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.

HID, a global pioneer in trusted identity solutions, announces the North American availability of its HID Amico™ biometric facial recognition readers, making fast, secure and friction-free biometric access practical for a much broader range of organisations. Amico expands HID's biometric portfolio across a wider spectrum of use cases, deployment sizes and price points, bringing facial recognition within reach for small and medium-sized businesses. Long associated with high-security government facilities and critical infrastructure, facial biometrics are becoming increasingly attractive for everyday access control. Advances in edge processing, artificial intelligence and sensor technology have significantly improved performance while reducing deployment complexity and cost, making the technology accessible to small and medium-sized businesses seeking stronger security and a better user experience. Easy-to-use, hard-to-cheat biometric authentication reduces the risk that comes with lost credentials and forgotten passwords, helping these organisations protect what matters most. Existing credential strategies Purpose-built for physical access control, HID Amico brings fast, accurate facial recognition to the door. Available in both 3.5-inch and 7-inch touchscreen models, it combines multiple options to help organisations modernise access control without disrupting existing credential strategies. "Organisations no longer have to choose between stronger security and a seamless user experience," said Sally Reitan, Director of Product Marketing, PACS NAM at HID. "Facial biometrics have reached a point where they're practical for a much wider range of organisations. HID Amico gives customers an affordable way to deploy friction-free access while maintaining the flexibility to support cards, mobile credentials, PINs and QR codes as their identity strategies evolve, so they can adopt biometrics on their own terms." Stronger identity verification Designed for offices, healthcare facilities, educational campuses, commercial buildings and other busy environments, HID Amico secures entrances by letting authorised users move through the door naturally without stopping to present a credential. The result is faster throughput, improved convenience and stronger identity verification at the point of entry. HID Amico offers five authentication methods including facial recognition, physical credentials, PIN, QR code and HID® Mobile Access®, allowing organisations to adopt biometrics at their own pace while supporting mixed credential environments. Building experience applications Additional benefits include: Fast, accurate facial recognition for seamless access and reduced wait times at busy entrances. Flexible authentication supporting face, card, PIN, QR code and mobile credentials. Privacy-first architecture, including optional Template-on-Card technology that stores biometric templates securely on the user's credential rather than in a centralised database. Two deployment options, with compact 3.5-inch and larger 7-inch touchscreen models supporting a broad range of access control and building experience applications. Intelligent building touchpoints The larger 7-inch model extends the reader beyond authentication by supporting richer on-screen interactions such as visitor guidance, organisational messaging and branded user experiences, allowing organisations to transform access points into intelligent building touchpoints. Rather than replacing existing access control investments, HID Amico complements broader identity strategies by working alongside physical cards, mobile credentials and multi-factor authentication workflows. Organisations can begin with selected entrances and expand biometric authentication as operational requirements evolve. HID Amico is now available throughout North America through authorised HID partners.

Sine, Honeywell’s visitor and contractor platform, has introduced Advanced ID Check for SinePoint Pro iPad kiosks, embedding identity verification directly into the enterprise check-in process. Rather than relying on manual document checks or separate verification workflows, Advanced ID Check helps validate identity and creates compliance records in seconds – so visitors move through faster, and organisations have the audit trail they need before anyone sets foot on site.  “Organisations with serious compliance obligations can’t afford gaps between who they think is on site and who actually is. Advanced ID Check helps close that gap automatically, at the moment it matters – giving teams the audit trail they need without slowing anyone down,” said Chuck O’Leary, General Manager, Sine by Honeywell. Embedding identity verification When a visitor begins check-in on the SinePoint Pro iPad kiosk, they scan a government-issued ID - passport, driver’s licence, or national ID card. Within seconds, Sine checks document authenticity indicators, checks expiry status, and matches the document photo to the visitor’s captured image. Verification results are automatically attached to each visitor pass and activity feed, so identity verification is fully documented before the visitor sets foot on site. For visitors, it’s a faster, more streamlined arrival. For the organisation, it’s consistent, standardised verification and audit trail across every site – no longer dependent on a staff member catching an expired document or spotting an inconsistency under pressure or time constraints.  Configurable site behaviour Every ID check creates a timestamped compliance record from the moment the visitor checks in. When an audit or incident review demands evidence of who was on site and how they were cleared, that record is already there – designed to be consistent, and requiring minimal effort to produce. Configurable site behaviour allows enterprises to set verification requirements by visitor type, applying stricter controls to contractors or high-risk categories. Advanced ID Check flags discrepancies or hold check-ins for manual approval based on the site’s risk profile, giving security and admin teams control without adding friction for standard visits. The data model stores only essential fields, with no document images, document numbers, or date of birth retained. “This removes a significant operational burden - reducing manual document checks, reducing the risk of human error, and having the ability to apply controls to specific visitor types adds an important layer of verification for sites and the people on them,” added Chuck.  Regulated access requirements Advanced ID Check is suited to enterprise environments where identity verification is a compliance requirement or safety imperative – including manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, construction, critical infrastructure, and facilities with regulated access requirements. Under the hood, Advanced ID Check includes document authentication, which validates security features, text consistency, and image quality to assess whether an ID appears genuine before check-in is approved. Face match compares the document photo to the visitor’s captured image, helping confirm the person at the door matches their presented ID. Expiry validation automatically flags expired documents before check-in proceeds, without requiring a staff member to spot it. The technology is powered by Regula Forensics, an identity verification platform used by organisations across 250 countries and territories, including border control authorities in certain countries.

Identiv, Inc., a global pioneer in RFID- and BLE-enabled Internet of Things (IoT) solutions, today announced the expansion of its ID-Tiny product family, a portfolio of ultra-miniaturised HF/NFC inlays and tags designed to bring secure digital intelligence to compact products, small components, and high-value items where space is extremely limited. The expansion opens new possibilities for connecting physical objects that have historically been too small, too design-sensitive, or too irregularly shaped for conventional RFID and HF/NFC deployments. From jewelry and eyewear to surgical instruments, pharmaceutical vials, wireless earbuds, and personal care product caps, ID-Tiny enables brands and manufacturers to add secure digital functionality without changing how a product looks, feels, or functions. Without compromising performance “ID-Tiny is about making digital identity possible in places where it simply wasn’t practical before,” said Dr. Manfred Mueller, CSO of Identiv. “When you can bring secure, smartphone-readable HF/NFC functionality into form factors no larger than a grain of rice, you unlock entirely new use cases – from verifying a luxury ring’s authenticity to tracking the use of a surgical instrument or connecting a patient to dosage instructions from a vial – without compromising performance. That is the power of miniaturisation: it makes the smallest physical objects part of the digital world.” Across use cases, ID-Tiny helps turn compact products into secure, verifiable touchpoints – enabling authenticity checks, usage tracking, tap-to-pair experiences, patient engagement, and lifecycle visibility in applications where conventional RFID has been difficult to deploy. Surgical instrument tracking For luxury goods and fashion brands, ID-Tiny can enable discreet digital certificates of authenticity, Digital Product Passport (DPP) compliance, extended warranty registration, insurance activation, ownership verification, and protection against counterfeiting and gray market diversion. In healthcare, ID-Tiny can support surgical instrument tracking, sterilisation cycle monitoring, medical consumable authentication, pharmaceutical vial tracking, and patient-facing digital instructions. In consumer electronics and smart home applications, ID-Tiny can enable product pairing, accessory verification, replacement part authentication, and lifecycle service support. Designed for real-world deployment For food, beverage, beauty, and personal care brands, ID-Tiny can help protect product integrity while creating new consumer touchpoints – from authenticity checks and anti-refill protection to usage instructions, loyalty experiences, and post-purchase engagement. This can help organisations reduce counterfeit losses, lower warranty and fraud costs, improve operational efficiency, accelerate authentication processes, improve recall management, and ultimately strengthen consumer trust. The expanded ID-Tiny portfolio includes eight distinct tags across multiple form factors – one of the industry’s broadest selections of miniature HF tags – giving customers flexibility to integrate HF functionality into a wide range of compact products, surfaces, and materials. The family supports ISO15693 and is compatible with leading IC technologies including NXP ICODE® 3 and STMicroelectronics ST25TV, with label sizes smaller than a pencil eraser. Ultra-miniaturised RFID design Identiv supports customers from design through deployment with encoding and personalisation services, application testing, rapid prototyping, and scalable manufacturing capacity. This enables customers to move from concept to production while addressing the RF performance, integration, and manufacturing challenges that come with ultra-miniaturised RFID design. “Smaller tags do more than solve a space problem. They make HF functionality possible in places where there was never room for it before,” continued Mueller. “Every connected object starts with a digital identity. By making it practical to add that identity to smaller and often more challenging form factors, ID-Tiny expands what organisations and end users can connect, track, authenticate, and engage with across the physical world.”

ZBeta, a pioneer in delivering comprehensive physical security consulting services, announces that Payton Staub has joined the company as Senior Vice President, Software and AI. Staub’s addition enhances ZBeta’s ability to guide clients through digital transformation and leverage emerging technologies to address complex security challenges. Staub is an experienced leader with a background in enterprise software development, cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and security technology. Over the course of his career, he has built and scaled software platforms, led engineering teams, and enabled organisations to address complex business and security needs through technology. Evidence management platform “Payton’s technical expertise and strategic vision make him an outstanding addition to our executive team,” said Zack Brunette, CEO, ZBeta. “As clients seek guidance on integrating automation and artificial intelligence into their security programs, Payton’s leadership will help us deliver greater value and support our next phase of growth.” Most recently, Staub was Software Development Manager at Amazon Corporate Security. Previously, he served as Senior Software Development Engineer with Amazon SageMaker, AWS’s machine learning platform. Earlier, Staub founded JetStream Technologies, guiding products from concept to market and gaining experience in product strategy and software development. He also served as Senior Software Engineer at Axon, contributing to Evidence.com, the digital evidence management platform used by law enforcement agencies worldwide. Modernising security operations “Joining ZBeta is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of security and technology,” said Staub. “Throughout my career, I’ve been passionate about building solutions that simplify complexity and deliver meaningful business outcomes. ZBeta is known for guiding organisations through change and fostering innovation, and I look forward to working with this talented team to develop transformative solutions for our clients.” This appointment demonstrates ZBeta’s ongoing investment in talent and innovation as the company strengthens its role as a trusted advisor to organisations modernising security operations and accelerating transformation.

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform has been deployed by Kansas’ Bonner Springs–Edwardsville USD 204 to protect students and faculty against gun-related violence. USD 204 serves more than 2,400 PreK–12 students with 455 staff members across a network of schools in the suburban communities of Kansas City, Bonner Springs, and Edwardsville, including one high school, one middle school, three elementary schools, and two pre-K buildings. ZeroEyes complements the district’s multilayered security plan, which also includes school resource officers (SROs), secured entrances, and close, ongoing collaboration with local law enforcement agencies across all three communities.  Situational awareness platform The district secured funding through the Kansas Safe and Secure Firearm Detection Grant Program, administered by the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, to purchase and implement ZeroEyes. “Ensuring the safety of our students and staff is at the core of everything we do,” said Lisa Terrell, Director of Education Foundation & Counseling Services. “The deployment of ZeroEyes is a natural extension of our district’s proactive, layered approach to security, enhancing the strong foundation we’ve built through trusted partnerships with local law enforcement, secure facilities, and dedicated personnel.” Digital security cameras 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 centre, 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 local security teams, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Thanks to the Office of the Kansas Attorney General, we can provide an added level of confidence for USD 204’s families and community with ZeroEyes,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “It's great to see the district reinforce its commitment to creating a safe, supportive environment where every student can thrive.”

Athena Security, a physical security and threat detection company specialising in AI-powered weapons detection systems, announced today they are working with MLK Community Healthcare, a non-profit healthcare system in South L.A., to improve security measures at their hospital. MLK Community Healthcare is utilising Athena’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System, an Al-driven walk-through concealed weapon detection system designed for busy entrances, such as those at hospitals and healthcare facilities. “Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility," said Lisa Falzone, Athena Security co-founder and president. Threat detection company Lisa Falzone, Athena Security’s co-founder and president, said the device offers peace of mind to healthcare providers and patients alike at a time when violence in hospitals and other healthcare facilities is rising across the country. “Everyone deserves to feel safe going to work every day. Likewise, patients and their loved ones should feel at ease when seeking care at their local healthcare facility,” Falzone said. “By leveraging our expertise in the security space and utilising emerging technology like AI, we’ve created a weapons detection system platform that is potentially saving lives while creating less disruption in the day-to-day activities at healthcare facilities.” Automated weapon detection systems The move comes ahead of a new AB 2975 California law requiring hospitals and certain other healthcare facilities to have automated weapon detection systems at key entrances. “When it came time to comply with California’s AB 2975 workplace violence prevention requirements and implement a weapons detection solution, we conducted an extensive evaluation of the available systems. Athena’s Apollo 500 Healthcare Weapons Detection System stood out as the best overall value, combining effective weapons detection with the operational capabilities and healthcare-focused workflows our hospital needed,” said Trenton Jackson, Director of Public Safety and Support Services at MLK Community Healthcare. Weapons detection platform “Throughout the installation and testing process, Athena has been a responsive collaborator. They’ve worked with us every step of the way to ensure that the weapons detection platform technology works as it should and integrates smoothly into our hospital operations.” Athena Security’s Apollo 500 Weapons Detection System has already been shown to improve security measures at healthcare facilities. A recent case study at an Illinois-based healthcare system found that Athena’s product successfully detected more than 200 weapons at their hospitals in 2025 alone.

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park have unified their physical security operations using Genetec™ Security Center. Home to the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, SoFi Stadium is the premier sports and entertainment destination located at Hollywood Park. The stadium has established itself as a world-class venue, hosting record-breaking concerts and global sporting events while consistently ranking among the top venues in the world. Global sporting events To support events of this scale, the organisation standardised on Security Center to unify video surveillance, access control, automatic license plate recognition (ALPR), and other physical security systems in the 3.1 million-square-foot venue and across the 300-acre Hollywood Park development. Operators manage more than 3,000 cameras, 700 readers, and numerous other systems and sensors from three security control rooms, helping teams maintain situational awareness while streamlining day-to-day operations. "Genetec Security Center has improved our response time efficiency by giving us all the information we need in one platform. We’re able to understand what's happening and make decisions quickly," said Nick Bermensolo, Vice President of Security and Safety at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. Physical security systems Since deploying Security Center, the SoFi Stadium IT team has a reliable, scalable, and cybersecure platform that runs on an isolated network and connects back to centralised servers. During big events, they support security operations by monitoring system performance from the Network Operations Center, ensuring everything is working as it should. The security team can easily handle daily tasks, while IT keeps systems running smoothly on the backend. "The Genetec team doesn’t just understand physical security systems, but IT systems too. With their help, we’ve been able to deploy a reliable and high-performing security platform at scale," said Paul Maldonado, Vice President of IT Infrastructure and Operations at SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park. AI-based tools Looking ahead, both teams are focused on getting more value out of Security Center, exploring AI-based tools and more automation. They know they have a flexible, scalable platform that can support evolving cybersecurity and network requirements. "Genetec has really helped us establish a technology standard. Security Center is reliable and cybersecure, integrates well with our network, and reduces overhead for both IT and security. That’s the type of technology we want to continue implementing across our business," said Maldonado.

With up to one million fans attending FIFA World Cup™ matches and festivities in Miami, Florida, the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department has equipped the city’s host stadium with advanced connected safety technology to help protect spectators, athletes, and event staff. The technology is provided by Blackline Safety, a global pioneer in connected safety technology. Eight of Blackline’s connected EXO area monitors have been discreetly placed throughout the stadium to continuously monitor for potential hazards. Connected safety technology Highly visible, high-stakes environments like the World Cup require emergency responders to prepare for a wide range of potential risks, from accidental incidents to intentional chemical, biological, radiological and other public safety threats. Connected to the Blackline Live cloud platform, EXO technology provides incident commanders with real-time visibility into conditions, ensuring rescue teams can respond quickly if needed. “These are once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, and being asked to protect such a large event is incredible,” said Marcel Berube, Hazmat, Logistics and Training Lieutenant with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Department in Florida. “You’re there in case anything happens, and you have a product that’s going to assist you to help everybody if needed." Real-time visibility Of the eight devices deployed, four are EXO 8 area monitors, equipped to detect up to eight gases plus gamma radiation, as well as four G7 EXOs, EXO 8’s predecessor. The monitors transmit readings live over a cellular network to Blackline Live software that act as a central command platform for the fire crew, giving them the instant data to make fast decisions if needed. Its long-lasting battery means no downtime throughout the tournament. “Every day, our technology helps protect workers in some of the world's most demanding environments,” said Cody Slater, CEO, Blackline Safety. “At events like the World Cup, or the Winter Olympics in Italy earlier this year, that same mission extends beyond the worksite to help emergency responders protect the hundreds of thousands of people who have gathered to experience something unforgettable." Connected monitoring solutions This deployment reflects the growing role of connected safety technology in public event security. Increasingly, fire departments and emergency management organisations are adopting cloud-connected monitoring solutions that provide greater visibility, faster communication, and improved coordination during planned events and emergency response operations. Berube and his team were even able to use the data from Blackline's platform to inform the entire Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), a coordinated group of agencies including police, FBI, and more. Emergency response operations Blackline Safety worked closely with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue throughout planning and deployment to configure the system, support implementation, and help ensure the technology was ready for operational use before fans arrived. “Every experience I’ve had with Blackline has been great,” Berube said. “The support is excellent. If you have a question, they run you through it without a problem, and everyone is very helpful. Every time I've had an issue, problem, question, they've been very supportive.”