Integrators are Product Savvy

It has become crystal clear to me that integrators and distributors are experts in product development in this industry. Case in point is our cover story from Phil Lake. Lake is the CEO of Knight Security Systems, based in Austin and Dallas. He writes about basic system health monitoring software. Knight Security developed such a product with their own version of a security system health monitoring solution, and then brought it to market. However, Knight said the company could do better, and began work on a comprehensive solution with better software and rapid response services.

Lake’s article may open your eyes a little bit. Being able to monitor more conditions than ever before will make it easy to see bandwidth, data throughput, remaining battery run time and available memory. It also means that when there is a problem, diagnostics are easier to obtain and more accurate when alerts are highly detailed and specific.

Andy Jimenez, from Anixter, has written an informative article on comparing wireless communications protocols. His message is short and to the point about Wi-Fi, Li-Fi, Bluetooth and Zigbee. It is quick and easy to read, with a promise that you’ll come away with more knowledge.

Robert Messer, CEO of ABP Technology, is blending product technology with the products his distribution firm represents. And, to top it off, he has a training facility co-located with his distribution offices. An integrator can earn recurring monthly revenue by offering a solution for managed sensor platforms in IP technology. ABP technology has introduced a simple management tool for central command and control for all IP systems. Once again this is a quick read, but packed with valuable lessons.

A few years ago, I wrote an article about video surveillance at the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal casino at Foxwoods. Well, here is an update a few years later from Michael Lohr at Red Hawk. The new story talks about upgrades in the video surveillance system because of the growth and expansion that Foxwoods has experienced. Foxwoods is a hub of activity 24/7, and it only made sense to update the work that Red Hawk Fire & Security has been involved with the past several months. Just a note of interest, since 1993, the Tribal Nation has infused more than $4 billion into the local economy, which is reason enough to update the security system.

This article originally appeared in the July/August 2018 issue of Security Today.

About the Author

Ralph C. Jensen is the Publisher/Editor in chief of Security Today magazine.

Featured

  • Report: 47 Percent of Security Service Providers Are Not Yet Using AI or Automation Tools

    Trackforce, a provider of security workforce management platforms, today announced the launch of its 2025 Physical Security Operations Benchmark Report, an industry-first study that benchmarks both private security service providers and corporate security teams side by side. Based on a survey of over 300 security professionals across the globe, the report provides a comprehensive look at the state of physical security operations. Read Now

    • Guard Services

  • Identity Governance at the Crossroads of Complexity and Scale

    Modern enterprises are grappling with an increasing number of identities, both human and machine, across an ever-growing number of systems. They must also deal with increased operational demands, including faster onboarding, more scalable models, and tighter security enforcement. Navigating these ever-growing challenges with speed and accuracy requires a new approach to identity governance that is built for the future enterprise. Read Now

  • Eagle Eye Networks Launches AI Camera Gun Detection

    Eagle Eye Networks, a provider of cloud video surveillance, recently introduced Eagle Eye Gun Detection, a new layer of protection for schools and businesses that works with existing security cameras and infrastructure. Eagle Eye Networks is the first to build gun detection into its platform. Read Now

  • Report: AI is Supercharging Old-School Cybercriminal Tactics

    AI isn’t just transforming how we work. It’s reshaping how cybercriminals attack, with threat actors exploiting AI to mass produce malicious code loaders, steal browser credentials and accelerate cloud attacks, according to a new report from Elastic. Read Now

  • Pragmatism, Productivity, and the Push for Accountability in 2025-2026

    Every year, the security industry debates whether artificial intelligence is a disruption, an enabler, or a distraction. By 2025, that conversation matured, where AI became a working dimension in physical identity and access management (PIAM) programs. Observations from 2025 highlight this turning point in AI’s role in access control and define how security leaders are being distinguished based on how they apply it. Read Now

Most   Popular

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.

  • 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.

  • 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.