Cook Boardman Acquires Advantech

The Cook & Boardman Group LLC (C&B), a specialty distributor of commercial door entry solutions and systems integration services has announced the acquisition of Dover, DE-based Advantech Inc. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Founded in 1990 by Eric Schaeffer and three partners, Advantech is a full-service security integration company serving a wide range of educational, governmental, commercial and healthcare customers in southeast Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland and the Washington D.C. metro area. The company specializes in large facility security, fire and life safety systems, access control, video surveillance, intrusion protection, emergency communication and identity management solutions.

Under terms of the agreement, the company will continue to operate under the Advantech name as a division of A3 Communications, which was acquired by Cook & Boardman in April 2019, and is one of the nation’s fastest growing systems integration companies. Advantech CEO Dave Sweeney will continue to lead the organization after the acquisition.

“Advantech is highly regarded for their technical expertise and excellent customer service and we are thrilled to have them join our organization,” said Brian Thomas, president of A3 Communications. “Our companies’ common values and similar cultures will allow us to accelerate our growth in this critical market.”

“We are excited to welcome Advantech to the Cook & Boardman family of companies,” said Darrin Anderson, CEO of C&B, “and we look forward to providing their employees with additional resources and expanded opportunities. The combination of Advantech and A3 will strengthen our customer value proposition by arming us with a complete systems integration solution throughout our extensive network of branches in the Mid-Atlantic region.”

Featured

  • Integration Imagination: The Future of Connected Operations

    Security teams that collaborate cross-functionally and apply imagination and creativity to envision and design their ideal integrated ecosystem will have the biggest upside to corporate security and operational benefits. Read Now

  • Smarter Access Starts with Flexibility

    Today’s workplaces are undergoing a rapid evolution, driven by hybrid work models, emerging smart technologies, and flexible work schedules. To keep pace with growing workplace demands, buildings are becoming more dynamic – capable of adapting to how people move, work, and interact in real-time. Read Now

  • Trends Keeping an Eye on Business Decisions

    Today, AI continues to transform the way data is used to make important business decisions. AI and the cloud together are redefining how video surveillance systems are being used to simulate human intelligence by combining data analysis, prediction, and process automation with minimal human intervention. Many organizations are upgrading their surveillance systems to reap the benefits of technologies like AI and cloud applications. Read Now

  • The Future is Happening Outside the Cloud

    For years, the cloud has captivated the physical security industry. And for good reason. Remote access, elastic scalability and simplified maintenance reshaped how we think about deploying and managing systems. But as the number of cameras grows and resolutions push from HD to 4K and beyond, the cloud’s limits are becoming unavoidable. Bandwidth bottlenecks. Latency lags. Rising storage costs. These are not abstract concerns. Read Now

  • Right-Wing Activist Charlie Kirk Dies After Utah Valley University Shooting

    Charlie Kirk, a popular conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, died Wednesday after being shot during an on-campus event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah Read Now

New Products

  • Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

    Connect ONE®

    Connect ONE’s powerful cloud-hosted management platform provides the means to tailor lockdowns and emergency mass notifications throughout a facility – while simultaneously alerting occupants to hazards or next steps, like evacuation.

  • Unified VMS

    AxxonSoft introduces version 2.0 of the Axxon One VMS. The new release features integrations with various physical security systems, making Axxon One a unified VMS. Other enhancements include new AI video analytics and intelligent search functions, hardened cybersecurity, usability and performance improvements, and expanded cloud capabilities

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.