In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

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.

Many businesses and buildings need trustworthy, keyless door security without the expense and invasiveness of an advanced access control system. For these premises, PIN-based digital door access adds this security efficiently, freeing managers, employees, and visitors from the cost and hassle of handling physical keys. In all kinds of workplaces, private rooms need separating – securely and reliably – from spaces where the public have free access. Their doors need a simple, standalone locking solution, whether for a stock or medicine store, staff breakroom, private office, or any similar room. Mechanical locking cylinder A Code Handle PIN lock is an elegant device designed for precisely these use-cases. A Code Handle keeps a space secure, while admitting authorised employees via a digital PIN code on its discreet handle-keypad. Designed to add valuable door security to any private room facing interior public areas, it is already proven across multiple applications and environments to keep unauthorised people out. Fitting is simple, only requiring a change of handle. The existing mechanical locking cylinder stays in place and may still be operated with the existing key. Staff need no specialist knowledge or outside help to manage their doors with Code Handle. This flexibility has seen it deployed successfully in a wide range of small and medium-sized settings, including all of the following. Small healthcare facilities In a busy medical facility – surgeries, dental practices, pharmacies, or physiotherapy suites – it is easy to accidentally leave a door unlocked*. With expensive equipment or controlled drugs on the other side, any opening invites opportunists. With a Code Handle digital PIN lock, practice managers need never worry again. Doctors and patients expect privacy during consultations. With Code Handle, they get it. To secure controlled drugs and hazardous waste bins, a Code Handle is quicker and safer than tracking a physical key – with no need to change the lock when one goes missing. Many treatment and examination rooms have expensive or dangerous equipment such as X-ray machines, dental tools, and physiotherapy equipment. With Code Handle, all this gets the extra level of security it deserves, without the expense of a software-based access system. Shops and retail environments Every store has doors from the retail floor where the public should not go. Managing keys for these openings creates unnecessary workload and distracts staff. At the same time, a bulky mechanical PIN lock can ruin carefully thought-out aesthetics. Retail managers can instead secure these doors with a slimline, contemporary handle. Code Handle adds reliable, aesthetic, digital security to almost any interior door. It is easy for shop staff to operate, no training required. When an employee moves on, it is straightforward to cancel their PIN in seconds without removing the handle. In a shop, outlet, petrol station, or car dealership, Code Handle is a convenient, low-cost solution for stock rooms, staff toilets, or offices facing any space where the public is free to roam. Home-based workspaces The contents of an office may be sensitive, valuable, private… or all three: not everyone at a workplace should have free access. Staff should be able to grab a coffee without worrying about the laptop or handbag left inside. Designed for office doors of any kind, Code Handle keeps such stuff safe and private. When the door shuts, Code Handle locks it automatically – staff do not even need to put down whatever they are carrying. The growth in work-from-home (WFH) and hybrid working strategies has also led to an increase in private workspaces within the home and other communal settings such as co-working premises. These require their own security and privacy, whether to make video calls or have a sensitive conversation. Commercial security is always desirable. In many industries, it is required by law: the physical security of documents, data, and conversations may be the responsibility of those who keep them. As experience across sectors and locations has demonstrated, the most elegant, seamless way to put an effective barrier between a residence and a private workstation is with a Code Handle digital door lock. Other education settings Staff and school administrators can relax when they know private rooms and equipment stores are properly secured. Currently, many teachers carry cumbersome key bunches to ensure pupils do not enter rooms which could put themselves or school equipment at risk. With Code Handle, this is possible without having to constantly lock and unlock by key. Fitting a Code Handle brings a sense of security and privacy to the staff room: teachers can leave marked work or mobile phones where no pupils can enter. A Code Handle makes it easy to separate pupil toilets from PIN-protected staff toilets. PIN-protected staff toilets With Code Handle fitted to just a few important doors around the building, school principals ensure sports equipment, musical instruments, cleaning stores, and kitchens are protected against unauthorised access or theft. Health and safety are also part of the package. Code Handle is fire-door compliant (EN 1634) and with a certified lifetime of at least 100,000 operations. Product design makes disinfecting easier. Unlike mechanical push-button PIN locks, a Code Handle has a smooth surface without corners or ridges. Germs have fewer places to hide. A disinfected damp cloth is all a caretaker needs to keep a handle hygienic – and school doors and storerooms secure. Keeping track of keys Code Handle devices are easy for any small organisation to retrofit to their existing doors: the cylinder or lock remains in place and its handle simply swapped for the new device. For power, two standard batteries (CR2) slot inside the handle, typically lasting 30,000 lock/unlock cycles before replacement. Installation needs no wires, specialist tools, or drilling. Two screws attach it to almost any interior door up to 80mm thick. Door management becomes easy and keyless. Every Code Handle comes with a Master Code and 9 different user PINs, making it simple to abandon the inconvenience of carrying and keeping track of keys. PINs are easy to set and to change whenever an office manager decides. It is this easy to transform the security of private rooms which face public spaces.

Gallagher Security has announced a significant milestone in its global growth strategy, with the establishment of a new entity in the Middle East, reinforcing the region’s importance as a key market for the business. Effective 1 August 2026, Gallagher will transition from its long-standing distribution model to a fully Gallagher-owned, direct operating presence in the region. Craig Schutte, Executive Vice President for APAC and IMEA says this evolution reflects both the strong and sustained growth Gallagher has achieved in the Middle East over 20 years and its ongoing investment to dedicated, in-market support for partners and customers. Strengthening partner engagement The new entity will be supported by an in-market team, enhancing local support for Channel Partners and End Users, alongside a newly established office in Dubai Silicon Oasis featuring a training and experience hub. “Gallagher’s expansion builds on a well-established footprint across the Middle East, where for over 20 years we have developed strong partnerships and delivered innovative security solutions across critical infrastructure, government, commercial, and enterprise sectors,” says Craig. “This next phase marks a significant investment in the region, including deepening in-market expertise, enhancing customer support, and further strengthening partner engagement. We want to acknowledge the outstanding contribution of Bilal Chehime, who has led Gallagher Security’s distribution in the Middle East for more than 20 years. Bilal’s leadership has been instrumental in establishing and growing Gallagher’s presence in the region. Through his dedication, expertise, and strong relationship-building, he has laid a solid foundation that has enabled Gallagher’s continued success.” Ensuring seamless transition Craig says Gallagher will continue working closely with Bilal to ensure a seamless transition, with continuity for partners and customers remaining a top priority. “Day-to-day operations will remain business as usual throughout the transition period, with uninterrupted support across sales, services, and ongoing projects,” says Craig. The transition is being overseen by Craig, as Gallagher works through the leadership structure that will support the next phase of growth in the Middle East. “The Middle East is a region of top priority for Gallagher,” reiterates Craig. “This investment underscores our long-term commitment to our partners and customers while positioning us strongly to support their needs today and into the future.” Delivering innovative solutions Mark Junge, Gallagher Security Chief Executive, is committed to building on Gallagher’s success in delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of Middle East and global customers. “We’re confident in our continued growth in the Middle East, underpinned by our deep market understanding and the meaningful difference our solutions make in helping people protect what matters most,” says Mark.

Gunnebo Group has joined the United Nations Global Compact, reinforcing its commitment to conducting business in line with internationally recognised principles for responsible and ethical business practices. Through participation in the initiative, the company will further strengthen its approach to sustainability, governance and transparency while reporting annually on its progress against the UN Global Compact's Ten Principles. Broader sustainable development The United Nations Global Compact provides a framework for companies to align their strategies and operations with its Ten Principles while contributing to broader sustainable development objectives. By joining the initiative, Gunnebo Group becomes part of a global network of organisations working to strengthen responsible business practices across industries and markets. "Joining the UN Global Compact is a natural step in our sustainability journey," said Fredrik Fors, General Counsel & SVP Sustainability, Gunnebo Group. "The Ten Principles provide a globally recognised framework that aligns closely with our values and the way we approach responsible business. Participation will help us strengthen our work in key areas such as human rights, environmental responsibility, ethical business conduct and transparency, while also providing opportunities to learn from and collaborate with other organisations facing similar challenges." Internationally recognised principles For Gunnebo Group, participating in the UN Global Compact reflects a commitment to embedding responsible business practices across the organisation. The framework supports the company's ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, manage sustainability-related risks and opportunities, and ensure its business practices are aligned with internationally recognised principles. "Responsible business requires continuous improvement, accountability and a willingness to engage with complex issues," Fredrik added. "By joining the UN Global Compact, we are reaffirming our commitment to these principles and to embedding them across our business as we work to create long-term value for our customers, employees, partners and wider society."

F5, the pioneer in delivering and securing every app and API, introduces the F5 AI Security Platform to give CISOs continuous visibility, governance, and protection across enterprise AI applications, models, agents, and the APIs connecting them. F5 also announced the acquisition of SurePath AI, a pioneer in network-based AI discovery, intent classification, and shadow AI detection, as a key component in the launch of the new F5 AI Security Platform to safeguard enterprise AI deployments. Public cloud environments Through a continuous, adaptive loop approach to governing, discovering, testing, and protecting enterprise AI workloads, the new platform is designed to extend F5’s Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP) strategy to enterprise AI. As a global cybersecurity pioneer, F5 recognised the AI deployment realities of large enterprises, building the F5 AI Security Platform to support on-premises, air-gapped, private cloud, hybrid, and public cloud environments. This is intended to give organisations greater control over AI security where data residency, sovereignty, and operational requirements are non-negotiable. AI systems now operate with more access, autonomy, and speed than even the most over-privileged human users, creating new risks for security teams and business leaders. A prompt injection, data leak, or agent acting beyond its authorised scope can expose sensitive information, disrupt operations, and erode customer trust. Adopting unauthorised tools At the same time, employees are adopting unauthorised tools and unsanctioned integrations, creating shadow AI footprints that most security teams cannot see, let alone govern. According to F5’s 2026 State of Application Strategy (SOAS) Report, 88% of organisations report at least one AI-related operational or security challenge. “Most AI security today is a wrapper around a chatbot. That is not security,” said Kunal Anand, Chief Product Officer, F5. “Enterprises run AI inside regulated networks, behind APIs, and across agents that authenticate and act on their own. The F5 AI Security Platform gives CISOs and security leaders what they have been missing: continuous control over every model, agent, and API, wherever the AI runs, delivered on the same F5 platform that has secured and delivered enterprise applications for three decades.” Unified visibility layer The addition of SurePath AI powers the F5 AI Security Platform’s approach to network-based AI discovery, identifying AI usage across the enterprise, including shadow AI, without requiring direct application integrations. With frictionless deployment through network redirects and out-of-band analysis, SurePath AI gives security teams a unified visibility layer that detects unauthorised AI activity, classifies the intent behind each workflow, and continuously traces agent tool calls and MCP server connections. This visibility feeds directly into the F5 AI Security Platform, informing the risks to be tested by F5 AI Red Team and mitigated by F5 AI Guardrails. Application-level integration The F5 AI Security Platform addresses AI risk through four integrated pillars and an overarching observability layer that creates a persistent security lifecycle rather than a one-time compliance exercise. Features include: AI governance: Translate specific risk tolerances, privacy requirements, and regulatory obligations into enforceable boundaries for AI prompts, outputs, tool use, and data access. AI discovery: Gain continuous visibility into every AI application, agent, and MCP tool call running across the enterprise, whether sanctioned or not. The platform classifies activity by use case and intent, so teams know not just what is running but why. SurePath AI’s network-based discovery does this passively, with no application-level integration required. AI security testing: Stress-test AI systems against more than 140,000 attack patterns from the deepest AI threat database in the industry before those systems reach production, converting findings directly into enforceable defences. AI runtime protection: Define guardrails in plain language and deploy them at the point of interaction, where the platform has demonstrated up to 98.2% security efficacy in independent testing, blocking prompt injection, excessive agent autonomy, and data leakage. AI observability: Provide a complete audit trail across every AI interaction on the platform, maintaining the accountability and traceability that regulated industries require. AI security capabilities With this new solution, F5 uniquely combines AI security capabilities with flexible deployment options, enabling enterprises to operate across on-premises, air-gapped, private cloud, hybrid, and public cloud deployments. This is especially valuable to CISOs in highly regulated industries with exacting data residency and sovereignty requirements. SurePath AI’s lightweight network-based deployment model reinforces this flexibility, requiring no changes to existing application architectures. Heightened visibility is increasingly critical as AI agents proliferate. F5’s 2026 SOAS Report states 98% of organisations are preparing for agentic AI, but the speed of agent adoption is outpacing the controls designed to manage it. When agents can authenticate, call tools, access data, and take actions autonomously, the blast radius of a single misconfiguration or exploit grows exponentially.

Amthal has completed an upgrade of the access control infrastructure at Lion Health Care, supporting the medical practice with a fully integrated system designed to manage security across a complex, high traffic healthcare environment. Lion Health Care in Stourbridge is a large, multi-disciplinary medical practice providing a broad range of primary care services to the local community. With a high volume of patients, staff and visitors moving through the building each day, the site requires carefully managed access across clinical, administrative and restricted areas. Access control system The project involved the full replacement and enhancement of an existing access control system, incorporating a combination of updated readers, controllers and wireless handle sets. In total, more than 50 doors across the site were brought into the upgraded system, creating a unified and centrally managed platform that aligns with the operational and governance requirements of a busy medical practice. Says Jürgen Versluis, Finance and Data Manager, Information Governance Lead and Senior Information Risk Owner at Lion Health Care, Stourbridge: “Maintaining the security of our premises and the sensitive information we hold is a fundamental part of how we operate, so it was important any upgrade strengthened both control and day to day usability.” Busy healthcare environment “The new system gives us a far more effective way to manage access across the site, while still aligning with our governance responsibilities. Carrying out the work overnight was essential, as it meant there was no disruption to patient care, and the team showed a clear understanding of how to work within the demands of a busy healthcare environment.” Delivering the upgrade within a live healthcare environment required careful planning, with all installation and commissioning carried out of normal operating hours to avoid disruption to patients and clinical services. An Amthal team of four engineers worked overnight to complete the critical phases, ensuring the system was fully configured, tested and operational. Information governance standards The upgraded system provides improved control over access permissions, enabling staff to manage entry points with greater accuracy and accountability. The inclusion of wireless handle sets also reduced the need for extensive cabling, allowing for a more efficient installation process across existing doors while maintaining the integrity of the building. Throughout the project, attention was given to ensuring the system configuration aligned with information governance standards, supporting auditability and secure access management across clinical and administrative areas. The result is a scalable solution that can be adapted as the practice evolves, with the flexibility to accommodate future changes in staffing, access requirements or building use. David Williamson, Business Development Manager at Amthal Fire & Security, concluded: “This project reflects the importance of delivering technical upgrades in a way that respects the operational realities of healthcare environments. Working overnight allowed us to complete a complex installation without interrupting day to day services, while ensuring the system was fully functional and ready for immediate use. The outcome is a cohesive access control solution that provides clarity, control and reliability across the entire site.”

The University of West London (UWL) is benefitting from enhanced fire safety visibility and streamlined system management thanks to the integration of AdvancedLive across multiple campuses. Over the past three years, the University has undertaken a significant investment programme to upgrade its fire protection infrastructure. This included systematically replacing legacy MxPro 4 and Kentec systems with next-generation MxPro 5 panels, ensuring consistency across six campuses in West London and Oxford. Faster incident response Most recently, Ruskin College, now part of the University of West London, underwent a seamless upgrade across its historic Oxford estate, which includes five main buildings such as the Rookery, first constructed in 1913. Despite the complexity of integrating newer extensions like the Callaghan Library, the project was completed without disruption, thanks to the adaptability and flexibility of the MxPro 5 platform. With more than 27 Advanced panels installed across education, office, and residential buildings, the University has now connected three of its main campuses to AdvancedLive, with plans to extend the platform further. Using map-based views, facilities teams and security staff gain a real-time overview of their fire system estate, enabling faster incident response and more efficient day-to-day management. Remote access capability For a large and dispersed organisation like UWL, the ability to locate alarms or faults quickly across complex buildings has been transformational. AdvancedLive’s intuitive dashboard and remote access capability allow fire isolations, enablements and weekly testing to be managed digitally, eliminating unnecessary site visits and reducing both costs and carbon footprint. The system configuration reflects the unique requirements of each campus: St Mary’s Road Campus operates 13 panels, with Apollo REACH wireless devices deployed within library pods and coincidence detection programmed across third-party systems. Ruskin College Campus features six panels, each building configured with bespoke cause-and-effect strategies, all reporting to central security points. Paragon House integrates four panels with phased evacuation and delays across its 12-storey tower block. Unified management interface Additional campuses, including Cavendish & Century and Drama Studio London, benefit from tailored programming for linked buildings and theatre operations respectively. In every case, AdvancedLive provides a unified management interface for system status, alarms, faults, and disablements. Jason Bennett, Division Manager at Alarm Communication Limited, who led the installation, said: “From both an admin and engineering perspective, AdvancedLive has been extremely positive. The live system view and detailed log make daily management much simpler, while remote access means the facilities team can react quickly and efficiently to any issue. The installation was straightforward, and Advanced’s support throughout the process was excellent.” Sustainable fire system management Salvy Vittozzi, Sales Manager for UK South East at Advanced, added: “The University of West London is a great example of how AdvancedLive can transform fire system oversight across a complex estate. By combining the proven reliability of the MxPro 5 panels with the real-time visibility of AdvancedLive, the University now benefits from a solution that’s not only robust today but also scalable for the future. It’s fantastic to see how this investment is already saving time, reducing unnecessary travel, and strengthening fire safety management.” Looking ahead, UWL plans to expand AdvancedLive connectivity to the remainder of its estate, ensuring consistent oversight and centralised control across all sites. For universities and multi-site organisations, the combination of MxPro 5 and AdvancedLive provides a powerful foundation for safe, efficient and sustainable fire system management.

Located in Calama, in Chile’s Antofagasta Region, El Loa Aerodrome is a strategic airport serving one of the country’s most important mining zones. With more than 1.4 million passengers handled annually, the airport plays a vital role in supporting regional mobility, business travel, and the operational needs of Chile’s mining industry. As passenger traffic continued to grow, El Loa Aerodrome required a more advanced security infrastructure capable of supporting continuous monitoring, passenger traceability, and reliable operation in a high-demand airport environment. Critical aviation workflows Challenges - El Loa Aerodrome needed a security system that could provide complete coverage across both indoor and outdoor areas. The client required continuous monitoring of the terminal, runway, boarding areas, restricted zones, corridors, waiting halls, and boarding gates, without blind spots. Another key challenge was passenger and luggage identification. In a busy airport environment, DGAC needed to accurately identify passengers and their baggage in real time, helping improve traceability and strengthen response capabilities in the event of incidents. The airport also had to manage security under high passenger flow. With more than 1.4 million passengers each year and continued growth in demand, the solution had to support daily operations without creating disruption. At the same time, it needed to integrate smoothly with DGAC’s existing systems and critical aviation workflows. Intelligent video surveillance system Solutions - To address these needs, Dahua Technology provided an integrated intelligent video surveillance system designed for critical airport environments. The solution combined high-definition monitoring, real-time visualization, continuous recording, remote access, and intelligent identification capabilities to support the airport’s operational requirements. Dahua bullet and dome cameras were installed in strategic areas across the airport, including the terminal, runway, boarding zones, and restricted areas. These cameras enabled high-definition monitoring of key locations and helped ensure that important operational spaces remained visible at all times. Real-time monitoring The system was designed to cover 100% of the airport’s critical zones, including corridors, waiting halls, and boarding gates. This helped DGAC establish a more complete security view of the facility, reducing blind spots and improving situational awareness across the building. A dedicated integrated monitoring centre was also implemented, allowing the operations team to view live video in real time. With remote access and continuous recording, the control room provided a reliable platform for daily supervision, incident verification, and security coordination. In addition, Dahua’s intelligent identification technology enabled the client to identify passengers and luggage more precisely. This improved traceability throughout the aerodrome and strengthened the team’s ability to respond quickly and effectively when security incidents occurred. Results - With Dahua’s intelligent video surveillance solution, El Loa Aerodrome significantly enhanced its security operations. The system now supports the safe management of more than 1.4 million passengers annually, while providing 24/7 real-time monitoring across the facility.

Comelit-PAC has worked with The Hillcrest Group of Companies to upgrade the door entry system at the Mary Slessor Building, combining GDX Next with Housing Central to simplify access management and support a more efficient service for residents and housing teams. The Mary Slessor Building in Dundee is a residential apartment block comprising eight apartments. When reviewing options for the upgrade, Hillcrest was looking for a video door entry solution to provide a reliable experience for residents while supporting more efficient day-to-day management. Existing cabling infrastructure A key requirement was the ability to utilise the building's existing wiring infrastructure, helping to minimise disruption and avoid the additional time and cost often associated with replacement projects. To meet these requirements, Hillcrest selected GDX Next, Comelit-PAC's door entry platform designed for social housing and residential environments. Covering the building's main entrance and all eight apartments, the system was installed using the existing cabling infrastructure, allowing the upgrade to be completed without extensive rewiring works throughout the building. Reducing installation costs Mike Biggam, Operations Supervisor (Electrical) at The Hillcrest Group of Companies, said: "We required a video door entry solution that would be reliable for residents while making the system easier for our teams to manage. The ability to retain the existing wiring infrastructure was a significant factor in our decision, helping minimise disruption and reduce installation costs. Combined with Housing Central, GDX Next has given us a more efficient way to manage access across the building." Alongside the door entry upgrade, Hillcrest implemented PAC's Housing Central platform to provide cloud-based management of access credentials. Through a centralised system, authorised personnel can manage access permissions remotely, reducing the need for routine site visits and enabling changes to be made quickly when required. Access management projects For Hillcrest, the project has delivered benefits for both residents and operational teams. Residents now have access to a video door entry system designed to support secure and convenient visitor management, while housing teams can administer access permissions remotely through a single platform. This provides greater visibility of the system and reduces the time required to manage routine access-related tasks. Margaret-Ann Sheppard, Business Development Manager at Comelit-PAC, concluded: "Successful access management projects start with understanding how our customers operate. By working closely with Hillcrest and understanding its requirements, we were able to deliver a solution that supports residents while giving housing teams greater visibility, flexibility and control over day-to-day access management."