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

  • Security Industry Association Announces the 2026 Security Megatrends

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has identified and forecasted the 2026 Security Megatrends, which form the basis of SIA’s signature annual Security Megatrends report defining the top 10 factors influencing both near- and long-term change in the global security industry. Read Now

  • The Future of Access Control: Cloud-Based Solutions for Safer Workplaces

    Access controls have revolutionized the way we protect our people, assets and operations. Gone are the days of cumbersome keychains and the security liabilities they introduced, but it’s a mistake to think that their evolution has reached its peak. Read Now

  • A Look at AI

    Large language models (LLMs) have taken the world by storm. Within months of OpenAI launching its AI chatbot, ChatGPT, it amassed more than 100 million users, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history. Read Now

  • First, Do No Harm: Responsibly Applying Artificial Intelligence

    It was 2022 when early LLMs (Large Language Models) brought the term “AI” into mainstream public consciousness and since then, we’ve seen security corporations and integrators attempt to develop their solutions and sales pitches around the biggest tech boom of the 21st century. However, not all “artificial intelligence” is equally suitable for security applications, and it’s essential for end users to remain vigilant in understanding how their solutions are utilizing AI. Read Now

  • Improve Incident Response With Intelligent Cloud Video Surveillance

    Video surveillance is a vital part of business security, helping institutions protect against everyday threats for increased employee, customer, and student safety. However, many outdated surveillance solutions lack the ability to offer immediate insights into critical incidents. This slows down investigations and limits how effectively teams can respond to situations, creating greater risks for the organization. Read Now

New Products

  • 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.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation.