Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

When most people think of bollards, they imagine the simple posts placed in urban environments to block vehicles from certain areas. But bollards are more than just visual barriers; they are sophisticated, scientifically designed structures designed to absorb and distribute intense forces. Learn how bollards work to keep people and property safe. A bollard is designed to stop, deflect, or redirect force, ensuring that any impact with a vehicle is safely absorbed and distributed. The forces bollards must withstand are quite intense. They are designed to handle thousands or even tens of thousands of pounds of pressure. Bollards are commonly used at: City streets Airports Private properties Government buildings Public spaces Bollards are a reliable solution in high-traffic areas where vehicle access needs to be controlled, while still allowing pedestrians to pass freely. What are bollards usually made of? Bollards are made from various materials, each designed to handle different levels of impact and provide specific benefits. Steel: Steel bollards are widely used due to their high strength and capacity to absorb substantial impacts. Concrete: Concrete bollards are known for their mass and durability. They are effective in high-traffic areas but are less flexible than steel, which means they may crack under certain circumstances. Plastic/Composite Materials: These bollards are lighter and flexible, often used in areas where high impact resistance is not critical, such as parking lots or pedestrian zones. Each material has its pros and cons. The type of bollard chosen depends on how much protection is needed and the desired look for the area. What are the main components of a bollard? While a bollard might appear to be a simple post, its structure is carefully engineered to absorb impact and resist stress. Here are the key components of a bollard: Foundation/Base: The foundation of a bollard is the most crucial aspect of its design. It is typically embedded deep into the ground, ensuring that the bollard can withstand significant impacts without being dislodged. Body: The shaft is the primary visible structure of the bollard and is the point of contact for most crashes. It must be designed to handle and distribute the impact force, preventing it from transferring to the surrounding area. Head/Cap: The top part of the bollard, often referred to as the head or cap, serves to protect the bollard from the elements, improve its aesthetics, and ensure it is easily visible to pedestrians and drivers. These components work together to help the bollard withstand strong forces, ensuring it stays durable and effective in protecting important areas. Will a bollard stop a car? Bollards are designed to stop or slow down vehicles in high-impact situations. How well a bollard works depends on its material, design, and installation. Bollards made of strong steel or reinforced concrete can absorb and spread the force of a moving vehicle and stop it from entering protected areas. Bollard statistics show how well these materials actually perform in real-life tests, proving they can handle strong impacts from cars and provide reliable protection. How are bollards tested to ensure safety? Bollards are extensively tested to make sure they work as intended in real-life situations. These tests help engineers see how well bollards can handle different impacts and ensure they are strong enough to protect people and property. Crash Tests - Bollards undergo rigorous crash tests to evaluate their ability to withstand high-impact collisions. Vehicles of varying weights and speeds are driven directly into the bollard to simulate real-world scenarios, allowing engineers to assess how much kinetic energy the bollard can absorb without failure. Impact Resistance Assessments - Engineers perform impact resistance assessments to simulate a range of impact conditions, including direct hits and angled impacts, which help engineers understand how the bollard will behave under various stress angles. This process ensures the bollard’s structural integrity and effectiveness, even when subjected to non-perpendicular forces. How bollards work to protect the property Bollards are a valuable tool for enhancing the security of properties and public spaces. Whether users are protecting pedestrians, infrastructure, or private property, bollards are an important part of modern security measures. Understanding how bollards work is key to selecting the right solution for users needs. At Delta Scientific, they offer a wide range of high-security bollard solutions designed to withstand extreme impact forces while maintaining functionality. Their bollards are rigorously tested for durability and safety, ensuring the highest quality for the security needs. Explore the high-security bollards to find the right fit for user needs. Their expert team is here to help users choose the right bollard system for the specific requirements.

People can gain unauthorised entry to secure locations using several methods. Tailgating attacks are one example. They depend on general complacency or the kindness of people and exploit system weaknesses to access restricted areas. Learn what a tailgating attack is, what one looks like in real life, and how to keep yourself from becoming a victim. What is a tailgating attack​? A piggyback attack occurs when one person or vehicle accesses an area immediately after another. They rely on the authorised person opening a gate, holding a door, or bypassing security measures. In some cases, a person pretends to be someone they are not, such as a delivery driver, to get into a building. Tailgating attacks can easily circumvent many modern security protocols. For example, campus security systems often rely on biometrics to access dorm rooms, but an attacker who poses as a DoorDash driver will seem relatively harmless to the students who let him in.   Types of piggyback attacks Many tailgating attacks are physical security breaches where an individual enters a building, parking area, or other restricted location. However, this is not the only type. Take a minute to learn the different types of piggyback attacks and what they could look like. Physical attacks occur when someone gains unauthorised access to a secure area. These attacks often go unnoticed because they happen in plain sight and rely on the benevolence of other people. Cyber attacks can also happen. These allow a person to access restricted computer systems or sensitive data. They can happen when an authorised user leaves a session open and steps away from a workstation, by exploiting system weaknesses, installing malware, or through coercion. What is an example of a tailgating attack? Take a look at some examples of security breaches using this method to understand how they look in real life. An attacker waits near the entrance to a secure building. When an employee scans his badge to enter a building, he then holds the door for the person behind him. The attacker enters the building and accesses sensitive information. Someone poses as a courier. They approach and state they are making a delivery to a specific department. Security lets them through the main gate, providing access to the entire facility. An employee clicks a link in an unidentified email, allowing an attacker to install malware on their computer. The attacker steals tokens and uses them to act as the employee for the remainder of the session. These scenarios all assume an unknowing victim. However, in some situations, an employee may intentionally walk away from an open laptop or leave a door unlatched to allow access. How to prevent a tailgating attack Knowing the meaning of a tailgating attack is just the first step in preventing them. Users must take steps to educate employees, increase security protocols, and install devices that reduce the risk of this type of security breach. Employee training is a key component to preventing piggyback attacks, especially when it comes to cyber attacks. General guidelines for employees include: Designating a specific place for food or general deliveries that is outside of secure areas Marking suspicious emails as spam and reporting them to IT Never allowing another person through a door with you Remaining aware of surroundings when entering and exiting secure areas Using multifactor authentication and timed work sessions Remember, these attacks take advantage of kindness and complacency. When one trains employees to be alert to threats, they can stop a large portion of them. Implementing best security practices for data centers and other vulnerable locations can help prevent many of these situations. For example, monitored security cameras detect unauthorised users at terminals. Limiting physical access Segmenting access so that no one person has access to the entire system or all physical areas of the plant is incredibly helpful. It limits the reach of potential attackers and may prompt a repeat attempt that users can intercept. Using physical security measures, such as guard booths, can help users limit physical access to a location and stop someone from leaving if a breach is detected. Understanding what a tailgating attack is is the first step in preventing one. Delta Scientific is a pioneer in access control solutions. Their team can help users choose and implement a complete system to reduce the risk of security breaches. They work with companies around the world to improve physical security measures.

Stadiums host massive crowds, driving significant revenue but also presenting unique safety and security challenges. Taylor Swift concerts draw crowds of 50,000 to 70,000 people per night, and events like the Indianapolis 500 can see attendance swell to 300,000 or more. Effective stadium crowd control is essential to keep spectators safe, comply with federal and municipal regulations, protect personnel, and prevent damage to installations. Stadium crowd control objectives What are the elements of stadium crowd control? Modern crowd management goes beyond making stadium-goers comfortable. Stadium owners must anticipate and mitigate real threats to safety and security. This requires implementing solutions for: Vehicle break-ins, theft, and other crimes Crowd surges Terrorist attacks and bomb threats Traffic control Evacuations and medical emergencies Demonstrations Fan safety must be a priority inside and outside the venue, including parking lots and parking garages. It’s also necessary to safeguard VIPs, provide safe areas for staff, and ensure smooth traffic flow between seating areas, vendors, and egress points. The National Fire Protection Association requires primary stadium entrances to support at least 50% of the facility’s total access capacity. Maintaining an orderly flow of traffic to exits and parking lots — and avoiding bottlenecks — is one of the most important aspects of stadium crowd control. Modern stadium crowd control techniques and tools Part of successful crowd management depends on data-driven building design. Permanent security structures are important for controlling the flow of vehicles and pedestrian traffic. That said, modern challenges require significant flexibility, making up-to-date policies, technology, and equipment vital. Vendors, security personnel, and other stadium workers need secure safe zones, including permanent rooms, private walkways, and marked public zones. Private hallways let security personnel move quickly through the facility, protect VIPs, or transport temporary equipment quickly to prevent crowd surges. Pre-Event Planning The NFPA requires organizers to conduct a Life Safety Evaluation for any event with more than 6,000 attendees. An LSE should analyze: Predicted crowd density The potential for civil disturbances Entry and exit capacity Temporary structures necessary for crowd control Severe weather and other emergencies Fire hazards Considering how variable events can be, stadium crowd control solutions should be customized. Factors such as customer demographics, event type, and performer reputation all play a role in crowd management. Controversial speakers can draw large groups of demonstrators, potentially requiring additional security personnel, anti-climb doors, or heavy-duty barricades. Strategic security team placement Despite the benefits of modern surveillance technology, security personnel still play a huge role in stadium enforcement, crime prevention, and safety. To minimize response times and maximize effectiveness, place security hubs carefully and strategically: VIP access areas Permanent or semi-permanent controls at entry/exit points Distributed guard booths Parking lot and garage patrol routes Central security room Stadium-wide security personnel Permanent structures provide superior strength and durability, which is key for security checkpoints. Semi-permanent equipment has the advantage in flexibility, making it easier for stadiums to accommodate a wide variety of events securely. High-security bollards and barriers for threat mitigation In the past 50 years, there have been nearly 75 terror attacks involving stadiums and sports arenas. Violence against demonstrators can also take the form of vehicle attacks. Bollards, barricades, and vehicle control barriers are a critical line of defense in crowd safety. Some bollards provide aesthetic flair and help direct traffic, such as making sure vehicles travel the correct way in parking garages. High-security bollards are designed to stop threatening vehicles in their tracks, with M30-rated barriers halting a 15,000-pound truck going 30 mph. Hydraulic and Emergency Fast Operation wedge barricades prevent unauthorized access to sensitive areas and provide added VIP security. Vehicle security monitoring Manual and automatic barricades streamline safety and security for parking lots. For example, panel barricades can divert vehicles to open lots once the current section is nearly full, reducing the risk of pedestrian injuries. Beam barricades simplify vehicle security monitoring and reduce theft. How does line control work for stadium crowd control? Few stadium crowd control tools are as universal as stanchions. These semi-permanent fixtures often feature retractable belts or metal railings. Stanchions are versatile, maintaining buffer zones in front of distribution points, controlling queues, and adapting to venue needs seamlessly. Advanced crowd analytics software Large venues are increasingly turning to AI software for modern stadium crowd control solutions. Predictive algorithms and real-time analytics can model crowd behavior, flag suspicious activities and individuals, highlight potential choke points, and pinpoint where barriers are needed. The ideal system for stadium crowd control depends on venue size, building layout, crowd dynamics, security budget, and event needs. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer for every facility. At Delta Scientific, we help organizations develop customized stadium security solutions, including high-security bollards, guard posts, automated control systems, vehicle barricades, and pedestrian barriers. 

Bollards are excellent security devices that limit vehicle access to protect buildings, establish pedestrian and work zones, and reduce accidents. To work effectively, they must be built to accepted industry standards. Learn about typical bollard dimensions and spacing and why they matter. What are bollard dimensions? Safety regulations and your intended purpose will dictate the size, type, and installation method of bollards needed. However, industry standards keep most bollards within a limited range of sizes. How Tall Should a Bollard Be? Bollard height is usually between 30 and 44 inches, with most falling between 36 and 42 inches. A 42-inch bollard provides sufficient protection against many different impact scenarios. Cost-effective solution Shorter bollards, below 36 inches, are frequently used to direct foot traffic. They are common in parks, at crosswalk entrances, and in other public spaces. For example, you might find 24-inch posts marking a traffic island. They are an excellent, cost-effective solution in situations with low impact risk. Taller bollards, including those above 42 inches, are more visible and designed for high-risk areas. Consider adding tall bollards to loading docks and other areas with oversized vehicles and heavy equipment. In addition to being highly visible, they can more effectively stop vehicles with high ground clearance than shorter versions.  Standard bollard heights do not include any portions that are installed underground. While you can mount bollards to existing surfaces, those providing the highest level of protection have deep foundations that absorb impact. Designating specific sections Standard bollard dimensions are generally between four and six inches. This dimension is often the same for both standard and heavy-duty bollards. However, size is not the only factor that affects performance. The dimensions relate to the bollard core, exclusive of any decorative sleeves. The thinnest bollards are only a few inches across. These are excellent for marking pedestrian areas and guiding light traffic. They can also be used to designate specific sections in entertainment and sports venues. The largest bollards can be 12 inches or wider. They are generally designed to restrict heavy traffic traveling at significant speeds. A crash test rating will provide more details about specific bollard capabilities. Spacing considerations for standard bollards The spacing of bollards should effectively limit the intended types of traffic. This is usually less than five feet apart. The American Society for Testing and Materials, which performs crash testing and establishes ratings, recommends a spacing of no more than 48 inches for maximum effectiveness.  Spacing can extend further in properly designed bollard arrays. However, they should not be so close that it discourages correct use. Another consideration behind standard bollard spacing is accessibility. The Americans with Disabilities Act requires at least three feet between bollards to allow wheelchair access. ADA-accessible entrance When a single bollard is used to obscure an entrance, it should allow enough clearance on at least one side for accessibility, or an alternate ADA-accessible entrance should be available. For example, if a bollard is at the end of a pedestrian-only path to keep bicycles out, you will naturally also exclude wheelchair users and need to make accommodations. How large are bollards? There are several reasons behind common bollard dimensions. First, they must be of sufficient size, depth, and spacing to perform the intended task. This applies to the diameter and construction method of bollards as well.  For example, a 12-inch tall bollard is not likely to stop a truck as easily as one that is 42 inches high. Building codes may require bollards to be within a specific size range. These vary by location, so be sure to check with the local building department for bollard code requirements before choosing a design. Visibility is also a factor. Users can see a larger bollard more easily than a small one. This is important in high-traffic areas where bollards are the only things protecting pedestrians or workers from vehicles. Providing effective protection When selecting a vehicle access control solution like bollards, users should consider several factors that can affect effectiveness, installation, and placement. These include: Intended purpose of the bollards Presence of underground utilities or obstructions Size of area needing coverage Crash rating is just as important as bollard size. A well-engineered design can provide effective protection in a small package. However, you may need to take extra steps for visibility. Bollards reliably control vehicle access to restricted areas and direct pedestrian traffic. They are used in commercial, municipal, and residential areas. At Delta Scientific, we build bollards to meet rigorous performance and safety standards. Contact us to find bollard dimensions that meet your site’s unique safety needs.

Visitor management systems can be an important component of a comprehensive security program and may help organisations manage facility access and visitor tracking as part of their overall security strategy. They also play an important role in delivering a seamless visitor experience and optimising front desk operations by streamlining check-ins and reducing administrative burdens. Many organisations have visitor management procedures in place that require a receptionist or other employee to keep written logs or manually check in visitors, which takes time and resources away from the day-to-day business. Implementing visitor management systems can be a major task for organisations – and finding a solution that can integrate with existing systems is vital. Keeping track of appointments Visitor management systems allow a business to centralise and automate their visitor-related processes including pre-registering guests, providing QR code or mobile credentials for building access and check-in, and notifying hosts automatically when guests arrive. Everon was approached by a long-standing customer in the professional lawn care industry, with over 10,000 employees in locations across North America, to upgrade their visitor management system. The customer relocated to new headquarters and sought to upgrade from written logs to a more efficient means of keeping track of appointments. Workplace experience platform Everon worked closely with Sharry, a cloud-based smart access and workplace experience platform that provides workplace managers and security teams with reliable, easy-to-deploy access control solutions. Sharry offers a highly customisable visitor management solution that can be tailored to each client’s specific requirements. In this case, the client was looking for a way to ensure an automated yet secure operation of their new reception area without the need for on-site front desk staff. Temporary access credential The customer was clear in their request that they did not want visitors to download an extra app to check in to the facility, so Sharry provided software that the customer could use on their existing compatible hardware such as iPad tablets – eliminating the need for large purchases of additional hardware. The Sharry system is designed to provide visitors with an efficient check-in process. Once an appointment is confirmed, the host can send a standard calendar invitation via Outlook, while the Sharry system automatically issues a guest pass email to the visitor. This email includes meeting details, directions to the facility, and a QR code that serves as a temporary access credential. Upon arrival in the lobby, the visitor can use the QR code to unlock the doors, as the system is fully integrated with the customer’s existing Brivo access control infrastructure. The host is then notified in real time that their guest has arrived. Additional features for consideration For walk-in guests without prior registration, a self-service kiosk app on a tablet at the reception is available for a smooth check-in. The system automatically verifies each guest against a do-not-admit list and simultaneously notifies the host that a visitor has arrived to see them. The host is then responsible for escorting the guest from the lobby. While not utilised in this particular deployment, Sharry’s robust visitor management system offers a wide array of additional features for consideration, such as automated parking reservations for guests, visitor ID scanning, or the management of visitor agreements. Reinforcing brand consistency Since Sharry visitor management is delivered as a white-labeled solution, it fully incorporates the customer’s brand identity across various outputs and touchpoints. Guest pass emails are not sent under the Sharry name but are instead issued on behalf of the client, reinforcing brand consistency. Similarly, the kiosk app reflects the client’s branding, contributing to a cohesive and professional visitor experience from the moment a guest is invited to a meeting. The delivered solution also includes the Insights analytics tool, offering a clear view of visitor flow by identifying peak days and times and forecasting visits for the coming times. It can automatically generate and send data reports to support management decisions. Separate access control system This project was unique – the customer had already worked with Everon in implementing a separate access control system, Brivo, before the inclusion and integration of the Sharry system. Support from both the Brivo and Sharry teams were excellent, working closely with Everon technicians to ensure that the integration process went smoothly. “The Sharry team were ready to jump in and help at any time to provide a seamless experience,” said Richard Kensky, Project Manager at Everon, “Considering that the customer had not worked with the technology of this kind before, it was important that both teams were hands on every step of the way.” Integrated visitor management system “Although this was not a typical use case for our integrated visitor management system, the project confirmed the flexibility and robustness of our system to adapt to the evolving needs of enterprise clients and office buildings,” said Michal Čeřovský, COO and co-founder at Sharry. “Thanks to smooth cooperation with Everon and their hands-on approach as a trusted partner for the client, the implementation of the integrated solution—from kickoff to full deployment—was completed in just three weeks.” The implemented visitor management solution demonstrated strong capabilities in deployment speed, cost management, and access control features, while supporting the client's security, efficiency, and compliance objectives. Modern access control technology has never been more convenient.

When it comes to balancing visibility and spending, Security Incident Event Managment (SIEM) licencing models can be somewhat restrictive—something a multinational, born in the cloud technology company was becoming painfully aware of. The organisation wanted to improve its security posture by ingesting more data feeds into its SIEM. However, its cybersecurity team found itself hampered by licence limitations and prevented from feeding in more data by licence utilisation caps. Faced with excessive additional licencing costs, the company needed an alternative solution that would optimise the ingestion of data, reduce licence usage, and boost visibility across its environment—without breaking the bank. Enter Cribl  Looking for the best solution to achieve their data goals, the company reached out to cybersecurity company RiverSafe for advice. Given its ability to optimise, route and enrich data, Cribl was chosen as a possible fit, and RiverSafe began a proof of concept to investigate the potential impact the product could have on the company’s data streams. “We chose four data sources, and deliberately chose some of our most volumetric data sources. We had a success criterion in mind, and that was to send all these data sources to our SIEM environment via Cribl and see what kind of reduction we could get from a percentage perspective,” the head of security programme management said. “It’s seemed to be a very good product and much needed in the marketplace. There are many organisations like us who have the same kind of challenges and the same use case issues, whereby they don’t have the budget or inclination  to spend more and more money on their SIEM.” Instant data ingestion reduction After a successful proof-of-concept, the company opted to implement Cribl Stream. “I know (Cribl Stream) and I knew its capability, so I had an inkling as to what the reduction rate could potentially be. What really surprised me was how easy it was to reduce the data feeds into the SIEM. I was really shocked at how seamless it was to introduce a layer like Cribl to assist with the data optimisation and reduction.” After implementing Cribl Stream as an optimisation layer, the company reduced the amount of data being fed into its SIEM from around 750GB to 450GB. “We were able to reduce our data ingest by about 40%, which matched our original success criteria around the percentage we hoped to reduce the data ingestion by. More importantly, what we were reducing were largely blank fields and null values, content that didn’t feed into our detection rules. We’re able to gain this headroom and cost savings without sacrificing visibility or increasing risk.” Streamlining data ingestion An additional benefit the company experienced post-implementation was streamlined data ingestion. By pointing data through Cribl, the company is able to cherry-pick the data that’s sent to its SIEM, simplifying the onboarding process for new data feeds. “Once we’ve pointed the data to Cribl, we’re able to pick and choose what data we send into the SIEM and what data we don’t. That’s made it a lot more efficient in terms of the way we onboard data, and it’s enabled us to be a lot more granular with the data that we ingest into our SIEM.” Greater scalability With the reduction in data ingestion levels, the company is less likely to run into issues due to SIEM licencing limitations. By employing Cribl to help manage its data, the company hopes to benefit from greater scalability and agility in the future. “Going forward, we’ll have scalability from a visibility and coverage perspective without being constrained by a SIEM licence.” This flexibility is just one of the wide-reaching benefits that the company has experienced since implementing Cribl, and one that’s made a major difference to its operations. “Cribl gives you the flexibility to reduce data ingest, but also the flexibility to be agile and to move your data sources from one environment to another without much configuration. It’s given us the capability to be less rigid in our architecture; that’s been the biggest impact for us.” Significant cost savings Having cut data ingestion by 40% with Cribl Stream, the company is free to load more data feeds into its SIEM without the need to purchase additional licencing capacity. This has not only allowed the company to increase visibility across its digital environment, but also cut down on licencing costs. “Now that we’ve got Cribl in our architecture, we have the ability to ingest more data feeds without having to buy additional licencing—that’s already saved us money. If we didn’t have Cribl, that additional cost would have been between £120,000 and £150,000 per year, on top of what we’re already paying today for our SIEM.” As well as reducing spending on SIEM licencing, the company has been able to cut costs in other areas. “We’re completely in the cloud, so we’re charged for data that we retain for a longer period. Now that we have Cribl, we can send the data that we want to retain to a cheaper storage solution. And with Cribl Replay and Cribl Search, we still have the ability to easily search that data should we need it for audits or incident investigation. That gives us a cost benefit and more flexibility in the long run.” Smarter resource utilisation Cribl is also helping the company put its valuable resources to better use by cutting down on manual data management tasks. Previously, its team had to configure multiple destinations when data was ingested. With Cribl, data from various locations can be ingested once and pointed to numerous locations around the business, eliminating the need for system and platform owners to configure multiple endpoints. FTE effort to implement a data feed “Normally, it would’ve taken us about two days of FTE effort to implement a data feed into Splunk or a similar destination. Since the introduction of Cribl, we’ve cut that down to half a day because now we only need to configure to send to Cribl and Cribl takes care of translating the data into the ideal format for other destinations.” This reduction in time and labour adds up to additional cost savings too. Now, the company can send just the data that’s relevant to a particular end user, rather than shipping the entire data set. This has helped save money on licencing, infrastructure/compute, processing, and effort. “Because we’re a cloud-native organisation, processing costs money—if we’re able to save on that, then we are definitely winning from a cost perspective.”

At the client, a multinational Oil and Gas company, the IT team provides technical support and security reporting to over 7,000 retail sites. Their work includes managing all firewalls, switches, VPNs, servers and network appliances, as well as the challenging job of keeping track of operational and compliance status. Due to limitations with its existing SIEM solution, the team in North America struggled to get full visibility on over 40% of the activities within its PCI environment. This significant blind spot left the company vulnerable and at high risk of data breaches. Not only was gaining a complete overview of PCI activity an issue, but the team also had to undertake hours of manual data processing and other activities. This extra workload was partly a result of poor data structuring within the SIEM solution, making it difficult to search. The solution Having already seen the benefits of using Splunk within its European team, the client opted to implement the platform to improve security and observability in North America. To help deploy the new solution, they commissioned RiverSafe due to their expertise with Splunk to deliver the implementation in partnership with its internal team. With the support of RiverSafe, the team created a bespoke design blueprint and built its own Splunk instance within its private cloud environment. This was a significant step for the team, resulting in previously siloed archive data from 15 data sources and 7,000 websites being stored in one space, and creating a one-stop-shop for PCI compliance officers to access the information they need. As an accredited Splunk partner, RiverSafe was able to deliver expertise in demonstrating PCI compliance, providing the in-house team with the ability to verify compliance by improving data handling and automating reporting. The outcome Since RiverSafe successfully implemented Splunk, the team has gained full visibility into their PCI environment, ensuring the security of their data and improving efficiency around reporting. Now, the team is fully equipped to keep on top of both operational and compliance activities. Benefits achieved by the implementation include: 20-30% reduction of time spent on evidence collection for PCI audit 15-20% reduction of operational admin time through the removal of manual processes 24/7 protection of data and the systems processing it thanks to real-time monitoring and alerting capabilities Visibility on the whole environment Improved ability to mitigate potential fraud and prevent security breaches Instant visibility on PCI compliance across the whole environment Immediate notification of any breaches of PCI compliance requirements

Operating in 26 countries, with partnerships in 55 more, Vodafone is one of the world’s pioneering mobile communications providers. The company made the first-ever mobile phone call on 1 January 1985, and now delivers mobile communications to almost 444 million customers. Jake Francis, Head of Technology Security for the Information Security Technology Group (ISTG) for Vodafone in Ghana, initially approached RiverSafe to help with some log monitoring. Team’s monitoring processes The company had been using Splunk in its environment for two years. While some of Vodafone Ghana’s systems were being analysed by Splunk, many crucial systems including Bluecoat, VPN, email servers, routers and switches and firewall logs were not—leaving blind spots in the team’s monitoring processes and leaving them unable to see the complete picture. “There were gaps or loopholes which create opportunities for theft,” Jake explains. “These can then be easily manipulated by those who understand where they are and how to penetrate them.” Real-time anti-fraud capability Jake added: “Every transaction that goes onto the system needs to be vetted to make sure that it’s a legitimate transaction. This is especially important in Ghana where we operate a prepaid market and need to ensure that authorisation for data and payments are legitimate.” “For example, if a customer has paid for one gigabit of data then this is what should be issued to their account. What we found, however, was that some of the retail shops were raising fraudulent claims. We now have the ability to see this more easily.” Jake realised that Vodafone needed better real-time anti-fraud capability in order to prevent internal fraud between Vodafone’s retail stores and its back office systems. “We found that there wasn’t a Splunk app available to combat internal fraud,” recalls Jake, “and we needed this so that we could effectively reconcile revenue.” The solution To tackle this costly action, Jake again turned to RiverSafe to develop a new anti-fraud app. RiverSafe developed scripts and analytics that would address Vodafone Ghana’s unique needs. This additional layer of checks and balances is particularly crucial in Ghana, where the IT and telco infrastructure is developing and often underserved. RiverSafe also reviewed Vodafone’s existing log management scripts, including configured searches and logic. This data was then mapped to documented use cases and consumer requirement reporting, enabling the company’s Revenue Assurance team could verify revenue growth against usage. The outcome With RiverSafe’s help, Vodafone have now implemented bespoke new criteria, metrics, analytics and reporting around fraud trends. The team now also has access to in-depth forensic data so that the ISTG can assist other departments with any internal fraud issues. “Now I can store all this information in my server and go back and write a script against these logs to find out what’s happened if I believe there’s an issue. This enables us to look out for possible trends and scenarios. Now we’re being proactive, not just reactive, and helping the fraud department with reconciliation and revenue assurance.” Other parts of Vodafone The anti-fraud app is now being rolled out to other Vodafone Ghana offices, with plans to implement it in other parts of Vodafone in Africa and Asia, where there is also a large prepaid market. “RiverSafe helped us to meet our security audit requirements… now we’re being proactive, not just reactive. The team has been terrific and their expertise and support has been second to none,” Jake Francis, Head of Technology Security for the Information Security Technology Group (ISTG) Vodafone.