Security Central - Experts & Thought Leaders

The Orange County Emergency Services, Public Safety Communications Division became the 146th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 14th ECC in the State of North Carolina to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP). Implementation of ASAP "The ASAP program provides our ECC with most accurate and timely alarm notifications possible while reducing the workload of our Public Safety Telecommunicators. The implementation of ASAP provides significant benefits to our Department, our partner public safety agencies, and the community we serve," stated Christopher H. Ward, Division Chief – Public Safety Communications for Orange County Emergency Services. Orange County went live on July 22, 2024 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Alert360, Securitas, Holmes Security, Brinks Home Security, Dynamark Monitoring, United Central Control, Protection One, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Johnson Controls (Tyco), Vivint, CPI Security, Wegmans Security, Affiliated Monitoring, ADT and Security Central with Alert360 being brought online soon.

The Buncombe County Public Safety Communications Centre (BCPSC) became the 145th Emergency Communications Centre (ECC) in the United States and the 13th ECC in the state of North Carolina to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).  Launched in 2011 as a public-private partnership, TMA’s ASAP service is designed to increase the accuracy and efficiency of calls for service from alarm monitoring centres to Emergency Communication Centres (ECCs).   Agreement with MCP TMA signed a multi-year managed services agreement with MCP in June Buncombe County went live on June 21st and 22nd with the following alarm companies: Rapid Response Monitoring; Vector Security; Alert360; Securitas; Quick Response; Brinks Home Security; Dynamark Monitoring; ADT; Protection One; Guardian Protection; National Monitoring Centre; Vivint; Johnson Controls (Tyco); Security Central; United Central Control; CPI Security; and Affiliated Monitoring. TMA signed a multi-year managed services agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) in June to power the growth of its ASAP Service. The goal of the new partnership with MCP is to expedite the expansion of the ASAP Service and drive the development of a cloud-based solution. The next-generation solution will allow for the real-time sharing of rich data, including camera video streams, live location, health information, photos, and interior blueprints, dramatically improving situational awareness for emergency responders.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 Innovation Awards, recognising excellence and innovation within the electronic security and life safety industry. These prestigious awards highlight next-generation products and services that present significant growth opportunities for integrator companies. A comprehensive set of criteria An independent panel of judges selected the winners based on a comprehensive set of criteria, including ingenuity, applicability, response to market needs, and more. The 2024 ESX Innovation Awards Judging Panel, led by Preston Atkins, Systems Engineer at Certified Alarm Co. of AL Inc., also included Richard Tampier, VP of Everon Solutions, Jamie Byrd, VP of Business Development at Security Central, and Gregory R. Breyer, Director of Fire Business Development at Zeus Fire & Security. ESX extends its gratitude to these judges for their dedication and expertise in recognising forward-thinking ideas within the security industry. Efficiency and profitability "The ESX Innovation Award winners showcase the industry's pioneering-edge advancements,” explains ESX Chairman, George De Marco. “These innovative products and services are driving efficiency and profitability. Congratulations to this year's outstanding innovators for shaping the future of security and life safety technology." 2024 ESX Innovation Award Winners ESX congratulates the visionary companies behind these breakthrough technologies. Winners are listed in alphabetical order by category: Access Control/ ID Systems Readers / Keypads AC-2DM by Aiphone Fire/ Life Safety Detection Appliances – Smoke / Heat / Gas Detection Services FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke/CO) UL Jeweller by Ajax Systems Cellular / Radio Communications Super Dual ™ StarLink Fire Max2 Supervised Dual SIM/ Dual Path Communicator by NAPCO Security Technologies Inc. Installation/ Service Tools Tools / Testers Camerashine Surveillance Cleaning Kit– Clean Any Camera Safely from the Ground by Camerashine Systems Design / LifeCycle Maintenance – Commercial System Surveyor 2.0 by System Surveyor Intrusion Systems Outdoor Detection MotionCam Outdoor (PhOD) Jeweller by Ajax Systems Monitoring (Central Station) Alarm Monitoring for End User Patented Becklar Engage Platform– an AI-Powered Platform that Makes a Difference in the Moments that Matter by Becklar Smart Home IT / Networking Araknis 920-Series Switch by Snap One Home Automation / Home Control Systems Control4 Halo Touch Remote by Snap One Specialty Products & Services Power Supplies & Batteries CP1500PFCRM2U PFC Sinewave Short-Depth UPS System by CyperPower Systems Video Surveillance Managed Video Advanced Interactive Video Monitoring and Remote Guarding Solution – Eyeforce by Becklar Video Analytics Alarm.com: AI Deterrence (AID) by Alarm.com Video Management Software Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing/ Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Sharing Complete by Eagle Eye Networks Megapixel / HD Cameras First Alert VX3 HD Outdoor Camera by Resideo IP Cameras TurretCam (8 Mp/2.8mm) by Ajax Systems The ESX Innovation Awards continue to spotlight the innovative efforts of companies that are shaping the future of the security and life safety industry. The awards ceremony will take place during the ESX 2024 Expo, where attendees can explore these innovative products and services. TechVision challenge TechVision Challenge is an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers The TechVision Challenge is a Shark Tank Style Competition held at ESX where judges recognise outstanding products and services that drive the electronic security and life safety industry forward. The TechVision Challenge is an opportunity for manufacturers and service providers to come up with innovative end-user offerings and tools that help dealers, integrators, and monitoring professionals become more efficient and profitable. Judging criteria The selection of the winner is based on specific judging criteria that include: Features & Functions Aesthetic & Design Qualities Groundbreaking or Innovative Improving End User Experience Overall WOW Factor Improves Efficiency Increases Company Value Regulatory Compliance It is up to each contestant to prepare their presentations for the competition and the TechVision Challenge judging criteria will be used to determine what product or service will be named Best of Show for ESX 2024. Interactive judging panel In 2024, 9 participants from the Innovation Awards judging process were invited to compete in the TechVision Challenge and an interactive judging panel of a minimum of 3 judges watched the presentations. The judges then have up to 12 minutes for each presentation to judge each product. In 2024, they had incredible products in the competition for “Best of Show”, but the ultimate winner was Ajax Systems for the FireProtect 2 RB (Heat/Smoke/CO) UL Jeweller with runner-up Eagle Eye Networks for their Eagle Eye 911 Camera Sharing/ Eagle Eye 911 Public Safety Sharing Complete.

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) will be held at the Indiana Convention Center, June 3-6, in Indianapolis. The show focusses exclusively on the electronic security and life safety industry, including companies that service the connected Internet of Things (IoT) space for homes and businesses. The ESX Main Stage will highlight inspirational presentations from motivational speakers, Dr. Rick Rigsby and Kevin Brown. In addition, there will be a founder of a drone security company and an Entrepreneur-in-Residence from Kleiner Perkins for OpenXchange, and a Secret Service agent for the Closing Keynote. Sharing best practices and trends In breakout sessions, colleagues and business thought leaders will share best practices, trends and opportunities that helped their own companies and careers, so that others might replicate their successes or minimise their failures. These sessions are aimed at propelling attendees to reimagine their business models and go-to-market strategies, says George De Marco, Chairman of ESX and Managing Partner for DECO Ventures LLC. Examples of breakout sessions include: CounterPoint Forum – “False Alarm Dispatches - A Real Threat or a Nuisance to the Industry?” “Top 3 Ways to Grow Your Video RMR” “5 Faster, Smarter Ways to Improve Cash Flow” “Artificial Intelligence Real Time Video Monitoring Solutions” Promoting security professionals’ growth Our goal is to develop next-gen methods that deliver industry content and promote professional growth"“Each year, we challenge ourselves to raise the bar of the educational sessions and main stage events,” says De Marco. “One of the ways is introducing new faces and voices for the peer-developed and peer-driven educational sessions that offer best practices and identify trends, opportunities and challenges for industry professionals to consider today and in the future. Our goal is to develop next-gen methods that deliver industry content and promote professional growth as the industry pivots to the future.” New entrants and disruptors are challenging traditional go-to-market strategies, causing traditional companies to rethink how they rise above the noise in a changing competitive landscape and handle new consumer buying behaviours, says De Marco. Exhibitors at ESX Exhibitors that support ESX include Interlogix (Diamond sponsor), Napco (Platinum sponsor), Alula and DMP (Gold sponsor), and ADI, Altronix, Bold Group, Essence, ICT, Quick Response, Resideo, Secura key, Security Central and WeSuite (Silver sponsors). ESX seeks to connect exhibitors with the influencers and decision-makers from companies that represent a cross section of dealers, integrators and monitoring companies in North America. The exhibit hall will be the focal point for exhibitors to showcase their latest technology in the city’s impressive convention centre. The exhibit hall will be the focal point for exhibitors to showcase their latest technology in the city’s convention centre “We recognise individuals and companies during the Opening Celebration that help propel the industry forward and at our VIP Event at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway,” says De Marco. “During the day, there are meals around the Main Stage sessions which gather attendees around the table for casual conversation before the presentation begins.” Indianapolis, home of the Indy 500, is a unique location that has a lot to offer the attendees of ESX. A special night at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway will invite a limited number of guests to share great food and drinks, to experience a trip around the track in an official pace car, and to ‘kiss the bricks’, a speedway tradition. Centrally located in the US, Indianapolis is a convenient convention destination for travel, whether flying or driving. Connecting with peers and colleagues Another benefit of the show is the cross-section of companies represented in the industry, whether large, medium or small There are also networking opportunities throughout the week. The Pub Crawl, an attendee favourite, is a night where long-time friends gather, and new friendships are made. “This is where the real conversations happen between peers and colleagues about real problems of running and growing a company, and solutions that can make a difference,” says De Marco. Another benefit of the show is the cross-section of companies represented in the industry, whether large, medium or small players. This enables professionals to come together to connect with their peers and colleagues, allowing for deep discussions on how to grow their people, revenues and profits, including mentoring opportunities that encourage leadership development, says De Marco. The subject of finding qualified employees is top of mind for almost every industry today, especially the security industry. Sessions that address hiring and managing employees for industry professionals include  “Hiring from Outside the Monitoring Industry: Surprising Resources for Great Operators” “Maximise New Employees: Why Onboarding is Critical to Their Success” “5 Tips for Effective Employee Performance Evaluations” Helping attendees to reinvent their business “Our focus is primarily on the attendee, helping them connect with suppliers, colleagues and opportunities that reimagine their businesses, so they can be stronger competitors,” says De Marco. “If we can provide the right knowledge to inspire or transform the attendees to take meaningful action or implement change that helps them remain relevant, we believe we have succeeded.” There will be an undercurrent of sadness at ESX this year because the industry recently suffered a loss. George Gunning, former CEO of USA Alarm Systems and one of the founding members of ESX, passed away in February. “We would be remiss if we didn’t recognise his contributions and influence on the industry and ESX over the years,” says De Marco. Another founding member of ESX who has passed away is John Murphy, formerly CEO of Vector Security.

ESA opens the 2015 exhibit show floor with a ribbon cutting ceremony The Electronic Security Association (ESA) wrapped up ESX 2015, June 24 to 26 in Baltimore, Md., drawing integrators, manufacturers and association members from across the country to attend the annual educational, exhibits and networking event. Security integration companies Celebrating its eighth year, the show is jointly owned and sponsored by ESA and the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA). ESX includes education targeted exclusively to the needs of electronic security integration companies and monitoring firms, including peer-hosted sessions featuring business strategies centred on navigating the new world of technology with increased profitability. This year’s show hosted more than 2,000 security industry companies and personnel as well as central station owners, while some 200 exhibitors participated. ESX 2016 show dates were also announced: June 8 through 10 at the Fort Worth Convention Center in Fort Worth, Texas. Marshall Marinace, president and chief executive officer of ESA and the president of Marshall Alarm Systems Corp., in Yorktown Heights, N.Y., says ESX 2015 was extremely successful, with educational, networking and social events well attended. “The design of ESX is relevant to alarm companies and our members,” Marinace says. “For our attendees, it’s a quality show. What I mean by that is that one integrator told me how difficult it is to connect with the right people at the larger shows. This smaller, more intimate gathering allows one-on-one conversations. He was so pleased he was able to sit down with a manufacturer for some 30 minutes, connecting with the right people about a product and its application. After the conversation, he decided the product was the right fit for his business.” Awards and presentations The opening keynote speaker was Retired U.S. Army Special Forces Officer Major General James “Greg” Champion, who spoke about leadership and the concept of leading by example. In addition, ESA raised some $20,000 for its ESA Gives Back campaign, this year supporting the Green Beret Foundation, an organisation that Champion previously served as chairman. ESA’s insurance company, Security America Risk Retention Group, sponsored the keynote, and the Foundation had a booth in the exhibit hall, where attendees could learn more about the organisation and see weaponry demonstrations. ESA raised some $20,000 for its ESA Gives Back campaign supporting the Green Beret Foundation A first at ESX was the presentation of two William N. Moody Awards. Started in 2004 by the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC), the Moody award is given annually to an individual who demonstrates a passion for advancing positive alarm management and best industry practices. Presented on behalf of SIAC, Honeywell executive Ron Rothman received the 2014 award. Rothman, who retired July 1, was the president of the global business of Honeywell Security Group, Melville, N.Y. He spent some 35 years with Honeywell, starting his career with Ademco in the 1980s. The 2015 Moody Award was presented to Stan Martin, executive director of the organisation in Frisco, Texas. Martin has been a fixture in the industry for decades, promoting professionalism and spearheading documents such as the Model Alarm Ordinance, designed to educate installers and end users on proper alarm use with the goal of alleviating false alarms. Accolades presented during the CSAA 2015 Central Station Excellence Awards breakfast included: 2015 Central Station of the Year, Guardian Protection Services, Warrendale, Pa. Central Station Manager of the Year, Randy Ambrus, Cooperative Response Center (CRC) Inc., Austin, Minn. Central Station Operator of the Year, Susan Farris, Security Central, Statesville, N.C. Central Station Support Staff of the Year, Kyle Johnson, DMC Security Services, Midlothian, Ill. Finally, ESA awarded $10,000 in scholarships to students from Pennsylvania and New Jersey as part of the association’s annual Youth Scholarship Program. Douglas Leonard of Maple Glen, Pa., received top honours with a first-place scholarship of $7,500, and Caitlin Murphy of Morristown, N.J. won $2,500 for second-place. Since the ESA Youth Scholarship Program was created in 1996, the association and its affiliated Chartered Chapters have donated $541,500 in scholarship funds to children of police officers and firefighters.