Ontic - Experts & Thought Leaders

International SOS, the world’s pioneering medical and travel security services company, has announced a strategic alliance with Ontic, a software provider delivering Connected Intelligence to unify how corporate security professionals manage threats, mitigate risks and strengthen businesses. The two companies will jointly develop security software solutions that fortify workforce resilience and allow organisations to operate more efficiently and securely. Security assistance capabilities International SOS will leverage Ontic’s pioneering security software together with its medical capabilities Through the partnership, International SOS will leverage Ontic’s pioneering security software together with their global medical and security assistance capabilities and network, comprehensive intelligence and insights, and 23 years of travel tracking technology to effortlessly fulfil Travel Risk Management and Critical Event Management needs for organisations.  The unified offering will strengthen the ability of corporate security professionals to manage threats, mitigate risks, activate crisis response, and ensure the safety of employees on a global scale. Risk management solutions “International SOS prides itself on setting the standard for unparalleled travel risk management solutions and that commitment comes with evolving our impactful offerings and tools as the global security and health landscape continuously change,” said Jarrett Michau, Chief Executive Officer, Americas Assistance at International SOS. “Ontic’s purpose-built software and technology expertise will propel our workforce resilience platform and services into territories the industry has yet to explore, setting a new global standard for safeguarding employees.” Event management solutions The enhanced user-friendly travel risk and workforce event management solutions will empower organisations to safeguard their global workforce by offering increased customisation, configurability and new monitoring capabilities, including but not limited to: Real-time risk alerts: Immediate and more comprehensive notifications of incidents that may impact travellers, with configurable alert settings Interactive geovisualisation: View layered maps of affected areas, people, and assets on an intuitive and customisable map interface Personalised communication tools: Tailor messages with company branding and situational relevance for effective communication with employees Travel data, insights and reporting: Track employee travel itineraries and travel paths to generate reports on potential risks before, during, and after trips Automated response protocols: Set predefined workflows that trigger automatically during an incident to ensure a rapid and appropriate response Integrated third-party source data: Incorporate real-time feeds from multiple sources. Enhance protection “Our strategic partnership will transform how organisations protect their most valuable asset — their people,” said Lukas Quanstrom, Chief Executive Officer of Ontic. “Too many incomplete or cobbled-together offerings in the market today make the work harder for companies. By combining the expertise of two industry pioneers, this collaboration will deliver complete, modern, and extensible solutions for clients looking to elevate their duty of care and enhance protection for their employees.” Preview of the partnership This collaboration underscores both companies' commitment to enhancing travel risk management, crisis response, and critical event management, delivering a best-in-class service and technology platform that meets the evolving needs of global businesses.  A preview of the partnership and new solutions will be showcased at GSX 2024 at the International SOS booth (#2751) from September 23rd to 25th in Orlando, Florida, with full capabilities to be rolled out in future phases.

Ontic, a software provider delivering Connected Intelligence to unify how corporate security professionals manage threats, mitigate risks, and strengthen businesses, announced a significant expansion of its Integrated Research and Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management products. From incident to investigation, the purpose-built solutions automate, centralise, and streamline workflows, giving corporate security professionals greater speed, efficiency, and connected intelligence to mitigate potential threats and impact critical business decisions with swift case resolutions. Ontic’s case management “Because many investigation teams still use outdated systems that lack flexible workflow configurations and limited metrics reporting, they struggle to provide meaningful insights on case progress and resolution, and often spend days assembling critical information,” said Manish Mehta, chief product officer, Ontic. “The advanced research tools we have woven into Ontic’s case management product deliver a better way to work, empowering investigators to conduct quick, thorough research directly within a case. Corporate security teams can quickly triage incidents, surface critical findings, implement consistent, detailed reporting, and modernise their programs, further strengthening their roles as trusted protectors of the business and its people.” Corporate security and asset protection “We had a four-person corporate security and asset protection team responsible for tracking an increase in workplace violence, fraud, and theft-related incidents at more than 50 of our distribution centres and multiple corporate office locations,” said Steve Slyter, senior director of corporate security and asset protection at United Natural Foods, Inc.  “Using Ontic for our research, investigation, and case management needs has saved us millions in recovery and cost avoidance and has helped our team grow to 16 because we can consistently show how our work mitigates concerns before events occur.” Ontic’s new capabilities  Ontic’s new, expanded Integrated Research and Incidents, Investigations, and Case Management capabilities include: Always-on automated monitoring with real-time alerts: Notifications regarding new signals that may impact active and dormant cases and inform critical, time-sensitive decision-making. Incident-to-Investigation workflows: Connected workflows for accelerated triage and enforced case management best practices. Connected incident intake forms: Configurable information collection when incidents are reported for consistent and automated processes. Federated research: Single query search for multiple sources of public records data that saves hours of work and ensures greater relevance. Social footprint research: Scalable search that cross-references known data points with thousands of online profiles to uncover, validate, and resolve aliases to personal identities. Alternative social media: Data from increasing mis/disinformation and extremist activity on unmoderated platforms for emerging threats not visible on mainstream social media sources. Comprehensive, real-time public records and legal case data: Access to continuously expanding intelligence and business data from trusted sources through the Ontic Connected Ecosystem program.

ASIS International and the Security Industry Association (SIA) have closed out a successful second annual Security LeadHER conference, a unique event dedicated to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security profession. The sold-out event took place June 24-25, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together more than 400 security professionals from seven countries. Security LeadHER 2024 builds on the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural event, gathering attendees of all backgrounds and genders. This year’s conference – a day-and-a-half program featuring industry-pioneering subject matter expert presenters – offered inspiring keynotes, educational sessions and networking opportunities. The 2024 agenda featured a diverse range of presentations and discussions addressing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by women in the security industry. Keynote presentations Event also featured multiple networking breaks, a networking lunch and a lively evening reception Session topics included the power of authenticity in leadership, addressing and overcoming imposter syndrome, managing the multigenerational workplace, fostering male allyship in the security industry, negotiation tactics and more.  Additionally, attendees enjoyed motivating keynote presentations from Henna Pryor, two-time TEDx and global keynote speaker, workplace performance expert, author and executive coach at Pryority Group; Debby Stone, CEO and executive coach at Novateur Partners and Amanda McPherson, confidence coach and speaker. The event also featured multiple networking breaks, a networking lunch and a lively evening reception at The Duce, providing ample opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry pioneers. Security LeadHER conference “Following the tremendous success of our inaugural event, we’re thrilled to see Security LeadHER 2024 sell out with over 400 attendees from seven countries,” said Mary Gamble, Esq., MBA, CPP, chair of the ASIS Women in Security Community. “This partnership between ASIS and SIA has proven to be a catalytic force to develop and promote the success of women in the security industry and will have a positive impact for years to come.” “The second annual Security LeadHER conference was nothing short of spectacular. It was inspiring to see so many established and emerging women leaders in one room, and the energy was palpable,” said Alice DiSanto, vice president of global marketing at Rajant Corporation and chair of SIA’s Women in Security Forum. LeadHERs in security Amazing ward of “leadhers” donated to the Greater Phoenix Area by supporting Dress DiSanto added: “Our expert speakers addressed the most pressing personal and professional issues facing women in security and shared actionable tools and tactics for leadership development, collaboration and risk-taking to cultivate a bolder presence. This conference is unlike any other in our industry, and the 2024 event fostered connectedness, enriched lives and grew engagement among the ‘LeadHERs’ in security. We can’t wait to do it again next year!” As part of this year’s Security LeadHER conference, the amazing community of “leadhers” contributed to the Greater Phoenix Area by supporting Dress for Success Phoenix and the Bra Recyclers by accepting donations on-site during Security LeadHER 2024. Investment in Security LeadHER Event organisers SIA and ASIS are profoundly grateful for the generous support of the sponsors who have made Security LeadHER 2024 possible. Their commitment to advancing, connecting and empowering women in the security industry is truly commendable. These organisations are not just sponsors; they are catalysts for change in the industry, actively promoting diversity and inclusion. Their investment in Security LeadHER demonstrates a shared vision for a more equitable and dynamic security sector. Together, they are paving the way for the next generation of women pioneers in security. Sponsors include Premier Sponsors|Apple, Dorma Kaba, HID, Intel, Wesco, Executive Sponsors|Axis Communications, Salto, Securitas Technology, Partner + Bag Sponsor | Allegion, Partner Sponsors | Assa Abloy, Boon Edam, Genetec, GSA Schedules, Inc., i-Pro, Ontic and Sage Integration. Security LeadHER 2025 will be held June 9-10 in Detroit, Michigan.

Retaining top talent is a route to bring innovative ideas and creative solutions to a company. Talent drives product development, improves processes, and helps businesses stay ahead of the competition. In essence, retaining top talent is essential for businesses to remain competitive, innovative, and successful. Unfortunately, staffing shortages are a reality for many corporate players in the security industry, as well as throughout the business community. We asked this week's Expert Panelists: How can physical security organisations attract and retain top talent?

The Internet of Things (IoT) has revolutionised many industries, including physical security. By connecting physical devices to the internet, IoT technology offers significant enhancements to security systems. Benefits include real-time monitoring, remote access, and the utility of new devices such as temperature and humidity sensors. At the same time, IoT devices come with challenges, including greater cybersecurity vulnerability. We asked this week's Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the Internet of Things (IoT) impacting the physical security marketplace?  

By linking human resource (HR) systems to physical security, access control systems can automatically update permissions based on employee changes, such as promotions, terminations, or department transfers. In fact, connecting HR and information technology (IT) systems to physical security can provide many significant benefits in terms of access control, incident response, compliance, cost savings, and employee experience. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: How can organisations integrate physical security with other systems, such as IT and HR?