that might have otherwise taken five years or a decade or more to get into customers’ hands on a global scale. Let’s take a look at the trends that will dominate ISC West 2023. Improved analytics Analytics is about expedience, and in the surveillance world, it makes it possible to identify and search for the “who did it?” clip you need. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology Analytics also provides more actionable intelligence than a simple surveillance camera may provide, from identifying high-traffic areas during select times of the day and alerting staff to pay greater attention to these areas, to business intelligence that can enable a company to staff a store with more employees. For analytics, along with the cloud, it comes back to the core themes of being able to do more with technology and relying less on humans. Leveraging the cloud The cloud story is very related: it provides the ability to perform video-related tasks from anywhere on any device. In addition, the cloud makes it easier to share videos with other stakeholders and collaborate on investigations. By storing video on the cloud, end users reduce their total cost of ownership because they no longer have to invest in onsite storage solutions, while gaining greater storage capabilities and thereby future-proofing their solutions. Deployment patterns Because the cloud requires a less total cost of ownership and can be intuitive, it is driving interest in solutions Another interesting trend that we’ll be hearing more about this year is the overall deployment patterns of video surveillance systems. This is part of the cloud trend, but the broader trend is the amount of effort it takes to deploy, monitor and maintain the video surveillance system. Because the cloud requires less total cost of ownership and cloud access can be intuitive, it is driving interest for solutions that can be hosted in the cloud. Interoperability vs. proprietary Related to the debate of open vs. closed solutions is how much the surveillance market prefers a turnkey solution compared to a more custom best-of-breed and tailored solution. Smaller and mid-market companies will be more interested in the turnkey solutions provided by a single vendor, while enterprise-level companies traditionally gravitate toward investing in customised solutions that are more likely to address their unique security challenges. One other related trend to keep an eye on is the role of the integrator as part of the rise of cloud and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) offerings.

At ISC West this year, emerging technologies will be on display to help organisations manage their environments, from the building itself to who’s on the premises and what’s going on at any given moment. Top of mind this year is cybersecurity, compliance and management of security assets as threats rise and governing bodies put regulations in place that businesses need to react to. The good news is that the shift in approach to holistic monitoring of cyber and physical assets can move enterprises to a place of digital transformation and proactive management rather than reactive practices based on threats and changing regulations. The show provides an opportunity for both vendors and potential customers to learn from each other about what’s out there and what’s needed in terms of future solutions as the industry evolves. Are you in cyber and physical security compliance? At this year’s show, we’ll continue to see developments focused on integration of cyber physical security that will lead to deeper understanding of the relationship between devices, device monitoring and spaces in which all devices physically reside. Digital solutions help achieve a digital transformation which stitches the data relationships together to provide better threat vector impact and overall understanding of risk. The technologies in smart buildings are subject to cyberattacks, which pose not just a threat to data and privacy but can compromise the physical space as well. Think of the locked door in a smart building that now is opened with access control via key cards or mobile devices given only to certain members of staff. These integrations increase safety and restrict access across the enterprise, but a bad actor can access and duplicate the necessary data to open the door with a copycat device while hiding the event from the surveillance system. By having a comprehensive cyber whitelist of installed devices, potential rouge devices are prevented from transmitting on the network, therefore providing an automated guard against internal and external attacks. When systems are compromised due to a hack or physical intervention, it puts what’s behind the door at risk, whether it’s money in a bank or information in a sensitive work environment, such as a laboratory. Digital solutions help achieve a digital transformation which stitches the data relationships together It’s increasingly important to highlight the relationship between cyber and physical security. A great illustration of this is the digital twin. A digital twin is a replica of a physical space that uses both informational and operational technology to give real-time information about what’s going on in a space.  These can include things like floor plans for the building as well as real-time sensor data from the building management system, HVAC systems, lighting, fire, security, and more. By getting a complete picture of the physical and digital assets of an organisation, it becomes possible to monitor all systems from one central location to see how they’re working together and act on the insights they provide. So, in the example of a breach from before, it’s possible to flag that hack, isolate its exact location and devices involved, and resolve it quickly while maintaining preservation of evidence. Compliance: how to get there safely, efficiently and effectively As these threats evolve, governing bodies are taking action to ensure that data is protected to minimise these kinds of threats and ensure that organisations feel confident in the security of their data. Norms and compliance measures are emerging quickly, such as General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which began to be enforced in March 2018, and the California Cybersecurity Law, which went into effect in the US just this past January. The regulations of what can be done with data mean that companies need to react or face penalties such as fines, which can be as high as 4% of worldwide annual revenue of the previous year. These are also fluid and can change rapidly, meaning flexibility is important in compliance solutions. However, this presents an opportunity for companies to invest in innovation to ensure they’re prepared for those changes and to protect the safety of not just employees, customers and target markets, but of the larger organisation. Getting to a place of compliance can seem costly and time consuming at the beginning Getting to a place of compliance can seem costly and time consuming at the beginning, especially for larger organisations. They may have thousands of security assets (cameras and sensors, for example) and might not even be fully aware of what they have, where they are, and whether those assets are functional, never mind compliant with data protection legislation. The right solution takes all the steps to becoming safe and compliant into account, beginning with inventory and mapping of all assets to get a complete picture of where things stand and where changes need to be made. One large financial institution, upon embarking on this journey, identified an additional 10% of assets that they didn’t know they had, and additional ones that were nonfunctioning and needed to be repaired or replaced for compliance and safety. Monitoring: centralised and remote for rapid response Once assets and data are centralised and a complete inventory is taken, it’s much easier to effectively monitor the complete enterprise. At this year’s show, smart technologies will be on display that reduce cybersecurity risks and monitor assets for compliance. If something changes, that can be flagged, and appropriate parties can be quickly notified to act and neutralise security threats or avoid the expensive penalties that come with noncompliance. Since all these components are centralised in one location, it becomes possible to monitor much more effectively and fix issues remotely in minutes rather than scheduling a trip to a location that may not happen for days or even weeks. A security camera for a large chain enterprise such as a retail store or bank in a small-town location deserves service just as quickly as one in a major city, since the threat that each non-functional device poses is the same to who and what it is there to protect. Keeping it up: a proactive approach to service and maintenance One of the ways that emerging technologies can be a game changer is when it comes to the cost and approach One of the ways that emerging technologies can be a game changer is when it comes to the cost and approach to systems maintenance and operation. In addition to performance and compliance, other types of data, such as historical events, can also be monitored centrally. This gives context to security events and can move organisations from a reactive to a proactive approach to their security as well as operations. If small problems are identified and resolved before they become larger problems, it means that security events can be mitigated more quickly or prevented entirely due to early intervention. On the operations side, early insights into asset performance means that fewer resources are expended on noncompliance fees and large-scale, emergency repairs. These resources can take the form of money, but also of time spent by employees and enforcement agencies to ensure continued compliance. Staff can spend time engaged in active monitoring rather than generating reports, since that can now be automated. In the new decade, it’s time to use the technological resources available to better protect systems for smarter, safer and more sustainable environments. On every level, compliance is important not just for its own sake, but so are the other benefits associated with intelligent management. The show presents an educational opportunity for vendors and customers alike. Walking around the show floor and talking to everyone is a unique way to see what’s out there and evaluate what is and isn’t working for a business while getting information from all the industry experts. Even if they’re not ready for a complete overhaul, taking stock of what’s available, where things are heading and how their operations and mission can be better served by implementing one or more of the solutions showcased is more important than ever. On our end, those conversations about needs and concerns are invaluable in driving innovation.

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

Artificial Intelligence (AI) had a major presence at the ISC West 2026 show in Las Vegas. Almost every booth offered some variation on AI and how intelligence is transforming the physical security industry. Several industry leaders led the way, showcasing how they are tackling complex security challenges with smarter, more efficient solutions. Obviously, the security industry will never be the same. Milestone Systems: Responsible AI and open platforms Milestone has declared 2026 the "year of delivery” on previously announced developments and enhancements. A standout feature is their new natural language AI search, which is being integrated across XProtect, Arcules, and Briefcam platforms to simplify how users interact with vast amounts of video data. A core pillar of their strategy is responsible AI development, which prioritises using licensed data over "scraped" data. They have introduced new anonymisation tools that protect privacy by replacing faces with AI-generated characteristics like hair color while keeping the person unrecognisable. Furthermore, Milestone is moving workloads to Linux to reduce costs, transitioning toward an app marketplace, and has partnered with NVIDIA for the "Hafnia" project to ensure high-quality data to train AI models. Ambarella: Powering the edge with AI chips With their presence at ISC West in a meeting room near the trade show floor, Ambarella is the "engine" behind many high-performance intelligent video products, specialising in low-power AI chips like the N1 and CV7 families. Their technology is moving beyond cameras, where they provide systems-on-chips [SOCs] to many manufacturers. They have expanded into "AI boxes" that can process 64+ video channels simultaneously. A standout feature is the Natural Language technology, which allows users to search for specific objects or abstract scenes using simple prompts. To address modern security concerns, Ambarella has implemented "agentic" programming for a no-code development of automated workflows and media signing to combat AI-generated deepfakes by verifying video integrity through metadata. Motorola Solutions: Simplifying intelligence Motorola Solutions shows physical security evolving into a real-time enterprise intelligence layer Motorola Solutions is prioritising user accessibility by integrating natural language processing into its system configuration. Motorola's portfolio demonstrates how physical security technology is evolving into a real-time operational intelligence layer across the enterprise. Instead of requiring custom coding, operators can now use simple commands—like asking the system to "show me when someone fell down"—to set up advanced analytics and search parameters. The company is also deploying AI agents designed to aggregate data and automatically flag safety or compliance risks, such as perimeter breaches or blocked fire exits.  To ensure maximum utility of the hardware, Motorola Solutions’ system can ingest massive, complex physical manuals and automatically generate monitoring rules based on those standard operating procedures. Furthermore, Motorola is focusing on interoperability, using industry-standard interfaces to ingest data from various hardware brands and networks. This approach aims to provide operators with clear, recommended next steps during critical events, streamlining the decision-making process in high-pressure environments. i-PRO: Putting generative AI at the edge i-PRO is bringing generative AI directly to the edge with a new fisheye camera i-PRO is bringing generative AI directly to the edge with a new fisheye camera, which processes complex analytics locally rather than relying solely on the cloud. These cameras, on display at ISC West, have moved beyond simple attribute-based tracking to identify complex behaviors like aggression, fighting, and slip-and-fall incidents.  By running on the latest Ambarella chips, i-PRO cameras can use generative AI to improve image quality and analyse scenes in real-time without external processing. This focus on edge-based intelligence ensures high-performance analytics are available even in environments where constant cloud connectivity might be a challenge. Brivo: The rise of agentic AI Brivo and Eagle Eye Networks have officially unified under the Brivo name, focusing on streamlining the experience for large integrators. They are pioneers in agentic AI, introducing features that allow users to talk to their mobile apps to initiate lockdowns or add users. Their Eagle Eye Video Assistant (EEVA) acts as a natural language AI agent that can monitor for specific threats, such as a brandished weapon or a specific vehicle, and automatically trigger access control responses. By treating access and video as a unified system, Brivo enables users to connect specific video skills—like detecting a red car or a brandished weapon—to automated access control actions. They are also using AI to achieve "zero-cost integration," linking disparate cloud systems using AI-generated instructions. Everon: Emphasis on video monitoring Everon is making a massive investment in active video monitoring, using AI-driven systems to deter crime even before it happens. “The market is ripe for it, and customers are demanding it,” says David Charney, Everon’s Sr. Vice President, Video Command Center. Employing virtual guards who can use voice commands, lights, and horns to "shoo away" unauthorised individuals. The company has implemented senior-level leadership that has facilitated more than 5,000 video-based apprehensions. Everon, specialising in integrated systems for multi-site businesses, uses a rigorous selection process to choose AI providers that can accurately filter alerts for specific applications, such as identifying when a fire door is blocked. As a "trusted advisor" to their 300,000 customers, the company focuses on delivering professional-level results that move beyond basic recording to proactive threat mitigation. Hanwha: New hybrid VMS combines cloud and on-prem Hanwha Vision highlighted the official public launch of Blaze, a hybrid video management system (VMS). The platform uses a hybrid architecture to manage on-premise and cloud-connected devices across multiple sites without complex port forwarding. Blaze features native AI capabilities, including semantic search that allows operators to find specific incidents using natural language queries, such as "person with a safety jacket." The AI security platform lets teams search surveillance footage the way they search Google. AI similarity detection allows operators to quickly trace a person’s movement and investigate incidents faster (useful in active shooter behavior, medical emergencies, or crowd panic scenarios, and more). The system also provides a "histogram" view of traffic patterns to help security professionals quickly identify anomalies in historical footage. OpenEye: Operational intelligence and shift to OpEx OpenEye unveiled AI-powered features such as visual chat and scene analysis OpenEye is redefining video surveillance by moving intelligence from the camera level to the cloud, significantly reducing the need for on-site server management. At ISC West, OpenEye introduced new AI-driven tools like visual chat and scene analysis. Beyond security, these tools provide valuable operational alerts, such as identifying overflowing dumpsters, dirty tables in restaurants, or vehicles blocking dock doors.  The system also utilises natural language for search, allowing users to find specific attributes like "people wearing backpacks" within designated timeframes. OpenEye also highlighted an industry-wide shift toward operational expenditures (OpEx) billing models, as users increasingly prefer predictable monthly or yearly payments over large upfront capital expenditures (CapEx). This model aligns with their channel-based operations, meeting customers where they currently operate without the burden of high fees. IQSIGHT: New name, same mission for Bosch video Formerly Bosch Video, the newly named IQSIGHT seeks to maintain the “Bosch pedigree” under the new name. It’s the same engineering, manufacturing, etc. IQSIGHT also pledges to be "easier to do business with" by improving user interfaces and end-to-end user experiences. Despite the transition, the company has increased their pace of innovation and reinforced the open systems philosophy with enhanced integrations with Milestone, Genetec, and others. The major product release at the show is IVA Pro Context, which uses generative AI to provide human-level scene understanding. Through a partnership with Laelaps AI, a robotics startup, IQSIGHT is exploring autonomous dispatch and response. When a camera identifies a scene, it triggers a robot to provide a tailored response. Commercialisation is expected in 12 to 18 months. Verkada: How their system can solve a crime But how does AI operate in the real world? Verkada had a “themed” exhibit demonstrating how their system could solve a hypothetical theft at the Louvre museum in Paris. The exhibit took attendees through and showed how Verkada technologies (e.g., license plate recognition and search capabilities) could provide fast results to solve the crime. AI-powered tools, like their newest unified timeline, demonstrate value in the real world of investigations.

For all the emphasis on cloud systems and centralised servers at ISC West, a lot of innovation in security video systems is happening at the edge. New advancements inside video cameras are boosting capabilities at the edge, from advancements in processing power to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms that can now be deployed directly on the cameras or edge devices. Advancements in AI algorithms The progress of video systems becoming smarter at the edge is driven by the need for real-time insights, lower latency, bandwidth efficiency, enhanced privacy, and improved reliability.  Advancements in edge computing hardware and AI algorithms are enabling a range of intelligent video applications across various industries, including physical security. Smarter functionality at the edge is a benefit of new computer systems-on-chips (SoCs) that are driving new heights of performance for today’s cameras.  Axis Communications’ ARTPEC-9   Axis Communications’ new ARTPEC-9 SoC offers advanced video compression to reduce bandwidth Axis Communication’s new ARTPEC-9 system-on-chip (SoC) offers advanced video compression to reduce bandwidth and storage needs. With a low bitrate, the SoC helps deliver high-quality imaging with outstanding forensic detail. ARTPEC-9 also offers enhanced deep learning capabilities to allow users to leverage the latest video analytics and accelerate the implementation of AI technology. Axis maintains control over all aspects of the chip’s development to ensure high quality and cybersecurity. Among the benefits of ARTPEC-9 are better AI and deep learning, better image quality, better cybersecurity, and AV1 license-free video compression (see below). Hanwha Vision’s Wisenet 9 Hanwha Vision has launched Wisenet 9, its most advanced AI-powered System on Chip (SoC). Wisenet 9’s enhanced edge AI capabilities increase performance as the volume and complexity of security threats demand real-time, accurate analysis. By elevating edge-device performance, AI empowers systems to quickly analyse vast amounts of video data and discern crucial patterns and anomalies. A key differentiator driving Wisenet 9 is deployment of two Neural Processing Units (NPUs), which improve performance three-fold compared to Wisenet 7, the previous SoC generation. While one NPU handles image processing, the other focuses on object detection and advanced analytics. This dual NPU concept was introduced to ensure video quality and analytics have independent resources, thus preventing one function from impacting the performance of the other. The latest from Ambarella Ambarella is a supplier of edge AI systems-on-chips to multiple video camera manufacturers Off the ISC West trade show floor in a nearby meeting room, semiconductor company Ambarella demonstrated how it will continue to push the envelope of what is possible with generative AI at the edge. Ambarella is a supplier of edge AI systems-on-chips to multiple video camera manufacturers and recently achieved the milestone of 30 million cumulative units shipped. The demonstrations highlight Ambarella’s ability to enable scalable, high-performance reasoning and vision AI applications across its ultra-efficient, edge-inference CVflow 3.0 AI SoC portfolio. The company’s DeepSeek GenAI models run on three different price/performance levels of its SoC portfolio. In addition to advancements in GenAI processing at the edge, Ambarella integrates image processing, encoding and system-level functions into all its AI SoCs. New standard for video encoding: AV1 AV1 compression is a next-generation video coding technology that offers significant improvements in compression efficiency and video quality, especially at lower bitrates. Its royalty-free nature positions it as a crucial codec for the future of internet video. AV1 compression is a next-generation video coding technology. Axis Communication’s ARTPEC-9 chip now supports the AV1 video encoding standard. By embracing this standard, which is new to the physical security market although it was introduced in 2018, Axis sets the stage for AV1 compression to eventually become the industry standard, replacing H.264 and H.265. Network video transmission AV1 is an open-source, license-free coding format designed mainly for efficient network video transmission AV1 is an open-source, license-free coding format designed specifically for efficient network video transmission. It delivers high-quality video at low bitrates, reducing bandwidth consumption and storage costs. The codec was developed by the Alliance for Open Media (AOM), a nonprofit organisation founded in 2015 by Google, Intel, Amazon, Microsoft, Netflix, and Mozilla (among others), to provide open-standard, next-gen video coding technology. AV1 is ideal for cloud solutions—making streaming applications more robust, scalable, and capable of delivering real-time insights. Now the ARTPEC-9 chipset brings these benefits to the surveillance industry, and AV1 is currently supported by AXIS Camera Station. Providers of major video management solutions (VMS) such as Genetec and Milestone will be adding support for AV1, with further developments already underway. More intelligence at the edge Intelligence inside video cameras comes from the processing power and algorithms that enable them to perform tasks beyond simply capturing and recording images. This "intelligence" allows cameras to analyse the video stream in real-time, identify objects, detect events, and make decisions or provide alerts based on what they "see." New and improved SoCs are driving performance improvements at the edge. The increasing power of embedded processors and advancements in AI are continuously expanding the capabilities of intelligent video cameras.