A Day in the Life at ASIS 2014

With a packed schedule of back-to-back meetings, quick drive-bys to say hi to new and old acquaintances within the security industry, an early-morning breakfast and, of course, no time for lunch, I welcomed a full day on the ASIS 2014 tradeshow floor. Maybe it's because I'm still "new-ish" to the industry, with a curriculum of high-tech concepts to learn, but the glamor of the showroom floor catches my eye.

The best way I can think of to describe a day at a tradeshow is to imagine your favorite soup; different flavors are present, maybe there's onions, celery, carrots, corn and beef, but together, when you get a little bit of each on your spoon, they all meld into one glorious bite. Much the same is the tradeshow as many companies are present, each offering different technologies, products and services that enhance the safety and security of society, but when you combine all of that together, you find a holistic vision of the security industry.

Because of its size, it is impossible for me to visit each and every booth represented at ASIS; however, here is a sampling of companies that shared their time and knowledge with me on the second day of ASIS 2014:

Boon Edam – Once a door is opened via an ID card, anyone following that person can gain access. This is where Boon Edam comes in: to stop tailgating and piggybacking by adding barriers.

Marketing Manager Tracie Thomas highlighted that more and more barriers are going deeper and deeper inside of buildings. Known as "hardening the core" in the world of data centers, it translates into a best practice in physical security of maintaining the protection of the perimeter and focusing further on protecting the inside of buildings.

Thomas also indicated that customers are asking different types of questions that are more enterprise driven, which leads to the want/need for global standardization.

Pacom/STANLEY – Smaller, turnkey, holistic solutions that allow interaction. As security integrators become more educated, these are what they are requesting of manufacturers, and Pacom Systems, a partner of STANLEY Security has done just that with their 8003 Pacom-Edge Intelligent Security Controller.

This fully-integrated security solution combines critical capabilities of IP-based alarm panel, access control panel and multi-card reader interface into a single, cost-effective device. As a use example, the 8003 controller secures and monitors ATMs. The system can detect and malfunction and then identify the issue, ensuring the deployed technician is properly equipped for the required repairs.

3 SI Security Systems – Offering the ability to monitor assets, 3 SI is the manufacturer of CashTrack, a technology that can be used to determine the exact location of stolen items. Used in banks, this technology pinpoints the exact location of the cash as well as tracks the robber.

Relying on satellite tracking via GPS, when an item is stolen CashTracker alerts 3SI, who in turn immediately engages in tracking and shares this with the client as well as police.

Blackboard – Known mostly in for its educational learning platforms, within this company is a specialized group known as Transact, offering university and college campuses the tools and knowledge to answer the number one question being asked by parents: Is my child going to be safe at your campus? Gone are the days of asking what and how students are going to learn to be successful in life BEFORE the issue of safety and security is addressed. It's parent's number one concern.

According to Peter Rivera, regional VP at Blackboard, "security is a strategy that higher education needs to embrace."

Rivera said that, with security, it is important to stay ahead of the times, and he predicts that NFC is the future as the card is able to interrogate the reader and the reader interrogate the card for cryptic verification.

"That's the beauty of the chip," he said.

Traka – At the heart of key management, Traka is a software company that can create customized solutions for their customers by driving processes.

"Forget about the key and focus on the process," said Danny Garrido, president. "What does the customer want to see happen? This dictates key placements and access to formulate an efficient process."

Featured

  • 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

  • AI Used as Part of Sophisticated Espionage Campaign

    A cybersecurity inflection point has been reached in which AI models has become genuinely useful in cybersecurity operation. But to no surprise, they can used for both good works and ill will. Systemic evaluations show cyber capabilities double in six months, and they have been tracking real-world cyberattacks showing how malicious actors were using AI capabilities. These capabilities were predicted and are expected to evolve, but what stood out for researchers was how quickly they have done so, at scale. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.