Karyn Hodgson

Visitor Management SDM Magazine October 2017

Visitor Management: The ‘Last Frontier’ in Electronic Access

Visitor management systems can vary widely from a paper log to fully integrated with the access control system.

October 17, 2017

Visitor management used to consist of a paper logbook at the reception desk. While this is still the case for many, particularly smaller facilities, more and more end users are entering the digital age when it comes to their visitors.

NextGen Security SDM Magazine October 2017

NextGen Wins SDM 2017 Systems Integrator of the Year

What happens when old friends and their former wrestling coach decide to go into business together? If you are NextGen Security, the result is organic growth from $0 to $33 million in just four years; an “out-of-the-box” business model that treats each customer as unique and a culture that feels more like a family than just a place to work.

Karyn Hodgson

October 10, 2017

What happens when old friends and their former wrestling coach decide to go into business together? If you are NextGen Security, the result is organic growth from $0 to $33 million in just four years; an “out-of-the-box” business model that treats each customer as unique and a culture that feels more like a family than just a place to work.

Customizing Success

The 2017 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year knows you can prepare for success, but there is no set model that will get you there

Karyn Hodgson

October 10, 2017

Observant followers of SDM’s Systems Integrator (and Dealer) of the Year program may by now have noticed a trend. For the past few years we have been featuring “honorees” that frequently go on to win the following year.

5 Big Trends Affecting the Enterprise

Enterprise customers often have unique needs and approaches to security. How will some of the top trends such as mobile credentials, cloud, big data, IoT and cybersecurity affect these larger customers?

Karyn Hodgson

September 2, 2017

Large enterprise access control customers have been pushing for several years for more open, non-proprietary security systems.

Folks from Owen Security and Kimberlite wait for the first course to be served

Groovin' Along at the SDM 100 Gala

The 12th annual SDM 100 Gala went retro with a 1970s theme and a Family Feud-style gameshow.

Karyn Hodgson

September 2, 2017

The annual SDM 100 Gala has become a tradition at the ESX show.

As Access Control Credentials Evolve, So Do Its Users

Access control credentials today are so much more than just cards. As form factors evolve, so do the expectations, needs and desires of the end user.

Karyn Hodgson

July 1, 2017

That is an access control credential?

Motivation and Change Key Themes at ESX 2017

Karyn Hodgson

June 22, 2017

In sessions, keynotes and on the tradeshow floor, the word of the day seemed to be “change.” In fact, this year’s official theme was “Explore. Expand. Exchange. Evolve.” ESX was held in Nashville June 12-16, and most agreed this is a great venue. Next year’s event will return to Nashville, June 19-22, 2018, an announcement that was met with cheers.

Planet of the Apps

Apps are everywhere today, including the security industry. From residential and commercial user apps, to those targeted at helping the channel with sales, service and installation — we take a look at the current and future potential of this ubiquitous technology.

Karyn Hodgson

June 5, 2017

Wherever you turn today — whether as a consumer, employee, bank patron or business owner — it is almost impossible to avoid using an “app.” You can pay on your phone using an app, deposit a check, play Candy Crush or Words with Friends, purchase items from Amazon and watch videos, to name just a tiny fraction of the more than two million apps available on either Android or iPhone.

State of the Market: Fire Alarms 2017

Fire detection insiders are literally “fired up” over last year’s market performance and the potential going forward. While still heavily code-driven, there are signs of technology innovations and changes pointing to more integration and opportunity than ever before.

Karyn Hodgson

May 2, 2017

Anyone who thinks the fire alarm industry — with its restricting codes and standards and conservative outlook — doesn’t experience exciting changes, would be wrong.

Perimeter Security Becomes a Main Focus

Access control technology and integration is being pushed farther from the building these days. What do integrators need to know to avoid pitfalls and capitalize on this new opportunity?

Karyn Hodgson

May 2, 2017

Donald Trump isn’t the only one with borders on his mind.