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.

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.

Babel Street, a global pioneer in mission-grade risk intelligence, announces it is offering tailored threat intelligence briefings to security leaders across the technology sector immediately, at no cost, to those companies specifically named by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in a warning issued Tuesday, March 31. In a major escalation of geopolitical risk for the private sector, the IRGC announced plans to target 18 major U.S. technology companies across the Middle East, including Apple, Nvidia, Microsoft, Tesla, and Google, that it has accused of being involved in planning and tracking targets for U.S. attacks. National security technology This time-bound warning targets U.S. and Western technology companies — their employees, their executives, and the infrastructure they operate. Named companies are already closing offices and relocating staff. “The IRGC’s threat is a coordinated targeting of technology leadership, security and engineering teams, corporate infrastructure, and the people around them. The threat surface is wider than most organisations are currently managing,” said Babel Street CEO Benji Hutchinson, who spent 20 years advising the DoD, U.S. Army, and NATO on identity intelligence and national security technology, and currently serve as a presidential appointee to the National AI Advisory Committee. Threat intelligence briefings “Organisations named by the IRGC should treat this as an active threat. Leaders responsible for security and risk need the ability to identify blind spots, surface locally relevant signals, and understand how this threat is evolving in real time," he said. Babel Street is helping these organisations by providing immediate, no-cost threat intelligence briefings to security leaders across the technology sector. These private, secure updates deliver real-time insight into evolving IRGC-linked activity and highlight emerging patterns, localised signal, and risks. Most IRGC activity is not conducted in English, yet much of the commercial threat intelligence is English-centric. Babel Street’s AI-powered platform is unique in that it tracks primary sources, channels, and hard-to-reach networks in the languages threats operate in.

AlarMax announces the promotion of Todd Zoppo to Senior Vice President of Sales, recognising his leadership and impact as the company continues to expand its national footprint. Zoppo brings more than 25 years of senior leadership experience across retail, operations, and distribution, with a strong track record of driving sales performance, building high-performing teams, and developing long-term customer relationships. Driving continued growth Prior to joining AlarMax, Zoppo held senior sales leadership roles within the security and distribution industry, where he was recognised as Sales Manager of the Year and selected to participate in an exclusive leadership development program. Since joining AlarMax, Zoppo has played a key role in strengthening the company’s presence across the eastern United States, supporting branch teams and helping to drive continued growth and alignment throughout the region. From the day he joined the team, he has been proactive, supportive, and a unifying force across the organisation — whether within his region or beyond. He is an active mentor and a flagbearer for the company’s new CRM system. Long-term growth In his role as Senior Vice President of Sales, Zoppo will lead AlarMax’s national sales strategy, working closely with regional leadership and branch teams to support performance, customer engagement, and long-term growth. “Todd is not only a respected voice in our industry—he’s a true relationship builder who understands what it takes to succeed in today’s security market,” said Bill Teitelbaum, Chairman of the Board at AlarMax. “His experience and leadership are exactly what we need as we continue to scale.” Building strong relationships “From the moment Todd stepped into the room, it was clear he was the kind of leader who elevates the people around him,” said Scott Shelander, President of AlarMax. “He brings a rare combination of experience, empathy, and accountability — and he leads in a way that earns trust and drives performance at the same time. Todd doesn’t just build strong teams, he unifies them, and that’s exactly what we need as we continue to grow.” Zoppo is known for his hands-on leadership style and his ability to connect strategy with execution, consistently delivering results while building strong relationships across teams and customers. Zoppo’s promotion reflects AlarMax’s continued investment in leadership as part of a broader effort to strengthen its sales organisation and support long-term growth.

F5, the global pioneer in delivering and securing every app and API, and Forcepoint, a global pioneer in data security, announce a new alliance to help enterprises secure AI across its lifecycle—from foundational data discovery and classification through runtime protection and continuous assurance. As organisations rapidly deploy AI across copilots, assistants, and automated workflows, security practices are struggling to keep pace. Many enterprises face complex challenges in identifying where sensitive data resides, how it flows through AI systems, and the potential risks introduced during production. While data governance, application security, and runtime protections remain crucial, they commonly operate in silos, creating gaps between security policy and AI behavior in practice. Operationalising AI safely To solve this problem, Forcepoint’s AI-native Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) data discovery and classification capabilities combine with F5’s red teaming and AI guardrails functionality in the F5 Application Delivery and Security Platform (ADSP). This approach provides runtime protections for AI applications, APIs, models, and agents to help organisations operationalise AI safely while maintaining control and visibility over sensitive enterprise data. The combined capabilities help security teams identify and address data vulnerabilities in real time, prioritise AI use cases based on risk, enforce runtime controls over AI interactions, and monitor systems for misuse or abnormal behaviour. Continuous telemetry and policy validation provide ongoing assurance that AI systems are operating securely and in line with enterprise governance requirements. Security and runtime protections “Enterprises are moving AI initiatives from experimentation to production faster than most security programs can adapt,” said John Maddison, Chief Marketing Officer, F5. “By combining Forcepoint’s deep data intelligence and contextual awareness with F5’s advanced application security and runtime protections, organisations eliminate operational security gaps with unmatched confidence and control in their AI operations. As AI’s threat surface continues to expand, the combined power of DSPM technologies with F5’s AI Red Team and AI Guardrails equips enterprises with proactive tools to securely scale and govern AI at every stage of its lifecycle.” Redefined data security “AI has fundamentally redefined data security, exposing static policies for what they are: inadequate,” said Naveen Palavalli, Chief Product and Marketing Officer, Forcepoint. “F5 and Forcepoint are establishing a new standard of continuous, adaptive protection that follows data from the moment of creation through every stage of its lifecycle, including the runtime layer where AI systems operate, evolve, and expand risk vectors. The threats AI brings require a new category for proactive data and AI risk mitigation, and our partnership is delivering on this today.” Business-critical data Organisations adopting AI must determine which data should be accessible to AI systems, which use cases present the greatest risk, and how to enforce policies once AI applications are in production. The F5-Forcepoint partnership addresses these challenges by treating AI security as a continuous lifecycle, connecting data understanding with runtime enforcement. At the foundation, Forcepoint enables organisations to discover, classify, prioritise, and govern sensitive and business-critical data across cloud, SaaS, endpoint, and enterprise data environments. This AI-powered visibility helps determine which data is appropriate for AI use and which initiatives require the highest level of scrutiny. Adversarial testing capabilities F5 then secures AI systems at runtime by enforcing policies across APIs, gateways, applications, and AI agents. The F5 AI Red Team and F5 AI Guardrails functionality within F5 ADSP enables customers to secure AI models through its monitoring and adversarial testing capabilities. By leveraging the solution, customers will defend against threat actors by detecting prompt abuse, preventing data exfiltration, and protecting AI models and workloads from emerging threats. Together, the companies enable organisations to move from data reality to runtime trust, ensuring AI systems are grounded in trusted data while continuously protected as they operate in production. AI security innovations By aligning data security with application and API protection, the F5-Forcepoint partnership provides a pragmatic path for enterprises to adopt AI without rebuilding their security architecture or waiting for fully integrated platforms to mature. F5 is at the RSA Conference this week, where attendees can visit booth #6365 to learn more about the joint F5-Forcepoint solution and related AI security innovations. Join Forcepoint leaders and experts to explore how organisations are securing data in the age of AI, including the F5-Forcepoint solution, at the Forcepoint Experience Centre on the fourth floor of the St. Regis San Francisco during RSA week.

Kaseya, the global provider of AI-powered IT management and cybersecurity software, announced a series of breakthrough innovations in its backup and disaster recovery (BCDR) portfolio. These advancements include the launch of AI-powered screenshot verification for Datto SIRIS and Datto ALTO, as well as the upcoming debut of an agentless Hyper-V backup solution and new integrations, all designed to deliver unprecedented accuracy and efficiency. “With cybercrime rampant, cyber resilience is paramount for businesses of all sizes,” said Pratik Wadher, chief technology officer, Kaseya. “By integrating AI into more and more of our products, we are not only improving reliability but also enabling our customers to complete these critical actions with ease.” AI-powered screenshot verification As systems have gotten more complicated, screenshot verification has become manual and tedious, with false positives that waste technicians’ time. By utilizing the unparalleled amount of data from Kaseya’s vast ecosystem, AI-powered screenshot verification utilizes visual AI to improve the accuracy of backup verification to 99.9%, ensuring greater confidence in data recoverability within Datto SIRIS and Datto ALTO. This equates to more than 8 hours per technician each month—an average of $1,200 in non-billable labour per technician. In April 2026, Kaseya will debut a new integration between Datto Backup for Entra ID, Datto SaaS Protection and Spanning that will enable partners to restore Entra ID objects and Microsoft 365 Exchange data in a single operational workflow. This streamlines recovery operations and improves resilience within these environments. Seamless protection of virtual machines Furthermore, this summer, Kaseya will further expand its backup leadership with the introduction of Hyper-V backup, an agentless backup solution tailored for Microsoft Hyper-V environments. Hyper-V backup enables seamless protection of virtual machines without the need to install software agents on each guest machine. This agentless approach simplifies deployment, reduces maintenance overhead, and minimizes resource consumption on protected machines, all while giving more recovery flexibility. “The end game is not backup – it’s recoverability,” said Dale Shulmstra, data protection specialist & founder, Invenio IT. “The AI-screenshot verification is going to provide context insights into what is actually happening so we can assign lower-level techs and then it provides what the next steps are so they can take action on that. This is exactly what we want them to learn – it’s a really good training tool for us.”

Stadiums require access technologies which are versatile, durable, reliable and easily scalable. Finding a single system which meets all these needs, and simultaneously offers digital devices for the wide range of opening types in a typical stadium, is not straightforward. In many cases, security managers resort to running two security systems in parallel. This creates added workload and complexity, especially when they must deploy a mix of digital control and mechanical cylinders at different openings. Existing stadium infrastructure For a security upgrade at their 18,000-capacity stadium, Spanish football club UD Almería wanted to transition from traditional mechanical locks to digital access control. They sought a solution which could accommodate these diverse needs and enable centralised management from a single, intuitive software interface. Ease of installation within existing stadium infrastructure and the ability to equip doors which receive lots of robust traffic were further criteria. UD Almería chose ASSA ABLOY as partner to digitalise their access. Their SMARTair digital access system includes wireless locks for many access points and mobile keys or smart cards for user convenience. The same solution now also offers centralised management of eCLIQ smart keys, electronic cylinders and padlocks. This combined solution enables the stadium to secure all their different access points digitally. Complex stadium projects By adding CLIQ devices within a SMARTair solution, organisations gain total traceability of access in a single system – saving security managers’ time and hassle. They can manage access even at remote locations with durable CLIQ cylinders and programmable keys, all from the familiar SMARTair interface. In addition, the team at Almería benefited from technical support provided by ASSA ABLOY specifiers with expertise working on digital access solutions for complex stadium projects. The complementary benefits of SMARTair and eCLIQ ensure Almería’s needs are met without compromising on security or flexibility. Reliable, durable eCLIQ and SMARTair devices have low maintenance requirements, minimising ongoing costs. “With our SMARTair and eCLIQ system, I feel the stadium is well protected, day and night,” confirms Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda, Director of Facilities and Infrastructure, UD Almería. Convenient visitor management All users and access points are managed online from SMARTair TS1000 Web software. Installed devices include SMARTair i-max escutcheons and knob cylinders for glass doors, plus SMARTair integrated wall readers for office turnstiles. These are supplemented with eCLIQ smart key-operated digital cylinders, CLIQ Wall PDs and eCLIQ padlocks for gates and tool cages. This entire digital system operates without cables to or around any openings: both SMARTair and CLIQ devices are wireless and were installed quickly, between home matches, without invasive structural work. The club security team chose SMARTair for real-time control and oversight of offices, locker rooms and physio suites. Here, authorised staff use customised RFID cards which double as ID badges or mobile keys in the SMARTair Openow® app. Visitors and external contractors receive time-limited access through mobile keys sent directly to their own app, streamlining convenient visitor management. Interior service zones Alongside this, eCLIQ cylinders protect technical rooms and interior service zones. Maintenance staff and security personnel, including police, carry an eCLIQ smart key programmed with individual access permissions. “Managing SMARTair and eCLIQ doors within a single system, via TS1000, has greatly simplified our work,” adds Ignacio Martín-Calpena Miranda. For added convenience, every CLIQ smart key also has an RFID chip inside which can be programmed to unlock authorised doors secured with SMARTair devices. Aligning CLIQ with SMARTair gives facilities managers the choice of mobile credentials or RFID credentials (smart cards, fobs, or badges) for SMARTair devices, smart keys for CLIQ cylinders or smart keys with RFID tags for both SMARTair and CLIQ devices. Retrofitting existing doors Retrofitting existing doors was simple: installers simply replaced the mechanical cylinder with an eCLIQ cylinder, without wiring or batteries. Power is carried to the cylinder via the user’s battery-powered key. This hybrid installation ensures all Almería’s diverse access needs were met – only ASSA ABLOY could provide such a connected, unified system. “When organisations extend their SMARTair digital access solution with CLIQ battery-free cylinders, they implement complete oversight for their premises, including any outdoor spaces,” explains Gabriel García, Key Account Manager at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions. “There’s no cabling and no more need for mechanical keys – just smart, flexible management.” Implementing digital access Both CLIQ electronic and electromechanical cylinders and the SMARTair out-of-the-box system are part of a suite of connected Digital Access Solutions from ASSA ABLOY. When they are deployed together, security teams can manage even more doors from their SMARTair software interface. They can implement digital access almost anywhere, without drilling or causing damage to the building structure. The broad range of openings already covered by SMARTair are supplemented with a range of more than 60 CLIQ and eCLIQ cylinder types, making every access point secure.

Busy urban parking lots often need more than simple entry and exit booths. In Manila, one parking lot operator has discovered that Hikvision’s smart parking solution can transform the way they operate, collect revenue, and plan for growth. The challenge: manual processes and growing congestion In a business district in the Philippines capital, Manila, Professional Parking Management Corp (Pro-Parking) operates a public parking facility with space for 58 cars and 180 motorcycles. It’s an important site in the neighbourhood, playing a vital role in supporting nearby offices and commercial establishments. In recent years, as traffic volumes have steadily increased, the limitations of its single entrance and exit booth had become increasingly clear. Congestion had become a real problem, especially during busy periods when vehicles would frequently be forced to queue up along the road in order to get in. So, Pro-Parking decided to modernise its operations. Creating a parking environment Its vision was to create a parking environment that fully aligned with modern digital standards, to deliver a faster entrance and exit experience for drivers and which was easier to manage by staff. To achieve this, they wanted to introduce a system which would improve compliance and reporting accuracy by using registered Point of Sale (POS) capabilities. This would be more efficient as it would eliminate the need for manual receipt writing and double validation. They also wanted to find a solution that would help them improve the strategic management of the parking lot by giving them greater visibility of traffic patterns, revenue, and lane performance. Hikvision’s smart parking solution The company has used Hikvision’s smart parking system to meet all of these objectives. This is a fully integrated solution which enhances and optimises everything from vehicle flow to payment processing and centralised management. At the entrance and exit, two Hikvision All-in-One E&E Machines (DS-TMC407-EHR/3m fence/R/TCG400) serve as the primary access control points. Each of these is supported by a Trigger Radar and Anti-Fall Radar (DS-TMG034) for precise vehicle detection. Together, these units handle the full entry sequence automatically. They capture the vehicle license plate, issue a parking ticket, log the entry time, and raise the barrier. License plate recognition Because the high-speed barrier gate is designed to rise quickly and lower gradually, the solution ensures a steady flow of traffic even during peak periods. The 4MP ANPR camera, meanwhile, ensures clear license plate recognition even at night, supported by smart LED lighting that adjusts based on brightness conditions. What’s more, each E&E machine includes a 21.5-inch LCD display which can show advertisements or operational announcements. Built-in two-way audio allows drivers to speak directly with operators when they need assistance. Generating comprehensive reports For payment, an Automatic Payment Machine (DS-TPP427) is installed at the site office via a through-the-wall setup. Drivers insert their ticket, the machine computes the applicable fee, accepts payment in cards, bills, or coins, and updates the central system in real time. Rounding out the payment flow are an Entrance Ticket Station (DS-TMT201-D(LCD)) and an Exit Ticket Station (DS-TMT202-D(LCD)), the latter of which verifies paid status and cross-checks ticket data against captured plate information before allowing the vehicle to exit. All devices are unified under the HikCentral Professional platform. This enables the operations team to monitor vehicle activity, review entry and exit logs, handle exceptions and generate comprehensive reports—all from a single dashboard. Daily revenue summaries, peak-hour analytics, and sophisticated traffic flow reports are now accessible with just a few clicks. Smarter operations have improved revenue by 25% The benefits of the new system have not only been significant, but they were felt immediately. Entry and exit processing times have been reduced by between 30% and 50% during peak hours. Queue lengths are noticeably shorter, especially during busy periods. With payments settled at the central machine, congestion at the exit lane has been significantly minimised, improving both traffic flow and overall customer satisfaction. Operationally, the shift to centralised payment and automated validation has reduced manual intervention at both payment and exit points. Revenue reconciliation is faster and more accurate, supported by system-generated reports. Perhaps the most significant benefit, however, is that since the solution went live and thanks to improved enforcement rates and enhanced transaction transparency, monthly revenues have increased by roughly 25%. Key management information The system has also met the need to improve the strategic management of the parking lot by transforming the visibility of key management information. Traffic patterns, for example, are now backed by firm data rather than estimates, and the company can plan expansions and operational adjustments based on solid analytics. Darwin Pasco, Chief Transformation Officer at Pro-Parking, summed it up this way: "Before deploying the Hikvision solution, our operations were largely manual and dependent on people. Now, however, we have structured workflows, centralised control, and far better visibility into our revenue and traffic. The new system has enabled us to move from reactive operations to controlled, data-driven management." Digital transformation in parking management This implementation, then, is far more than a technology upgrade and represents a strategic step toward digital transformation in parking management. That’s why, with Hikvision’s smart parking solution as its foundation, Professional Parking Management Corp now plans to expand the deployment across additional sites that it operates, building toward a fully connected, data-driven parking network. Key benefits: 25% increase in monthly revenue 30–50% faster vehicle processing during peak hours Reduced congestion and shorter queues Improved operational efficiency and reporting accuracy

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn full U.S. Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announced that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been deployed by Illinois’ Palestine Community Unit School District #3 to help protect students, staff, and visitors from gun-related threats. Safe and supportive learning environment Located in Palestine, Illinois, the district serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade and is committed to creating a caring community where students are educated and prepared for a successful future. With strong ties to local families and close collaboration with community partners, the district prioritises providing a safe and supportive learning environment. District leadership met with ZeroEyes multiple times to evaluate the technology and determine how it could strengthen existing safety measures. The deployment represents a proactive enhancement to the district’s security infrastructure, adding an advanced layer of protection designed to identify visible firearms before shots are fired. “The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority,” said Jessica Sisil, Superintendent of Palestine CUSD #3. “ZeroEyes was willing to work with us to implement a solution that enhances our safety efforts while remaining mindful of our resources. This partnership is an important step forward in protecting our school community.” ZeroEyes' AI gun detection 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. 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 school security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. "Palestine CUSD #3 has taken a proactive, tactical approach to campus safety, protecting students and staff while maintaining a welcoming environment," said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. "We’re proud to provide technology that mitigates gun-related incidents with speed, accuracy and integrity."

St Martin’s School has completed a coordinated programme of security upgrades across its main buildings and sports hall, carried out by Amthal Fire & Security during the school holidays to avoid disruption to learning. About St. Martin's St Martin’s is an independent preparatory school in Northwood, educating around 400 boys from age 3 to 13. The school occupies a mix of newer and long-established buildings, and its growing facilities have led to increasing pressure on older infrastructure.  Facility teams called in Amthal to review if existing systems still met day-to-day operational needs, especially as usage patterns and safeguarding expectations had evolved. Technical guidance James Crewe, Estates and Facilities Manager at St Martin’s School, said: “Partnering with Amthal allowed us to review the security technology available and select solutions that suit the way our school operates. Their technical guidance helped ensure our upgrades reflect current best practices and meet the specific needs of different areas, from our main buildings to the sports hall, without unnecessary disruption to school activities.” Planning and risk assessments Planning and risk assessments began with a detailed review of how the estate functions throughout the week, examining access routes and layouts. This shifted the focus from simply replacing equipment to creating a bespoke integrated solution. Amthal focused on improving the consistency and reliability of security systems. Key upgrades included the installation of a Texecom intruder alarm system, enabling authorised staff to monitor the site remotely from any location and respond instantly to alerts.  All installation work was completed within the holiday window, followed by final testing and staff briefings before pupils returned. Plan, design and execute David Williamson, Business Development Manager at Amthal Fire & Security, added: “From initial design and specification, through installation and ongoing monitoring, we worked closely with the school to ensure the security systems meet their needs, with installation planned around learning timetables. The upgrades provide total protection, and with a coordinated maintenance schedule it demonstrates how a planned, collaborative approach can deliver practical, long-term security benefits for all who attend and teach at this school.”