Know These 17 Emerging Security Technology Trends

Here are predominant trends or themes that stood out among the video surveillance, access control and other electronic security vendors exhibiting at ASIS this fall.

October 27, 2014 Scott Goldfine

Seventeen predominant trends or themes stood out among the video surveillance, access control and other electronic security vendors exhibiting at ASIS this fall in Atlanta. Here, in no particular order, are those takeaways:

1. Hardware-centric vendors adding software ― Looking to move beyond commoditized boxes and ways to make their products more relevant moving forward, many traditionally component-based suppliers are either creating their own integrated software, OEMing it from someone else or openly partnering with a specialist to expand feature sets. An example is Pivot3’s Virtual Security Console, designed to allow users to deliver secure security operations center capabilities at any time, in any location.

2. Software-centric vendors moving into hardware ― The corollary to the above is vendors well known for programming expertise are expanding into selling components. This can allow a more unified solution. An example here would be Milestone’s and OnSSI’s new NVR offerings.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Mobility ― Whether company owners are wanting to remotely manage their facilities or security personnel are 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Easier installation and deployment ― 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 network-wide provisioning by substituting endpoint provisioning with only one-two command lines.

10. Enhanced video imaging ― Like an arms race, manufacturers had been touting higher and higher IP megapixel camera capabilities, but now the one-upmanship has become about introducing other technologies that produce greater clarity and usability. At the forefront of this movement are wider dynamic camera sensors and IR/thermal technologies that can capture images in little to no light. An example is Sierra-Olympic Technologies’ Vinden CZ 640 uncooled, continuous-zoom thermal chassis camera.

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