How Innovations Are Elevating Security for End Users
Recent technological innovations and capabilities are providing end users across various industry sectors with a whole range of benefits never before available. Among them, quicker response times, more data intelligence, improved operational efficiencies, and more. Here, some leading industry manufacturers across varying product categories share their insights into what they view to be the most impressive technological innovations that have emerged recently and the impact they’re having on end users.
Weighing in on this Q&A are Steve Burdet, Manager, Solutions Mgmt. – Axis Communications and Kristen Plitt, VP Marketing & Sales Development – IDIS Americas.
Q: What do you view to be among the most impressive technological innovations that have emerged in recent years and why they are important for end users in terms of providing a higher level of security and any other operational benefits?
Burdet/Axis: AI stands out as the most significant technological innovation in recent years, withzz tremendous potential ahead. Prior to machine learning, video analytics in security systems often struggled with issues like false alarms due to factors such as shadows and cloud cover. Today, AI enables us to filter out the majority of false alerts and rapidly train analytics to achieve outcomes that were once unattainable. The advancements in Smart Search for forensic reviews have further enhanced the speed and accuracy of investigations, providing greater operational efficiency and security.
The ongoing evolution of IoT is transforming security systems in remarkable ways. The integration of intelligent communication protocols enables seamless compatibility between a wide range of devices, allowing them to interact and share data more effectively than ever before. This interoperability is driving more cohesive, efficient systems that can respond to real-time events with greater precision. As a result, security solutions are no longer viewed simply as a cost center but as a strategic investment, providing organizations with measurable returns through enhanced performance, operational efficiency, and scalability. This shift not only strengthens security but also empowers businesses to leverage their systems for broader operational benefits, offering long-term value beyond traditional security needs.
Cloud connectivity has become a pivotal force in the evolution of security systems. While cloud-based services have been around for years, the growing integration of security solutions with the cloud is now unlocking unprecedented capabilities – such as real-time data access, advanced analytics, and seamless scalability. Today, cloud infrastructure enables not only remote monitoring and management but also deeper insights through the aggregation and analysis of large volumes of data. This newfound flexibility is transforming security from a static, isolated system into a dynamic, adaptable resource that can continuously evolve to meet shifting organizational needs. As customer demands for agility and scalability increase, cloud-enabled security solutions are becoming an essential tool for businesses, providing far more value than traditional localized systems.
Plitt/IDIS Americas: AI-Powered Video Surveillance: AI technology is increasingly being integrated into video surveillance systems to provide more than just passive monitoring. Features like facial recognition, anomaly detection, and object tracking help users proactively identify potential threats, reducing response times and enhancing situational awareness. AI also helps in filtering out irrelevant footage, allowing for more efficient data management and reducing the time required for operators to analyze video feeds.
Smart Access Control Solutions: Modern access control systems are now smarter, integrating biometrics (like facial recognition or fingerprint scanning) with cloud-based systems. This ensures more secure, flexible, and scalable solutions. Users benefit from enhanced security with real-time monitoring and easier management of access points, improving operational efficiencies and lowering the chances of unauthorized access.
Integrated Security Systems with IoT: The convergence of IoT (Internet of Things) with security systems offers users an enhanced level of integration. For example, integrating video surveillance, access control, and intrusion detection into a single platform allows for centralized control, better cross-system communication, and quicker response times. This integration provides not just security but also operational efficiencies, such as automatic system updates or predictive maintenance alerts.
Cloud-Based Solutions: Cloud technology has enabled more scalable and accessible security solutions. With the cloud, users no longer need to rely solely on on-premises hardware and can manage their systems remotely. Cloud platforms also offer storage solutions that make it easier to store, access, and retrieve security data, enhancing data security while reducing IT infrastructure costs.
Advanced Analytics and Data Intelligence: With the combination of video surveillance and analytics, users can gain deeper insights into security operations, identify patterns in data, and make data-driven decisions. This adds a layer of intelligence to security systems, improving overall decision-making and helping users respond faster to potential threats.
Q: What advice would you give to security dealers and systems integrators on how to convey and sell these benefits to their customers?
Burdet / Axis: My advice to security dealers and systems integrators is to extend beyond selling hardware and installation services, which will remain key revenue drivers, and focus on understanding what truly motivates the sale. Today, more customers are seeking tailored solutions that address their specific needs. They are willing to invest more if they can clearly see the return on investment or cost savings that a security system can bring to their organization. By adopting a consultative sales approach where you actively listen, understand their unique challenges, and offer solutions that deliver measurable value, you’ll be better positioned to differentiate your offerings and build long-term, trusting relationships with customers. This approach not only attracts more customers but also increases the likelihood of higher-value sales and long-term success.
Escoto / Speco: Security professionals should educate customers on the tangible benefits of these technologies – improved efficiency, reduced risks, and remote management. It’s crucial to explain how these solutions integrate with existing infrastructure and scale with future needs.
For AI-driven surveillance, highlight how it automates threat detection, reducing manual monitoring and improving security. For access control, emphasize mobile credentials and biometric systems for better security and convenience. Additionally, dashboards equipped with remote management capabilities provide ongoing system health monitoring, predictive maintenance, and real-time analytics. Position these features as opportunities to reduce operational costs and improve uptime.
Plitt / IDIS Americas: Security dealers and systems integrators should focus on highlighting how these innovations will improve both security and operational performance for their customers. Here are some key points to emphasize: Highlight ROI: Demonstrate the long-term value of investing in these technologies, emphasizing cost savings from reduced labor, more efficient operations, and potential reductions in theft or damage due to enhanced security. Showcase ease of integration, emphasize scalability and flexibility, focus on how modern technologies allow for proactive threat identification, and offer hands-on demos.
Innovations Driving Value Beyond Security
As the security landscape evolves, innovations like AI, cloud connectivity, IoT integration, and smart access control are redefining what’s possible for end users. These technologies not only enhance protection but also drive efficiency, flexibility, and long-term value across diverse industries. For dealers and integrators, the opportunity lies in translating these capabilities into clear benefits that resonate with customers’ real-world challenges. By taking a consultative approach and staying at the forefront of emerging technologies, security professionals can position themselves as trusted advisors—delivering solutions that go far beyond protection and into the realm of business transformation.
