Security Blog

Our last blog entry ("Recycling Is Green, But It Can Make You Some Green Too...") reviewed the benefits of recycling in unexpected ways, telling a short case study involving the reuse of a console. But I'd be remiss if I didn't explore the dark side of recycling. Some things should be destined for the landfill, or be recycled at the component level, and not put back into service ...

Although the following famous saying is sometimes over used, it is most appropriate for the start of this blog ...

During my recent trip to Boca Raton, Fla., to attend the First Alert Professional Convention I conducted a 90-minute roundtable interview featuring Mike Ash, president of Garden State Fire & Security Alarm Co. in Aberdeen, N.J.; Larry and Mike Matson, principals of Matson Alarm, Fresno, Calif.; Mike Miller, vice president of Moon Security Services in Pasco, Wash.; and Bill Zeller, CEO of Mellon Security & Sound Systems in Lantana, Fla. ...

The California Alarm Association’s (CAA) Winter Convention in San Francisco, held Dec. 9-11, included a provocative executive symposium with three industry leaders sharing insights and strong opinions on trends affecting the alarm industry. In a nutshell, among positive industry viewpoints, wake-up calls aimed at installing security contractors did ensue.

Most of us are bombarded with constant reminders about the importance of recycling, and I can imagine anyone arguing with the overall concept. And, many of us take it further than bottles, cans and paper — where I live, anything even slightly useful that is placed out at the curb is “recycled” by a passerby well before the trash collection shows up. But has anyone really thought of how that kind of recycling can help your business?

As many of us have seen for some time, many types of electronic security systems are morphing into computer systems. Sure, it takes experience to know how and where to place cameras, monitor systems effectively, ensure smooth traffic flow for access control systems, and myriad other skills we’ve had to learn through the years. But the physical interconnection of the equipment is essentially identical to an IT systems deployment, and there’s a danger there — or is there?

As it turns out that forgetfulness and concentration issues many of us increasingly encounter especially as we get older may be the result of a source much more surprising than age. And no, I am not talking about too much experimenting with illicit substances in college either. According to new research by psychologists at the University of Berkeley, California, the root of your dilemma may be a consequence of too much air travel.

I once heard a saying that went something like this: “If one person states a position, it is an opinion; if two state a position, it is a movement; and if three or more people state a position, it is a revolution.” I would like to suggest that security techs up rise and start the Robertson Revolution ...

Although I have touched on the following subject before in my “Monitoring Matters” column, a recent experience has compelled me to bring it up again in this blog. Simply stated, it is essential to your customers well being and ...

Rising theft of copper from construction sites, unoccupied, and even inhabited, buildings has been spotlighted for a few years as an opportunity for installing security companies. Today, lingering recession effects combined with the conductive, noncorrosive metal expected to hit an all-time high of more than $5 per pound in 2011 ...