SAGE Integration, Inc.- Experts & Thought Leaders

The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced the schedule, speaker lineup and program for the 2024 Securing New Ground (SNG), the security industry’s executive conference, taking place October 8-9 at the Westin New York Grand Central in New York City. At SNG 2024, the security industry will gather for top-level information sharing, networking and business analysis. This year’s Securing New Ground conference will shape industry trends and offer opportunities to engage with the pioneers who are driving the future of security. Insights for the security industry The 2024 program will explore current and cutting-edge issues, like how digital change will reinvent The 2024 program will explore the most current and cutting-edge issues, like how digital transformation will reinvent corporate security operations and the future of mobile credentials; share investment insights for the security industry; showcase in-depth one-to-one interviews with top executives in the industry; and foster new connections through interactive sessions and dynamic roundtable discussions. “SIA is thrilled to present a stellar lineup of security industry executives at the 2024 Securing New Ground conference – a highly anticipated program featuring the top security luminaries, innovators and pioneers and examining the most critical business and security topics in our industry,” said SIA Board of Directors Chair Scott Dunn. “This year’s conference will offer attendees a variety of candid, insightful conversations on the most current trends, shifts and challenges in global security and how the industry’s pioneering players are navigating these changes and plenty of opportunities to network, share information and form meaningful connections with other security visionaries.” Highlights of the 2024 SNG program A keynote address from Phil Mackintosh, chief economist and senior vice president at Nasdaq, about how market conditions and financial indicators will impact the U.S. and global economies. Compelling executive conversations with Rob Aarnes, president of ADI Global Distribution; Sergio Castillejos, vice president and general manager of Honeywell Commercial Security; Ann Fandozzi, CEO of Convergint; Steve Jones, CEO of Allied Universal; Filip Kaliszan, CEO and co-founder of Verkada; Masato Nakao, CEO of i-PRO; George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls; and Pierre Racz, CEO of Genetec. Trends and challenges in global security Executives speaking in the event program represent major industry sectors like access control, video surveillance, systems integration, distribution, finance, security staffing, identity, critical event management, data sharing, and more. The conference program will see the return of the popular “View From the Top” session on major trends and challenges in global security, featuring top executives from integration, product manufacturers and the practitioner's voice. Security Megatrends session Security Megatrends session that forecasts pioneering trends expected to change the industry over the next one to five years Also returning is the ever-insightful Security Megatrends session that forecasts pioneering trends expected to change the industry over the next one to five years, along with the Investment Insights panel that breaks down the numbers behind industry investments, mergers and acquisitions activity, lending and private equity. The conference will also see the presentation of the 25 on the RISE Awards winners, a recognition program for young pioneers in the security industry, nominated by their peers as rising stars in security. The full agenda is available and a current list of speakers is also available on the conference website. SNG 2024 sponsors  For the first time in 2024, included in the ticket to Securing New Ground is an exclusive evening reception and a can’t-miss evening dinner event featuring a dynamic presentation from an inspiring guest speaker to be announced soon. Registration for SIA members is $1,145 (a savings of $850 off the regular rate). Security practitioners are invited to attend for $495, and government security pioneers are provided complimentary access. SNG 2024 is supported by sponsors ACRE, ADI, Allegion, ASSA ABLOY, Axis Communications, Bosch, Convergint, Eagle Eye Networks, Genetec, Hanwha Vision, HID, Honeywell, Imperial Capital, i-PRO, M.C. Dean, M.C. Dean, Milestone, Raymond James, SAGE Integration, Securitas Technology, SwiftConnect, Verkada, Vivotek, Wachter, Wavelynx and Wesco; industry supporters ISC Security Events and PSA; and media partners Access Control Executive Brief, International Security Journal, Security Business, SecurityInfoWatch, Security Journal Americas and Security Technology Executive.

HiveWatch, a physical security software company reimagining how organisations keep their people and assets safe, announced a partnership with globally renowned security technology provider - SAGE Integration. Together, the two companies will build efficiencies to streamline security operations for their enterprise clients.  One-of-a-kind solution "The partnership with HiveWatch highlights how SAGE aims to work with innovative manufacturers to provide one-of-a-kind solutions for customers that solve some of their biggest challenges," said John Nemerofsky, Chief Operating Officer, SAGE Integration. He adds, "Our companies share the sentiment of advancing the industry and moving beyond boilerplate solutions to deliver best-in-class security solutions." SAGE and HiveWatch partner on GSOC OS The platform simplifies and centralises disparate systems and solutions, reduces overwhelming noise SAGE will partner with HiveWatch to offer its Global Security Operations Center Operating System (GSOC OS), which is an end-to-end security operations management platform built to solve some of the industry’s biggest challenges. The platform simplifies and centralises disparate systems and solutions, reduces overwhelming noise, streamlines operations, and empowers security teams to make data-driven decisions. Seamless visibility While SAGE Integration provides expertise in access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and visitor management systems, HiveWatch is the software that brings these disparate systems together to provide customers with seamless visibility into their entire security programme. "HiveWatch’s partnership with SAGE is based on the shared vision that the security industry must be tech-forward, data-driven, innovative, and laser-focused on providing real solutions to real problems that security teams face," said Ryan Schonfeld, Co-Founder & CEO of HiveWatch.  Streamlining security operations Ryan Schonfeld adds, "We’re looking forward to bringing SAGE’s clients a way to streamline their security operations, harness the power of data to make better decisions, and better align security investments with strategic business decisions."  HiveWatch will showcase its platform at GSX 2024, Sept. 23-25, 2024, in Orlando, Florida, USA, at Booth #1987.

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.

Enterprise security directors often count on an integration firm to handle jobs ranging from day-to-day activities to long-term, technology-laden projects. However, before entering a relationship, you must know what's reasonable to expect from an integrator – as not all are created equal. Here are some tips that might make the selection process easier. Completing comprehensive classwork An integrator's experience working in an enterprise environment is an obvious consideration. Ideally, that experience fits well with your business. Any enterprise experience is a plus, but local, state, and federal regulations create precise yet very different rules for securing a utility instead of a hospital. That's also true for university campuses, manufacturing facilities, and many other operations. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing Look for certifications indicative of an integrator's commitment to staying on top of industry changes. Organisations such as ASIS International and the Security Industry Association offer certifications showing an integrator's team members have mastered security principles and skills. Many manufacturers offer certifications awarded after completing comprehensive classwork and testing. Also, ensure an integrator sells and services equipment that integrates with your current security systems. Using multiple systems for the same function is less efficient. Project update meetings Go beyond an integrator's slick brochures and websites to ask tough questions about previous experience. How would the integrator handle a hypothetical situation in one of your facilities? Ask the integrator if there will be one project manager for all jobs. And ensure that person handles all interactions with security subcontractors. Ask if the integrator provides regularly scheduled project update meetings. It's frustrating to wonder how your project is progressing. Ask if the integrator's team can work during the hours and days that result in the least interference to your daily operations. Ask for onsite system training to save time and eliminate travel costs. Gathering sensitive data Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department A malfunctioning component may be more than an inconvenience – it may be a severe security threat. You need to know how quickly your integrator can respond when things go wrong. Ask about available service plans. And consider the embedded staff approach in which the integrator places employees on your site full time to handle day-to-day and emergency activities. Much of the security equipment – video, access control, intercoms, visitor management, and more – is wireless and dependent upon networks operated by your IT department. Network-based devices provide more opportunities for hackers to gather sensitive data or cause critical equipment to malfunction. Don't trust your security operations with an Integrator unfamiliar with at least basic cybersecurity principles. Look for an integrator with proven experience working with an enterprise IT department. At a minimum, ensure the integrator can set and change security device IP addresses and port locations. Certifications from providers such as Cisco, Microsoft, and IBM indicate an understanding of various IT technologies. Potential security partners Knowledgeable integrators work with the well-encrypted Open Supervised Data Protocol (OSDP), now an internationally recognised standard. Run from any integrator who suggests operating an access control system with used Wiegand technology offering no encryption between cards and readers. It's easy for hackers to capture data and clone a working credential. Technology moves at a rapid pace. Your modern system of a few years ago may be long-of-tooth. You need an integrator capable of bringing new and innovative ideas to the table. You want an integrator who conducts in-house testing of new products, not relying solely on a manufacturer's claims. You want an integrator capable of thinking outside the box to solve a complex security problem. These ideas are just a start in assessing an integrator's value to your enterprise operation. However, they will help you sort through potential security partners to find one that best meets your needs.

Assembling security solutions has long been considered the role of the integrator, whose role is to pick and choose the best technology tools and then to assemble the complete system. However, more manufacturers are offering pre-integrated end-to-end solutions that include multiple elements from the same manufacturer, designed to work seamlessly together. At the end of the day, end users want to know: Whose role is it to provide security ‘solutions’ – the manufacturer or the integrator? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable.

There is a broad appeal to the idea of using a smartphone or wearable device as a credential for physical access control systems. Smartphones already perform a range of tasks that extend beyond making a phone call. Shouldn’t opening the door at a workplace be among them? It’s a simple idea, but there are obstacles for the industry to get there from here. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the challenges and benefits of mobile access control solutions?