British Security Industry Association (BSIA)

The British Security Industry Association (BSIA) has appointed Pauline Norstrom and Uzair Osman as new non-executive directors of the Association’s Operating Board. Pauline Norstrom Pauline, the CEO of Anekanta®AI and Anekanta®Consulting, and a former Chair of the Association, has driven good practice for security sector technology for over 20 years. She has a background in leadership, innovation, and commercialisation, and in her current role at Anekanta®, has created the architecture for several AI risk and governance frameworks featured by the UK Government, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, and the Institute of Directors. Uzair Osman Uzair Osman is a corporate executive with over 18 years of experience driving transformational growth and operational excellence across diverse sectors, including construction, security, digital innovation, and consulting. He is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of Surveyors and is a Project Management Professional(PMP) with the Project Management Institute.  He is also the Managing Director of Galliford Try Asset Intelligence, an award-winning provider of integrated physical and electronic security, active fire, and artificial intelligence solutions direct to Critical National Infrastructure, high-value assets, and strategic estates within the built environment sector. Invaluable independent insight As non-executive directors, their appointments will add invaluable independent insight into board matters As non-executive directors, their appointments will add invaluable independent insight into board matters, with their respective specialist knowledge offering an invaluable contribution to the Association’s overall strategic direction. Uzair Osman, Managing Director, of Asset Intelligence, said, "I am delighted to join the BSIA Operating Board as a non-executive director and look forward to contributing to enhancing the brand of the BSIA in its mission of advancing the professional security industry." AI and remote biometrics “In this ever-changing landscape, I am excited to work with the Board and our members to navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead,” said Osman.Pauline Norstrom, CEO, of Anekanta Consulting, said, “I am honoured to be appointed as a non-executive director of the BSIA. I look forward to bringing my perspectives to the board regarding the responsible use of AI and remote biometrics in security to influence policy and create opportunities while minimising harm." Video analytics-based AI technologies “I have worked with the BSIA for over 20 years, to pioneer guidance for the safe use of emerging video analytics-based AI technologies including facial recognition software." "It is a pleasure to be working with the Association to continue the journey to promote good practice. I am also delighted to see more women in statutory and senior leadership roles, compared with 20 years ago.” New appointments Martin Watson, BSIA Chair, said, “We are delighted to welcome Pauline Norstrom and Uzair Osman to the BSIA Operating Board as non-executive directors." “With their collective years of expertise and professionalism within the security industry - and the wider business realm - our new appointments will provide a long-term term benefit to the overall direction of the Association and their contributions will be highly valued.” Pauline and Uzair will take up their posts immediately.

The delegates of Euralarm’s Services Section have elected Dave Wilkinson as Vice-Chair of the section. He follows in the footsteps of Brian Cunningham. Robert Thilthorpe, Chair of the Services Section, stated, “I’d like to thank Brian for his efforts as the previous Vice-Chair and I am sure that Dave will be given the support that our delegates have always given Brian and I, to help us to move the Services Section to the next level." Development of service standards Thilthorpe added: "Dave has been a long-standing contributor to the work of Euralarm and previously held the positions of Vice Chair & Chair of the Security Section from 2015-2019.” Asked about his new role within Euralarm Dave commented: “The Services section has proactively and successfully contributed to the development of services standards and guidance. The work has been focused on the services for fire safety and security systems as well as remote services for fire safety and security." Services section Dave added: "When it comes to digitalisation the Services Section is at the forefront of the developments. By monitoring these emerging technologies and identifying the possibilities these technologies offer to our members, along with the challenges they bring to the market, the Services section continues to facilitate innovation. I am delighted to be part of the team.”  Dave Wilkinson represents the Euralarm member BSIA, the trade association for security manufacturers, installers and ARCs.

A new digital technology that helps organisations to monitor and manage a broad spectrum of new and existing security systems and peripherals from a smartphone through a complementary user-friendly app has been introduced by OPTEX, the global pioneer in security sensing technology. Olarm MAX Olarm MAX – is a discrete, Graded Dual-Path (DP) digital communicator that can be quickly and easily installed alongside a new and existing alarm panel to make them smart and effectively bring 21st-century control to security technologies. Coming at a time when the old Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN) is being phased out, and users will be obliged to switch to a digital communicator, Olarm MAX provides a simple upgrade solution that enables new and existing technologies to be managed conveniently and remotely via the Olarm app with a level of user experience second to none. Seamless user experience Its sleek design further simplifies where and how the device can be installed, almost without restriction This seamless user experience is matched by ease of installation, as using Olarm MAX means not having to replace the entire system or undertake any difficult re-wiring, and configuration while firmware updates can be actioned remotely. Its sleek design further simplifies where and how the device can be installed, almost without restriction, while an LED feature helps quickly diagnose any issues. Two input/output ports allow for further devices to be integrated as required. LoRaWAN protocol Ben Linklater, Commercial Director at OPTEX EMEA, believes the Olarm MAX and its app to be a genuine game-changer, “With the phasing out of PSTN over the next three years, this new communicator not only satisfies a clearly defined need but also breathes new life into legacy systems, with an app that enables you to control everything from the palm of your hand.” It is compliant with industry standards, including features such as LoRaWAN protocol for low power, wide area networks, WiFi, and dual sim connectivity.  Security features It has a variety of security features built in, such as tamper protection and critical failure notification which will detect if someone is trying to remove it or provide notification in the event of complete system loss. The Olarm MAX communicator, monitoring, and connectivity services are managed by Olarm as a turnkey, trouble-free solution. The app is available in Google Play, App Store and AppGallery.