PSA Security Network- Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) – with support from PSA – has released the “Secure Your Future” Security Industry Careers Guide, a helpful resource offering insights on the security industry, job types, pathways, and employers and how to prepare for a security career. Informative, enriching tool “As someone who didn’t originally plan to work in security but has now been happily in the industry for over 20 years, I can tell you what an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling field this is,” said SIA Board of Directors Chair Scott Dunn, senior director of business development, Americas, at Axis Communications. “Often, when speaking with other pioneers, I find that they, too, stumbled into security, but with this new guide, we are hoping to change that trend so that prospective talent is actively seeking out the many exciting career opportunities there are in this industry. This informative, enriching tool will help our increasingly diverse workforce better navigate their own personal career journeys and foster their professional growth.” Guide features The robust guide features detailed information on: The mission, scope, and market value of the security industry. The security ecosystem, including the types of organisations offering employment in the industry. Jobs and career paths in security – including educational requirements, day-to-day responsibilities, compensation, work-life balance, and opportunities for advancement. programmes and pathways for entering the industry, include degrees, internships, apprenticeships, certifications, scholarships, learning resources, and alternative pathways. Networking and employment opportunities in security. Additionally, the guide shares an array of stories and testimonials from professionals and pioneers in security, highlighting their careers, experiences, and perspectives. Security Industry Careers Guide “SIA is proud to collaborate with PSA on the Security Industry Careers Guide – an informative, compelling, and impactful resource to help professionals and students discover the dynamic, innovative, and fulfilling career opportunities our industry has to offer,” said SIA CEO Don Erickson. “Having a career in security means playing an active role in protecting people, their privacy and information, and critical infrastructure." Well-paid, high-growth opportunities "This guide shares invaluable insights on the meaningful, well-paid, high-growth opportunities available in our industry, the security landscape, how prospective talent can sharpen their skills and prepare to enter the workforce, and how organisations like SIA and PSA can help." "We are committed to growing the next-generation security workforce and supporting people as they embark on and progress in their careers, and this guide will be immensely useful to both job seekers and our industry.” Bringing awareness “We were thrilled to partner with the Security Industry Association and the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent on the Security Industry Careers Guide,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “In a world where safety is paramount, our industry provides an abundance of exciting opportunities to secure futures. This guide highlights the diverse career paths available and will help bring awareness to the industry as a whole.” Outreach efforts SIA invites the industry to join in its outreach efforts to technical schools, colleges, and universities through the Security Workforce Ambassador programme. SIA member companies are invited to help users connect with students and career services departments and inspire the next generation of security professionals. To support these outreach efforts, sign up and download the ambassador letter template.  Coming soon are: A career video showcasing exciting career opportunities in the security industry, Guidance on how to partner with career service departments to promote jobs and recruit students, and Tips for recruiting student-athletes.

The PSA Network (PSA), the world's largest consortium of professional systems integrators, will host its annual convention October 14–17 in Marco Island, Florida, at the JW Marriott Beach Resort. The event is exclusive to PSA's network of security integration members and owners. Attendees will travel from across the country to attend top-tier education sessions, network with peers and participate in planned excursions in paradise. PSA Convention 2024 “Our team has worked hard to ensure PSA Convention 2024 is an exceptional event,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of PSA. “From the educational lineup to the networking opportunities, PSA members will be impressed. We cannot wait to see the impactful conversations and collaborations that will emerge.”  Data-driven insights Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce will assign attendees with data-driven insights to cut the noise Josh Linkner will headline PSA Convention with his keynote address on how small, everyday innovations can drive oversized results. In this inspiring, timely and high-impact keynote, Linkner will show attendees how to de-risk the creative process, build the capacity to unlock breakthrough transformations and gain the creative confidence to take responsible risks. Likewise, economists Jeremy Bess and Patrick Luce will empower attendees with data-driven insights to cut through the noise. The presentation will connect the microeconomic dynamics of the security markets with the core economic phenomena that PSA integrators deal with every day. Key technology partners Another excellent dynamic of PSA Convention is the opportunity for integrators to make personal connections with key technology partners. Sponsors of this year's event include: Aiphone Ai-RGUS AirSight Altronix AMAG Technoogy Arxys ASSA ABLOY BCD Bosch Security and Safety Systems ComNet by acre security Digital Watchdog Hanwha Vision HID IML Security Solutions LenelS2 Pelco SECLOCK Snellings Walters Velasea VICON Windy City Wire Zenitel Zitko If they are a PSA member interested in attending PSA Convention 2024, visit the PSA Convention website. Registration includes a three-night hotel stay if they register before September 23. 

The PSA Network, the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announced the addition of Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company, to its technology partner roster. SDS offers Active Shooter Intelligence, a comprehensive solution that combines next-generation sensors, advanced situational awareness software and seamless data integration with 911 services. SDS was added to the PSA Network as a part of its commitment to providing the best security solutions to its members and owners. With a long history of pioneering work in gunshot detection, SDS engineers started with military applications and have continued to innovate, producing award-winning commercial products that attract new customers year after year. Active Shooter Intelligence capabilities Certification underscores SDS's commitment to delivering top-tier security solutions “SDS brings the only indoor gunshot detection system with Active Shooter Intelligence capabilities to our network,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “This partnership is a valuable addition to our portfolio, equipping our members with advanced and dependable security tools to meet the diverse needs of clients, from small businesses to large companies.” SDS stands out with its SAFETY Act Certification from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for indoor gunshot detection. This certification underscores SDS's commitment to delivering top-tier security solutions that meet the highest standards of safety and reliability. Integrating SDS’s proven technology "We are thrilled to announce our partnership with SDS, a pioneer in innovative safety technology," said Brittany Board, director of technology partners of the PSA Network. "Integrating SDS’s proven technology into our product offerings marks a significant step forward in safeguarding our schools and workplaces." From May 28 through July 31, PSA integrators can purchase the required SDS starter training kit using PSA Training Bucks. Gunshot detection technology “We are delighted to join the PSA Network, aligning with our mission to make our technology accessible to organisations of all sizes,” said Rich Onofrio, CTO for Shooter Detection Systems. “In the rapidly expanding gunshot detection market, PSA members can now leverage our pioneering solution to meet increasing customer demand for dependable gunshot detection technology.” PSA offers solutions from pioneering security and audio-visual manufacturers.

Early in the pandemic, before the mechanisms of COVID spread were clearly understood, there was talk about the disease being transmitted through contact with surfaces. Such concerns created a windfall for manufacturers of hand sanitizer, and broadly changed the perceived risks of touching surfaces, perhaps forever. Touching the same surface as hundreds of other people suddenly became less desirable, thus boosting the fortunes of “touchless” access control and security devices. But will the concerns persist in the aftermath of the pandemic? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: Will 2022 be the year for “touchless” security? Why or why not?

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.

We are several weeks into 2021, and it is already shaping up to be an eventful year. The happenings and trends from 2020 will likely carry over into the new year, but in a fast-moving industry such as ours, there will also be additional trends to watch. Looking toward the year ahead, we asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What will be the biggest security trends in 2021?