ADT- Experts & Thought Leaders

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Jim Lantrip of Allied Universal Technology Services to the FAST Board of Directors. The FAST Board of Directors, drawn from the membership of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), defines and refines FAST’s strategic plan, as well as the foundation’s annual goals. Jim Lantrip Jim Lantrip is a seasoned security industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Currently serving as the senior vice president of operations at Allied Universal Technology Services, a global systems integrator, he oversees the company’s operations, ensuring the delivery of innovative security solutions to clients on a global scale. Lantrip’s journey in the security industry began with a detour, initially joining ADT Security Services for sales experience, he unexpectedly found his niche and built a successful career spanning various roles, including sales, sales leadership, engineering, operations, and strategy. One-stop-shop solution His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products With a proven track record and a passion for mentoring, Lantrip has played a pivotal role in shaping the security industry. His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products, platforms, and services, making Allied Universal a one-stop shop for comprehensive security solutions.  Work experience Before serving in his current role, Lantrip held leadership positions in several North American security companies, contributing to their growth and success. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is committed to fostering the next generation of security professionals; he enjoys mentoring and motivating others, introducing them to the exciting and often overlooked opportunities within the industry. “We have an exciting, largely unknown, industry that needs to draw in and develop new talent through educating the world about all the possibilities in the security world,” said Lantrip. FAST Board of Directors The FAST Board of Directors includes the following members: Chair: Kerri Sutherland, manager, human resources business partnerships, Axis Communications Vice Chair: John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration Secretary: Erin Mann, senior manager, product operations, Brivo Treasurer: Ken Kocher, president, of Force Security Solutions Scott Harkins, vice president, sales, Resideo Jim Lantrip, senior vice president of operations, Allied Universal Technology Services Brendan McFall, East Coast operations manager, Northland Controls Michal Moss Early, executive director of corporate strategy, Digital Monitoring Products Rick Seymour, chief operating officer, Guardian Hawk Security Yaron Zussman, general manager, Magos America FAST The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of ESA and SIA – the industry’s major associations – FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places, and property safe. FAST Jobs Board The FAST website offers job seekers information about the security industry’s growth and unique position at the convergence of cutting-edge technology and a mission that matters, the types of roles available in the industry, what employers are looking for, pioneering certifications in physical security and cybersecurity and a jobs board featuring immediate opportunities in security technology and life safety. The FAST Jobs Board allows job seekers to search by keyword, job title, and location and has featured thousands of jobs from over 800 companies. FAST’s key efforts The jobs board continues to grow in 2024 and has become the go-to destination for hiring and finding job opportunities in the security industry. FAST’s key efforts include outreach to schools, colleges, and universities to increase awareness of the exciting and rewarding careers available in security; research on the industry’s workforce development needs and possible solutions; recognition programs to celebrate the work of security technicians; events; and continuing education resources to help those already in the industry stay current with rapidly emerging and evolving technologies.

ADT, a renowned security brand for residential homes and small businesses, congratulates its very own Sam Jaddi, Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer, for winning the 2024 South Florida CIO ORBIE Award for Large Enterprise. For more than 20 years, this award has recognised Chief Information Officers who have showcased exceptional leadership in technology. ADT's business platforms Don Young, ADT’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, endorsed Sam as a finalist for the Large Enterprise category. He said, "Sam's profound understanding of the security and smart home industry has been instrumental in guiding ADT's business platforms and processes to enhance both customer and employee experiences." Don Young adds, "He has been a driving force behind our IT transformation, setting the strategy, vision, and direction to ensure ADT remains at the forefront of technological advancements."

The Monitoring Association (TMA) is pleased to announce that ADT – Knoxville, Tennesse has received the prestigious 'TMA Five Diamond Monitoring Center' designation. This designation is granted annually to monitoring centres that satisfy all of the requirements of the 'five points of excellence': Commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing by having 100% of its monitoring centre operators certified using the TMA online training series on industry best practices. Commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards by a nationally recognised testing laboratory, such as FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL, and UL. Commitment to raising the industry standards through TMA membership and participation in its activities. Commitment to reducing false dispatches. Commitment to the highest levels of customer service. Five Diamond designation TMA’s Five Diamond designation means, in particular, that a monitoring company has demonstrated an exceptionally high degree of responsibility to their local community and their customers through the investment of time, money, and commitment to quality operator training. Operators serve as the life-saving link between residential or business properties and the police, fire, and emergency services in local areas. The TMA Monitoring Center Operator course covers virtually all phases of monitoring centre communications with customers, police, fire, and emergency services communications centres. Criteria for designation To achieve the Five Diamond designation, every operator must not only pass the course and recertify every three years, but demonstrate: Proficiency in alarm confirmation process, which helps reduce false alarms. Proficiency in communications with Public Service Answering Points, such as the Emergency 911 centres. Knowledge of electronic communications equipment, including, cellular, radio, and internet communication systems. An understanding of the codes and standards of such organisations as Underwriters Laboratories, Factory Mutual, the National Fire Protection Association, and others. Proficiency in the area of emergency preparedness under a wide scenario of possibilities. UL827 registered TMA In 2022, Five Diamond has expanded to include TMA Member video monitoring companies that are hosted by a UL827 registered TMA member data centre and fulfill all other program requirements. There are approximately 2,700 monitoring centres in the United States that communicate and interact with police, fire, and emergency services agencies. Of this group, fewer than 130 monitoring centres have achieved the Five Diamond designation, setting these companies apart.

In the competitive world of physical access control, Big Tech companies are seeking to play a larger role. Physical access competition Apple Wallet continues to stake its claim on mobile credentialing. Amazon One Enterprise is pushing a palm-based identity service. Google/Nest offers smart locks for home access control, with identity and access management provided in the Google Cloud. The entry of these big companies in the historically fragmented physical access control market is causing disruption and foreboding new levels of competition.  Apple Wallet impacting credentialing trends  The popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference in June 2021, the company announced support for home, office and hotel keys, including corporate badges and student ID cards, in Apple Wallet. Later, the company announced Hyatt as the first hotel partner to support the technology. Since then, the popularity of mobile wallets and contactless technologies in general has grown, creating more demand for a seamless solution such as Apple Wallet. Easy access  In 2023, HID Global announced the availability of their employee badge in Apple Wallet, allowing staff and guests to easily access corporate spaces with their iPhone or Apple Watch, including doors, elevators, turnstiles, etc. Employees just need to hold their iPhone or Apple Watch near the reader to unlock.  Factors affecting the rate of adoption However, implementing and maintaining an Apple Wallet-based access control system can incur costs for hardware updates, software licencing, and ongoing maintenance. Factors affecting the rate of adoption include the need to upgrade existing infrastructures to accommodate the technology, and the necessity for access control manufacturers to develop and implement integrations with Apple Wallet.  Benefits of adoption Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into the iPhone and Apple Watch With larger companies leading the way, some smaller ones might take longer to catch up. There is also a need to educate building owners and administrators to see the value and benefits of switching to Apple Wallet-based access control. Convenience and greater security can accelerate adoption. Keys in Apple Wallet take full advantage of the privacy and security built into iPhone and Apple Watch. Sensitive data protection A compatible app, specific to the building’s access control system, is needed. Once added, credentials are securely stored in the iPhone's Secure Enclave, a dedicated hardware chip designed for sensitive data protection.  Holding an iPhone near an NFC-enabled reader enables transmission of encrypted credentials. In addition to Near Field Communication (NFC), some systems also utilise Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for added security, longer read range, and hands-free unlocking. Phones need sufficient battery charge to function.  Amazon One Enterprise Enables Palm-Based Biometrics  In November 2023, Amazon Web Services Inc. (AWS) announced an identity service providing comprehensive and easy-to-use authentication for physical and digital access control. The system enables users to employ their palm as an access control credential, allowing organisations to provide a fast and contactless experience for employees and others to gain access to physical locations as well as digital assets.  Physical and digital locations Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts Physical locations include data centres, office and residential buildings, airports, hotels, resorts, and educational institutions. IT and security administrators can easily install Amazon One devices and manage users, devices, and software updates using AWS’s Management Console.  Elimination of physical credentials An advantage of the Amazon approach is the elimination of physical credentials such as fobs and badges, and digital elements such as personal identification numbers (PINs) and passwords. AWS says security is built into every stage of the service, from multi-layered security controls in the Amazon One device, which is the same technology used in the Amazon Go retail stores, where shoppers can pay for purchases by scanning the palm of their hands. The devices combine palm and vein imagery for biometric matching and deliver an accuracy rate of 99.9999%, which exceeds the accuracy of other biometric alternatives, says the company. AI and ML The palm-recognition technology uses artificial intelligence and machine learning to create a “palm signature” that is associated with identification credentials such as a badge, employee ID or PIN. Boon Edam, a revolving door and turnstile manufacturer, offers Amazon’s palm biometric technology on its equipment, and IHG Hotels & Resorts uses the technology to provide employees a convenient way to identify themselves and gain access to software systems. Google and Nest Devices in Access Control  When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone Google’s Nest devices include smart locks for home access control. The Google Nest × Yale Lock allows access control via both physical keys and passcodes accessible through the Google Home app. When the Nest × Yale Lock is connected to the Nest app, a resident can unlock a door from their phone. Passcodes can be created for family, guests, and other trusted persons. Alerts can be provided whenever someone unlocks and locks the door. When Nest “knows” a resident is away, the door can lock automatically. Voice control, Google Home app Voice control, using Google Assistant integrated with various Nest devices, enables use of voice commands to lock and unlock doors, thus adding another level of convenience. Smart home devices from various manufacturers can be controlled through the Google Home app. SMART Monitoring ADT’s Self Setup smart home security systems integrate Google Nest smart home products with ADT security and life safety technology, including SMART Monitoring technology. Microsoft Azure is another company that could impact access control. The Microsoft Azure Active Directory is an identity and access management platform that could be extended to physical access control, leveraging existing user credentials. Long-Range Impact on the Security Marketplace  Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems Increasingly, Big Tech companies are creating platforms for managing access control data, integrating with other security systems, and offering analytics for optimising security and building operations. Big Tech is also actively researching and developing new technologies for access control, such as facial recognition, voice authentication, and AI-powered anomaly detection.  Access control communication and integration As their involvement in physical access control grows, Big Tech companies could potentially gain more influence in setting industry standards for access control communication and integration, similar to how they have become dominant in other areas such as mobile platforms. Given their expertise in user interface design and data analysis, Big Tech companies could help to direct how future access control systems are managed and how users interact with them, including more intuitive and user-friendly operations. Future of physical access control Existing concerns about privacy, security, and potential dominance by a few Big Tech companies could spill over into physical access control. However, traditional security companies, startups, and industry consortiums are also actively developing innovative solutions. Ultimately, the future of physical access control will likely be shaped by a combination of many different players and technologies – large and small. 

The past year has elevated consumer awareness about personal safety, from COVID-19 issues to social unrest, making safety top-of-mind and the need for personal safety solutions, even more prevalent. In addition, consumers spent more time at home, as schools closed, events were canceled and remote work increased. This prompted two major shifts that, in my opinion, most significantly opened the need for and raised the popularity of mobile safety solutions. Demand for grocery and food delivery apps surged Rise in use of app-based delivery services During the past 18 months, the use of app-based delivery services has skyrocketed During the past 18 months, the use of app-based delivery services has skyrocketed. With more use comes more interactions among strangers in homes and businesses, and while the majority of these moments are completely safe and convenient, incidents are happening, ranging from uncomfortable situations to physical assaults.   And, with more delivery drivers on the road, there are going to be more accidents among gig-economy workers. Based on recent estimates, food and grocery delivery are expected to remain popular, even as we get back to normal life. High popularity of mobile security apps and wearables With more work shifting from stationary locations to working on-the-go, mobile security apps or wearables can be a lifeline in all sorts of situations. It’s important for these mobile safety products to be comprehensive, dynamic and designed to address the full range of people’s safety and security needs, from providing simple human reassurance to dispatching emergency help. Domestic violence cases increased According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, domestic violence rose as a result of many victims being stuck at home with their abusers, while sheltering in place and working from home. Mobile safety apps, such as ADT’s SoSecure U.S. Attorneys General and other state-elected officials have endorsed mobile safety apps, like SoSecure by ADT These situations necessitate the need for discreet ways for victims to call for help. U.S. Attorneys General and other state-elected officials have endorsed mobile safety apps, like SoSecure by ADT, as a tool to help victims of domestic abuse, safely call for help, without alerting their abuser. Over the past year, the mobile safety app market has seen tremendous innovation, including more user-friendly ways to make SOS calls. Today, within a single app, a person can summon help hands-free, by saying a secret phrase, by text or by swiping a button. Extension of mobile safety into wearable devices And, users can connect with people trained to help in unsettling situations over video, which can be an effective deterrent and provide video evidence. We’ve also seen the extension of mobile safety into wearable devices, in order to make these devices more discreet and usable. There will always be some safety risks in our lives. However, the good news is there’s no need to live in a constant state of fear. The easiest, most direct way to be prepared and ready to ‘fight back’ is by having a personal safety tool in your pocket, a mobile safety app that is there, when you need it most.

ADT Commercial have grown organically in double digits since 2016, in addition to growing through 15 acquisitions completed since the merger of ADT and Protection One. Acquisition of integrator companies such as Red Hawk Fire and Security and Aronson Security Group have expanded ADT Commercial’s presence geographically to more areas of the country. Most of the employees of the acquired companies have stayed with ADT and “helped to create a corporate culture and a good place for employees to work,” says Dan Bresingham, Executive Vice President of ADT Commercial. Happy employees ensure good customer service. Enterprise resource planning Bresingham will lead ADT Commercial as it becomes a separate business unit in 2020 “We adapt to where our clients want us to be,” adds Joe Sanchez, Senior Vice President of Customer Operations of ADT Commercial National Accounts. “We take a strategic approach as we determine how adaptive our customers are going to be to the new technology.” I caught up with ADT Commercial at the GSX trade show in Chicago. Bresingham tells me ADT Commercial has benefitted from the calibre and breadth of leadership talent that have come along with the various acquisitions, including Mike McWilliams of Red Hawk, Bob Dale of Protection One, and Phil Aronson of Aronson Security. The transitioning of internal systems such as enterprise resource planning (ERP), billing and customer repair software will further steamline the ADT Commercial operation in the next several months. Bresingham will lead ADT Commercial as it becomes a separate business unit in 2020. We caught up with ADT at the GSX trade show in Chicago Providing new opportunities for regional integrators Additional acquisitions are also likely; in fact, growth is likely to accelerate. ADT Commercial offers a national footprint that can provide new opportunities for regional integrators it brings into the fold. New acquisitions will continue to fill out ADT’s skillset requirements in specific geographic areas where more expertise is needed. Security directors have a small staff and we help them know what they should be looking at in terms of data" “The industry doesn’t change a lot,” says Bresingham. “The technology just gets better, faster, and cheaper. As a service provider we take the best technology and combine it to provide the best solutions. We’re product-agnostic. Most of our jobs are down-and-dirty, doing the same things, but we’re pushing ourselves to be the best every day at the basics.” An emphasis at ADT is to provide customers ‘actionable’ data compiled from their various security systems. “We have a range of customers,” says Sanchez. Managing networks and video remotely “From small businesses to large data centers, there is no electronic system we cannot do. We are adaptable, from providing basic intrusion all the way to more sophisticated elements. Security directors have a small staff and we help them know what they should be looking at in terms of data.” “Our customers are our ‘true north’,” says Sanchez. A strong relationship with clients forms the basis for ADT Commercial’s success. Helping customers track data utilises ADT Commercial’s eSuite account management system, homegrown software that compiles and analyses various customer data inputs. It also allows the ability to manage networks and video remotely. “We built it from scratch for customers. It’s a web-based system that helps them manage their business,” says Bresingham. “We hold ourselves accountable. We don’t hide from data, we encourage it.” Monitoring refrigeration units The solution is different in every case, just as every customer is uniqueIn addition to data from customer systems, eSuite can compile local weather information, crime statistics and other information that can help provide trending information to guide a customer’s business. The system’s flexibility enables ADT to provide the data each customer needs. ADT helps customers manage their business beyond the security department, too. “We do a lot of things in environmental control, monitoring refrigeration units and making sure humidity and temperature readings are correct,” says Sanchez. Leaving a door open could cause product loss at a pharmaceutical company, for example. In the food industry, a freezer malfunction could cause huge losses. In either case, an alarm can draw attention to the problem in a timely manner. Other customers face regulatory requirements that demand an audit trail of compliance, which ADT’s systems can provide. At the end of the day, ADT asks customers ‘What’s your security need?’ The company then adapts and assembles its solutions using internal resources and outside vendors, to meet that need. The solution is different in every case, just as every customer is unique.