Interface Systems LLC - Experts & Thought Leaders

Interface Systems, a managed service provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, announced that Nicker Management, a fast-food franchise operator in the Los Angeles area, has successfully implemented Interface’s Virtual Security Guard solution. By deploying Interface’s advanced security technology, Nicker Management has enhanced safety, reduced operational costs, and provided a secure environment for employees and customers. Nicker Management Nicker Management, led by sisters Nicole Harper Rawlins (CEO) and Kerri Harper-Howie (Co-owner), operates 24 fast-food restaurants across South LA, Compton, Lynwood, and Carson. Faced with persistent security challenges, including loitering, panhandling, and criminal activity, the company sought a modern, cost-effective solution to protect its employees and guests. Addressing critical security concerns Nicker Management chose Interface Systems to implement the Virtual Guard solution at one of its restaurants “We’re faced with lots of challenges with crime, unhoused people, and individuals suffering from mental and/or substance abuse issues,” said Harper Rawlins. “It creates significant risk at our restaurants. Over the years, we experimented with a range of security solutions, and hiring on-site guards quickly became costly and unsustainable.” After evaluating various options, Nicker Management chose Interface Systems to implement the Virtual Guard solution at one of its restaurants, ensuring a proactive and scalable approach to security. How can Virtual Guard Solution help? 24/7 Monitoring & Rapid Response – Trained intervention specialists continuously monitor restaurant locations to deter loitering, panhandling, and aggressive behavior in real time. Automated Voice-Downs – Proactive announcements throughout the day signal active monitoring and reinforce security presence. Virtual Tours – Scheduled and unscheduled remote video assessments help identify threats, suspicious activities, and compliance issues. Employee Security Escorts – Live monitoring ensures employees' safe passage to and from their vehicles during vulnerable times such as shift changes, and opening, and closing hours. Secure working environment “Knowing there’s a professionally trained security team on standby gives us confidence that we can maintain a secure working environment at all hours,” said Harper Rawlins. The deployment of Virtual Guard has streamlined security operations at Nicker Management’s restaurant, allowing staff to focus on providing excellent customer service without the burden of handling security incidents. 24/7 monitoring With 24/7 monitoring by Virtual Guard, employees and customers feel safer, and staff no longer have to handle security threats alone. In addition, automated alerts also remind employees of key procedures during shift changes. The system's effectiveness was demonstrated during a recent incident when a loiterer refused to leave the restaurant lobby. The staff triggered a silent alarm, and the Virtual Guard team immediately responded with a voice-down, prompting the individual to leave without further incident. Optimises costs “Interface’s Virtual Guard solution empowers franchise businesses like Nicker Management to address security risks effectively while optimising operational costs,” said Sean Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Systems. “Our innovative approach allows employees to focus on delivering excellent service, knowing their safety is in trusted hands.”

Interface Systems, a pioneering managed service provider of security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, has identified key security and technology trends that will shape retail and restaurant security in 2025. As threats evolve and technology accelerates, Interface anticipates a convergence of AI, advanced video analytics, and smarter monitoring solutions to drive more proactive and efficient business security systems. Growing sophistication of retail crime To counter these strategies, businesses must increasingly adopt cloud-based video systems Retail burglaries are becoming more sophisticated, with organised theft groups using “imposter” tactics to pose as workers and break into businesses from unprotected spaces. These teams employ cellular jamming to disable alarms, quickly attack on-site video equipment, and exploit weak backup systems. To counter these strategies, businesses must increasingly adopt cloud-based video systems, redundant recording solutions, and active remote monitoring to ensure system resilience and real-time detection. Expansion of cloud-based video systems The adoption of cloud-based video systems is expected to accelerate, driven by their ability to provide scalable, remote monitoring solutions. However, growth will be tempered by challenges surrounding appropriate network bandwidth availability and the cost of high-resolution video storage. Interface foresees steady adoption as technology advances to optimise storage efficiency without compromising video quality. AI for life safety and deterrence Video analytics will play an increasingly central role as a detection and deterrence tool Video analytics will play an increasingly central role as a detection and deterrence tool. Advances in AI-driven systems will simplify deployment and enable companies to implement more robust remote video monitoring (RVM). This next stage of innovation will focus on integrating video analytics with access control, alarms, and environmental sensors to create cohesive, intelligent security solutions. This will enable organisations to leverage capabilities like automated locking mechanisms to prevent unauthorised access or triggering voice-down messages to deter theft or loitering. However, maintaining a “human in the loop” will be crucial to overseeing AI operations, ensuring sound decision-making in high-stakes situations, and building trust in the technology. Conversational AI and automated interventions Interface Systems anticipates continued advancements in conversational AI to enhance remote video monitoring. Currently, AI-driven systems can identify “what” to respond to — distinguishing between human motion, vehicle movement, or environmental factors. In 2025, conversational AI will advance to determine “how” to respond, providing highly contextual, automated interventions. Machine learning models Machine learning models refine these interactions by analysing results and response parameters For example, AI could customise announcements based on situational details like a vehicle’s description or a suspect’s clothing, increasing the effectiveness of automated responses. Over time, machine learning models will refine these interactions by analysing outcomes and adapting response parameters to improve deterrence. Ahead of security challenges “As threats continue to evolve, we anticipate that innovation in AI, video analytics, and cloud-based solutions will empower businesses to stay ahead of security challenges." "At Interface, we remain committed to developing and delivering next-generation security technologies that prioritise proactive prevention and operational efficiency,” said Sean Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Systems.

Interface Systems, a pioneering managed service provider of business security, actionable insights, and purpose-built networks for multi-location businesses, announced the successful deployment of its Virtual Security Guard solution for Madan-Russo Organisation. The family-owned owner-operator of a global fast-food chain in northern New Jersey has significantly improved safety and reduced security costs by up to $12,000 monthly at one of its most at-risk locations. For nearly 50 years, the Madan-Russo Organisation has faced persistent security challenges, including loitering, drug-related activity, and occasional violence. Traditional security cameras proved ineffective in actively deterring incidents, and the cost of employing on-site armed guards was unsustainable. Security escort services Innovative approach has created a safer and more welcoming environment for staff and customers By deploying Interface’s Virtual Security Guard solution, Madan-Russo transitioned to 24/7 real-time monitoring with bilingual voice-down commands and security escort services for employees. This innovative approach has created a safer and more welcoming environment for staff and customers while delivering significant cost savings. “We’re proud to see how our Virtual Security Guard solution has transformed safety and operations for the Madan-Russo Organisation,” said Sean Foley, Chief Revenue Officer at Interface Systems. “This deployment showcases how combining advanced technology with proactive monitoring can address restaurant security challenges while reducing costs.” Key outcomes from Virtual Guard implementation Enhanced Safety: The deployment of Interface’s Virtual Guard has led to a noticeable reduction in security incidents. For example, a known drug dealer who previously frequented the restaurant no longer frequents the establishment. Substantial Savings: By replacing on-site armed security guards with Virtual Guard, the organisation has cut security expenses by $7,000 to $12,000 each month. Employee Reassurance: Security escort services for opening and closing have reassured employees, making them feel safer in their workplace.

The hospitality industry drives economic growth and development by creating jobs, generating revenue, and initiating a ripple effect to improve profitability throughout the supply chain. The hospitality industry includes a vast number of small businesses, including hotels and restaurants. But what are the security challenges of these businesses, and how is the security marketplace serving those needs? We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How can technology address the security challenges of the hospitality market?

While technology like cameras, alarms, and access control systems are crucial components, they are only as effective as the people who use and manage them and the systems that deploy them. When installing physical security systems, the focus should be on the holistic operation of the system rather than the functioning of individual components. However, in the end, overlooking critical factors can undermine the totality of system performance. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the most overlooked factor when installing physical security systems?

Audio might detect sounds like breaking glass or footsteps before a person even enters the field-of-view of a video camera. Audio also helps to provide context: Someone running in a video image might be suspicious, but the situation is different if they are yelling for help. Furthermore, audio enables operators to talk remotely to people on site, which can deter crime, de-escalate situations, or gather information. And yet, optimising audio is often an overlooked aspect of physical security system design. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the expanding role of audio in today's physical security systems?