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.

ViewScan, Inc., a provider of AI-Powered Monitoring for Security & Operational Intelligence, announces the company has recently launched its new product release & redesigned website with enhanced features to better support its customers. The new website boasts revamped content and resources which includes real-world AI event videos to new case studies, white papers, client testimonials, and an FAQ section. The new website features a fresh look that encapsulates a modern, contemporary design with easier navigation for partners and customers. In addition, there will soon be a ROI calculator on the website that will allow customers to clearly understand the potential savings in staffing, employee efficiency and energy performance to help save money. Cost-effective solutions The company has also expanded ViewScan Protect with enhanced analytics, faster response times, and earlier intervention capabilities. “We are excited to launch our revamped AI software solution and new website to help our customers access resources and improve not only security, but operational efficiency with our ViewScan Protect ecosystem,” states David Antar, President at ViewScan, Inc. “We pride ourselves on staying at the forefront of AI technology and keeping our customers’ privacy protected with flexible and cost-effective solutions that monitor their facilities 24/7 for total peace of mind. Our mission has always been to create a smarter, safer and healthier world and ViewScan's latest innovation in AI driven technology accomplishes this, while potentially saving our customers money.” AI-powered monitoring system ViewScan Protect is changing the game in AI video intelligence by offering a unique solution for end users looking for one AI-powered monitoring system that can do it all. The software monitors not only video, but environmental sensors that send alerts for any type of smart building events. This new product release demonstrates ViewScan’s commitment to intelligent AI, human judgment, and privacy protection. The ViewScan Protect software ecosystem is built on three core components: an AI Engine, a series of advanced AI models delivering multiple analytics on any video stream; an Event Manager that continuously analyses video and sensor signals and generates real-time alerts; and front-end software that creates a true "single pane of glass" for situational awareness, usable by ViewScan operators, the end user, or a hybrid of both. Detecting human presence The pipeline follows five steps: Capture, Detect, Verify, Deter, Escalate. Cameras send video feeds and sensors send alerts to an on-site gateway, where ViewScan’s on-premise AI software analyses the footage in real time, detecting human presence, loitering, sensor abnormalities, area-crossing behavior, and other objects of interest. A TMA-certified remote operator, drawn from a team staffed by U.S. veterans, verifies each alert to ensure it’s not a false trigger. The operator then attempts to deter trespassers through live audio talk-down. If the trespasser does not leave, the operator escalates the situation to local police or an on-site security team; helping to prevent any further incident.

XSponse, a provider of connected safety and emergency response technology, announces the appointment of Richie Perna as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), effective September 19. Perna will lead XSponse’s national go-to-market strategy as the company moves into its next phase of growth and market expansion. Perna joins XSponse at a pivotal point in the company’s growth. Following a recent strategic investment from Armory Capital, XSponse is accelerating its national expansion and moving from a period of rapid product development into a more aggressive phase of market development, demand creation and commercial growth. Emergency response technology The appointment also reunites Perna with XSponse CEO Lee Mandel, with whom he spent nearly eight years building strategy, expanding into new markets and scaling a security business through a successful exit. “Richie is not a traditional CRO, and that is exactly why I wanted him in this role,” said Lee Mandel, CEO of XSponse. “He is a market maker. He understands customers and this industry, knows how to create demand where it doesn’t yet exist, and has the ability to build relationships and open doors that very few people can. I’ve already built a business alongside Richie, and I know what happens when we put the right product in front of him. Bringing him to XSponse full time is a major part of our plan to take this company nationwide.” Broad connected technology ecosystem As CRO, Perna’s role will extend well beyond traditional sales leadership, with broad responsibility for how XSponse is positioned, brought to market and expanded nationally. He will lead the company’s go-to-market strategy, strategic partnerships, channel development and demand creation, with K-12 as a core focus, while building the market presence and commercial momentum needed for XSponse’s next stage of growth. A major part of that strategy will be simplifying how XSponse goes to market. The company has developed a broad connected technology ecosystem in a relatively short period of time, and Perna will focus on bringing those capabilities to customers through clearly defined solutions built around specific operational and safety challenges. Life-safety technology “We have incredible technology, but great technology by itself doesn’t build a great company,” said Perna. “The market has to understand it, customers have to want it, and partners have to know how to bring it to their customers. That’s where I see the opportunity. My job is to help make XSponse a company that people across this industry know, create real demand for what we’ve built, and put us in the rooms and markets where we belong.” Perna most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at Day Automation / Stark Tech, where his work centered on strategic growth, market development and large-scale school safety and security initiatives. His experience spans physical security, public address and intercom systems, emergency communications and mass notification, access control, video surveillance, lockdown systems and integrated life-safety technology. Public safety stakeholders Throughout his career, Perna has worked closely with school district leaders, technology and facilities professionals, public safety stakeholders, consultants, manufacturers, integrators and other industry partners. His approach has consistently centered on understanding the customer’s actual operational challenge first, then bringing together the technology, relationships and strategy needed to solve it. “Security and communications have become too fragmented,” Perna added. “Customers need technology that connects seamlessly with their operations, strengthens performance and delivers meaningful value. They need systems that work together and give people better information when something happens. XSponse has an opportunity to become the connective layer across that environment. That’s a much bigger story than any one product.”

Inovonics, a provider of wireless solutions for life safety and security applications, is celebrating 40 years of innovation and continued growth in commercial security, senior living e-call, multi-family submetering, and commercial monitoring markets. Founded in 1986, Inovonics has continued to advance 900 MHz wireless technology to develop solutions designed for life safety, intrusion detection, and environmental monitoring. “Inovonics has spent four decades building technology that performs when it matters most,” said Tom Chittenden, President of Inovonics. “We continue to pioneer new solutions using the latest advancements in wireless technology that deliver higher levels of performance, reliability, and versatility to solve real-world challenges.” Open integration options The next chapter for Inovonics builds on the same foundation of reliable hardware backed by cloud software and open integration options for systems integrators and other technology partners. "We're building the platform that will define the next 40 years for our company," Chittenden said. "Our newest Intrusion System and Duress Card reflect where we are headed, toward connected solutions that leverage the best in 900 MHz wireless, AI, and cloud technologies that our partners can trust today and grow into tomorrow." Noted Inovonics milestones over the past 40 years include:  1986: Inovonics Corporation founded in Boulder, CO by Steve Koonce & Don Hume to develop commercial wireless products leveraging frequency-hopping, spread spectrum RF technology. 1996: Inovonics trademarks Frequency Agile as the brand name for its proprietary 900 MHz wireless technology. 1997: Inovonics launches Wireless Guardian security control panel for small commercial security applications. 1998: Inovonics launches TapWatch wireless utility submetering software and pulse-meter transmitter solution to the multifamily market. 1999: Inovonics launches Comset and Comset Superlight wireless telephone headsets. 2000: Inovonics awarded ISO 9001 certification. 2001: Inovonics partners with 3M to create ergonomic wireless headset solutions for drive-thru restaurants. 2005: Inovonics ships millionth TapWatch transmitter. 2007: Inovonics launches EchoStream next-generation high-performance wireless mesh network. 2008: Inovonics develops commercial UL-listed wireless security sensors and repeaters. UL had not previously listed any commercial wireless universal transmitters or repeaters, making the EchoStream products uniquely qualified for the commercial marketplace. 2010: Millionth EchoStream sensor shipped. 2010: Patent No. 7,746,804 awarded for EchoStream directed messaging network architecture. 2010: Inovonics launches Remote Data Logger and TapWatch 3 software for utility subtering solutions. 2013: Inovonics launches EN6080 Gateway, one of the first PSIA-compliant wireless area gateways enabling IP and system integration. 2013: Inovonics launches TapWatch Cloud, the company’s first cloud-hosted software solution. 2015: Patent No. 9,111,432 awarded for mobile duress pendant management system. 2018: Awarded patents for the EN1221S-60, wearable emergency call device pendants specifically for the senior living industry. 2018: Over 3 million wireless pulse transmitters sold. Company releases EN1550EP Encoder Pulse Transmitter expanding IoT and building management utility products. 2022: Inovonics launches fall detection and alarm location solutions for senior living communities. 2024: Inovonics announces Advanced Location solution. 2025: Patent No. 12,367,757 issued for fall detection pendant systems and methods. 2026: Inovonics introduces groundbreaking Intrusion Detection and Duress Card solutions. Celebrates 40th anniversary.

ZeroEyes, creator of the pioneer multi-analytics weapons detection and threat intelligence platform, announces an expansion of its proactive gun detection and intelligent situational awareness software deployment at Quest Academy Charter School, following a successful one-year deployment. This move reinforces the school’s commitment to protecting students, staff, and visitors from gun-related threats. Located in West Haven, Utah, Quest Academy serves approximately 1,000 students and employs 100 faculty and staff across its K–9 STEM-focused program. The campus consists of two primary buildings, Q1 for grades K–5 and Q2 for grades 6–9, as well as additional portable classrooms. Situated in a unique area transitioning from rural farmland to growing residential development, the school blends a unified community environment with increasing suburban expansion. Layered security approach Quest Academy has implemented a layered security approach that includes internal and external surveillance cameras, controlled access points for gates, classrooms, and entryways, and strong collaboration with local law enforcement. The school operates within the jurisdiction of the Weber County Sheriff's Office and maintains close relationships with surrounding police departments, supported by an engaged parent community and active volunteer group, Parent Organisation Quest Academy (POQA). “Since initially deploying ZeroEyes, we have seen the value of adding proactive, technology-driven monitoring to our existing safety measures,” said Dr. Dave Bullock, director of Quest Academy Charter School. “Expanding this solution allows us to further enhance our layered security strategy, ensuring we are not only prepared to respond to potential threats but positioned to identify and address them before they escalate.” Law enforcement veterans The initial deployment of ZeroEyes was supported in part by the Utah State Board of Education’s School Safety and Support Grant Program, designed to help schools adopt advanced security technologies. Building on early success, Quest Academy chose to expand the system across more areas of campus to increase coverage and situational awareness. ZeroEyes' threat 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 operation center, which is staffed 24/7/365 by specially trained U.S. military and law enforcement veterans. Awareness software deployment If these experts determine the threat is valid, they dispatch alerts and actionable intelligence — including visual description, gun type, and last known location — to law enforcement and school administrators, often in a matter of seconds from the moment a gun is detected. “Schools today require a balance of advanced technology and experienced human oversight to effectively address safety challenges,” said Mike Lahiff, CEO and co-founder of ZeroEyes. “Quest Academy is demonstrating a strong commitment to proactive security and continuous improvement, helping to create a safer environment for students and staff.”

TECOM Group has enhanced security and accessibility across several of its flagship developments in Dubai, including Dubai Media City, with the installation of advanced Gunnebo Entrance Control solutions. Since its establishment in 1999, TECOM has shaped Dubai’s landscape as a hub for business and innovation. Its ten business districts, including Dubai Internet City, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Design District (d3), are home to nearly 12,000 companies employing more than 124,000 people. Entrance control solution Developments like Dubai Media City welcome thousands of people every day, serving as both workplaces and collaborative hubs where ideas and intellectual property are shared. This made it essential for TECOM to implement an entrance control solution capable of maintaining robust security while preserving the smooth flow of people and the open, professional atmosphere expected across its developments. Following a competitive tender, Gunnebo Entrance Control was appointed to combine advanced entrance control, seamless integration with wider access control systems and a sleek design suited to modern commercial environments. More than 40 SpeedStile FLs gates were installed across several buildings, chosen for their performance, adaptability and ability to support high volumes of daily movement without compromising the visitor experience. Access control technology The SpeedStile FLs features a slim, contemporary appearance designed to complement modern commercial spaces. Beyond aesthetics, it incorporates advanced single-person detection systems, monitoring tailgating, piggybacking and unauthorised attempts to access secure areas. Audible alerts assist on-site teams, while third-party integration ensures compatibility with existing access control technology, including group movement through card stacking capabilities. For TECOM, this blend of security technology and design has delivered both reassurance and efficiency. By implementing SpeedStile FLs across its developments, the Group has strengthened security while preserving the collaborative and welcoming environment that defines its business communities. Fadi Yakoub concluded: “TECOM communities attract some of the world’s biggest names alongside dynamic start-ups, making them vital contributors to the region’s knowledge and creative economy. We are proud of our long-term partnership to deliver seamless entrance control solutions across their developments. The SpeedStile FLs provides flexible, reliable management of people flow, while also creating a welcoming and professional first impression for business communities.”

The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn is one of the four Inns of Court and operates as an active and thriving society of lawyers, sprawling across 11 acres in central London and dating as far back as 1422. The title of “Lincoln’s Inn” refers both to the Society and the location, which houses the Society’s own facilities, numerous barristers’ chambers and several solicitors’ offices. The Inns of Court originally provided accommodation for law students who learned their craft by attending court. Different levels of security Today, the Inns exist to aid students in pursuing the legal profession and serve as landlord, custodian of historic buildings, banqueting and events venue, and tourist attraction. To fulfill these many functions, Lincoln’s Inn required security that would meet their own high standards while protecting buildings that had been in continuous operation for centuries. As the Inn not only provides services to law students, but also operates as an attraction and a hosting venue, many different levels of security need to be in place for a variety of users—full-time employees, temporary contractors, event staff, students, and others. For this reason, it was essential that Lincoln’s Inn have a comprehensive system to track and monitor their many keys for the extensive venue. Improving key control For some time, keys at Lincoln’s Inn were managed manually through an analogue system, with staff retrieving keys from an open cabinet and recording key usage with pen and paper. However, because at times manual recordkeeping can be less than diligent, this allowed for confusion as to who had what keys when, and made it possible for keys to be stashed away or used by unauthorized persons. With the variety and quantity of people moving throughout Lincoln’s Inn on any given day, a more secure solution was needed. To update and improve key control, Chief Porter Nicholas Bracey turned to the KeyWatcher Touch key control system by Morse Watchmans. Key storage and management “KeyWatcher Touch provides us with a fully secure means of key storage and management. We considered a number of products on the market and found the Morse Watchmans solution to be the most flexible and easy to use system,” said Mr. Bracey. “The high quality and ease of scalability were two of the top features we required, and the KeyWatcher Touch was a perfect fit for our key control needs.” Lincoln’s Inn installed two KeyWatcher Touch units configured for a total of 192 keys or keyrings in January 2016, and the system has been in daily use since the installation. It utilizes the Inn’s IT network and is fully integrated with the PCs in the security office and the office of the Chief Porter in order to provide maximum flexibility and ease of use. Providing maximum flexibility Tracking keys as they were removed and returned was a top concern, so the ability of the KeyWatcher to record who has removed what key and when was exceptionally important. “The keys are always secure, rather than being openly accessible to staff. There is no longer paperwork to be managed for logging, it is all taken care of with the KeyWatcher software,” continued Mr. Bracey. “Audits and reports are fast and accurate, and it has led to our staff becoming more responsible overall.” KeyWatcher Touch has provided Lincoln’s Inn with the functionality and security it requires to easily manage its 192 keys, while also providing an easily accessible audit trail. In addition, the system has proven hardy and resilient in daily use over two years. “We have had continuity with Morse Watchmans since day one,” finished Mr. Bracey. “Demonstrations of function, installation, and training were all handled almost entirely by the same representative, in addition to subsequent orders. The continuously exceptional service has ensured that we were getting exactly the product that would best serve Lincoln’s Inn and provide us with the security we need.” KeyWatcher Touch Features: Email and SMS Notifications Scheduled Reports via Email or SMS Centralised User Database Scalable, Modular Design

Genetec Inc., the global pioneer in enterprise physical security software, announces that TEPCO Power Grid has deployed Genetec™ Security Center as the foundation for a next-generation physical security platform that supports its broader digital transformation strategy and scales with its growing operational requirements. The platform will centralise management of more than 30,000 cameras and support future innovation across the TEPCO Power Grid network of 1,600 substations and service centers. TEPCO Power Grid manages and operates the transmission and distribution network that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses across the Tokyo metropolitan area. The company is using advanced technologies to improve operational efficiency, strengthen disaster response, and modernise critical infrastructure. Modernising critical infrastructure As its camera network expanded over the years, TEPCO Power Grid needed a platform capable of supporting large-scale camera management, integrating with image analysis technologies, and expanding access to video across a broader range of devices. After evaluating several options, the company selected Genetec Security Center for its functionality, scalability, proven track record, and customisation capabilities through its software development kit. “The response from users has been very positive, and we're already seeing new ideas emerge for how the system can be used across the organisation. Beyond supporting our current operations, we see an opportunity to leverage accumulated video data alongside AI technologies to support future operational and technology initiatives, and we look forward to continuing our collaboration with Genetec,” said Tomoyuki Soma, Group Manager, System Development General Affairs Group, System Development Center, DX Promotion Department, TEPCO Power Grid. Improving operational efficiency TEPCO Power Grid selected Security Center for its scalability and open architecture. The platforms broad camera support allowed the company to bring together camera models from multiple manufacturers into a unified environment, helping preserve existing hardware investments while giving teams room to evolve. The Security Center software development kit also enables the company to customise the system and integrate additional technologies as requirements evolve. Security Center gives TEPCO Power Grid a unified view of its camera network while allowing teams across the region to support sites in their respective areas. Activities such as adding cameras and updating maps, which were previously managed centrally, can now be performed by individual workplaces, helping improve operational efficiency. Digital transformation strategy Authorised personnel can also use the Security Center web app to view video from computers and mobile devices. During an incident or emergency, managers and field teams can remotely assess the situation and coordinate their response. The platform also helps teams identify camera malfunctions across the network, making it easier to locate and address issues TEPCO’s 1,600 geographically dispersed sites. In addition to video management, the company sees potential opportunities to leverage accumulated video data and integrate emerging technologies as operational requirements evolve. The company is also evaluating additional capabilities available within the Security Center platform as part of its longer-term digital transformation strategy.

In a sector where budgets are always a focus of attention, delivering concrete returns to every investment is crucial. By digitalising access, healthcare premises – whether large hospitals or small clinics – can benefit from day one. They can improve staff and patient safety; quickly implement more efficient, time-saving workflows; and painlessly meet compliance demands. Healthcare sites always present complex access challenges. They must be welcoming, accessible public spaces. They often occupy large, sprawling areas; unfamiliar faces and first-time visitors are around every single day. At the same time, these premises inevitably have valuable and/or sensitive assets, including confidential data and medicines, which must be secured. Patients, doctors, nurses and support staff must feel safe. In labs and treatment suites, restricted materials and valuable equipment need both security and a compliant system for logging every access event. This has always been healthcare’s ‘business-as-usual’: it is a complex environment for any security manager. Meeting compliance demands Modern hospitals and clinics, however, now face an extra level of challenges – and opportunities. Their access system may benefit from integration with fire detection, CCTV and other building solutions, for example. With so many temporary and contract workers employed on-site, access is in constant motion. It needs to be tailored to specific and very different needs and, equally, revoked when any time-limited tasks are complete. In case of a security breach, rapid investigation is essential. Tracing and logging access to specific areas may also be a legal requirement, especially with new NIS2 regulations introduced for critical infrastructure, which demand proactive “hybrid” cyber/physical security frameworks for many healthcare premises. Relying on manual or siloed systems to complete these tasks could eat up hours or even days for security and even medical staff. Happily, there is a better way to work. Digital access devices The solution is access digitalisation. Digital access devices and credentials help to keep every hospital user safe. Unauthorised access is minimised because unapproved key copies rarely circulate and lost credentials are cancelled with a click. Employees and equipment are safer because more access points may be digitally secured. Issuing contractors and temporary staff with digital or even mobile credentials can further simplify the granting, amending and revoking of site access. Security teams waste less time handing out and collecting keys. Intelligent, intuitive software helps facilities managers stay in control even while they are off-site. Logging access to specific assets or areas becomes quick and simple: a few clicks rather than the laborious process of keeping manual logs up to date. “Access is such an important part of any holistic approach to safety,” says David Moser, SVP and Head of Digital Access Solutions at ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions EMEIA. “Digitalising access immediately puts powerful tools in the hands of hospital management, delivering tangible daily benefits to meet security challenges head-on, improving efficiency and regulatory compliance at the same time.” Implementing digital access “There’s now a device to extend existing systems with digital control at almost any access point, whatever building solution is in place. Alternatively, we can equip customers with whole solutions to implement digital access from scratch, without invasive installation. So many efficiency and security benefits are within reach.” Below are three of many real-life examples which illustrate the ways healthcare premises have benefited from digital access beyond the most obvious security and safety aspects. By choosing ASSA ABLOY’s Aperio® wireless locks, integrated natively with an ARD access management solution, Centre Hospitalier Métropole Savoie (CHMS) could issue access rights tailored to individual staff and contractors and implement real-time control, helping to boost site safety. Because Aperio locks are wireless, the hospital introduced more layers of security without incurring excessive installation or operating costs, including for sensitive offices and drug stores. Access point functionality at CHMS now includes real-time management logs and remote door opening. Real-time management logs For convenience, staff now carry one credential programmed with their individual tailored permissions. “Having just a single badge, and not having to carry around heavy keys, has been a major advantage for us,” explains Béatrice Dequidt, Health Executive at CHMS. “We have implemented internal HR management procedures, creating badges that are automatically integrated into ARD's operating software,” adds Alain Gestin, CHMS’s IT Systems Architect. Aperio and ARD maintain compatibility of credentials with the French government’s electronic Health Professional Card (CPS), for added staff and management convenience. Personalised access permissions Hospital MAZ, in Zaragoza, also implemented a new ASSA ABLOY digital solution, SMARTair®, with real-time access functionality. Their online wireless access management system saves security managers’ time because they can implement all changes via the central system in real time, without needing to waste time walking through the hospital. Staff convenience is further enhanced: they now carry a smartcard programmed with their personalised access permissions. Custom-made cards double as employee IDs, so 625 staff and approximately 100 contractors only need to carry one. Their ASSA ABLOY system is also mobile access ready, making it easy for the hospital to issue and manage mobile keys in the future without hardware changes. “Digitalisation presents opportunities for healthcare organisations of every size and type to improve security while they also reduce costs ‘hidden’ in daily workflows,” explains David Moser. Convenient secure access Managing physical keys can impact nursing care, as pharmacy managers at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham discovered. An older, mechanical system made it difficult for them to keep track of who held the right key. Searching for that person wasted time. They identified a better solution for convenient secure access to controlled medicines: programmable keys. With their CLIQ programmable key access solution, power to digital and electromechanical locks is supplied by a standard battery inside every key, so no wires are required – making it an ideal retrofit solution for hospital doors, cabinets and mobile drug trolleys. Audit trails for locks and padlocks are available on demand: nurse managers can quickly see who has accessed cabinets or drug trolleys. Key access solution “The message from all nursing staff is that patients are getting medicines much easier and in a more timely fashion,” says Inderjit Singh, Chief Pharmacist at QE Birmingham. “For us, the key return on investment is the quality of service we’re providing.” “Our expertise in access, established over decades, enables us to work with customers to get their access ready for what’s ahead,” adds David Moser. “With ASSA ABLOY, they digitalise with confidence.”