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.

NAPCO Security Technologies is pleased to announce the appointment of four new Regional Sales Managers, strengthening the company's sales leadership across key territories. These strategic additions reinforce NAPCO's commitment to expanding market presence and delivering exceptional support to its partners and customers in Intrusion, Commercial Fire, & Access Control. Supporting distribution partners Edwin Paiz joins NAPCO as Regional Sales Manager for the Florida territory within the NAPCO Division. In this role, Edwin will be responsible for driving sales growth, supporting distribution partners, and expanding customer relationships throughout the region. Edwin will report to David Sperber. His industry experience and strong customer-focused approach position him to make an immediate impact in this key market. Jason Summers has been appointed Southeast Regional Sales Manager for NAPCO Security Technologies. Jason will oversee sales operations across the Southeast region, working closely with dealers, integrators, and distributors to grow market share and strengthen brand presence. He will also report to David Sperber. Jason brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in regional sales leadership. Regional market dynamics Clayton Shelander has been appointed Regional Sales Manager for the Mid-Central territory within the NAPCO Division. Clayton will focus on driving sales and supporting customers across commercial fire and intrusion solutions in the region. He will report to Troy Bonanno. Clayton brings valuable industry knowledge and will play an important role in strengthening NAPCO's presence in the Mid-Central market. Curtis Boardman joins the NAPCO Access Pro Division as Northeast Regional Sales Manager. In this position, Curtis will lead sales efforts across the Northeast territory, focusing on expanding adoption of NAPCO's access control solutions and supporting key partners. Curtis will report to Rob Etmans. His expertise in access control and regional market dynamics will be instrumental in driving continued growth. Strong regional support "We are excited to welcome Edwin, Jason, Clayton, and Curtis to the NAPCO Security Technologies team," said Stephen Spinelli, SVP of Sales. "Each brings valuable experience and energy that will help us continue to strengthen our relationships with customers and partners while accelerating growth across these important regions." These appointments reflect NAPCO's ongoing investment in top talent and its commitment to providing industry-pioneer solutions backed by strong regional support.

Atos, a pioneer of AI-powered digital transformation, announces it has signed a three-year contract with LCH SA, the global clearing house based in Paris, to assist LCH SA with the migration of its financial information systems on a highly secure, SecNumCloud-qualified cloud infrastructure, while guaranteeing full continuity of operations. This contract confirms Atos’ position as a player in cloud transformation for highly regulated market infrastructures. Atos is looking forward to providing international market participants with a new, concrete example of a secure migration in compliance with applicable regulatory frameworks. Entire transformation journey Atos stands out in the market through its expertise, industry knowledge, and ability to deliver strategic projects whose success relies on the skills and commitment of its teams throughout the entire transformation journey. “This project perfectly illustrates Atos’ ability to support financial institutions in their digital transformation while guaranteeing the security and compliance of their information systems. Our expertise, our industry knowledge, and our commitment are key to the success of LCH SA’s migration to the cloud. We are proud to contribute to the modernization and migration of such a strategic infrastructure for the European financial market.” -  Franck Chartier, head of France, Atos. “This project with Atos supports the modernisation of our information systems and helps ensure we continue to meet the expectations of our customers and regulators, while strengthening our operational resilience as we move to the cloud.” - Corentine Poilvet-Clédière, CEO, LCH SA and country head, France, LSEG.

Hikvision has released its full-year 2025 and first-quarter 2026 financial results, demonstrating steady growth and enhanced operational quality. For the fiscal year 2025, the company reported a total revenue of RMB 92.51 billion (USD 12.95 billion ), representing a YoY increase of 0.01%. Net profit was RMB 14.20 billion (USD 1.99 billion), up 18.52% YoY. Underscoring its robust cash flow, the company announced an expected total cash dividend of RMB 10.54 billion (USD 1.48 billion) for 2025, representing a 74.25% payout ratio. The company maintained strong momentum entering 2026. In the first quarter, total revenue reached RMB 20.72 billion (USD 2.90 billion), up 11.78% YoY, while net profit grew by 36.42% YoY to RMB 2.78 billion (USD 0.39 billion). Notably, the gross profit margin in Q1 improved by 4.16 percentage points, reaching 49.09%. Fast-paced growth Building on two decades of industry leadership, Hikvision has solidified its AIoT footprint. This strategic evolution is yielding tangible results, evidenced by its steady 2025 growth and strong start to 2026. Throughout the past year, the company’s main business revenue from overseas markets rose to RMB 27.22 billion (USD 3.81 billion), accounting for 29.42% of total revenue. Emerging markets, in particular, delivered sustained, robust growth. Beyond its video offerings, Hikvision’s non-video categories, including access control, alarm systems, and commercial displays, experienced fast-paced growth and served as a strong engine for revenue. Additionally, the innovative business remained highly competitive, generating RMB 25.45 billion (USD 3.56 billion) in revenue and contributing 27.51% to the overall revenue. Efficiency in complex environments Hikvision actively advances AIoT technologies, with its Guanlan Large-Scale AI Models integrating vision, language, and multimodal capabilities into products, significantly improving accuracy and efficiency in complex environments. For instance, the application of Audio Large-Scale Models in equipment quality inspection increases the detection rate of defective components by 70%. Built upon its foundational capabilities, Hikvision has successfully deployed industry-specific models across various sectors, including intelligent manufacturing, logistics, and environmental protection. High-quality growth Technological innovation remains the driving force behind Hikvision's development. In 2025, the company invested RMB 11.75 billion (USD 1.65 billion) in R&D, representing 12.70% of its total revenue. Over the past six years, cumulative R&D investment has exceeded USD 8 billion, consistently dedicating over 10% of its annual revenue to R&D. This sustained investment has fortified the company’s intellectual property portfolio. By the end of 2025, Hikvision had accumulated 12,981 authorized patents globally, of which invention patents accounted for 57%. As Hikvision marks its 25th anniversary this year, the company remains driven by its founding commitment to the right things and staying on the right path. Moving forward, Hikvision will focus on high-quality growth, continuous innovation, and operational efficiency to deliver enduring value for its customers, partners, and stakeholders worldwide.

Hikvision has released its 2025 Environmental, Social and Governance Report, marking the eighth consecutive year of transparent sustainability reporting. Guided by its THRIVE sustainability philosophy, the report refined its double materiality assessment, identifying technological innovation, product safety and quality, and cybersecurity as double materiality topics, advancing its sustainable development goals in a systematic manner. Double materiality assessment Committed to “Tech for Good,” Hikvision fosters innovation to create positive values. In urban governance, it develops end-to-end monitoring systems to safeguard critical infrastructures, with more than 300 devices and 140 scenario-based solutions for traffic management. In nature conservation, Hikvision’s solutions, which were showcased at the 5th World Congress of Biosphere Reserves, are now deployed across China’s first batch of national parks, and 50% of the country’s biosphere reserves. Beyond business operations, Hikvision remains dedicated to social good. Spanning 14 countries and regions, the STAR Program powers Pyrenees ecological observations and Himalayan glacier research, while the 2025 STAR Installer Partner Initiative unites a global network for vital technical support. Vulnerability remediation rate To strengthen digital trust, Hikvision has established a comprehensive cybersecurity framework to enhance management. These efforts, including a 100% vulnerability remediation rate in 2025, were recognized with the highest level of the Digital Trust Assurance Award from the British Standards Institution (BSI). In product quality management, Hikvision has built standardized digital processes to ensure reliability and strengthen its intellectual property portfolio, with 7,399 invention patent applications related to its core business and 1,553 newly granted patents in 2025. Compliant AI development By adopting global best practices, Hikvision effectively embeds compliance requirements in daily operations. In 2025, the company achieved ISO 37301 certification. Keeping pace with the latest technological trends, the company also published Hikvision’s Journey Practicing Responsible AI, outlining its firm commitment to compliant AI development. Data protection remains a paramount priority for Hikvision. Hikvision successfully cleared annual audits in 2025 for multiple international standards, including ISO/IEC 27701, ISO/IEC 38505, ISO/IEC 29151, and ISO 37301, and achieved 100% workforce coverage in personal data protection awareness. Carbon footprint accounting Hikvision drives climate action through a three-tier governance structure, supporting decarbonization across four pillars: low-carbon products, smart manufacturing, digital empowerment, and green operations. To further its impact, the company built the GPA platform to enhance green product management capabilities. By the end of 2025, 169 product models completed carbon footprint accounting. Notably, seven WonderHub smart displays obtained the TCO Certified Generation 10 certification, becoming the world’s first large-format displays to meet this standard. Latest ESG recognitions Upholding the Ten Principles of UN Global Compact, Hikvision continues to advance responsible governance and sustainable business practices, evidenced by its latest ESG recognitions - the EcoVadis Silver Medal and DMCC Global Enterprise ESG Leader Award. Looking ahead, Hikvision will remain committed to continuous improvement and long-term value creation, joining hands with stakeholders for a more resilient, sustainable world.

The Adrian Public Schools Board of Education approved the renewal of its ZeroEyes AI-based gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform during its April 13 meeting, continuing the use of artificial intelligence technology designed to enhance school safety by monitoring existing security camera systems for potential firearms. The deployment has been in place since 2023. ZeroEyes' AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry's only U.S.-based, fully in-house operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. Security safety enhancements If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and district officials as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. ZeroEyes is just one component of the multi-layered security safety enhancements that have taken place over the past few years.  The District has implemented multiple safety enhancements including a full overhaul of its security camera systems, the addition of weapon detection K-9 support across school facilities, and the installation of bullet-resistant and shatter-resistant glass in key areas of school buildings. Proactive safety planning Superintendent Nate Parker stated that the District remains committed to proactive safety planning. “The safety of our students and staff remains our highest priority,” Parker said. “We continue to take intentional, layered steps to strengthen our security systems and ensure our schools are prepared and protected. The renewal of ZeroEyes reflects that ongoing commitment.” Officer Joshua Perry of the Adrian Police Department, who serves as a School Resource Officer and participates in District safety planning, said collaboration has been central to the District’s approach. “These improvements demonstrate a strong partnership between schools and law enforcement,” Perry said. “The combination of training, communication, and technology significantly strengthens our ability to keep students and staff safe.” Partnerships with innovative technology As these collaborative safety efforts continue to evolve, partnerships with innovative technology providers like ZeroEyes remain a key component of the district’s strategy. “Adrian Public Schools’ continued investment in layered, proactive security demonstrates a clear commitment to protecting students and staff,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By renewing their partnership with ZeroEyes, the district is strengthening its ability to identify and respond to potential threats in real time, giving first responders critical information when every second counts. We’re proud to support Adrian in creating a safer learning environment for its community."

The healthcare organisation based in Washington state has begun a journey of unifying its video surveillance and access control under one platform, yielding better situational awareness, streamlining investigations, and providing an additional level of safety and security to staff and patients alike. Multicare Health System in Washington State employs more than 20,000 team members across 11 hospitals and more than 300 medical clinics, laboratories, medical imaging, pharmacies and specialty services locations. Physical security assets As a large healthcare organisation, Multicare has many levels of security to attend to, including slips and falls, patient care, guest management, parking and perimeter security, staff and security officer safety and much more. “We had multiple video management system (VMS) solutions and multiple systems were outdated and past their end of life. We needed to consolidate into a single, unified solution with a global interface,” Davis explains. When Joshua Davis, technology system support coordinator, joined MultiCare in 2018, he oversaw the upkeep, implementation and eventual retirement of the organisation’s physical security assets, including its outdated NVR solution, legacy analogue surveillance cameras, as well as access control and video management solutions. Access control solutions Like many robust and expanding organisations, MultiCare has added new sites and facilities over the years, finding itself with disparate security, video surveillance and access control solutions. Prior to upgrading that technology, operators were pulling video footage via a flash drive transfer at legacy sites when incidents occurred. The organisation was experiencing challenges of using older equipment too, and the access control solution didn’t have two-way integration with the VMS, making analytics cumbersome and difficult to manage. Centralised security operations With a focus on efficiency, as well as saving time and money, Multicare wanted a consolidated, easy-to-navigate platform for security staff to be able to view, respond to incidents and pull security video footage as needed. With one centralised security operations centre running 365/24/7, along with about 100 other workstations running video at any given time throughout the organisation’s locations, Davis also needed a way to streamline the number of permissions, access and remote troubleshooting and capabilities across the entire organisation. So, a few years ago, Multicare partnered with integrator Entrance Controls and technology partners, Salient Systems and AMAG Technology, to begin the process of integrating its video surveillance, while upgrading its cameras, VMS, surveillance capabilities and access control operations. IP video capabilities “This was a team effort to pull off a project of this size. We needed to make sure that calculations, server type, and correct camera counts/types were accounted for. We all worked together to make sure that everyone was kept in the loop,” explains Blake Albertsen, regional sales manager for Salient Systems in the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada. The healthcare organisation has nearly completed its security upgrades: upgrading the VMS to a unified platform from Salient Systems; installing roughly 90 servers to allow the organisation to experience full IP video capabilities; upgrading its 3,000-plus analog cameras to IP as they age out, as well as using Salient’s GEN II Capture card technology to get extra life and optimised capabilities out of other existing analogue cameras without having to invest in encoders. Better situational awareness In addition, two-way integration with AMAG’s Symmetry Access Control system and Salient Systems’ CompleteView VMS allows Davis and his team to pull up, search and see motion-related video clips associated with access control events whenever necessary, yielding better situational awareness and streamlining investigations. “We spent over 18 months developing the plan and design of each server before we ever placed one server into the Multicare platform. There were so many different moving pieces we needed to make sure were in place for a successful upgrade,” Albertsen says. Single VMS solution The upgrades have allowed Multicare to not only boost security, safety and efficiency, but it has also saved Davis and his staff significant time already. “Before we had a centralised, single VMS solution, we didn’t have capabilities of customising camera views at every location. Some locations have more cameras than others and once our staff had a view that had been created for them, they couldn’t change the view,” Davis says. Now, the VMS allows staff and operators the ability to easily customise their surveillance views and change those views depending on the locations, cameras and angles they need to see. This has come in handy in many ways, especially when hospital staff need to see a specific room for a day or a period of time depending on what’s happening, but don’t need to watch that view all the time. “The interface has improved our usability dramatically because it’s so customisable,” Davis adds. Indoor and outdoor cameras Another unexpected benefit of the security upgrades thus far has been the peace of mind a unified security platform has given to Multicare employees. Because both indoor and outdoor cameras are all on one centralised platform, hospital employees can be escorted by security to access perimeter cameras in parking garages or outdoor locations when leaving at night so they can virtually scan the area before exiting the building. “That has given many team members a feeling of additional safety, which has been great for staff,” Davis says. Over the next several years, Multicare will continue to upgrade its legacy cameras and servers across sites it hasn’t reached yet, with the ultimate goal of having all its video surveillance under one, customisable platform. Benefits of centralised security In addition, according to Davis, as the healthcare system has begun to experience the benefits of centralised security, they would like to expand the number of cameras and views at many facilities, while also expanding uses and capabilities of the system. “We are taking baby steps as it’s an expensive endeavour, but we are growing exponentially and we see an opportunity to expand our capabilities and use into continuing to provide excellent patient treatment and overall security at our locations,” Davis says.

In today’s hospitality environment, properties are expected to deliver exceptional guest experiences and airtight operational security. But juggling physical safety, digital privacy, vendor coordination, and staff accountability isn’t easy – especially when legacy systems like pegboards, logbooks, or unmanaged key drawers are still in use. Intelligent key control systems help users modernise their security while unlocking operational insights for better business decisions. Here are eight ways users can improve security and business intelligence at their facilities using key control: 4 hospitality security enhancements Enforce Access Control: A networked key control system secures high-risk areas like storage, housekeeping, and back-of-house offices with real-time visibility and alerts. Reduce Risk of Internal Theft or Misuse: Automated key storage with audit trails deters misuse and helps quickly identify issues, lowering theft and liability exposure. Improve Accountability and Guest Protection: Detailed tracking holds staff accountable, highlights unusual behaviour, and strengthens guest and personnel safety. Reduce Rekey Expenses: A networked key control system prevents lost keys and lets you trace usage instantly, reducing costly rekeying. 4 business intelligence boosters Spot Trends with Key Usage Reports: Automated reports show which areas and tools are used most often, helping users plan staffing, prepare supplies, and detect anomalies. Streamline Vendor and Contractor Access: Grant time-limited, role-based permissions to contractors and deliveries, reducing the need for staff supervision and easing the front desk workload. Maximise Asset Utilisation: Keys unlock more than rooms. They also access golf carts, radios, minibars, tools, and more. Tracking usage helps manage inventory, reduce loss, and improve availability. Update Access Instantly: With centralised software, users can revoke or adjust permissions across the property in seconds – safer and faster than manual updates.

Israel offers one of the most advanced medical systems in the world where cutting-edge treatments and patient care are provided by some of the best medical professionals using high-tech equipment in modern facilities. As such, medical tourism is growing exponentially in Israel. The country’s Ministry of Health shows that more than 50,000 medical tourists travel to Israel for treatments every year and consistently ranks in the Top Ten in the globe for health tourist destinations. Raphael Hospital is Israel’s newest and most advanced hospital. It is a state-of-the-art private hospital recently opened in Tel Aviv. Advanced medical systems A team of experts, drawing from best practices around the globe, designed Raphael Hospital to be technologically advanced and to provide a premium standard of care and services. It is staffed by senior doctors who are some of the most experienced in their respective specialties. Everything about its construction, for example, was thoughtfully planned for — even the types of tiles used on the hospital flooring: they come with “an integrated antibacterial shield that is 99.9% effective against bacteria, 24 hours a day, in all light conditions.” Special emphasis is placed on a patient’s overall wellbeing, mentally and physically, and thus the physical space is designed to appeal to patients from both an aesthetic sense (to promote an inviting, welcoming feel much like a luxury hotel), and a high-tech approach, in order to maintain maximum patient safety, efficiency, and the finest level of medical care. Physical security risks Hospitals are among the most essential and vulnerable spaces worldwide. In terms of security, hospitals are often considered “soft targets” — along with shopping malls, schools, and sports arenas — because they are high-density locations with large, vulnerable crowds. Soft targets have many access points, increasing certain physical security risks. Security professionals are thus tasked with “hardening” hospitals as part of a holistic security protocol. Raphael Hospital’s operating rooms are some of the most technologically advanced in the world; they are specially equipped with advanced medical technologies for surgeries including the Mako robotic arm-assisted technology for joint surgery and the Da Vinci robotic surgical system. Touch-free environments Such advanced technologies, and the people operating them, require an extra level of security in order to protect the most sensitive areas of the hospital where delicate surgeries are performed. Moreover, even before the pandemic, maintaining sterilisation in operating rooms was challenging. COVID-19 only heightened the need for touch-free environments to help limit the spread of germs. The hospital’s advanced access control and video monitoring technologies were incorporated from the very start of its operations, using the hospital’s existing CCTV cameras. According to Raphael Cohen, Operating Room Manager for Raphael Hospital, “We had a lot of challenges. We wanted to build the most updated hospital.” Facial recognition based technology Raphael Hospital wanted to incorporate facial recognition based technology for a few reasons, including protecting people, patients, and physical assets. Face-based access control plays an essential role in infection control protocols while keeping highly sensitive areas of the hospital, such as operating rooms, restricted to authorised personnel at all times. Hands-free and automated access allows hospital staff to not be required to touch any buttons to open doors while reducing contamination as much as possible and defining exactly which staff could travel within specific areas of the hospital. "Oosto’s OnAccess solution gives the staff, doctors, and nurses a sense of belonging in the hospital…they’re an essential part of the hospital, and when the hospital recognises them, and the doors open - it’s effortless for them to get about," said Raphael Cohen, Operating Room Manager, Raphael Hospital. Facial recognition technology Now, with Oosto’s facial recognition technology, surgeons and support staff can benefit from gaining frictionless access to the most sensitive areas of the hospital without having to touch any surfaces. Contamination is avoided, patients and staff are kept safe from unauthorised access to restricted areas of the hospital, and the frictionless, face-based access control in the hospital contributes to the overall perception of Raphael Hospital as a world-pioneer and cutting-edge healthcare provider.