Axon - Experts & Thought Leaders

Verkada, the pioneer in cloud-based physical security announced that it has added six new technology partners to its Integrations programme: Appriss Retail, Auror, Axon Evidence, CompScience, Extreme Networks, and RedBag.  This expanded range of supported integrations will empower Verkada customers across a range of verticals, including retail, law enforcement, manufacturing, and education, to address even more use cases with Verkada's platform and solutions. Verkada's Integrations programme "Verkada's supported integrations are making it even easier for our customers to leverage Verkada's powerful platform," said Brandon Davito, Senior Vice President of Product and Operations. He adds, "As we continue to add more trusted technology partners to Verkada's Integrations programme with deep expertise in verticals, we'll continue to unlock even more value for our more than 28,000 customers globally and across even more complex environments and use cases." Six new technology partners With Appriss Retail, a loss prevention and return management solution, retail customers can seamlessly pair their Verkada cameras with Appriss Retail's operational analytics to quickly identify and review suspicious transactions. With Auror, a retail crime intelligence solution, customers can easily export video archives from Verkada Command into Auror. By consolidating footage and reports through Auror, retailers, and law enforcement can more effectively collaborate to identify repeat offenders, trends, and organised retail crime networks. With Axon Evidence, customers can seamlessly export video archives from Verkada Command into Axon Evidence, Axon's cloud-based digital evidence management platform, simplifying and streamlining workflows for law enforcement and public safety agencies. Axon Evidence is designed to securely store, manage, and share critical video and multimedia evidence collected from body cameras, drones, and other devices, ensuring efficient collaboration and compliance with legal standards. With CompScience, a safety-driven analytics solution, customers can combine Verkada's high-quality video with CompScience's safety analytics to analyse work environments and identify potential safety hazards – ultimately enhancing operational efficiency, safety, and security in high-liability work environments. With Extreme Networks, a cloud-based network infrastructure and management solution, customers can provision Verkada cameras in a secure, multicast-enabled segment using a zero-touch setup to automatically apply networking policy rules. With Redbag, a silent communications tool that provides broadcast and two-way communication between the classroom and emergency responders, customers can connect their Verkada devices to RedBag's dashboards to enhance situational awareness during lockdown events and provide video access to first responders during a crisis. These new technology partners join 12 existing members including Fūsus, HiveWatch, SingleWire Software, and Sureview.

Axon, the global public safety technology pioneer, launched a new generation of body cameras designed for frontline workers in retail stores and healthcare facilities.  Axon Body Workforce adapts the same life-saving technology trusted by more than 2,000 law enforcement agencies around the world for enterprise organisations, helping them protect their most valuable resources — people. Axon Body Workforce Available for purchase in the U.S., Australia, Canada, EU, and U.K., Axon Body Workforce is lightweight, customisable and integrated with Axon's industry-pioneering real-time operations and evidence management technology. "Public safety is about just that — people feeling and being safe in public, including while at work," said Axon CEO and Founder Rick Smith. "That's why Axon Body Workforce is so critical to our mission to protect life. It marks a new chapter in body-worn cameras, built to address the workplace violence affecting frontline workers." Largest healthcare networks Every day, retail workers perform their duties while grappling with threats to their personal safety Every day, retail workers perform their duties while grappling with threats to their personal safety. A recent survey by Axon found that in the U.S., a staggering 47% of retail workers have experienced violent incidents on the job. Axon Body Workforce has been trialled by some of the largest healthcare networks and global retailers, demonstrating early success in deterrence and de-escalation. One trial retailer saw a net 53% reduction in incidents, while another reported 47% of active incidents being effectively de-escalated after activating recordings on the camera. Frontline workers' safety "The new Axon Body Workforce body-worn camera is not only useful for promoting frontline workers' safety, but also aids law enforcement agencies responding to the recent rise in violence in healthcare, retail and other commercial settings by providing easily accessible digital evidence," said Former Chief of the Dallas Police Department Renee Hall. "This solution shows Axon's continued commitment to keeping our communities secure as public safety challenges evolve." Safety for every shift Axon Body Workforce features the quality hardware of Axon body cameras alongside Axon's robust real-time capabilities and simple evidence management workflows, making it easier to act on captured footage. Benefits of Axon Body Workforce include: Deterring and De-escalating Incidents: Protects employees by capturing high-quality video evidence of employee-customer interactions, while also respecting their privacy. With a simple double tap activation that is lightweight for wearing, employees can easily ensure all critical moments are recorded by Axon Body Workforce. Supporting in Real-Time: Equips employees with a communications beacon to protect themselves with situational awareness, allowing for quicker and more effective interventions. Axon Respond's live capabilities enable employees to ask for help in the moment, while having a camera present encourages better behaviour and discourages crime in the workplace. Promoting Transparency: Manage high-quality, easily searchable footage in Axon Evidence to gain transparency into all interactions. Upload, manage and share footage internally and externally with Law Enforcement and District Attorneys to ensure teams are staying safe and to expedite the path from incident to adjudication. Further, this evidence can uphold internal standards, clear up claims or disputes, and build a library of in-field footage for ongoing training. Early beginnings in enhancing hospital security Axon formed the Enterprise team in 2020 to serve the needs of healthcare facilities that saw a marked increase in incidents during the start of the coronavirus pandemic. On average, two nurses every hour are assaulted in the U.S., and nurses are nine times more likely to experience workplace violence than any other profession. Axon's customers Of note, Axon clients see operational data management time cut almost in half Axon's technology is represented in 33% of hospitals in the U.S., covering more than five million care providers and patients. Results have shown that through the widespread adoption of body cameras, healthcare centres are realising compelling benefits, including a decrease in litigation costs. Of note, Axon customers see operational data management time cut almost in half. Axon's development of technology "After deploying Axon's technology over the past few years in our healthcare centres, I have come to see body-worn cameras as an essential tool for successful interactions between our care providers, patients and visitors," said Legacy Health Director of Safety and Security Services Luke Heckathorn. "We welcome Axon's development of technology customised for our environment and the safety of our frontline workers." Future of safety and security Following the introduction of Axon Body Workforce, Axon will continue to partner with healthcare environments, retailers, industry experts, and trade associations alongside law enforcement to help shape the future of safety and security for frontline workers.  Axon is committed to forming meaningful partnerships in efforts to protect frontline workers, support essential organisations in society and ultimately improve the safety of the communities.

Gunnebo Safe Storage solutions have been specified for Private Vaults for Safe Deposits in Dubai’s premier lifestyle destination, City Walk, partnering with AXON to support the complete installation process. Private Vaults for Safe Deposits, which has two facilities across UAE, sourced Gunnebo Safe Storage for City Walk to provide safe storage solutions for its customers. The specifications included the Safe Store Auto and Electronic Safe Deposit Locker System. Next-generation solutions  Next-generation solutions allow customers to deposit or retrieve precious items at any time The next-generation solutions allow customers to deposit or retrieve precious items at any time, on any day of the week, offering total flexibility and peace of mind, with no compromise to security. Mr. Riyadh Al Ithawi, Managing Director/Partner of Private Vaults for Safe Deposits, commented: "At Private Vault, we understand the importance of security and discretion when it comes to storing valuable items. The installation of Gunnebo's Maxi Safe Store Auto and Electronic Safe Deposit Locker system, facilitated by Axon, ensures we continue to offer our clients the highest level of security and peace of mind." Gunnebo Safe Storage solutions Al Ithawi added: “The automated mechanisms enable a seamless self-service operation by customers, to access their valuables with ease and confidence, anytime they need. We have already received very positive feedback and look forward to extending our safe storage services to our facilities across the UAE.” Gunnebo Safe Storage solutions have been designed to store valuable items and documents in a secure location. The automated system enables Private Vault to save on resources with the self-service operations and offer 24 / 7 accessibility. The systems were installed at City Walk, by Gunnebo Safe Storage Channel Partners AXON. Latest automated technology  Private Vaults is looking to raise the specification of Gunnebo Safe Storage deposit box systems Mr. Ijaz Anwer, General Manager at Axon, added: "The partnership between Gunnebo Safe Storage, Axon, and Private Vaults for Safe Deposits highlights the importance of collaboration in delivering innovative security solutions tailored to the needs of high-end clients."  “As the demand for secure storage continues to grow in the region, we remain committed to providing the latest automated technology that meets the evolving needs of our customers, available in central locations such as City Walk, to operate with 24/7 easy access with no compromise to design.” Private Vaults is now looking to increase the specification of Gunnebo Safe Storage deposit box systems across its portfolio. Innovation and customer satisfaction Gareth Hughes, Gunnebo Safe Storage Middle East Business Development Manager concluded: “We are proud to support Private Vaults with our secure storage solutions. The successful implementation of the Safe Store Auto and Electronic Safe Deposit Locker System not only highlights the importance of advanced security measures but also underscores our commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction." “We look forward to continuing our partnership with Private Vaults for Safe Deposits and expanding the reach of our technology across their facilities in the UAE, ensuring clients can benefit from the highest level of safe storage security and convenience.”

ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas showcased the latest advancements in security technology, offering security professionals a glimpse into the future of the industry. This year's expo highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and enhanced integration. The pioneering comprehensive and converged security event attracted nearly 29,000 industry professionals to the Venetian Convention Centre.  Integration into unified platforms Several companies emphasised the importance of cloud-based solutions and the integration of diverse security components into unified platforms. For example, Brivo's Security Suite provides “everything in one platform” – not just access control. Customers only pay for what they use because the system is flexible and scalable from a single door to enterprise level applications. Brivo’s suite includes video, but the system can also tie in with third-party “partners.” Genetec's Security Centre allows for more frequent updates through the cloud. Milestone is undergoing a two-year transition to bring its Xprotect system into the future by incorporating Arcules and Briefcam into a video-as-a service product. Suprema introduced BioStar X, which integrates access control and video analytics into a single platform. AI and mobile credentials  Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West 2025 Axis Communications’ Cloud Connect product announced three new partnerships at ISC West – Eagle Eye Networks, SecuriThings, and Wesco. They join the three partners announced during the first year of Axis Cloud Connect – Genetec, Kone (elevators) and Milestone. AI and mobile credentials were still hot topics at ISC West 2025, but the conversation has evolved beyond amazement at the technologies’ capabilities and now centres on more practical aspects. From the theoretical to the practical “AI and mobility are still the ‘flavors de jour,’ but messages are evolving to manifest AI for better outcomes,” says Heather Torrey, General Manager, Commercial Security, Americas, for Honeywell Building Automation. The company has reframed its security portfolio to be very building- and business-focused, continuing to grow and evolve after the recent acquisition of LenelS2. “From the theoretical to the practical, we want customers to be part of the conversation so we can deliver AI that is meaningful to them, focusing on what’s most important,” says Torrey. Under Honeywell’s new ownership structure, “each part of the business can be more focused on customers’ needs,” she says. Honeywell continues its journey around mobile access and credentialing and migrating to cloud solutions. Innovations in Access Control Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems Access control remains a critical component of security systems, and ISC West 2025 showcased several innovations in this area. Acre is releasing “Gallery,” its version of the App Store for access control. DormaKaba is launching the Keyscan KC Series door controller with TCP/IP connectivity and enhanced features. Gallagher’s new Quickswitch access control board simplifies the migration from legacy systems. Johnson Controls highlighted its C-Cure command centre and C-Cure IQ web client, offering a unified approach to access control and video. Hardware integrations for security panels For service provider Alarm.com, hardware products prepare a path to greater customer experiences, says Abe Kinney, Alarm.com’s Director, Product Management, who oversees hardware integrations for security panels, sensors, video, etc., and drives new product development. “We are looking to bridge the physical world to digital world,” he says. “We want to bring an advantage to our dealers that they can bring to customers.” Because Alarm.com’s customers pay a monthly fee, the products must be durable and economical, says Kinney. “It should work with no need for truck rolls.” The importance of longevity and flexibility Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation Products are evaluated based on features, price, and ease of installation. In particular, longevity is important for the Alarm.com’s pro channel. There is also a growing emphasis on deterrence industrywide. Says Kinney: “We recognise that detection is part of it, but we need to prevent problems from happening in the first place. And the industry is re-evaluating.” When it comes to cloud intelligence, Eagle Eye Networks puts the emphasis on flexibility. They offer AI that can perform anywhere on the system infrastructure, on the camera, on their on-site bridge device, or in the cloud. They support their own AI and also any AI product from a third party. “We focus on what customers want from the data AI detects,” says Hans Kahler, Eagle Eye Networks’ Chief Operating Officer. Integration with other systems A timely alert from gun detection could save a life, but AI can also generate information that might be used and analysed later, such as point-of-sale information, dwell time, foot traffic, etc. “What people want is the ability to work with the data for business intelligence,” says Kahler. Integration with other systems provides new opportunities for customers: For example, a licence plate reader at a restaurant drive-thru could trigger customisation of the menu board digital signage based on the customer’s previous buying pattern. Relentless Innovation Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million SKUs for all its various brands, faked in 28 factories in the US Assa Abloy handles more than 40 million stock keeping units (SKUs) for all its various brands manufactured in 28 factories in the United States. Merely complying with regulations such as the “Buy American Act” is a monumental effort considering the massive product line, attendees heard at Assa Abloy’s Annual ISC West Breakfast focusing on compliance challenges in the security market. Meanwhile, back at the trade show booth, Assa Abloy focused on “relentless innovation” in every corner of its product line. Assa Abloy’s message: Innovation in security does not have to be about AI or automation. In fact, inventive approaches to products come in all shapes and sizes and at every level of the product portfolio, and innovation is happening faster than ever. For example, the Safebolt product from Securitech, a brand recently acquired by Assa Abloy, can quickly lock down existing doors with the press of a red button on a cylindrical or mortise lock. Temporary Systems to Secure Events Securing events is the focus of Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions, which specialises in setting up temporary security systems for conventions, trade shows, festivals, construction sites, parades, and other events. They can add technology to situations where previously mostly security officers were used, providing safety/security and enabling more efficient event operation.  “We can put cameras anywhere, whether they need power or not, use cell service or WiFi, a localised network or the internet, or whatever,” says Andrew LaMadrid, VP, Sales for Allied Universal's Unified Command Solutions. Event operation and management IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past The focus is on easy implementation, flexibility, and fast setup and removal. “We look for a solution to solve each customer’s pain points,” says LaMadrid. They specialise in setting up and deploying surveillance cameras for safety/security and for event operation and management. Mobile surveillance is a relatively new “piece of our puzzle” when it comes to protecting high-profile events. “People are excited about what we can offer that’s new,” says LaMadrid. Unified Command Solutions has been around for about 12 years and was acquired by Allied Universal last summer. IDIS came to ISC West looking to leverage new products that they did not promote in the past, and visitors were very interested in those solutions, says Scott Switzer, IDIS CEO. “The progression of our product line has been tremendous,” he says. Last year, the IDIS booth offered only basic analytics, but this year they had 30 different advanced analytics including gun and aggression detection using the advanced solution “IDIS Vaidio AI.”  What Makes You Different? The most common question IDIS hears at their trade show booth is: “What makes you different?” The answer: They offer an end-to-end solution, including cameras; they manage, control, design from end-to-end; and there is no need for multiple integrations. The time needed to install an IDIS system is significantly less because of the simplicity. “We have customers we have supported and grown together for over 20 years,” says Switzer. The company previously deployed IDIS cameras under the Costar brand before the Korean IDIS brand was introduced into the U.S. (IDIS purchased Costar and changed the name to IDIS America.) “This has been a tremendous show for us; we are looking to build our momentum and let more people know about IDIS,” says Switzer. Managing real AI at the edge The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations Based in Prague, Czech Republic, and with U.S. offices in Pennsylvania, FF Group provides licence plate recognition for harsh environments. Using Axis cameras, they offer “managed real AI at the edge,” selling through a nationwide distributed network, says Alex Osypov, CEO and Founder of FF Group. Markets include parking lots, cities/municipalities, police, government, water systems, etc. The depth of their metadata enables new applications, whether for security or business operations. They are looking to combine and correlate data including LIDAR, RADAR, etc. to exploit the advantages of “data fusion.” Osypov says: “The market is growing because we are involving other adjacent markets.” Unified platforms and advanced tools Several companies are focusing on enhancing security operations centres (SOCs) by providing unified platforms and advanced tools. Axon’s Fusus system “layers” onto existing infrastructure, tying together various sensors into a single interface for real-time monitoring and information sharing. Increasingly, enterprises have invested in a lot of technologies – ac, video, asset trackers – but none of it talks together. Fusus ties all the systems together so that operators no longer have to look at 10 different screens. Rather, there is a “single pane of glass” that shows everything and facilitates sharing of information with law enforcement.  Motorola also showcased its Security Operations Centre, which integrates hardware, software, smart sensors, communication radios, and broadband devices to streamline incident management.

Big news on the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) front is closing out 2024, a year in which several shifts changed the face of the physical security manufacturer community. Announced in December, German giant Bosch Group is selling its Building Technologies division’s product business for security and communications technology to the European investment firm Triton.  Bosch division selling to Triton  The transaction encompasses three business units – Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication – and thus the entire product business of Bosch Building Technologies that was offered for sale. All 4,300 associates employed in these units at more than 90 locations worldwide will be taken over. The transaction reflects a growing confidence in the security market among private equity companies such as Triton, Becklar, and Volaris.   Sharing best practices Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership Acre Security, previously acquired by Triton, has benefited from Triton’s strategic guidance and expertise, according to the company, which is confident Bosch will experience the same level of support and opportunity to thrive. Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership, but will benefit from the potential to collaborate and share best practices as part of the broader Triton portfolio.  Resideo acquires Snap One  Earlier in 2024, there were other large M&A transactions. In the spring, Resideo Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of technology-driven products and solutions, agreed to acquire Snap One Holdings Corp., a provider of smart-living products, services, and software to professional integrators. The transaction is valued at $1.4 billion, inclusive of net debt. Upon closing, Snap One becomes part of Resideo's ADI Global Distribution business.  Honeywell buys Carrier’s Access Solutions  In late 2023, Honeywell announced plans to enhance and strengthen its building automation capabilities with the acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation’s Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion, in an all-cash transaction.  The acquisition, which played out through 2024, includes both hardware and software solutions, adding three respected brands to Honeywell’s portfolio with a focus on life safety and digital access solutions. Acquired brands include LenelS2, commercial and enterprise access solutions; Onity electronic locks; and Supra cloud-based electronic real estate lock boxes. Hirsch reemerges as an iconic brand  The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval Identiv announced plans to sell its physical security business and assets to Vitaprotech, the security solutions provider that also acquired British manufacturer, TDSI, in 2019. The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval.  As a result of the sale, Hirsch, a global security technology pioneer advancing physical security, video intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital identification solutions, announces the relaunch of its iconic brand and strengthened focus on the industry’s most complete high-security, end-to-end platform.  Ease of use security solutions The move seeks to reposition Hirsch as the global pioneer in physical security, video intelligence, and identity solutions, protecting everything from small enterprises to critical national infrastructure. With a 43-year-strong foundation in the industry, Hirsch’s mission has always been empowering a secure, connected world, combining government-grade high security with ease of use. Milestone and Arcules unite  Effective July 1, 2024, global video technology company Milestone Systems announced its merger with the cloud-based video surveillance solutions provider, Arcules. Both companies are owned by Japanese multinational Canon Inc. Based in Irvine, Calif., Arcules was spun off from Milestone in 2017. The merger brings together Milestone and Arcules’ best-in-class capabilities within video management software (VMS), video analytics, and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), providing a complete video technology offering.  More M&A stories in 2024  In other M&A moves in 2024, cloud-based workforce management software provider Synerion USA Inc. acquired cloud-based video surveillance and access control solutions platform Qumulex Inc. Also, the global pioneer in airspace awareness and security, Dedrone, became part of the public safety and technology company Axon. The acquisition unites two companies with a shared mission to improve public safety and national security by staying ahead of persistent and escalating threats, enabling faster, more effective responses and ultimately protecting more lives in more places.

With the year 2025 stretched out before us, there are many techniques one could use to predict what will happen in the new year. You might analyse historical data and analyse future trends. Or you could try statistical or economic modelling. Or you could develop multiple scenarios based on various assumptions to explore potential outcomes. Or you could just check your email. At this time of year, my email is full of industry folks looking to predict what the future holds in 2025. Ranging from artificial intelligence (AI) to privacy, the retail market to drones, here is a sampling of forecasts for 2025 provided by various players in the security market, courtesy of my email messages. What’s Ahead for AI? From Faisal Pandit, VP & GM, Global Security Products, Johnson Controls (JCI): “The future of security operations includes customisable, scalable solutions where users can control if, when, and how they use AI to improve efficiency depending on the size and function of their organisation.” Says Kevin Woodworth, Vice President, Global Product Management, Intrusion, JCI: “Next year will see a growing focus from product developers on designing systems that streamline setup and configuration through increased AI integration. This reflects a broader trend of leveraging AI to simplify use and enhance adaptability as solutions evolve, rather simply employing it because it’s popular.” From Peter Evans, CEO of Xtract One Technologies: “AI algorithms will significantly advance in distinguishing between harmless, everyday items and potential threats. With this, we will see false alerts become even more rare.” Says JP Castellanos, Director of Threat Intelligence, Binary Defense: “Machine learning (ML)-powered anomaly detection will move beyond proof-of-concept to become mission-critical, enabling teams to uncover unknown threats and behavioural anomalies in real time – well before they escalate.” Evans of Xtract: “As AI becomes more advanced in threat detection, it will lead to more sophisticated protection of individual privacy. We can expect to see more AI techniques utilised for threat identification that do not capture personal data and are privacy-first.” Predictions on interoperability and compliance Woodworth of JCI: “New products added to singular systems must be interoperable. In 2025, organisations will need to embrace interoperability. AI will progress past reactive measures to achieve predictive capabilities.” Pandit of JCI: “With organisations increasing their focus on the regulatory environment, there will be an uptick in specialised certification programs to meet these needs. New security roles will emerge that will be focused on tracking and applying relevant regulatory changes.” Expanding capabilities for video cameras Woodworth of JCI: “Beyond capturing images, cameras will be able to detect potential threats and also mitigate them instantly, issuing vocal warnings, controlling access, or escalating issues without human intervention.” Looking ahead to retail developments Hansel Oh, Director of Product Marketing at Brivo: “Centralized, cloud-based security platforms will enhance credential management and monitor logistical operations to enable retailers to battle cargo theft.” Stephen Burd, Vice President, Essence Security: “With an increase in police response times, sophisticated crime, and smash and grabs, 2025 will see a huge demand for security solutions that go beyond simply notifying the police and will look to actively intervene and prevent damage or loss from occurring.” The role of drones and training Mary-Lou Smulders, CMO, Dedrone by Axon: “Drones will transition from being viewed as supplementary tools to becoming essential components of public safety operations. As departments recognise their effectiveness in various scenarios, the perception of drones will shift, and they will be integrated into core operational frameworks alongside traditional assets like patrol cars while replacing helicopters as a cost-effective and versatile alternative.” Erik Hohengasser, Electrical Technical Lead at NFPA: “As the skilled trades evolve, there will be an increasing demand for specialised and technical training. Predictive analytics, virtual simulations and hands-on experiential learning will become especially valuable due to allowing employees to gain real-world expertise in safe and controlled environments.”