ESA Forms AI Readiness Council to Help Security Industry Navigate AI Transformation

The Electronic Security Association (ESA) has announced the formation of its AI Readiness Council (ARC), a forward-thinking initiative designed to help the electronic security and life safety industry navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in a responsible, practical, and profitable way.

Priya Serai, Chief Information Officer at Zeus Fire and Security, will lead the Council as its Chairperson, bringing deep expertise and strategic vision to this groundbreaking effort. Serving alongside Serai as Vice Chair will be Matt Carlson, Controller & Accounting Manager with Doyle Security, ensuring the Council’s work remains rooted in the real-world needs of security professionals.

Artificial intelligence is transforming the security industry on multiple fronts. It is redefining how systems are designed, sold, and maintained through innovations like predictive analytics, intelligent video, and biometric access control. At the same time, AI is reshaping the way security companies run their businesses. From marketing and sales automation to streamlined scheduling, installations, service, and billing, AI is becoming a powerful tool for improving efficiency and profitability.

With these opportunities come new challenges, including governance, compliance, and ethical considerations. Without clear guidance, companies risk falling behind or making misinformed decisions. ESA created ARC to ensure members stay ahead of this transformation.

The Council will focus on four core areas:

  • AI in Action: Highlighting real-world use cases in video surveillance, fire detection, intrusion systems, and central station monitoring.
  • Ethics and Governance: Building frameworks to address bias, manage risk, and meet compliance standards.
  • Standards and Best Practices: Developing operational and technical guidance for safe, scalable AI integration.
  • Education, Workforce Readiness, and Business Optimization: Delivering training content and pathways that build AI literacy, with a special emphasis on how AI can streamline marketing, sales, operations, installation, and billing for security companies.
  • ESA is now seeking volunteers to serve on its AI Readiness Council. Council members will contribute to webinars, toolkits, white papers, and working groups focused on shaping the future of AI in the security space. Industry professionals passionate about innovation and leadership are encouraged to apply.

    Industry professionals with a passion for innovation and leadership are encouraged to volunteer. Visit here to apply.

Featured

  • 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

  • The Impact of Convergence Between IT and Physical Security

    For years, the worlds of physical security and information technology (IT) remained separate. While they shared common goals and interests, they often worked in silos. Read Now

  • Unlocking Trustworthy AI: Building Transparency in Security Governance

    In situations where AI supports important security tasks like leading investigations and detecting threats and anomalies, transparency is essential. When an incident occurs, investigators must trace the logic behind each automated response to confirm its validity or spot errors. Demanding interpretable AI turns opaque “black boxes” into accountable partners that enhance, rather than compromise, organizational defense. Read Now

  • Seeking Innovative Solutions

    Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression and Acceptance. You may recognize these terms as the “5 Phases” of a grieving process, but they could easily describe the phases one goes through before adopting any new or emerging innovation or technology, especially in a highly risk-averse industry like security. However, the desire for convenience in all aspects of modern life is finally beginning to turn the tide from old school hardware as the go-to towards more user-friendly, yet still secure, door solutions. Read Now

  • Where AI Meets Human Judgment

    Artificial intelligence is everywhere these days. It is driving business growth, shaping consumer experiences, and showing up in places most of us never imagined just a few years ago. Read Now

New Products

  • Compact IP Video Intercom

    Viking’s X-205 Series of intercoms provide HD IP video and two-way voice communication - all wrapped up in an attractive compact chassis.

  • EasyGate SPT and SPD

    EasyGate SPT SPD

    Security solutions do not have to be ordinary, let alone unattractive. Having renewed their best-selling speed gates, Cominfo has once again demonstrated their Art of Security philosophy in practice — and confirmed their position as an industry-leading manufacturers of premium speed gates and turnstiles.

  • PE80 Series

    PE80 Series by SARGENT / ED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin

    ASSA ABLOY, a global leader in access solutions, has announced the launch of two next generation exit devices from long-standing leaders in the premium exit device market: the PE80 Series by SARGENT and the PED4000/PED5000 Series by Corbin Russwin. These new exit devices boast industry-first features that are specifically designed to provide enhanced safety, security and convenience, setting new standards for exit solutions. The SARGENT PE80 and Corbin Russwin PED4000/PED5000 Series exit devices are engineered to meet the ever-evolving needs of modern buildings. Featuring the high strength, security and durability that ASSA ABLOY is known for, the new exit devices deliver several innovative, industry-first features in addition to elegant design finishes for every opening.