An Exciting Start to ASIS 2014

I started my day off with a jolt; not the good kind of jolt you get from an awesome cup of gourmet coffee either. You see, my flight to ASIS 2014 left at 7 a.m. from Dallas, and well, let's just say I overslept…big time!

After jumping straight out of bed at 5:45a.m. - oh yes, literally 45 minutes before boarding was to begin – I threw my hair into a ponytail, grabbed my bags and rushed to the airport. I arrived a little frazzled, to say the least, but I soon calmed down as I spent the next 2 hours of flight time thinking about what was to come.

I finally arrived in Atlanta with one thing on my mind – hitting the showroom floor, ready to see all the wonderful people in the security industry who I have formed relationships with as well as all the new things the security industry has to offer. I must say, I wasn't disappointed.

My first stop was with PPM, who specializes in integrated incident management. This Canadian-based company, whose employees were decked out in hockey jerseys, is on the up and up when it comes to analyzing high volumes of data and processing it into intelligence for their customers.

Best described in a triangular shape, PPM believes that data for intelligence belongs at the top point as all other security-related occurrences shape the outcome of data. Without events, there is no data to be collected; therefore, events create data.

"We are doing something no one else is doing," explained Brian McIlravey, co-CEO. "We sit at the top with all systems with the end goal of providing intelligence from connected systems."

Moving on, I spent some time with Kirby Han, art director for Altronix, who was excited to introduce me to a couple of new products. Entrada ended up being one of my favorites. Typically, network door controllers do not have a fire alarm interface. Should a fire occur, communication between the door controller and fire alarm is non-existent, meaning the controller won't tell the lock to open the door. However, Entrada connects to the network door controller, up to 100 meters, so communication can take place. This is huge for the fire and life safety vertical.

Two cups of coffee later, I found myself at the Guardian 8 booth, speaking with Paul Hughes, COO, who informed me that they have recently moved from an 1800 sq. ft. building to one that is 6000 sq. ft. Needless to say, this company is growing, which is always nice to see in the industry.

Guardian 8 is seeing growth in the K-12 and college/university vertical with their non-lethal ProV2, described as a compact, lightweight personal security device. When it comes to active shooters penetrating educational environments, most institutions are missing a solid protocol: what to do with the time between discovering the shooter and when law enforcement arrives.

A popular protocol is the "Run, Hide, Fight" method; however, "people don't want to fight and don't know how to fight," said Hughes. "So, we have created the 'Delay and Defend' method."

Wrapping up the first day of ASIS 2014, I found myself wandering around Atlanta's aquarium in awe of the docile Beluga whales, the majestic sting rays and species of fish, reflecting on a day of learning and comradery. How peaceful, calm and trusting these aquatic animals were soaring through the water without a care in the world. And, to think, I'm part of an industry that creates this same feeling for humans, only instead of water, security products and services are offered.

I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • DHS to End ‘Shoes-Off’ Travel Policy

    Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced a new policy today which will allow passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. Read Now

  • AI to Help Resolve Non-Emergency Calls Across Utah and Decrease 911 Caller Wait Times

    The Utah Communications Authority (UCA), which oversees the state’s next generation 911 technology services, recently announced that public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state plan to implement Motorola Solutions’ Virtual Response technology to automate the receipt and resolution of 10-digit non-emergency line calls in Utah with the help of AI. Read Now

  • Report: 2025 Video Surveillance Market Set to Grow After Small Decline in 2024

    Novaira Insights has unveiled its latest report, “World Market for Video Surveillance Hardware and Software – 2025 Edition.” The research indicates that the global market for video surveillance hardware and software experienced a slight decline of 0.3% in 2024. This performance fell short of previous forecasts, primarily due to a significant decrease of 7.8% in the Chinese market. Conversely, the rest of the world saw a growth of 4.9%. The global market for video surveillance equipment was estimated to be worth $25.0 billion in 2024. Read Now

  • Report Reveals Local Governments Face Surge in Ransomware Attacks with Minimal Resources

    KnowBe4, the cybersecurity platform that comprehensively addresses human risk management, recently released new research highlighting the critical cybersecurity challenges facing state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. The report details how government organizations have become prime targets for cybercriminals while simultaneously facing severe resource constraints. Read Now

  • Video Surveillance Trends to Watch

    With more organizations adding newer capabilities to their surveillance systems, it’s always important to remember the “basics” of system configuration and deployment, as well as the topline benefits of continually emerging technologies like AI and the cloud. Read Now

New Products

  • 4K Video Decoder

    3xLOGIC’s VH-DECODER-4K is perfect for use in organizations of all sizes in diverse vertical sectors such as retail, leisure and hospitality, education and commercial premises.

  • 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.