Invixium - Experts & Thought Leaders

Invixium, a global major in biometric access control, workforce, and visitor management solutions, proudly announces its acquisition of US-based Triax Technologies (Triax). This strategic acquisition expands Invixium’s portfolio with Triax’s AI-based RTLS (Real-Time Location Systems) and connected worker solutions, designed to improve worker productivity and equipment utilisation. With this move, Invixium broadens its scope beyond entry-point access control to address the complex daily challenges within critical infrastructure and industrial worksites such as oil and gas, manufacturing, construction, chemical, mining, and energy. Innovative solutions "We’ve identified more real-world problems to solve," said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President of Invixium, adding "This acquisition highlights our commitment to delivering innovative solutions that address our customers’ health, safety, security, and productivity demands for their sites." Shiraz Kapadia continues, "With the addition of Triax, we now offer comprehensive end-to-end solutions - from secure entry points to the entire operational environment. This bold step marks a pivotal advancement in our growth strategy." Internal IT infrastructure The system utilises wearable tags to collect and transmit data to cloud-based software Triax’s flagship connected worker solution, Spot-r, is an innovative non-GPS platform featuring a patented and scalable mesh network, compact hardware, and actionable dashboards. The system utilises wearable tags to collect and transmit data to cloud-based software delivering near real-time insights.  The rugged, easy-to-deploy solution operates on an independent network, bypassing internal IT infrastructure. The software dashboards and AI-based analytics help industries identify and eliminate productivity pinch points, track equipment usage efficiently, and reduce emergency response times, thereby enhancing overall site safety and operational efficiency. Invixium’s established portfolio "Triax’s labour productivity and workplace safety platform perfectly complement Invixium’s established portfolio of biometric access solutions and services," stated Scott MacDonald, Chairman of the Board at Triax Technologies. He adds, "I am confident that Invixium will continue to enhance the combined solutions and expand their impact, driving significant value for our collective industrial customers and stakeholders." New standards in industrial safety The technologies of Invixium and Triax will help organisations minimise unauthorised access risks and streamline operations, setting new standards in industrial safety and efficiency. With proven ROI from Triax solutions, including significant labour savings through increased time on tools and reduced injury claims, Invixium is poised to transform industrial operations globally. Invixium is committed to a seamless integration process, ensuring service continuity and introducing a broader spectrum of technologies to address the evolving demands of the customer base of both companies. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed.

Invixium, a global pioneer in biometric access control and workforce management solutions, announces its participation at ISC West 2024. At the show, Invixium will exhibit its full line of NDAA-compliant, made-in-Canada, modern, and rugged biometric solutions that are specifically designed to thrive in the most unclean, hazardous, extreme, and harsh working conditions prevalent in the industrial and critical infrastructure sectors. Addressing security challenges As an integrated biometric solutions provider, Invixium has earned a global reputation for its adeptness in swiftly addressing real-world security and productivity challenges faced by its customers distinguishing itself from other players in the physical access control industry who often engage in product features and data sheet wars. “Approximately, 75% of the working population work in harsh and non-clean industries," said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President at Invixium. Biometric products and software Shiraz Kapadia continues, "Our biometric products and software are purposely engineered to operate in such environments where it’s needed the most."  “With 35,000 devices deployed across the toughest sites with large workforces, we’re safeguarding refineries, airports, manufacturing plants, data centres, construction sites, and critical infrastructure,” added Kapadia, enforcing the breadth of Invixium’s impact. IXM WEB 3.0 IXM WEB 3.0 adds IXM VISITOR streamlining guest security with fast, paperless registration options Attendees at the show can experience Invixium’s new all-in-one software platform, IXM WEB 3.0. With advanced layered encryption at its core for data protection, it offers a revamped UI/UX, powerful analytics, and enterprise-grade visitor management. In addition to IXM TIME – A comprehensive workforce management module, IXM LINK – Integration to the industry’s best access control software, IXM WEB 3.0 adds IXM VISITOR as part of this platform, streamlining guest security with fast, paperless registration options and a customisable dashboard. TITAN Complementing its top-tier software would be TITAN, the most rugged face recognition access control solution equipped with multi-factor authentication purpose-built for harsh industries, TFACE, a highly versatile and slim dual biometric device for enterprises, and others. Invixium’s software makes it easier for system integrators to implement biometric solutions quickly and accurately; significantly speeding up deployment and setup time. The company has established a long list of integration partners including LenelS2, Genetec, Honeywell, ACRE Security (DNA Fusion, Feenics, and AccessIt!), Galaxy Control Systems, Gallagher, Paxton, Nedap, Siemens, Schneider Electric, and more. Custom-made approach Invixium advocates that a one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to security solutions. Recognising the inherent diversity across industries, Invixium champions a non-traditional, unique, custom-made approach, understanding that the security needs of a convenience store diverge greatly from those of an oil and gas facility. Invixium’s solutions attend to the distinct requirements of critical infrastructure sectors, including oil and gas, data centres, correctional facilities, research labs, pharmaceuticals, airports, higher education, and manufacturing. Within these verticals, safety and security are indisputably a non-negotiable priority. Attendees will be able to engage in live demos and discuss their project requirements with Invixium’s team of biometric experts at booth #23103.

Invixium, a global pioneer of biometric access control and workforce management solutions announces the appointment of Chris Thompson as the new National Sales Manager to support its expanding North American territory. In this role, Chris will drive sales strategies, nurture key partnerships, secure new opportunities, and expand market presence across North America. With this appointment, Invixium aims to advance its industry leadership and growth trajectory in the Americas. Prior roles of Chris Thompson Chris brings over a decade of experience in sales leadership roles and a proven track record of driving revenue growth in the security industry. Prior to joining Invixium, Chris held sales roles at Pelco, Avigilon, Cintas, and ADT where he excelled at sales execution and keeping customers happy. His extensive background in developing and executing successful sales strategies aligns with Invixium’s mission to expand its presence and deliver innovative solutions that exceed customer expectations. Chris brings over a decade of experience in sales leadership roles and a proven track record “North America is gaining significant traction for us and we’re experiencing a surge in inquiries from this competitive market,” said Shiraz Kapadia, CEO & President at Invixium. "We have a strong solution offering to address real-world problems for enterprises and industries. We’re excited to have Chris on board and are convinced that his expertise will be instrumental in enhancing profitability and competitiveness as we continue to scale and propel our business forward.” Invixium’s success in North America “Invixium’s reputation precedes itself and it’s an incredibly exciting time to join the company,” said Christopher Thompson. “Invixium has established itself as an expert in biometric security providing top-notch access control, workforce, and visitor management solutions all under one roof. I look forward to leveraging my experience to expand their customer base and drive Invixium’s success in North America.” Invixium stands out as the only biometric solutions provider that thrives in the rugged and harsh environments of demanding sectors such as oil and gas, mining, manufacturing, and construction. With a proven track record of global success, Invixium is renowned for its problem-solving approach. Invixium is unparalleled in its commitment to addressing the real-world challenges of its customers.

The last year revolutionised the way people work. When offices transitioned to work-from-home and worksites implemented social distancing, the security industry saw an overnight shift in what technologies our customers wanted. Now that businesses are bringing employees back to work in-person, management has broadened their focus to include healthy access in their security plans. Healthy access is a modern security concept that uses the latest technologies to blend employee and visitor health with automated security and digital transformation. This year, more leaders than ever are concerned with the health of their people – for good reason. Touchless Solutions Touchless solutions are at the forefront of security conversations because, suddenly, no one wants to touch anything in public. As a result, biometric solutions using face recognition have adapted to deliver a powerful and highly effective trifecta of solutions for physical security, health and workforce management. Face recognition is now considered to be the most accurate non-invasive method to identify and authenticate individuals Face recognition is now considered to be the most accurate non-invasive method to identify and authenticate individuals. Ongoing improvements like smarter algorithms, neural networks and artificial intelligence (AI) continue to improve face recognition’s performance. Well-known enhancements like faster processing and better camera functionality are quality-of-life improvements for traditional face recognition applications. Other advancements – like mask detection, face recognition while wearing a mask, mobile enrolment and more – are unique additions to this technology that effectively answer the needs of today without adding complex workflows. Biometric Face Recognition for Physical Security Even as pandemic mask restrictions lift, many businesses still require people to wear face masks to enter their facilities – a policy that will be with us for years to come. The sudden requirement for face masks in public stimulated the rapid development of a new face recognition application where security systems need to authenticate people with half their face covered. The ability to use a person’s biometrics to gain access eliminates the need for PINs or cards that can be forgotten, shared or stolen, so businesses familiar with the high security of biometrics cannot turn to less-secure means of authentication, and fingerprint is not a feasible option because that technology involves touching shared surfaces. Face recognition while wearing a mask is a highly relevant, timely advancement for businesses that need high security at their entry doors without compromising on mask mandates or personal comfort levels with illness avoidance. Biometric Face Recognition for Health Face recognition is touchless by nature and took centre stage during the pandemic Face recognition is touchless by nature and took centre stage during the pandemic as buildings migrated to contactless security to limit the spread of surface-borne illnesses. As more businesses reopen and bring office staff back, the demand for this fast, easy-to-use and touchless technology will continue to surge. Additionally, advanced face recognition solutions can be enhanced with thermographic cameras for elevated body temperature detection, which enables businesses to limit access to only people with healthy temperatures and prove that they are protecting healthy staff. To adhere to social distancing guidelines, businesses can take advantage of our society’s affinity for mobile apps. Remote enrolment is a feature of high-end face recognition solutions where people can enrol their faces using their phones – limiting the amount of time spent waiting in line, standing in front of a device or interacting with other people. Some solutions are also integrated with attestation questionnaires that allow people to self-declare symptoms or exposure to illnesses, which can help businesses make informed decisions to protect the health of their staff. The more your solution can accomplish, the more confidence your personnel can have that they are healthy at your building. Biometric Face Recognition for Workforce Management Returning to work is now a monumental undertaking. One of the biggest challenges for business owners is balancing hybrid work-from-home schedules and socially distanced in-person shifts. Every business will have a unique approach to what work in a post-pandemic world looks like. Touchless, mask-inclusive technology and attestation are user-friendly solutions that help businesses protect staff health This adds a new layer of complexity to shift scheduling that management must address to maintain the simplicity of shift changes and accuracy of time tracking. Touchless, mask-inclusive technology and attestation are user-friendly solutions that help businesses follow mask rules, ensure high security, protect staff health and keep shift changes fast and easy. Advancements in face recognition align with the timing of getting employees back to work because of work done by proactive security leaders. The “face” of biometrics has forever changed. This industry is no longer represented by antiquated fingerprint technology. Instead, we are represented by modern, accessible face recognition with room to grow for physical security, health and workforce management – the trifecta of healthy buildings.

As organisations look to reopen, management needs to implement new processes and technologies to help keep employees and visitors safe whilst adhering to government mandates and various industry compliance regulations. However, many specifics still remain unclear, creating apprehension for enterprises as they look for new solutions to ensure the health and safety of their personnel and businesses. This poses many challenges from a security and workforce management perspective.   The need for elevated body temperature detection There has been much public discussion on the topic of fever detection, and you’ll hear a range of other terms being used to describe it as temperature detection, elevated body temperature (EBT) detection, temperature screening, and temperature measurement to name a few. All these words have different clinical meanings, not to mention different language nuances as companies try to decipher which solution best fits their needs and requirements. The problem with any or all of these new external detection “solutions” is that none provide a way to determine if an individual has a true clinically-defined fever. A clinical thermometer that measures one’s internal temperature usually requires insertion into the mouth, ear, rectum, or armpit. While no equipment can be 100% accurate, clinical thermometers have a variation of 0.3 to 1⁰F, with the ear being the most accurate location to measure core body temperature. COVID-19 creates a new problem for using clinical thermometers But, COVID-19 creates a new problem for using clinical thermometers: individuals responsible for taking temperatures cannot socially distance themselves while inserting an instrument into someone’s body. That instrument, which has now been in someone’s ear, must then be cleaned after contact. Conventional clinical core body temperature measurement is not only unsanitary to do on an enterprise-scale, it is also very, very slow. These challenges preclude large businesses from using this method for these very clear and pragmatic reasons. Thermal imaging technology Thermal imaging technology, which we refer to as “thermography”, provides a touchless option which serves the purpose of pre-screening without putting anyone at risk. However, thermography cannot detect a fever, which is any temperature reading above a specific point in a person. Being a reading of radiated heat, thermal imaging cannot measure the temperature inside the body. Instead, we can use thermography to screen elevated body temperature (EBT) to infer that someone may have a fever. EBT requires a reference point where we can safely say there is a core body fever based on surface temperature. What is a normal surface temperature? How high is too high? What is the threshold? Thus, thermography devices need to be calibrated against a black body. This is a large metal box where the device, like a thermal gun, is held to read a set temperature. Black bodies are used as the reference point for EBT; set the black body to the threshold temperature (e.g. the CDC’s threshold for a fever), calibrate the gun, and compare the black body’s radiated temperature to the forehead of the person being screened. This process, while quicker than using and cleaning clinical thermometers, still takes time and effort to set up every time the environment changes. Further, a black body is an additional expense businesses must incur to begin pre-screening temperatures. Touchless measuring The reason why we see so many thermal guns in lobbies now is because they are the simplest way to touchlessly measure temperature. The gun is held about an inch (2.54 cm) from the forehead, where there is the highest percentage of thin skin exposed on the body. The temporal artery on the forehead heats up the fastest in response to core body temperature changes, so thin skin is important to an “accurate” reading. In a practical sense, it’s just convenient. Until now, thermography was only occasionally used to screen temperatures in people. It’s more commonly used in cars and microwaves, where variation within an acceptable range matters less than it does in healthcare. Companies that make devices like thermal guns and other readers saw the market’s need and shifted into healthcare because businesses required a solution as quickly as possible so they could get back to being productive. Companies that make devices like thermal guns and other readers saw the market’s need The conversation right now is lingering on ambient temperature, and how the skin heats up in response to external factors. Is it cold outside? Is someone wearing a knit hat? Did they just dry their hair with heat? The reading on thermal guns and cameras can be higher or lower than the core body temperature as skin temperature changes with the environment, and that can prohibit someone who isn’t sick from going to work, or, worse, allow someone who does have a fever to enter the building and infect others. In a situation as dire as the one we’re in with COVID-19, those risks aren’t worth taking. Two cameras are better than one So, we now know that we need a quick, accurate and touchless way to measure elevated body temperature without it being affected by the environment. This is a big ask, but there is a solution. The medial canthus, the inner eye where the tear duct is located, is the only place on the face where thermography can come very close to determining core body temperature without the effects of ambient temperature. The tear duct is near the facial and temporal arteries and is not very susceptible to temperature variation from heat or cold from external sources. The only question is, how do we read a temperature from it? One would need a very high-resolution camera. IXM TITAN, our flagship biometric device, has a high-resolution camera for face recognition. Our research and development resulted in a solution where existing cameras work together with a secondary thermal infrared camera to screen body temperature. Dual-camera technology works like this: a high-resolution face recognition camera reads the face, then, based on an algorithm developed by Invixium, it pinpoints the tear duct and triggers the thermal camera to take a rapid reading of that area with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The technology offers a variety of workflows if it reads a temperature above the threshold set in software. For example, if the technology detects an EBT, the system can deny access and keep the door locked, an alert can be sent out to HR, supervisors, or onsite security, or popup messages can be displayed on screen to provide next steps such as “report to security station” for further screening, which may be a clinical temperature check. Because it is self-contained and automated, there is no need for human intervention, and it can monitor temperature data to whatever extent an enterprise needs it to. This new, enhanced technology doesn’t replace true clinical temperature measurement devices, but does provide a safe, fast and accurate access control and workforce management solution that can help organisations get back to work with confidence in the new post-pandemic world. A safe, fast and accurate access control and workforce management solution Security in the new normal COVID-19 is changing our world in a lasting way. Technology can serve the purpose for right now, but also can be beneficial if it is scalable to incorporate other useful screening measures as an organisation's security needs change. In short, the best technology for your business is any technology that can grow with your company’s needs and the demands of the environment you do business in. Manufacturers of security products must always be conscious of how our solutions can be future-proofed using modern technology that pushes boundaries so we can continue to develop the most intelligent solutions for tomorrow’s world.