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.

Hexagon AB has announced the appointment of the board of directors of its potential spin-off company, Octave Intelligence plc. The Octave Board brings together senior leaders with experience building and operating global technology platforms, scaling enterprise software businesses, strengthening operational resilience, and governing public companies across industrial and digital markets: Leaders and their roles Brett D. Watson, Chair of the Board of Directors is President of Koch Equity, LLC, overseeing several Koch-affiliated investment groups and their diverse global portfolios. Mr. Watson is also an officer of Koch, Inc., where he serves as Vice President, Equity Development with responsibility for corporate development and M&A activity across the firm. Mr. Watson brings extensive experience in capital allocation, business scaling, and board leadership.  He currently serves on the boards of Getty Images, Infor, MITER Brands, Molex, and Transaction Network Services. Mr. Watson previously served on the board of Hexagon AB from 2021 until 2024. Magnus Ahlqvist, Director has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Securitas AB since 2018, leading significant transformations across the company’s global service operations. Mr. Ahlqvist brings deep international operating experience from prior senior leadership roles at Motorola Mobility, Sony and Ericsson, as well as extensive expertise in global business management. He is also chairman at the International Security Ligue. David J. Hollister, Director is a seasoned financial executive with extensive experience in financial management, operations, and investment oversight. He previously served in senior leadership roles at Bentley Systems, including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operations Advancement Officer and Chief Investment Officer, and currently serves on the board of iDEAL Semiconductor and the advisory board for InEight Software. Mr. Hollister is a Certified Public Accountant. Meerah Rajavel, Director is Chief Information Officer of Palo Alto Networks and a recognised leader in cybersecurity, information technology, and digital transformation. Ms. Rajavel brings extensive operating and governance experience from prior chief information officer roles and public company board service, including service on audit and compensation committees. Jill D. Smith, Director is a seasoned leader with over 30 years of experience leading and governing global technology and data-driven companies, including having previously served as Chair of the board of AspenTech. Ms. Smith is a former chief executive officer and currently serves on the boards of Securitas AB, Evolent Health, Check Point Software, and MDA Space. She was previously a board member of Hexagon AB from 2013 until 2017. Mattias Stenberg, Director is Chief Executive Officer of Octave and was previously President of Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence and Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial divisions. Mr. Stenberg held leadership roles in strategy, M&A, and corporate development at Hexagon AB and currently serves as a board member at Sinch AB. All of the above members of the Octave Board, other than Mr. Stenberg, are expected to be considered independent under the listing rules of the Nasdaq Global Select Market and Nasdaq OMX Stockholm. Delivering long-term value "Octave is entering the market with a Board that reflects the scale, responsibility, and operational rigor required to support customers running mission critical assets," said Brett Watson, Chair of the Board, Octave. "This group brings real operating experience across industrial markets and software platforms, along with disciplined capital allocation and governance. We share the goal of building a resilient, independent company dedicated to delivering durable, long-term value creation.” "It is a privilege to work with a Board of this caliber," said Mattias Stenberg, Chief Executive Officer and director of Octave. "Their depth of experience raises the bar on how we operate and ultimately makes us better partners to the customers who depend on our platforms every day."  Suppoting Octave's strategy The Board will support Octave’s strategy to deliver solutions that give asset owners and operators the intelligence and insight to improve safety, uptime, sustainability, and long-term performance across energy, infrastructure, manufacturing, utilities, and public sector markets.  The separation, spin-off and listing remain subject to this ongoing process and final approval of the Hexagon board and shareholders, as well as being subject to other conditions, consents and regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that a separation, spin-off or listing will occur.

Seven-year contract worth £63 million to deliver digital development services for the UK’s electoral system. Atos, a foremost provider of AI-powered digital transformation and partner, technology transformation specialists Softwire, have been selected by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to deliver the full spectrum of development of Digital Elections Services (DES) portfolio. Delivering critical solutoins for citizens Michael Herron, Head of Atos UK&I said, “We are delighted to be working with Softwire and MHCLG on this vital service. We understand the need for secure, robust and future-ready digital systems that underpin citizen services. This award reflects our deep expertise in delivering critical solutions for citizens on behalf of the Government.” Atos and Softwire solution The Atos and Softwire solution will help the MHCLG Elections team deliver the government’s manifesto commitments and other priorities, alongside continuing to iterate and improve their existing products and services. Atos and Softwire will provide full multi-disciplinary teams and individuals to complement an existing team for a short to medium period. They will provide expertise indelivery and implementation, product management, discovery and user research, business analysis, service design, development, testing and technical architecture. Combining experiences Alex Wolff, director, public sector, health and transport Softwire, said: “We are delighted to continue our existing relationship with MHCLG on the important work of supporting and securing UK elections. Our partnership with Atos allows us to combine our deep experience in designing and building universally accessible critical assets with Atos’ track record of successfully delivering scaled programmes of work.”

Babel Street, a global pioneer in mission-grade risk intelligence, announced its strategic roadmap for 2026, marking a decisive shift toward Agentic Risk Intelligence. Following a year of leadership expansion and rapid market evolution, the company is advancing the industry toward an intent-driven system where AI agents execute complex intelligence workflows while remaining grounded in verifiable evidence and human judgement.  Changing global intelligence “The age of static risk intelligence is over. The future belongs to organisations that can see what others cannot and act before a risk becomes a reality,” said Benji Hutchinson, CEO of Babel Street. “We are deploying agentic AI to fundamentally change the speed, depth, and veracity of global intelligence. Analysts and operators will be empowered to surface hidden connections and produce evidence-backed conclusions at the speed and scale of modern risk.” The global intelligence landscape is undergoing a fundamental shift. Threat actors are exploiting publicly available information and flooding the environment with synthetic media and automated deception. Traditional investigative platforms and methods cannot keep pace, creating urgent demand for AI systems capable of closing this growing intelligence asymmetry.  AI-as-a-worker Babel Street’s ‘AI-as-a-Worker’ approach enables analysts to direct AI agents that execute multi-step intelligence workflows at machine speed. While the system traverses massive datasets to extract entities, detect risk, and assemble intelligence, analysts maintain full oversight with complete traceability. Every finding is delivered with clear citations and source provenance, ensuring results can be validated, reproduced, and confidently used for high-stakes decision-making.    Data Dominance™ Babel Street’s advantage begins with Data Dominance™, the company’s long-standing ability to transform vast amounts of publicly available information into contextual intelligence. This foundation enables connected intelligence that helps analysts and AI agents uncover hidden relationships and networks across fragmented data sources. “AI falls short today not because it lacks sophistication, but because it is fueled by data that lacks context,” said John Larson, President and Chief AI Officer at Babel Street. “Most platforms operate with blind spots, relying on narrow datasets that create false confidence. Babel Street is the only platform combining Data Dominance with agentic capabilities. Risk intelligence must be continuous, infinitely scalable, and instantly actionable. Babel Street is charting an aggressive course towards fulfilling this vision in 2026.” AI systems As organisations deploy their own AI systems, Babel Street is also enabling the next phase of intelligence automation through Agent-to-Agent interoperability. The capability will allow AI systems to securely interact with Babel Street’s platform to enrich investigations, resolve identities, and surface intelligence signals with Data Dominance.  Beginning this Spring, the company will make the first of its agentic workflows generally available, empowering analysts to assign research, entity discovery, and signal analysis tasks directly to the AI. The platform returns structured findings grounded in verifiable evidence with transparent citations and source provenance to ensure trust, auditability, and mission alignment. These workflows support critical missions such as vendor vetting, identity investigations, and global threat intelligence, where speed, accuracy, and evidence-backed conclusions are essential. Organisational momentum Babel Street enters 2026 with strong organisational momentum, fortifying its position as the definitive platform for agentic risk intelligence. The company was recently named to the Northern Virginia Technology Council 2025 Tech100, and CEO Benji Hutchinson honored as a "Top Industry Exec to Watch in 2026." Babel Street also expanded its leadership team with appointments of John W. Larson as President and Chief AI Officer and Rob Lalumondier as Chief Revenue Officer, and welcomed CIA Chief Operating Officer Maura Burns as a strategic advisor.

Security, cost-management, and compliance demands placed on building managers have grown significantly. The key to meeting them all without increasing workload and costs could be the strategic implementation of smarter digital access, as a new whitepaper explores. Facility managers to manage access of locations As organisations upscale, downsize or onboard new locations faster than ever, facilities managers must be able to manage access flexibly and to adapt on the fly. The boom in service contracting means many essential building functions are now handled by third-party providers rather than employees: they need access to complete their work while keeping the premises secure. At the same time, new access and security solutions must battle for budget and justify their Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), producing real Returns on Investment (ROI) in the process.  Security and access management Mechanical locking was never designed for this kind of demanding, dynamic environment. Yet it is becoming the ‘new normal’ in many sectors. In addition, physical, cyber and ‘hybrid’ physical-cyber security threats loom larger than ever, as do strict regulations designed to protect critical sectors from these threats, including the EU’s NIS2 guidance and forthcoming Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)1. Clearly, compliance within a complex regulatory landscape and the implementation of joined-up security and access management are critical challenges, particularly in sectors on which NIS2 obligations fall most heavily: infrastructure, finance/banking, healthcare, energy, transport, and ICT sites such as data centres. Programmable key access management One valued benefit of the mechanical key is its familiarity. In many cases, a mechanical locking system with patent-protected cylinders and keys may be the appropriate solution. However, unlike mechanical security, a digital solution offers the ability to allocate time-based rather than blanket access authorisations, and to amend them quickly and flexibly. A digital credential, such as a smart key, can be programmed or de-authorised in seconds, negating the threat of a lost key in circulation, not to mention the cost of changing cylinders and re-keying. The ability for building technology to connect solutions for access, fire protection and escape routes, for example, may also enhance user safety and facilities management. With a digital solution, audit capability is automated for each lock and user, benefitting compliance efforts; manual access tracking with mechanical keys is either time-consuming or, in many cases, impossible. Tracking and tracing access is one requirement of NIS2 regulations. Smart key system “Of course, switching from mechanical to digital access management is not as simple as flicking a switch,” says Jochen Wizemann, Head of Business Development for Key-based Digital Cylinders at ASSA ABLOY. “Many organisations have large systems which they cannot change all at once, so digital systems must be scalable gradually over time as budgets allow. The right programmable smart key system can offer this.” Smart key systems are the fastest, least disruptive way to switch mechanical security for intelligent digital access. They immediately upgrade the flexibility of access management in organisations of every size and type. Electronic or electromechanical locking cylinders simply slot into place instead of the legacy mechanical devices, without door damage or wiring. Intuitive software and programmable digital keys issued to authorised site users gives facilities management teams granular control over the movements of staff and contractors. The major advantages of ASSA ABLOY CLIQ® With a key-based digital access management system like ASSA ABLOY’s CLIQ solution, it becomes straightforward to grant access rights which are personalised to an individual’s precise needs and level of authority. Because every access event is logged by the system, audit trails can be generated with a few clicks in the software control panel – streamlining compliance obligations with the latest generation of regulations such as NIS2 and the CRA. The CLIQ ecosystem includes more than 60 different cylinder and padlock types, ensuring almost any need can be met with a CLIQ solution. “Adaptability, scalability, security, convenience and trust are just some of the reasons CLIQ has been adopted in some of the most demanding environments for access management,” adds Jochen Wizemann. “CLIQ is trusted to manage access and protect secure spaces by the London Ambulance Service, at Düsseldorf’s 55,000-capacity stadium, at sensitive and dispersed water and electricity utilities sites, in Amsterdam’s World Trade Center, and at small offices, hospitals and schools all over Europe. It provides reliable, flexible security and can deliver a concrete ROI, as modelling in the new whitepaper illustrates, alongside advice and checklists for decision-makers looking to upgrade from mechanical to digital access management.” How to use CLIQ systems CLIQ systems are simple for everyone. A user inserts their programmable CLIQ key into a cylinder. If the key is authorised, the lock opens. CLIQ is equally easy to administer. To programme a key with access rights, to a door or group of openings, takes a few clicks in the software. Update and revalidate the key using a remote updater or the optional Bluetooth® functionality, and it is ready to use. Because the power is inside every key – a single, standard battery with a lifetime of up to 10 years for standard user keys – there is no wiring or broken walls during installation, and no expensive mains electricity consumed during operation. With a choice of software for managing on a local PC (CLIQ Local Manager) or online from anywhere (CLIQ Web Manager), plus the CLIQ Go app for small businesses who wish to manage access for themselves, CLIQ simplifies the switch from mechanical to flexible, secure digital access almost anywhere.

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.”

Pioneer charity Samaritans has worked in partnership with Comelit-PAC and installer Red Technical Services Ltd to complete an upgrade to the fire safety system at its registered office in Ewell. The organisation, focused on suicide prevention through human connection, provides emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. LogiFire wireless system To protect the staff who help make this possible at its central office services, Samaritans has replaced its ageing fire alarm with a new LogiFire solution designed to bring reliability, compliance, and reassurance. The charity required a system that could be installed quickly and efficiently, with minimal disruption to its vital operations. Following a detailed review of requirements, Comelit-PAC recommended the LogiFire wireless system, which combines the latest technology with straightforward operation. Says Anthony Borrow at Samaritans: “The safety of our staff and volunteers is always a priority. We needed a fire system upgrade that would bring us peace of mind while also being practical for our office environment. The process was made straightforward through the support of both Comelit-PAC and Red Technical Services, who worked with us from the outset to understand our needs and ensure a smooth installation.” Features and functions At the centre of the installation is a single LogiFire 118 panel configured as a wireless solution. To extend coverage across the office, the system incorporates four translators and wired interfaces linked with four door access points. Sounders, manual call points, and detectors were fitted throughout the building to ensure full compliance with fire safety standards. The system features cloud-based remote connectivity, enabling Samaritans’ facilities team and Comelit-PAC engineers to monitor and manage the fire safety network in real time from any location. Through a secure online platform, authorised users can receive instant alerts, check system status and carry out diagnostics without needing to be on site, ensuring a fast response to any issue. Easy installation Steve Hopkins, General Manager from Red Technical Services Ltd, added: “This project required careful planning to keep the office fully operational for their essential work during installation. The wireless design of the LogiFire panel meant we could phase the work efficiently, avoiding intrusive cabling and keeping downtime to an absolute minimum. Remote cloud access now allows engineers to run system checks, update configurations and respond to alerts immediately, which reduces maintenance costs and improves ongoing resilience.“ Planning the programme Delivering the upgrade required close collaboration between all parties. From the design and specification stage, Comelit-PAC worked alongside Red Technical Services Ltd to map out the system requirements and plan the works programme. This included site surveys, identifying the best equipment locations, and agreeing on installation phases to reduce disruption to the charity’s operations. Delivering reliable protection Mandy Bowden, Comelit-PAC Fire Systems Business Manager – UK & ROI, concluded: “Our priority was to design a fire safety system that delivers reliable protection and can adapt as Samaritans’ requirements change. Through close partnership, we carried out detailed surveys and planning to ensure the system fits the building and its operations precisely. The combination of wireless technology and secure cloud monitoring provides the flexibility to expand coverage, add new devices, or adjust settings as needed, all offering long-term confidence in the safety of staff and volunteers.”

ZeroEyes, the creators of the first AI-based gun detection video analytics platform to earn the full US Department of Homeland Security SAFETY Act Designation, announces that its AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness platform is being deployed by Dillon School District Four to protect students, faculty, and visitors against gun-related violence. Located in Dillon County, South Carolina, the school district serves approximately 3,800 students and employs more than 500 staff across six schools, including two high schools, one middle school, and multiple elementary schools serving Pre-K through fifth grade. One of two districts in the county, it places a strong emphasis on proactive safety and emergency preparedness. Multi-layered security approach Dillon School District Four purchased ZeroEyes with funds granted through Proviso 1.78 of the FY 2024-2025 Appropriations Act by the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) to make upgrades aligned with school safety priorities. Its ZeroEyes deployment will complement the district’s multilayered security approach, which includes metal detectors, shatterproof window film, handheld wands, two-way radios, and more. “Student and staff safety is not optional; it’s foundational,” said Douglas Ray Rogers, superintendent of Dillon School District Four. “We are committed to doing all we can, every day, to create a secure environment where learning and teaching can happen without fear, and we are excited to add ZeroEyes’ proactive gun-detection technology to this strategy.” Intelligent situational awareness 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 school security teams as quickly as 3 to 5 seconds from detection. “By integrating advanced security technologies, Dillon School District Four is taking proactive steps to protect its students and staff with confidence,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “We are honoured to be chosen to deploy our solutions throughout the district.”