Hola! From Mexico City

When I think of Mexico, I surely do think of security. Here is a country with more challenges than you can imagine and where security plays a vital role in day-to-day life.

Expo Seguridad, a tradeshow held in Mexico City, launched nine years ago, thanks to Andrea Ferrando and George Fletcher, Lucy Rivero and GVI Security. Of course there were others who participated in getting this off the ground, but the key players are those mentioned.

This year’s version of Expo Seguridad was stunning as support from the security community in Mexico and Central America was held at a heightened pace. A crucial difference between tradeshows in the United States and Mexico is that Expo Seguridad is held from 2 to 8 p.m. One thing I thought curious is that at 6 p.m., a fresh batch of attendees are showing up at Centro Banamex to register and attend. You see, these people have been at work all day and are now attending the show.

“There is a lot of buzz in Mexico and Latin America about security,” said Steve Walin, president and CEO of GVI Security, based in Carrollton, Texas. “The security market is less mature in Mexico and Latin America, and there are fewer major players, but the talk of security is very strong here.”

GVI Security is one of the major players in the Mexican and Latin American markets with offices in Sao Paulo, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; Mexico City and Bogata, Columbia.

“In the past years, we took Samsung to the No. 2 or No. 3 product in the Latin American market,” Walin said. “We fully expect to do the same with LG Security products going forward. Expo Seguridad is an important show for us to impress our customers and prospects without having to travel thousands of miles. We’ve been very busy.”

Busy is the name of the game at Expo Seguridad, and that’s especially so for Lucy Rivero, president of Inalarm. Her company is well known for its distribution channels but more recently for implementing a certification and education for installers.

“We see the education model working in the United States, so we implement that here,” Rivero said. “We’re the No. 1 pioneer of distribution in Mexico, and we’re successful because we bring the installer to this tradeshow. We also are pleased to announce our partnership with Axis Communications and Beldon products. We strongly believe in partnerships.”

For first timers at the tradeshow in Mexico City, the work can be a little overwhelming, but not for L-1/Bioscrypt, who is a first-timer.

“We have seen the demand increase for biometrics in Latin America,” said Shiraz Kapadia, COO of L-1 Identity Solutions. “Biometrics is used more for convenience in Latin America, and the top vertical seems to be the government.”

L-1 does have exclusive products for the Mexican and Latin American market, including 3-D facial recognition systems. Kapadia said that Expo Seguridad was an excellent experience for them and the company plans to return.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • From Surveillance to Intelligence

    Years ago, it would have been significantly more expensive to run an analytic like that — requiring a custom-built solution with burdensome infrastructure demands — but modern edge devices have made it accessible to everyone. It also saves time, which is a critical factor if a missing child is involved. Video compression technology has played a critical role as well. Over the years, significant advancements have been made in video coding standards — including H.263, MPEG formats, and H.264—alongside compression optimization technologies developed by IP video manufacturers to improve efficiency without sacrificing quality. The open-source AV1 codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media—a consortium including Google, Netflix, Microsoft, Amazon and others — is already the preferred decoder for cloud-based applications, and is quickly becoming the standard for video compression of all types. Read Now

  • Cost: Reactive vs. Proactive Security

    Security breaches often happen despite the availability of tools to prevent them. To combat this problem, the industry is shifting from reactive correction to proactive protection. This article will examine why so many security leaders have realized they must “lead before the breach” – not after. Read Now

  • Achieving Clear Audio

    In today’s ever-changing world of security and risk management, effective communication via an intercom and door entry communication system is a critical communication tool to keep a facility’s staff, visitors and vendors safe. Read Now

  • Beyond Apps: Access Control for Today’s Residents

    The modern resident lives in an app-saturated world. From banking to grocery delivery, fitness tracking to ridesharing, nearly every service demands another download. But when it comes to accessing the place you live, most people do not want to clutter their phone with yet another app, especially if its only purpose is to open a door. Read Now

  • Survey: 48 Percent of Worshippers Feel Less Safe Attending In-Person Services

    Almost half (48%) of those who attend religious services say they feel less safe attending in-person due to rising acts of violence at places of worship. In fact, 39% report these safety concerns have led them to change how often they attend in-person services, according to new research from Verkada conducted online by The Harris Poll among 1,123 U.S. adults who attend a religious service or event at least once a month. Read Now

Most   Popular

New Products

  • AC Nio

    AC Nio

    Aiphone, a leading international manufacturer of intercom, access control, and emergency communication products, has introduced the AC Nio, its access control management software, an important addition to its new line of access control solutions.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.