GSX 2023 Recap: Security Innovations, Sights & Insights
Attendees of GSX 2023 congregate on Day 1 prior to the opening of the exhibition hall on Sept. 11.
Visitors to the AMAG Technology booth had the opportunity to test drive the company's latest physical access control, identity management and integrated security solutions. But some also learned that AMAG to this day is still providing the marketplace with its Symmetry SR system — a replacement for “sunsetted” Casi Rusco access control systems, which AMAG first brought to market in 2014. The simple, cost effective migration solution eliminates a complex rip-and-replace process. The Symmetry SR offers a pin-for-pin replacement that re-uses existing card readers, wiring and badge populations. Integrators can simply switch out the controllers, which takes only minutes per controller.
The Trove Access and Power Integration Solution, which first hit the marketplace in 2015, is designed to easily integrate Altronix power with access controllers and accessories from the industry’s leading manufacturers. The continued evolution of Trove was on display during GSX, where attendees learned the solution now includes high-capacity wall mount models that accommodate up to 36 doors and rackmount models that support eight doors with integral power.
Altronix simplifies system design and installation for dealers and integrators with a browser-based configurator, enabling pre-configured and pre-wired Trove kits to be shipped directly to project sites in 15 days or less. Also noteworthy are new compact 12-output access power controllers (ACMS12) and 16-output power distribution modules (PDS16) allow for the deployment of more devices, saving enclosure space. (Image via facebook.com/altronixcorp)
ASSA ABLOY clustered several of its brands and divisions together on the show floor, including Opening Solutions, Entrance Systems, Global Solutions - Critical Infrastructure, Lifesafety Power, Traka Americas, and Ameristar Perimeter Security. HID Global also had a prominent footprint on the show floor.
Axis Communications welcomed industry trade publication editors for a tour of its booth prior to the exhibit hall opening on Day 2. Among top attractions was a new body worn camera (AXIS W110), featuring a compact form factor with open standards for easy integration with existing systems. An activation kit (AXIS W400) automatically activates recording by all body worn cameras in the same system when a lightbar or siren is activated, or a panic button is pressed. Another top attraction is the new AXIS I8116-E Network Video Intercom. The device offers easy installation in tight spaces and features built-in cybersecurity features and support for advanced analytics.
Artificial intelligence and gun detection are two prominent themes currently unfolding and evolving in the physical security landscape. Bosch Security and Safety Systems used GSX to illustrate the possibilities when combining both into a solution that can improve threat detection of risks and facilitate faster responses.
A new "pre-packaged" gun detection system from Bosch is billed as the first to pair video and audio AI for a multi-layered approach designed to detect guns at schools. When a person brandishing a gun approaches a school, a Flexidome 5100i camera with Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) Visual Gun Detection is designed to promptly alert personnel. If a gun is not visually detected, the second layer — a Flexidome panoramic 5100i camera with Intelligent Audio Analytics — is designed to detect and classify gunshots while accurately estimating the direction from which they originate. The solution is compatible with third-party video management systems that support Bosch analytics. (Image courtesy of Bosch)
Sister companies Brivo Systems and Eagle Eye Networks enjoyed brisk attendance at their shared exhibit space. Eagle Eye had its new v3 release of the company's Video API Platform to tout, which is used by developers, resellers and technology partners across the globe. The new API is billed as comprehensive, built for faster implementation of video applications by developers and builds upon the API foundation of v1 and v2.
Brivo provided previews of its soon-to-be released Door Station solution, a next-generation platform that combines video, AI and intercom into a single device. The reader will allow end customers to use video only or leverage facial authentication and other advanced features. Among its advantages to end customers: there will be no third-party subscriptions or other integrations to manage.
DMP hosted live demonstrations of its Entré software, Virtual Keypad and the XV Series with AlarmVision. With DMP Entre, XR Series panel users can manage both intrusion and access control in one software application. Also of note, attendees got to view the new XF6, a 24V fire alarm control panel built for single-site applications. It comes equipped with network and cellular communications that send all signals directly to the monitoring center. The XF6 is both addressable and UL864 listed for wireless. (Image via twitter.com/DMPalarms)
Alvarado, a U.S.-based manufacturer of speed gates and turnstiles acquired by dormakaba in 2019, highlighted its recently released Argus V60. The compact swinging barrier optical turnstile is billed as offering powerful tailgating detection paired with the industry’s smallest footprint — it has a cabinet depth of only 9.5 inches (240mm). This combination makes the Argus V60 well suited for high-traffic areas where floor space is limited.
Evolon's Robert Putica, left, and Tanner LaRocque, highlighted a pair of technology partnerships, including general availability of the company's integration with Milestone XProtect. The solution delivers real-time object detection alerts by leveraging Evolon’s metadata stream and XProtect’s event management features. Evolon also demonstrated its Edge perimeter detection running on Hanwha’s Wisenet Open Platform for cameras. The Evolon solution adds analytics to Hanwha’s X-series and P-series cameras as an application running directly on the cameras, requiring no additional hardware.
Genetec announced its focus at GSX 2023 would be to "showcase solutions that simplify the path to unification while enhancing security and operations." To that end, the company highlighted its recently introduced Genetec Web App, which enables users to easily monitor their security system from anywhere and quickly respond to incidents. The app can be deployed on any device with a web browser, enabling operators to proactively prepare for various situations, react to changing conditions and implement standardized responses.
Also of note, the latest version of Genetec SIP-based Sipelia Communications Management system is now integrated within the Genetec Mobile app. The update is said to offer performance enhancements and allows users to make and receive SIP calls using a smartphone or tablet. This enables operators to easily communicate with team members, staff and customers from any location.
Hanwha Vision featured an array of new surveillance products and vision solutions at GSX 2023. Artificial intelligence was prominent throughout the booth, with many existing and new products now incorporating AI to raise performance to newfound levels. Also noted in the booth: The new SightMind business intelligence software to support data-driven decision-making; a corner mount camera offering a wide field of view in discreet monitoring applications; four- and five-channel AI multi-directional cameras; 31x 8MP bullet cameras; and DM Pro, a cloud-based solution that provides device management and health monitoring capabilities.
Along with demonstrating a variety of solutions that enable trusted identities across multiple vertical market segments, HID previewed its new centralized reader management solution, HID Linq. The solution is designed to make the configuration and updates of physical access systems simpler, faster and more efficient. The company showed how users can simultaneously update multiple HID Signo readers connected to a Mercury red board controller via OSDP or by using a serial adapter over a USB connection. (via facebook.com/HIDGlobal)
A reoccurring theme at GSX was the continued blossoming of technology partnerships and integrations that are resulting in unprecedented new levels of security and business efficiencies for end users. By example, Milestone Systems announced a new integration with Genea prior to GSX. Genea has successfully integrated Milestone XProtect video management and Milestone Kite cloud native Video Surveillance as a Service (VSaaS) with its cloud-based access control to provide users with a centralized security solution in a single pane of glass. With these integrations, IT and security personnel can easily connect and view their facility’s surveillance video alongside the corresponding access event, such as a door held open, or door forced open.
NAPCO Security Technologies attracted throngs of attendees in and around its booth footprint where the company displayed a range of wares from its expansive portfolio. Among the attractions, new from the Alarm Lock division, AirAccess is a scalable, cellular cloud-based access control platform built on the foundations of StarLink and Trilogy Networx — cellular communicators and wireless lock technologies. With nothing extra to purchase and no software to install or upgrade, users have mobile connectivity and control, plus the AirAccess mobile app allows for SMS notifications.
And speaking of the cloud, NAPCO’s new FireLink FACP with cloud programming allows for programming from any smart device or tablet, without the need for specialized software, training or a laptop. The FireLink Integrated 8-32Pt panels start off as an 8-point, all-in-one cellular FACP solution.
Omnilert demonstrated its live gun detection platform and highlighted its VMS integrations with technology partners including Avigilon, Genetec and Milestone. Director of AI Chad Green, the inventor of the company's technology, explained when integrated with existing cameras, the software can identify a weapon in less than one second. Once verified, the platform takes only a second more to initiate locking doors, contacting police, among other response protocals. Above, in the image from the GSX show flooor (via facebook.com/Omnilert), note the gun detection on the left.
Along with the latest features sets found in the company's flagship VIGIL CLOUD VMS, attendees to the 3xLOGIC booth could also learn about the new X-Series Edge-based Deep Learning Analytics cameras. The cameras are said to continuously analyze movements and behaviors and use predictive analysis to track each subject constantly. People, objects and vehicle events can be filtered so that only important activations are acted upon. According to the company, these are particularly effective in dense and complex scenes with applications in perimeter protection, person, object, and vehicle detection and notifications, as well as business intelligence use cases for advanced dwell time and people counting.
3xLOGIC shared an exhibit space with sister company PACOM Systems, a manufacturer of integrated and networked security solutions for a wide range of single and multi-site applications and organizations. The company is bringing to market VIGIL Core, a next-generation cloud-hosted access control and intrusion solution. Brad McMullen, president of the 3xLOGIC, PACOM and Sonitrol brands, told SDM this true cloud solution features intuitive software and will differentiate by enabling managed services.
Global Security Exchange (GSX) 2023, held Sept. 11-13 in Dallas, attracted nearly 16,000 registrants from 95 countries along with more than 470 exhibitors, according to event producer ASIS International, the world’s largest association for security management professionals.
Those numbers bested last year’s pandemic-rebounding conference in Orlando, Fla., which drew more than 13,000 registrants from 85 countries and 400+ exhibitors.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the success of our annual conference and trade show. GSX is not just an event; it’s a testament to the passion, dedication, and collective brilliance of our members and ASIS staff,” stated, Tim McCreight, CPP, 2023 president, ASIS International. “Together, we’ve created a truly remarkable experience for security professionals across the globe that will have a long-lasting impact.”
SDM Senior Editor Rodney Bosch walked the GSX 2023 exhibits at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center during the first two days and witnessed mostly crowded aisles and busy show booths, with attendees and exhibitors alike giving a thumbs up to the pervasive energy in the hall. Check out the image gallery and captions above for a sampling of technology and product highlights seen on the show floor.
GSX 2023 kicked-off with a 9/11 commemoration and keynote presentation by Radek Sikorski, a current member of the European Parliament. His presentation, titled “Securing Democracy Worldwide: Why We Must Win,” discussed the threat Putin poses not only to Ukraine, but also to Poland, Europe and democracy at large. Sikorski urged both the European Union and the United States to support the efforts in Ukraine.
Former president George W. Bush led off Day 2’s agenda with a general session, during which he discussed his time in office, conflict abroad and the 9/11 attacks. Bush also shared his thoughts on the most pressing issues facing the U.S. today, as well as the effectiveness a president can have when dealing with those issues.
Also on Day 2, the World Security Report 2023, commissioned by Allied Universal and its international business G4S, was unveiled. The report offers a unique look at the concerns of nearly 1,800 chief security officers from large, global companies in 30 countries representing a combined annual revenue of more than $20 trillion in 2022.
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The final day of GSX celebrated Military and Law Enforcement Appreciation Day and featured former CIA Officer and FBI Special Agent Tracy Walder. In her keynote address, Walder identified what she sees as the three most urgent threats facing the U.S.: fragile states, China and domestic terrorism.
GSX 2023 offered nearly 220 education sessions over the three-day event, including a number of “speed learning” sessions, such as the X Stage, which featured cutting-edge solutions that actively shape the future of the security professional. The UnCrewed U Stage offered 14 short, 20-minute sessions and product demos of the latest uncrewed aircraft platforms, counter UAS systems and ground-based robots. The Cybersecurity Pavilion addressed topics ranging from the convergence between physical and cybersecurity to artificial intelligence.
GSX 2024 will return to Orlando, Sept. 23-25. For more event information, go here.
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