Johnson Controls, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Physical Security Interoperability Alliance (PSIA) hosted a well-attended cocktail reception and live demonstration during ISC West 2025 to unveil its latest advancement: the PKOC 3.0 specification, an exciting solution for secure, open credentialing in physical access control systems. Jason Ouellette, Chairman of the PSIA and Corporate VP of Innovation and Technical Partnerships at ELATEC, led the presentation. He shared an overview of PKOC’s progress, key developments in the 3.0 release, and demonstrated a range of interoperable devices—including readers, cards, and mobile applications, built on the freely available, non-proprietary PKOC specification. Broad industry collaboration This year’s demonstration highlighted broad industry collaboration, with support and technologies provided by PSIA member companies including: ELATEC, EMSI, INID Readers USA, Johnson Controls, Kastle Systems, Last Lock, rf IDEAS, Sentry Enterprises, Taglio, and Universal Smart Card.  There is a growing list of manufacturers actively supporting the PKOC specification, but these 10 companies showcased products at the event, highlighting its interoperability and real-world applications. Deloitte’s own proof-of-concept The project features PKOC certificates working seamlessly across readers, physical cards, and mobile devices At the reception, Jeff Longo, Director of Software Development at Kastle Systems, announced that the company will officially make the PKOC card its standard card offering—further solidifying its commitment to open, secure, and interoperable access control solutions. Keith Kelly, Chief Security Officer at Deloitte Canada, shared insights from Deloitte’s own proof-of-concept implementation of PKOC at its Toronto office. The project features PKOC credentials functioning seamlessly across readers, physical cards, and mobile devices. Kelly emphasised that PKOC represents “a new generation of access control,” aligned with Deloitte’s priorities around open, flexible, and secure credentialing. Simplicity, security, and scalability David Bunzel, Executive Director of the PSIA, noted, “PKOC is widely recognised as one of the most exciting solutions for secure credentials. Because it is based on an open specification, it is cost-effective—but just as important, it is secure and highly flexible.” Unlike many legacy credential technologies, PKOC is completely open source, with no fees, royalties, or membership requirements. Its simplicity, security, and scalability are fuelling growing interest across integrators, manufacturers, and enterprise users.

Johnson Controls, the pioneer for smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, is reinforcing its commitment to providing comprehensive life safety solutions across industries by unveiling solutions designed specifically for the non-acute healthcare and correctional facilities industries. The company’s non-acute bundled solution combines advanced security and fire prevention technologies to help modernise healthcare facilities, improve safety and enhance overall patient and staff experience. Additionally, Johnson Controls is expanding its correctional facilities offerings to address the growing challenges of outdated and often overlooked buildings, helping communities ensure that they have the necessary infrastructure to enhance security and emergency response. Enhancing security and efficiency in non-acute healthcare As demand for clinics, urgent care centres, outpatient facilities, and other non-acute healthcare environments increases, Johnson Controls is providing bundled solutions that integrate critical aspects of security and fire prevention technologies including: Video Surveillance & Access Control – Strengthening physical security and facility oversight with AI and data analytics. Weapons & Gunshot Detection – Leveraging a cloud-based security solution to enhance threat prevention. Fire Safety Innovations – Suppression systems such as connected sprinkler systems and emergency lighting that can improve safety. Integrating advanced security “By integrating advanced security, fire prevention and technologies that connect building systems, Johnson Controls is helping to create safer, more resilient non-acute healthcare environments,” said James Burke, vice president, product sales & lifecycle solutions at Johnson Controls. “Our latest bundle leverages industry expertise and advanced technology to streamline operations, optimise staffing resources and can enhance patient and staff safety in outpatient clinics, urgent care centres, long-term care facilities and more. In these settings—where staff are stretched thin and operational efficiency directly impacts patient care—having the right technologies and service helps to provide a safe, comfortable environment for both patients and caregivers.” Strengthening correctional facilities Johnson Controls has taken steps to enhance security for penal facilities, including state and federal prisons In parallel, Johnson Controls has taken steps to enhance security for correctional facilities including state and federal prisons, county and local jails and detention centres. Across the U.S. and Canada, Johnson Controls is addressing the challenges that correctional facilities can face due to outdated infrastructure and decades of underinvestment by upgrading HVAC, fire, and security systems to modern standards, improving both safety and operational efficiency. Johnson Controls security systems Johnson Controls provides correctional facilities with tailored solutions such as video surveillance, visitor management, fire detection systems, fire suppression and more to help create safer and more secure environments for both the occupants and facilities. “Nearly one-third of correctional facilities are over 50 years old and are in critical need of key upgrades – from security systems to mechanical equipment,” said Greg Parker, vice president, lifecycle solutions at Johnson Controls. “Not only can these upgrades enhance overall conditions and safety for facility personnel, inmates and visitors, but the utility bills can also be lower due to overall operational efficiency.” Physical and cyber security Johnson Controls has a strong fact across industry sectors and continues to develop tailored solutions Johnson Controls has a strong presence across industry sectors and continues to develop tailored solutions that prioritise security alongside efficiency and sustainability.  With a focus on innovation, the company is committed to expanding its expertise in high-growth industries, including healthcare, education, government and data centres, by delivering advanced solutions that strengthen physical and cyber security, safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure resilient operations. Next era for commercial buildings Johnson Controls proudly celebrates its 140th anniversary in 2025, marking a legacy of innovation and leadership in smart, safe, healthy and sustainable solutions. The company continues to redefine building performance, driving the next era for commercial buildings, transforming industries and powering its customers’ missions.

Award-winning global security manufacturer, Gallagher Security, is proud to announce the signing of two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), which took place during New Zealand Prime Minister Rt Hon Christopher Luxon’s five-day trip to India last month.  Aimed at enhancing New Zealand’s presence in key sectors in India, including education, technology, tourism, investment, manufacturing, food and primary industries, Prime Minister Luxon’s visit marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries.  Security and user experience Channel Partner agreement was signed between Gallagher Security and Johnson Controls India Pvt Ltd During the India-New Zealand Economic Forum organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) and hosted by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, a Channel Partner agreement was signed between Gallagher Security and Johnson Controls India Pvt Ltd (JCI).   Gallagher Security, Director – India, Rajeev Mecheri says, “Partnerships like Gallagher and JCI’s set the stage for trailblazing solutions that not only push the boundaries of technology but also prioritise security and user experience.”  Integrated security solutions Mecheri adds, “The collaboration with Johnson Controls will be instrumental in securing future opportunities across India, and we look forward to a future of shared continued success.”  Johnson Controls India Pvt Ltd, President and Managing Director Arun Ashwathy says, “With Gallagher Security, we bring together a proven legacy of delivering cutting-edge integrated security solutions. We’re excited for what’s ahead as we work together to safeguard people, facilities, and assets across India.”  Channel Partner agreement Second Channel Partner agreement was signed in Mumbai, between Gallagher and Ardelysis Technologies Held in New Delhi, the India-New Zealand Economic Forum was attended by members of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, India’s Minister for Trade and Commerce, Piyush Goyal, and a delegation of over 80 officials from New Zealand.   During the week, a second Channel Partner agreement was signed in Mumbai, between Gallagher and Ardelysis Technologies.  MoU signings Gallagher Security, General Manager – India, Deneshkumar V says, “These MoU signings with our partners not only strengthen our existing partnerships but also showcase our collaboration to a broader audience, paving the way for future business opportunities."  A total of 33 MoUs were signed during the New Zealand Prime Minister’s visit, reflecting the growing partnerships between New Zealand and Indian businesses. 

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.

If recent physical security events are a guide, the topic of artificial intelligence (AI) will be everywhere at the upcoming ISC West 2025 exhibition in Las Vegas. Cybersecurity solutions are another core focus at today's physical security events, and ISC West will likely follow the trend. Attendees will also be looking for advancements in access control systems, including biometric technologies and integrated security platforms, among other hot topics. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the big topics of discussion at ISC West 2025?

Technology innovations and an evolving threat landscape will be core factors impacting the physical security market in 2025. Technology elements such as artificial intelligence (AI), multi-factor access control, and mobile devices will continue to drive growth in the greater industry. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the outlook for the physical security industry in the year ahead?