Open Options - Experts & Thought Leaders

Telaeris, Inc., a handheld solution provider for physical access control systems (PACS), has announced their new system integration with IDEMIA from the Security Essen event. Telaeris’s XPressEntry software is now available on IDEMIA’s ID Screen biometric tablets to offer gateless access control, entry / exit tracking, emergency evacuation mustering, and events and training attendance tracking for both commercial and government markets worldwide. “XPressEntry and ID Screen tablets together offer a mobile, modern and easy to implement solution that security and safety professionals need to help them keep any workplace safe and secure,” said Dr. David Carta, CEO of Telaeris. IDEMIA fingerprint identification IDEMIA fingerprint identification is widely used to add two-factor biometric identification to door access readers for secure government and commercial properties worldwide. Adding XPressEntry capabilities to the IDEMIA ID Screen, provides the ability to identify people with a wide variety of fingerprint authentication algorithms, including ISO 19794-2, ANSI/INCITS 378 and the native IDEMIA matcher. Closing the gap Security professionals moving on the ground need more than just radio communications to keep the workplace secure Workplace environments are dynamic and range in a variety of different shapes and sizes. Security and safety professionals are presented with dangers and threats that challenge them as they perform their jobs every day. Security professionals moving on the ground need more than just radio communications to keep the workplace secure. Safety professionals need more than paper rosters at assembly areas to quickly account for everyone after an emergency evacuation has been completed. IDEMIA’s ID Screen biometric tablets and XPressEntry together help to close these gaps. Software capabilities XPressEntry software embedded in ID Screen biometric tablets can verify identity and permissions with badges or biometrics, recording entries / exits where door readers are not practical, quickly muster employees during an emergency evacuation streamlining OSHA / regulatory evacuation guidelines and much more. Validate permissions and authenticate credentials against the identity information on record in the access control database for enhanced physical security and maintain facility occupancy information. XPressEntry provides valuable information stored in the access control system onto ID Screen tablets to be utilized anywhere by security and safety professionals. Software integration XPressEntry and ID Screen tablets together offer a mobile, modern and easy to implement solution “I am very pleased to have XPressEntry software add value to IDEMIA biometric tablets,” said Dr. David Carta, Telaeris CEO, adding “IDEMIA is a leader in biometric validation and by integrating with the ID Screen and IDEMIA’s advanced fingerprint technology, we are able to provide customers with a fantastic mobile method to quickly authenticate employees.” He continues, “With the volume of employees, contractors and visitors going in-and-out of workplaces every day, XPressEntry and ID Screen tablets together offer a mobile, modern and easy to implement solution that security and safety professionals need to help them keep any workplace safe and secure.” Most access control integrations XPressEntry proudly leads the industry with the most access control integrations including AMAG, Apollo, Avigilon, Bosch, Brivo, Dormakaba, DSX, Galaxy, Gallagher, Genetec, Honeywell (WIN-PAK, Pro-Watch and EBI), ICT, IDenticard, IDentiv, LenelS2 (NetBox and OnGuard), Matrix, MAXXESS, Nedap, Open Options, PACOM, Paxton, RS2, Siemens, Spica, Suprema, TKH Security, Tyco (Kantech and Software House) and Vanderbilt (ACTpro and SMS). Other XPressEntry supported use cases include time and attendance, managing confined spaces, workplace health screening, bus entry validation, guest/visitor tracking, remote parking, mobile enrollment and more.

LENSEC, a pioneer in video management software, announced a partnership with Open Options to provide flexibility and greater efficiency when combining Perspective VMS® and DNA Fusion™ access control software. The integration between PVMS software by LENSEC and DNA Fusion access control from Open Options enables users to control doors by issuing access control commands to locks and devices. From the video management software, users can manage access points from the map module or the camera viewer module, or by incorporating automated logic workflows from Perspective VMS.  PVMS pulls event information from DNA Fusion and can import Open Options devices from the access control configuration database. Video of Access control event Video of the access control event can be extracted, shared internally, and downloaded as watermarked evidence With the integration, access control events are searchable in Perspective VMS. Events may be associated with security video and tagged as they occur. Events are also found in PVMS transaction history reports, allowing system administrators to filter and search for activity, such as cardholder access, invalid entries, doors forced open, and more. The associated video improves the record with visual verification.  Video of the access control event can be extracted, shared internally, and downloaded as watermarked evidence for law enforcement or third parties. Integration technology “We are excited about our partnership with Open Options,” said Michael Trask, Director of Sales, North America of LENSEC. “Close integrations with third-party systems are how LENSEC achieves beneficial results for joint customers. With this integration, end users now have a way for security operators to make quick and solid decisions and to mitigate risk better and faster than before.” “Today’s modern enterprises require integrated solutions to make the most of their technology investments,” said Chuck O’Leary, Senior Vice President, Americas, ACRE Access Control. LENSEC software engineers will continue to develop additional integrations with technology partners and to make PVMS an outstanding choice for security deployments. Close integration with third-party systems is how LENSEC achieves beneficial results for joint customers.

LENSEC, the provider of IP-based video surveillance management, announces the release of its perspective VMS Version 4.4.1 that will provide users access to integrations with intrusion, access control, and video surveillance companies and the ability to pair critical video data with input sensors from access control and intrusion detection platforms. In consecutive months, LENSEC has released Version 4.4.0 and 4.4.1 to allow customers access to a broad array of new features and integrations within its Unified Security Management Platform. Security management platform Perspective VMS® (PVMS) is the central component of a security management platform, allowing users to access critical security and business operations data via a video-centric interface, pairing live or archived video data feeds with various integrated security or building automation components. The releases of PVMS 4.4 allows users access to new and/or improved integrations with DMP The releases of PVMS 4.4 allows users access to new and/or improved integrations with DMP (Intrusion and Access Control), Open Options’ DNA Fusion Access Control, CredoID Access Control, RS2 Access It! Access Control, and Axis Body Worn Camera Systems. The PVMS 4.4 release also introduces new methods of archive video playback leveraging WebAssembly (Wasm) for large megapixel cameras with higher frame rates, allowing for faster archive playback and review. Several user interface modifications were made as well to improve the overall user experience for novice and advanced users. A complete list of features can be found on LENSEC’s website. Additional body cameras “PVMS 4.4.x allows users an improved opportunity to take advantage of integrated sub-systems, pairing critical video data with input sensors from various access control platforms and intrusion detection,” says LENSEC’s Chief Product Officer, Jeff Kellick. “Of note, the integration with the Axis Body Worn Camera system is a huge benefit to districts or municipalities leveraging video evidence on behalf of their officers and staff with the ability for retrieval and review directly within Perspective VMS.” “This integration also allows for a combination of evidence data points within a single interface. Along with the body camera video, users or operators have side-by-side (synchronised) access to additional body cameras, fixed cameras, PTZ cameras, audio, as well as integrated sensor data, all of which allows for a more complete investigation of events.” Perspective VMS® Version 4.4 is available for download now. Existing users can contact their systems integrators for support or upgrades of their current version.

Consolidation is a dominant trend in the security marketplace. Large companies typically swallow up smaller companies as a means of expanding both their technology portfolios and their geographic reach. Sometimes a big fish is swallowed up by an even bigger fish.   Despite the pandemic and resulting economic challenges, the security market has continued to be a desirable environment for both big players and startups, which then provide abundant acquisition targets for the larger companies. Acquisitions of Motorola Motorola Solutions has been among the most acquisitive of the larger players, recently adding several smaller companies to their growing portfolio. Just this year, Motorola has acquired Ava Security, a video security and analytics company; Calipsa, another analytics company; and Videotec, an Italian provider of ruggedized video solutions for critical infrastructure applications. Video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations while supporting customers In one announcement, Motorola chairman and CEO Greg Brown stated the goal of acquisitions is “to support our customers’ evolving security needs by expanding our portfolio of intelligent video solutions that help to enhance safety and streamline operations.” Previously, Motorola Solutions acquired Envysion, a video analytics company for the retail market. On the access control side, Motorola acquired Openpath Security, a cloud-based, mobile access control provider, in 2021. Motorola entered the video surveillance business back in 2018 with the acquisition of Avigilon for around $1 billion. Also now a part of Motorola are IndigoVision and Pelco, among others. ACRE's mergers and acquisition Another company active in the mergers and acquisition market has been ACRE (Access Control Related Enterprises). The company began with a spinoff from Ingersoll Rand in 2012 to become Vanderbilt Industries. As ACRE, the parent company has been active both in acquisitions and divestitures over the next decade. Vanderbilt grew with the acquisition of Siemens’ Security Products in 2015. ACRE owned Mercury Security, a manufacturer of OEM hardware used by access control companies, from 2013 until it was sold to HID Global in 2017. The acquisition of Razberi enhances the ComNet portfolio while providing complementary technologies ACRE’s more recent access control acquisitions are RS2 Technologies (in 2019), Open Options (2018), Feenics (2021), and Matrix Systems (2021). They acquired ComNet, a manufacturer of video and data transmission equipment, in 2016. The acquisition of Razberi (in 2020) enhances the ComNet portfolio and provides complementary technologies to the access control brands. Acquisition of ACRE ACRE itself was acquired by European investment firm Triton in 2021, and Joseph Grillo, the company’s founder and CEO, announced his retirement in 2022. His knowledge of the security and access control markets helped to drive the company’s growth, including 11 successful acquisitions in all. Securitas acquiring Stanley Security  The acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry Stanley Security has also made headlines. In December 2021, Securitas signed an agreement to acquire the Electronic Security Business from Stanley Black & Decker for $3.2 billion in cash. Securitas President and CEO Magnus Ahlqvist says, “the acquisition of Stanley Security is transformational for both Securitas and the security industry.” Allegion plc, global security products and solutions provider, later signed an agreement to acquire Stanley Access Technologies and assets related to the automatic entrance solutions business from Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. for $900 million. Acquisition by HID Global, ADT Inc. & Allied Universal HID Global has acquired Vizinex RFID, thus increasing its presence and relevance in key vertical markets, including healthcare/medical, manufacturing, oil and gas, data centres, etc. and adding a key technology to HID Global’s RFID tag portfolio. ADT Inc. recently expanded its geographic reach with the acquisition of Key-Rite Security, a locally owned and operated security provider specializing in access control, surveillance, intrusion, and intercom systems in Colorado and for customers across the United States. Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company Allied Universal has acquired Star Protection Agency, the largest Hawaiian-owned and veteran-owned security company in the state. Although Star is primarily a guard patrol service, with workers at 125 sites throughout the state, it provides a range of security technology and consulting services. Internationally, Allied Universal continues its strategic growth with the acquisition of Attenti Group, an electronic monitoring company. Allied Universal will integrate Attenti Group with G4S Monitoring Technologies, to create Allied Universal Electronic Monitoring Services. SALTO Systems making acquisition news Also internationally, SALTO Systems has made acquisition news by investing in Bluefield Smart Access, thus strengthening their portfolio of access control solutions. SALTO Systems is a manufacturer of electronic access control and operating system solutions, designed to provide a seamless, keyless and mobile experience for modern buildings. Also joining the SALTO Group is Cognitec Systems, a face recognition company. The goal is to strengthen their research, development and market reach while working with SALTO on new technologies for expanding biometric markets. SALTO strategically selected Cognitec Systems to meet market requests for adding face recognition and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to the company’s electronic access control and ticketing solutions. Acquisitions by MOBOTIX and Resideo Technologies  Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products Further, on the international scene, MOBOTIX has reached an agreement to acquire Vaxtor Group, Tres Cantos, Spain, an artificial intelligence (AI) based video analytics provider, specializing in Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Deep Learning technologies. On the residential system's front, Resideo Technologies, Inc. entered into an agreement to acquire First Alert, Inc., a provider of home safety products, from Newell Brands Inc. for $593 million in an all-cash transaction. Established in 1969 and based in Aurora, Illinois, First Alert offers a strong omnichannel presence serving end-users directly through retail and e-commerce channels and professional contractors through relationships with distributors and home builders.

Topics that dominated our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable articles in 2021 included the effects of COVID-19, the benefits of mobile access, the upcoming potential of deep learning, and the future of access control cards. Our website’s Expert Panel Roundtable discussions in 2021 reflected some of the most timely and important topics in the industry. The very most clicked-on Expert Panel Roundtable discussion in 2021 considered the positive and negative effects of COVID-19. The second most popular was trends in perimeter security technology. Smart video solutions Here is a roundup of the Top 10 Expert Panel Roundtable discussions posted in 2021, along with a ‘sound bite’ from each discussion and links back to the full articles. Thanks to everyone who contributed to Expert Panel Roundtable in 2021 (including the quotable panelists named and linked below). The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising" What are the positive and negative effects of COVID-19 to security? “The pandemic has impacted security in many ways, some we are just now realising. On the negative side, integrators were limited in their ability to access customer locations, posing significant challenges to supporting customers. Innovation was also halted in many sectors – such as AI and edge computing in healthcare. However, the pandemic increased awareness regarding the need for smart solutions that can aid in these types of crises. Smart video solutions have been identified repeatedly in the media as a potential pathway to better customer experience and increased safety.” – Alexander Harlass. Reducing false alarms What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology? “What’s really important in perimeter security is the minimisation of false alarms, not simply the potential detection of what might be an unauthorised person or object. In light of that, many systems now include alarm validation that can confirm an alarm event using a camera. The utilisation of AI-based technologies can further validate the accuracy of the alarm, making it as accurate and precise as possible. I anticipate seeing more cross-technological integrations to reduce false alarms, so that personnel in an alarm center spend as little time as possible in validating an alarm.” – Leo Levit. What will be the biggest security trends in 2021? “2021 will see artificial intelligence (AI) become more mainstream. There will be increased deployment in edge devices, including cameras, thermographic cameras, radar and LIDAR sensors, entry point readers, etc. Additional algorithms will be developed, greatly expanding the use and function as video surveillance transitions from a forensic tool to real-time analytics. This increases the value of these systems and helps create ROI cases for their deployment.” – Tim Brooks. Access control solutions Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated" What will be the security industry’s biggest challenge in 2021? “The security industry is traditional in the sense that it relies heavily on face-to-face interaction to do business with customers and partners alike. COVID-19 has put a hold on in-person meetings, trade shows, etc., and this trend is likely to extend throughout 2021. Virtually recreating these personal touchpoints, while cultivating and strengthening internal and external relationships, will continue to be both a challenge and opportunity for the security industry. Investments in tools and platforms to drive digital interactions have accelerated.” – Robert Moore. What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control? “Mobile access control solutions are an exciting innovation in a market where the day-to-day user experience hasn’t changed much in the last 20 years. One area that has clear benefits and challenges is in improving the user experience. On one hand, physical credentials are expensive and a hassle to administer; however, they work reliably, quickly, and predictably. Mobile credentials are convenient in that everyone already has a smartphone, and you don’t have to admin or carry cards; however, when you’re actually standing at the door they need to work as well or better than physical credentials, or the benefits are lost.” – Brian Lohse. Attacking critical infrastructure What are the security challenges of protecting critical infrastructure? “It seems so often we hear about a new threat or cyber-attack in the news. Because of the rapid growth in technology over the last few years, cybercriminals are getting bolder and discovering new ways to attack critical infrastructure. One of the biggest challenges boils down to the capabilities of the operating security system and whether the organisation is aware of the current risks they face. Because there are so many points of entry for cybercriminals to target within critical infrastructure, it is vital that the security solution be prepared for attacks at every level.” – Charles (Chuck) O’Leary. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces" Which security technologies will be useful in a post-pandemic world? “People have become more sensitised to crowds and personal space. They are more aware when they make physical contact with doors and interfaces. As the pandemic subsides, these habits will likely remain for a majority of people." "Utilising AI-based cameras to accurately monitor the number of people in a room or in a queue will enable staff to take action to improve the customer experience. For example, AI-based analytics can quickly notify security or operations when people are waiting at a door and initiate 2-way audio for touchless access.” – Aaron Saks. Central monitoring station What is the potential of deep learning in physical security and surveillance? “Deep learning, a subset of artificial intelligence, enables networks to train themselves to perform speech, voice, and image recognition tasks." In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure" "In video surveillance, these networks learn to make predictions through highly repetitive exposure to images of humans and vehicles from a camera feed. That ability is ideal for use with drones patrolling perimeters seeking anomalies or in software that significantly reduces the number of false alarms reported to central monitoring station operators. Through use, the software continues improving its accuracy.” – Brian Baker. Valuable audit trail How soon will access control cards become extinct and why? “Access control cards will go the way of the dinosaur, but they still have some life left in them. For the short term, they have plenty of utility in minimum security use cases and leave a valuable audit trail. But for companies that are more technology-centric, particularly those with high value assets, we’re seeing demand for next-generation access control, which includes increased integration with video surveillance systems and professional monitoring services.” – Sean Foley. Which security markets are embracing touchless and contactless systems? “Touchless technology is not a new trend, but contactless systems and transactions have surged since the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the pandemic is over, it is likely public perception of what is hygienic and acceptable in public spaces will have changed. [We are] seeing an uptick in touchless access control systems in the education and flexible office space markets.” – Brooke Grigsby.

The idea of touchless systems has gained new levels of prominence during the last year, driven by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Contactless systems have been part of the industry’s toolbox for decades, while technologies like facial and iris recognition are finding new uses every day. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Which security markets are embracing touchless, contactless systems and why?