In the world of cybersecurity, ethical hacking proactively identifies security vulnerabilities before malicious actors (i.e., unethical hackers) can exploit them. By simulating real-world attacks, organisations can strengthen defences, protect sensitive data, and maintain public trust. In the physical security world, ethical hacking can transform cybersecurity of security systems from a reactive struggle into a strategic safeguard. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the role of ethical hacking as it relates to physical security?

Next-generation (Next-Gen) technologies are products, services, or infrastructures that represent a significant leap forward rather than a small, incremental update. In the physical security industry, NextGen products are those that enable disruptive change, breakthrough performance, and a fundamental change that renders previous products obsolete. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the next generation of physical security solutions, and how will they change the industry?

Emphasising proactive rather than reactive security shifts the focus from dealing with crises and damage control to prevention. Advantages of a proactive approach include cost efficiency, better business continuity, and fewer crises that draw attention away from strategic improvements. Staying ahead of threats is a core mission of the security department, and technology has evolved to enable security professionals to deliver on that mission better than ever. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How are security systems transitioning from reactive to proactive, and what is the benefit?

Multiple technology trends are transforming the physical access control market. There is a fundamental shift away from physical cards and keys toward digital identities — mobile credentials, digital wallets, biometrics, and cloud-native access platforms. These next generation access solutions are radically reshaping how buildings operate, protect staff, and perform functionally. At the same time, AI and analytics solutions are being layered onto these physical access control systems to support predictive threat detection and behavioural insights. Access data itself is becoming an asset for sustainability, space optimisation, and smart building initiatives. Risk, impact operations and experience The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues The annual HID Global Security and Identity Trends Report highlights these and other issues. The survey cites improving user convenience as a priority for nearly half of organisations, while 41% are focused on simplifying administration, and 28% struggle with system integration. These are not theoretical challenges, they are day‑to‑day friction points that add cost, increase risk, impact operations and experience, and, of course, must be addressed. HID Global’s commercial focus HID Global’s commercial focus is to help organisations digitise their access control — with mobile identities, biometrics, and cloud platforms — and then to use the data to deliver more value. “We are turning access control from an operational cost into a software-driven asset that improves efficiency, supports Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals and even creates new revenue opportunities,” says Steven Commander, HID Global’s Head of Consultant Relations. The impact of digital transformation Digital transformation is the method of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials Digital transformation is in the process of moving access control from hardware and physical credentials to a software-driven, integrated experience. The transformation strengthens security while also improving user convenience — transforming the “pavement to the desk” journey. HID enables this shift through mobile credentials, biometrics, cloud-native platforms, and solutions that allow third-party applications to run on door hardware. “This helps customers turn access data into operational and commercial outcomes, while also improving the overall user experience,” says Commander.  Digital transformation in access control is not focused on chasing the latest trends. Rather, transformation is about turning software, data and integration into outcomes that matter to customers, says HID. “Security becomes stronger and more adaptive,” says Commander. “Operations become simpler and more cost‑effective. Experiences become seamless and consistent. Sustainability moves from ambition to action. And the financial case becomes clearer as efficiencies are banked and new value streams emerge.” The challenge of futureproofing with long lifecycles Given that physical security technologies will be in place for 15 to 20 years, it is important to plan for how systems can evolve over time. Considering how rapidly security threats, compliance standards, and user expectations change, 15 to 20 years is a long time. The decisions made at the beginning of a system’s lifecycle can either limit flexibility later (which will be costly) or enable long-term adaptability. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important Choosing products and platforms that are open, interoperable, and designed for updates can enable future-proof projects. Support for open standards such as Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP) is therefore important.  In addition, systems built on open controller platforms — such as Mercury — enable organisations to switch software providers or expand functionality without replacing core door hardware. Architectural openness is key to system lifecycles and maximising the return on investment (ROI) from a chosen solution. Digital credentials and mobile access Flexibility and upgradeability should also be top of mind when it comes to endpoints like access control readers. While RFID cards are still commonplace, there is a clear trend toward digital credentials and mobile access. Readers that support both allow organisations to transition at their own pace, without committing to a full system overhaul. A long system lifecycle does not mean technology should remain static. Security, particularly cybersecurity, demands more frequent updates. Technologies that support firmware upgrades in the field extend the value of a deployment while helping organisations keep pace with emerging threats. In that sense, lifecycle thinking is not just about longevity — it’s about maintaining resilience and readiness over time. Applying biometrics and mobile identities Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction Biometrics is becoming mainstream as a credential alternative, strengthening security without adding friction. Many organisations are now deploying biometrics to support fast, seamless access journeys, with adoption already around 39% in access control according to HID’s recent research.  In addition, 80% of organisations surveyed expect to deploy mobile identities within the next five years. Full technology integration enables tap‑to‑access without opening an app; the user journey becomes faster, safer, and more convenient. “It is where the industry is headed and we are at the vanguard of this,” says Commander.    Ongoing challenge of cybersecurity At HID Global, cybersecurity is embedded into everything, from corporate processes and development practices to the solutions they bring to market. “Our approach ensures that customers can strengthen their overall security posture, not only by deploying secure products but by benefitting from HID’s commitment to the highest industry standards,” says Commander. HID holds multiple globally recognised certifications, including ISO 27001, ISO 14298, SOC Type 2 and CSA STAR, which demonstrate their robust information security and cloud security practices. In addition, HID’s SEOS® secure chipset is independently SEAL-certified, providing one of the most advanced levels of protection available on the market today. “Ultimately, this means organisations are not just purchasing isolated secure products; they are implementing solutions developed and delivered within a comprehensive, cybersecure framework,” says Commander. “When deployed according to best practices, HID solutions enable customers to achieve the highest levels of resilience against evolving physical and cyber threats.” Developing green and sustainable solutions A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards Digital credentials align with the sustainable solutions that everyone wants. A huge amount of waste is generated from the manufacture of plastic RFID access cards. Over 550 million access cards are sold annually. This creates 2,700 tons of plastic waste and 11,400 tons of carbon, based on a PVC card weighing 5 grams.  Therefore, digital credentials self-evidently reduce the reliance on plastic cards (helping reduce carbon emissions by up to 75% according to HID’s research), while leveraging access control system data supports energy optimisation by shutting down or reducing systems in unused spaces. Energy use and CO₂ emissions can be cut dramatically, showing how access systems can contribute to sustainability goals and green building certification. What is the latest in smart buildings? Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services. Real-time access data enables new services such as automated room bookings, HVAC control, lift/elevator calling, e-bike hiring, and so on. Smart buildings increasingly rely on mobile access control as the backbone for digital services The financial upside is clear; smart, digitally transformed buildings can deliver around 8% higher yields per square foot versus traditional office space. Operational savings accrue from reduced administration, the removal of card production and shipping, and lighter IT support. This creates a value cycle — better experiences drive adoption, adoption fuels monetisation, and monetisation funds further improvements. Achieving technology impact in the real world One standout project is One Bangkok – a $3.9 billion mixed used development in Thailand – which demonstrates the scale of what can be achieved when access control data is used for optimisation, particularly when it comes to monitoring facilities usage and occupier behaviours. By switching lights off or lowering the temperature in unused rooms, for example, the One Bangkok building demonstrates this potential with a 22% reduction in energy consumption, saving 17,000 MWh and 9,000 tons of CO₂ annually.  Sustainability is a key factor in contributing to how properties are valued. And sustainability extends far beyond digital credentials having a lower environmental impact than plastic cards.  Buildings with recognised sustainability certifications often command rental premiums of around 6%, and three‑quarters of security decision‑makers now consider environmental impact in their procurement assessments.

Codelocks International Ltd, the global access control specialist, launches ConnectShare, a new range of smart locks that use mobile phones to make access and management easy. Part of the Connect by Codelocks solutions, these latest locks build on the success of Codelocks’ existing range of connected locks, adding several new features and enhanced connectivity. ConnectShare locks have three access modes – user code, RFID card and mobile phone. They are managed through the easy-to-use Codelocks Connect App, which allows complete remote management of the locks from a mobile device. Simple standalone lock “One of the standout features of this release is the mobile phone access sharing,” said Joanne Milne-Rowe, Managing Director at Codelocks International Ltd. “Administrators can send a time-bound credential directly to a user's phone, give them access to a lock, and revoke it at any time. The process is entirely device-to-device, with no hidden subscription fees like other products often have, and with no reliance on an internet connection at the lock itself. Users simply download the free app, and admins can remotely give them access with a few simple clicks.” “The Codelocks Connect App is central to the products too. Deep down, this is a simple standalone lock that’s easy to install and maintain. But paired with our app, it becomes the flexible and powerful solution that modern shared spaces need.” Time-sensitive codes Key features that can be enabled using the app include Codelocks NetCode® Technology for generating date and time-sensitive codes, GuestCode functionality that lets guests and temporary users set their own access code for the duration of their stay, and Do Not Disturb mode, which gives occupants privacy control – ideal for private spaces and changing rooms. The new features also include Multi-Admin functionality, which allows operators to assign shared management of individual locks, and Dual Authorisation, which adds an extra layer of protection for higher-security applications by requiring two valid credentials to be presented to unlock. ConnectShare locks introduce an activity log, a first for the Connect by Codelocks range of products. Unlike many other standalone locks, ConnectShare can log who has accessed a door and when, making it well suited to regulated environments in which sensitive materials or data may be present. Independent fire testing "We spent a lot of time listening to customers during the development of ConnectShare, and making sure what we built reflected what they actually asked for,” said Joanne Milne-Rowe. “It's backed by the same award-winning customer and technical support Codelocks is known for, so people aren't just getting a product; they're getting a service too." ConnectShare locks are available now: the CL4500CC, a medium-duty option with latch and mortice configurations, and the CL5500CC, a heavy-duty option supporting latch, lock and panic access. Both are available in Brushed Steel, with Solid Black also offered on the CL5500CC. ConnectShare locks have completed independent fire testing to BS EN 1634-1 for 30-minute and 60-minute timber door sets when installed with a Codelocks FireKit and performance testing to BS EN 12209.

Nutanix, a hybrid cloud pioneer and AI innovator, announces support for the general availability of Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Hybrid with Nutanix AHV, giving organisations greater choice over where their virtual desktops and data run. This will enable organisations to run Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts on-premises while continuing to use Microsoft’s cloud-based control plane for identity, access and session brokering. Nutanix has been involved in the Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid initiative from the outset as a launch ecosystem partner, helping bring Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid support to the Nutanix AHV hypervisor. Retaining greater control This hybrid deployment model is designed for organisations that want to modernise desktop delivery while retaining greater control over their infrastructure and data. It is particularly relevant across regulated industries where data residency, digital sovereignty, security, latency, performance and infrastructure economics can influence where workloads need to run. With Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid on Nutanix, the Azure Virtual Desktop control plane remains in Azure while session hosts run on Nutanix AHV in the customer’s data center. Azure Arc connects those session hosts into the Azure environment, helping preserve the Azure-based identity, policy and management experience. Users can authenticate through Microsoft Entra ID, while organisations retain control over areas such as VM capacity, lifecycle management, networking, storage, disaster recovery and automation on AHV. Reducing operational effort Organisations can also choose how they want to operate the environment. Teams with established scripting and automation skills can use Nutanix APIs and tools to manage Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid directly, while organisations looking to reduce operational effort can use Nerdio Manager to automate and centralise tasks such as VM provisioning, lifecycle management, power management, image and patch updates, policy management and autoscaling. Key capabilities include: Running Azure Virtual Desktop session hosts on premises on Nutanix AHV while retaining Microsoft’s Azure-based Azure Virtual Desktop control plane. Supporting data residency and digital sovereignty objectives by keeping desktops and data within customer-controlled environments. Using Azure Arc and Microsoft Entra ID to maintain a consistent identity, policy and management experience across the hybrid environment. Supporting Windows Server multi-session and Windows 11 Enterprise single-session, with Windows 11 multi-session remaining exclusive to Azure and Azure Local. Giving IT teams a choice between API-driven management and automated orchestration with Nerdio Manager. Helping organisations balance cloud innovation with existing infrastructure investments, operational control, performance requirements and cost considerations. Preserving existing investments "Customer choice and flexibility are at the core of Azure Virtual Desktop Hybrid. Nutanix's support helps organisations extend the benefits of Azure Virtual Desktop to environments that align with their operational and business requirements, enabling a smoother path to modernisation while preserving existing investments,” said Bhavya Chopra, Partner Director, Product Management, Microsoft. “The value for customers is straightforward. They no longer have to choose between using Azure Virtual Desktop and maintaining control over where their desktops run. If compliance, data sovereignty, latency or cost means those workloads need to stay on premises, they can run them on Nutanix AHV while still using Microsoft’s Azure Virtual Desktop services. It gives IT teams a more practical way to modernise without forcing every workload into the same model,” said Tarkan Maner, President at Nutanix.

FARx, the world's only AI-fused biometrics company, has appointed former BT executive and Cambridge technology leader Chris Bruce as Chairman, as the business prepares for its next phase of UK and international growth. The move comes after FARx recently secured £625,000 in seed funding through the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) and the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) with plans to expand its patented biometric authentication technology into global markets. Biometric authentication technology Chris has more than 20 years' international experience leading and scaling technology businesses at BT Group. As CEO of BT Openzone Wi-Fi, he delivered connectivity across the London 2012 Olympic Games. He also oversaw the launch of Capital Wi-Fi, which expanded to more than 500,000 hotspots across London. He has worked extensively in Europe, US and Asia launching global services to enterprise customers, including the commercial launch of Telfort Mobile in the Netherlands, and spent a decade serving on the board of the Wireless Broadband Alliance (WBA), helping shape the global adoption of next-generation Wi-Fi technologies. Challenge facing businesses worldwide Beyond BT, Chris is a highly respected figure within the Cambridge Deep Tech ecosystem, serving as a non-executive board director at Cambridge Wireless, one of the UK’s leading technology communities, and led the launch of Cambridge Tech Week in 2023 as Chair of the Steering Committee. His appointment brings commercial leadership experience to FARx at a time when organisations worldwide are seeking more effective ways to combat identity fraud, deepfakes and AI-enabled cyber threats. Recent research from Thales found that 59% of organisations have already experienced a deepfake-related attack, highlighting the growing scale of the challenge facing businesses worldwide. Multi-factor authentication platform Founded by a team with more than 30 years of biometrics expertise, FARx has developed a next-generation multi-factor authentication platform that, for the first time, fuses speaker, speech and facial recognition into a single solution. Patented in both the UK and US, the technology represents a new approach to identity security with plans to expand into North America, Latin America and APAC. Unlike traditional voice authentication systems, FARx's platform can identify not only what is being said, but who is saying it, helping organisations detect and prevent attempts to spoof identities using synthetic voices, deepfake technology and recorded audio or video. Powered by proprietary AI and machine learning algorithms, the platform continuously learns and adapts to users, identifying subtle behavioural and biometric anomalies that may suggest fraudulent activity. Growing technology organisations Earlier this year, the company also appointed experienced technology sales leader Clive Busby as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, as part of its continued investment in its leadership team. Clive Summerfield, CEO of FARx, said: "Chris’s combination of executive leadership experience, board expertise and deep connections within the technology sector will be invaluable as we continue to scale the business.” "He has an exceptional track record of building and growing technology organisations, while his leadership within the Cambridge technology community demonstrates his ability to bring people, innovation and opportunity together. We look forward to working with him as we accelerate our growth and expand internationally." Building strategic partnerships Bruce added: "I am delighted to be joining FARx as Chairman at a time of strong momentum for the business. The company's technology addresses one of the most critical challenges facing organisations today, how to securely verify identity in an era increasingly shaped by AI, deepfakes and sophisticated digital fraud.” "FARx has developed a genuinely innovative solution with significant global potential. I look forward to working with the team to accelerate growth, build strategic partnerships and help drive the company's ambitious vision."

Gunnebo Group has been awarded an EcoVadis Silver Medal, recognising global progress in strengthening sustainability performance across its operations, whole value chain and business operations. EcoVadis is one of the world's most widely recognised independent business sustainability assessment platforms, evaluating organisations across four key areas: environment, labour and human rights, ethics, and sustainable procurement. Formalise sustainability commitments The recognition reflects a focused programme of work undertaken across Gunnebo Group to strengthen governance, formalise sustainability commitments and further embed responsible business practices throughout the organisation. Efforts have centred on developing a more comprehensive policy framework, providing clearer foundations for how sustainability is managed and supporting greater consistency across the group business. Says Per Hökfelt, Group Sustainability Director at Gunnebo Group: "This EcoVadis recognition reflects the work taking place across the Group to strengthen governance, improve transparency and embed more consistent processes for responsible business. It also reflects our commitment to taking a structured, long-term approach to sustainability, with continuous improvement and collaboration helping to integrate sustainability considerations into decision-making across the complete business." Supply chain activities Gunnebo's participation in the United Nations Global Compact has reinforced its commitment to internationally recognised principles covering human rights, labour, environmental responsibility and anti-corruption. The initiative supports the Group's broader approach to responsible business conduct and contributes to greater transparency and accountability. Further progress has been made in responsible supply chain management, with Gunnebo strengthening supplier assessment processes and its approach to evaluating sustainability-related risks. This is helping to integrate environmental, social and ethical considerations more effectively into procurement and supply chain activities. Social and ethical considerations This wider approach to ESG performance includes a Living Wage analysis across the organisation, using independent Living Wage benchmarks from the WageIndicator Foundation. Alongside strengthened responsible sourcing and supplier assessment, this provides greater insight into the social and ethical considerations that underpin Gunnebo's approach to responsible business. Per concludes: "Sustainability expectations continue to increase across industries, supply chains and stakeholder groups. Maintaining a strong governance framework and a clear approach to responsible business practices remains essential to meeting these expectations. This recognition acknowledges the progress achieved across Gunnebo Group and provides a strong platform for continued development to achieve Gold. We remain focused on further strengthening sustainability performance and embedding responsible business practices throughout the organisation as part of our long-term strategy."

After a major refurbishment, Benghazi Children's Hospital in Libya is preparing to deliver a safer, more connected, and more efficient healthcare experience. By adopting Hikvision's AIoT (AI-powered Internet of Things) technologies, the hospital is enhancing patient care, strengthening communication, supporting medical education, and improving operational efficiency throughout the facility. For more than four decades, Benghazi Children's Hospital has served local communities and families. Covering approximately 11,300 m², the hospital supports a wide range of inpatient and outpatient services. Its recent refurbishment—the first in over 40 years—was more than a maintenance project. The hospital set ambitious goals to modernise the environment, aiming for an 80% improvement in patient satisfaction, response times, and interdepartmental communication. Smart healthcare solution To support these objectives, the hospital has been working with the national distributor Al Motaheda to deploy an integrated Hikvision smart healthcare solution spanning patient communication, medical education, and fire protection. When a patient needs help, every second matters. To help caregivers respond quickly and efficiently, Benghazi Children's Hospital has deployed Hikvision's Nurse Call System across its two inpatient departments: the Observation Department and the Gastroenteritis Department. At 11 ward entrances, Doorway Terminals and LED indicators have been installed. Now, when a patient calls, room number and bed information will immediately appear in the corridor, helping nursing staff identify where assistance is needed. Delivering routine announcements A Nurse Station has been located between the two departments. From a single point, staff will be able to receive, prioritise, and respond to requests from all 11 wards, helping improve efficiency while ensuring patients receive timely attention. Beyond the nurse call system, the hospital also wants to strengthen communication between departments. 40 SIP Phones have been installed across examination rooms, operating rooms, labs, and offices, to keep every department connected for day-to-day coordination. 37 Ceiling Speakers will deliver routine announcements, visitor guidance, and emergency notifications. 26 Ceiling Access Points will provide hospital-wide wireless connectivity, supporting staff communications, connected devices, and future digital healthcare applications. Improving patient satisfaction Together, these systems have are creating a more connected healthcare environment where information reaches the right people at the right time. Hospital management expects the solution to play a key role in improving patient satisfaction while significantly reducing response times once the facility becomes fully operational. As a teaching hospital, Benghazi Children's Hospital also places strong emphasis on clinical education. However, limited space inside operating rooms can make it difficult for large groups of students to observe procedures firsthand. To address this challenge, the hospital has deployed a Live Surgery Broadcasting System built around the Hikvision Video Cart. Dedicated training hall This is a mobile unit that can be moved between all four operating rooms as needed. With appropriate patient consent and in accordance with hospital policies, it captures high-quality video and audio that can be transmitted live to a dedicated training hall. This will allow more medical students to observe operations without disrupting clinical activities or overcrowding operating rooms. In addition to live viewing, surgical procedures can – again, with consent – be recorded and stored for future training purposes. This will enable educators to build a growing library of teaching materials while giving more students access to practical clinical learning experiences. Centralised emergency management Fire safety has also been addressed by installing a comprehensive Hikvision fire protection solution. The system enables early fire detection, rapid alert distribution, and centralised emergency management. 203 Smoke Detectors cover every area of the building, from operating rooms to waiting areas to staff rooms. 24 Audible and Visual Alarms, and Manual Call Points have been placed at the ends of corridors and near all exits, where people moving toward evacuation routes will find them. A Fire Alarm Control Panel at the main reception provides centralised monitoring and control. A microphone at the same location will allow staff to broadcast live evacuation instructions to the entire hospital should it be needed. Effective medical education Together, these capabilities help ensure faster response during emergencies while supporting a safer environment for patients, visitors, and staff. Although the hospital has not yet officially opened following its refurbishment, feedback from hospital management and medical staff has been highly positive. As Taha Grgom, Project Manager at the Hospital put it: "The nurse call system will help us respond to patients more quickly, while the live surgery broadcasting system will open new possibilities for medical education. Together, these technologies are helping us build a more connected and efficient hospital." As Benghazi Children's Hospital prepares to welcome its first patients, it stands as a powerful example of how AIoT technologies can support better care, stronger collaboration, safer operations, and more effective medical education. More importantly, it shows what Tech for Good can mean in practice—using technology to make a meaningful difference where it matters most and help every child receive the care they deserve.

Bournemouth and Poole College, the largest provider of further education and apprenticeships in the Dorset area, has installed Hochiki's ESP addressable fire detection range across its four-storey site, protecting a diverse mix of teaching environments including IT suites, kitchens, workshops and engineering bays. The installation was specified and delivered by SFA Fire and Security, working closely with the college to design a system capable of handling the varied fire risks found across further education provision. Subjects such as catering, automotive maintenance, construction and engineering carry a higher risk of nuisance alarms from dust and fumes, while IT and digital media spaces rely heavily on electrical equipment. A tailored approach was needed to protect the site without interrupting learning. Protecting valuable teaching time ESP's common mounting base allowed SFA's installers to work through the site using a single standard base across most devices, reducing the range of parts held on site and helping installation stay on schedule despite the complexity of the building. In kitchens and workshops, LPCB and VdS approved heat sensors were used to distinguish genuine fire risk from cooking activity and dust, reducing false alarms and protecting valuable teaching time. ESP's textual identifier gives staff the exact location of an activated device, supporting fast and accurate evacuation decisions in a large site with high footfall. Wall-mounted VADs, certified to EN 54-23, added audio and visual alerts throughout the college, ensuring alarms reach staff and students regardless of location or impairment. Where cabling access was limited by drop beams, wireless technology was integrated onto the ESP loop, avoiding extensive drilling and preserving the building's original structure. Successful projects together Naomi Fell, Projects Director at SFA Fire and Security, said: "This project presented numerous challenges due to the complexity of each room and storey within the college. Our extensive experience with Hochiki's products, combined with the consistently positive feedback from our end-users, made Hochiki the clear choice for this project. We met the college's stringent deadlines with minimal disruption to teaching and learning." Ryan Baulcomb, Regional Sales Manager at Hochiki, added: "Hochiki and SFA have a strong, long-term partnership, built on years of successful projects together. This installation shows what that partnership can deliver on a genuinely complex site. We're proud that our products continue to give installers and end-users the reliability and support they expect." Bournemouth and Poole College now benefit from a fire detection system tailored to the specific demands of each corridor, room and storey across the site, with the flexibility to adapt as the college continues to grow.

In a move to modernise campus operations and create a smoother experience for students and staff, Peru’s National Agrarian University has deployed a comprehensive Hikvision smart campus solution. From streamlined access to safer transportation, the university is building a safer, connected and efficient campus environment. Universidad Nacional Agraria La Molina (National Agrarian University) is one of Peru's most respected academic institutions. Its 102-hectare campus operates more like a small city than a traditional university, serving eight faculties, around 8,000 students, and about 600 teachers every day. Campus bus operations As campus activity continued to grow, the university wanted a more modern and efficient way to manage daily operations. Previously, visitor and vehicle access relied heavily on manual checks and handwritten records. The university also wanted better visibility over campus bus operations and more effective support for security teams patrolling the large campus area. Their goals included: Streamlining pedestrian and vehicle access Equipping patrol teams with mobile tools to enable them to respond to incidents faster Enhancing safety and visibility across campus bus operations Centralising management through a single unified platform To achieve these, the university worked with system integrator Consorcio Valtar Security y Serinfortel to deploy a unified Hikvision smart campus solution. Anti-tailgating functions To improve pedestrian access, the university installed 18 Hikvision Pro Swing Barriers (DS-K3B530X) and 28 Face Recognition Terminals (DS-K5671-ZV) at the main and side entrances. The solution helps students and staff move through gates quickly while improving entry management. The facial recognition terminals support recognition speeds of less than 0.2 seconds per user and accuracy rates above 99%. Anti-tailgating functions, which prevent people slipping in behind others, helps ensure only authorised individuals can enter. LED indicators, meanwhile, provide visual indicators guide people through the turnstiles in order to avoid bottlenecks. To further streamline visitor handling, the university deployed a Visitor Terminal (DS-K5032-D) together with an Enrolments Station (DS-K1F600U-D6E-F) at the main entrance. The dual-screen visitor terminal supports paperless registration, helping security staff process guests more efficiently while reducing manual paperwork. At the same time, the enrolment station simplifies face enrolment and user management through an easy-to-use touch-screen interface. Anti-hitting protection mechanisms For vehicle access, Hikvision deployed 6 ANPR Cameras (DS-TCG406-E(S)) together with 6 Barrier Gates (DS-TMG520-H/B) at two campus entrances. The system automatically recognises license plates and manages vehicle access in real time, helping reduce waiting times and improve traffic flow. Staff vehicles can be pre-registered through the university’s app, allowing smoother entry during peak hours. Adjustable barrier speeds and multiple anti-hitting protection mechanisms also help improve operational safety. To further improve the driver experience, LED Screens (DS-TVL224-4-5Y) display welcome messages and vehicle information in real time. Because of the campus’s large size, motorcycle patrol teams play an important role in maintaining daily operations and responding quickly across different areas. To support these teams, the university has deployed 10 Hikvision Ultra Series Body Cameras (DS-MH2311) together with 2 Dock Stations (DS-MDS001). Several features make this solution particularly suitable for mobile patrol work: Clear 2 MP video recording with a wide 129° horizontal field of view Up to 8 hours of recording with a removable 3,300 mAh battery Wireless connectivity for improved communication Real-time positioning support through GPS Centralised charging, storage, and evidence upload through dock stations Professional campus operations The cameras are mainly used during routine motorcycle patrols and when responding to incidents on campus. Recorded footage helps clearly document security procedures and provides reliable records of how situations were handled, supporting transparent and professional campus operations. The university has also upgraded safety across its fleet of 11 campus buses with Hikvision onboard solutions. Each bus is equipped with: Mobile Dome Cameras (DS-2XM6726G1-IM/ND) and Mobile Network Cameras (DS-2XM6522G1-ID): These provide real-time HD video coverage inside and outside the buses, helping operators monitor passenger boarding, alighting, and road conditions clearly. DSM Camera (AE-VC1B1I-ISF(RJ45)): This improves driving safety by detecting critical safety indicators such as fatigue, distractions, and smoking. When potential risks are identified, alerts are immediately issued to the driver, helping encourage safer driving practices during daily routes. Touch Monitor (AE-MW1203): Drivers can view live camera feeds through the monitor. The display automatically switches to relevant views when doors open or when reversing, helping drivers monitor passenger movement and blind spots more effectively. Alarm Button (DS-1530HMI(AE)(O-NEU)): It allows drivers to immediately notify the control center for rapid assistance in emergency situations. Mobile NVR (AE-MN5043(1T/SSD)(RJ45)(O-STD)): This records and stores video while also supporting GPS positioning, geofencing, and route monitoring through Google Maps integration. Campus bus management Every solution, from access control and patrol operations to campus bus management, is centrally managed through HikCentral Professional. From this single platform, the university can: Monitor access events in real time Manage user permissions and visitor records Track campus buses through GIS-based maps Receive centralised alarms and event notifications Coordinate faster responses across campus According to the university, the solution has significantly improved operational visibility and coordination across the campus. “With Hikvision’s smart campus solution, we now have a much more efficient and connected way to manage daily campus operations,” says Joseph Jimy Ordóñez Blanco, General Coordinator of the University’s Security Unit. “From access management to transportation safety, the platform gives our teams better visibility, faster response capabilities, and greater confidence in maintaining a safe environment for students and staff.”

ZeroEyes, creators of the multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces that its proactive AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software has been renewed by Central Valley School District in Beaver County, Pennsylvania after a successful first year of deployment. Serving four schools across Beaver County, Pennsylvania, including a primary center, elementary school, middle school, and high school, the district supports approximately 2,200 students and 200 faculty and staff. ZeroEyes has been integrated across all facilities as part of the district’s commitment to maintaining a safe, secure, and welcoming learning environment. Welcoming learning environment “The safety of our students and staff will always be our top priority,” said Brian Dolph, Safety & Security Director for the Central Valley School District. “By implementing ZeroEyes technology, Central Valley School District is taking a proactive step to enhance campus security and provide real-time detection of potential firearm threats, helping ensure that our schools remain safe places for teaching, learning, and growth. ZeroEyes has been a valued partner, delivering continuous monitoring and an added level of assurance in our campus security efforts.” Central Valley School District’s deployment is part of a broader, layered approach to safety that includes closed-circuit cameras, a visitor management system, ALICE-trained staff, regular district-wide safety drills, and school resource officers in all buildings. The district also conducts coordinated active shooter drills each summer in partnership with Beaver County Emergency Services and works closely with local communities, including Monaca Borough and Central Township, to support campus safety efforts. Situational awareness software ZeroEyes’ AI gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software layers onto existing digital security cameras. If a gun is identified, images are instantly shared with the ZeroEyes Operations Center (ZOC), the industry’s only U.S.-based, fully in-house operations centre staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. If the threat is determined to be valid, alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — are dispatched to law enforcement and school officials, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Central Valley School District has taken a thoughtful and proactive approach to campus safety,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “By continuing to invest in real-time intelligence and working closely with trusted partners, the district is strengthening its ability to respond quickly to potential threats while maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.”