Qognify - Experts & Thought Leaders

Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division announced Qognify, a pioneering provider of physical security solutions, has officially adopted the Hexagon corporate identity and fully integrated into the division as the physical security business unit. Following the acquisition of Qognify by Hexagon in April 2023, this event marks a new era in physical security and public safety innovation, enabling customers to safeguard their assets, infrastructure and communities. Hexagon’s wider portfolio The combined strength of these products and Hexagon’s wider portfolio, including public safety More than 4,000 organisations worldwide depend on Qognify’s powerful video management software and physical security information management solutions. The combined strength of these products and Hexagon’s wider portfolio, including public safety solutions that help to protect one billion people, provides customers more options to increase situational awareness, streamline operations and mitigate risks. Many organisations from both the private and public sectors are already using Qognify physical security solutions in combination with other Hexagon solutions, creating a powerful ecosystem of technologies. Advantage of Hexagon’s position Mladen Stojic, President of Government, Transportation, Defence and Security at Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division states: “By rebranding and integrating Qognify into Hexagon, we are fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration. It will enable us to deliver cutting-edge technologies that will redefine the future of physical security and public safety. As one, we will unlock synergies for enhanced capabilities, bring added value to customers and expand our reach into additional markets.” Hexagon will continue to leverage the strong global partner network established by Qognify, providing partners the opportunity to take advantage of Hexagon’s position as a worldwide technology pioneer. Partners can tap into new business areas, as well as serve existing clients with a truly holistic solution set from a single trusted source. Hexagon’s physical security solutions Hexagon is also committed to progressing the VMS upgrade program. The program enables customers of Qognify’s Ocularis and NiceVision products to move to Qognify VMS and benefit from new, advanced capabilities. Customers and partners will have the opportunity to experience Hexagon’s physical security solutions and explore its wider portfolio of technologies at events around the world, including Hexagon LIVE EMEA in Wiesbaden, Germany, and ISC West in Las Vegas.

Qognify, part of Hexagon, a provider of video and incident management solutions announced Qognify VMS 7.4. The latest version of its enterprise-class video management software (VMS) gives organisations greater operational flexibility and video availability, inside and outside the control room. Qognify Web Client A standout component of Qognify VMS 7.4 is the new Qognify Web Client. Built from the ground up, it leverages the latest streaming technology and places exceptional live viewing, playback, and investigation capabilities in the hands of the people who need it, whether on patrol, off-site, or in the control room. Its highly secure, modern user interface can be accessed via standard browsers on various platforms, delivering optimal performance and low latency, to enable faster and more efficient and informed decision-making. QogniFinder QogniFinder supports metadata streams from Axis and Bosch cameras and through a new suite of AI-based video analytics Incident response and investigations are also accelerated through improvements to the forensic search tool QogniFinder, which supports metadata streams from Axis and Bosch cameras, as well as through a new suite of AI-based video analytics. Powered by SAIMOS® technology and available for purchase alongside Qognify VMS 7.4, these include perimeter security, counting, object detection, fire/smoke detection, face recognition, and gender/age analysis. Benefits of Qognify VMS 7.4 As more organisations currently using other VMS solutions from Qognify discover the specific benefits of Qognify VMS 7.4, new powerful upgrade tools are available to simplify and accelerate the migration of large systems with multiple management servers. “Qognify VMS 7.4 is a truly world-class VMS,” said Sunil Mudholkar, Global Head of Product for Video and Incident Management Solutions at Qognify. Managing video operations Sunil Mudholkar adds, "Our new Web Client responds to the flexibility organisations need when managing their video operations. And big improvements in our migration tools make it easier than ever for our legacy system customers to move to the most advanced VMS we have ever delivered." Qognify VMS 7.4 is available now worldwide. 

Active Intelligence, the pioneer of AI-powered anomaly detection software for physical security, is excited to announce that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Convergint Technologies, LLC, the security industry’s premier systems integrator, as an authorised reseller of the Company’s AI-powered Video Anomaly Detection solution, ASTRA. Convergint is a global systems integration partner for Active Intelligence and will be offering ASTRA internationally. Real-time detection Since its announcement in 2022, ASTRA has continued to gain industry recognition due to its unique ability to detect virtually any anomaly within a scene, in real-time, without the need for pre-configured rules. This makes the highly cost-effective and proactive anomaly detection solution ideal for mainstream physical security and business intelligence applications. ASTRA’s Video anomaly detection “We are extremely pleased to enter into a partnership with Convergint. It provides new and existing Convergint customers with access to ASTRA’s Video anomaly detection and the impressive benefits it offers,” said Jordan Heilweil, Active Intelligence’s Chief Revenue Officer. “Convergint’s support of ASTRA lends testimony to its proof of performance for deployment in a wide range of applications across multiple markets.” Proactive physical security technology ASTRA allows for hundreds of video streams to efficiently run on modest hardware A breakthrough in proactive physical security technology, ASTRA delivers real-time AI-powered anomaly detection without any bias or human judgment for a virtually unlimited number of security, safety, compliance, and commercial/industrial applications. A highly cost-effective solution, ASTRA allows for hundreds of video streams to efficiently run on modest hardware, significantly reducing the cost of implementation compared to conventional video analytics software. Ease of deployment The lightweight application also has minimal impact on the user’s network. For ease of deployment, ASTRA integrates with the industry’s video management system (VMS) platforms, including Milestone XProtect, Genetec Security Centre, and Qognify Ocularis requiring minimal operator training and leveraging the existing VMS GUI.

The sale of Carrier’s Global Access Solutions to Honeywell in December amounted to a dramatic finish to a big year in 2023 for mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the physical security market. In the transaction between two industry giants, Honeywell sought to enhance and strengthen its building automation capabilities with the acquisition of Carrier’s Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion, in an all-cash transaction. Honeywell acquires Carrier Access business  The acquisition, which includes both hardware and software solutions, will mean a new corporate owner for the LenelS2 brand, a pioneering business for over 25 years in commercial and enterprise access solutions, including well-known offerings Onguard and Netbox. In addition, the acquisition covers the Onity brand of electronic locks, including hospitality access, mobile credentials, and self-storage access; and the Supra brand of cloud-based electronic real estate lockboxes.  ADT sells commercial business, which rebrands as Everon  ADT Inc. announced the sale of its commercial security, fire, and life safety business unit to GTCR ADT Inc., another industry giant and a trusted brand in smart home and small business security, announced the sale of its commercial security, fire, and life safety business unit to GTCR, a private equity firm, for a purchase price of $1.6 billion.  ADT Commercial, a security integrator and premier provider of commercial security, fire, and life safety in the United States, announced that it will move forward as a standalone organisation and rebrand as Everon.  Bosch to sell building technologies products  Bosch Building Technologies announced in 2023 that it is realigning its Building Technologies division to focus solely on its regional integrator business, with solutions and services for building security, energy efficiency, and building automation. Therefore, Bosch plans to sell most of the Building Technologies division’s product business. At year-end, Bosch was seeking a buyer who would take on all three business units with their associates and locations. This includes the Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication business units, and affects some 4,300 associates at more than 90 locations worldwide. Building its integrator business earlier in 2023, Bosch announced the acquisition of Paladin Technologies, Inc., headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, a provider of security and life safety solutions and system integration services in North America. Motorola acquires IPVideo, creator of HALO Sensor In another deal emerging late in 2023, Motorola Solutions acquired IPVideo Corp., Bay Shore, N.Y., the creator of the HALO Smart Sensor, an all-in-one intelligent sensor that detects real-time health and safety threats. The powerful capabilities of the HALO sensor extend Motorola’s end-to-end physical security offering by integrating a non-video threat detection product into the safety and security ecosystem. IDIS acquires Costar Technologies  Costar has a sales channel of over 100 distributors and 1,000 systems integrators across the U.S. Korean video manufacturer IDIS and U.S. company Costar Video Systems had enjoyed a long-term existing ODM (original design manufacturer) relationship, and approximately 60% of Costar Video products were already made by IDIS. Therefore, it made sense when IDIS Co., Ltd. and Costar Technologies Inc. announced an agreement and plan to merge, with IDIS acquiring Costar. Leveraging Costar's established distribution networks and sales channels in the U.S. gives a significant boost to IDIS' growth strategy, which is founded on building long-term relationships with systems integrators. Costar has a sales channel of over 100 distributors and 1,000 systems integrators across the U.S. that will benefit from IDIS’ NDAA-compliant and 100% Korean-made technology. SECOM invests in Brivo and Eagle Eye  Eagle Eye Networks, a cloud video surveillance company, and Brivo, a provider of cloud-based access control and smart space technologies, announced one of the largest investments to date in cloud physical security in 2023.  SECOM CO., LTD, based in Japan and one of the largest security integration companies in the world, has made a primary equity investment of $192 million in the two companies, $100 million in Eagle Eye Networks, and $92 million in Brivo. $100M primary equity investment Brivo will also use the additional investment to continue expanding in Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific Eagle Eye Networks, a global pioneer in cloud video surveillance, announced it will use the $100M primary equity investment to expand its suite of AI-powered products, fund geographic expansion, and enhance its enterprise features.  Brivo will use the investment to grow sales and marketing, accelerate product development scale support and operational functions, and evaluate strategic acquisitions. Brivo will also use the additional investment to continue expanding in Europe, Latin America, and Asia Pacific, and enhance the smart spaces and AI functionality in the Brivo Access Platform.  ACRE buys PremiSys Portfolio  ACRE, a security company built on acquisitions, is continuing to broaden its portfolio and serve the expanding needs of its customer base. In 2023, ACRE acquired the PremiSys software and hardware portfolio and assets from IDenticard.  PremiSys’ technologies enable organisations to self-manage door access and view integrated video and lockdown facilities. The acquisition extends opportunities for ACRE in healthcare, education, data centers, and senior living facilities.  Qognify is a part of Hexagon  Qognify extends Hexagon’s real-time monitoring and security reach to detect, assess, and respond Qognify, a provider of video (VMS) and enterprise incident management (EIM) solutions announced that it has become a part of Hexagon. Qognify joins the Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division of Hexagon, following the completion of its acquisition originally announced on Dec. 19, 2022.  Qognify extends Hexagon’s real-time monitoring and security reach to detect, assess, and respond to incidents, providing a more robust offering. ASSA ABLOY continues acquisition trend  ASSA ABLOY continued to acquire companies in 2023 to strengthen its position in mature markets by adding complementary products and solutions to the core business. Among the companies acquired in 2023 were Ghost Controls, a U.S. supplier of automated residential gate openers, and Securitech Group, a manufacturer of high-security mechanical and electronic door hardware products in the U.S.  Door and fencing ASSA ABLOY also acquired Leone Fence, a Canadian manufacturer, distributor, and installer of fencing products for commercial and residential applications, and Lawrence Hardware and Gallery Specialty, providers of commercial hinges, locksets, exit devices, and door hardware accessories in Canada. Another new acquisition is Inovadoor Portas Industriais Ltda, a Brazilian manufacturer of sectional and high-speed doors.  Earlier in 2023, ASSA ABLOY completed the acquisition of Spectrum Brands’ Hardware and Home Improvement division and the divestment of Emtek and the Smart Residential business in the U.S. and Canada to Fortune Brands.

Perimeter security is the first line of defence against intruders entering a business or premises. Traditionally associated with low-tech options such as fencing, the field of perimeter security has expanded in recent years and now encompasses a range of high-tech options. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the latest trends in perimeter security technology?

Two of the most familiar names in the physical security market – Pelco and Panasonic – underwent ownership changes during 2019. Consolidation continued on multiple other fronts. Security service companies, video companies and access control companies were all among the entities involved in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity during the last 12 months. In short, the industry landscape continues to transform in response to a changing market. Here's a look at the Top 10 M&A stories in 2019: 1. Pelco acquired by private equity firm Transom Capital Pelco Inc. was acquired in May by Transom Capital Group, a private equity firm, from Schneider Electric. Since the acquisition, Transom Capital has been working with Pelco’s management and employees to define and direct the next chapter of the iconic company. Pelco maintains its headquarters in Fresno, Calif., and has a presence in Fort Collins, Colo., near Denver, and a sales office in the New York area, not to mention many global employees who work remotely. 2. Panasonic spins of security business Electronics giant Panasonic sold off 80% of its video surveillance business to a private equity firm but is retaining 20%, and the new company will continue to use the well-known Panasonic brand. The move is aimed at reinvigorating a business challenged by competition from Chinese companies and lower video prices. Polaris Capital Group Co. acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of the new security systems business. 3. Qognify acquires OnSSI and SeeTec 2019 began with the acquisition of IP video management software (VMS) company On-Net Surveillance Systems (OnSSI), including SeeTec in Europe. Backed by the global investment firm Battery Ventures, Qognify completed the acquisition in the final days of 2018. With Qognify, OnSSI and SeeTec operating under one umbrella, the company provides VMS, video analytics, PSIM and critical incident management for mid-market and enterprise organizations. 4. Busy year for acquisitions at Allied Universal Security services company Allied Universal had an active year in acquisitions, beginning in April with the acquisition of integration company Securadyne Systems in Dallas. There was an additional acquisition announced in each of the next four months: Point 2 Point Global Security, Dallas, in May; security services company Cypress Private Security in June, services company Shetler Security Services in July , and Midstate Security in August. Allied Universal announced two more acquisitions in November – low-voltage integrator Advent Systems Inc. in Chicago and Vinson Guard Service in Louisiana. Also in November, Allied announced a transformational merger with SOS Security. In December, Allied Universal acquired APG Security, South Amboy, N.J. 5. Motorola continues video push with VaaS acquisition Following its acquisition of Avigilon in 2018, Motorola Solutions continued to build its presence in the security market in 2019 with the acquisition of VaaS International Holdings, Inc. (VaaS), a data and image analytics company. Motorola Solutions paid $445 million in a combination of cash and equity for the company, which includes fixed and mobile license plate reader cameras driven by machine learning and artificial intelligence. 6. ACRE acquires access control companies Open Options and RS2 Open Options is an open architecture access control company headquartered in Addison, Texas; and RS2 is an open systems access control provider in Munster, Ind. ACRE, global provider of security systems, wrapped up acquisition of both firms in 2019, after announcing the Open Options deal in the waning days of 2018 and following it up with the RS2 announcement in the spring. ACRE’s portfolio now consists of Vanderbilt, Open Options, RS2 and ComNet. 7. Assa Abloy expands capabilities with LifeSafety Power Lock and access control giant ASSA ABLOY acquired LifeSafety Power in September, providing a complement to the access control portfolio. The plan is to incorporate LifeSafety Power’s knowledge of power supply and consumption throughout the ASSA ABLOY access control line. LifeSafety Power was established in 2009 and has some 65 employees. The main office is located in Libertyville, Illinois. 8. Distributor Anixter going private and selling to CD&R Anixter International Inc., a distributor of network and security solutions, electrical and electronic solutions and utility power solutions, entered into a definitive agreement with an affiliate of Clayton, Dubilier & Rice (CD&R) to be acquired in an all cash transaction valued at approximately $3.8 billion. The transaction will result in Anixter becoming a private company and is expected to close by the end of the first quarter of 2020. Under the terms of the merger agreement, CD&R-managed funds will acquire all the outstanding shares of Anixter common stock for $81.00 per share in cash. (It has been reported that a new bidder has also emerged, although Anixter is resisting – stay tuned.) 9. Alarm.com expands commercial offering with OpenEye acquisition Alarm.com has announced a majority-stake acquisition of OpenEye, a provider of cloud-managed video surveillance solutions for the commercial market. OpenEye is optimised for enterprise-level commercial customers requiring expansive video recording capabilities, in addition to remote viewing, administration and diagnostic reporting. Combined with the Alarm.com for Business offering, service providers partnered with Alarm.com now have solutions to accommodate commercial accounts of any size. 10. ADT makes multiple acquisitions, sells Canadian operation Another North American security giant, ADT Inc., also had a busy year in mergers and acquisitions. In February, ADT acquired LifeShield, a pioneer in advanced wireless home security systems. In June ADT continued expanding capabilities and geographic reach via Red Hawk Fire & Security, ADT Commercial with the asset purchase agreement of Security Corporation, a commercial security integrator headquartered in Detroit, Mich. In November, ADT Commercial purchased Critical Systems, which specialises in enterprise-class fire alarm, fire suppression, life safety and integrated building security solutions for high-rise properties, healthcare campuses and data, manufacturing and distribution facilities in Atlanta.  In October, ADT announced an agreement to sell its Canadian operations to TELUS Corp.