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.

dormakaba, a pioneer in safe locks and trusted provider of ATM security solutions for financial institutions worldwide, announces the launch of its newest innovation, Apexx Strato™ Rotary. The keyless electronic ATM rotary lock is designed to secure the ATM top hatch and help prevent unauthorised access that can lead to malware installation and jackpotting attacks. Apexx Strato delivers Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE)-enabled protection for the ATM’s most vulnerable access point, the top hatch. By replacing shared mechanical keys with controlled mobile credentials and automatic audit capture, the solution helps reduce financial exposure while improving visibility and strengthening security across ATM fleets. Vulnerable access point “Our team has launched several new solutions over the past three years focused on driving continued operational efficiencies and risk management for financial institutions, retailers, ATM owners and operators, and cash-in-transit (CIT) service providers,” said Bruce Kayal, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Global Safe Locks for dormakaba. “Apexx Strato complements these solutions by integrating another locking technology that further enhances the safety and security of our clients’ physical assets as well as the human assets responsible for servicing them.” Centralised credential management Organised ATM attacks continue to expose the limitations of legacy key-based access. Jackpotting and cash-out schemes now account for 70% of reported ATM crime in the U.S., according to ATM Industry Association data. Apexx Strato addresses this risk by eliminating shared physical keys and introducing centralised credential management for ATM service access. “You can’t steal or copy a key that no longer exists,” Kayal said. “Behind every ATM is a team responsible for keeping customers’ money safe. When physical keys are lost, copied, or shared, those teams are left managing unnecessary risk. We’re giving our servicing partners greater control and visibility while giving their teams greater peace of mind.” Shared mechanical keys Key features of Apexx Strato: Keyless access: Replaces shared mechanical keys with secure BLE credentials through the dormakaba Safe Locks mobile app. Controlled technician access: Digital credentials assigned to individual users improve accountability and eliminate shared service keys. Automatic audit capture: Every access event is recorded automatically, creating audit-ready records without manual logs or paperwork. Real-time door and latch status monitoring: Provides confirmation that the ATM hatch was opened and closed as expected. Centralised access management: Operators can remotely add, remove, or update user permissions without on-site changes. Unified ATM security ecosystem: Integrates with the dormakaba Apexx Software platform alongside dormakaba solutions such as CenconX™ and Axessor Apexx for centralised fleet management.

Herta has announced the upcoming launch of Herta v4, the next generation of its platform, arriving next month. Designed to deliver stronger security, improved performance and greater scalability, the new release marks an important step in the company’s ongoing evolution of advanced biometric technology. Herta v4 introduces a modernised platform architecture created to meet the growing demands of today’s security and operational environments. The new version is designed to help customers and partners benefit from a more agile, secure and efficient platform, while laying the groundwork for future innovation. New communications framework Among the most significant enhancements in Herta v4 is a new communications framework that streamlines how the platform connects internally and externally. REST becomes the standard for external integrations, gRPC powers internal service communications, and MQTT remains in place for edge environments and real-time data flows. Together, these changes are designed to improve responsiveness, reduce complexity and make integrations faster and easier to manage. Security is another major focus of the new release. Herta v4 incorporates modern authentication mechanisms and enforces HTTPS-only communications across the platform, strengthening the protection of credentials, sessions and connected services. These improvements reflect Herta’s continued commitment to building secure, enterprise-ready technology aligned with current best practices. Focused product development The new version also brings a more modular product structure. As part of this evolution, the Demographics (Marketing) capability is being moved into a standalone application, allowing for greater flexibility, improved maintainability and more focused product development. In addition, Herta v4 features a redesigned REST API model based on modern API-first and RESTful principles. This update is aimed at making the platform more intuitive for developers, reducing integration effort and accelerating deployment for customers and technology partners. With Herta v4, Herta continues to strengthen its position as a technology partner for organisations looking for high-performance facial recognition solutions that are secure, scalable and ready for the future. The upcoming release reflects the company’s commitment to combining innovation with operational reliability in environments where performance matters most.

Interface Systems, a provider of AI-powered security and expert remote video monitoring for restaurants, retailers, and commercial businesses, today released its 2026 Retail Loss Prevention Benchmark Report, an annual study based on 1.6 million remote monitoring events across 18,258 U.S. retail locations and 51 brands throughout 2025. The report provides operational data at a scale to help retail loss prevention leaders understand when risk peaks, which threats escalate fastest, and which intervention strategies prove most effective across thousands of monitored locations. Loss prevention teams "Loss prevention teams are under more pressure than ever to protect people, reduce shrink, and justify every dollar spent on security. This report gives them the data and the confidence to make those decisions," said Brent Duncan, CEO of Interface Systems. Location Theft/Loss, Disturbances, and Loitering/Panhandling are the top retail threats by volume. Other threats tracked included criminal events, battery/assault, theft, property damage, robbery, and medical emergencies. High-priority security events Retail risk is predictable. Store opening times recorded a 363% spike in security incidents and peak volume of incidents are recorded between 6 and 8 PM. Sundays and Mondays combined account for 30% of weekly incident volume, while Thursdays carry the highest police dispatch rate of the week. Interactive remote video monitoring reduces escalation. 62.4% of high-priority security events were resolved without police dispatch when interactive remote video monitoring was deployed. Voice-down intervention, where a trained intervention specialist communicates in real time through on-site speakers, resolved 99.7% of employee assistance requests without law enforcement involvement. Eliminating false alarms Video verification eliminates false alarms. 95% of alarm events were identified as false alarms through live video verification and resolved without dispatch. Employee vulnerability peaks at transitions, not peak hours. Of the 1.1 million employee assistance requests logged in 2025, demand was highest at 10 AM (97,432 requests) and peaked at 7 PM (146,672 requests), aligning with store opening and closing times. Loitering and disturbances have higher rates of escalation. Loitering and disturbances have a consistently high dispatch rate ranging from 65-82%. Both categories peak daily between 6 and 8 PM, the same window as overall incident volume. Expert human monitoring The day before a holiday carries more risk than the actual holiday itself. Pre-holiday days averaged 148 incidents versus 138 on actual holidays, representing a 5.5% incident drop on holiday. The report also includes performance data from Interface's Virtual Perimeter Guard, an AI-powered perimeter security solution that combines autonomous detection with expert human monitoring from Interface’s Interactive Security Operations Centers (iSOCs). Free security assessment Across 29 distributed locations, Virtual Perimeter Guard Units were activated 23,810 times, resolved 96.1% of perimeter threats automatically through a staged voice-down protocol, and escalated 4% of the events to a live intervention specialist. Just one police dispatch was recorded across all 23,810 activations. The full breakdown of the activation stages and resolution rates is included in the report. The complete 2026 Retail Loss Prevention Benchmark Report is available now at interface systems website. The full report includes detailed charts, segment analyses across discount retail and jewellery formats, and actionable takeaways for loss prevention leaders. Loss prevention leaders can also request a free security assessment to benchmark their incident profile and identify where interactive remote video monitoring and AI-enabled perimeter deterrence can reduce risk at their locations.

iDenfy, a global identity verification and fraud prevention service provider, has introduced a simplified onboarding solution powered by electronic bank-based identity checks. Businesses that previously relied on physical ID document verification can now give users the option to complete the process through an electronic ID eIDV flow when official documents are not in hand. This update addresses a common issue in Know Your Customer KYC onboarding, where customers abandon the process simply because they do not have an ID card or passport with them at the time of verification. Non-document-verification systems iDenfy’s latest innovation addresses the needs of users who are not always carrying physical cards in this technology age. By allowing users to replace document verification with electronic ID methods, including Swedish BankID, UK OneID, USA OneID, and Smart-ID, widely used across the Baltic region, as well as other non-document-verification systems that support more than 60 types of digital identities. According to iDenfy internal information, since the introduction of this hybrid verification approach, the company has seen a 23% decrease in drop-offs among users who would otherwise have abandoned the process due to not having their physical documents at hand. IP data signals “We’re actively expanding electronic identity support with the reliable banks and the simplified workflows across different regions to offer our customers and their clients the most convenient option to verify themselves without a physical card burden. We believe that locally trusted digital methods are the way to create a much smoother onboarding experience,’’ said Domantas Ciulde, CEO of iDenfy. The non-physical electronic verification system is built with user experience in mind to simplify security checks and quicken the flow times. The most burdensome tasks, such as manually selecting document types, country of origin, and typing needed ID numbers, can be removed as the modern systems can automatically detect the user's location and adjust parameters accordingly with IP data signals. Internal company projections In order to fully optimise the KYC user experience, iDenfy is currently working on further upgrades. To minimise the need for numerous attempts, a new feature will right away suggest switching to eID verification in a situation if a document-based attempt fails due to low image quality, lighting problems, or missed data. Internal company projections indicate this could lower overall drop-off rates by an additional 30%. With iDenfy’s system, the process is straightforward: users in supported regions can authenticate themselves using familiar, pre-saved digital identity credentials, such as codes or passwords tied to their official eID. Depending upon the business and its regulatory demands, these options may include proof of address, bank account verification, biometric checks, or other KYC layers. Improving conversion rates Adding flexible options to choose from should help businesses to improve conversion rates while keeping strong security standards. It is important to note that the users can simply switch between physical and electronic verification methods in the same session without the need to restart the process, switch to any other platforms, or complete extra security questions to process the data. The timing of this release aligns with broader trends in digital identity adoption. The EU’s eIDAS 2.0 regulation is accelerating the rollout of universal digital identity wallets across member states, while Nordic countries already rely heavily on electronic identity systems for everyday transactions. iDenfy’s combined verification flow is now available to all customers at no extra cost and can be activated directly through the platform’s dashboard without requiring additional integration work. Additional integration work “Our insights have shown that many users weren’t dropping off due to distrust or reluctance; they simply didn’t have their ID documents nearby. Electronic identities offer the same level of trust as traditional documents and are often even more secure; therefore, giving users the flexibility to switch within the same session was a logical step forward,” said Adomas Vitkauskas, the CFO of iDenfy. US firms prioritise financial crime as the top AI investment area, though they continue to grapple with high operational costs and fragmented in-house technology systems. According to recent research by Fenergo, financial institutions worldwide continue to lose customers due to inefficient onboarding systems that fail to align with real user behavior. Flexible onboarding systems The study reveals that U.S. firms spend an average of $72.9 million annually on KYC operations alone. On a per-client basis, more than half of corporate and institutional banks spend between $1,500 and $3,000 to complete just one client's KYC review, and one in five spends more than $3,000 per review. To this day, automation of periodic KYC reviews remains limited, meaning that manual inefficiencies persist despite growing investment. U.S. financial institutions are caught in a costly paradox, spending tens of millions on compliance infrastructure while simultaneously losing clients due to unscalable and inefficient systems. The firms that will win in the years ahead are those that engineer intelligent, flexible onboarding systems capable of retaining clients throughout the process without unnecessary burden.

Travelers and residential renters increasingly prefer the convenience of digital access. These solutions also offer commercial benefits to businesses operating in these fast-growing sectors: it becomes faster and more cost-efficient for them to roll-out new sites and to manage access to them remotely without the need for expensive 24/7 front-desk operations. City Pop is one short-let furnished apartment rental provider operating in both these sectors. Their growing portfolio of design-led properties covers European cities such as Zurich, Berlin, Prague and Milan. They previously relied on an RFID access-card solution. However, manual handling of credentials created a major challenge to achieving their ambitions. They needed a scalable alternative which would simplify access management and enable their business to grow cost-effectively across international boundaries. Portfolio of serviced apartments For this reason, they adopted card-less, mobile access across their portfolio of serviced apartments – installing Aperio® wireless locks integrated natively with an Incedo Pro access management system. Doors to City Pop apartments and some common areas are equipped with these contemporary-styled wire-free, battery-powered Aperio escutcheons. “We were looking for a future-proof, reception-less access solution that could scale with our growth across Europe,” explains Pawel Gawor, City Pop’s CEO. Integrating access with the booking system automatically distributes entry permissions to customers without manual staff handling. Guests can arrive at convenient times without any need for a reception check-in and have a choice of secure mobile access via the City Pop app or a PIN code to enter directly on the Aperio escutcheon’s keypad. Manual staff handling Choosing to standardise locks with the Aperio E100 Wireless Keypad Escutcheon gave City Pop the ability to retrofit buildings without wiring or door damage. In addition, because reservations software is also integrated with their Incedo Pro system, City Pop automates centralised, real-time, and remote control over time-limited access at multiple sites dispersed around Germany, Czechia, Switzerland, and Italy. Digitalising access in this way gives them the flexibility to offers apartment stays by the month or, at an expanding number of locations, from one night and up. Their ongoing ASSA ABLOY installation project now totals over 2,500 doors… and is still growing. Smartcard management infrastructure Choosing this ASSA ABLOY solution also contributed towards City Pop’s sustainability goals. With no key or smartcard management infrastructure, they use less plastic. Eliminating the need for a 24/7 reception reduces unnecessary staff travel: they manage access remotely. City Pop have also limited their energy use: wireless Aperio locks are powered by standard batteries and draw much less power than equivalent wired access devices. In addition, ASSA ABLOY Signo Readers, installed at external doors, sliding doors, elevators, and some high-traffic interior doors, have an Intelligent Power Mode (IPM) which saves 41% in energy compared to equivalent readers without IPM. “With Aperio wireless locks and Incedo Pro, we now have a fully digital, mobile-first access experience for our guests with no need for staff on-site,” adds Pawel.

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that Lincoln County Schools (LCS) in North Carolina has modernised its district-wide security infrastructure using Genetec™ Security Center, unifying video surveillance, access control, and intrusion systems across its schools and support facilities. Lincoln County Schools serves over 11,000 students across 23 schools, including 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, a technology school, and an alternative school. Four additional buildings support district-wide services such as school nutrition, transportation, and maintenance. As its existing security technology began showing its age, the district set out to modernise its systems. Human resources database “Genetec™ Security Center offered us a great option,” said Steven Hoyle, Chief Technology Officer for Lincoln County Schools. “We have the features we need in one solution that’s easy to use and fits our budget.” At the top of LCS’s requirements was an open, unified security platform. The district wanted the flexibility to reuse existing video and access control hardware while upgrading devices as needed. It also sought to manage video, access control, and intrusion systems within a single solution and to connect other school systems, including the human resources database, to improve process automation. Access control systems LCS began upgrading its high schools’ video surveillance and access control systems, now unified as one in Genetec Security Center. They also added Radionix intrusion detection. When complete, hundreds of cameras, doors, and intrusion sensors across district buildings will be connected to the Genetec open architecture platform. This has also allowed the district to retain much of its existing hardware and to migrate to newer devices at its own pace. “Genetec™ Security Center supports a wide range of third-party technologies, and that’s been a huge bonus for us,” explained Hoyle. “We have the freedom to keep some existing hardware, upgrade to newer devices, and integrate other business systems. This helps us find the right balance between enhancing security and managing costs. And we can do it at our own pace, taking our time to re-evaluate needs and make decisions from there.” Reducing false alarms LCS has also digitised processes by connecting Microsoft Active Directory and its Radionix intrusion detection system within Security Center. With Active Directory integration, cardholder privileges are automatically assigned based on job role and location. When employees join or leave the district, door and system access is activated or deactivated automatically. Synchronising cardholders with the intrusion detection system has reduced false alarms. “In the past, intrusion alarms would sometimes be activated when someone was still in the building, resulting in many false alarms,” said Hoyle. “Now, staff can badge in during set hours, and the intrusion system is automatically armed or disarmed. We’re seeing far fewer false alarms and fewer calls to law enforcement and our administrators.” As upgrades continue, Lincoln County Schools is working with Genetec to expand capabilities and connect additional systems to support faster, more coordinated communication across the district.

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida is home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins — and a year-round destination for major events. Beyond football, the broader campus supports large-scale operations throughout the year, including international events and a race circuit that runs around the stadium complex. Operationally, the environment changes day to day. On weekdays, the stadium may seem quiet on the outside, but inside the venue is bustling with employees preparing for the next major event. On game days, the stadium surges with activity; that’s when the Security Operations Center (SOC) must expand to include internal teams alongside public safety agencies. Embracing new technologies As security threats rise for major venues across professional sports, the Dolphins have continued to stay ahead of the curve by embracing new technologies to help provide a safe environment for all guests. “Our top priority is to protect our fans and employees — and that starts with the right infrastructure in place.”— Sameer Istafa, CTO. Challenge - The team wasn’t just looking to add devices — they needed a security platform that could match the pace and complexity of a major venue: Cut through “AI claims” in the market: Many solutions promised “full AI from start to finish,” but in testing still required third-party integrations and add-ons. The team wanted a truly all-in-one platform that delivered in real operating conditions. Infrastructure modernisation and reliability: The legacy environment depended on on-prem servers and siloed systems; if servers went down, access to cameras could be impacted. The organisation needed a modern platform built for scale and continuity. Connected workflows across teams: Video, access, intercom, and guest activity all need to work together. Fast visibility under pressure: Operators need to move quickly without bouncing between tools, screens, or handoffs. Event-day collaboration at scale: During major events, different groups may need fast, controlled access to specific views — without administrative drag, shared credentials, or unclear accountability. Proactive coverage for a large site: With major events drawing up to 65,000 spectators, the team needed proactive workflows that surface the moments that matter. Core security workflows Solution - The Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium team is standardising on Verkada to bring core security workflows into a single, cloud-managed platform — uniting video security, access control, guest management, intercom, alarms, and AI-powered alerting. Hard Rock Stadium worked with trusted Verkada partner Castaway Technology and Security (CTS) to support deployment and implementation across the campus. With experience in large, complex venues, CTS helped bring the unified platform to life — ensuring the system could scale for everyday operations and major event days. “The biggest thing is bringing cameras and access control into one unified platform.” — Craig Bruce, Co-Founder at CTS. Shared operational view Sameer Istafa, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, conducted a diligence process that included conversations with peer organisations, time with Verkada’s leadership and technical teams at Verkada headquarters through the Executive Briefing Program, and feedback from customers at VerkadaOne. Together, those proof points reinforced confidence in standardising on the platform. With systems consolidated into one interface, operators can move from “Where is the footage?” to “What do we do next?” faster — especially when multiple teams are involved. Instead of switching between disconnected tools, teams can investigate, coordinate, and respond from a shared operational view — improving speed and consistency across day-to-day operations and high-pressure event environments. “A lot of systems claim ‘full AI,’ but when you test them, you still have to bolt on third parties. With Verkada, it’s truly all-in-one.” — Sameer Istafa, CTO Constant manual monitoring Instead of constant manual monitoring, the SOC can configure workflows that surface the moments that matter — perimeter alerts (like fence-jumping) and proactive detection (like fighting) — so staff can dispatch rovers and respond before incidents escalate. These alerts are centrally managed in Operator View, where each alert generates a ticket with footage, location, and event details for faster triage and consistent follow-through. In environments where incidents can span multiple cameras and locations — and where reports may arrive late — AI-Powered Unified Timeline helps teams reconstruct movement across views quickly, compressing the search window and reducing time spent jumping between feeds. During major events, the SOC can include internal staff plus external stakeholders (including law enforcement and other public safety agencies) who need limited access to specific cameras or zones. On major event days, the SOC can expand significantly — with multiple teams working in parallel. With Verkada, the team can: Grant temporary access to external teams for a defined window of time Scope permissions to the right locations/cameras Revoke access afterward — while maintaining accountability through an audit trail of who accessed what and when This enables fast collaboration when the SOC expands — without shared logins, long-term access sprawl, or bottlenecks that slow response. Helping accelerate investigations To evaluate Verkada at a realistic scale — and support a smoother transition — the team used Verkada’s Command Connector during the trial and deployment period to bring legacy camera feeds into Command. This allowed stakeholders to view and manage both legacy and new cameras in a single interface, start using Command earlier, and maintain continuity while the venue migrated toward one standardised system — without needing to replace every camera at once. By bringing legacy feeds into Command, the team could also apply select analytics and investigation tools to supported cameras, helping accelerate investigations during the transition period. Clear business case The deployment supports diverse environments across the complex, including perimeter coverage, parking lots and roadways, stadium interiors — plus adjacent venues and event footprints. Securing CEO and CFO buy-in required a clear business case: compare the ongoing cost of maintaining the existing on-prem system versus consolidating into an all-in-one cloud platform. By moving off legacy on-prem server infrastructure to a cloud-managed platform, the team expects to save millions in server refresh costs — with the added benefit of new features and enhancements delivered over the air through automatic software and firmware upgrades. Event-day collaboration As deployment expands and capabilities deepen, the Miami Dolphins team is building a foundation for consistent security operations across everyday activity and major events — improving speed, visibility, and coordination without adding complexity. At the core of the transformation: a unified platform that supports faster investigations, proactive alerting, and event-day collaboration — designed for what major venues need to operate effectively. In sports and entertainment, no two days are the same. Hard Rock Stadium swings from calm weekdays to high-pressure event days where the SOC expands and decisions need to happen fast. By unifying core security workflows in one platform with Verkada, the Dolphins organisation has improved the visibility, coordination, and reliability needed to protect fans and staff across a uniquely complex venue. “We all wear multiple hats. We needed a system we could depend on — with one number to call. That’s Verkada.” — Sameer Istafa, CTO.

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.