Zenitel - Experts & Thought Leaders

Zenitel, a global pioneer in Unified Critical Communication solutions, is launching two new innovations for mixed-use building communication solutions: the Zenitel Display Door intercom (ZDD-1) and the Zenitel Slim Door intercom (ZSD-1). This launch further strengthens Zenitel’s position as a market leader in audio communication solutions. Amazing sound, effortlessly integrated New door entry intercoms are engineered from the ground up, offering a premium audio experience With 125 years of experience in sound design, these new door entry intercoms are engineered from the ground up, offering a premium audio experience in a sleek design that seamlessly blends into any building. With ONVIF compatibility, they seamlessly integrate with surveillance systems, providing an additional layer of security for effective identification and entry control. “Door entry intercoms are an essential part of overall building security, and there are plenty of options available on the market. However, we had a different vision for ours – to uniquely enhance our customer experience and continue elevating audio quality, which is the cornerstone for Zenitel,” said Lars Paulsson, EVP for Safety and Security at Zenitel. "The combination of high-quality hardware, advanced software-driven audio processing, and precision engineering makes our new door entry intercoms the most realistic-sounding intercom on the market.” Zenitel display door Built on Zenitel’s industry-leading sound technology, the Zenitel Display Door intercom features a speaker and microphone array to deliver an immersive sound experience, while high sound pressure levels make it ideal even for high-noise environments. The bi-directional video communication enables face-to-face interaction, fostering a sense of connection, while also supporting the needs of sign language users. The Zenitel Display Door (ZDD-1) features an intuitive touch display with an easy-to-use UI/UX, making navigation simple and efficient for all users. Zenitel slim door The Zenitel Slim Door (ZSD-1) is a compact yet powerful, outdoor-ready intercom that delivers premium sound in a sleek design, with easy installation in tight spaces, including door frames. The intuitive design of this intercom offers visual and aural feedback to ensure ease of use for all users. Unified communication As organizations seek to secure assets and streamline operations through technology, Zenitel’s latest innovations in door entry communications, combined with Zenitel Connect Pro — the industry's first Unified Critical Communication Platform — pave the way for unifying communication needs under a single platform for building owners. Additionally, built-in cybersecurity features of these intercoms ensure secure and encrypted communication at the door.

i-PRO Americas Inc. (formerly Panasonic Security), a pioneering manufacturer of edge computing cameras for security and public safety, announced the launch of VideoInsight™ version 8.0, the latest release of its powerful video management system (VMS). Designed to meet the evolving security needs of school administrators, IT directors and security teams, VideoInsight 8.0 simplifies campus safety with an intuitive, cost-effective platform that delivers seamless integration, advanced AI tools and unmatched reliability. VideoInsight platform Educational institutions face ongoing challenges such as limited budgets, complex security infrastructures and fragmented security tools that hinder real-time response. The VideoInsight platform directly addresses budget concerns by not requiring camera licencing when using i-PRO cameras; this drives down upfront costs and lowers reoccurring costs. Intuitive dashboards and features VideoInsight 8.0 reduces administrative burdens, saving both time and resources With intuitive dashboards and automated maintenance features, VideoInsight 8.0 reduces administrative burdens, saving both time and resources. Built-in self-diagnostics, health monitoring and database optimisation ensure system reliability with 24/7 fault tolerance, minimising IT oversight and lowering maintenance costs, freeing up valuable resources for other critical school operations.  It also offers cloud-based storage options without requiring additional middleware, allowing schools to reduce expensive hardware costs while maintaining easy access to video footage for investigations and compliance. Key benefits Scalable Security: VideoInsight 8.0 is designed to adapt to evolving security requirements in schools without adding complexity. Its open-platform design seamlessly integrates with i-PRO hardware and third-party solutions from Triton Ultra (vape detection), ZeroEyes (weapons detection), Wasabi (cloud storage), and Zenitel (video intercom), reducing upfront costs and long-term ownership expenses. Schools can integrate it effortlessly with existing systems while benefiting from cost-effective licencing and a future-ready security platform. Faster Forensic Searches with Built-In i-PRO Active Guard: i-PRO Active Guard is now natively integrated into the VideoInsight 8.0 platform, enabling forensic searches directly within the camera pane – eliminating the need for separate plugins. Schools can consolidate all security devices, including indoor, outdoor, and transportation cameras, into a single, user-friendly platform. i-PRO Active Guard extends across servers, clients, web and mobile platforms, enabling AI-triggered searches without switching between multiple applications. Unified Access Control and Video Management: VideoInsight 8.0 integrates seamlessly with i-PRO’s MonitorCast access control platform, creating a single-pane-of-glass view for access control events tied to video footage. This integration streamlines workflows, saving time and providing a comprehensive, real-time security overview. Whether on campus or off-site, security teams can monitor school security remotely with AI-triggered searches, instant alerts and mobile access, ensuring swift response to incidents. Enhanced Transit Solutions: VideoInsight 8.0 improves transit monitoring with native video offloading and durable storage technology, ensuring reliable video performance for buses and other school transportation systems—all within a single platform. Cost-Effective Body-Worn Camera Deployment: The i-PRO BWC4000 body-worn camera includes a bundled camera licence, allowing direct connectivity to VideoInsight 8.0 without additional licencing costs. Advanced accessible security solution “Our goal is to provide educational institutions with an advanced yet accessible security solution that provides an end-to-end offering with options for access control, vape and weapons detection, intercom, cloud storage and more,” said Adam Lowenstein, Product Director at i-PRO Americas, Inc. “VideoInsight 8.0 stands out by offering a unique combination of affordability, high-performance features and open infrastructure. Unlike other VMS solutions, it seamlessly integrates with existing hardware and software while reducing or even eliminating recurring licencing fees, ensuring institutions get maximum value without hidden expenses.”

The PSA Network (PSA), the world’s largest consortium of professional systems integrators, announced the lineup of speakers and sponsors for PSA TEC 2025 (TEC) in Aurora, Colorado, March 9-12, at the Gaylord Rockies Resort & Convention Centre. “PSA TEC 2025 is shaping up to be an amazing event from the industry-pioneering education and certifications to access to the top manufacturers in the industry,” said Matt Barnette, president and CEO of the PSA Network. “The power of PSA truly lies in the relationships we foster and cultivate, and TEC is another extension of this.” TEC’s Industry Unplugged sessions This year’s educational lineup is led by keynote speaker, Ryan Estis. Estis will deliver the presentation: Sell for Impact-Delivering Value and Winning Customers in the New Economy.  Lee Odess, the voice of the global access control industry, will host TEC’s Industry Unplugged sessions interviewing executives like Tom Cook from Hanwha Vision and Michael Wong of Genea. Multiple other breakout sessions, certifications and mainstage sessions will also take place.  Latest innovations and relationships TEC 2025 is exclusive to PSA owners, members and sponsors providing premier educational content TEC 2025 is exclusive to PSA owners, members and sponsors providing premier educational content and networking opportunities between integrators and technology partners.  Over the four days, integrators will have ample opportunities to meet with technology partners, learn about their latest innovations and solidify business relationships. Sponsors This year’s sponsors are industry-pioneering manufacturers and solutions providers, including: Summit Altronix Corporation High Country AMAG Technology Hanwha Vision HID Johnson Controls Milestone Zenitel Front Range 3millID Acre Security Aiphone Alvarado ASSA ABLOY BCD Bosch Digital Watchdog Farpointe Data LenelS2 LifeSafety Power March Networks OpenEye SECLOCK Solutions360 Velasea Vicon Wavelynx Windy City Wire Western Slope Ai-RGUS AMG Security Genea Hirsch IML Security Supply NETGEAR ProdataKey Tabletop ALConsulting D-Tools GSA Schedules Jetbuilt NSCA Plante Moran Snellings Walters Insurance Agency SPRX Swell Zitko First Time Session Sponsor Vector Firm Access to networking events “PSA TEC 2025 would not be possible with our amazing sponsors,” said Brittany Board, director of technology partners at the PSA Network. “We are thankful for their support and looking forward to another opportunity to drive connections and business opportunities.” Registration for TEC is open and provides access to all networking events, meals and conference courses.

Here’s a news flash: 2022 will be a pivotal year for the security industry. As we enter the new year, continuing change is a safe prediction for any fast-moving, technology-driven marketplace. Recent history confirms the ability of the security industry to shift and adapt to changing conditions and to provide an ever-expanding menu of technology solutions to make the world a safer place. Given that the new year will bring change, what will that change encompass? More to the point, what should it encompass? We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: What is the biggest change you would like to see within the security industry in 2022?

Every building starts with the entrance. A solid enterprise risk mitigation and security strategy include protecting that entrance. Often, risk mitigation strategies protecting the entrance have included high-resolution video surveillance cameras, video management systems, and access control solutions. But that strategy and set of security solutions only tells part of the story. Imagine a security guard who is protecting a facility after hours, when an individual approaches the entrance and seeks to gain access. The security guard can pull up the video surveillance feed and see the individual and his movements, which appear to be suspicious. But he also needs to hear him in order to decide the next decisions and actions. Does he escalate the situation, calling for backup and for first responders’ response, or does he allow the individual access to the building because he works there and is authorised to enter?   Meet high-definition voice What the security guard needs is to be able to hear and to communicate with that individual. All enterprise security systems need three primary components in order to successfully protect the entrance and to mitigate risk – access control, video surveillance, and the ability to hear and communicate. Each component plays an integral role in supporting a unified security system, and without all three, the security system is not complete. Access control can be thought of as the brains of a security system by holding data and permissions. It serves as the arms and hands of the system; it can either keep someone out or What a security guard needs is to be able to hear and to communicate with an individualinvite them in. IP video allows a security team to remotely position a set of eyes anywhere an IP camera can be placed on a network. With a video management system, security teams can see what is happening and decide how to respond. However, with remote viewing, the event may be over by the time security physically responds.  Audio adds interactivity That three-component enterprise security system – comprising IP video, access control, and high-definition voice working together mitigates risks and provides value. It also means that security is interactive. Security teams talk and listen to the person that’s seen on a video surveillance system, no matter where the location or how remote. If the person is lost or simply needs assistance, security personnel can talk to them and provide direction and reassurance. Even more, in an emergency, an interactive solution becomes a critical life-saving tool, as it provides data that can be shared between security, police, emergency services, and more. Audio can also detect voices, noises, breaking glass, or other sounds that are not within direct view of a video camera. An interactive security system creates an informed response, by providing real-time situation awareness management. Post-event, it supports forensics and investigations to mitigate future security incidents.  Audio and COVID-19 We are living in extraordinary times. As businesses begin to reopen and stay open, they are looking for any tools that can help them overcome the enormous That three-component enterprise security system – comprising IP video, access control, and high-definition voice working together mitigates risks and provides valuechallenges they face. In buildings and facilities, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a new security perimeter, one that demands contactless access with entry and exit, and that has also created a new duty of care for security professionals. Now more than ever is the need to interact and communicate with individuals moving in and out of doors and spaces without physical intervention. Intelligent communications, integrated with contactless access control, can help a business to comply with pandemic safety guidelines and ultimately, reopen for business and stay open.  COVID-19 has also increased the need for clean-room isolation and quarantine spaces, sometimes in areas not originally intended for that use, where risk of infection is high, and equipment must be easily disinfected between patients. Here, purpose-built cleanroom intercoms, providing clear touchless communications despite the noisy environment, have emerged as critical tools for enabling patient care while reducing the need to enter the contaminated space. For example, voice communication can enable hospital staff to verify identity and to communicate with patients without entering the isolated and infectious environment, which can save on personal protective equipment (PPE) and reduce the amount of exposure to the virus. In non-emergency healthcare facilities, such as medical centers, voice can effectively relay information to building occupants and visitors for screening purposes. Visitors can be seen and heard. For example, a patient who seeks access to a medical center for an appointment can hear important instructions from a nurse via the intercom solution. Seeing the person that you talk to is one thing but hearing them conveys a much better sense of closeness, making it possible to maintain a high level of security and customer service.  The whole story Today’s security systems should no longer simply involve video surveillance cameras generating feedback and images to a security guard. Instead, a new ecosystem for enterprise security and risk mitigation has emerged, and it’s one that involves video surveillance, access control, and high-definition voice. That ecosystem can ensure well-rounded and responsive information management and security platform, all communicating with each other and offering actionable insight into risks and potential physical breaches. Audio is the new value hub of the connected and intelligent school, campus, building, correctional facility, and more. Simply put, a silent security system cannot be an effective security system. In every situation, it is crucial for all security professionals to mitigate risk, no matter what they are protecting. This emphasizes the need to hear, be heard, and be understood in virtually any environment.  

During 2017, we witnessed as the end-user came to realise that an intercom can be a silo if not properly integrated in with access control, video management, and their existing VoIP-based systems as well as designing intelligibility into every device. We believe the next generation of communication in the Age of Voice has accelerated beyond anyone’s expectations, and we will begin to see more and more attention on highly intelligible, interoperable and scalable intelligent communications solutions protected by robust cyber-defensible shields. Clear and measurable tools Intelligent communications solutions will define a new standard for IP-based systems that are able to interoperate with existing and emerging systems Intelligent communications solutions will define a new standard for IP-based systems that are able to interoperate with existing and emerging systems such as access control, video, VoIP and messaging platforms. The winners in the commercial marketplace will design intelligibility into every device and provide clear and measurable tools for managing the performance of that device on IT’s network. We call these the “ilities”: Cyber Defensibility, High Availability, Maintainability, Reliability and Scalability. Zenitel continues to be seen by leading access control and video management companies as the preferred intelligent communications solutions provider that can interoperate within a 360-degree all-hazards risk and actionable response platform. Educating the end user When the end user or integrator is educated on how to evaluate communications solutions, or experienced the painful lessons around deploying less intelligible solutions, Zenitel becomes their solution of choice. In 2018, we hope to do the same for the VoIP channel, showing them not only how we interoperate with their current telephony solutions, but also how they can augment those solutions in new and compelling ways.