Emerging Technologies ...

Technology is all around us. Whether it’s a smartphone, tablet, laptop, smart TV or a home security system, devices evolve over time, with the goal of making people’s lives easier and more efficient.

Of course, as we are a publication that focuses on the security industry, we enjoy giving you details on all the new and exciting technologies that are emerging in the commercial, monitoring, residential, supplier and cyber sectors that we cover.

In the past week alone, I had the pleasure of interviewing Patriot One CEO Peter Evans and Hakimo CEO Sam Joseph to discuss the new technology that their respective companies recently introduced to the security space.

Patriot One’s Multi-Sensor Gateway patron screening solution was recently selected by The U.S. Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to be deployed at access entry locations for its headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

What makes this weapons detection system so beneficial is two-fold – first, the wait time to gain access into the building is significantly reduced, as opposed to a standard walkthrough metal detector. In fact, Patriot One CEO Peter Evans calculated that this weapons detection system allows patrons in approximately four to seven times faster than a classic metal detector.

Why? With this Multi-Sensor Gateway solution, you don’t have to empty your pockets and put your personal stuff in a bin before walking through the metal detector. You just walk right in!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been to a sports stadium/arena or a music venue and had to stand on an absurdly long line – sometimes in sub-freezing temperatures - and wait for everyone to empty their keys, cellphones, change, belts, etc. and then proceed to walk through the metal detectors. Heck, I’ve missed entire first quarters, innings and periods at sporting events, and opening acts at concerts because of the slow-as-molasses lines I’ve had to stand on!

As Evans pointed out, a standard metal detector at a sports arena allows about 500 patrons in per hour. But with the Multi-Sensor Gateway deployed, you can get an estimated 2,000-3,600 people in per hour. That’s quite a difference in traffic flow!

And, in addition to hastening the entry process, security personnel at the OIG  headquarters building, sports arenas and other venues where this weapons detector could be deployed would be able to perform other tasks, such as monitoring the parking lot or concourse areas, rather than have to be stationed by the metal detectors. More ground covered leading to increased security coverage! I like that idea!

Joseph, along with Hakimo’s new Director of Sales Jason Wright, talked with me about how Hakimo is expanding artificial intelligence (AI) from being used primarily as a surveillance tool and into the area of access control.

In November 2021, Hakimo released its smart monitoring software powered by AI to holistically manage enterprise physical security operations, as the venture-backed company, in Joseph’s words, “pioneers the convergence between cybersecurity and physical security.”

Hakimo’s AI software is designed to solve physical security issues related to tailgating, false alarm reduction, operator fatigue, as well as faulty hardware detection and anomalous cardholder behavior.

“By elevating physical security to the same level as cybersecurity, we can do so many magical things,” Joseph said.

My interview with the Hakimo CEO will be posted on our website in the coming days. It’s one you don’t want to miss!

As you can see from my recent interviews, emerging technologies are already making their mark in the security industry, and there’s a lot more to discover in person in the coming weeks as trade show season is upon us!

I can’t believe I’ll be getting on a plane in less than five weeks and headed to Las Vegas with the entire Security Systems News crew for ISC West 2022. The Sands Expo is where you’ll find the latest technologies in the areas of access control, alarms, monitoring, video surveillance, you name it!

Oh, and just one month later, there’s another “little” show taking place in Nashville, Tenn. You know, the one that we’re hosting, SecurityNext, from April 25-27, at The Westin Nashville. I think it’s a safe bet that you’ll be getting up close and personal with the latest and greatest security technology at our show as well, along with our solid lineup of speakers and awards presentations. If you haven’t done so, what are y’all waiting for? Register today!