ACRE - Experts & Thought Leaders

St. Andrew’s House is a Boarding Home for International students in St. Andrew’s School. The school is a government-aided Anglican boys’ secondary school in Potong Pasir, Singapore. It was founded in 1862. The house had a standalone access control system that had stopped working to their satisfactory standard. As such, the decision was made by the school to upgrade the school’s security to an entirely new system. No specification for the project was provided. ACTpro access control and Bluetooth readers Wincheer (Winchester Security Services Inc.) managed the security system upgrade for St. Andrew’s. Wincheer selected Vanderbilt’s ACTpro access control and Bluetooth readers. In the Asian market, pricing always plays an essential factor in deciding what product to choose. And, as Vanderbilt’s ACTpro is exceptionally competitively priced, it was the ideal product to meet this project’s requirements. The primary function of ACTpro at the boarding home is monitoring the safety of their students in accommodation. ACTpro keeps audit trails in the boarding home, by monitoring and recording fob activity for time and attendance. ACTpro also produces diagnostic reports on door status. ACTpro smartphone app The ACTpro smartphone app offers ultimate flexibility for St Andrew’s House Campus security can provide pin codes, access fobs, and cards to students. These credentials can be easily enabled or disabled remotely if required. Moreover, ACTpro can be managed on desktops, laptop tablets, and smartphone devices. The ACTpro smartphone app offers ultimate flexibility for St Andrew’s House. It ensures convenient connectivity to the system day or night. Thanks to the app, the security managers no longer need to visit their premises out of hours, with quick access to the system's pulse from the palm of their hand. They can also enable and disable alarms, lock and unlock doors, authorise users, and check who’s in and out. Muster reports In the event of a fire or other emergency, ACTpro can automatically unlock all doors, in order to allow students to reach safety. The ACTpro muster report gives the security campus a real-time list of all campus accommodation students. When students exit their accommodation and swipe out, the muster report automatically updates. A muster report can also be generated directly from the ACTpro smartphone app. ACTpro access control solution “I have been working with Vanderbilt for many years. I know the company well and trust their ACTpro access control solution. I always send my project requirements to Vanderbilt first for a consultation. I have a comfortable working relationship with them”, stated Mr. Berg Kok of Winchester Security Services Inc.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named new members and leadership of the steering committee for SIA RISE, a community that fosters the careers of young professionals and emerging pioneers in the security industry. Dakota Mackie of Northland Controls serves as chair, with Kelly Ann Christensen of BCD now serving as vice chair. In these roles, Mackie and Christensen ensure that RISE delivers educational content and networking opportunities to young professional employees and rising stars at SIA member companies, college students and recent graduates interested in the global security industry. Prior roles of Mackie  Mackie joined Northland Controls in 2020 as the content marketing specialist Dakota Mackie is the business development manager at Northland Controls. Prior to joining the security industry, she worked as a client services coordinator at the Washington Commanders (then the Washington Redskins) before beginning a role with a military nonprofit, Luke’s Wings, where she ultimately ended her tenure as the executive director. Mackie joined Northland Controls in 2020 as the content marketing specialist, and in her current role, she is responsible for supporting the entire sales cycle with a focus on the growth of Northland’s managed services offering. Mackie has been honoured as a SIA Women in Security Forum Power 100 honouree and is a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Outside of work, she has a passion for travelling the world and learning about new cultures. Prior roles of Ann Christensen Kelly Ann Christensen is a digital marketing specialist at BCD, an IP video data infrastructure manufacturer, and has spent nearly five years specialising in the security industry. With a focus on digital advertising and marketing analytics, she has certifications in ROI marketing, marketing management, SEO and PPC marketing. Prior to becoming RISE vice chair, she served as head of the RISE Scholarship subcommittee, which provides scholarships to young professionals in the security industry to assist with furthering education, attending industry events, obtaining new certifications and furthering their professional development, and was awarded the SIA RISE Scholarship in 2022 and one of SIA’s 2024 Sandy Jones Volunteers of the Year. Christensen has also participated in SIA’s Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program, which is designed to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and empowerment of underrepresented identities in the security industry by creating a well-defined pathway for learning and development. SIA RISE Steering Committee The SIA RISE Steering Committee now includes the following members: Chair: Dakota Mackie, business development manager, Northland Controls (Term ends 2025) Vice Chair: Kelly Ann Christensen, marketing manager, BCD (Term ends 2027) AcceleRISE Subcommittee Chair: Erin Grippo, senior manager, product operations, Brivo (Term ends 2025) Content Subcommittee Chair: Tanner LaRocque, marketing director, Evolon (Term ends 2026) Scholarship Subcommittee Chair: Kristin Shockley, manager, segment marketing, Genetec (Term ends 2026) Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Subcommittee Chair: Tristin Vaccaro, owner, Vaccaro Copywriting & Marketing Solutions (Term ends 2025) Jonah Azarcon, deputy project pioneer, M.C. Dean (Term ends 2027) Krystina Beach, marketing communications manager, ASSA ABLOY (Term ends 2027) Andres Capous, regional sales manager, Velasea (Term ends 2027) Joey Joy, distribution channel account manager, March Networks (Term ends 2027) Ryan Knoll, business relations manager, Pro-Tec Design (Term ends 2027) Tim Loth, sales engineer team lead, i-PRO (Term ends 2026) Jackie Paryz, director, sales, technology solutions, Securitas (Term ends 2027) Itzel Portillo, marketing specialist, Allegion (Term ends 2027) Amanda Powell, marketing manager, Boon Edam (Term ends 2025) Nicole Rigby, team lead, distribution operations, Axis Communications (Term ends 2026) Keyser Santana, global security strategist and business execution senior manager, Pratt & Whitney (Term ends 2025) Constantine Tremouliaris, integrated solutions specialist, ASSA ABLOY (Term ends 2025) KeShia Thomas, brand and solutions manager, Allegion (Term ends 2027) Mfon Ubaha, business development manager, i-PRO (Term ends 2027) Sarah Webel, human resources generalist, SAGE Integration (Term ends 2027) Lauren Yonis, global events manager, acre (Term ends 2027) New RISE committee members “SIA RISE is a vibrant community of accomplished young security pioneers and driven industry newcomers that offers a robust array of opportunities for learning, professional development, engagement and relationship building in our industry. This community and its meaningful initiatives would not be possible without our dedicated, talented volunteers, like RISE chair Dakota Mackie, new vice chair Kelly Ann Christensen and our subcommittee chairs, Erin Grippo, Tanner LaRocque, Kristin Shockley and Tristin Vaccaro,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We welcome our new RISE committee members, and we thank outgoing committee members and past RISE chairs Jake Brown and Matt Feenan for their leadership and support over the years. We look forward to working together with the 2025 RISE committee to further advance the reach and impact of RISE and its programs and propel the security workforce of the future.” RISE Awards and annual AcceleRISE conference SIA RISE is a community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security industry. SIA RISE’s offerings include an annual scholarship to further young talent’s education and career goals, fun in-person and virtual networking events for young professionals, the TIME program for early and mid-career professionals, recognition of new and emerging industry pioneers through the 25 on the RISE Awards and the annual AcceleRISE conference – an essential experience for young security talent. The SIA RISE community is open to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years.

The PSA Network (PSA), the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announced the lineup of speakers and sponsors for PSA TEC 2025 (TEC) in Aurora, Colorado, March 9-12, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Centre. “PSA TEC 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing event from the industry-pioneering education and certifications to access to the top manufacturers in the industry,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “The power of PSA truly lies in the relationships we foster and cultivate, and TEC is another extension of this.” TEC’s Industry Unplugged sessions This year’s educational lineup is led by keynote speaker, Ryan Estis. Estis will deliver the presentation: Sell for Impact-Delivering Value and Winning Customers in the New Economy.  Lee Odess, the voice of the global access control industry, will host TEC’s Industry Unplugged sessions interviewing executives like Tom Cook from Hanwha Vision and Michael Wong of Genea. Multiple other breakout sessions, certifications and mainstage sessions will also take place.  Latest innovations and relationships TEC 2025 is exclusive to PSA owners, members and sponsors providing premier educational content TEC 2025 is exclusive to PSA owners, members and sponsors providing premier educational content and networking opportunities between integrators and technology partners.  Over the four days, integrators will have ample opportunities to meet with technology partners, learn about their latest innovations and solidify business relationships. Sponsors This year’s sponsors are industry-pioneering manufacturers and solutions providers, including: Summit Altronix Corporation High Country AMAG Technology Hanwha Vision HID Johnson Controls Milestone Zenitel Front Range 3millID Acre Security Aiphone Alvarado ASSA ABLOY BCD Bosch Digital Watchdog Farpointe Data LenelS2 LifeSafety Power March Networks OpenEye SECLOCK Solutions360 Velasea Vicon Wavelynx Windy City Wire Western Slope Ai-RGUS AMG Security Genea Hirsch IML Security Supply NETGEAR ProdataKey Tabletop ALConsulting D-Tools GSA Schedules Jetbuilt NSCA Plante Moran Snellings Walters Insurance Agency SPRX Swell Zitko First Time Session Sponsor Vector Firm Access to networking events “PSA TEC 2025 would not be possible with our amazing sponsors,” said Brittany Board, director of technology partners at the PSA Network. “We are thankful for their support and looking forward to another opportunity to drive connections and business opportunities.” Registration for TEC is open and provides access to all networking events, meals and conference courses.

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

AI has the potential to enhance the usability of traditionally complex access control and physical security systems. The application of AI (artificial intelligence) within access control is still relatively new, but rapid advancements in generative AI are already transforming how security systems operate. acre security is driving the deployment of generative AI in access control through its acquisition of REKS earlier this year. REKS is a purpose-built generative AI solution designed specifically for acre’s access control platform. Unlike generic AI tools, REKS understands both system and security-specific terminology, allowing users to ask natural-language questions like, “Show me all access denied events at a specific location,” and receive instant results. AI workflows and AI agents “We're starting to see how AI workflows and AI agents, that leverage language models, can potentially be used in conjunction with access control to create new, automated processes around false alarm reduction, system configuration, report generation, data analysis, threat detection, and in-system customer support,” says Adam Groom, Director of Business Development, AI Development Team, acre security. “We expect AI-driven capabilities to evolve rapidly, but the full range of benefits will depend on continued development and real-world application,” he adds. Integrate AI-driven capabilities acre’s ability to integrate AI-driven capabilities across the company’s product portfolio positions The best way to think of REKS is as an acre access control expert you can talk to, says Groom. “As AI adoption grows in security, REKS will expand its capabilities, making access control more usable and more efficient.” Groom says acre’s ability to integrate AI-driven capabilities across the company’s product portfolio positions the company as a pioneer in next-generation physical security. “These features will add long-term value by enhancing usability and operational insights across various segments,” says Groom. “Work is already under way to incorporate REKS into acre access control, and we’ll evaluate other integration opportunities in the future.” REKS' AI capabilities According to acre, REKS simplifies daily operations, automating routine tasks, and delivering real-time, actionable intelligence. With REKS' AI capabilities, users can interact with the system to retrieve more detailed insights and actionable information from their acre access control system. “This eliminates the need for complex reports, navigating drop-down menus, or manually reviewing logs,” says Groom. “It significantly enhances efficiency and usability for security professionals.” Enhancing productivity and customer satisfaction Key concern is ensuring that system configuration, enactment, and servicing remain within their scope  For integrators, the key concern is ensuring that system configuration, implementation, and servicing remain within their scope of expertise. With REKS, that doesn’t change — but the process becomes significantly faster and more efficient. Instead of manually configuring every panel, input, and output — a traditionally time-consuming task — REKS enables integrators to use natural language commands to streamline setup and adjustments, says Groom. This eliminates tedious steps and dramatically improves operational efficiency, allowing integrators to deploy and fine-tune systems with greater speed and accuracy, ultimately enhancing both productivity and customer satisfaction, he adds. Cloud-enabled ecosystems “We are committed to helping organisations modernise their security infrastructure by transitioning from legacy systems to cloud-enabled ecosystems at their own pace — ensuring minimal disruption while maximising value,” says Groom. “By integrating AI-driven capabilities, we enhance usability and deliver deeper operational insights across all segments.” “Security’s future isn’t about forcing change — it’s about empowering choice,” adds Groom. “Whether staying on-prem, migrating to the cloud, or adopting a hybrid model, we plan to provide a seamless, zero-disruption transition, prioritising interoperability, automation, and security at every stage.” Generic AI tools AI must be purpose-built for security applications because security demands precision, reliability, and context-aware decision-making, which only focused AI offerings like REKS bring to the table, says Groom. In contrast, generic AI tools, like ChatGPT, are designed to perform a wide variety of tasks, like how humans can learn and do many different things. Instead, purpose-built AI is built to do just one specific function. “REKS adds specially designed artificial intelligence to our access control solutions to enhance both intelligence gathering and the user experience,” says Groom. New applications in access control The integration of generative AI into acre's access control platforms and their broader portfolio A new AI development team will lead AI initiatives at acre, driving the integration of generative AI into acre's access control platforms and their broader portfolio.  This team will seek to push boundaries in applying AI to new applications in access control, intrusion detection, and beyond, empowering security professionals to interact with their systems in a smarter, more intuitive way. But don’t worry, AI will not take the human element out of security entirely. AI human capabilities “The reality is that AI will improve upon human capabilities because it is a versatile tool that supports and strengthens security operations, not a replacement for human decision-making,” comments Groom. “It helps operators process large amounts of data quickly and detect patterns that might be missed otherwise.” Rather than removing the human element, AI allows security teams to work more efficiently by automating repetitive tasks and providing actionable data, enabling professionals to focus on critical responsibilities. {##Poll1743085396 - What is the biggest challenge you face with your current access control system?##}

Big news on the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) front is closing out 2024, a year in which several shifts changed the face of the physical security manufacturer community. Announced in December, German giant Bosch Group is selling its Building Technologies division’s product business for security and communications technology to the European investment firm Triton.  Bosch division selling to Triton  The transaction encompasses three business units – Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication – and thus the entire product business of Bosch Building Technologies that was offered for sale. All 4,300 associates employed in these units at more than 90 locations worldwide will be taken over. The transaction reflects a growing confidence in the security market among private equity companies such as Triton, Becklar, and Volaris.   Sharing best practices Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership Acre Security, previously acquired by Triton, has benefited from Triton’s strategic guidance and expertise, according to the company, which is confident Bosch will experience the same level of support and opportunity to thrive. Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership, but will benefit from the potential to collaborate and share best practices as part of the broader Triton portfolio.  Resideo acquires Snap One  Earlier in 2024, there were other large M&A transactions. In the spring, Resideo Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of technology-driven products and solutions, agreed to acquire Snap One Holdings Corp., a provider of smart-living products, services, and software to professional integrators. The transaction is valued at $1.4 billion, inclusive of net debt. Upon closing, Snap One becomes part of Resideo's ADI Global Distribution business.  Honeywell buys Carrier’s Access Solutions  In late 2023, Honeywell announced plans to enhance and strengthen its building automation capabilities with the acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation’s Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion, in an all-cash transaction.  The acquisition, which played out through 2024, includes both hardware and software solutions, adding three respected brands to Honeywell’s portfolio with a focus on life safety and digital access solutions. Acquired brands include LenelS2, commercial and enterprise access solutions; Onity electronic locks; and Supra cloud-based electronic real estate lock boxes. Hirsch reemerges as an iconic brand  The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval Identiv announced plans to sell its physical security business and assets to Vitaprotech, the security solutions provider that also acquired British manufacturer, TDSI, in 2019. The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval.  As a result of the sale, Hirsch, a global security technology pioneer advancing physical security, video intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital identification solutions, announces the relaunch of its iconic brand and strengthened focus on the industry’s most complete high-security, end-to-end platform.  Ease of use security solutions The move seeks to reposition Hirsch as the global pioneer in physical security, video intelligence, and identity solutions, protecting everything from small enterprises to critical national infrastructure. With a 43-year-strong foundation in the industry, Hirsch’s mission has always been empowering a secure, connected world, combining government-grade high security with ease of use. Milestone and Arcules unite  Effective July 1, 2024, global video technology company Milestone Systems announced its merger with the cloud-based video surveillance solutions provider, Arcules. Both companies are owned by Japanese multinational Canon Inc. Based in Irvine, Calif., Arcules was spun off from Milestone in 2017. The merger brings together Milestone and Arcules’ best-in-class capabilities within video management software (VMS), video analytics, and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), providing a complete video technology offering.  More M&A stories in 2024  In other M&A moves in 2024, cloud-based workforce management software provider Synerion USA Inc. acquired cloud-based video surveillance and access control solutions platform Qumulex Inc. Also, the global pioneer in airspace awareness and security, Dedrone, became part of the public safety and technology company Axon. The acquisition unites two companies with a shared mission to improve public safety and national security by staying ahead of persistent and escalating threats, enabling faster, more effective responses and ultimately protecting more lives in more places.