20 Key Trends Emerge From ASIS 2014
The 60th Annual ASIS Int’l Seminar and Exhibits was a rousing success, with plenty of telling industry takeaways. Find out what they are.
3. Software-centric vendors moving into hardware ― The corollary to the above is vendors well known for programming expertise expanding into selling components. Besides the additional revenue it can allow a more unified solution. An example here would be Milestone’s and OnSSI’s new NVR offerings.
4. Wow factor wireless devices ― Better WiFi reliability, Bluetooth integrations and adoption of Near-Field Communications (NFC) are among the drivers fueling ever-expanding products and applications here. And why not? The cost savings and flexibility can be substantial. Examples include HID Global’s “Twist and Go” gesture technology and Allegion’s ENGAGE technology electronic locks.
5. Energy efficiency ― Long scoffed at as not having much relevancy for security, some vendors are now keenly focused on reducing the carbon footprints of their devices and systems. Among them is ASSA ABLOY, which is bringing to market some devices that use up to 99% less energy. In larger systems that can bring clients significant energy savings.
6. 4K Ultra HD video ― With four times the resolution of 1080p, this was the single most “buzzy” technology on display. Several of the leading video surveillance suppliers showed 4K cameras, including Panasonic’s 360-degree version, IQinVision’s 185-degree model and Digital Watchdog’s four-sensor 16K total offering. However, DVTEL CEO Yoav Stern cautioned about the need for all aspects of a surveillance system to be 4K compatible in order to achieve the full benefits.
7. Mobility ― Whether integrators looking to do remote diagnostics, company owners wanting to remotely manage their facilities or security personnel needing connectivity on the go, app-based access and control of security systems anywhere, anytime is becoming more and more prevalent. An example is Axis Communications’ new mobile surveillance apps for Android and Apple devices.
8. Simpler interfaces with expanded features ― It has taken some time, but vendors are moving away from the whims of vacuum-sealed engineering geeks to concentrate on more intuitive interfaces that are easier for end users to learn and use, as well as emphasizing useful functionalities in real-world scenarios. An example is Genetec’s Security Center VMS, which has now added the Sipelia communications management module to enable seamless integration with intercom devices.
9. More operational intelligence gathering ― The advancement and proliferation of security devices and systems, particularly video, is creating almost limitless opportunities to pull together what had been disparate data to analyze and make smarter decisions for operations as well as security. A good example is 3XLogic’s VIGIL Trends productivity tool.
10. Easier installation and deployment ― An integrator’s best friend is the vendor who truly knows installation pain points and comes up with innovative solutions to hardships and hassles. More modular designs, easily-hung devices and self-finding network components show manufacturers are doing a better job listening to their customers. For instance, EasyConnect from Exacq, which automatically finds, addresses and connects multiple IP cameras within a network, and Avayla’s Fabric Connect, which eliminates networkwide provisioning by substituting endpoint provisioning with only one-two command lines.
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About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
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