In a technology-rich environment such as that of the security industry, it is easy to let technology drive company management. Salient System’s president explains how allowing customer needs to drive your company is more effective. 

Certain industries seem to attract people who are naturally dedicated to serving and protecting others. In my time covering the security industry, especially a time such as this, I am pleased to say that there seems to be common thread among the people I meet at tradeshows, conferences, and in interviews: These are people devoted to helping others.

Cybersecurity is a topic on everyone’s mind. Right now it seems there are more questions than answers, but one thing is certain: the issue is here to stay — cyberthreats are the new normal. 

Customer support is an immensely important part of the security industry.

Having all the most sophisticated security technology inside a building is important; but a more ideal situation is controlling who enters, and thereby eliminating threats before they even get on premises.

On June 28 and 29, industry representatives and representatives from the educational field went to Washington, D.C., to take part in the Congressional School Safety Caucus, a caucus that SIA along with the Secure School Alliance and several SIA members helped to launch with Congresswoman Susan Brooks from Indiana and Congressman Rick Larsen of Washington for the purpose of spreading awareness about the technology, funding and education needed for safe schools.

The FBI and the Department of Homeland Security issued a joint report detailing malware attacks targeting employees of companies that operate nuclear power plants in the U.S., including the Wolf Creek Nuclear Operating Corporation in Burlington, Kan., according to the cybersecurity firm Tripwire.

Johnson Controls, which completed its merger with Tyco in September 2016, announced to customers their plans to transition the brand identity of Tyco businesses, including Tyco Integrated Security and SimplexGrinnell, to Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls now designs, manufactures and sells the products under the Tyco brand, including ANSUL, Grinnell, Simplex, Tyco and many more. 

Habitec Security, ranked No. 53 on the SDM 100, has acquired three companies: Sentinel Alarm Company of Columbus, Ohio; MetaSECURE, a division of MetaLINK, of Defiance, Ohio; and Central Security & Electronics of Traverse City, Mich. The acquisitions allow Habitec to grow in all three of their branch offices.

Eagle Eye Networks Inc. has acquired Panasonic Cloud Management Services Europe B.V. (PCMSEU), makers of Panasonic CameraManager and Panasonic Nubo. PCMSEU operated the largest number of cloud recorded cameras in Europe.