Network Video Recorders

March Networks®, a pioneer in video surveillance and business intelligence, and VIVOTEK, a global security solutions provider, will showcase their combined vision for intelligent transit security at the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) TRANSform Conference & EXPO 2026, Oct. 5-7 at McCormick Place in Chicago. At APTA, the companies will bring “Connected Intelligence: On the Move” to life by demonstrating how transit agencies can connect video, AI and operational data across buses, shuttles, rail, stations and depots. Demonstrations will include Attribute Search for faster investigations, AI cameras that monitor distracted driving and fatigue, and Sleep Mode that can capture incidents even when vehicles are parked and powered down. AI-powered IP cameras “VIVOTEK brings a strong portfolio of AI-powered IP cameras built for demanding transit environments, with the image quality, analytics and value operators need, plus broad integration across the video ecosystem,” said Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer for the combined March Networks and VIVOTEK organisation. “Combined with March Networks’ strength in mobile recording, video management and investigation, we can give transit agencies a more complete view across vehicles, stations, depots and the wider network.” Together, the portfolios span onboard and fixed transit environments, offering customers greater choice and a more connected approach to video across their networks. Manually reviewing footage The demonstrations address practical transit challenges including passenger safety, operator behaviour, incident investigation, fleet operations and ridership analysis. Attribute Search helps investigators quickly search recorded video by characteristics such as clothing color, vehicle type or other visual attributes, reducing the time spent manually reviewing footage. For transit agencies, that can mean finding a person of interest across a station, identifying a vehicle connected to an incident or tracking activity across multiple cameras more quickly. Additional AI capabilities can support driver fatigue and distraction detection, passenger counting, occupancy analysis, object and zone detection, tampering alerts and vehicle empty checks. When video is connected with GPS, telematics, and other operational data, investigators gain additional context around incidents and vehicle activity. Complex public transit systems March Networks supports some of North America’s largest and most complex public transit systems, including one with a fleet of nearly 2,500 vehicles. Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) in Albany, New York, uses March Networks video across fixed-route buses, garages, an administrative and call center facility, and the Rensselaer Rail Station. VIVOTEK deploys more than 100,000 IP cameras each year for onboard transportation applications, including buses, trains, and ferries. Some international deployments include Lillestrøm Bus Terminal in Norway and Bangkok's MRT Red Line. Demanding transit environments APTA attendees will see connected technologies from the March Networks and VIVOTEK portfolio, including: Mobile video, recording and cameras: March Networks RideSafe NVRs and cameras built for demanding transit environments, complemented by VIVOTEK’s transportation and rolling-stock camera portfolios for driver and cabin views onboard, at stations and in other fixed environments. Centralised video management: March Networks Command Enterprise Software for managing video across vehicle fleets and fixed facilities. AI-powered investigation: AI Smart Search, Attribute Search and other analytics that help teams find relevant video faster. Driver and passenger intelligence: Driver monitoring, passenger counting, occupancy analytics, and other transit-specific applications. Cloud and evidence management: Cloud-based intelligence and evidence management, including Searchlight Cloud and Evidence Vault. The combined portfolio also gives transit agencies options to connect video with access control, cloud storage and other security systems across stations, depots and administrative facilities. APTA attendees can visit March Networks at booth 3220 and VIVOTEK at booth 3858 to see technologies supporting connected, AI-powered transit security across mobile and fixed environments.

Prior1, a provider of modular IT infrastructure solutions, develops container data centers to meet the highest security and energy efficiency standards. Their containers require optimum protection against both physical threats and environmental risks. To provide this, Prior1 sought a security solution for their new “IT Container FIX” products which offers seamless monitoring and is flexible, scalable, and meets the requirements of EN 50600 certification. By choosing KentixONE as their central platform, Prior1 identified the comprehensive security solution they need. KentixONE enables the central control and monitoring of all security-relevant devices and sensors in real time. Its central dashboard provides data center managers with an overview and full control of every vital parameter. They can also stay in control while on the move via the KentixONE app, a powerful mobile control center. Comprehensive security solution “By integrating Kentix’s security solutions, we created a state-of-the-art container data center that not only meets the highest security standards but also offers the necessary flexibility for dynamic IT operations,” says Oliver Fronk, Team Coordinator at Prior 1. “This partnership has shown us how innovative technologies and modular systems can optimally support the requirements of digital transformation.” The KentixONE solution protects Prior1 customers against a vast scope of physical and environmental threats. Its seamless networking and intuitive, unified platform enable continuous monitoring and rapid response to incidents – critical to maintaining data integrity and security. Security-relevant events With SmartAccess functionality, Kentix IP wall readers ensure strict access control with two-factor authentication. Every access event is logged; unauthorised attempts immediately trigger an alarm. All data is stored in KentixONE and can be retrieved at any time. In addition, all accesses may be tagged with a short video sequence. Access control and sensor technology combines to create alarm zones which protect against unauthorised intrusion. These zones may be armed and disarmed both manually via access control and automatically. Smart video surveillance integrated within KentixONE detects security-relevant events in real time. Recordings can be called up and live images support the assessment of the situation in any emergency. Indicating critical conditions Powerful integrated SmartMonitoring is enabled via Kentix multisensors which continuously track environmental factors like temperature, humidity, and air quality. An integrated 4-factor early fire detection system detects anomalies which may indicate critical conditions at an early stage. This enables timely action to prevent damage. All external units such as air conditioning and UPS systems are seamlessly integrated and continuously communicate their operating status. Kentix SmartPDUs also monitor current and energy parameters, as well as ambient conditions within the server racks. The integrated residual current measurement (RCM) ensures electrical safety and fire protection, and detects creeping device failures. Anomalies are transmitted to KentixONE in real time so prompt action may be taken. KentixONE provides efficiency indicators such as PUE (Power Usage Effectiveness) and generates an energy report at the end of the month. With the help of KentixONE, then, Prior1 is able to offer customers future-proof infrastructure that combines the highest security and monitoring standards alongside management flexibility and seamless scalability. It is a game-changer for the holistic management of any data center.

Omdia market share data for 2025 continues to show Milestone as the market pioneer across the EMEA region, with a 19 per cent share of a market now worth USD 573 million. Milestone Systems is the largest single provider of video management software (VMS) and Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), according to 2025 market share data from technology research and advisory group, Omdia. Milestone has nearly one-fifth (19.1 per cent) of the overall EMEA market, which includes the UK and Ireland – a market-pioneer position that hasn’t altered since 2021. More informed decisions Across the EMEA region, the VMS and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS) market grew 10 per cent in 2025 to USD 573 million, and the Middle East and Eastern Europe saw particular growth. Omdia’s figures come at a time when organisations across EMEA are increasingly using video to support operational decision-making alongside security. Across traffic management, transportation, retail and manufacturing, video data is helping organisations better understand how sites and services perform and make more informed decisions. Morten Illum, Chief Revenue Officer, Milestone Systems, said: “This ranking reflects what customers across EMEA continue to look for: open, flexible video technology that gives them choice today and room to evolve tomorrow. Together with our partner community, we help customers design systems around their specific needs, while future-proofing their investment as AI and cloud technologies transform the value of video beyond security.” Strategically important markets Milestone’s leading position is built on three key offerings: Milestone XProtect® video management software, Milestone BriefCam® AI-powered analytics and Milestone Arcules® cloud VSaaS. Together, they give organisations the flexibility to deploy video on premises, in the cloud or across hybrid environments, while adding analytics without replacing existing systems. The UK and Ireland remain strategically important markets for Milestone. Earlier this year, the company opened its London Concept Centre, an interactive space where end users, integrators and partners can explore Milestone technology alongside solutions from partners including Axis, Bosch, Gallagher, Hanwha, Honeywell, i-PRO, ADI, Oprema, Zenitel and 2N before designing a system. AI anonymisation technology Martin McGrath, Sales Director for UK and Ireland at Milestone Systems, said: “The UK is a demanding market, and rightly so. Organisations increasingly expect their video systems to support business decisions as well as security needs, while continuing to adapt as their operations evolve. Our leading position across EMEA gives customers confidence that the platform they choose today will remain open, supported and continuously developed in the years ahead.” Milestone is also investing in the data foundations behind video AI through Project Hafnia, its regulatory-compliant video data library, and brighter AI anonymisation technology. Together, these initiatives are designed to give customers greater transparency into how AI models are trained.

As millions of people jet off for their summer holidays or make their way home, airports are under increased scrutiny. For many, their eagerly awaited trip begins and ends in the airport. Meeting passenger expectations with a seamless and secure journey from check-in to boarding is critical at a time when passenger numbers are rising, with almost 1.1 billion air passengers travelling through EU airports in 2025, an increase of 4.8% year-on-year. Increased complexity ahead But there are headwinds that airport leaders must navigate through. As critical infrastructure, airports are targets for malicious actors including insiders, cyber-attackers, terrorist groups, and more. Misuse of drone technology threatens the perimeter. Intruders may attempt access to restricted areas, including the airfield. Missing people, left luggage, theft, vandalism, and anti-social behaviour are other challenges that teams have to respond to. Moreover, the EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is adding pressure to border processing and queue management. Some airports are under pressure to increase capacity to meet future demand. Profitability and growth are other areas feeling the strain. European airports achieved a net profit of €11.8 billion in 2025, averaging just €4.5 per passenger. Leaders are being tasked with finding new efficiencies, diversifying income, attracting repeat passengers and driving more non-aeronautical revenue through retail, hospitality, car parking and advertising. Improving daily operations All of these challenges are interconnected. Accommodating more passengers, strengthening security and resilience in line with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requirements, and delivering a seamless experience all require airport teams to understand what is happening across the site in real time. Modern AI-powered video solutions provide that much-needed visibility. Helping leaders secure airports while improving daily operations and boosting the passenger experience. Traditionally, cameras have been used at airports to monitor sites, record incidents, and provide evidence after an event has occurred. AI-powered video changes this, enabling security teams to take a more proactive approach to securing airport sites, assets, and passengers, while also delivering insights to inform strategy and improve the passenger experience. Licence plate recognition For example, advanced video analytics can identify queues and alert operators, allowing them to open additional check-in desks and security screening areas, or redirect passengers to quieter areas. Maintenance, cleaning and staffing schedules can also be adjusted around busier periods. Outside the terminal, licence plate recognition and dwell-time analytics can support traffic management, helping teams respond to congestion and direct vehicles to available areas for rapid pick-up and drop-off. Increasingly complex threats As for security, comprehensive oversight of all areas, supported by continuous monitoring and automatic alerts for objects or events of interest, is critical. This is particularly important as airports contend with increasingly complex threats, from incursion by drones and terrorism to unauthorised access. Rather than relying solely on human operators to monitor numerous screens, AI video surveillance highlights the most critical events requiring human input. Proactive intelligence supports teams to intervene and respond to events requiring their attention quickly and with essential situational awareness using semantic and similarity search. For example, a missing child can be rapidly located with video footage searched based on what the child was wearing and where they were last seen. Similar footage can be brought up for investigation into their potential direction of travel. Detecting unusual behaviour AI-powered video can also detect unusual behaviour such as loitering, people or vehicles in unexpected locations or outside of opening hours, and stopped vehicles. In cargo and back-of-house environments, video analytics can identify events such as slips and falls and alert ground teams to respond. There is also a compliance benefit. Comprehensive event logs can help airports maintain clearer records of incidents and safety activity, supporting reporting and providing evidence that appropriate procedures are being followed. Post-event investigations AI-powered forensic search can speed up post-event investigations by allowing operators to search footage using visual characteristics and similar attributes. That could help investigate a security incident or establish what happened during an operational disruption. If an investigation is escalated, relevant footage can also be shared with law enforcement. AI-powered video is far more than a surveillance tool. It can support the wider business of running a safe, efficient and resilient airport, from managing passenger flows and protecting staff to responding to incidents and improving operational efficiency. As airports become more digitally connected, video can also work alongside other smart-airport technologies, from biometric boarding to automated baggage handling. Barcode-reading cameras, for example, can connect baggage and cargo identification data with video footage, helping operators locate items more quickly, investigate incidents and maintain a visual record of their journey through the airport. Personal protective equipment Video can also support both safety and operational efficiency in fleet maintenance areas. Analytics can help identify hazards such as Foreign Object Debris (FOD), monitor whether technicians are following safety procedures and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, and detect slips and falls. Thermal imaging can also flag unusual temperature changes in equipment, providing an early warning of potential failures or fires. Acting on these alerts quickly can help prevent incidents, reduce unplanned downtime and inform preventative maintenance decisions. Integrating AI-powered video with these technologies can create a more connected view across IT, physical security and operations, helping teams share information and make faster, better-informed decisions. Airports are an integral part of the global economy, with passenger numbers set to continue growing as more people take to the skies. Meeting the needs and expectations of the modern traveller will require intelligent systems that give airport teams the information they need to respond in real time, so passengers can get on with what they came to the airport for: starting their journey.

Zygal, Cloud AI Surveillance Platform, has appointed Jason Bezuidenhout as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), strengthening its leadership team as the company continues to expand its presence across international markets. Jason brings around two decades of experience in sales and business development, with a career spanning the rapidly evolving security technology landscape. His experience includes electronic surveillance, CCTV, cloud-connected security solutions, remote video monitoring and AI-driven security technologies, giving him a broad perspective on how technology is reshaping the way security is delivered. Autonomous security technologies Over the course of his career, Jason has worked across multiple territories and markets, with a particular focus on building distribution networks, partnerships and strategic alliances. His recent experience has been strongly focused on Remote Video Monitoring (RVM), with the North American market representing a significant part of his work over the past decade. Prior to joining Zygal, Jason held senior leadership positions with organisations such as Webeye and Robotic Assistance Devices. At Robotic Assistance Devices, he was involved in bringing AI and autonomous security technologies into monitoring centres and large-scale security operations. AI-enabled security operations Jason’s career has followed the evolution of the security industry from traditional CCTV and electronic surveillance towards remote monitoring, cloud-based platforms and AI-enabled security operations. His appointment comes at a time when organisations are increasingly looking to move beyond simply detecting security events towards faster verification, intelligent decision-making and coordinated response. Speaking about his approach to the industry, Jason said: “My approach has always been centred on understanding our clients’ businesses and challenges, and then helping them achieve their goals using the best technology available.” Commenting on the appointment, Sumanyu Vashistha, Founder & CEO, Zygal, said: “Jason brings a valuable combination of deep security industry experience, international market knowledge and a strong understanding of how technology can address real-world security challenges. His experience in building distribution networks, partnerships and alliances, particularly across the North American market, will be an important addition as we continue to strengthen our global presence. We are excited to have Jason join Zygal and look forward to the role he will play in accelerating our growth and taking our AI-powered security solutions to new markets.” Physical security operations As Chief Revenue Officer, Jason will focus on strengthening Zygal’s global commercial strategy, developing new markets and partnerships, and expanding the company’s reach among organisations looking to modernise their physical security operations. “Security technology is going through a significant transformation, and the opportunity is no longer simply about adding more technology to existing security systems,” said Jason. “It is about making security operations more intelligent, connected and responsive. I’m excited to be joining Zygal at this stage of its journey and to help take its technology to more organisations and markets globally.” With Zygal’s cloud-native platform bringing together video surveillance, AI-powered intelligence and security operations, Jason’s experience across RVM, technology partnerships and international business development will support the company’s next phase of growth.

ClanTect, as part of the 3DX-RAY Ltd portfolio, has secured a significant contract to supply six ClanTect Human Presence Detection systems to support state border security operations in Eurasia. The award represents the first major contract secured by ClanTect since becoming part of 3DX-Ray and marks another important milestone in the continued international deployment of advanced clandestine detection technology. Intrusive inspection procedures ClanTect HPDS is designed to provide a fast, highly accurate, non-intrusive system for detecting the presence of human beings concealed within vehicles, trucks and trailers. The system uses a proprietary vibration detection methodology that distinguishes between external environmental vibrations and movement generated from within a vehicle, enabling highly effective screening without intrusive inspection procedures. The latest version of the ClanTect HPDS incorporates wireless sensor technology that enables multiple vehicles to be screened simultaneously, significantly increasing throughput at border checkpoints, ports and other security-critical locations. Security-critical locations ClanTect systems are already deployed at high-security prisons and border crossings around the world, including operations supporting the UK Border Force and Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. The technology helps authorities detect clandestine entrants, fugitives, and other concealed persons hidden within commercial and private vehicles. Over the years, ClanTect systems have contributed to the detection of tens of thousands of clandestines and wanted individuals, helping border agencies strengthen security while improving operational efficiency and safeguarding human life. Non-intrusive screening Vincent Deery, Chief Executive Officer of 3DX-RAY Ltd, said: "This contract represents an important milestone for ClanTect within the 3DX-Ray family of products and a further endorsement of the operational effectiveness of the ClanTect human detection platform. Border agencies face the challenge of maintaining high levels of security while ensuring the efficient movement of legitimate trade and travellers. ClanTect HPDS is specifically designed to address that challenge, and we are pleased that we at 3DX-Ray are now able offer this vital capability, alongside our existing world class x-ray capability." "The award also demonstrates the continued confidence that border and security agencies place in proven, field-deployed technologies that provide fast, accurate and non-intrusive screening. We look forward to supporting the customer as these systems are deployed." Due to operational security considerations and customer requirements, no further details regarding the end user or deployment programme will be disclosed. See them in the ‘Counter Threat Pavilion’ at the International Security Expo, Olympia, 29-30 September 2026.

The eagerness to adopt AI in physical security is increasing as teams want to implement technology solutions for faster, smarter operations. At the same time, the conversations surrounding AI have changed. The focus now includes not only efficiency gains but also concerns about accountability and trust. According to the Genetec 2026 State of Physical Security report, AI ranked alongside access control and video surveillance as a key priority. However, approximately 40% of the over 7,000 physical security leaders surveyed expressed concern about how AI systems use their data. The potential for malicious purposes followed close behind at 36%. You may recognise this tension in your own organisation. There is an expectation that AI can help operations and an understanding that AI entails risks. Balancing the two includes careful deployment and policies. Higher stakes demand a higher standard AI can quickly spot the difference and elevate the event to the security team Most AI applications in physical security revolve around automation. Basic examples include triggering events, filtering and classifying alarms, and enabling faster searches across video and event data. These applications tackle the persistent security challenges of too much noise and too little context. AI takes on some of the lifting, cutting the false positives that overwhelm operators and adding context to the events that remain. For example, someone loitering near an entrance may not be a notable event. While someone loitering and trying door handles is a priority. AI can quickly spot the difference and elevate the event to the security team. From there, the human operator can confirm the issue and next steps. AI narrows the operator's focus rather than replacing their judgment. Higher standard of supervision While these uses improve operator efficiency, they need to be implemented responsibly. Irresponsible AI usage in physical security is more than a simple inconvenience. The outputs affect safety and security. AI applications within physical security demand a higher standard of supervision. This oversight is often referred to as “human in the loop,” but perhaps a better phrase is "expert in the loop." The person validating an output needs the knowledge to question it, contextualise it, and overrule it if needed. How to deploy responsible AI Deploying responsible AI starts by defining where AI can add value to your specific organisation Deploying responsible AI starts by defining where AI can add value to your specific organisation. AI works best as a tool with a defined job. What is the problem that needs to be solved? What challenges are holding back the team? Start by identifying the problems, then work backward to a solution. Otherwise, you may be implementing technology that doesn’t fully meet your needs. Next, define parameters around AI usage within your team. Document exactly what AI is permitted to do and not allowed to do within your operations. Information should include which use cases you've approved, what data the system can access, and how issues escalate. By defining these elements, your team has clear guidelines on when AI tools are part of your security procedures and for what purposes. Cross-functional monthly meetings Because AI can behave unpredictably, it’s good to prepare for when something does go wrong. Even a well-built model will eventually drift from its thresholds. This is where governance comes in. Governance is what keeps responsible AI holding up over time. It sets the review cycles that catch an issue before an incident does. Governance related to AI entails data privacy, liability, and regulation. Input from legal, compliance, cybersecurity, and IT teams is important. Getting these groups together starts with something as simple as cross-functional monthly meetings to review use cases and emerging challenges. Consider also working with other manufacturers, integrators, and end users across your ecosystem. In doing so, you create shared standards that make issues diagnosable. Responsible AI as a practice, not a project The goal is to protect individual rights and build trust without hampering technological advancement Responsible AI usage in security is not a box to check or a project to complete. It's an ongoing practice, especially as the compliance bar rises. As more AI security risks surface, governments are drafting legislation to regulate how organisations can develop and implement AI-enabled technology. The goal is to protect individual rights and build trust without hampering technological advancement. Identified risk category For example, the 2024 AI Act in the European Union (EU) sets obligations for various AI applications based on their identified risk category. These requirements include creating adequate risk assessments and mitigation practices, using high-quality training datasets to reduce bias, and sharing detailed documentation on models with governing authorities as needed. In the US, multiple states have implemented legislation on AI use, and national legislation has been discussed. Organisations can begin by implementing documented processes for guidelines and governance: Conduct risk assessments: Evaluate how automating a specific process may impact critical systems or safety protocols Identify non-critical applications: Start by implementing AI into processes that aren’t central to your most critical operations to curb major business disruptions Prioritise human-centred design: Ensure that AI applications always empower humans with the information they need to make the best decisions Design for explainability: Ensure AI decisions can be explained and traced, so the expert in the loop can question, verify, or overrule them when needed. Broaden data protection strategies: Apply cybersecurity measures and best practices to AI-enabled solutions, including regular audits and system updates Choose trusted vendors: Work with vendors who follow responsible AI principles, considering biases, data protection, and cybersecurity Core pillar of physical security The industry is slowly converging on shared standards for AI governance. This is good news for early adopters who wish to shape the industry rather than react to it. The potential applications of AI in security are exciting. But as this technology evolves, so do the risks. Strong governance builds trust, a core pillar of physical security. Responsible AI protects that trust and earns more of it. Start by defining your outcomes, building guardrails, and creating accountability structures to support your organisation’s responsible use of AI technology.

For years, innovation in physical security has focused on what systems can do: higher-resolution cameras, AI-driven analytics, smarter access control, and cloud-based management. But across deployments, from residential systems to enterprise campuses, a more fundamental issue continues to undermine performance: Connectivity. It is increasingly clear that the effectiveness of modern security systems is not limited by sensors or software, but by the reliability, reach, and architecture of the networks that connect them. As security systems evolve toward real-time detection, automated response, and distributed intelligence, connectivity is no longer a supporting layer. It is the foundation and, too often, the weakest link. When security design is constrained by connectivity In theory, security systems are designed to maximise visibility, coverage, and response time. In practice, they are often designed around the limitations of network infrastructure. Nowhere is this more visible than in video surveillance. Cameras are frequently positioned not where risk is highest, but where connectivity is available. Dead zones in garages, basements, or perimeter edges force compromises in placement, reducing the effectiveness of the system. In some real-world deployments, traditional Wi-Fi has been shown to fail at a meaningful percentage of intended installation points, particularly in challenging environments or at the edges of coverage. This creates a disconnect between security intent and system reality. Instead of enabling proactive deterrence, such as detecting activity at the perimeter, systems are often relegated to recording events after they occur. The same pattern appears in access control. Many deployments rely on fragmented connectivity stacks, combinations of wired links, proprietary wireless protocols, and gateways, each optimised for a specific constraint such as range or power. While functional, these architectures introduce complexity, increase deployment costs, and create additional points of failure. Over time, these workarounds have become normalised. But as systems scale and expectations rise, their limitations are becoming harder to ignore. The hidden cost of fragmentation The consequences of unreliable or overly complex connectivity extend beyond performance. They impact the entire lifecycle of a security system. Advanced security features need consistent, reliable connectivity—not just bandwidthFor integrators, poor connectivity can mean longer installation times, more troubleshooting, and increased reliance on workarounds such as mesh networks or additional infrastructure. For vendors, it can translate into higher product return rates, increased support costs, and reduced customer satisfaction. For end users, the impact is more direct: systems that fail to connect reliably are systems that fail to deliver security. This is particularly critical as security solutions move toward more advanced use cases, including real-time alerts, remote management, and edge-based analytics. These capabilities depend not just on bandwidth, but on consistent, predictable connectivity across the entire deployment environment. Why traditional approaches are reaching their limits The industry has historically relied on a mix of connectivity options, each with its own strengths and tradeoffs. Wired infrastructure, such as Ethernet and PoE, offers reliability and performance but comes with higher installation costs and limited flexibility, particularly in large or distributed environments. Conventional Wi-Fi provides high throughput and seamless integration with IP networks but is optimised for short-range indoor use, where walls, distance, and interference can quickly degrade performance. Low-Power Wide-Area Networks (LPWAN) and cellular solutions extend range and coverage but often sacrifice throughput, increase latency, or introduce recurring operational costs. To compensate, many systems combine multiple technologies—layering gateways, protocol translation, and mesh architectures to bridge gaps. While effective in the short term, this approach increases system complexity and reduces long-term scalability. A shift toward simpler, more unified architectures In response, the industry is beginning to rethink connectivity, not as a patchwork of solutions, but as a unified foundation for modern security systems. The goal is straightforward: deliver long-range, reliable, and secure connectivity without adding architectural complexity. An example of this shift: Extending Wi-Fi beyond traditional limits One example of this shift can be seen in emerging Wi-Fi technologies designed specifically for long-range, low-power environments. Rather than replacing existing wireless approaches, these solutions aim to extend the familiar Wi-Fi model into new deployment scenarios where traditional networks struggle. Wi-Fi HaLow, based on the IEEE 802.11ah standard, is one such approach. Operating in sub-GHz spectrum, it enables significantly greater range and signal penetration compared to conventional 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz Wi-Fi, while maintaining native IP networking and established security frameworks. Wi-Fi trends reduce fragmentation and support data-heavy security systemsIn practical terms, this allows security devices, such as cameras and access control systems, to connect reliably across large properties, multi-building campuses, and outdoor environments without requiring dense access-point deployments or complex mesh configurations. It also supports higher data rates than many low-power wide-area technologies, enabling capabilities such as over-the-air updates, diagnostics, and increasingly, edge-based intelligence. At the same time, no single connectivity approach is universally optimal. Cellular remains essential for mobility, while LPWAN technologies continue to serve ultra-low-power sensing applications. Emerging Wi-Fi-based approaches highlight a broader industry direction: reducing fragmentation while supporting more demanding, data-rich security systems. From coverage to deterrence: A new security model One of the most significant implications of improved connectivity is the ability to rethink how security systems are deployed in the first place. Historically, limitations in wireless performance have pushed devices inward, closer to access points, inside buildings, and away from the perimeter. As a result, many systems are optimised for detection after the fact, rather than prevention at the edge. With more reliable long-range connectivity, this model begins to shift. Cameras and sensors can be placed where they are most effective—at entry points, along property boundaries, and in previously hard-to-reach areas. Combined with edge-based analytics, this enables earlier detection, faster response, and more effective deterrence. In this context, connectivity is not just an enabler of performance, it is a driver of fundamentally different security outcomes. Designing for the next generation of security systems As the industry moves forward, organisations deploying security systems should reassess how connectivity is factored into system design. Several principles are emerging: Prioritise reliability over peak performance Design for the perimeter, not just the interior Reduce architectural complexity Validate real-world performance, not just lab specifications The next wave of innovation in security will not be defined solely by smarter devices or more advanced analytics. It will be defined by whether those systems can connect, reliably, consistently, and at scale. Connectivity has long been treated as an invisible layer in security architecture. Today, it is becoming clear that it deserves far greater attention. As the industry rethinks its approach, one thing is certain: solving the connectivity challenge is not just a technical upgrade. It is a prerequisite for delivering on the full promise of modern security systems.

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.

Combining VIVOTEK’s branded video security business with March Networks paves the way for the combined brands to meet customers’ increasing appetite for integrated solutions rather than individual components. The merger brings VIVOTEK's branded video security business together under one operating structure with March Networks’ enterprise-grade video surveillance, AI analytics, and cloud-managed security solutions. Customers now have access to a broader, more integrated portfolio spanning enterprise video management, advanced cameras, edge artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, recording platforms, and business intelligence, says Net Payne, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at March Networks and VIVOTEK. Distinct product strategies Given the combined companies, product development, sales, marketing, and customer support can move in step rather than in parallel. March Networks and VIVOTEK were already both part of the Delta Electronics family, but they previously operated as separate businesses with distinct product strategies, teams, and routes to market. March Networks and VIVOTEK announced the merger of their branded video security businesses last spring following Delta Electronics' acquisition of remaining VIVOTEK shares. “Aligning our complementary capabilities lets us innovate faster, simplify engagement, and respond more quickly to a market moving toward AI, cloud and intelligent video,” says Payne. This merger reflects a broader shift across the physical security industry, adds Payne. “Customers no longer see video purely as a tool for reviewing incidents after the fact,” he says. “They expect it to help identify risks earlier, simplify investigations, improve operations, and support better decisions across the organisation.” Cloud video management Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems Meeting customer expectations requires more than bolting AI features onto existing systems. Rather, it requires cameras, edge intelligence, recording, software, cloud services, and business data working together as one coordinated platform. “By bringing March Networks and VIVOTEK together, we combine deep expertise across the full video technology stack while preserving the relationships, sector knowledge and customer focus both companies have built over many years,” says Payne. “Our goal is to make intelligent video more integrated, scalable, and practical for customers and partners worldwide.” Both entities bring strengths to the combined companies. March Networks brings experience in enterprise software, cloud video management and large-scale deployments; while VIVOTEK brings strength in imaging, camera technology and edge intelligence. Together they seek to ensure more choice when designing systems, a clearer path for future expansion, and technologies that work together more effectively without compromising the reliability, cybersecurity, and support customers expect from both companies. Advantages for channel partners Channel partners gain a broader portfolio to address a wider range of customer requirements, combining components as each deployment demands. Channel partners also benefit from expanded geographic reach, deeper technical expertise, and greater investment in training and enablement. “Importantly, this is designed to be a seamless transition,” says Payne. “Partners keep working with the teams and relationships they already know, while gaining access to new capabilities and certification opportunities. Over time, that alignment should make it easier to design, deploy and support complete solutions.” Because they are established and respected brands, March Networks and VIVOTEK branding will continue to be used. Rebranding is not a goal, and neither identity is being replaced by the other. Coordinated decision-making “The immediate priority is organisational alignment by making it easier for customers and partners to benefit from the combined portfolio,” says Payne. Product branding will continue to reflect the relevant portfolio and market context. As product roadmaps become more closely coordinated, customers can expect greater interoperability and a more cohesive experience, says Payne. Any future branding changes will be managed carefully and communicated clearly. Combining the businesses reduces duplication and enables coordinated decision-making across product strategy, engineering, sales, marketing, operations, and customer support. “Instead of developing capabilities independently, teams can share their expertise, align roadmaps, and direct investment to where it has the greatest customer impact,” says Payne. Combining specialised knowledge globally The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries The combined organisation includes more than 300 research and development (R&D) engineers across four Centres of Excellence in Canada, Taiwan, Italy and Poland, thus bringing together a substantial base of specialist knowledge. The unified network also sharpens the ability to prioritise global opportunities, respond to regional needs and bring innovations to market faster. The combined organisation operates across six continents and more than 75 countries, supported by more than 1,100 certified channel partners. That footprint provides greater capacity to support multinational customers while staying responsive to local market needs. Looking ahead, future growth will increasingly come from helping customers turn video into useful, actionable intelligence. “The market is moving beyond conventional surveillance toward solutions combining AI, cloud services, edge processing, video management and operational data — and our new structure brings these together as one connected solution rather than several isolated technologies,” says Payne. Broader technical expertise There will also be closer collaboration among specialists in imaging, hardware, software, analytics, and cloud, which is important given how much customer infrastructure, regulatory, and deployment requirements vary. The companies can support cloud, hybrid, and on-premise environments, giving organisations a practical path toward more intelligent video. More choice comes from bringing together complementary technologies across product groups. Greater scale is achieved through a larger engineering organisation, broader technical expertise and more capacity to invest in innovation. Challenges for the industry at large Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI Looking to the future for the industry at large, the greatest challenge will be managing the rapid growth of AI responsibly, securely and at scale, says Payne. Video systems will generate more data and automate more decisions, but organisations must be able to trust how that intelligence is created, protected, and applied, he adds. “Cybersecurity, privacy, data sovereignty, system interoperability and AI accuracy are more important than ever,” says Payne. Addressing these elements requires expertise across the entire technology stack: from camera and edge processing to recording, cloud infrastructure, video management and analytics. “Together, March Networks and VIVOTEK can coordinate development across all these layers, giving customers flexible architectures that balance innovation with security, transparency and operational control,” says Payne.

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.

Across the Netherlands, housing corporations are under increasing pressure to maintain safe, secure and sustainable living environments while managing large and diverse property portfolios. Rising expectations around resident wellbeing, operational efficiency and asset protection are driving the need for smarter, more scalable technologies. Hef Wonen, a Rotterdam-based housing association managing more than 30,000 rental homes, commercial properties, parking facilities and residential care complexes, is committed to creating affordable, high-quality housing and vibrant neighbourhoods for its residents. As part of this mission, the organisation sought to modernise its surveillance infrastructure to improve security, streamline operations and support its long-term sustainability goals. Video surveillance solution To address these challenges, Hef Wonen partnered with Hanwha Vision and system integrator Alphatron Security to deploy a scalable, future-ready video surveillance solution designed to enhance operator efficiency, accelerate response times and provide a foundation for future innovation. To deliver a superior resident experience and ensure safety and security, the leadership team at Hef Wonen realised that they needed to integrate all of their video surveillance into a single platform. Motion detection alerts The team turned to system integrator Alphatron Security, which had previously worked effectively with Hanwha Vision on other distributed sites. Hanwha Vision was an obvious choice given its track record of success, the range of cameras and other devices that could support Hef Wonen’s needs, and its open WAVE VMS that integrated with the housing corporation’s systems to bring every information source into a single place. Hanwha Vision’s extensive product range meant Hef Wonen could choose from many different cameras that aligned with the team’s needs and budget. Across 200 Hef Wonen residential sites, over 2,000 QNV-6082R and ANV-L6082R cameras have been installed. The QNV-6082R 2MP Network Dome Camera provides 24/7 oversight with a 30m infrared viewable length. Hallway view allows operators to monitor narrow areas such as corridors or walkways. Motion detection alerts operators to movement so they can investigate further, and tampering and defocus detection means the team can respond quickly to any events that may prevent footage from being captured. Multiple device integrations The ANV-L6082R 2MP outdoor dome camera ensures operators can effectively monitor outdoor areas across the site, including entrances/exits, storage areas, and bin stores. The ANV-L6082R is a robust IP66- and IK10-rated device that can withstand inclement weather and detect tampering. It comes with WiseStream II support, which delivers high-quality video footage at a lower bandwidth, helping to reduce storage costs. These cameras are supported by the Wisenet WAVE VMS, a versatile video management system that supports AI-powered video analytics and multiple device integrations through its open SDK/API. Operators can run the WAVE VMS on desktop and mobile devices, allowing them to keep updated with events while on ground patrol or working remotely. The system is fully GDPR compliant. The consolidated video surveillance system provides operators with an intuitive way to proactively monitor vital parts of the system over 200 sites, remotely. This has improved team efficiency and resident safety, while providing a future-proofed, open system that can scale and add new functionality as needed.

Milestone Systems, a provider of open platform video management software (VMS), is helping Columbia Borough, Pennsylvania, strengthen public safety through a community-wide video security system built on Milestone XProtect® VMS. For more than 16 years, Columbia has worked with Lancaster-area security integrator App-Techs to develop and expand a distributed wireless video network serving its downtown, public buildings, parks, and other borough facilities. Today, the system supports roughly 83 camera feeds, including 4K multi-lens and PTZ cameras, primarily from iPro. Traditional wired infrastructure Located along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Columbia is a historic borough of roughly 10,000 residents. As the community worked to revitalise its downtown and attract new businesses, borough leaders wanted safety and security to support that broader effort. Traditional wired infrastructure was impractical across Columbia’s geographically varied environment, requiring App-Techs to engineer a distributed wireless architecture. XProtect provides the video management foundation, with dedicated servers located in the municipal building and a remote park office. Officers can also access live camera feeds from laptops in patrol vehicles, while mobile access extends video to personnel during community events. Immediately dispatched officers Columbia’s dispatchers are the primary day-to-day operators of XProtect, monitoring cameras, and supporting officers in the field. In one incident, a dispatcher spotted someone breaking into a vending machine outside a laundromat and immediately dispatched officers. “Our staff member observed someone breaking into a vending machine just outside that building and was able to dispatch officers to the scene,” said Jack Brommer, Columbia Borough Police Department Chief. “Officers apprehended the individual, and it turns out this was a serial thief who had been breaking into vending machines across the tri-county area. So that single arrest helped resolve a number of thefts across multiple counties. That’s just the kind of impact this technology can have on a community.” Large community events The system also supports holding cells and interview rooms inside the police station, where microphones are integrated with cameras, as well as large community events. During Columbia’s annual “Thunder on the River” antique car show, Emergency Management personnel used the community camera network to support proactive monitoring and rapid response across the event. Over time, Columbia’s video system has supported faster incident response, stronger evidence for prosecution and greater situational awareness for dispatchers and police officers. Borough leaders also use signage in parks and public areas to make camera coverage visible as a deterrent. Gunshot-detection technologies “The data that I can point to is that we are trending downward, probably for the last five, six years, as far as call volume and crime trends. Those numbers have been very positive,” added Brommer. Looking ahead, Columbia plans to expand its use of video analytics, including object-search capabilities that can help investigators filter video by vehicle type, colour, and other attributes. The borough is also exploring emerging gunshot-detection technologies to further improve situational awareness.

Genetec Inc, the pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces Cairo Bank has successfully deployed the Genetec Security Center platform transforming how the financial institution monitors, manages, and optimises operations across one of Egypt’s largest branch networks. Cairo Bank is one of the largest and oldest financial institutions in Egypt, serving over three million customers through more than 230 branches. The security advancement was driven by new regulatory requirements from the Central Bank of Egypt, alongside Cairo Bank’s broader digital transformation agenda aligned with Egypt Vision 2030. Beyond compliance, the bank needed a scalable operational intelligence foundation to strengthen oversight, improve customer experience, and support long-term expansion and financial inclusion. Necessary operational foundation The implementation unifies video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a single platform, allowing operators to centrally manage more than 6,000 cameras across 122 active branches, with deployment across the full network nearing completion. The platform provides the necessary operational foundation for a centralised Command and Control Room, where operators can monitor branch activity, coordinate response, and support decision-making across the institution. The system also separates operational responsibilities. IT and security teams can monitor device health and system status without accessing sensitive video feeds, supporting strict data governance and privacy requirements. “Unification and scalability were just the starting points. From day one, I knew we wanted functionalities that add value to all aspects of our operations. Security Center delivered everything we wanted in one easy-to-use solution,” said Major General Hesham Tawfiq, Head of Security at Cairo Bank. Enhancing operational consistency Beyond traditional surveillance, the platform introduces automation and analytics capabilities that support both security and operational decision-making across its branch network. These capabilities are now embedded across the entire branch network, helping Cairo Bank strengthen compliance reporting, improve risk detection, and enhance operational consistency at scale. The platform also provides insights into branch activity patterns, customer flow, and operational trends, extending the value of security data beyond incident monitoring while keeping governance and operational control central to the deployment. Existing infrastructure investments Security Center’s open architecture allowed Cairo Bank to integrate best-of-breed hardware while preserving existing infrastructure investments. It also enables the bank to add technologies and expand the deployment over time without standardising on a single hardware provider. “We are honoured to work with a forward-thinking institution like Cairo Bank that continuously seeks new ways to leverage technology,” said Firas Jadalla, Regional Director, Middle East & Africa at Genetec Inc. “By unifying systems, the bank is building a consistent operational foundation for its branch network, allowing it to respond to changing regulatory and operational requirements while retaining control over how its environment evolves.” Providing technical support Integrated Technics, the systems integrator responsible for delivering the project, led the proof of concept, system design and implementation. The company continues to provide technical support and system optimisation as the deployment expands. “The Command and Control Room gives Cairo Bank a real-time operational hub built on Security Center, bringing video surveillance, access control and intrusion detection into a single interface. This enables operators to monitor activity across the branch network, coordinate responses and make faster, more informed decisions,” said Walid Alagamy, CEO of Integrated Technics.

Introduction - Lightkeepers of Henry County is a grassroots nonprofit organisation based in New Castle, Indiana. It began informally in 2020 with a community vigil, where organisers realised that local residents wanted more activities centred on culture, diversity, and understanding. Lightkeepers became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 2023 and soon afterward acquired its own building. Guided by its core values of equity, education, diversity, and empathy, Lightkeepers aims to provide a safe place where everyone in the community feels appreciated and has a sense of belonging. Its programs focus on marginalised communities, including low-income residents, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQIA+ community. The organisation hosted the first Juneteenth celebration in Henry County, organises New Castle Pride, and runs food and blanket drives, festivals, and community meetings. Following historic flooding in the area, it is also hosting home damage assessments for affected residents. Limited police patrols The challenge - Lightkeepers is based in the former Westminster Community Center, a two-story cement building that has long been a staple of the neighbourhood. Over the years, it has served as an elementary school, a community center with after-school programs and classrooms, and most recently a food pantry. The building includes a large gym, several ground-floor rooms, an upstairs kitchen, classroom area, and offices, and an attached garage. Before Lightkeepers took it over, the building had been largely vacant, opening for only a few hours, two days a week, for food distribution. It is located in a low-income area with limited police patrols, and the parking lot was so poorly lit that the team repaired the light themselves. A city park directly behind the building had become a meeting place for illegal and unsafe activity. Limited police patrols Today, the building is in use throughout the day. With no set opening hours, it hosts fundraisers, community meetings, training sessions, birthday parties, and baby showers, with anywhere from four to more than 120 people inside at any one time. Festivals and other events also take place in the parking lot. During summer 2026, Lightkeepers partnered with fellow nonprofit Live Coalition to run the Hangout Hub, a weekday program offering activities and free meals for children aged 10 and over. Lightkeepers needed a way to protect the building and its contents, and to keep children and visitors safe while they were on-site. Board members, who often come and go outside of normal hours, needed to see what was happening in the building and parking lot before arriving or leaving. As an older building with boiler heating, the property was also at risk from problems that could go unnoticed when nobody was there. “After we acquired the building, we knew that we would need to be able to watch what we had, because of the neighbourhood it’s in. We definitely needed some sort of security, and we wanted safety for the kids in the gym,” says Mary Nicholson Tait, President, Lightkeepers of Henry County. Monitored intrusion detection The solution -Lightkeepers worked with 3xLOGIC and SONITROL to install video surveillance and monitored intrusion detection across the building, parking lot, and perimeter. The system was completed in 2024. A mix of 3xLOGIC indoor and outdoor cameras watches the building inside and out. A 360-degree camera mounted in the center of the gym ceiling gives full visibility of the space, while a camera in the entrance lobby covers the main entry point. Outside, cameras cover each side of the building, including edge-based deep learning cameras that, if required, can detect people and vehicles and identify details such as vehicle make, model, and colour. Deep learning analytics A 3xLOGIC VISIX 5MP InterACT camera on the front of the building overlooks the parking lot. The camera combines high-quality video with edge-based deep learning analytics and built-in deterrence features, including sirens, white or red and blue lights, two-way audio for talk-down, and custom messaging. Its analytics can detect loitering, intrusion, and vehicles in prohibited areas, with real-time alerts allowing potential incidents to be addressed early. SONITROL’s patented audio intrusion sensors inside the building provide 24/7 monitored intrusion detection. When a sensor is triggered, SONITROL operators can listen in to verify activity and dispatch police when required. Allowing potential incidents Mary can view live footage remotely using the 3xLOGIC mobile app on her phone and access the cameras from a desktop workstation in her office at the building. The SONITROL app, meanwhile, may be used on-site to arm and disarm the alarm system. “I’ve got the desktop set up in my office at the building, so if we have activities in the gym, we don’t have to go down and see what’s going on. We can just click on the camera and see what’s happening,” explains Mary. Monitored intrusion detection Results gained - Since installation, Lightkeepers can see what’s going on at the building from anywhere. Mary regularly uses the mobile app to keep an eye on the parking lot, and because the team does not keep regular business hours, board members can check the cameras before heading out to their cars at night. “We’ve got a lot of women on our board, and we’re over there at all hours. It’s nice for everybody to be able to see what they’re about to walk into before they leave the building,” says Mary. Late one Sunday night, an intruder forced their way in through the gym door. SONITROL’s monitored intrusion detection picked up the activity, operators called Mary, and police were dispatched. Officers were at the building before Mary, who lives five minutes away, could get there. The intruder fled without taking anything. Low winter temperatures In another incident, during unusually low winter temperatures, copper pipes in the building burst. SONITROL’s sensors detected the noise and alerted the team, and Mary checked the lobby camera on the 3xLOGIC mobile app, where she saw water coming out of the room. This meant the team could get someone to the building quickly and limit the damage. No repainting or structural repairs were needed, and no fittings needed to be thrown away. “Had it not been for the security system, we would not have known about the flooding. I was able to look from my app and see there was water, and we were able to get over there and take care of the problem. It saved us a lot of money in repairs and made a huge difference,” explains Mary. Deter nuisance activity The cameras, the repaired light, and the extra activity on-site have helped deter nuisance activity in the wider area, so the park behind the building is now somewhere local children can play. Residents across the street have welcomed the cameras, reporting fewer people coming into their yards and a decrease in illegal activity. “We were afraid they were going to be so mad at us because there were cameras over here. It was completely the opposite. The neighbours were really happy that they could see the cameras, because it provided safety for their properties. They actually thanked us,” Mary concludes. Additional camera coverage Future plans - Lightkeepers is preparing to partner with the Boys and Girls Club to deliver after-school programs from the building, to bring more young people on-site regularly. The organisation is also working with its integrator to assess additional camera coverage and to make full use of the InterACT camera’s siren, talk-down, and custom alarm features to actively deter unwanted activity in the parking lot.

Milestone Systems, a provider of open platform video management software (VMS), is helping Columbia Borough, Pennsylvania, strengthen public safety through a community-wide video security system built on Milestone XProtect® VMS. For more than 16 years, Columbia has worked with Lancaster-area security integrator App-Techs to develop and expand a distributed wireless video network serving its downtown, public buildings, parks, and other borough facilities. Today, the system supports roughly 83 camera feeds, including 4K multi-lens and PTZ cameras, primarily from iPro. Distributed wireless architecture Located along the Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Columbia is a historic borough of roughly 10,000 residents. As the community worked to revitalise its downtown and attract new businesses, borough leaders wanted safety and security to support that broader effort. Traditional wired infrastructure was impractical across Columbia’s geographically varied environment, requiring App-Techs to engineer a distributed wireless architecture. XProtect provides the video management foundation, with dedicated servers located in the municipal building and a remote park office. Officers can also access live camera feeds from laptops in patrol vehicles, while mobile access extends video to personnel during community events. Immediately dispatched officers Columbia’s dispatchers are the primary day-to-day operators of XProtect, monitoring cameras, and supporting officers in the field. In one incident, a dispatcher spotted someone breaking into a vending machine outside a laundromat and immediately dispatched officers. “Our staff member observed someone breaking into a vending machine just outside that building and was able to dispatch officers to the scene,” said Jack Brommer, Columbia Borough Police Department Chief. “Officers apprehended the individual, and it turns out this was a serial thief who had been breaking into vending machines across the tri-county area. So that single arrest helped resolve a number of thefts across multiple counties. That’s just the kind of impact this technology can have on a community.” The system also supports holding cells and interview rooms inside the police station, where microphones are integrated with cameras, as well as large community events. During Columbia’s annual “Thunder on the River” antique car show, Emergency Management personnel used the community camera network to support proactive monitoring and rapid response across the event. Gunshot-detection technologies Over time, Columbia’s video system has supported faster incident response, stronger evidence for prosecution and greater situational awareness for dispatchers and police officers. Borough leaders also use signage in parks and public areas to make camera coverage visible as a deterrent. “The data that I can point to is that we are trending downward, probably for the last five, six years, as far as call volume and crime trends. Those numbers have been very positive,” added Brommer. Looking ahead, Columbia plans to expand its use of video analytics, including object-search capabilities that can help investigators filter video by vehicle type, colour, and other attributes. The borough is also exploring emerging gunshot-detection technologies to further improve situational awareness.

In a sector where budgets are always a focus of attention, delivering concrete returns to every investment is crucial. By digitalising access, healthcare premises – whether large hospitals or small clinics – can benefit from day one. They can improve staff and patient safety; quickly implement more efficient, time-saving workflows; and painlessly meet compliance demands. Healthcare sites always present complex access challenges. They must be welcoming, accessible public spaces. They often occupy large, sprawling areas; unfamiliar faces and first-time visitors are around every single day. At the same time, these premises inevitably have valuable and/or sensitive assets, including confidential data and medicines, which must be secured. Patients, doctors, nurses and support staff must feel safe. In labs and treatment suites, restricted materials and valuable equipment need both security and a compliant system for logging every access event. This has always been healthcare’s ‘business-as-usual’: it is a complex environment for any security manager. Meeting compliance demands Modern hospitals and clinics, however, now face an extra level of challenges – and opportunities. Their access system may benefit from integration with fire detection, CCTV and other building solutions, for example. With so many temporary and contract workers employed on-site, access is in constant motion. It needs to be tailored to specific and very different needs and, equally, revoked when any time-limited tasks are complete. In case of a security breach, rapid investigation is essential. Tracing and logging access to specific areas may also be a legal requirement, especially with new NIS2 regulations introduced for critical infrastructure, which demand proactive “hybrid” cyber/physical security frameworks for many healthcare premises. Relying on manual or siloed systems to complete these tasks could eat up hours or even days for security and even medical staff. Happily, there is a better way to work. Digital access devices The solution is access digitalisation. Digital access devices and credentials help to keep every hospital user safe. Unauthorised access is minimised because unapproved key copies rarely circulate and lost credentials are cancelled with a click. Employees and equipment are safer because more access points may be digitally secured. Issuing contractors and temporary staff with digital or even mobile credentials can further simplify the granting, amending and revoking of site access. Security teams waste less time handing out and collecting keys. Intelligent, intuitive software helps facilities managers stay in control even while they are off-site. Logging access to specific assets or areas becomes quick and simple: a few clicks rather than the laborious process of keeping manual logs up to date. “Access is such an important part of any holistic approach to safety,” says David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access immediately puts powerful tools in the hands of hospital management, delivering tangible daily benefits to meet security challenges head-on, improving efficiency and regulatory compliance at the same time.” Implementing digital access “There’s now a device to extend existing systems with digital control at almost any access point, whatever building solution is in place. Alternatively, we can equip customers with whole solutions to implement digital access from scratch, without invasive installation. So many efficiency and security benefits are within reach.” Below are three of many real-life examples which illustrate the ways healthcare premises have benefited from digital access beyond the most obvious security and safety aspects. By choosing ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® wireless locks, integrated natively with an ARD access management solution, Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) could issue access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors and implement real-time control, helping to boost site safety. Because Aperio locks are wireless, the hospital introduced more layers of security without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Access point functionality at CHMS now includes real-time management logs and remote door opening. Real-time management logs For convenience, staff now carry one credential programmed with their individual tailored permissions. “Having just a single badge, and not having to carry around heavy keys, has been a major advantage for us,” explains Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Aperio and ARD maintain compatibility of credentials with the French government’s electronic Health Professional Card (CPS), for added staff and management convenience. Personalised access permissions Hospital MAZ, in Zaragoza, also implemented a new ASSA ABLOY digital solution, SMARTair®, with real-time access functionality. Their online wireless access management system saves security managers’ time because they can implement all changes via the central system in real time, without needing to waste time walking through the hospital. Staff convenience is further enhanced: they now carry a smartcard programmed with their personalised access permissions. Custom-made cards double as employee IDs, so 625 staff and approximately 100 contractors only need to carry one. Their ASSA ABLOY system is also mobile access ready, making it easy for the hospital to issue and manage mobile keys in the future without hardware changes. “Digitalisation presents opportunities for healthcare organisations of every size and type to improve security while they also reduce costs ‘hidden’ in daily workflows,” explains David Moser. Convenient secure access Managing physical keys can impact nursing care, as pharmacy managers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham discovered. An older, mechanical system made it difficult for them to keep track of who held the right key. Searching for that person wasted time. They identified a better solution for convenient secure access to controlled medicines: programmable keys. With their CLIQ programmable key access solution, power to digital and electromechanical locks is supplied by a standard battery inside every key, so no wires are required – making it an ideal retrofit solution for hospital doors, cabinets and mobile drug trolleys. Audit trails for locks and padlocks are available on demand: nurse managers can quickly see who has accessed cabinets or drug trolleys. Key access solution “The message from all nursing staff is that patients are getting medicines much easier and in a more timely fashion,” says Inderjit Singh, Chief Pharmacist at QE Birmingham. “For us, the key return on investment is the quality of service we’re providing.” “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to get their access ready for what’s ahead,” adds David Moser. “With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”

Adequate video surveillance coverage depends entirely on a facility's layout, square footage, and security goals. Historically, better coverage required more cameras, but technology innovations are changing those expectations and undermining previously held rules of thumb. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Do today's video systems generally require more cameras or fewer cameras, and why?

Access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection systems evolved largely independently in the physical security industry. Integrating those systems to the benefit of an enterprise's overall security has traditionally fallen on security integrators working in cooperation with manufacturers. However, today's market has also evolved to include companies that provide "unified platforms,” bringing together various disparate security systems and functions under a single, centralised management interface. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the advantages of installing physical security systems as a unified platform?

The role of audio in physical security is multifaceted and increasingly vital, offering a layer of intelligence and interaction that access control and/or video surveillance alone cannot provide. Sounds provide crucial context to visual events. For instance, someone running might appear suspicious on video, but audio could reveal they are shouting for help, changing the interpretation entirely. Even so, historically speaking, audio has been an underused component in physical security. How is the situation changing? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Is audio an underused component in today’s physical security systems? What obstacles are keeping audio from expanding?