Arcules - Experts & Thought Leaders

Building Intelligence, a provider of solutions that securely streamline vendor, vehicle, and visitor access, announced strategic additions to its leadership team. These experienced industry and technology pioneers are committed to deepening customer relationships, uncovering new growth opportunities, and delivering innovative solutions that meet the changing demands of security and operations. Building Intelligence’s portfolio As Head of Product Strategy, Jeff Staples will guide the evolution of Building Intelligence’s solution portfolio. With more than 25 years of experience spanning security, mobile, payment, and SaaS technologies, he has consistently delivered transformative outcomes. Previously, as Managing Director at Huron, he drove record-setting growth for a K12-focused subsidiary. During his 15+ years at Blackboard/Transact Campus, he pioneered the first mobile credential for Apple Wallet and Google Pay and led multiple high-impact M&A deals. Prior roles of Efkarpidis Dean has also held senior roles at Moat and brings expertise in M&A and compliance Dean Efkarpidis, Building Intelligence’s Chief Financial Officer, is a seasoned finance and operations executive with extensive experience in high-growth and turnaround environments.  He currently sits on the Board of Indemna Corp. and previously was Vice President of Finance at Infinite Blue and Senior Vice President of Finance and Administration at Groupdolists. Dean has also held senior roles at Moat and brings expertise in M&A and compliance. Prior roles of James and Duffy   Sarah James, a security tech pioneer with more than 20 years of experience, is taking on the role of Vice President of Sales to strengthen the go-to-market strategy and execution. She has held senior roles at Arcules, AMAG Technology, and Viscount Systems, and is known for scaling innovative solutions across access control, video surveillance, and cloud-based security platforms. Chris Duffy, now Senior Vice President of Customer Success, will lead efforts to boost client retention and impact. He previously served in leadership roles at OpResONE, Infinite Blue, and SAI Global, and teaches cybersecurity at Penn State University. Prior roles of Pond  Kiwanii Pond oversees end-to-end project delivery and has played a key role in streamlining operations Kiwanii Pond, promoted to Vice President of Support and Implementation, oversees end-to-end project delivery and has played a key role in streamlining operations, improving training, and enhancing client outcomes.  She has more than ten years of project management experience and nearly seven years of experience managing implementation processes, from sales handoff through project deployment. Advanced access management solutions “Our strength is our people. With a stronger leadership team in place, Building Intelligence is well-positioned to advance our access management solutions, improve support across industries, and continue delivering secure, scalable systems for loading dock and facility operations,” said Marc Rubner, CEO, Building Intelligence. “This team brings the vision, expertise, and leadership needed to scale our business, enter new markets, and deliver solutions that address today’s security and operational challenges.”

Milestone Systems’ data-driven video technology took another leap in 2024: Financially, by outpacing the market with 18.7 percent growth in net revenue, reaching the DKK 2 billion mark - and technologically, with the strategic acquisition of BriefCam analytics and Arcules cloud. Milestone is now ready to expand and push technology boundaries. 2024 saw a remarkable transformation and success for Milestone. Breaking new ground through the strategic acquisitions of BriefCam analytics and Arcules cloud, they developed their product offerings and strengthened their partnerships. Milestone exceptional results Net revenue rose to DKK 2 billion from DKK 1.7 billion in 2023, reflecting a robust 18.7% increase “Milestone has delivered exceptional results in 2024, marked by significant growth in both revenue and earnings,” says Lars Larsen, Chief Financial Officer at Milestone. Net revenue rose to DKK 2 billion from DKK 1.7 billion in 2023, reflecting a robust 18.7% increase. This is a doubling of the revenue from 2020. Earnings (EBIT) reached DKK 106,8 million. “We consider this to be a very satisfying result, underscoring the resilience and strength of our business,” says Lars Larsen. Strengthening innovation and resilience The year of 2024 was also marked by global challenges and increased pressure on democratic values-impacting people, societies, and businesses.  “Milestone and our colleagues and partners have shown great resilience and achieved impressive outcomes in a time of significant change around the world. Focusing on strengthening our innovation means that today, we are positioned well to be the frontrunner of the technology-enabled era that awaits,” says Lars Larsen. 23 percent of Milestones' revenue was spent on research and development – in total DKK 478 million – reflecting the commitment to innovation. This is an increase of 34 percent compared to 2023. Exciting outlook for 2025 Building on the transformative attainments in 2024 with the strategic assets of BriefCam Building on the transformative achievements in 2024 with the strategic acquisitions of BriefCam video analytics and Arcules cloud, focus in 2025 will be to amplify Milestones' investments in technology, talent and expertise even further. “Our priorities are clear: integrate BriefCam and Arcules seamlessly into our operations and culture, expand our market presence with a strong product offering, and continue pushing the boundaries of responsible innovation in video technology and AI,” says Thomas Jensen, Chief Executive Officer at Milestone. Data and train AI Models Just last week, on March 18, Milestone could announce a new landmark in the responsible technology strategy with the launch of Project HAFNIA. With NVIDIA NeMo Curator, Milestone Systems announces a new platform to enable access to data and train AI Models. “We are very proud of project HAFNIA, where NVIDIA and Milestone Systems are bringing our combined technological skills into creating a privacy-compliant data platform that helps cities, organisations, companies and public institutions to utilise and share video data. With ethically sourced data, we can now also build the world’s first anonymised and annotated visual data library platform for training future AI-models,” says Thomas Jensen.

Milestone Systems, a pioneering provider of open platform video management software (VMS), announced the release of XProtect 2025 R1, featuring expanded cloud integration capabilities and advanced vehicle identification video analytics. This release demonstrates Milestone's commitment to platform accessibility and enhanced security features across its XProtect product line. Extended Arcules plugin support The XProtect 2025 R1 release, available from March 18, 2025 at 12.00 CET, marks a significant expansion in platform accessibility, with the Arcules Plugin now supporting XProtect Professional+, Expert, and Corporate editions. This enhanced integration enables seamless video and alarm flow from the Arcules Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS/cloud solution) to XProtect across a broader range of deployments, opening new possibilities for system integrators and end users. Arcules' capabilities The Arcules Plugin has been redesigned as a standalone device solution Previously available only for XProtect Corporate users, the Arcules Plugin has been redesigned as a standalone device solution, eliminating the requirement for interconnect licencing. This strategic enhancement allows organisations using XProtect Professional+, Expert, and Corporate to leverage Arcules' capabilities, significantly expanding market accessibility and integration options. Advanced analytics transform vehicle identification and tracking The XProtect Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) extension in XProtect 2025 R1 introduces comprehensive enhancements that elevate vehicle identification to new levels of sophistication. These updates enable more precise and efficient vehicle analytics, including: Vehicle Classification: Enables differential processing based on vehicle type, from motorcycles to buses Color Recognition: Facilitates rapid vehicle identification for security and law enforcement Make/Model Detection: Enhances vehicle identification accuracy for investigative purposes Vehicle Angle Detection: Determines vehicle orientation relative to camera position Security personnel and law enforcement These advanced capabilities within the XProtect LPR extension accelerate vehicle identification processes These advanced capabilities within the XProtect LPR extension accelerate vehicle identification processes, allowing security personnel and law enforcement to quickly locate and identify vehicles of interest.  The system's enhanced capabilities support rapid filtering of video data based on specific vehicle characteristics, speeding up investigation processes and improving response times. Transformative impact on city operations Beyond security applications, enhanced vehicle analytics provide valuable insights for urban planning and traffic management. The system's ability to analyse various vehicle types and their movement patterns enables: Data-driven traffic flow optimisation Strategic congestion management Environmental impact assessment through traffic pattern analysis Informed infrastructure development planning This latest release continues Milestone's tradition of innovation in video management technology, providing partners and customers with advanced tools to enhance security operations and leverage video data for broader operational insights.

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.

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.

College campuses are meant to be places of learning, growth, and community. Fostering such an environment requires the deployment of policies and technologies that ensure safety and security. Considering the growing role of security technology in the higher education market, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new applications for security technology in the college and university markets?