https://www.sdmmag.com/rss/2129-featured-stories en-us http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/99969 Mon, 04 Oct 2021 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/99969-conversion-rate-optimization-makes-marketing-meaningful-powerful-and-effective wolfec@bnpmedia.com (Courtney Wolfe) In April 2018, SDM published an article exploring to what extent unmanned systems would be used in the security industry. Oh how things have changed in just 19 months.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97285 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:01:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97285-the-security-industry-is-ripe-for-disruption-drones-might-be-what-does-it This probably sounds like the start to an article about work/life balance, team-building exercises, or a fantasy sports pool, but I promise you it is not.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97286 Mon, 04 Nov 2019 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97286-why-we-should-build-a-baseball-team-at-work hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Today’s security and life safety technologies are heavily influenced by the technology advancements and conveniences end users have come to expect in their daily lives.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97230 Mon, 14 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97230-easier-management-is-a-hallmark-of-todays-fire-alarm-panels Hochiki date IMAGE COURTESY OF HOCHIKI Today’s fire alarm control panels are moving away from the discreet switches and fixed labels to full color touchscreen displays that can easily be configured and reconfigured for ease of operation and clarity of information displayed. Telguard IMG_3148_edited IMAGE COURTESY OF TELGUARD Cellular transmission has been the primarily chosen technology to replace POTS as a communication path, and offers several advantages to security dealers and integrators, including RMR. Napco MrRCU_cf IMAGE COURTESY OF NAPCO SECURITY TECHNOLOGIES Cellular technology integration can save a dealer equipment costs and labor and reduce SKUs. EST4 Panel Installed IMAGE COURTESY OF EDWARDS SAFETY The building industry uses a multitude of designs and facility or campus layouts, requiring more advanced networking designs. As evidenced by the steady stream of news about data breaches coming from companies large and small, cyber crime has become a very real problem in the world today.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97219 Mon, 07 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97219-securing-surveillance-technologies-is-a-critical-concern ddunkel@psasecurity.com (Dan Dunkel) Transformation is defined as “a change in form, appearance, nature or character.” Today, the physical security industry is faced with the fact that digital transformation has redefined business risk.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97108 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97108-transformative-leadership-the-past-can-predict-the-future internet-of-things Dan Dunkel IMAGE COURTESY OF PSA About the Author: Dan Dunkel is managing director for the MSSP Program at PSA. Prior to this role his was senior vice president of sales for Cyber adAPT, a threat intelligence and remediation firm. He is the former president of New Era Associates, a consultancy specializing in digital convergence and security best practices. His consulting practice involved all aspects of sales channel and business development across the high technology, physical security and cybersecurity market sectors. stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) Security systems integrators handle a diverse set of projects with demanding requirements. Their suppliers play a major role in helping them meet those requirements and exceed their clients’ expectations.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97104 Mon, 23 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97104-preferred-brands-among-the-top-systems-integrators derekrice@gmail.com (Derek Rice) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97103 Mon, 16 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97103-low-light-camera-performance-continues-its-rapid-rise hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) As anyone who operates in the enterprise space already knows, enterprise-level access control is not just a bigger version of the SMB market.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97069 Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97069-the-bigger-picture-of-enterprise-access-control HEisler IMG_7340 IMAGE COURTESY OF FACILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS INC. Integrator Ed Heisler says, “It’s our job to figure out how best to use new products to benefit our customers and track what the industry is saying about the new technology. Luckily in the realm of enterprise security, many manufacturers are more than willing to help facilitate with the sales/training and diagnostic process to facilitate the use and promotion of their products.” Heisler IMG_8054 IMAGE COURTESY OF FACILITY CONTROL SYSTEMS INC. Enterprise customers today want choice, including more open and scalable systems that can accommodate multiple locations or even disparate access control systems. JCI CBRE Softwarehouse IMAGE COURTESY OF JOHNSON CONTROLS Integrator George Grammer says, “Customers want lots of choices … If they are going to go through a rip and replace upgrade they might as well dig deep and make the changes to get the end result they are looking for.” NapcocUIu0I4d IMAGE COURTESY OF NAPCO There are more stakeholders than ever before in an enterprise access control project — from security and IT, to human resources, finance and compliance. hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Call it analytics, big data, business intelligence, machine learning, AI, or something else — these terms are not interchangeable, but in today’s security landscape they are often used to mean approximately the same thing: the idea that you can take traditional security technology (video, access control, intrusion, etc.) and expand its use to benefit the business side of whatever customer you are applying it to.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97073 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:01:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97073-getting-to-know-the-world-of-business-intelligence Bosch CameraTrainerParking1_Original_37410(1) IMAGE COURTESY OF BOSCH SECURITY AND SAFETY The concept of business intelligence takes traditional security technology — in this case video cameras — and uses analytics engines to expand its use to non-security applications — such as identifying available parking spots. joanengebretson@cs.com (Joan Engebretson) Distributors play a key role in the security business, offering not only products but also training and other resources to security dealers. Here is what’s new in this area.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97074 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97074-helpful-security-distributor-trainings-and-resources IMG_2841 Dealers can earn continuing education units (CEUs) via training provided by Security Equipment Supply and other distributors. IMAGE COURTESY OF SECURITY EQUIPMENT SUPPLY Locksmith Industry Page Access Hardware is redesigning its web page to include pages dedicated to core markets. IMAGE COURTESY OF ACCESS HARDWARE derekrice@gmail.com (Derek Rice) There was a time when power and transmission were delivered by distinct solutions, but power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions have changed that dynamic considerably by delivering power and video surveillance signals over a single cable.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96978 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96978-critical-factors-for-video-power-transmission-success 10_port_poe_environmentally_hardened_1189254 IMAGE COURTESY OF COMMUNICATION NETWORKS Cameras and other system components are often hardened against harsh environments, but it’s equally important to ensure power and transmission solutions also offer the same level of protection for continuous system availability. d200-347-6003y_f IMAGE Courtesy of DITEK Surge protection solutions are key to protecting video surveillance solutions and systems from the power fluctuations inherent in any utility-supplied power source. joanengebretson@cs.com (Joan Engebretson) Smart home capabilities are the sizzle that can help sell the security system steak. And smart locks are among the most sizzling smart home options. Here are six key developments in this area — and seven more that could be coming over the horizon.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97035 Tue, 13 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/97035-key-trends-in-smart-locks Silver Echo, Nightstand HiRes Some manufacturers have integrated smart locks with smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo, enabling homeowners to use voice commands to lock doors. IMAGE COURTESY OF AMAZON InUse_BE489CAM619_WR (1) Smart locks eliminate the need to use a key to gain entry to a home or business. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLEGION IphoneX Many smart locks can be smartphone controlled. IMAGE COURTESY OF ALARM.COM SmartCode 916 Contemporary (current) Family members may enter a numeric code rather than a key to gain entry to their home. IMAGE COURTESY OF KWIKSET hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Today’s intercom solutions are not the same as in the past. With technological advances including IP, PoE, networking and mobile, these technologies are truly part of a fully integrated security solution and should be presented, sold and installed accordingly.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96977 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96977-recommendations-for-making-the-most-of-todays-intercoms Aiphone IMAGE COURTESY OF AIPHONE Communications capabilities are broadened when video intercom systems are tied into an organization’s network and SIP phone system. Code Blue_CB 2a Help Point IMAGE COURTESY OF CODE BLUE Integration can add a number of benefits and features when an emergency button is pressed, whether that’s using video to complement the two-way audio, unlocking doors, opening parking gates or displaying key information. Axis ip_force_image_photo_26 IMAGE COURTESY OF AXIS COMMUNICATIONS End users are looking for leadership from the security integrator, who should be knowledgeable about the technology and how it works and that it is cost effective so they can sell it into the marketplace. hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Is the smart home market maturing and stabilizing, showing a clear path forward for security dealers wanting to capitalize on the new desires of homeowners to interact with many areas of their home life, including security? Not exactly. But there are definitely signs that it has moved to another level of adoption and interest, making the time ripe for action on the part of those who want to adjust their business model to capture opportunities and revenue in this fast-growing space.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96975 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96975-state-of-the-market-smart-home-2019 sheinm@bnpmedia.com (Maggie Shein) Since 2006, The Monitoring Association (TMA) has been recognizing the top performers in monitoring with its TMA Monitoring Center Excellence Awards (previously called the Central Station Awards). The Excellence Awards, hosted by TMA and co-sponsored by SDM Magazine, recognize exceptional personnel and monitoring centers in the industry (both TMA members and non-members) that are certified by an approved Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL).

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96972 Mon, 05 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96972-the-14th-annual-monitoring-center-excellence-awards hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) In a world dominated by high-tech talk like IoT, AI, cloud, mobile credentials, etc., it can be easy to overlook the fact that one of the original electronic access control technologies — the keypad — is not only still relevant today, but could be the best fit for certain applications.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96904 Mon, 22 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96904-rethinking-keypads-for-better-access-control Adams Rite_Aperio_G100_Application IMAGE COURTESY OF ASSA ABLOY ASSA ABLOY keypads can be used on glass, cabinets, drawers and more. Essex 3 IMAGE COURTESY OF ESSEX ELECTRONICS It is important to understand that not all keypads are right for all applications, Kaufman says. For example, if the keypad will be outside in harsh weather it should be ruggedized. joanengebretson@cs.com (Joan Engebretson) When we think of applications for thermal cameras, the first one that is likely to come to mind is their ability to detect intruders in the dark.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96871 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96871-how-to-choose-a-thermal-camera FC-Series - ID - man walking in parking lot Thermal cameras can detect intruders in low-light conditions. Image provided by FLIR MIC Camera - Coastal HR Thermal cameras can be well suited for detecting intruders that approach via water. Image provided by Bosch Axis Comm thermal image Thermal cameras are commonly used by customers that have security staff to respond when an intruder is detected. Image provided by Axis Communications Radius Security and Vancouver Fire is British Columbia’s largest, longest-established fire protection, fire safety and commercial security and monitoring company servicing municipalities in B.C., Alberta and Ontario.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96833 Mon, 15 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96833-radius-security-brings-actionable-intelligence-to-canadian-psaps RadiusVanFire_SOC IMAGE COURTESY OF SUREVIEW SYSTEMS Radius Security found the best option for its surveillance automation platform in a two-fold solution including SureView Systems’ Immix CS platform and IncidentCode.com from Police Priority. Police Priority Guide Radius IMAGE COURTESY OF SUREVIEW SYSTEMS With the CAST technology all the PSAP and responding officer needs is an internet connection and PC or mobile device. stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) Security integrators describe the 2018 market for integrated security systems as “strong,” “hot” and “accelerated” — all apt terms, given that the nation’s largest integrators grew their systems integration revenue by at least 14 percent last year.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96851 Tue, 09 Jul 2019 13:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96851-sdm-2019-top-systems-integrators-report-security-projects-coming-from-all-market-sectors hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Cyber security has been top of mind for the physical security industry for the past few years; but often the conversation begins and ends with how to harden systems you are installing on a client’s network.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96859 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96859-finding-the-right-cyber-opportunity sheinm@bnpmedia.com (Maggie Shein) The role of the monitoring center operator has experienced several incarnations.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96831 Mon, 08 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96831-using-analytics-for-video-monitoring Agent Vi 1 hi-res Analytics can help monitoring operators pinpoint events, as well as give them more information about the event for a higher-quality alarm. IMAGE COURTESY OF AGENT VI BoschVMS_2_keyvisual_Original_5417 Different vendors have different features with their offerings, and monitoring businesses can help integrators and end users with the conversation of what will work for their specific application. IMAGE COURTESY OF BOSCH SECURITY AND SAFETY SYSTEMS Rapid Response Overall room view 3 FINAL Pricing with analytics is a challenge for monitoring businesses since such accounts often require more operator interaction than traditional burglar alarms. IMAGE COURTESY OF RAPID RESPONSE MONITORING Video monitoring just may be the answer to decreasing revenue from hardware-centric sales, DIY pressures and new market entrants offering monitoring for historical lows and no contract.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96826 Mon, 01 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96826-generating-rmr-with-video-monitoring IMG_3760 Eyewitness Surveillance focuses on the consultative sale, say President RT Arnold (left) and CEO Rush McCloy (right). Rapid East Monitoring Center IMAGE COURTESY OF RAPID RESPONSE Rapid Response Monitoring Services uses video as a primary detection platform for monitoring its dealer affiliate customers. Acadian_Video Monitoring_May 2019 IMAGE COURTESY OF ACADIAN MONITORING SERVICES Acadian Monitoring Services’ Brandon Niles says the company is most excited about the emergence of artificial intelligence and its impact on video monitoring. joanengebretson@cs.com (Joan Engebretson) http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96747 Mon, 24 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96747-whats-hot-in-central-station-software GFimage SureView Systems is moving from Flash-based video to HTML 5 to reduce power requirements. IMAGE COURTESY OF SUREVIEW SYSTEMS Manitou Video Control Center Central station software from Bold Technologies can give operators the ability to control a variety of cameras from a single control point. IMAGE COURTESY OF BOLD TECHNOLOGIES ReportsMenu Some central station software gives dealers the ability to generate useful reports. IMAGE COURTESY OF MICRO KEY SOLUTIONS Every successful security integrator is looking and preparing for the next big industry game changer.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96746 Mon, 17 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96746-top-3-questions-security-integrators-should-ask-before-jumping-into-commercial-audio Sound masking background mass comm IMAGE COURTESY OF PSA Three main categories of commercial audio are sound masking, background music and mass communication. 000 IMAGE COURTESY OF PSA Before a security integration firm decides to jump into commercial audio, they should ask three questions: What will we offer and to whom? How do we elevate our sales, operations and service teams? And where do we start? derekrice@gmail.com (Derek Rice) Imagine a burglary occurred at a business one afternoon and the suspects escaped capture.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96735 Mon, 10 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96735-training-holds-the-key-to-securing-customers-vms-success ._IMG_1877 IMAGE COURTESY OF BATES SECURITY To help clients use the full capabilities of their VMS, integrators must follow best practices for training once a solution has been installed. 0 IMAGE COURTESY OF BATES SECURITY Hands-on training with the system is often the best way to maximize end users’ retention of the information and skills they learn during a training session. hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) For decades the dominant story in access control has been that it was a victim of its own success: that is, customers were reluctant to change out what was still working — even 15 or 20 years on — and didn’t see the benefit in spending the money to upgrade, even for significantly new or different features.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96697 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:20:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96697-the-state-of-the-access-control-market-in-2019 echard_wheeler_SDM000010 Matthew Netardus of Security 101-Hampton Roads says his company saw a definite uptick in access control retrofits in 2018, one of which was the Wells Fargo building in Norfolk, Va., pictured above.  echard_wheeler_SDM000061 As end users upgrade or integrate their access control systems they are overwhelmingly seeking open architecture-based platforms. SOM Access meter Chart 1 Chart 2 Chart 3 Chart 4 Chart 5 stepanekl@bnpmedia.com (Laura Stepanek) The security industry looks to the SDM 100 — a group of the 100 largest security companies ranked by their recurring monthly revenue (RMR) — as a wellspring of industry trends and operational best practices.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96714 Mon, 03 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96714-most-popular-brands-among-the-sdm-100 hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Access control discussions today often center around the latest and greatest features, new technologies, integrations and high tech options.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96672 Mon, 27 May 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96672-key-elements-of-selling-door-activation-devices ngp_06-sq IMAGE COURTESY OF CAMDEN DOOR CONTROLS Touchless or “wave” switches are increasingly popular with end users seeking convenience or concerned about germs. 1553279004956 IMAGE COURTESY OF DORMAKABA Install and test devices before putting them in a customer’s site to ensure they are high quality. ASSA Hands On Up Close IMAGE COURTESY OF ASSA ABLOY Several manufactures offer training classes, guides and written documents to help dealers and installers make sure they get it right. derekrice@gmail.com (Derek Rice) The early struggles of video analytics technologies to live up to over-inflated expectations are well documented.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96623 Mon, 20 May 2019 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/96623-video-analytics-mature-solution-or-still-developing-technology 2019-04-02_1356 IMAGE COURTESY OF ALLIED SECURITY LINKS Caption: For a recently completed installation at a military and law enforcement training facility, Austin, Texas-based Allied Security Links deployed line-crossing and other video analytics on every camera installed at various locations throughout the 2,500-acre property. video-analytics2 IMAGE COURTESY OF SIMPSON SECURITY SYSTEMS Caption: One of the more common video analytics applications systems integrators are deploying are line-crossing or virtual fence solutions used to generate alerts when someone or something enters a particular area. video-analytics IMAGE COURTESY OF SIMPSON SECURITY SYSTEMS Video analytics can help ease the strain on monitoring operators by creating alerts to call their attention to specific events or situations, such as a person walking through a parking garage after hours, for further inspection to determine what, if any, response may be needed.