30 That Set 2013’s Technology Course

SSI’s 2013 Top Technology Innovations picks the 30 standout products from the past year not only notable for their technology but also their practicality.

Was a time not so long ago when products flowed into the security industry like a steady stream, with incremental changes and just enough new items to maintain and grow business. It was reasonably manageable and predictable. However, like so many things swept up in the technological revolution, that stream has turned into a raging river with security professionals bombarded by advanced, sometimes disruptive offerings. And like riding the rapids, it can be fun and exciting or overwhelming and dangerous. Without the proper guidance, you can be left up the technology creek without a paddle.

To the rescue is SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION’s annual Top 30 Technology Innovations, which features standout products from the past year not only notable for their technology but also the practical ways in which they can be applied to enhance security integration companies’ businesses. SSI’s well-seasoned, veteran guides — expert columnists Paul Boucherle (“Convergence Channel”) and Bob Dolph (“Tech Talk”) — have once again explored all the technology terrain to map out the points of high interest. The 2013 selections offer owners/managers, salespeople and technicians a wealth of opportunities, and benefits for both their own operations and their customers.

Whether you are looking to increase profitability, become more efficient, make installations and troubleshooting easier, expand your business’ portfolio of offerings, satisfy general curiosity or quell your inner tech geek, you’re likely to discover something in this year’s Top 30 picks that tickles your fancy. While each manufacturer is limited to a single placement, the 2013 roster encompasses almost as many types of technologies as entries.

Besides inclusions broadly encompassing the time-honored disciplines of access control, fire/life-safety, intrusion detection and video surveillance, also included are: lighting; environmental controls; testing equipment; educational guides; mobile alerting; elevator controls; energy management; service and installation aids; cloud-based applications; wireless devices; biometrics; and even command center furnishings. There is more than enough to captivate and enthrall even the most hardcore security technology enthusiast.

While a veritable lifeline for security professionals looking to tame the industry’s technology torrent, the Top 30 is of course subjective in nature and thus open to friendly discussion and debate. That said, with the list officially entered into the log, it’s all water under the bridge as SSI presents (in alphabetical order by writer) 2013’s Top 30 Technology Innovations.


 

Paul Boucherle (right)Paul Boucherle’s Picks

AFC Industries Ergonomic Workstation

The Ergo Tier EFX caught my attention because of its ability to help security professionals of all physical dimensions more effectively monitor and interact with technology. This product adjusts monitoring panel angles and work surface heights to the individuals doing the work of security monitoring or dispatching.

With rising concerns of work-related injuries brought on by repetitious work processes, it makes sense to reduce fatigue, and increase attentiveness and comfort with ergonomically adjustable workstations. If your clients’ guard forces are rotating to maintain “fresh” eyes, this product can help them position their tools effectively and quickly. The quality of the EFX Series supports the investment to improve public and private monitoring effectiveness.

AMAG Security Management Platform

The AMAG Technologies Symmetry Professional v7.0 software adds greater dimension, applications and reliability to upgrading or retrofitting security solutions for customers. This product is designed to provide big feature sets with up to 512 card readers and nine servers as needed for mid to large market business client. It combines the key elements of integrated security — including video, intercom, ID management, intrusion and fire — and does it with an XML open architecture for future integration needs.

Being able to choose what software application features your customer needs today streamlines training requirements and system functionality while providing future growth opportunities for the next five years. The software’s optional feature sets cover 95% of the bases end users require or may need to support growth. AMAG’s reputation for reliability and stability makes this solution a solid choice for mid-market customers.

Camden Access Control Keypads

The growth of access control is trending upward in general, and specifically in the residential market. While PIN pad access control is generally considered entry level, it does provide cost-effectiveness and flexibility for many applications. The CM-120 keypads provide simple, cost-effective access control functionality for a wide variety of security applications. They can also be used to activate/deactivate equipment and machinery in different environmental conditions in commercial or residential applications.

The optional plug-in of a two-channel wireless transmitter and receivers allows much greater flexibility for installation options and unique applications at lower costs to the customer.

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About the Author

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Paul C. Boucherle, Certified Protection Professional (CPP) and Certified Sherpa Coach (CSC), is Security Sales & Integration’s “Business Fitness” columnist. A principal of Matterhorn Consulting, he has more than 30 years of diverse security and safety industry experience including UL central station operations, risk-vulnerability assessments, strategic security program design and management of industry convergence challenges. Boucherle has successfully guided top-tier companies in achieving enhanced ROI resulting from improved sales and operational management techniques. He is a charismatic speaker and educator on a wide range of critical topics relating to the security industry of today and an accomplished corporate strategist and marketer whose vision and expertise in business performance have driven notable enterprise growth in the security industry sector.

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