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.

Physical security technologies are a prominent tool used by correctional facilities to provide a safe, secure, and controlled environment for staff, inmates, and the wider community. Among several functions, security technologies are used to prevent unauthorised access, to detect contraband, to monitor inmate movements and activities, and to protect staff. For security technology manufacturers, integrators and consultants, the corrections market presents distinctive challenges. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the unique aspects of the corrections market, and how should the physical security industry adapt?

New technology advancements significantly increase efficiency and productivity in any industry, including physical security. Enhanced innovation both creates new products and services and improves existing products, all for the benefit of security manufacturers, integrators, and end users. Companies that embrace new technology stay ahead of the curve and gain a significant competitive advantage. In addition, they can differentiate themselves in the marketplace. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the most promising new technologies in the physical security industry?   

Access control solutions will continue their evolution in 2025 as organisations assess and adapt to dynamic and increasingly dangerous threats. Trends to watch include the growing adoption of mobile access credentials and digital IDs, and the integration of digital and physical security and other technologies. Other ongoing trends include the integration of AI into access control solutions and the increasing adoption of contactless biometrics for enhanced convenience.  New access control innovations As these trends gather momentum, they highlight the pivotal role access control systems play in combining security and convenience, every hour of every day. Organisations must strike the ideal balance between a secure environment and satisfying user experience if they are to meet increasingly vocal demands for both. Achieving this balance not only delivers the expected user experience but also delivers multi-layered threat protection while introducing exciting new access control innovations.  Digital technologies and open standards Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities Modern access control solutions deliver a faster pace of innovation and dramatically improved capabilities as compared to what was possible in the past. The primary objective is no longer simply to secure places and assets so they are beyond the reach of the wrong people. Now it also must be as easy as possible for authorised individuals to enter a building or access digital assets. Mobile access credentials and digital IDs are increasingly a preferred solution for achieving this seamless and convenient access experience. Technology convergence is happening at a rapid pace and this convergence makes it possible to integrate digital and physical security with real-time location systems and other technologies. Together, these converged technologies provide multi-layered protection against both cyber and physical threats while also enabling valuable new capabilities.  2024 State of Physical Access Control Report As AI is increasingly incorporated into access-control solutions, we will see even more powerful ways to leverage access control data for analytics use cases. Almost 40% of respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report said they were looking to do this. Equally consequential is the rise of fast, frictionless and easy contactless biometrics solutions in a wide range of applications including healthcare, where 32% of respondents to our recent 2024 State of Healthcare Security Report said their facilities have already implemented this technology for authentication. Looking at the broader marketplace, nearly one in four (23%) respondents to our 2024 State of Physical Access Control Report cited biometrics when asked to “name the top three trends shaping the wider access control industry in the near future.” Evolution of access control solutions As access control solutions become increasingly central to secure and convenient daily life, these and other trends will have an ongoing impact on all market sectors from healthcare and banking to the corporate real estate enterprise and business and college campuses. At the same time, those responsible for a facility’s digital and physical assets know that these trends – and security in general – will never be a static proposition. The only constant is change. Threats will never stop evolving, and those tasked with protecting organisations against these threats must never stand still. The evolution of access control solutions that we saw during 2024 will continue through 2025 and beyond, and organisations will need to remain thorough and vigilant as they address today’s ever-expanding attack surfaces and ever-evolving attack schemes.

AV-Comparatives, the globally recognised authority in independent cybersecurity testing, has released its Enterprise Security Test 2025 (March to June). This is the most extensive public evaluation to date of enterprise endpoint protection platforms (EPP), endpoint detection and response (EDR), and extended detection and response (XDR) solutions. Seventeen high-performing enterprise-grade cybersecurity products were rigorously evaluated using real-world attack simulations and scientifically sound methodologies, offering a comprehensive view of modern endpoint defence capabilities. Key strengths and capabilities The report includes individual product descriptions that outline key strengths and capabilities to help IT decision-makers select the most suitable solution based on their organisation's size, infrastructure, and security priorities. Unmatched Scope This is the largest public comparative test of enterprise EPP, EDR, and XDR solutions globally. Only mature, high-performing products were included. These had already demonstrated consistent reliability and strong protection in previous assessments. Holistic Analysis Each product was evaluated across four mission-critical dimensions: Real-World Protection: Simulates internet-based threats encountered in active business environments. Malware Protection: Evaluates detection of malicious files introduced via non-web vectors such as USB drives, network shares, or those already present on disk. False Positive Rates: Measures detection accuracy and the ability to avoid blocking legitimate software. Performance Impact: Quantifies system load and slowdowns during typical business operations. To support enterprise IT pioneers, the report includes an extensive feature matrix (page 57) detailing the core and advanced capabilities of each tested solution. This includes management interfaces, deployment models, threat response tools, and third-party integration support, helping organisations make informed side-by-side comparisons. All evaluated products represent enterprise-ready solutions that meet modern protection standards. Each product received the AV-Comparatives Approved Enterprise Product Seal, recognising their proven security effectiveness, operational reliability, and readiness for large-scale deployment. Fast-evolving threats Peter Stelzhammer, co-founder of AV-Comparatives, commented: "CISOs and IT leaders face complex, fast-evolving threats. Independent validation is not a luxury – it is essential. This test series provides evidence-based insights into how EPP, EDR, and XDR solutions perform in the field. We apply strict, scientifically grounded methodologies to help enterprises choose wisely."

Zero Networks, a pioneer in zero trust security solutions, announced the appointment of Tony Hadzima as Vice President of Sales for EMEA and LATAM. This strategic hire supports the company’s global expansion goals and rising demand for its innovative microsegmentation and zero-trust offerings. Prior roles of Hadzima Hadzima brings nearly 30 years of international sales and business leadership experience Hadzima brings nearly 30 years of international sales and business leadership experience. He spent 15 years at Palo Alto Networks, where he became the company’s first employee in Spain and its 126th worldwide. He held and grew into multiple leadership roles: Country Manager of Iberia, VP South Europe, and VP EMEA & LATAM for Smart Industries OT/IoT Security. Under Hadzima’s leadership, he built top-performing teams from scratch, achieving some of the highest market shares and biggest wins in EMEA. Zero Networks’ award-winning solutions In June 2025, Zero Networks announced $55 million of Series C funding to fuel the company’s next phase of growth, including team expansion across sales and marketing, research and development, and customer support. Additionally, funding has been earmarked for go-to-market investments in North America, EMEA, and APAC and to support continued innovation in Zero Networks’ award-winning solutions. Radical new approach Zero Networks announced $55 million of Series C funding to fuel the company’s next phase of growth “I feel privileged to join a company like Zero Networks to disrupt a mature market ripe for innovation,” said Hadzima. “Zero Networks brings a radical new approach to solving complex customer challenges like ransomware prevention and microsegmentation without the operational burden, all in record time." "I’m energised to build a world-class team, scale with our partners, and elevate our EMEA and LATAM teams to the next level in this time of accelerated growth!” Recent product and engineering investments “We’re thrilled to welcome Tony to the team,” said Scott Coffey, VP of Sales at Zero Networks. “Cybersecurity is a reputation-driven industry, and Tony is one of the most trusted pioneers in the space. His track record speaks for itself. Together with our recent product and engineering investments, his arrival reinforces our commitment to delivering exceptional zero-trust outcomes to customers around the globe.” Zero Networks is on a mission to modernise microsegmentation with enterprise-grade solutions that are simple to deploy, highly effective at stopping ransomware and insider threats, and purpose-built to meet regulatory and cyber insurance demands.

Knightscope, Inc., a pioneer in developing autonomous security robots and artificial intelligence technologies, announced it has signed a two-year agreement with Palantir Technologies Inc., joining Palantir’s FedStart program to accelerate the Company’s entry into the U.S. federal marketplace.  The collaboration provides Knightscope with an accelerated pathway to FedRAMP High and DoD Impact Level 5-accredited environment, comprehensive onboarding services, and direct Authority to Operate (ATO) support. These capabilities are essential to deploying AI-driven public safety technologies in secure federal settings. Autonomous security technology “This agreement represents a transformational step forward in our federal strategy,” said William Santana Li, Chairman and CEO, Knightscope. “By joining Palantir’s FedStart program, we are preparing to deliver our autonomous security technology into some of the most mission-critical and security-conscious environments in the Nation." "This collaboration aligns strongly with current momentum in Washington toward establishing a National Robotics Strategy to ensure U.S. leadership in autonomous systems.” Achieving and maintaining federal ATO status Knightscope is positioned to scale its solutions in service of national security, public safety, and protection Under the agreement, Knightscope will operate its software within Palantir-managed AWS GovCloud clusters, ensuring compliance through accredited infrastructure, continuous monitoring, and quarterly third-party assessments – all critical to achieving and maintaining federal ATO status. The partnership comes amid growing calls for a National Robotics Strategy aimed at strengthening domestic innovation, countering foreign influence in robotics, and modernising U.S. government operations. Through FedStart, Knightscope is positioned to scale its solutions in service of national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure protection. AI-driven platforms Palantir’s stated mission to empower American institutions with secure, AI-driven platforms reinforces alignment between the two companies. In a 2024 shareholder letter, Palantir CEO Alex Karp emphasised the company’s role in deploying operational AI “to protect liberty and support public institutions” – a vision that echoes Knightscope’s public safety mission. “As federal pioneers look to autonomous technologies to enhance operations and resilience, Knightscope is investing in the infrastructure, partnerships, and accreditations that will enable us to lead,” added Li.

A-Cut is a transformative AI-powered technology from IDIS that enhances the effectiveness and efficiency of live monitoring video surveillance operations. IDIS A-Cut is designed to ensure that surveillance users have complete situational awareness and a new enhanced rapid response tool, overcoming the challenge of locating crucial scenes, featuring objects or people of interest among vast amounts of video footage. Recorded video stream A-Cut automatically extracts the best representative image of any target object or person, crops the image A-Cut automatically extracts the best representative image of any target object or person, crops the image, and presents it in a way that makes it easy for operators to find. By simply clicking on the cropped image, the operator is automatically taken to the precise moment in the recorded video stream when the object last appears. IDIS AI Search functions With this user-friendly capability, A-Cut provides operators with immediate access to key events, significantly accelerating incident verification. Each cropped image is indexed as a searchable visual moment, allowing for rapid identification of persons or objects of interest across video footage, tracking of movements, and enabling the quick formation of an accurate picture of a sequence of events.  The cropped images become even more powerful search tools when combined with IDIS AI Search functions powered by IDIS’s highly accurate deep learning engine. Every cropped image is classified into three categories: people, faces, and vehicles.   A-Cut combined with AI Search A-Cut, combined with AI Search, also identifies object attributes and allows filtered searches To make tracking even easier, A-Cut combined with AI Search also identifies object attributes and allows filtered searches – for example, searching for people by age and gender, by clothing colour, or whether they have accessories such as glasses, hats, masks, or bags; or searching for vehicles by colour or type. A-Cut will help organisations respond more quickly to potential threats, allowing intervention at an earlier stage, says Dr. Seong-Jin Yun, Head of R&D Centre Advance Technology Division and SVP, IDIS. Managing security at sensitive facilities “A-Cut technology will prove invaluable in a wide range of monitoring applications,” Yun says. “Whether you’re safeguarding public spaces, overseeing retail operations, or managing security at sensitive facilities, A-Cut delivers unmatched speed, clarity, and control—helping your team retain comprehensive situational awareness and respond quickly and appropriately to a security threat or safety incident.”

Nightwatch Security & Telephone LLC, Sedalia, Mo., took a common problem for first responders – ready access to schools in an emergency – and turned it into a positive with a cloud management platform. Nightwatch owner Jeff Kesterson is partnering with local law enforcement on implementing an Emergency Response Platform (ERP) which gives police, sheriff and state highway patrol agencies in Sedalia and Pettis County greater accessibility and situational awareness at local school campuses. Cloud management platform The company provides access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance, managed via the Connect ONE Leveraged through the Connect ONE® by Connected Technologies cloud management platform, first responders and School Resource Officers (SROs) can view real-time activity at local schools, initiate immediate access, or lock down the protected premises. Nightwatch is the systems integrator and physical security service provider to the Sedalia School District (Sedalia 200), one of the largest districts in the county with over 4,500 students in PK-12 facilities; Sacred Heart School; La Monte R-IV School in neighbouring La Monte, Mo., and Greenridge R-VIII. The company provides access control, intrusion detection and video surveillance, managed through the Connect ONE cloud platform management interface. Remote locking and unlocking capabilities “We asked Connected Technologies to develop a simple way to update, administer and input agency officer’s codes/credentials for the schools through Connect ONE,” said Jeff Kesterson. “They came back with the ERP, which unifies all the school’s individual systems into one interface for viewing, management and control without separate site logins. It goes even further, and allows remote locking and unlocking capabilities during critical threats,” he said. Fobs and system permissions Users can manage the fobs and system permissions in one place for all the schools viathe ERP Kesterson added that first responders, as well as SROs at each school, maintain access with proximity access control key fobs, but updating the devices to stay current with staffing changes was unwieldy. Now, users can manage the fobs and system permissions in one place for all the schools through the ERP. Sedalia 200 school administration manages more than 700 fobs annually, utilising the Connect ONE platform daily. The ERP provides agencies with a separate login with certain designated permissions for first responders who can only see customer site locations shared by Nightwatch. Via the emergency dashboard, first responders can login to view cameras (where implemented), unlock doors and outputs, activate task functions, initiate lockdown and view recent activity. Door access control and camera viewing The Sedalia Police Department has access to schools within the city limits: Sedalia 200 which includes 10 schools plus administration and maintenance buildings and Sacred Heart School. The Missouri State Highway Patrol A has access to the same schools as the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office has access to Sedalia 200 schools and buildings; Sacred Heart School; La Monte R-IV; and Greenridge R-VIII school districts. The Missouri State Highway Patrol A has access to the same schools as the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office. The ERP allows Nightwatch to easily set up various zones of jurisdiction, giving first responders access to the schools they are obligated/expected to respond to an emergency. Of the four school districts using the ERP, all except Sacred Heart School provide both door access control and camera viewing/playback to the departments with access. ERP for enhanced accessibility and response Commander Joshua Howell, Operation's Support Bureau, Sedalia Police Department, said the ERP is a huge timesaver, and allows the department to administer key fob credentials, streamlining the process when personnel access requires modification.  “Ease of administering credentials was important and adding or removing personnel from the system was clunky before the ERP. Instead of logging into all the school systems separately, we can look at everything in one place,” he said. Commander Howell added that the platform allows authorities to unlock doors if an emergency responder doesn’t have a proximity device, saving time as opposed to dispatching a patrol officer to the scene. The Pettis County Sheriff’s Office is also leveraging the ERP for enhanced accessibility and response readiness. School safety planning Sheriff’s Office has over 650 square miles in the county, including Sedalia and smaller cities “This has been a great tool for us,” said Sergeant John Cline, SRO Unit Supervisor, Pettis Co. Sheriff’s Office. “We’re continuing to build it out and have integrated it into our school safety planning. Being able to remotely manage key fobs and initiate lockdowns – there’s substantial benefit to having that immediate control,” he said. The Sheriff’s Office has jurisdiction over 650 square miles in the county, including Sedalia and several smaller cities. It manages some 40 key fob credentials issued to patrol officers and SROs assigned to the schools. SROs serve the daily law enforcement needs of the schools, but if they aren’t available to provide access in an emergency, the ERP provides that function in real-time. Emergency Response Platform Nightwatch provided training on the interface to the units, and Sgt. Cline said it was intuitive “Our schools recognise the importance of having a close relationship with law enforcement,” Sgt. Cline continued. “Being able to get into a building quickly when seconds count has made the relationship that much stronger,” he said. Nightwatch provided training on the interface to the departments, and Sgt. Cline said it was intuitive and easy to grasp in a one-hour session. “The Emergency Response Platform allows Connect ONE dealers to partner with local law enforcement by providing the tools they need to defuse an emergency quickly and effectively with powerful information to view and control facility security,” says Dan Simon, Co-Founder, Connect ONE. “It’s a great solution to assist in public safety while also ensuring you keep a customer long-term.” Other benefits of the Emergency Response Platform A single application screen to add or remove agency personnel system codes/access credentials from shared customer systems. System codes are included in profile templates, so permissions come pre-defined for simple additions by the agency. Permissions may only be modified by the dealer to prevent misconfiguration; customers will maintain the ability to view the permissions without making changes. Activity by agency personnel is reviewable by the customer in reporting and notifications. Connect ONE and the ERP is the unified, cloud management platform for schools that’s making a difference with easier access while increasing situational awareness for first responders.

Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralised system software with support from Allegion US, a pioneering provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specialises in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Multifamily access control challenges The upscale 65-unit apartment property previously issued all residents a fob for perimeter access and a key to access the mechanical lock at their apartment door.  Property manager was experiencing significant challenges with its perimeter access control system Between legacy fobs and keys, patchwork infrastructure, and a steady flow of traffic throughout the complex – the property manager was experiencing significant challenges with its perimeter access control system. “By running disparate systems, it became a complicated and time-consuming process for me to create new fobs for residents when they moved in and then deactivate them when they moved out,” says Sally Caron, Residential Property Manager at the Artisan Apartment Homes. “Plus, it was costly to replace lost fobs and mechanical keys." Seamless solutions After a careful review process with its integrator Comfort, the Artisan moved forward with an ecosystem of solutions from Allegion. In 2022, the mechanical locks on all 65 apartment unit doors were upgraded to Schlage Control® smart locks with ENGAGE™ access control to give residents keyless entry. The following year, the Artisan upgraded to the Zentra cloud-based software platform from Allegion, which manages perimeter, amenity and unit access all in one centralised system. Enrolment and move-out process “I absolutely love having everything on one platform as it has made my job easier in so many ways,” says Caron. “Anything state-of-the-art is always more convenient and easier to manage. I’m now able to give temporary access to people for grocery or online deliveries, UPS, Fed-Ex, or housekeeping. Residents now have an overall better experience not only during the enrollment and move-out process, but every day." Residents to access the building Mobile resident key in Apple Wallet was introduced as a way for residents to access the building Most recently, the mobile resident key in Apple Wallet was introduced as a way for residents to access the building and their individual apartment units by using their iPhone or Apple Watch. The Artisan is also on track to be the first multifamily property to deploy resident keys in Google Wallet in mid-2025. Adoption of mobile credentials “Our residents love the security and convenience of resident key in Apple Wallet and are adapting to the change quickly,” says Caron. “Residents have expressed that they feel safer, and that the adoption of mobile credentials has given them the freedom to go for a jog or a walk without worrying about carrying anything with them but their iPhone or Apple Watch for reentry.”

Xtract One Technologies announced its SmartGateway has been selected by Meridian Public School District (MPSD) in Meridian, Mississippi, to amplify school safety throughout its campuses. The comprehensive, customisable entry screening solution is designed to unobtrusively scan students and visitors with the ability to detect concealed threats before they are brought onto campus, maintaining a secure, yet welcoming, school environment. Xtract One’s SmartGateway Meridian Public Schools selected SmartGateway due to its proven ability to give advanced detection abilities Understanding the importance of fostering a safe learning environment, Meridian Public Schools is set to deploy Xtract One’s SmartGateway initially for the High School, and with plans to eventually deploy across all ten campuses, prioritising the safety of over 4,500 students and 1,000 employees.  After evaluating several safety solutions, Meridian Public Schools selected SmartGateway due to its proven ability to deliver advanced detection capabilities with minimal disruptions. Effective safety protocol “Proactive threat detection is crucial for preventing disturbance in educational institutions. The right system combined with a strategic, holistic, and people-first plan makes for an even more effective safety protocol,” said Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One. “We’re excited to expand our school footprint working with Meridian Public Schools, as our presence helps ensure that students and faculty can prioritise a focus on education without personal safety concerns.” Security challenges and safer environments “At Meridian Public Schools, maintaining the safety of our students, staff, and visitors is our highest priority and our partnership with Xtract One is an example of that,” said Chief Cornelius Parks, Chief of Police at Meridian Public School District. SmartGateway replaces rough metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening at security “We’re passionate about cultivating safer spaces for the community that allow individuals to enter our buildings, and experience a positive learning environment." "The implementation of SmartGateway demonstrates the shared commitment between MPSD and Xtract One in proactively detecting and addressing security challenges and creating safer environments for the community that allow individuals to enjoy campus life, experience an optimal learning environment, and have peace of mind." SmartGateway AI sensors SmartGateway replaces intimidating metal detectors with fast, reliable, and accurate weapons screening at security checkpoints. Powered by AI sensors, SmartGateway detects threats discreetly, without invading the sense of privacy of those passing through the system. SmartGateway unobtrusively scans individuals for guns, knives, and other prohibited items as they enter the building. The system allows for seamless passage through checkpoints, enabling uninterrupted flow of movement that lets individuals enter the building significantly reducing the need to divest of low-volume personal items.

Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. AI-enabled video analytics Mall was able to meet its needs for a reliable, accurate, and scalable key to support its security Standing at 5.6 million square feet and home to more than 500 retailers, restaurants, and more, MOA hosts more than 300 events each year, and has more than 32 million visitors annually from around the globe. Scheduling those events, ranging from a concert to a massive outdoor food festival, requires careful planning to ensure the Mall can support parking operations and provide safety and security to those in attendance. By expanding its surveillance system and investing in AI-enabled video analytics with Axis Communications, the Mall was able to meet its requirements for a reliable, accurate, and scalable solution to support its 24/7 security and safety operations. Accuracy and reliability "We needed technology that could keep pace with our evolving needs and make sure our security team could focus on the highest-priority tasks,” said Aaron Nielsen, Vice President of Information Technology at MOA. “Our previous solution struggled with the unpredictable Midwestern weather, including snow, rain, and cold, all impacting accuracy and reliability. Car counting is one of the most important operational metrics we have." Micro-level scheduling for vendors The success of the initial test led MOA to rapidly expand the implementation to more than a dozen locations Nielsen added: "Implementing a system that delivers accurate data allows us to quickly scale from one location to more than a dozen additional locations throughout the Mall, providing efficiency and invaluable information for our team.” The success of the initial test led MOA to rapidly expand the implementation to more than a dozen locations. The car-counting data now drives macro-level decisions about Mall hours and event planning, as well as micro-level scheduling for vendors and staff, empowering operational agility across the organisation. State-of-the-art expansion With this state-of-the-art expansion, MOA can: Deploy Solutions Anywhere: A trial began with an Axis camera deployed in a particularly challenging location—on a light pole isolated from the building. Despite difficult access to power and data, the trial system proved over 99% accurate. After minor adjustments, the performance improved even further. Drive Decisions with Analytics: By deploying AI-enabled line-crossing analytics at the edge, MOA benefits from a more rugged, scalable, and cost-effective approach to decision-making, powered by the business intelligence these devices gather. This is especially useful in locations where the Mall entrance meets busy intersections, as the line-crossing technology can precisely draw the distinction between a car entering the Mall versus one that is merely passing by. Create a Smarter Security Strategy: Beyond parking intelligence, Axis’ technology supports the Mall’s broader security strategy. Cameras and Axis network speakers installed in restricted areas detect and deter unauthorised access in real-time, and alerts are immediately sent to the Mall’s central dispatch centre. Prioritize Employee Safety: With unpredictable Minnesota winters, keeping employees and customers safe was key to this technology deployment. With this new system, adjustments to the devices are intuitive, and what used to require ladders, lifts, and multiple people can now be done from a desktop. Non-technical team members can review audits, make changes, and immediately analyse results from a safe location. Experiential retail and entertainment MOA is exploring additional possibilities as it continues aligning resources for future phases of the project “Mall of America presented us with a challenge that required not just technology, but collaboration, trust, and innovation,” said James Stark, Segment Development Manager, Retail at Axis Communications. “We’re honoured to be part of their forward-looking approach to safety and operational intelligence. As Mall of America continues to lead the way in experiential retail and entertainment, we remain committed to delivering the reliability, flexibility, and insight-driven technology that their dynamic environment demands.” Advanced capabilities Looking ahead, MOA is exploring additional possibilities as it continues aligning resources for future phases of the project. From advanced capabilities like people counting and licence plate recognition to leveraging line analytics to better understand visitor trends—such as distinguishing hotel guests from shopping centre visitors—the potential for smarter, more efficient operations is there.