ZBeta Establishes LabZ as a Center of Excellence for Security Innovation, Collaboration, and Testing

ZBeta, a provider of comprehensive physical security consulting services, today announces the launch of LabZ, an innovative program dedicated to driving the future of security technology through rigorous testing, independent evaluation, and continuous improvement. Designed to be a center of collaboration for the security industry, LabZ is an unparalleled resource for the testing of emerging innovations, complex integrations, and system and device convergence.

In the modern landscape, businesses are confronted with growing complexities, shifting risks, and swift changes, all of which demand strategic and robust security programs. The need for comprehensive evaluation and understanding of the diverse solutions that serve as the basis for enterprise security programs has never been more critical. LabZ is designed to help security leaders evaluate and analyze technologies to ensure that they can excel in real-world environments.

LabZ is the key piece of the puzzle in ZBeta's journey from a technology, services, and system design firm to a comprehensive security consulting provider. It is a proving ground for new ideas, a fully equipped, highly resourced environment where ZBeta can test solutions and address complexities before incorporating them into any system design. By continuously innovating, collaborating, and striving for excellence, LabZ also ensures its evaluations evolve with the security landscape.

"LabZ is a center of collaboration where the industry can come together to evaluate challenges and solve problems," said Zack Brunette, CEO, ZBeta. "As a dedicated space for hands-on testing and concept proving, this initiative ensures that the solutions we recommend and that our clients implement are responsive to business needs and risk, aligned with use cases and operations, and fully optimized. LabZ is a space where we will have the freedom and ability to dig deeper, look further, push boundaries, and pursue fundamentally better results."

Located in Chicago, the LabZ facility features a state-of-the-art testing center, meeting rooms, and collaboration areas. This environment serves as a test bed for program goals and evolving client needs, offering multiple engagement avenues for potential clients and industry professionals, and the ability to pilot and demonstrate the integrated solutions that have been fully configured and implemented up to their full potential. It is also a center of collaboration, supporting industry discussions, innovations, and strategy development focused on elevating the role of physical security.

The foundation of LabZ is built on several key pillars:

  • Testing: LabZ performs performance, and function tests on equipment and integrated solutions, documenting and publishing findings for clients and the industry..
  • Research and Analysis: The LabZ team, made up of expert security practitioners and consultants, collects and analyzes system and program data to identify trends, validate costs and benefits, and support internal and client data collection objectives..
  • Solution optimization: Develops research-driven consulting, roadmap development, subject matter expertise, and R&D assistance, along with app configuration and solution optimization..
  • Knowledge Base: The team builds and sustains an extensive, interactive database of security manufacturers, products, and essential features..
  • Industry Collaboration and Thought Leadership: LabZ addresses persistent industry challenges by proposing solutions, questioning assumptions, and issuing constructive challenges.

LabZ provides a comprehensive suite of resources, including in-depth content and publications offering insights and findings, targeted testing with practical solutions, extensive market research and industry guidance, and product alerts highlighting emerging technologies and their value.

Featured

  • 2025 Gun Violence Statistics Show Signs of Progress

    Omnilert, a national leader in AI-powered safety and emergency communications, has released its 2025 Gun Violence Statistics, along with a new interactive infographic examining national and school-related gun violence trends. In 2025, the U.S. recorded 38,762 gun-violence deaths, highlighting the continued importance of prevention, early detection, and coordinated response. Read Now

  • Big Brand Tire & Service Rolls Out Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard

    Interface Systems, a managed service provider delivering remote video monitoring, commercial security systems, business intelligence, and network services for multi-location enterprises, today announced that Big Brand Tire & Service, one of the nation’s fastest-growing independent tire and automotive service providers, has eliminated costly overnight break-ins and significantly reduced trespassing and vandalism at a high-risk location. The company achieved these results by deploying Interface Virtual Perimeter Guard, an AI-powered perimeter security solution designed to deter incidents before they occur. Read Now

  • The Evolution of ID Card Printing: Customer Challenges and Solutions

    The landscape of ID card printing is evolving to meet changing customer needs, transitioning from slow, manual processes to smart, on-demand printing solutions that address increasingly complex enrollment workflows. Read Now

  • TSA Awards Rohde & Schwarz Contract for Advanced Airport Screening Ahead of Soccer World Cup 2026

    Rohde & Schwarz, a provider of AI-based millimeter wave screening technology, announced today it has won a multi-million dollar award from TSA to supply its QPS201 AIT security scanners to passenger security screening checkpoints at selected Soccer World Cup 2026 host city airports. Read Now

  • Brivo, Eagle Eye Networks Merge

    Dean Drako, Chairman of Brivo, the leading global provider of cloud-native access control and smart space technologies, and Founder of Eagle Eye Networks, the global leader in cloud AI video surveillance, today announced the two companies will merge, creating the world’s largest AI cloud-native physical security company. The merged company will operate under the Brivo name and deliver a truly unified cloud-native security platform. Read Now

New Products

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden CM-221 Series Switches

    Camden Door Controls is pleased to announce that, in response to soaring customer demand, it has expanded its range of ValueWave™ no-touch switches to include a narrow (slimline) version with manual override. This override button is designed to provide additional assurance that the request to exit switch will open a door, even if the no-touch sensor fails to operate. This new slimline switch also features a heavy gauge stainless steel faceplate, a red/green illuminated light ring, and is IP65 rated, making it ideal for indoor or outdoor use as part of an automatic door or access control system. ValueWave™ no-touch switches are designed for easy installation and trouble-free service in high traffic applications. In addition to this narrow version, the CM-221 & CM-222 Series switches are available in a range of other models with single and double gang heavy-gauge stainless steel faceplates and include illuminated light rings.