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In the dynamic landscape of India’s rising surveillance industry, CP PLUS, the nation’s leading surveillance brand, not only stands at the forefront of technological innovation but also leads a transformative mission – the cultivation of a highly skilled workforce to elevate the nation’s security infrastructure. The exponential growth of the surveillance and security sector in India has heightened public awareness about the pivotal role played by advanced surveillance systems in safeguarding our lives and enhancing overall quality. Yet, the implementation of such systems, whether on a large or small scale, demands a mastery of sophisticated technology, a proficiency not commonly found among the general population. Ensuring the effectiveness of a security system extends beyond merely procuring CCTV cameras. It necessitates a deep understanding of the intricate workings of the surveillance system, especially when interconnected with external platforms. Recognizing a deficit in the skilled workforce within the surveillance and security sector, CP PLUS embarked on a mission to offer reskilling and upskilling opportunities to individuals from diverse industries. The outcome has been nothing short of remarkable, with professionals transitioning into the rapidly expanding surveillance industry, contributing significantly to its escalating market size. However, CP PLUS understood that local camera production alone would not be enough without a proficient workforce capable of installing and maintaining these systems. In alignment with the government’s Skill India Mission, CP PLUS initiated a pioneering course dedicated to training Surveillance System Engineers (SSE) – the CP PLUS Certification Program. This program equips individuals to proficiently install, operate, and maintain CP PLUS products, design intelligent security solutions, and ensure lifelong customer satisfaction. The program extends its technical empowerment across all facets of operations, encompassing sales, purchases, and the design of surveillance devices. The overarching objective is to fortify the safety net for the general population and bolster the nation’s overall security infrastructure, recognizing that the strength of the workforce is paramount. In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, CP PLUS undertook the formidable responsibility of imparting knowledge to India’s CCTV workforce through its extensive channel network exceeding 15,000 partners nationwide. The partnership with the IASC Sector Skill Council in 2018 marked the inception of certification training programs tailored for industrial system integrators and their associates under the umbrella of MissionTech. The recently launched MissionTech Level-II in January 2024 is a testament to CP PLUS’ continued dedication to this mission. Since its inception, CP PLUS has successfully trained and certified approximately 50,000 individuals across India, imparting comprehensive knowledge of high-end CCTV technology. The most recent addition to the MissionTech series is the Mission II Level, currently underway as a 3-Day Training Program hosted at the CP PLUS Corporate Office in Noida. In essence, CP PLUS is not just an instigator of cutting-edge surveillance technology; it is a catalyst for a profound skill revolution. By leading the charge in reskilling and upskilling, CP PLUS is actively shaping a future where a highly competent workforce serves as the bedrock of India’s security landscape. The ongoing MissionTech Level-II training program exemplifies CP PLUS’ dedicated commitment to equipping individuals with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of modern surveillance, thus ensuring the safety and security of the nation.  

ASIS International’s esteemed Delhi chapter 207 recently on 16 February 2024 orchestrated a symposium on the compelling theme of ‘Securing the Future: Trends and Predictions.’ Hosted graciously by Arminder Singh of Fidelity International, the gathering congregated both chapter affiliates and esteemed guests, delving into the vital topic of fire evacuation protocols under the expert guidance of Arminder Singh himself, ensuring preparedness in the face of unforeseen emergencies. The ceremonious affair was elegantly initiated by the astute Maj. Nidhi Chandel (Retd.), serving as the adept master of ceremonies. Leading the discourse, Chapter Chairman Harvindra Singh delivered pivotal updates pertinent to the chapter’s endeavors, highlighting the commendable achievement of two CPP certifications and the successful execution of five Bootcamp sessions throughout the calendar year of 2024. Notably, Abhay Ranjan’s remarkable stewardship of the ASIS Certification Bootcamp garnered well-deserved accolades from both Harvindra Singh and ARVP Sanjay Kaushik. The introduction of the new executive committee marked a significant transition, featuring stalwarts such as Chapter Chair Harvindra Singh, Chapter Vice Chair Pravesh K Tiwari, Chapter Secretary Geetika Wahi, and Chapter Treasurer Kuber Singh Rathore. Further enriching the committee were newly appointed subcommittee members, each entrusted with specific domains of responsibility. Given below are the subcommittees along with new members: Keynote addresses were given by eminent security professionals including Manish Singh, a Harvard alumnus and the Altruistic Center for Research Training & Development honorary deputy director and Col. Arun Hariharan, VP & National Head-Nodal, Security & Safety, Bharti Airtel. To quote Manish Singh, “Future trends in identity management include the rise of decentralized identify solutions through blockchain, increased emphasis on biometric authentication, strict adoption of zero-trust security models, and the integration for enhanced identity verification and theft detection.” Col Arun Hariharan emphasized on data center security in his keynote address. The ensuing panel discussion, skillfully moderated by Siddharth Mishra, Director of Human Resources at CorroHealth, featured a constellation of industry luminaries, including Mahesh Singh Chouhan, Ila Longani, Saurabh Bareja, and Rakesh Devgan. Each panelist provided profound insights into various facets of security evolution, prognosticating on future trends and the imperative of adaptability in navigating emergent risks. Mahesh spoke about the evolution of physical security. To quote him, “We’ve passed away from straight physical security to working with integrated Security Systems to make sure that a person is who they say they are. But with every evolution comes a fresh set of new risks and vulnerabilities we have never imagined, only some of which we’ve learned to address and mitigate with time but a new beginning is yet to come – be agile and adaptive.” Ila talked about relevant trends and predictions that can impact physical security measures in the future. Rajesh made some insights about privacy. To quote him, “With the increasing adoption of surveillance technologies and data collection practices, there is a growing emphasis on protecting individual privacy rights and complying with privacy regulations. Security strategies need to strike a balance between ensuring security and privacy rights. At the same time, self-discipline is also required while sharing your data, and always share on a need-to-know basis when you don’t have control over the outside environment.” Saurabh spoke about the role of data analytics and predictive modelling in shaping future physical security strategies. As the event drew to a close, Sanjay Kaushik, in a spirit of optimism, heralded forthcoming initiatives for the ASIS Delhi Chapter, lauding the Executive Committee’s exemplary leadership under Harvindra Singh’s stewardship. Amidst plans to institute a governing board, the chapter’s commitment to fostering knowledge exchange and community engagement remained resolute. Kuber Singh Rathore, in a heartfelt vote of thanks, extended gratitude to sponsors, speakers, volunteers, and attendees, underscoring their collective dedication amidst challenging circumstances, including the concurrent Bharat Bandh.

Author – Prof. (Dr.) Rajiv Mathur. Published by Indie Press At the bustling World Book Fair in New Delhi, Dr. Rajiv Mathur, a prominent figure in the security industry, recently launched his captivating book titled ‘Pocket Square.’ Published by Indie Press, the book delves into the untold stories of the twenty-four influential individuals within the security domain. Dr. Mathur draws an interesting analogy throughout the book, comparing the hidden aspects of accomplished leaders’ lives with the unseen portion of a Pocket Square tucked within a jacket. Just like the intricate designs concealed within the seemingly small frame of a pocket square, these micro-autobiographies unveil the remarkable diversity of human experiences. Each narrative throws light on the significant contributions of these individuals, whose personal stories often remain hidden from public view. The book launch ceremony was a resounding success drawing friends, family, industry experts, and media representatives to one platform. Rajiv expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone present. Captain S. B. Tyagi, the Chief Patron of the International Council for Industrial Security, Safety, and Management (ICISSM), took the stage to congratulate Dr. Mathur, and to throw even more exciting info, as he announced that the author, who is a naturally passionate public speaker and has keen interest in teaching for over two decades, had been conferred the title of Professor by the Aravali Institute of Management. Henceforth, he would be addressed as Prof. (Dr.) Rajiv Mathur! The event was graced by the presence of several notable figures from the security industry including Ms. Veena Gupta, Ms. Rekha Gairola, Mr. Sanjay Kaushik, Capt. A. A. Collaco, Ms. Anchall Saxena, Santosh Pathak and Sandesh Jain. A particularly poignant moment arrived when the author’s mother unveiled the book cover, adding a personal touch to the momentous occasion. Mr. Naveen Mathur, the author’s elder brother, beamed with pride and expressed his joy at his brother’s remarkable achievement. Adding further credibility to the book, ‘Pocket Square’ boasts a foreword penned by Dr. Vikram Singh (IPS), a retired DGP (UP) and the Chancellor of Noida International University. The book is proudly sponsored by Mitkat Advisory, recognizing the value it brings to the field. In essence, Dr. Mathur’s Pocket Square offers a unique window into the lives of those who play a crucial role in our security, often without seeking the spotlight. Through their captivating stories, the book not only celebrates their achievements but also serves as an inspiration to aspiring security professionals. The book is available on amazon.

PRAMA Booth Got Overwhelming Response PRAMA India has unveiled its latest range of indigenously manufactured Ranginview Camera series along with bespoke Video Security Products at IFSEC India Security Expo 2023. The cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT Security Technologies, products and solutions were on display at PRAMA booth. The PRAMA booth at the IFSEC India displayed a wide range of indigenously manufactured products and innovative solutions. These include a wide range of PRAMA products and solutions. The newly launched PRAMA Ranginview series were on the display. India’s leading indigenous video security brand, PRAMA got an overwhelming response to its wide range of indigenously manufactured video security products and bespoke vertical solutions at the IFSEC India Security Expo 2023. The latest products embedded with the cutting edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), and IoT Security Technologies and applications were on display at the PRAMA booth. The PRAMA booth at the IFSEC India displayed a wide range of indigenously manufactured products and innovative solutions. PRAMA management representative said, “The PRAMA has displayed the latest products and solutions at IFSEC India. The ornately designed spacious PRAMA booth displayed myriad products and vertical solutions including Intelligent Banking Solution, Intelligent Building Solution, Smart City Solution, Mobile Enforcement Solution, Intelligent Logistics Solution, Intelligent Education solution, Intelligent Healthcare Solution, Retail Solution & BI, Banks, Hotels, Education Institutes, Healthcare Facilities, In-Vehicle Surveillance and Intelligent Religious Places Solution. It has displayed Raginview Cameras, Advanced Traffic Management Solution, PRAMA VMS and Interactive Display Panel (IDP).” He further added, “PRAMA is an evolving success saga of an Indian security brand, which created a new benchmark in indigenous manufacturing of video security products and vertical solutions. Founded on the core belief to put India on the global map for video security products, PRAMA is India’s largest and one of the first security brands, truly representing the motto of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’ The indigenous brand, PRAMA celebrates the maxim of ‘Made for India, Made by India and Made in India’ and manufactures high quality video security products catering to all the security needs.” PRAMA had participated in the IFSEC India Conference on December 7, with a presentation on the theme ‘Smart Indigenous Security Products for Smarter Vertical Solutions’, it was presented by Vinay Mishra, Senior Vice President-Projects, Prama India Pvt. Ltd. On the next day of IFSEC India conference on December 8, PRAMA had participated in a thought provoking panel discussion in the pre-lunch session based on the theme ‘Tech-Enabled Disruptions & Emerging Paradigms in Corporate Security’ Prama India was represented by Himanshu Jain, Assistant Vice President, VP-Projects, Prama India Pvt. Ltd. The IFSEC Security Expo provided a perfect platform for PRAMA to demonstrate the latest products and solutions. Prama India booth was visited by some of the key representatives from the Government vertical. IFSEC India’s exhibition platform has proved its worth as a leading convergence platform for the security industry. The PRAMA booth had the key delegates from the Homeland Security and Transportation, they expressed keen interest in the PRAMA’s indigenous vertical solutions. PRAMA’s products and solutions were demonstrated at the booth to a large number of visitors, dealers, distributors, system integrators and end-users from the security industry. Prama India booth got a good response from the key partners, trade visitors and key stakeholders at the IFSEC India. The IFSEC India event concluded on a high note while creating an enriching experience for all the stakeholders.  

The International Institute of Security and Safety Management (IISSM) has concluded its 33rd Annual Global Conclave in a row. This year’s theme was “Disasters, Climate Change, and Security: Business Leadership, Innovation, and Building Resilience (BLIBR).” Of late, the topic has gained traction across all the segments, be it in the governance (local to international), industries, academia and business houses, because of frequent occurrence of natural or manmade disasters. Each of the national governments is looking for solutions to the problem as it is a big drain on the exchequer to the tune of 3 to 5% of GDP, which can be utilized for sustainable development. The consequences of climate change is real and the disruptions caused by disasters alongwith raging wars, makes us feel the need for protection against these and to create a safer and sustainable business environment. As the IISSM is known for, conduct of the sessions for both the days were of very high order. Two days were packed with events – Key Notes, Special Addresses and Plenary Sessions. The highlight was that the Inaugural address was given by none other than Sri Chandi Prasad Bhatt, Padmabhushan, Raman Magsaysay and Gandhi Peace Prize Awardee who came all the way from Gopeshwar, near Badrinath. Nitin Jayaram Gadkari and Sarbananda Sonowal, both the ministers of the government of India addressed the Conclave through Video recorded messages. In addition, Key Notes were delivered by the people (whose’ who) in India and elsewhere. All the sessions were of very exciting in terms of knowledge sharing, debate and strategies discussed on Disaster Management. Another highlight of the event was that the IISSM had the unique opportunity to Honour the brave-hearts of NDRF who had given their best to rescue the 41 labourer trapped in Silkyara Tunnel for 18 days. The IISSM will publish an Annual Report on the Conclave in couple of weeks.  

Leading edge AI chipmaker Kinara, Inc. and advanced video AI analytics developer Mirasys (India) are combining forces to reshape edge-based video analytics. According to IDC, video analytics market is projected to grow to $6 billion by 2027, owing to the abundance of video cameras and key use cases across multiple markets. This collaboration is set to provide real-time edge-based video analytics solutions in the smart retail and banking sectors. As part of the integration, Kinara’s Ara-1 modules are embedded in the Mirasys’ embedded x86 platforms, the size of a set top box. Kinara’s Ara-1 Edge AI processor, renowned for its unmatched performance, power efficiency, and its ability to support advanced AI at edge devices, merges seamlessly with Mirasys’ cutting-edge analytics applications. This provides an unparalleled solution that empowers industries to perform real-time video analytics directly at the edge. The solution seamlessly meshes with existing POS systems, inventory databases, and CRM tools, making implementation hassle-free for retailers. This partnership opens a plethora of opportunities and provides client an opportunity to use the power of AI with low total cost of ownership and fastest return on investment. Customers can expect enhanced performance, reliability, and security in their video surveillance systems, bolstering their overall effectiveness. By processing video data at the edge, this collaboration also leads to reduced bandwidth and storage costs, optimizing resource utilization. Moreover, the integration of advanced analytics and insights derived from video data through AI and machine learning empowers businesses with valuable data-driven decision-making tools. Finally, the partnership is flexible and adaptable, offering customized solutions tailored to a wide array of use cases, including smart city initiatives, traffic management, retail, banking, hospitality, and more, making it a versatile and valuable addition to various industries. Elaborating further about the initiative, Mirasys (India) MD Arindam Das Sarkar said, “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Kinara, aiming to deliver innovative Artificial Intelligence solutions to our customers. This collaboration leverages our strengths in AI and edge computing, allowing customers to access AI benefits without the need for extensive infrastructure investments, ensuring sustainable AI goals. Exciting times lie ahead for our joint endeavors.” Kinara’s CEO Ravi Annavajjhala echoed the sentiments saying, “This partnership with Mirasys opens up new and exciting possibilities for edgebased video analytics in what is becoming a very dynamic market. By combining Kinara’s high-performance Ara-1 chipset with Mirasys’ innovative applications, we can enable businesses of all sizes to leverage the power of AI for enhanced safety, security and operational efficiency.” Mirasys (India) offers a full featured video analytics and trusted video management system for businesses across a wide scale. The supported technology is ideal for diverse set of applications. For example, retailers can optimize shelf space, detect shoplifting, help with wayfinding, count the crowd in their stores and optimize shoppers’ journey. While automation of tasks such as inventory checks and alerts for restocking can streamline store operations and reduce manual workloads, tailored in-store experiences, timely assistance, and optimized store layouts can enhance the customer experience. Edge processing not only minimizes data transfer needs and enables these use cases, it also leads to energy savings and a reduced carbon footprint. Mirasys (India) is a pioneer in the video surveillance and analytics industry, with esoteric expertise in cutting-edge use of AI technology, real-time analytics, object recognition and predictive insights, delivering unparalleled security and business intelligence with utmost accuracy. With strong focus on data privacy and ethical AI usage, Mirasys has emerged as a trusted partner in the public & government domains, especially Smart & Safe City, Oil & Gas and Transportation. Mirasys solutions are currently being used across various critical areas, such as holy places and judiciary, in addition to retail store chains & outlets, and industries like manufacturing, logistics, educational institutes, sports, entertainment, banking, utility, healthcare etc. Founded in 2018 by visionary industry leader and Sociopreneur Arindam Das Sarkar, Mirasys India stands out for its customer-centric approach, enabling customized solutions for specific client needs and ensuring a seamless and personalized experience, which serves the global product development as well. Delivering unrivaled edge AI solutions to accelerate and optimize real-time decision-making by powering smart edge devices and gateways that demand responsive AI computing at high energy efficiency. Kinara is headquartered in Silicon Valley with development based in Hyderabad, India. Our name comes from the Hindi word for ‘edge’ and reflects our commitment to our customers to build extremely innovative edge devices for retail, smart cities, industry 4.0, and automotive.  

It’s a time to rejoice the success of having India’s large language model-based solution – BharatGPT. The solution is a combined effort of CoRover.ai, an AI Startup company and the support system of I-HUB Anubhuti dedicated to developing data-driven cognitive computing solutions. CoRover.ai, the creator of BharatGPT is funded by iHub Anubhuti IIITD Foundation, the technology innovation hub of IIIT Delhi, supported by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt of India. Saurabh Kumar Chaubey, the CEO – iHUB Anubhuti – IIITD Foundation, when contacted on their engagement with BharatGPT he said, “I am incredibly delighted to see what kind of impact BharatGPT is going to create across the board. We at IIIT Delhi and iHub Anubhuti, the National Innovation Hub for Cognitive Computing & Social Sensing, take pride in the support system we have created to support start-ups, innovators, and academic stakeholders in developing da ta-driven cognitive computing solutions.” According to Dr Pushpendra Singh, Professor CSE IIITD and Project Director of iHub Anubhuti IIITD Foundation, “In the fast-paced world of business, time is of the essence. BharatGPT, being a light-weight solution, ensures that implementation is swift and efficient. This not only saves valuable time for organizations but also contributes to a seamless integration process.” In identifying the completeness of BharatGPT, Dr Vikram Goyal, Professor CSE IIITD and Project Director of iHub Anubhuti IIITD Foundation said, “A conversational AI platform also requires other components such as user interface, a management system, and integration with other systems and data sources, voice and video capabilities to create virtual assistants. With all these inbuilt platform centric features already in it, BharatGPT is way ahead of its time.” One of the key advantages of LLM capabilities is the heightened focus on data security. BharatGPT, offers a responsible and accurate approach, ensuring that sensitive information is handled with the utmost care. The fact that data remains in India is a game-changer. BharatGPT aligns perfectly with the country’s vision of ‘Make AI in India.’ BharatGPT, powered by CoRover’s conversational AI platform, efficiently utilizes computing resources through a multi-layered NLP approach, encompassing NLU, NLG, Deep Learning with Generative AI (unsupervised), supervised learning, AIML, and context-based autosuggestion for diverse user query handling. This implies that the burden on the GPUs can be reduced and the whole system can be more resource efficient. Furthermore, BharatGPT is efficient in word embeddings i.e., mapping of a discrete – categorical – variable to a vector of continuous numbers. In the context of neural networks, embeddings are low-dimensional, learned continuous vector representations of discrete variables. This makes machine learning faster in the case of generative AI and much less memory and compute intensive. Creating and training large language models demands substantial computational resources, involving vast data and high-performance computing infrastructure. Challenges include data quality, biases, resource efficiency, domain-specific adaptation, continual learning, and security. The execution brilliance can be seen in BharatGPT, which is India’s answer to existing Generative AI/ Large Language Models.  

The brand showcases new range of CCTV cameras, solar cameras, Wi-Fi cameras, IP cameras and 4G/ 5G cameras CONSISTENT Infosystems, one of the fastest-growing IT brands with a wide portfolio of products catering to the IT, electronics & home entertainment industry announces its participation in South Asia’s largest security, surveillance & networking expo and conference – IFSEC India 2023 being held during 7-9 December 2023 at Pragati Maiden, New Delhi. CONSISTENT is displaying its Security, Surveillance, Protection and Networking portfolio that has been built under Make-In-India initiative after deep research, employing in-depth tech solutions, and multiple tests. As a technology solution Indian brand that has a consistent futuristic approach towards all its products and innovations, has become a major market player in the Security, Surveillance and Networking domain of the country. Founded by Nitin Bansal and Yogesh Agarwal in 2011, the brand has achieved a decade-long experience and significant market share in India. At IFSEC, the tech-based products of CONSISTENT that are being showcased are new range of CCTV cameras, Solar Cameras, Wi-Fi Cameras, IP Cameras, 4G and 5G Cameras, CCTV SMPS, Wireless Routers, 4G USB Dongle, PoE Switches, CCTV cables, CAT6 cable, Micro SD cards, HDDs, and Networking Racks etc. Besides this, CONSISTENT is also showcasing its LED Monitors and LED TVs which goes with Security & Surveillance solutions at the Expo. Sharing his thought on IFSEC 2023, Yogesh Agrawal, CEO and Co-Founder, Consistent Infosystems said, “We are confident that IFSEC India 2023 will assist us in giving our products greater exposure. The platform will significantly help us understand the changing trends, meet with industry-level experts and enable us to further disrupt the security surveillance and networking industry in the future.” Commenting on their participation in IFSEC 2023, Nitin Bansal, Co-Founder and MD, Consistent Infosystems said, “Security is the need of the hour and we at Consistent Infosystems clearly understand this and to back it up, we have come up with latest and new range of CCTV cameras meeting all sector surveillance requirements.”   Riding on its innovative approach, Consistent has grown successfully and has increased its footprint across all major states in India. Today the company has 20+ branches, 9+ countries presence, a portfolio of 300+ products, 300+ employees, 55+ Service centres and more than 3500+ channel partners. CONSISTENT Infosystems Private Limited is a leading provider of IT hardware products, Security & Surveillance products, Print consumables products, and Electronics & Home entertainment products in India. It started its glorious journey back in the year 2011 from the Capital city of India, New Delhi. Since the venture started, CONSISTENT Infosystems Private Limited has become one of the fastest-growing Indian IT organizations in the era of technology and has already put its remarkable footprints in the Information Technology, Electronics & Home Entertainment industries. CONSISTENT has been recognized as the ‘Best Indian SSD Brand’ and the ‘Fastest Growing Indian IT Brand’ by NCN in the year 2022. In the same year, the brand was also awarded ‘Most Selling Indian SSD Brand’ and ‘The Fastest Growing Indian Tech’ by Digital Terminal.  

Anand Thirunagari, India Country Manager at Genetec Speaks on 2024 Trends in the Physical Security Industry for the General and India Physical Security Market As we navigate the dynamic landscape of physical security trends in 2024, we observe organizations in India making a strong push for the convergence of IT and physical security teams. The demand for cloud solutions is rising, and access control modernization has become a top priority. Breaking down silos between different physical security systems such as CCTV and access control, is an integral part of the refresh/ design discussions. Data from IIoT devices and its convergence with physical security are the most sought-after requirements in critical infrastructure. In the pursuit of a resilient and secure future, Indian companies are likely to prioritize access control modernization, unifying physical security systems in the areas of CCTV, access control, IIOT, and PIDS systems. Hybrid-cloud adoption, with the feasibility of moving the access control system to the cloud, is anticipated. Embracing open access control solutions and optimizing cloud spending will enhance operational efficiencies. Simultaneously, aligning with stringent data protection requirements and implementing advanced cybersecurity tools ensures a robust defense against evolving threats. These strategic measures not only bolster our physical security but also underscore our commitment to organizational continuity and community safety. #1 – Access control modernization will top tech investments Modernizing access control will remain a top priority in 2024. To ease upgrade complexities, many organizations will shift to a hybrid-cloud model and deploy cloud-ready access control solutions. This will deliver continuous innovation and cybersecurity updates that reinforce security from doors to networks. We’ll also see greater demand for open access control solutions. More than ever, organizations want the freedom to add and connect the best technologies out there. In 2024, this will include everything from building management systems and life and safety solutions to human resource management software and mobile credentials to name a few. Unifying access control with these various technologies can boost operational efficiencies and sustainability initiatives. They also allow employers to enhance the cardholder experience; one where everything feels more fluid and convenient. Many will also reach a breaking point in managing separate video and access control systems. Striving for more efficiencies, leaders will take steps towards system unification. This will simplify system monitoring and maintenance tasks, leading to higher output and costs savings across the enterprise. #2 – Businesses will focus on maximizing hybrid-cloud investments The physical security industry will see a large increase in hybrid-cloud adoption in 2024. Recent research found that 44% of organizations already have over a quarter of their physical security deployment in a cloud or hybrid-cloud environment. As cloud adoption rises, there’s a growing interest in new plug-and-play, cloud-ready appliances. They not only streamline access to cloud services but also enhance computing power at the edge. We’ll also see a larger focus on cloud data usage and associated costs. Those who are further along in their hybrid-cloud journey are seeking ways to optimize cloud spend. Many will lean on channel partners to explore use cases beyond security to maximize hybrid-cloud investments. #3 – IT and physical security teams will join forces Physical security’s convergence with IT is accelerating. And it isn’t limited to technology anymore. In the coming year, organizations will look to optimize collaboration between IT and physical security teams. Bridging these two valuable skill sets will result in more effective risk mitigation and data optimization across the organization. And though there’s no one-size-fits-all approach, most will consider the following strategies: Physical security leaders will expand their departments with IT expertise Security Operations (SecOps) will broaden their function to address physical security risks and capitalize on data coming from both groups IT will bring physical security within their group and begin overseeing physical security mandates As this human-centered convergence grows, so will the demand for unified, cloud-connected physical security solutions. This will give teams a comprehensive view of systems and evolving risks while helping them extract more value from data. #4 – IIoT growth and data-optimized solutions will boom The number of physical security devices and other industrial internet of things (IIoT) sensors coming into the market is accelerating. And across industries, organizations can’t get enough. IT and security experts want to expand the types of data within their security deployment. Beyond that, they’re looking to extract data from the systems holding it and build data lakes that serve future objectives. At this critical moment, those who opt for an API-centric, open architecture, along with a unified physical security platform will stand to gain the most over time. This will give them the flexibility to combine and simultaneously analyze various sources of data on their own terms. Ultimately this can help inform new data-driven strategies and maximize returns across all tech investments. During this data influx, many organizations will also look for ways to empower their operators and digitize current workflows. As a result, demand for physical security solutions with embedded analytics, automation tools, and visual dashboards will grow. Over 5,500 physical security professionals answered our annual survey this year. Get the free report to gain comprehensive insights on the industry’s transition to SaaS, the convergence between IT and physical security, the impact of the manpower shortage, and more.