Nest - Experts & Thought Leaders

Modern smart home security systems have all the bells and whistles of modern convenience, from thermostats that keep homes comfortable without wasting energy, to smartphone applications that allow people to lock and unlock their doors from halfway around the world. But, at the end of the day, people still buy smart home security systems for one simple reason - safety. “In an emergency, customers want the right public safety agency to respond with the highest priority, based on their type of emergency,” said Larry Folsom, ADT’s Vice President of Monitoring Technology, adding “They want assurance that the police car, fire truck, or ambulance is being sent to the right place, with the right information, as quickly as possible.” Modern smart home security technology For all the convenience that modern smart home security technology has unlocked, the workflow of monitoring and response technology has changed very little, since the 1970s. Historically, about 98 percent of alarms that ring through to dispatch are false or unverified The process would go as follows - an alarm is triggered, a basic message is sent to a monitoring centre, an agent calls the customer to verify the alarm and, if no one answers or cancels the alarm, the agent calls the appropriate public-safety answering point (PSAP) – a dispatch call centre, such as 911 to request assistance from first responders. Historically, about 98 percent of alarms that ring through to dispatch are false or unverified, according to data from the International Association of Chiefs of Police. That’s partly because about 70 percent of alarm monitoring services’ verification phone calls to customers go unanswered, because customers don’t recognise the caller’s phone number. System Monitoring and Response Technology platform ADT is working to change this narrative with the introduction of the ADT System Monitoring and Response Technology (SMART) platform, which adapts the alarm industry to the digital era - helping to make alarm responses more effective. ADT’s SMART platform is actually several new technologies, that combined, help reduce false alarms, enable verified alarms and priority response, and dramatically increases the accuracy and speed of delivering alarm information to 911 centres. Alarm Messenger The shift began in February 2020 when ADT launched Alarm Messenger to notify customers and their emergency contacts of burglar alarm events. When an alarm is triggered, instead of a monitoring agent calling the customer, Alarm Messenger sends the customer and their emergency contacts a link to an interactive portal via text message or email. The portal allows those who received the link the opportunity to review alarm information quickly, chat with each other, and verify or cancel the alarm with ADT directly from their phone, without the need for special software or a phone call. Reduction in false alarms In only two years, more than a million emergency alarm responses have been avoided by having ADT customers use Alarm Messenger to interact with ADT’s monitoring centres. There are now more than 3.4 million ADT customers enrolled in the service. This has reduced false alarms from these customers by 54 percent, in the year to date. But we’re most excited about the future, as we will be able to get audio and video into the workflow" “Alarm Messenger is running really well,” said Larry Folsom, highlighting the reduction in calls that ADT agents place to dispatch now that people can identify false alarms with their smartphones. Larry Folsom adds, “But we’re most excited about the future, as we will be able to get audio and video into the workflow, which will help to give the customer and potentially the dispatcher, infinitely more information about what’s going on at the alarm source.” Video-sharing capability to roll out soon The video-sharing capability is scheduled to roll out later in 2022, for ADT customers who choose to opt-in to sharing data from their Google Nest cameras, with Alarm Messenger. All the data that customers share with ADT is safely stored within the ADT Lockbox, an alarm event data storage service in the Google Cloud Platform. Access to the Lockbox is tracked and limited to authorised and authenticated people. The inclusion of video data in Alarm Messenger sessions will allow customers to verify if a person is at the premises and whether that person is known or a stranger. Video data may also reveal evidence, such as a broken window, the neighbour’s cat, or smoke and fire – all types of information that can help people determine whether the situation warrants a first responder. Larry Folsom continues, “Our goal is to have a two-way communication relationship using modern technologies and bring additional streams of information to our customers, our agents, and our public safety partners.” Verified alarms, priority response Down the road, 911 call centres will be able to start using The Monitoring Association’s Alarm Validation Scoring (AVS-01) standard, a new standard for prioritising alarms. This standard ranks the urgency of any given alarm on a sliding scale based on the contextual information about the alarm that the monitoring agents share with dispatch. “We are able to use that standard, and ADT technology that supports it, to tell the first responders, ‘Hey, hit the gas pedal on this one because it’s a priority,’” said Don Young, ADT’s Chief Operating Officer. Leveraging machine learning and AI technologies ADT will leverage machine learning and AI technologies to combine and process data from security cameras ADT will leverage machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to combine and process data from security cameras, audio devices, and traditional security sensors to score alarm events with the AVS-01 standard. The implementation of this standard will be a game-changer for how the security industry responds to alarm events and communicates with first responders, according to Folsom. AVS-01 is expected to launch with different levels of alarm priority based on validation of a person, threat to the property, and threat to life. Next-generation 911 When an alarm is activated today, a monitoring company places a 10-digit telephone call to a 911 centre to request an emergency response. This process can introduce transcription errors, encounter lengthy call hold times for agents, and tie up both the ADT and 911 agents among other challenges - ultimately delaying the response time to an emergency. To address these challenges, ADT has built out services called the ADT Next Generation 911 Message Brokers, another component of the ADT SMART platform. With these services, ADT can electronically send alarm information to 911 centres without the need for a phone call. Additionally, ADT’s patented process can include a link to additional data, such as video and audio, for first responders, with the customer’s permission. ADT’s first partner for their service - Intrado ADT’s first partner for this service is Intrado, an established 911 services company. Intrado is currently deploying this technology across the country, and it is expected to be available to three-quarters of ADT’s customers by the end of 2023. “Our mission is better information for better choices,” said Larry Folsom, adding “Electronic alarm delivery to public safety is part and parcel of permanently changing the way we empower people to protect and connect what matters most.” 

Security dealers and integrators don’t have the time or money to wade through dozens of security platforms and programs from various manufacturers. Think about all the training necessary for support, sales and technicians required when using multiple management platforms. It can become overwhelming. The single solution to meet the needs for all your customers and projects in every market vertical is Connect ONE from Connected Technologies, LLC. Cloud-hosted Connect ONE is the complete package—and an enabling technology for managed services and new monthly recurring revenue streams. It lets security dealers offer security, access control, mobile credential access, video and critical environmental monitoring and more from one simplified user interface. There’s no having to learn a different program for each project, because Connect ONE does it all. There are no upfront costs or software to install and maintain and dealers only pay for the services they use. The Connect ONE dealer portal lets dealers add services or provide support and upkeep without having to roll a truck, a huge cost and labour savings Installing and managing services With Connect ONE and the cloud you can add new services in a snap—like thermostat/energy management control for the bank or financial institution that’s closed on holidays, saving money on energy costs; weather reporting capabilities that automatically send information to devices to trigger closing skylights or overhead doors in the event of a storm; or even detailed history and systems reporting so customers have all the operational metrics they need at their fingertips. Connect ONE makes it simple for security dealers to sell, install and manage all their services and information from one source. The Connect ONE dealer portal lets them add services or provide support and upkeep without having to roll a truck, a huge cost and labour savings. Not only is it easier for the dealer, but it’s simpler for the end-user who wants to manage all or some of their own services. Capabilities and integrations offered by Connect ONE: Connect ONE interfaces with the complete line of Bosch Security, DMP, Elk Products and Honeywell Turbo controls and provides an easy way to add managed services through the cloud. DoorBird Video Doorbell integration, for residential and commercial customers, notifies users to their smartphones when an entrance button is pressed. Using the app, they can view live video, open doors and even initiate two-way-audio. The Connect ONE Ticket Module streamlines the tracking of critical event responses, incidents and repair tickets at one or multiple locations. It interfaces directly with the Connect ONE security system application or can be deployed as a standalone service, with no control or on-site equipment. ScanPass Mobile Credential convenience application provides quick access control in a barcode-sticker solution that doesn’t require card readers or door controller hardware. Any smartphone, tablet or other connected device provides entrance accessibility. Connect ONE also supports popular Nest indoor and outdoor cameras, allowing users to view and control all cameras from the single interface, even multiple locations at the same time. The Connect ONE Gateway Module gets security dealers entrenched in the growing internet of Things. This easy to install and monitor module lets dealers track temperature, humidity and critical environmental devices for agricultural, hospitality and other vertical markets. Emails and reports sent in real time alert managers with information about out-of-normal ranges or levels. Integrated security and access control services With Connect ONE, you don’t have to shop numerous vendors. It’s all in one platform. Connected Technologies excels at serving the dealer community and can help you work through any new challenges you might have so you can provide customers the individualised integrated security and access control services they are looking for. We are receptive and responsive, giving dealers the timely service they deserve so they can continue on their way to greater profitability. One common interface makes everything simpler and can make you a hero with your customer—as you can add what they need now or easily in the future. Contact us today so we can help you earn greater profitability while you boost your revenue base through managed services—with one single solution—Connect ONE.

Kogniz, a California-based technology company, announced the introduction of the company’s first product, AICam. The technology offers businesses fully artificial intelligence surveillance cameras that identifies people and threats in real-time, using video-based facial recognition and object detection. “In business environments, surveillance requires identifying problematic people and situations in real time, something humans aren’t good at. Kogniz leverages computer vision, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to identify people and threats in real-time with extraordinary accuracy,” said Daniel Putterman, Co-CEO and Head of Business for Kogniz. AICam is based on the Kogniz Edge Platform, a unique combination of advanced camera processing and cloud services Kogniz Edge Platform AICam is based on the Kogniz Edge Platform, a unique combination of advanced camera processing and cloud services. This architecture allows cameras to be added on-demand without any additional hardware or infrastructure, with multiple cameras working in unison to provide cross-location people identification and recognition. “While we have seen high innovation from companies such as Nest and Ring in the consumer realm, there has been a lack of breakthrough technology and products for enterprise,” added Putterman. Key features include: Visual Watchlists - Kogniz instantly identifies people of concern, such as a known criminal, shoplifter or ex-employee. Using highly accurate facial recognition, Kogniz alerts the business when that person is identified. Threat Detection - Kogniz is designed to detect potential threats, immediately warning when it recognises a weapon or dangerous object. Access Control - Kogniz can watch over a secure area such as a data centre, stock room, etc., and notify users when an unauthorised person comes into view. Suspect Watch - Kogniz identifies and remembers suspicious behaviours, allowing it to track visit patterns, dwell-time and other attributes that can help to identify patterns of suspicious behaviour. Smart Recording - Kogniz stores relevant video in a private and secure cloud vault that can be accessed from anywhere. Kogniz products are currently in pilot programs with various law enforcement, government agencies, banks and corporations.

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.