Northland Controls - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named 24 recipients for this year’s SIA RISE Scholarship, a program offered through SIA’s RISE community, which supports the education and career development goals of young industry talent and emerging pioneers. Through this scholarship program – open to SIA student members and RISE members who are employees at SIA member companies – each awardee will receive a USD 3,000 scholarship to use toward continuing education and professional development courses, SIA program offerings and/or other academic or education programs. Array of security professionals Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources Scholarship funds can be used to expand knowledge in the areas of business, human resources, information technology, marketing, sales, project management, security engineering, and/or risk management. “SIA congratulates this year’s class of RISE Scholarship awardees – an impressive, diverse array of security professionals and rising stars who are making their mark on our industry,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “We are proud to present scholarships to more recipients this year than ever before and honoured to support these inspiring young pioneers as they pursue their educational and career development goals.” RISE Scholarship The winners for this year’s RISE Scholarship are: Zachary Allen, account executive, Convergint Technologies Brianna Bonfondeo, account manager, Traka, ASSA ABLOY Global Solutions Joi Brown, control centre specialist, Rapid Response Monitoring Services Brenda Constantin, account executive, 3Sixty Integrated, a Division of the Cook & Boardman Group Jonathan Crabtree, channel sales specialist, Genetec Taylor Davenport, HR business partner, i-PRO Americas Mason Fanning, end user specialist, ASSA ABLOY Natalie Fetsko, customer success manager, dormakaba Aishwarya Gandhe, senior channel marketing coordinator, North America, Genetec Anish Chandra Jalla, software developer II, Genetec Kajaanei Kajenthiran, security guard, City of Toronto, Canada Will Knehr, senior manager of information assurance and data privacy, i-PRO Americas Ryan Knoll, account executive, Pro-Tec Design Chandni Lalwani, DevOps engineer, HID Global Vincent Malenfer-Henard, security analyst, Genetec Josh Martin, mechanical engineer II, dormakaba Bryn Menzel, director of strategic accounts and marketing, 3millID Corporation Gabriella Moraniec, contracts manager, GSA Schedules Taylor Nevells, digital marketing and content specialist, Wavelynx Juan Pelayo, technical support supervisor, i-PRO Americas Itzel Portillo, marketing specialist, Allegion Joel Searle, program manager, ZBeta Maria Sturges, project coordinator and administrator, Northland Controls Julie Trinh, SDK specialist, Genetec New opportunities in the security industry SIA would also like to thank the following individuals and companies which contributed to the 2024 RISE Scholarship fund.  Tax-deductible donations were made through the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), a nonprofit organisation co-founded by SIA and the Electronic Security Association and dedicated to connecting passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in the security industry. ADI Allegion Axis Communications Convergint Genetec HID i-PRO Secure Access & Digital Systems Securitas Technology TIME program SIA RISE is a community that fosters the careers of emerging pioneers in the security industry. In addition to the SIA RISE Scholarship, SIA RISE offers fun in-person and virtual networking events for young professionals, the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) program for early and mid-career professionals, the 25 on the RISE Awards, career growth webinars and trade show education tracks and the annual AcceleRISE conference – a unique event designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen in young security talent.  The SIA RISE community is open to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years; learn more and sign up to join.

The Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST) has named Jim Lantrip of Allied Universal Technology Services to the FAST Board of Directors. The FAST Board of Directors, drawn from the membership of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and the Security Industry Association (SIA), defines and refines FAST’s strategic plan, as well as the foundation’s annual goals. Jim Lantrip Jim Lantrip is a seasoned security industry veteran with over 30 years of experience. Currently serving as the senior vice president of operations at Allied Universal Technology Services, a global systems integrator, he oversees the company’s operations, ensuring the delivery of innovative security solutions to clients on a global scale. Lantrip’s journey in the security industry began with a detour, initially joining ADT Security Services for sales experience, he unexpectedly found his niche and built a successful career spanning various roles, including sales, sales leadership, engineering, operations, and strategy. One-stop-shop solution His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products With a proven track record and a passion for mentoring, Lantrip has played a pivotal role in shaping the security industry. His expertise extends to designing, delivering, and supporting a wide range of security products, platforms, and services, making Allied Universal a one-stop shop for comprehensive security solutions.  Work experience Before serving in his current role, Lantrip held leadership positions in several North American security companies, contributing to their growth and success. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is committed to fostering the next generation of security professionals; he enjoys mentoring and motivating others, introducing them to the exciting and often overlooked opportunities within the industry. “We have an exciting, largely unknown, industry that needs to draw in and develop new talent through educating the world about all the possibilities in the security world,” said Lantrip. FAST Board of Directors The FAST Board of Directors includes the following members: Chair: Kerri Sutherland, manager, human resources business partnerships, Axis Communications Vice Chair: John Nemerofsky, chief operating officer, SAGE Integration Secretary: Erin Mann, senior manager, product operations, Brivo Treasurer: Ken Kocher, president, of Force Security Solutions Scott Harkins, vice president, sales, Resideo Jim Lantrip, senior vice president of operations, Allied Universal Technology Services Brendan McFall, East Coast operations manager, Northland Controls Michal Moss Early, executive director of corporate strategy, Digital Monitoring Products Rick Seymour, chief operating officer, Guardian Hawk Security Yaron Zussman, general manager, Magos America FAST The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology FAST is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organisation promoting careers in the physical security technology and life safety industry. Created in 2020 through a partnership of ESA and SIA – the industry’s major associations – FAST connects passionate, innovative professionals with new opportunities in electronic security and life safety. The foundation brings awareness to the career advancement opportunities within the fast-paced technology industry that serves to keep people, places, and property safe. FAST Jobs Board The FAST website offers job seekers information about the security industry’s growth and unique position at the convergence of cutting-edge technology and a mission that matters, the types of roles available in the industry, what employers are looking for, pioneering certifications in physical security and cybersecurity and a jobs board featuring immediate opportunities in security technology and life safety. The FAST Jobs Board allows job seekers to search by keyword, job title, and location and has featured thousands of jobs from over 800 companies. FAST’s key efforts The jobs board continues to grow in 2024 and has become the go-to destination for hiring and finding job opportunities in the security industry. FAST’s key efforts include outreach to schools, colleges, and universities to increase awareness of the exciting and rewarding careers available in security; research on the industry’s workforce development needs and possible solutions; recognition programs to celebrate the work of security technicians; events; and continuing education resources to help those already in the industry stay current with rapidly emerging and evolving technologies.

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the schedule, speaker lineup, and programme for the 2023 AcceleRISE conference, hosted by SIA’s RISE community for young leaders and those new to the security industry. AcceleRISE 2023 will take place Aug. 14-16 in Denver, Colorado. Conference agenda AcceleRISE is an exciting, innovative conference created specifically for young security talent and designed to ignite new thinking, strengthen leadership and sharpen business acumen. AcceleRISE tackles the issues that matter most to emerging leaders in the security industry and features a diverse array of premier learning sessions, interactive workshops, and lively activities geared toward rising stars in the industry. Conference line-up and opportunities We have an amazing lineup of speakers that will give attendees so much understanding" “Beyond elated for AcceleRISE 2023 in Denver, Colorado, a naturally beautiful city bordered by the Colorado Rocky Mountains, famous for its incredible cuisine, museums, breweries, and sports! We have an amazing lineup of speakers that will give attendees so much understanding into leadership, emerging security trends, and professional and personal development,” said SIA RISE Chair - Jake Brown, Business Development/Operations at Secure Access & Digital Systems. He adds, “I’m also really looking forward to the networking at the conference from start to finish, as we have planned some amazing events at the Denver Selfie Museum, Wynkoop Brewing Company, and a Colorado Rockies game at Coors Field.” Session topics Session topics for AcceleRISE 2023 will include: ChatGPT and the security industry. Communication skills from small talk to team meetings. Building your personal “board of directors”. EQ versus IQ. Maximising opportunities and mitigating risks with digital transformation. Proptech security and unlocking inclusive access. Prioritising intentionality in career development. Cybersecurity as a career accelerator. Building a personal brand. Personal Finance. Facial recognition: a lively, interactive debate. Outside the conference sessions, attendees will have the chance to form relationships with other young industry professionals and enjoy fun networking happy hours, a workout class, and fun outings in Denver. Speakers Speakers for the 2023 event include: Dakota Bierly, sales and marketing manager, Northland Controls Benji Bolick, senior digital communications specialist, ASSA ABLOY Jake Brown, chair, SIA RISE Steering Committee Beth Burnsed, senior manager, marketing and communications, Genetec Rich Campbell, training and development specialist, RFI Andrea Davis, founder, president, and CEO, The Resiliency Initiative John Deskurakis, chief product security officer, Carrier Erica Grant, CEO, Quantal Security Kim Hooper, founder, of Arumik Consulting Dr. Alka Khungar, CX leader, Johnson Controls Will Knehr, senior manager of information security and data privacy, i-PRO Americas Bobby Louissaint, global security programme manager, Meta Erin Mann, senior manager of business operations, Latch Idan Meir, co-founder, and CEO, RightHear Lee Odess, CEO, Access Control Executive Brief Amanda Payne, programme manager, Northland Controls Avory Ransome, integrator sales consultant, Allegion Kerri Sutherland, manager, HR business partnerships, Axis Communications Quang Trinh, business development manager, platform technologies, Axis Communications Colby Williams, associate director of government relations, SIA Sabrina Wilson, senior vice president, human resources, dormakaba Americas Sponsors SIA RISE is a collaborative community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security industry AcceleRISE 2023 is supported by Premier Sponsor dormakaba; Full Sponsors Access Control Executive Brief, ALC Consulting, Allegion, Amazon, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Brivo, Genetec, HID Global, i-PRO and  Wavelynx; and Conference Sponsors PSA Network, Salto Systems, Secure Access & Digital Systems, Verkada, and Wesco. SIA RISE is a collaborative community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security industry. In-person and virtual networking, mentorship opportunities In addition to hosting AcceleRISE, the SIA RISE community offers fun in-person and virtual networking events, mentorship opportunities through the Talent Inclusion Mentorship Education (TIME) programme, the 25 on the RISE Awards initiative, career growth webinars and e-learning, scholarships for use toward education and professional development and career tracks at top trade shows. RISE membership is available to all employees at SIA member companies who are young professionals under 40 or have been in the security industry for less than two years. AcceleRISE 2023 registrants can save $50 on their conference passes with SIA’s Fourth of July flash sale pricing, which is available June 29 – July 7. 

What is a business, or an industry, but a collection of people and the results of their work? People make all the difference in the destiny of a business or industry. And the people involved in a business reflect the impact of demographic changes – and the passage of time. The security industry has been largely built by Baby Boomers, who are getting older and increasingly stepping aside to make way for younger folks. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Is there a “new generation” of employees and managers entering the physical security marketplace, and what will be the impact?

Access control and video surveillance technologies are expensive to buy and install. So it’s important that end users make sure they get a system that works the way it is supposed to work and the way they want it to work. To that end, the principles of project management can help end users find an integrator and to manage the work of installing or upgrading security systems. If you are experienced with security technologies, you might consider managing the project yourself. If not, consider retaining a security consultant to help. Security project management Project management for a security installation requires paying careful attention to the scope of the work, the budget and the schedule, says Pierre Trapanese, president and CEO of Freemont, Calif.-based Northland Controls, a global integrator with offices in Washington, D.C., London, Singapore and Shanghai. “These are the three most important aspects of project management, and you must focus on each” he says.  “For example, if you focus only on the budget, you will probably compromise the scope and schedule. With that in mind, there are four phases in a project’s lifecycle: developing the scope of work, planning, execution and closing. Scope of work "If a certain door opens in the middle of the night, you would probably want the access control system to send an alert to an operations centre or on-site security officers. You may also want a camera to capture the event, and relay the video file along with the alert". Defining the scope of work for a physical security project is a critical task. “The scope lists all of the components of the project,” Trapanese says. “What equipment do you want? What do you want it to do? How do you want it programmed and installed? If you leave something out that has to be added later, it will throw off the budget and the schedule.” If, for example, you fail to note that all visible components of the system — access control readers for instance — must be the same grey shade as the company’s logo, you will throw off the budget and schedule when the integrator installs black readers. “You should also have drawings that indicate where the components will be mounted and how the system will tie together,” Trapanese says. “Finally, you must consider the system’s configuration. By configuration, I mean how do you want the system to react to events? If a certain door opens in the middle of the night, you would probably want the access control system to send an alert to an operations centre or on-site security officers. You may also want a camera to capture the event, and relay the video file along with the alert. “A consultant or an integrator can help you develop a comprehensive and complete scope for your project,” he says. Planning Once you understand the scope of the project, you can select an integrator to do the work. There are two ways to do that. You can bid the project and select the integrator that submits the lowest qualified bid, or you can request proposals and negotiate a price with the integrator presenting the best proposal. "With a proper definition of the scope of work and a careful project plan, the project execution should be the easiest part of the project." After you’ve made a selection, the integrator will use the scope of the job that you prepared to carry out the planning, a process you can participate in, or at least monitor. Planning includes pricing materials and equipment and placing orders with an eye to which items have long lead times. The integrator will also coordinate with other trade contractors, as well as with your IT and real estate departments. Finally, the integrator will tie everything together with project-management software. “We use Microsoft Project,” says Trapanese. “Using the details of the scope of work you initially defined, along with known installation practices, the software will generate a schedule that can be fine-tuned.” Execution and closing With a proper definition of the scope of work and a careful project plan, the project execution should be the easiest part of the project. Integrators and sub-contractors know how to do the work. Closing, the final phase of project-management, fine-tunes the system. “Closing a security installation always raises issues,” Trapanese says. “It is how you manage those issues that matters. If I understand the scope of work and have a good plan, I can focus on unanticipated problems. But if the scope of work and planning are flawed, I’ll be spending my time trying to put out what should have been an avoidable fire that will turn into a conflagration when that unexpected problem hits, as it always does in construction.” In other words, you lay the foundation for a smooth closing with the first steps you take on a project.