a&s Adria – Page 2 – a&s Adria Magazine

Vivotek: Think Alert: Stop Threats Before They Escalate

April 8, 2026

Most environments are already covered by cameras. The real challenge in modern AI video surveillance is response time. Many incidents are not missed because they are invisible, but because they are noticed too late. Policy violations, unsafe behavior, or suspicious actions often unfold within seconds, and once they are discovered through review or manual checks, the opportunity to intervene has already passed.

Traditional AI alerts help reduce this gap, but only when scenarios fit predefined detection types. In real operations, risks are often more contextual. Policies vary by space, rules change over time, and many behaviors that matter cannot be easily expressed through fixed alert categories. This is where Think Alert becomes valuable.

What Think Alert is and how it fits into existing workflows

Think Alert is a generative AI–powered alert capability within VORTEX that allows users to describe what action or situation they want to detect using natural language. Built on visual language model (VLM) technology, it enables more flexible real-time video alerts while still defining where detection applies through familiar line or zone drawing—bringing this capability into the broader VORTEX AI video analytics platform.

To see why this matters in day-to-day operations, it helps to look at what Think Alert changes for teams in three practical ways.

Act immediately to mitigate losses: Theft, accidents, and unauthorized access cost money and endanger people. Think Alert detects these situations in real time, so teams can respond immediately—before damage occurs and before incidents escalate.
Set up in seconds, not hours: No manuals or training needed. After defining the detection area, simply use natural language to describe what you want to monitor and activate the alert in moments. No technical skills, no complex rule building, and no IT help required.
Your alerts, your rules: Every person and team has different needs. Think Alert lets each user customize monitoring based on what matters most to them, instead of being limited to fixed, predefined alert rules.

Think Search: Find What Happened, Faster

Before Think Alert, VORTEX introduced another VLM capability: Think Search. It uses visual language model technology to make investigation feel as simple as searching the web. Instead of scrubbing timelines or guessing which filters might work, users can type what they want to find in plain language, and the system surfaces relevant moments from recorded footage.

This matters because investigation is often where teams first discover patterns—recurring behaviors, repeat problem areas, or situations that consistently create risk. Think Search helps teams find those signals faster and with less effort.

Elevating VORTEX from “what happened” to “stop it next time”

Once teams identify what keeps happening, the next question is always the same: how do we stop it earlier? That’s where Think Alert takes what teams learned during investigation and turns it into real-time monitoring. Instead of repeatedly searching for the same incidents after they occur, teams can go directly to the location that matters, define the detection area, describe the behavior, and receive alerts the moment it happens again.

This is what elevates VORTEX into a more complete video intelligence workflow. It supports both sides of the job: understanding the past with faster investigation, and protecting the future with proactive, real-time alerts. By turning intent into immediate action, Think Alert helps organizations reduce risk, respond earlier, and stay ahead of incidents as they happen.

Hytera: The 450MHz Pivot: High-Impact Connectivity for the Adria Region’s Toughest Terrains

April 8, 2026

At the recent MWC26 in Barcelona, an announcement from Hytera regarding the “whitelist” certification of the PNC660 450MHz by 450Connect signaled a major shift in the future of public safety and utility communications across the Adriatic and Balkan regions.

As the region migrates from legacy narrowband technologies to LTE/5G, demand for devices that combine ruggedness with high-speed intelligence has reached a critical turning point.

The Strategic Shift in the Adria Region

The 450MHz frequency is increasingly recognized as the strategic backbone for national resilience. Across the Adria region, a clear trend is emerging:

Smart Grid Evolution: critical infrastructures are increasingly leveraging 450MHz for smart grid management, ensuring resilient energy distribution that remains independent of commercial networks.
Regulatory Alignment: Regulatory bodies across the region are phasing in updates to reallocate spectrum, prioritizing civil public safety and mission-critical broadband for state and utility applications.
Infrastructure Hardening: Governments are shifting from legacy CDMA to LTE to support the massive data requirements of modern smart metering and IoT deployments.

Addressing Regional Challenges, from Mountains to the Coast

The Adria region’s geography – spanning high mountain ranges to dense coastal archipelagos—demands a signal with maximum geographic reach. The PNC660 450MHz capitalizes on the 450MHz band’s superior propagation capabilities to maintain connectivity in challenging terrains where standard commercial LTE signals often falter.

Furthermore, for field teams working in deep basements or reinforced concrete substations, the 450MHz band’s penetrative power ensures stable communication links—making it an indispensable tool for modernizing aging infrastructure.

A Strategic Milestone

During MWC26, Sophia Yin, General Manager of Hytera Europe, highlighted the significance of this development:

“It is really exciting to receive these two pieces of good news at MWC26. Obtaining 450Connect whitelist certification and signing the distribution agreement with B.Schmitt simultaneously perfectly illustrates the proverb ‘good things come in pairs’, giving us a great start to 2026. We will expedite the promotion of the PNC660 450MHz in Europe and continue investing in R&D for 450MHz-related products, reinforcing our commitment to supporting critical infrastructure operators with reliable, secure, and robust communication solutions.”

More than Just a Device

For public safety and utilities sectors, the PNC660 450MHz’s value extends far beyond basic communication, it is a masterclass in Economic Efficiency and Operational Resilience. By leveraging the 450MHz band’s ability to cover vast territories with significantly fewer base stations, it offers a drastically lower Total Cost of Ownership for national safety networks compared to traditional high-frequency deployments.

This efficiency is most visible during the Adriatic’s peak tourist seasons. While public commercial networks become overwhelmed by extreme congestion, the PNC660 450MHz operates on dedicated private channels, ensuring first priority for emergency responders and utilities crews. It effectively bypasses the public network providing a clear dedicated line of command.

Ultimately, with its CC EAL5+ security chip and full MCPTT/MCVideo capabilities, the Hytera PNC660 450MHz is more than just a radio. It is the rugged, secure gateway to the next generation of Adriatic infrastructure, a critical tool for those who cannot afford to wait for a signal when every second counts.

Mercury AI: Digital Shield of the Future

April 8, 2026

The Mercury AI next-generation digital shield demonstrates how AI technology is redefining the security of our environment.

In a world changing faster than most ever imagined, the issue of security has ceased to be a question without an answer or something beyond our influence; it has become a part of our daily lives in an environment full of challenges. To properly address one of the most vital concerns for every individual—their safety and the safety of their loved ones—it is necessary to utilize the latest modern achievements. This includes not only traditional “hard security,” such as armed police and physical barriers, but also the “soft,” almost invisible hand of security that utilizes cameras, smart software, and Artificial Intelligence. At the center of this new technology, which helps us feel safer than ever before, is the company The Mercury AI, specialized in the latest digital advancements in the field of security with its “digital shield.”

Most people do not think about security until they have to. However, the environment in which we live and work is changing so rapidly that one must react quickly to new challenges, while the reality unfortunately remains that most security systems still operate under the old rule—react only after something has already happened. But if we already possess technology that can recognize a problem early, why should we wait for it to become an incident? That is why we created the digital shield—a weapon detection platform that uses artificial intelligence to identify potential threats before they turn into problems. Security should come through prevention, not reaction.

A Watchful Eye That Never Blinks

What exactly is the digital shield? The core of this system is not just in “recording the environment,” but in understanding what is happening in real-time. While the human factor is naturally subject to fatigue, loss of concentration, or a limited field of vision, The Mercury AI platform offers constant surveillance that knows no breaks and functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The main advantage of this technology over existing ones is the specialized AI algorithm. Unlike ordinary security cameras that merely transmit an image, this system performs a constant analysis of every video frame. It establishes instantaneous visual contact with any form of weaponry—whether it be firearms or bladed weapons like knives.

But that is not all. What sets this system apart in the market is its incredible accuracy. Namely, the biggest problem with automated systems is “false alarms” that can cause panic and unnecessary costs. Our platform, however, makes a precise distinction in a fraction of a second between a dangerous object and harmless everyday items like phones, keys, or tools. This achieves a dual goal: maximum vigilance while eliminating unnecessary stress.

Silent Guard: Discretion as a Priority

As we have started to grow accustomed to relaxed and safe work environments, one of the greatest challenges in introducing high-security measures into public spaces is maintaining a pleasant atmosphere. No one wants to feel like they are in a high-security “prison” with an “all-seeing eye” at every turn in a shopping mall or school. Although citizens know that surveillance cameras are all around, it is natural that they do not want them to be intrusive. This is where silent and discreet monitoring comes into play.

The system functions almost invisibly, operating in the background of existing video infrastructure. It does not require bulky installations that would disturb the public or ruin the aesthetics of the space. While life goes on normally, the AI silently scans the surroundings 24/7. This continuous security support provides a level of protection that the human eye, no matter how well-trained, simply cannot maintain at every moment and on every square meter of a facility.

Automation That Saves Lives

The greatest advantage of such a system is, of course, in crisis situations, where every second is literally a matter of life and death. Statistics show that the highest number of casualties in incidents occurs during those crucial minutes spent waiting for emergency services to be called and for them to arrive on the scene. The digital shield solves this problem through automated rapid response.

The moment the algorithm detects a threat, the system does not wait for someone to press a button. It automatically triggers a series of predefined protocols:

Instant Notifications: Security teams and police receive an alarm with the exact location and visual evidence of the threat in real-time. Smart Locking: The system can automatically lock strategic doors to isolate the attacker, preventing movement through the facility. Lockdown Protocols: Procedures for evacuation or moving people to safety are automatically initiated.

This proactivity drastically shortens reaction time, leaving an attacker with minimal room to act while simultaneously providing life-saving seconds to those inside the building. The reaction time compared to traditional methods is dramatically reduced.

Versatility and Application

Due to the versatility and adaptability of this platform, its application is possible in almost any place where large numbers of people gather or where there is a need for property protection:

Educational Institutions and Public Places: Schools must be the safest places in the world. By implementing The Mercury AI detection in schools, malls, and stadiums, we raise the level of security to a standard generations before us could not have imagined. Transport Hubs: Airports, bus terminals, and railway stations are the “lifeblood” of every city, but also potential targets. The Mercury AI system enhances the security of key points without slowing down passenger flow. Critical Infrastructure: Administrative centers and energy facilities require a special level of protection. The Mercury AI detection ensures that vital state systems remain intact and safe from external threats. Business Sector: Workspaces are where we spend half our day. Protecting employees from potential threats is not just a legal obligation, but an ethical imperative for every modern employer.

The Future is Proactive

The time when we relied solely on luck or post-incident reaction is behind us. The future has arrived. The digital shield offered by The Mercury AI is not just a technological novelty—it is a necessary evolution in preserving human lives and property. Investing in such a system is an investment in the peace of mind of parents, the safety of workers, and the stability of the entire community.

We at The Mercury AI team leave nothing to chance. We do not gamble with security; we raise safety to the maximum level enabled by technology and provide an environment truly dedicated to preserving vital interests and values. That is why we work daily on implementing new solutions and keeping pace with the latest technologies—all so our clients can fully relax and not worry so much about security, knowing the digital shield is around them, protecting them.

Interview: Peter Mita, President, Euralarm

April 8, 2026

Translating policy into practice and bringing real-world industry insight back into the legislative process is Euralarm’s mission. Today, this role is more important than ever because regulation is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, particularly with the convergence of digital, cyber and physical security. Our strongest impact in recent years has been in helping shape EU legislation

By: Damir Muharemovic; E-mail: editorial@asadria.com

a&s Adria: Can you please present yourself to our readers, with an emphasys on your professional career and position at Euralarm?

Mita: I am Peter Mita, President of Euralarm, the European association representing the fire safety and security industry. My professional career has been dedicated to advancing safety technologies and fostering collaboration between industry stakeholders, policymakers, and standards bodies.

At Euralarm, I have the privilege of working with experts across Europe to ensure that our sector not only complies with regulation but actively shapes it. Our role is to bring technical expertise into policy discussions and ensure that legislation supports innovation while maintaining the highest levels of safety and security for citizens.

a&s Adria: Euralarm sits between policymakers, standards bodies and the industry. How do you define that role today, and where has the association had the strongest practical impact in recent years?

Mita: Euralarm acts as a bridge—translating policy into practice and bringing real-world industry insight back into the legislative process. Today, this role is more important than ever because regulation is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected, particularly with the convergence of digital, cyber and physical security. Our strongest impact in recent years has been in helping shape EU legislation such as the Cyber Resilience Act and contributing to standardisation efforts. We ensure that technical realities are understood, preventing unintended consequences that could compromise safety or innovation.

a&s Adria: The Cyber Resilience Act is now becoming a reality for manufacturers. What does it actually change for fire safety and security companies, especially those that may not traditionally see themselves as “cyber” businesses?

Mita: The Cyber Resilience Act fundamentally changes how our industry must think about products. Fire safety and security systems are no longer just physical devices—they are connected, digital systems. Even companies that did not consider themselves “cyber” businesses must now address cybersecurity throughout the entire lifecycle of their products, from design to maintenance. This means implementing secure development practices, vulnerability management, and long-term support strategies. Ultimately, it raises the baseline for trust in safety and security technologies.

Serious Consequences of Incorrect Device Classification

a&s Adria: Your organization has published guidance clarifying how products should be classified under the Cyber Resilience Act as default, Important, or Critical. Why does this classification matter so much, and what are the risks if companies misunderstand it?

Mita: Classification determines the level of obligations a manufacturer must meet. If a product is misclassified, companies may either underinvest in security—creating vulnerabilities—or overcomply, increasing costs unnecessarily. For safety-critical systems such as fire detection or access control, incorrect classification can have serious consequences, including increased exposure to cyber threats that could directly impact life safety systems. This is why Euralarm has provided a fact sheet —to ensure clarity and consistency across the industry. The fact sheet also outlines how future harmonised standards under development—such as EN 62443-4-x and other horizontal standards—may support manufacturers in demonstrating conformity and benefiting from presumption of conformity where applicable.

a&s Adria: The association has also raised concerns about the Data Act, particularly provisions that could create new security vulnerabilities. What was the core issue from the industry’s perspective, and what does it reveal about the tension between data access and system security?

Mita: The Data Act aims to improve data accessibility, which is a positive goal. However, from our perspective, some provisions risk weakening system security. Safety and security systems often rely on controlled data environments to maintain integrity. If access is not carefully managed, it could introduce vulnerabilities or enable malicious interference. This highlights a broader tension: enabling data sharing while preserving system resilience. Both are essential, but they must be balanced carefully.

a&s Adria: Another issue the association has addressed is the proposed Digital Networks Act and the shutdown of legacy communication networks. Why could this transition pose risks for fire safety and security systems, and what would a responsible migration strategy look like?

Mita: Many fire and security systems still rely on legacy communication networks that are being phased out. If this transition is not managed properly, critical systems could lose connectivity, compromising their effectiveness. A responsible migration strategy must include risk assessment, backward compatibility where necessary, and clear timelines. Most importantly, safety systems must remain operational at all times during the transition.

a&s Adria: Your recent position on the EU Battery Regulation highlights concerns specific to safety and security systems. Why does battery classification matter so much in this sector, and what could happen if the regulation is applied incorrectly to the installed base across Europe?

Mita: Batteries are essential for ensuring continuity of operation during power outages. If regulations are applied incorrectly, it could lead to unsuitable battery technologies being used or unnecessary replacement of existing systems. This could compromise reliability or impose significant costs without improving safety. The installed base across Europe must be treated carefully to avoid unintended disruptions.

a&s Adria: Critical infrastructure resilience has become a central theme in Euralarm’s recent communications. Why has this topic moved so high on the agenda, and how has the conversation evolved in recent years?

Mita: The risk landscape has changed dramatically. We now face hybrid threats that combine cyber, physical and geopolitical elements. Critical infrastructure—energy, transport, data—has become a target. As a result, resilience is no longer just about preventing incidents but ensuring systems can withstand and recover from them. This shift has elevated the topic to a strategic priority across Europe.

Protecting Critical Infrastructure Is Everyone’s Responsibility

a&s Adria: Guidance published by the association suggests that protecting vital installations is a shared societal responsibility rather than solely an operator’s task. What does that mean in practice for governments, infrastructure operators, system integrators and manufacturers?

Mita: Protecting critical infrastructure cannot be left to operators alone. Governments must provide clear regulatory frameworks and support enforcement. Operators must implement robust systems and processes. Manufacturers must design secure and reliable technologies. System integrators play a key role in ensuring that all components work together effectively. It is a collective effort.

a&s Adria: The association has also highlighted the growing importance of perimeter protection as hybrid threats increasingly combine physical, cyber and informational attack vectors. How should the industry rethink perimeter security in this environment?

Mita: Perimeter security must evolve from being purely physical to being integrated and intelligent. Threats today are multi-layered, combining physical intrusion with cyber manipulation and misinformation. We need systems that can detect, analyse and respond across these domains in real time. Integration and interoperability are key. Euralarm has taken the initiative to start a Perimeter Round Table, bringing together all stakeholders in this field. Together we will be working on more guidance and information in this important field.

a&s Adria: Data centers have emerged as another strategic focus in your recent work. Why should fire safety and physical security in data centers be treated as board level concerns rather than purely technical issues? Where do you see the biggest gaps between regulatory expectations, available technologies and what operators are actually implementing in practice?

Mita: Data centers are now critical infrastructure. Any disruption can have widespread economic and societal impact. Fire safety and security are not just technical issues—they are business continuity issues. The gap we often see is between what technology can provide and what is actually implemented. Greater awareness at board level is needed to close that gap. That is why our association has released several guidance documents and organized webinars focusing on fire safety and security for datacenters.

a&s Adria: The association welcomed the European Commission’s e commerce initiative aimed at tackling non compliant, low cost safety products sold through online platforms. How serious is this issue today, and what enforcement mechanisms does Europe realistically need?

Mita: It is a significant and growing problem. Low-cost, non-compliant products undermine safety, distort competition and erode trust in the market. Europe needs stronger enforcement mechanisms, including better market surveillance and accountability for online platforms.

a&s Adria: The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive is expected to drive a major renovation wave across Europe. You have warned that this process could introduce overlooked fire safety risks, including those linked to new insulation materials, EV charging infrastructure and battery storage. How significant are these risks, and what needs to change?

Mita: The renovation wave driven by energy efficiency goals is essential, but it brings new risks. Materials such as insulation, as well as technologies like EV charging and energy storage, introduce new fire dynamics. Fire safety must be integrated into renovation strategies from the outset—not treated as an afterthought.

a&s Adria: The association has also spoken about attracting young professionals and improving diversity in the sector. How serious is the talent gap today, and what must the industry do to remain capable of meeting increasingly complex regulatory and technological demands?

Mita: The talent gap is a real concern. Our industry is becoming more complex, requiring expertise in digital technologies, cybersecurity and system integration alongside traditional engineering skills. We must attract young professionals, promote diversity and clearly communicate the societal importance of our work. That is why Euralarm started the Euralarm Young Professional initiative – a community designed to engage, educate and empower the next generation of leaders in the fire safety and security industry.

a&s Adria: Finally, what will Euralarm work on in the upcoming period, what will be in the focus of your work?

Mita: Our focus will remain on supporting the implementation of key EU legislation, particularly in cybersecurity and digitalisation. We will continue to advocate for balanced regulation, promote best practices, and strengthen the role of safety and security in broader societal discussions such as sustainability and resilience. Above all, Euralarm will continue to position itself as a trusted voice—bringing expertise, clarity and leadership to a rapidly evolving landscape.

Building Resilient Access Control Systems That Withstand Real-World Challenges

April 8, 2026

As access control systems become more deeply integrated with identity management platforms, HR systems, video surveillance, and cloud-based applications, the question of reliability during outages or data mismatches has become central for physical security professionals.

By: Prasanth Aby Thomas, Consultant Editor, asmag.com

For systems integrators and consultants, resilience is no longer an optional feature. It is a design principle. Recent expert insights from Hanchul Kim, CEO of Suprema, Steve Bell, Strategic Technology Advisor at Gallagher Security, and Gaoping Xiao, Director of Sales-APAC at AMAG Technology, highlight a consistent message: access control systems must be architected to operate predictably and securely, even when parts of the ecosystem fail.

Designing With Disruption in Mind

Modern access control systems rarely operate in isolation. They are connected to identity providers such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, HR systems that act as authoritative identity sources, and often to video management systems for event verification.

This interconnectedness increases operational efficiency, but it also introduces dependencies. If a network connection fails or an upstream database is temporarily unavailable, doors still need to function safely and consistently.

Steve Bell frames the issue clearly. “Reliable access control systems should be designed with disruption in mind, not as an exception,” he said.

According to Bell, integrators and end users should adopt a risk-based approach. “Integrators and customers need to take a risk-based approach to determine which functions must remain operational during outages or disaster scenarios. In many environments, maintaining safe and controlled access to people and critical areas is more important than secondary capabilities such as video monitoring.”

For integrators, this means identifying critical doors, sensitive areas, and life safety considerations at the design stage. The goal is to ensure that authentication and authorization decisions can continue even if central servers, cloud platforms, or network links are unavailable.

Distributed Intelligence at the Edge

One of the key architectural approaches discussed by all three experts is distributed intelligence.

Hanchul Kim describes Suprema’s approach as intentionally practical. “Suprema has taken a deliberately pragmatic approach when it comes to reliability. In distributed architectures, each smart reader can operate as an independent node, storing authorization data locally and continuing to make access decisions even if connectivity is interrupted. This allows doors to keep operating safely and predictably during outages.”

In this model, the reader or controller at the door holds sufficient credential and authorization data to validate users without real-time communication with a central server. For integrators, this reduces reliance on constant network connectivity and minimizes the risk of widespread disruption caused by a single point of failure.

Bell echoes this distributed approach. “This resilience is achieved by distributing intelligence across the system so that authentication and access privileges can continue to be enforced for extended periods, even when central systems or connectivity are unavailable.”

For integrators working in critical infrastructure, healthcare, data centers, or manufacturing environments, this capability is essential. Extended outages are not theoretical scenarios. They can occur due to power failures, cyber incidents, or maintenance events. A system that relies entirely on centralized decision-making can become a liability under such conditions.

The Role of Centralized Architectures

While distributed systems are increasingly favored, centralized architectures still have a role to play.

Kim points out that architecture selection should be driven by site requirements. “Centralized architectures still have a place. Panel-based systems with two-door or four-door controllers remain appropriate in certain environments, and we support those models as well. The key is choosing an architecture that matches a site’s operational and regulatory requirements.”

For consultants, this highlights the importance of tailoring system design to the client’s regulatory obligations, operational complexity, and risk profile. In some environments, panel-based controllers with centralized oversight may align better with compliance or legacy infrastructure.

Gaoping Xiao reinforces the need for distributed capabilities at the panel level. “First, integrators should design systems with a distributed architecture, ensuring that access control panels can continue to operate independently even if servers or databases are temporarily unavailable. This ensures that existing cardholders and credentials remain functional during outages.”

The practical takeaway for integrators is that resilience can be built at multiple layers. Whether intelligence resides primarily in smart readers, door controllers, or panels, the critical factor is the ability to continue enforcing access decisions locally.

Establishing a Single Source of Truth

Beyond hardware architecture, identity management practices are equally critical. As access control systems integrate with enterprise IT platforms, inconsistencies between systems can arise. Data mismatches between HR systems, identity providers, and physical access databases can lead to delayed revocations, incorrect permissions, or audit gaps.

Kim stresses the importance of clarity in identity ownership. “Whether organizations use an identity management platform such as Microsoft Entra ID or Okta, or rely on an HR system as the authoritative source, what matters most is that there is a clearly defined single source of truth. When identity ownership is unambiguous, access control systems can remain consistent and predictable even when upstream systems are temporarily out of sync.”

For integrators, this means engaging early with IT stakeholders. During system design, it is critical to define which platform owns identity data and how synchronization processes function. Without a clearly designated authoritative source, temporary outages can create confusion about which credentials are valid.

Designing for resilience therefore includes both physical hardware redundancy and logical data governance.

Managing Data Mismatches and Recovery

Outages are not the only challenge. Data mismatches between systems can also undermine reliability.

Xiao emphasizes the importance of recoverable integrations. “Second, integrations between identity sources and connected systems should be designed to be recoverable, with clear backup and resynchronization procedures in place. In the event of data mismatches or outages, identities should be able to be restored or resynced in a controlled and auditable manner.”

For consultants advising enterprise customers, this raises several practical considerations. Are synchronization logs retained? Is there a defined procedure for reconciling discrepancies? How are changes tracked and audited?

An access control system that resumes operation after an outage but leaves inconsistent permissions in place can create compliance and security risks. Controlled resynchronization and auditability are therefore essential components of a resilient design.

Kim underscores that resilience is about operational continuity under imperfect conditions. “In practice, designing for reliability is less about preventing every outage or mismatch and more about ensuring that access decisions remain auditable and secure when those situations occur.”

For integrators, this reframes reliability as a management issue rather than purely a technical one. Systems must be designed to behave predictably, generate reliable logs, and support post-event review.

Building Multi-Layered Redundancy

In addition to distributed intelligence and data governance, redundancy at multiple system levels is a recurring theme.

Bell highlights the importance of layered resilience. “Well-designed access environments build redundancy at multiple levels – including controllers, readers, and supporting infrastructure – so core access control can continue operating during events such as power loss, network outages, or cyber incidents.”

For integrators, this can include redundant power supplies, battery backups, network failover mechanisms, and segmented architectures that prevent a single cyber incident from disabling the entire system.

Bell also links physical access design to broader organizational planning. “Aligning
physical access design with broader operational resilience planning is what separates systems that work in theory from those that perform reliably in the real world.”

This alignment is increasingly relevant as organizations adopt enterprise resilience frameworks. Physical security professionals must coordinate with IT, facilities, and risk management teams to ensure that access control systems support overall business continuity objectives.

Selecting Proven Solutions and Support Structures

Technology design alone does not guarantee reliability. Implementation quality and ongoing support are also decisive.

Xiao advises integrators to prioritize proven ecosystems. “Finally, integrators should deploy proven solutions supported by certified system integrators and manufacturer-backed support programs, ensuring long-term reliability, and operational confidence.”

For consultants, this means evaluating not only product specifications but also vendor support capabilities, firmware update processes, and long-term roadmap alignment.
Access control systems are long lifecycle investments. Choosing platforms with robust support structures can reduce the risk of operational instability over time.

Practical implications for integrators

Taken together, the expert perspectives converge on several practical design principles for integrators and consultants:

Adopt a risk-based approach to identify critical functions that must remain operational.
Distribute intelligence so that authentication and authorization can continue locally.
Match architectural models to regulatory and operational requirements.
Establish a clearly defined single source of truth for identity data.
Design integrations with backup, resynchronization, and audit capabilities.
Implement redundancy across controllers, readers, power, and network infrastructure.
Align access control strategy with broader resilience planning.

As access control systems become more integrated and data-driven, resilience must extend beyond door hardware. It encompasses identity governance, system interoperability, and coordinated incident response.

For physical security professionals, the objective is not to eliminate every possible failure. It is to ensure that when disruptions occur, doors behave predictably, access decisions remain secure, and the organization maintains control.

In an increasingly connected security environment, reliability is no longer defined solely by uptime. It is defined by how well systems continue to function under stress, how transparently they recover, and how confidently integrators can stand behind their designs.

Axis: The Corner for System Designers: Audit Logs as a Key Component of Modern Security Systems

April 8, 2026

Security systems have fundamentally changed in recent years: what were once closed, hardware-centric isolated solutions have evolved into highly networked, software-based IT systems. Video surveillance, access control, and perimeter protection are now integral parts of IT infrastructure – and therefore exposed to the same threats as traditional IT systems.

With this development, the importance of audit logs has increased significantly. Audit logs are immutable, chronological records of actions in IT systems that document who did what, when, where, and with what effect. They serve traceability, security, compliance, and forensic analysis. Audit logs chronologically and tamper-proof document security-relevant activities, system events, and user actions. They are therefore a central tool for ensuring transparency, traceability, and control in increasingly complex security architectures.

New Attack Vectors – New Requirements for Evidence and Control

In addition to classic external threats such as malware, ransomware, APTs, or DDoS attacks, internal risks are moving further into focus. Authorized users in particular pose an increased risk. Administrators, maintenance personnel, or external service providers often have deep technical knowledge and extensive access rights. Manipulations may occur intentionally or unintentionally – and without appropriate mechanisms for evidence, they often remain undetected.

This is precisely where audit logs come into play – they close this gap. They document, for example, changes to configurations and parameters, access to live or archived video data, as well as user and role changes, system events, and software interventions. This turns a potentially invisible manipulation into a traceable action that, depending on the severity of the change, can also trigger a proactive alert.

Especially in cases involving insider threats or indirect attacks – for example through compromised credentials – audit logs are often the only reliable and robust source of evidence. Audit logs therefore form the basis for detecting threats from typical manipulation scenarios along the entire video chain – from the camera to data transmission to storage and display.

Audit Logs in the Context of Security by Design Axis consistently follows a Security-by-Design approach. Audit-log functions are an integral part of the Axis ecosystem – both at the device level and within the video management software. Combined with: user and role management, certificate-based authentication (e.g., IEEE 802.1X), encryption (TLS), and software and configuration monitoring, a security concept emerges that not only makes attacks more difficult but, above all, makes manipulations visible.

Audit logs can be accessed through various interfaces – for example via event streams to VMS systems, via HTTP/HTTPS using the VAPIX Audit Log API, or via remote syslog to central IT and SIEM platforms.

Audit Logs and Software Monitoring – Two Sides of the Same Coin

Modern security architectures increasingly rely on software monitoring (software sealing) to detect manipulations by authorized users. Audit logs form the operational foundation for this: detecting configuration changes, triggering seal breaks, and integrating changes into clearly defined approval and workflow processes. Without audit logs, any software monitoring remains incomplete, as changes cannot be clearly attributed.

Regulatory Requirements: KRITIS, NIS2, ISO 27001

Audit logs are no longer a technical detail but a strategic element of modern security architectures. They play a crucial role in open, networked architectures where monitoring and tracking activities are essential to detect and prevent security incidents at an early stage. They are also indispensable for meeting increasing regulatory requirements – keyword: compliance – such as those defined by KRITIS, NIS2, and ISO 27001.

These regulations require comprehensive documentation and monitoring of system activities to ensure compliance and close potential security gaps. Furthermore, audit logs are of great importance when dealing with internal and privileged users. They help identify and prevent misuse and unauthorized access, thereby sustainably strengthening the internal security and integrity of systems.

Aikom: Why WISPs Must Refocus on Network Fundamentals in 2026

April 8, 2026

Over the past 10–15 years, the fixed wireless connectivity market has undergone radical transformation. The noise floor has increased, spectrum has been consumed, competition has emerged from fiber, fixed 5G, and LEO, while ARPUs have stubbornly remained flat in most regions.

For WISPs, this means the margin for error is shrinking. Approaches that once worked, such as reactively adding capacity, chasing peak speeds, or replacing platforms every few years, are no longer sustainable. In 2026, success will depend more than ever on a network’s ability to scale economically, grounded in the fundamentals that have remained constant.

This is why many WISPs are returning to the basics — and why solutions such as ePMP continue to play a central role in long-term WISP networks, with a clear and practical path toward Evo’s converged architecture, Cambium’s new integrated platform. Evo introduces multiple innovations, including dual- or tri-band radios, multi-user MIMO, Massive MIMO, interference mitigation, frequency reuse factor one, OFDMA, and Multi-Link Operation (MLO).

Back to the Basics — With a Clear Path Forward

While the WISP landscape continues to evolve, the physics and economics governing network performance have not changed, and networks still succeed or fail based on a few core principles: how predictable performance is under load, how well interference is tolerated as noise increases, how economically the network scales as subscriber density grows, and how easily the infrastructure evolves without forcing disruptive upgrades.
ePMP was designed from the beginning around these core principles. The ePMP 4000 series is fully Evo-ready, enabling WISPs to deploy high-performance connectivity today while maintaining a deliberate and structured path toward Evo.

Predictability Matters More Than Peak Speed

Peak throughput may look impressive in marketing materials, but WISPs know that real networks are judged during peak hours—under load and in imperfect RF conditions—and ePMP’s predictable airtime behavior enables operators to plan capacity with confidence, deliver competitive high-speed service tiers, and prevent a small number of subscribers from degrading performance for everyone else.

These same predictable performance characteristics form the foundation for future Evo convergence, allowing performance improvements over time without discarding what already works.

Interference Is No Longer an Edge Case

Noise levels are now the default operating condition. Co-location, spectrum reuse, and competitive deployments mean WISPs must assume interference will be present from day one — and that it will not disappear.

ePMP addresses this reality through deterministic scheduling, synchronization, uplink control, and interference-tolerant design. These capabilities ensure reliable operation today while enabling seamless migration to Evo when operators choose to take that step — without costly or disruptive rebuilds.

Economics Must Align with Network Design

ARPUs are unlikely to increase in the near term. Subscriber acquisition costs, truck rolls, recurring fees, and upgrade cycles accumulate quickly. Platforms requiring frequent hardware replacement or monthly licensing fees rapidly erode margins. One-size-fits-all solutions that impose a macrocell mindset regardless of subscriber density will never deliver sustainable ROI.

By aligning subscriber costs with real-world ARPU, eliminating recurring licensing fees, and supporting incremental upgrades, solutions like ePMP allow WISPs to enhance performance today while avoiding large-scale equipment replacement tomorrow.

Seamless Evolution Is Now a Requirement

Few WISPs can afford radical upgrades or forced transitions, so networks must evolve gradually, driven by business needs—not vendor timelines—and with backward compatibility and Evo-ready hardware, ePMP enables operators to upgrade performance immediately, migrate when and where it makes commercial sense, protect existing capital investments, and avoid the cost and disruption of mass replacements.

ePMP is the proven production platform for today’s WISPs and the first step toward Evo, ensuring a smooth transition to what comes next. The result is a network strategy built for longevity, predictability, and operational control.

Aikom International, as an official distributor of Cambium Networks, plays a key role in bringing these innovations to the market. The company supports its partners at every stage of the project lifecycle – from pre-sales consultancy to technical training, from solution design to after-sales assistance – ensuring that resellers and system integrators can always count on tailored expertise and dedicated support to maximize the value of Cambium’s technologies.

Hanwha Vision Launches Global “Now You See” Campaign Focused on Vision Intelligence

April 7, 2026

Hanwha Vision has introduced its new global brand campaign, “Now You See,” which takes a cinematic approach to present a different perspective on modern security technologies. The campaign is directed by Michael Gracey and features actress Amanda Seyfried in the lead role, further emphasizing its strong narrative and production quality. Unlike traditional promotional content, the campaign does not focus on hardware, but rather on how technology influences perception and decision-making. At its core is the concept of Proactive Vision Intelligence (PVI), which represents a shift from passive monitoring to active data analysis and the generation of actionable business insights.

Through various scenarios, including retail, smart cities, finance, education, and industry, the campaign demonstrates how modern systems can analyze human movement, detect anomalies, predict risks, and improve operational processes. This clearly highlights the transformation of security from a reactive to a proactive approach.

A particular emphasis is placed on the integration of artificial intelligence into image and data processing, enabling more precise pattern recognition and faster real-time response. In this context, Hanwha Vision’s solutions contribute to full situational awareness through a combination of video and audio analytics.

The company notes that these technologies are already being deployed in real-world environments, including the banking sector and critical infrastructure, where reliability and response speed are essential. Additional emphasis is placed on privacy protection through advanced features such as dynamic masking.

The “Now You See” campaign represents a new phase in the development of security technologies, where data is transformed into actionable insights and decision-making support. At the same time, it symbolizes the beginning of the Vision Intelligence era, in which security systems become more intelligent, proactive, and aligned with real user needs.

You can watch the campaign video at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zwcRHEgEUM

IDIS Announces Interactive Experience at FireSafety & Security Event 2026

April 7, 2026

IDIS has announced its participation at the FireSafety & Security Event 2026, which will take place on April 15–16 at the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch. This year, the company is introducing a concept that goes beyond traditional technology presentations. At its booth, IDIS will offer an interactive experience that blurs the line between reality and technology, allowing visitors to test their skills through a simulated security scenario. The focus will be on reaction speed, precision, and decision-making under pressure.

According to IDIS, the goal of this approach is not only to showcase solutions but also to demonstrate the real value of security technologies through hands-on experience. Visitors will have the opportunity to actively participate and understand how tactics, situational awareness, and composure play a crucial role in modern security operations.

The company also noted that details of the experience will not be revealed in advance, further encouraging visitors to discover what awaits them at booth H.13. The event in Den Bosch will bring together leading companies and professionals from the fire safety and security sectors, with IDIS’s interactive concept standing out as one of the more engaging highlights of this year’s edition.

VIVOTEK Chroma24: AI Solution for Reliable Video Surveillance in the Dark

April 7, 2026

VIVOTEK has highlighted its AI Night Vision solution, emphasizing the advanced capabilities of Chroma24 technology for video surveillance in low-light conditions. The solution enables full-color imaging even in near-total darkness, without the need for additional lighting. At the core is the VIT04A-W camera, which combines a large sensor, wide aperture, and advanced AI-ISP algorithms to deliver clear and reliable nighttime images. Particular emphasis is placed on accurate color reproduction and improved visibility of motion details, even for fast-moving objects.

Chroma24 technology automatically detects changes in lighting conditions and activates night mode without the need for manual adjustments. This ensures continuous and stable monitoring across different environments and scenarios. VIVOTEK notes that such solutions address the growing demand for reliable 24/7 surveillance, especially in urban environments and critical infrastructure where image quality is essential for security operations.

The use of artificial intelligence in image processing further enhances system performance, confirming the increasing integration of AI technologies into video surveillance platforms.

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Back to the Basics — With a Clear Path Forward