September 2, 2026
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Home Articles posted by a&s Adria (Page 257)

Interview: Dean Jones, Channel Director, EMEA, Mojo Networks

Dear Mr. Jones, I’m glad you joined us at Adria Security Summit. For a start, a couple of words about yourself, your position at Mojo Networks, what are you in charge with, your professional experience? 

My name is Dean Jones and I’ve been with Mojo Networks for around 11 months. Prior to that I worked for Ucopia, probably regarded as the premier provider of guest access management solutions in Europe. Before that I worked with Enterasys Networks as the regional vice-president for UK in Ireland, which is now recognized as Extreme networks. At Mojo Networks, I am the Channel Director for EMEA. I am responsible for the development and management of channel across EMEA and I work very closely with our heads of sales in each specific region.

Present us Mojo Networks, its core technologies and products?

Mojo Networks has been in existence, as Mojo, for a few years. Prior to that, we were Airtight Networks. Mojo Networks provides secure, cloud-based Wi-Fi. We believe that there is considerable market opportunity within cloud-based Wi-Fi. Over a period of time, there was always a requirement for considerable security and support to what was becoming a more mobile community. On average, each user has at least 3 to 5 Wi-Fi devices. So the density and the requirement to be able to deliver that kind of service is becoming more important. We are able to manage that and to provide strong and secure Wi-Fi.

We have a full suite of access points. Really interesting ones for us are our three radio access points. The reason is that through them we are able to deliver more support for users by using the third radio in various ways. It’s worthwhile to mention 3 radio designs we have, which makes us unique: indoor access points, smaller one, 2 by 2, C-100; bigger one, top class, 4 by 4, C-130, and the third one we call multipurpose radio. We are able to provide an enhanced level of security by ensuring that there is a complete background scanning available at any time. That is the difference between us and our competition, we can scan WiFi channels, detect other clients and access points, emulate client connections and enforce security rules. We able to do that because of our cloud platform and specifically Mojo Aware.

Mojo Aware is the Cognitive WiFi that harnesses the power of cloud, big data analytics, machine learning, software-defined networking, and cognitive computing. How does it combines all of these technologies?

Mojo Aware is a recent tool powered by the cloud. We are collecting all the data and logs from the access points, sending them to the cloud and showing to network administrators where exactly is the issue. Instead of minutes or hours, the network administrators need seconds to troubleshoot what’s wrong with the network. Graphical interface is very clean and understandable for most of the network administrators and with a few clicks you see the root of the issue, which is making us really different. Beside this, troubleshooting is also very nice tool for monitoring, because you see the really important information. And with all the data on the cloud, you have the visibility what was wrong or good in your network up to one week back, which also makes us different. We are working to extend this period up to one year. Having gathered that information we are able to troubleshoot the problem extremely quickly. One of the biggest problems in Wi-Fi for support teams and providers is to be able to replicate the problem. Now if within Mojo Aware and our cloud-based solution we are able to minimize that.

You can also use Mojo Aware to identify problems that are related to other components of network which are not Wi-Fi. This is additional benefit for network administrators to have it all in one package. There are two type network engineers. One is taking care of Wi-Fi, and the other is taking care of infrastructure, internet connectivity and rest of the network. If something is not working, someone has to prove where’s the issue. With Mojo Aware, we are able to highlight the latencies associated with all stages, allowing the network engineers to see precisely where the real issue is.

Thanks to the layer 7 inspection, we can also measure the latency of application traffic, which would boost Mojo Aware to different level of troubleshooting tool. Mojo Aware will exactly tell you: ”You have problems with your Skype, Netflix is working properly.” You can again aim your time and effort to a specific problem, you will not hunt ghosts anymore.

Mojo Networks CEO Rick Wilmer said that the company is „commited to making WiFi simple, affordable and easy for everybody“. What exactly is that related to?

Because of the power of Mojo Aware, we’re able to collect a lot of information, analyse them and deliver appropriate information for people to be able to resolve the problem, or at least to highlight where the problem may be at very large scale in a very small amount of time. As far as affordability is concerned, we have an extremely costly effective solution. There are savings that are made immediately if you move to the Cloud and you move in a secure fashion. Our APs are cost-effective and the Cloud licence itself is very straightforward. The customer effectively decides upon the AP that is appropriate for their business, the length of the Cloud licence they wish to purchase.

Graphical troubleshooting is one area where Mojo Networks has been innovating a lot?

The screen shows data in real time, how many clients are connected, which clients have issues. If they are connected, how many of them have issues to authenticate, how many of them have some network issues, which kind of issues. Every issue is recorded and written. We call it Client Journey, because you can see it up to one week back, which is perfect for network administrators.

You use a cloud-managed WiFi solution which is based on a vision for creating networks that reach new heights in security. Tell us more about the relation between a higher data security and cloud?

We have a very secure Cloud. We have a number of security certifications that ensure that not only are we able to deliver a physically secure Cloud solution, but all data and management that takes place within cloud is of an extremely high standard. We are expecting to receive FedRAMP certification relatively soon, which will definitely prove that we’re able to deliver a very secure Cloud-based solution.

We are able to ensure that wireless security is absolutely as it should be. To ensure that air is constantly being scanned, the concept of the third radio is very important. This idea of constant background scanning is very important for the security element. It’s also important to note that not only our Cloud, but we as a company and we as employees own many certificates, we have to go through trainings and security certification.

What is unique about the devices at Mojo Networks to prevent security breaches?

The heritage of Mojo Networks is Airtight and we were regarded as the premier Wi-Fi security provider. From the time of Airtight, Mojo ows more than 24 patents regarding the security detections, wireless intrusion preventions, packet marking technology and combination of everything, making the system so unique, that nobody else, including Cisco, Aruba, Ruckus, has the same features, security speaking. Thanks to the patents and our sensors and access points we can deliver outstanding security and really enforce any security policy which the customer is looking for, for instance in terms of enforcing application visibility, for example, Snapchat will not be not accessible in the company environment. Going through peer to peer traffic, we can prevent the client misassociations very easily and we will just disturb the client which is trying to connect to not allowed networks. The prevention is done in a bit different way, because we are not disturbing the other access points, which makes us really different comparing to competition, because their security is based on disturbing the other access points and disconnecting all clients.

The second thing which is unique is the Mojo Cloud management is the whole structure in the Cloud and the Mojo Aware, and the third are added value features and services, like hotspot, active portal, third party integration. The most important patent to prevent the security breaches is the packet marking technology. We can really detect, with 100% accuracy, evil twin access points, honeypot access points, any rogue access points, which is faking the standard network and trying to catch up the innocent devices and get some data, infect them with some malware, etc. Packet marking technology is giving us zero false alarms.

Pravin Bhagwat, CTO & Co-Founder of Mojo Networks, recently said that „our (Mojo’s) vision is that Wi-Fi is not limited to providing Internet access, and we can do much more with it in the field of data accumulation and transmission“. Can you explain what did Mr Bhagwat had in mind when it comes to using WiFi other than its basic function?

For a very long time, Wi-Fi manufacturers have been providing Wi-Fi access, but what we’re doing now is starting to harness the big data in ways in which people can analyse and enhance the level of service that they’re providing to their users, whether that is to reduce the time it takes to troubleshoot something, to highlight a particular part within the Client’s Journey to ensure they get the right level of service, to provide info to the organization on how network is being used, etc. We ensure that the amount of data is delivered in the simple, graphical form and it is something that can be analysed an interrogated more by the customer.

Which verticals are your targeting? 

Secured Cloud Wi-Fi solution is absolutely appropriate to all customers. However, our focus is on education, enterprise, we are doing considerable amount of business with service providers. We also have a vast number of retail and hospitality customers and we will continue to service them. It is fair to say that if you have travelled the world and you have enjoyed any form of fast food for instance, you probably used a Mojo network, if you used their Wi-Fi.

Can you name some of your recent projects?

Mojo Networks has had the opportunity to work with a myriad of organizations to ensure Wi-Fi access and connectivity is at its highest possible performance. Recently, the company was nominated for an award, recognizing its innovative work for Jio Reliance, a large network provider located in India. The provider was in the process of rolling out one of the largest networks, essentially offloading LTE traffic to Wi-Fi. They faced the need to deploy millions of access points with billions of users accessing the network at any given time. Mojo Networks was able to develop a solution that leveraged cloud management within the company’s data center, without the need for multiple controllers, which took away the impracticality and prohibitive cost of the project. Since that time, the network has run brilliantly, and the scalability realized by the provider has proved to be an impressive outcome.

How has Mojo Networks contributed in strengthening the government security systems?

As for public sector is general, we are able to provide a level of security certification with some of the more recent certification we have. We have to deliver OS and application security, to provide hosting network security, access control to application and customer data. How do we prove we’re able to do that? By having appropriate SOC compliance, ISO compliance, etc. All of these data centre certificates are important for many government projects. Right now the focus in the US is to get the FedRAMP certification. It will be the next level of access to the government projects, our clients include top levels of US government.

The WiFi market is growing at 14% year over year. Where do you see an opportunity for achieving higher growth? 

The interesting thing is that, yes it’s 14% year over year, but if you analyse that market data a little more, you start to realize that the cloud-managed wireless enterprise revenues are expected to grow nearly 120% by 2020. We believe that when the time is right, we have strong, stable, secure solution. We believe that the market is ready for this and that we can drive the innovation by delivering the Cloud to the market. We’re absolutely focused on developing in that particular area and continuing to deliver innovative solutions.

What will be the major global trends at the WiFi market in the years that come? Is visualization one of those trends?

Yes, absolutely we do see visualization as being a very important development part and we’ve shown you through Mojo Aware how we believe this particular market will develop. Being able to understand how users are using the Wi-Fi, to troubleshoot problems and to deliver back meaningful information to an organization is very important. If you have access to all of this information, but you’re not necessarily delivering it in the right form, it becomes meaningless and problematic for people to be able to analyse and make decisions on that information, so we think we’re contributing to that quite considerably.

Your oppinion on Adriatic region market, has it evolved, are you pleased with your position in this part of Europe? Where can one buy your products, who are you major regional partners?

We as Mojo are very pleased to be launching our relationship with AdriNet, who is our distributor in the Adriatic region. We’re new to this particular region and we believe we have the very strong and powerful message and an exceptional solution. This market is highly developing in terms of Wi-Fi and applications that require Wi-Fi. Requirements are growing slowly, but constantly. What is good about this region is that people are very educated on a technical side and very interested to deploy latest technologies. That is a good opportunity and AdriNet has a network of very good partners, system integrators across the whole Adriatic region and we’re introducing the Mojo concept to them. Hope to see Mojo Clouds around Adriatics very soon. AdriNet as Mojo’s partner for the region is capable of providing full concept of value added distribution in terms of providing our partners’ resellers whole scale of professional services that are required.

Have you found Adria Security Summit worthwhile to open up a Croatian market and why?

We found it to be a very important and worthwhile event to attend. We’ve particularly enjoyed the opportunity to meet with a number of regional partner, again through the relationship we have with AdriNet. It was very impressive to see the number of people attending. The professionalism which the Summit has provided is great. It is more reassuring to see that every detail has been dealt with.

Interview: Laurence Kenny, marketing manager, Pyronix

a&s Adria: Mr Laurence Kenny, thank for your time. Let’s start with you. Tell us something about yourself, your educational and professional background, your position in Pyronix?

Kenny: I am marketing manager at Pyronix. I mastered in the area of business administration at Sheffield Business School. I worked within Pyronix and the security industry for 5 years, largely in marketing capacity.

a&s Adria: Could you, please, give us an overview of the company history?

Kenny: Pyronix was founded in 1986 by Julie Kenny CBE DL. The company started with what was then, the smallest PIR in the world, identifying a niche and exploiting that niche to get a foothold in what was a young market in the electronic security industry. Over the years, Pyronix has grown through organic growth and acquisition, now providing a wide range of electronic security equipment for the intruder alarm market. What started with one detector, the business now has a significant product range catering for the majority of small and large scale intruder alarm installations on the market. Pyronix was acquired by Hikvision in May 2016. This acquisition really marked a turning point in the company’s history, showing convergence in practice by bringing together different components of security.

a&s Adria: You mentioned joining Hikvision Group, which was one of the last year’s most important acquisitions. How are things going for Pyronix after that, have you managed to furfill your goals, sustain the predicted growth rate? What are key benefits for both companies?

Kenny: The mood for Pyronix and Hikvision is very positive. We are currently investing in areas of the business to deliver on our vision of becomming the Number One intruder manufacturer in the world, and sustaining our growth into new markets whilst looking to get deeper market penetration into our existing markets.

a&s Adria: Give us a brief presentation of your product line? What product would you single out as the best-selling on the market and why?

Kenny: Our product lines consist of complete intruder alarm systems, both wireless and hybrid, with a wide range of detectors and sensors both at EN50131 grade 2 and grade 3. Our Enforcer two-way wireless system has won 4 awards since it’s launch for innovation and popularity with installers. The system utilised a number of features which make the two-way wireless installation secure and easy to install. The system is truly like a wired system when armed, with zero sleep time of peripherals which are fully supervised, anti-jamming capability, and dual antennas for omni-directional data transfer.

a&s Adria: You use several patented technologies in order to increase the value of your products. Tell us more about Tri-Signal Detection Logic, Independent Floating Thresholds, Tri Anti-Masking Technology, etc?

Kenny: Tri-signal detection logic is a technology used within the External Detector range of product, used to enhance the detectors susceptibility to false alarms due to the harsh nature of the outdoor environment. All three technologies (two PIR’s and one Microwave sensor) need to be activated together to cause an alarm. This makes the detector more stable. Independent floating thresholds enhances the detectors immunity to electrical interference by ensuring that the alarm trip thresholds are able to move and adapt to changing electrical conditions and interference. The detector will digitally adjust the alarm thresholds to maintain intruder catch performance even when there is interference which could cause a false alarm.

a&s Adria: Was launching PyronixCloud and HomeControl+ App a way to do that? What are theirs key benefits to customers?

Kenny: There is a clear trend towards IP and cloud connectivity. It enhances the user and installer experience and provides a number of benefits and features which were never able to be realized before. We are committed to this trend by developing new Cloud infrastructure and apps to ensure that the user and installer have an experience which is unrivalled in the industry. The key benefit of the PyronixCloud and HomeControl+ App is real-time system management, along-side camera integration, to give users unparalleled access to their property from anywhere in the world. Intruder systems are no-longer stand alone systems – they are lifestyle systems which can provide users peace of mind, and gives installers upsell and additional retention advantages.

a&s Adria: Tell us a bit more about the successfull projects/case studies you have had during the last year or so? Do you have some feedback from the investors? What verticals do you generally focus on?

Kenny: Our primary focus is on the residential market globally, which makes up a large percentage of the global market for intruder alarms. But it is also true that the retail, institution, and finance sectors are also growing verticals that we are focussing on. Given that our product range is compliant to grade 2 and 3 gives us a big advantage when it comes to projects. There have been a number of projects, including within the banking sector, that we have been working on recently with our customers.

a&s Adria: What is your opinion on the Pyronix’s position in Adriatic region: sales results, growth, partner companies, marketing? Where do you see a possible improvement?

Kenny: Our position in the Adriatic region is growing – much as in the rest of EMEA. Our products fit well into the market, and we have a number of opportunities which will support our sales strategy going forward. From our research, it seems like the Adriatic region is growing, with more emphasis placed on increased integration with other systems.

a&s Adria: Related to the above, in September a high-ranking member of your staff/you will be lecturing at Adria Security Summit, the largest Adriatic region conference and exhibition, which is from this year powered by Intersec. Do you find it a good opportunity to listen to the audience, discuss about market trends, meet new customers?

Kenny: We always relish the opportunity to speak to customers, existing and new, about our product and innovations. The Pyronix brand is one synonymous with technology and innovation, and we are constantly listening to the market to ensure that our development roadmap reflects the needs of our customers and partners across the globe. The Adria Security Summit will provide us this platform to speak to customers and gain this vital feedback as we look to assert our position on the global market.

a&s Adria: Pyronix’ plans for years ahead in the intruder alarm marker?

Kenny: The intruder alarm market is growing, and Pyronix is at the forefront of that growth. It is also true to say that the wider security market is one which is converging with the likes of video, intercom and access control. In the years ahead, integrated solutions will be the driver for the industry, and our product lines reflect this shift. Our goals are to grow the Pyronix brand and drive the intruder market on through a deep understanding of our market and our customers, innovation, and supporting this growth with our partners throughout the globe.

Interview with WM for a&s Adria

Mr Marzin, could you please introduce yourself to our readers?

My name is Wolfgang Marzin and I have been President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Messe Frankfurt since 2010. I have worked in the fair and exhibition business for over 25 years, gathering experience at German exhibition centres in Munich and Leipzig, as well as in the USA at Messe Düsseldorf North America.

A big thing for Adriatic region security market happened last month – Adria Security Summit signed an agreement with Messe Frankfurt. It will from now on be powered by Intersec, one of the most visited security exhibitions in the world. Why did you choose Adria Security Summit to be a part of your security events portfolio? 

I am really pleased about the agreement with the organisers of Adria Security Summit, Global Security d.o.o., and am looking forward to our collaboration with great confidence. We are now the partner of a high-grade and well established event, which was, of course, very important for us. It is an attractive networking platform, at which players from the entire distribution chain for safety and security technology can meet and exchange ideas and information. Moreover, we were not represented by our events for the safety and security sector in Southeast Europe and, by taking this step, aim to reinforce our commitment for the sector in this region. In this connection, working with a professional and reliable partner in the region, such as ‘Global Security’, is the key to success.

What is your opinion on the Summit, what qualities does it have and how do you see its position, growth and regional character in Western Balkans?

The Summit concept is first class. Combined with a trade exhibition showing innovative products and solutions, the conference with top speakers offers participants a comprehensive overview of the latest trends in the sector. Executives from the sector’s key players are taking part, from, for example, Honeywell, Bosch and Sony, to mention but a few. Moreover, the event is a very good opportunity for networking. In my opinion, personally cultivating contacts and making new ones is becoming increasingly important in our digitalised world. Additionally, the fact that the Summit is held at different venues from year to year means that it covers several countries in the Western Balkans with the emphasis on the focus country of the year. This clear, regional focus is, I believe, a great advantage that perfectly supplements our generally internationally-oriented events.

What does this agreement include and how will it benefit both Adria Security Summit and Messe Frankfurt?

For the first time, we are supporting this September’s edition of the ‘Adria Security Summit’ in Sibenik, which will be known as the ‘Adria Security Summit powered by Intersec’ from then on. Accordingly, the Summit will be integrated into our worldwide safety, security & fire brand-communication activities, which will strengthen the level of awareness for this event. We will provide conceptual support and mutually advertise our events, so that both sides benefit. Specifically, we will have an information stand at the Summit and present our eleven safety and security technology events. Furthermore, we will hold a lecture at the conference.

For those who don’t know much about your company, tell us more about Messe Frankfurt, especially its business in security, accomplishments with Intersec, a&s Group, etc.?

Messe Frankfurt is the world’s biggest fair, congress and event organiser with its own fair and exhibition centre. The Security, Safety & Fire Business Unit plays a vital role in our company and is developing very rapidly. At present, we have a portfolio of eleven safety and security technology events with the well-known Intersec and Secutech trade-fair brands. We are represented around the world by our trade fairs and conferences: in Asia, in the Near and Middle East, in South America and in Europe. Intersec is the portfolio’s leading event. It has been held annually in Dubai since 1999 and has developed into the world’s leading trade show for security, safety, and fire protection. We also expanded our activities in the fair and publishing business for the safety and security sector with the purchase of Taiwan’s A&S fair and exhibition company in 2009 and the founding of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media. Naturally, our focus is always on growth markets and, together with our partners in the sector, we constantly evaluate the implementation of more new events – and the Adria Security Summit powered by Intersec is the latest example of this.

How do you see Adria Security Summit’s future, now being powered by Intersec?

I foresee a high-grade event with a firm regional base that has become indispensable for the sector. As important players on a regional and international plane, we and our partners hold events that benefit retailers, systems integrators, manufacturers and consumers in the safety and security industry. We want to reinforce the Summit’s position and further develop in the interests of the sector and our customers.

Anything you want to add, some message to our readers?

I am delighted that we are working with Global Security and very much hope to welcome readers of a&s Adria to Croatia in September. Or at one of our other events for the safety and security sector, for example, at Intersec in Dubai, which will be held from 21 to 23 January 2018. If you would like an overview of all our events for the safety and security sector, please take a look at our website: www.safety-security.messefrankfurt.com

Interview: Ulises Lorente, Export Manager, EVVA

Interview: Ulises Lorente, Export Manager, EVVA

a&s Adria: Glad to meet you here at Security Essen, Mr. Lorente. Could you tell us more about yourself, your professional and educational background, and your role at EVVA?

Lorente: I am export manager at EVVA company. I deal with sales in every market except Austria and the ones we have subsidiaries in. Our main role is to look for customers in countries we’re already present in or in new ones. We work on our sales and marketing strategies, attend exhibitions, etc. I’ve been working in EVVA for almost seven years. In the beginning I was coordinating sales activities with the subsidiaries in Eastern Europe, mostly Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Then I was promoted to Export manager. As for my background, I finished Business Administration at University of Madrid and worked as a consultant for export activities for Spanish Chamber of Commerce.

a&s Adria: A brief history of EVVA?

Lorente: EVVA is a company with a long experience. We were founded in 1919, which means we’re about to celebrate a hundred years in business. Over these years we’ve established ourselves very strongly, expecially in Central European markets. We’re recognized as a manufacturer of premium quality products, mostly based on the access control systems, both mechanical and electronic. We’re not focusing on a lower segment of the market, but on a specific segments, mostly on a business level. We’re working with companies, hospitals, universities, all kind of organizations that require not only one cylinder, but a whole master key system. We’re mostly selling in Europe, Asia and Australia. Now we’re focusing on Eastern and Southern Europe, Middle East, and Asia-Pacific region. In our recent history EVVA has developed very innovative integrated solutions (mechanical and electronic), hence our slogan for the Security Exhibition „Smart New Worlds“.

a&s Adria: Could you present us your product line?

Lorente: We have mechanical and electronical access control systems. Within the mechanical product group, we are specialized in the production of master key systems. Our mechanical product range is based in very innovative key systems which enable us to have a lot of combinations to realize the master key systems for any organization. Within the electronic group we have two product families. One of them is called Xesar, an access control system which is designed to be installed on a local computer. Through this software you can do all the management and tracking. Xesar is targeted at office buildings, hospitalsand industrial buildings, among others. Xesar offers 4 different locking components (escutcheon, handle, cylinder and wall reader). Therefore it can be used in virtually any door withing a project.The products are battery powered and easy to install and assemble. Even though they are offline, thanks to the Xesar Virtual Network, the information flows in the system via the ID media (cards, fobs or combi-keys). The other product family is AirKey, an access control system offering the customer optimal flexibility. The management software is online, and can be thus accessed from anywhere in the world, and enables the sending of authorisations over the Internet to a smartphone (even periodical or limited access authorisations).Thanks to the AirKey app the smartphone is the key.

a&s Adria: What application does the AirKey has?

Lorente: There’s a lot of different applications. For instance, it is a popular solution for apartment owners renting them over the Internet, for example an AirBnb. Today the owner of the apartment has to meet you somewhere to give you the key. With AirKey, hovewer, you can use the function „Send the key“, and the owner does not to meet  the renter to  give the key. Other applications are companies with distributed locations due to the AirKey´s flexibility, e.g. telecommunication companies, which have a lot of antennas spread all over the country. If you have a technical service that needs to service different components, they can call the headquarters and receive the authorization for them.

a&s Adria: On what technology are your products based on?

Lorente: AirKey is based JCOP technology (Java Chip Open Protocol), which is one of the most secure technologies at the market. For instance, In Austria, the banking cards are using NFC chips based on this technology, so it’s being used in applications where you need the latest standards.

a&s Adria: We can here more talks about cyber security. How is your company dealing with those kind of threats?

Lorente: I will focus on AirKey. How do we know this is a secure system?

Security is all around AirKey.First of all, we have a web-based software located in our EVVA servers. For them we have all kind of security: firewalls, redundant servers, and encripted communication. Also the servers are based in Austria, which is a neutral country, and the information is therefore secure. On the communication level we’re using the latest standards in encryption, like the AES 128 bit. It’s a really high encryption level, which means it’s extremely difficult to access the information. Also, as previously mentioned, our ID media (smartphones, cards) work with JCOP technology, one of the most secure ID technologies.

a&s Adria: What if someone steals a mobile phone with credentials on? What’s the response time and means?

Lorente: Here we have to consider several security layers. First of all, our application is working only with an unlocked screen on the smartphone, which means we recommend our customers to use a special PIN or pattern to unlock the screen. Additionally, The application has the possibility to add an additional PIN code, to be entered before using the AirKey system. On the software level, as soon as you realize someone has stolen your mobile phone, you have the possibility to access the AirKey  web based management software from anywhere in the world and block the authorisation.

a&s Adria: What EVVA system would you recommend for SMB’s, and what for a larger company?

Lorente: For a smaller company, I would recommend the AirKey solution. AirKey is an easy to use access control system providing full flexibility and mobility for the end users. For smaller systems, the management kit is kept at the minimum, since your own smartphone can be at the same time the identification medium, the coding station and the programming device, sparing unnecessary costs. Also, the application to use with an AirKey is free of charge. The only payment that we charge for using the software are key credits, a very innovative solution to enable smaller objects to limit the costs on the software licence.

For a larger companies, like a post office, universities, customers tend to profit from the virtual network possibilities on Xesar. With Xesar you can easily manage the system locally and issue new cards via the coding station. Xesar uses the MIFARE DESFIRE technology, more extendedon the market. However, AirKey would also be suitable for bigger systems, depending on the requirements. For instance, if you have different locations, like post offices in different cities, it might be better to take advantage of the AirKey flexibility. It always depends on what kind of solution you are looking for. If you are looking for more flexibility and mobility, you should use AirKey. If you’re based somewhere and you want to run things locally, I would recommend Xesar.

a&s Adria: What can we expect from EVVA in the future?

Lorente: As our slogan „Smart New Worlds“ imply, EVVA will be developing innovative systems in the coming years, always with our customers in mind. The next developments will focus on enabling Bluetooth as a communication form with AirKey. At the moment AirKey can be used with Android smartphones thanks to their NFC chip, but in the near futureAirKey will be also available to be used with Bluetooth. In that way we will be able to address a bigger customer market. We are focusing more on mobility and flexibility, so further features will build up on these concepts. We will have a geotagging system, which means your can use your mobile phone with GPS when innitializing the component to save the GPS coordinates and then track the components on Google maps. For a distributed locations, you can always know where the component is. We’re also going to introduce a hands free solution, which means you can have a mobile phone in your pocket and just by approaching the door, if you have the Bluetooth connected, you will be able to open the door automaticaly. As for Xesar, we’re looking for some kind of integration to offer special solutions in usability.

a&s Adria: Adriatic region market?

Lorente: In the Balkans region we’re working with companies ID Shop, which is covering Slovenia and Croatia, and CP Security, which is focusing on the rest of the markets. On a Serbian market we have started working one year ago, and on a Slovenian three years ago. We are quite satisfied with the development. We have been able to benefit from the existing contacts those companies have. They are aiming at companies and organizations which are looking for high-security master key systems. As you know, we were present at the Adria Security Summit in Belgrade and were quite satisfied from kind of companies that attended the exhibition. They were mostly personnel responsible for security in big companies from the region. Thus, we have been able to present them our solutions depending on their needs.

a&s Adria: Could you name some important projects in Adriatic region?

Lorente: A very important multinational Slovenian company Krka has decided to use EVVA mechanical products on all their premises in different countries and they are going step by step to change the existing systems with the new one. We also worked with European agency in Ljubljana and National bank of Slovenia. EVVA is, however, present all over the world having done installation even in Australia (i.e. for the Curtin University in Perth where we installed 30.000 cylinders on the different faculties) and South East Asia, where EVVA has already delivered their systems to several office buildings.

Interview: Ghislain Kwasny FD Johnson Security

Mr. Kwasny, thank you for joining us today. Could you please give us an overview of your professional background and role at your company?

I’m part of Johnson Security since July 2015 as Business Development and Sales Director for Europe and Francophone Africa. My role is to develop the sales and strategic partnerships across Europe and part of Africa; and for that I work in team with my colleagues; Steve Reeves (VP sales), Valérie Beresford (Marketing and Communication Manager) and Frank Bednarz (Sales manager for central and eastern Europe). I’ve been working in the security industry since 2010 and most specifically in the armoured vehicles business where I specialized in the cash in transit sector, developing solutions for the end users. My main business area remains the cash in transit, where I work on solutions for our customers to protect their people and goods. Johnson Security is the oldest and most important cash in transit products builder in Europe, they started in the 1950’s, and I’m proud of being part of this team; I have been able to bring in my knowledge of the market and I’m glad to be able to learn every day from my colleagues. As you know the security market, and most especially the cash in transit sector, is going through a recession period, due to the economic crisis and the emergence of the new technologies and payment methods. It makes things more challenging, but we have the benefit of a well experienced team to help develop new solutions for our customer to adapt their business to the circumstances.

In 1996, Four Dimensions Johnson Security has twenty years of experience in security industry. Tell us more about your company, what were the most important milestones, when did Johnson become a part of Four Dimensions and what benefit did you gain from that, how do you see your company’s position at the moment?

FDJI founders in China were already involved in the automotive industry in China before starting the Joint Venture with Johnson Security. FD were looking for new solutions to offer to the security companies and investment and saw the security industry as a great opportunity to raise to new challenges. However, FD identified the needs for investing in new technology and getting production experience; that is why they decided to associate with a well renowned and experienced foreign company to create a Joint Venture. In return FD could offer an open door to the Chineses market.

In 2004, FD became the majoriy shareholder of Johnson Security and in 2007 FD became the sole owner of Johnson.

FDJI has developed its opportunity and sales throughout the world with the main players and we are pursuing our growth by offering security vehicles and building products that evolve with our clients and the markets.

A part of your group is also the company KFB-Extramobile, a German manufacturer of ambulances and first response vehicles, which FDJI acquisited in 2010. Why did your company bought KFB-Extramobile, what was the story behind that, and what important technology did you acquire?

FDJI, well aware of the SARS epidemy and the vehicles that were commissioned by KFB straight from Germany recognised the potential and bought KFB in 2010 to grow opportunities in China.

What are your key technologies? 

Johnso Security is specialized in all CIT conversion types, as you already know. The main technologies developped and used  by Johnson are based on the softwares for all type of application, the biometrics detection systems, the remote controls and tracking, the data log remote control. Talking about vehicles, a part of the classic armouring, Johnson is working with composit materials to allow higher payloads and also allow armouring small vehicles.

Present us FD Johnson Security product portfolio? What varieties of products do you manufacture and what applications do they have?

Building Security Products, Specialised Component Manufacture, Cash Centre Solutions, Fire Trucks & Police Vehicle Conversions, other Special Security Vehicles such as Cash-in-Transit Armoured Vans, Customised Ambulances and Secure Mail Trucks, among others.

What product/solution would you single out as your flagship product and why?

Our cash in transit vehicles consist of a wide range of solutions to fit the vehicles to the markets they are used in. Clients from all over the world come to seek for advices and solutions from Johnson Security. And as Johnson has the expertise to also provide cash centre solution we could say that we offer a very clever turn key solution.

What is your maximum annual production capacity at your 30,000 sq meters production facilities and has it matched sales?

The last years have been lower in terms of production, but I can tell you that we have delivered around 200 vehicles to our customers in 2015; matching partially our targets. Johnson’s good years are around 300 vehicles delivered. We aim to get back to these figures soon.

Do don’t only manufacture, you also offer services to repair armoured vehicles? Has being a member of Vehicle Builders & Repairers Association make it easier for you to offer this kind of services?

The VBRA accrediation demonstrates our level of commitment when dealing with services. We have a team of qualified engineers and the multi lingual support staff that are dedicated to help our clients wherever and whenever they are. It is a whole package that makes it a very attractive offer to our clients.

What are the key benefits consumers can expect from FDJI? Is it European quality matched with Chinese fast production, proprietary technology, experience, prices?

FDJI have a very high qualified team of engineers and quality expert who develop new products and solutions in Europe and a fantastic production line in China which provide our assembly line in Europe to build our unique vehicles. So, yes our aim is to provide quality and quantity to our clients at very competitive prices.

What customers do you target and what vertical markets do you focus on?

We work with the bank and retail and luxury industry as well with the emergency services and military sector.

Financial and other institutions in need of your products demand certain standards and certificates as a proof of quality. What standards have you implemented?

We provide our decades of experience to start with which are combined with the usual certificates links to the level of armour vehicles can have, and we can run tests in house or at specialist centres as per requested by our customers. We take quality very seriously and are certifified ISO 9001:2008.

Present us some of the most important references?

We have worked with all the main global players in the security industry from Brinks to Loomis, G4S, and Prosegur.

How do you see security market today, how will security market look like in the following years? What will be major trends?

The security market has massively changed since Johnson Security delivered their first cash in transit vehicles. There is a general trend in the Scandinavian countries that is also spreading through other countries to, “cashless society”. So that is one dilemma for our company which has triggered our efforts to also widen our horizons to other market than just the security market.

Nevertheless turnkey solutions as the one we offer remain a very interesting opportunity for our customers who all need more than ever to save on costs.

What can we expect from Johnson Security in the upcoming years?

Johnson Security is always working on new solutions in collaboration with the end users. We have developed during the last years some new technologies based on our experience in the UK. Years ago, UK has decided to change the way of operating cash transport; giving away the guns and part of the armouring, and moving into a more technologic type of vehicles. Johnson Security has taken a large part in this migration and has developed lots of new systems that are in use today. Based on that experience, we have now adapted these systems to be used in the rest of Europe, and we have started offering them to our customers. Some of them are based on a remote control system of the vehicles, but not a common tracking system to do a localisation of the vehicle and its occupants, we talk of a real control on distance, with image, sound and access to the commands. Johnson Security is also sensitive to the climate issues, and has started to develop an armoured full electric van; which will be presented in 2017 in the UK first and then in the rest of Europe. Finally, we can talk about the new vehicles types coming up end 2016, but this will be announced by then.

Your opinion on Adriatic region market and FDJI’s position in it? Are you looking for new partners, how do you plan to expand your market share, are you pleased with the current share, what are the biggest challenges for your company? 

Part of the strategy of Johnson Security in 2016 has been to learn about the Adriatic region; the sales team has visited several countries and have met with lots of companies, especially in the cash in transit sector. The first impression has been very positive; we have met with nice people, opened to discuss and show their knowledge and with a lot of interest in welcoming a new partner in the market. The main aspects that has caught my attention is the fact that in all the countries visited, the companies who transport cash are not allowed to process it, except the national companies or central banks of course. That’s an interesting phenomenon, as in the western part of Europe, the trend is for the central banks to get rid of the cash processing to pass it to the cash management companies, saving cost and making the cash cycle shorter and more efficient. That should be one of the major point of debate for these companies if they want to see their business expand in the next years. As Johnson Security did in the past, we would be glad to take part of this change, and we expect it to happen. We have a grand expertise in the cash management and we have been supporting major companies to build their cash centres in the UK and overseas, as an example Johnson Security has been giving support and consultancy to the Post Office for many years. At the moment, we have no customer in the region, but we really wish and hope to have an opportunity soon to demonstrate our capacity and show our quality to the customer.

Tell us something about FDJI’s relations towards its partners, dealers, resellers… How do you support and benefit them? Do you organize trainings and seminaires? Warranty and service?

JSL being based in the UK; we have to work with partners in most of the countries, locally. Our collaboration is based on high quality service, and if we can’t get this standard, we don’t operate, at least until we find the right partner. The partners we are seeking, in most of the cases are in charge of servicing the products we sell along the years, we ensure the customer to have an interlocutor locally, available, qualified and of course speaking the same language. All our partners are fully trained on the maintenance of our products, directly in our facilities, and have periodic updates to ensure the optimum service to our customers. We support them thanks to our remote diagnosis system, which allow us to assist the customer immediately and also to localize any incident instantly. We work to deliver the best quality to our customers for their satisfaction, a good product doesn’t need much repairs.

In the end, your company is a Gold sponsor at Adria Security Summit 2016 in Belgrade. Do you find it a good opportunity for you to penetrate this market and why? What were your impressions from the last one?

Johnson Security attended Adria 2015. It was a very interesting first visit and we decided to come this year as we have developed new dialogues with companies in the Adriatic market. The proximity of the market and the fact that we go there physically make the initial exchange much more real and enthusiastic which may be key to future commercial deals in the region.

Interview: Alex Zanga, sales manager for Eastern Europe and Scandinavia, Grundig Security

Interviewed: Damir Muharemović

E-mail: redakcija@www.asadria.com

a&s Adria: Mr. Zanga, thank you for joining us today. Before we get into the details of Grundig’s security solutions, could you please give us an overview of your professional background and role at your company? (how and when did you started working for Grundig, what business area are you in charge with, what is it like working for a globaly renowned company, in what way does it supplements your career and is there something interesting from the time spent in your company you would like to highlight to our readers) 

A. Zanga: I work for Grundig since April 2012. And I felt very excited since my very first day working for Grundig. I have decided for Grudnig because it’s a great opportunity to work for a famous German brand. My responsibility is  Eastern European market as well as Nordic countries. It involves working with distributors, system integrators, after sales service, projects etc etc.

a&s Adria: Grundig is a renowned company dating even back to 1930’s. However, it had many turmoils trying to maintain its market position and expand into different product areas. Security division was no exception. Some would say that Grundig Security lost momentum in the video surveillance market. What changes did you have to take to gain your position back and how do you see Grundig’s position today? (tell us in general the history of your security division and its important milestones?)

A. Zanga: Actually Grundig history as a security brand goes back to 1953. So since 1953 and till 1997 Grundig was qualitative market leader and pace maker in the market of security systems, esp. for large installation and high end products. In 1997 GRUNDIG Electronics for Professional Security applications was acquired by Plettac & disapeared from the security market. Since that time a lot of things have changed in our business and we had to adopt. And in 2010 Grundig was back on security market with impressing and completely new product portfolio. In 2012 Grundig became part of Dutch holding TKH Group NV. This partnership gave a big boost for product development and presenting new technologies. So now in 2015 I can easily say that Grundig is back in the game. Since our comeback Grundig became again a valuable player on Security market.

a&s Adria: Tell us more about yours product range? What varieties of product do you manufacture and what applications do they have? 

A. Zanga: Grundig is offering whole range of security products for every market segment. In our portfolio you can find 1,3 and up to 4K high standard IP cameras with excellent image quality. We offer recording solutions, professional CCTV monitors as well HD-TVI and analogue products. We have solutions for all verticals. For example we have 3 product lines: Grundig Connect, Grundig Professional and Grundig Top line which meets every customer needs. So easily saying Grundig Connect has basic features, good quality and strong price. Grundig professional has complete features, top quality and reasonable price.  And finally Grundig Top line has advanced features, highest specification and value for money.

a&s Adria: What are the key benefits consumers can expect from Grundig? Your company has implemented Sony Xarina (Exmor) and ImmerVision’s panomorph lens technology. Tell us something about those technologies and what did you gain by implementing them?

A. Zanga: Yes indeed technology partners are very important for us at Grundig. First of all our IP cameras with Sony Xarina technology in combination with Exmor Sensors delivers: Superior Image Quality, Real True Color, Highest Sensitivity and Extremely Sharp image quality.  Our Panomorph cameras with ImmerVision technology delivers great 360° image using 6MP resolution and can replace several standard IP in some applications. For example you can use one Panomorph camera to secure small shop or pharmacy instead of 2 or 3 standard cameras.

a&s Adria: Market slowly moves to IP. At the same time, HD-over-Coax is prolonging the analog and each year gaining a larger market share. What’s Grundig’s position on this matter? Do you plan to make a total transition to IP or are you planning to offer some form of HD-over-Coax solution?

A. Zanga: Of course most new installation comes based on IP technolgies already but still there is a demand in analogue products. Because there could always be some applications where you can’t or not alowed to put IP networks. We are offering products based on two HD over coax technologies: Ex-SDI and HD-TVI. In order to all our customers could have perfect Full HD image quality no matter which cabling they are using.

a&s Adria: Recent market researches show that companies offering a total solution are increasing their market share and profit. Do you plan to expand your porfolio into another security area and what area would that be? What in general can we expect from Grunding in the upcoming year?

A. Zanga: Grundig developped from being a supplier of components to a supplier of video surveillance systems. In the future development Grundig wants to become a provider of solutions. Together with develoment teams in the TKH Group we have plans to expand in other sectors of security market as well. It will be exciting which surprises Grundig will have in the comming years.

a&s Adria: Integration is a must have today. With what VMS systems are yours products compatible with and what standards have you implemented?

A. Zanga: Most of the VMS platforms support Grundig. We are using ONVIF Profile S protocol which is supoprted by the 99,9% of VMS platforms. All reliable VMS vendors have done a native integration with Grundig IP cameras.

a&s Adria: What vertical market/s do you focus on?

A. Zanga:  We are very succesfull in Retail, Banking and City Surveilance. In the last years these were our top verticals. We have delivered lots of our products exactly there. These verticals selecetion comes from our partners. Our partners are sticked to these verticals. They are very strong in this business. Some of our partners are doing projects only for retail. Some ofthem only for Banks etc etc. And we support them in all kind of ways to win as much projects as possible. This kind of „team work“ brings good results for our partners and of course us.

a&s Adria: Present us some of your most important recent installations which were hardest to implement or have some sort of cultural, historical or national significance?

A. Zanga: One of my personal valuable projects was exactly on Adriatic region. It was a solution for SKB Bank in Slovenia and High Security Prison in Kosovo. I have spent many hours to create the solution for the end user. Both projects are successfully finished now and our equipment is working perfect. Unfortunately we’are not able to name more details about High Security Prison in Kosovo. Hope you understand why. But regarding the SKB Bank project in Slovenija  I can give some more information. SKB Bank required a video surveillance system that provided a high degree of protection to customers and staff, both inside and outside its premises. Internally, cashier desks, public floor areas and doorways were to be protected. Externally, ATMs were to be covered, along with some perimeter walls and all of the bank’s entrances. The new system’s image quality had to enable the positive identification of people and allow security staff to verify items at the cashier points, such as bank notes and critical documentation. GRUNDIG partner in Slovenia system’s Integrator VTZ d.o.o., was chosen by the bank to design and install the new video surveillance system. VTZ installed 135 indoor and outdoor Grundig cameras. Mr Aleksander Jeras, general manager for VTZ, added, “We selected cameras from the Grundig range for a number of reasons. They have been used by the SKB’s parent company, Société Générale, where they have successfully proven their image quality and reliability. The image quality met our customer’s data specifications, namely recognising bank notes and documents. The new video surveillance system offers the bank a number of significant  features, both at local and national levels. It enables operators to identify people in front of the cashier desks and provides both day and night surveillance using IR LED technology. The system has also coordinated all the bank’s CCTV onto a single platform, providing a comprehensive view of the entire bank’s security needs. SKB Bank in Slovenia is impressed with the quality of the installation and camera images.

a&s Adria: Tell us something about Grundig’s relations towards its partners, dealers, resellers… How do you support and benefit them? Do you organize trainings and seminaires?

A. Zanga: Customer care is one of our strongest sides. We always try to be closer to our partners. That is why we do continuously product trainings and seminars. We also try to not forget the entertament side. We organize annualy campaigns for our partners where they can enjoy some football games, attend on Oktoberfest in Germany or visit some car museums in Germany.

a&s Adria: Your opinion on Adratic region market and Grundig’s position in it? (Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia, Macedonia, Serbia, Montenegro and Kosovo). Are you looking for new partners, how do you plan to expand your market share, are you pleased with the market share, how do plan to expand, etc? What are the major challenges you have to face with?

A. Zanga: Yes, adriatic region is on my priority list now. Of course not everything is so smooth and easy. As we are European manufacturer we have faced some price problems before. But I’m sure we are over it with our new Connect line up. So I am always open for business opportunities in all Adriatic countries. Project business is growing each year so I’m looking forward to identify new system integrators in the Adriatic region. Specially with our new Budget GRUNDIG Conneft line up I expect we could do some significant sales in this region.

a&s Adria: Does your effort in Adriatic region includes promotion as security events and is Adria Security Summit as a largest event that gathered over 150 companies – an important opportunity to present your company? 

A. Zanga: I had a luck to participate on Adria Security Summit this year. And to be honest I was very surprised how well orginized everything was. Lots of Adriatic Security market key players was there. Easy and friendly atmosphere. So I see this summit is a great opportunity for professionals to meet and discuss business opportunities. So I plan to attend for the nex event as well.

a&s Adria: How do you see security market today, what will security market look like in the following years? What will be major trends?

A. Zanga: In my opinion everything will go to integration. I mean different systems should be integrated into one platform. Market needs showing us that everything should be controlled from one platform. Like access control, CCTV, fire and intrusion systems should be controlled from our powerful platform. With all analytics and statistics inside. I see this as a major trend on global market at the moment.

a&s Adria: What do you think about the entrance of IT companies into security, especially affecting certain areas such as video analytics, integration etc.? Will it contribute to higher interoperability and unification of security systems and products?

A. Zanga: I know a lot about this trend very well because I was working for some years for IT Company in the past. In my opinion this could bring some fresh blood to our business. Security business is quite conservative so this could bring us new people, new business models and of course new technologies. As a result we could offer wider portfolio and end user could get a better service.

Interview: Tanya Spencer, head of Women in Security, ASIS Europe

a&s Adria: Dear Ms.Spencer, in the very beginning, thank you very much for your time and intention to answer few questions for the readers of our magazine. Would you be kind to tell us something more about your professional career to date? What droves a lady to build her professional career within security industry?

Tanya Spencer: I’ve owned TrainingSolutions, a risk, security and crisis management company, for over 11 years. During the early part of my career, I was a human rights monitor and conflict resolution trainer which meant I was working in quite dangerous locations yet none of the sending organizations had trained me in travel security. Along the way, I experienced security incidents like robbery but I just thought it was a part of working in such places. After I was interrogated in Pristina by the secret police in the late 1900s (this was before the Kosovo war had started so the police didn’t want me reporting on human rights violations), I was furious with my sending organization for not preparing me. After that, I developed security awareness courses. At the time, courses for travelers were focused on physical security whereas my courses were about analysis and awareness so I worked with several training agencies to integrate my approach. Even though having a background as a human rights monitor and conflict resolution trainer may seem quite far from the security industry, for me there has been a ‘red thread’ in my professional career which focuses on enabling people to live and work safely.

a&s Adria: What do you think women brings to the industry?

Tanya Spencer: It’s about diversity and the benefits that comes from having different perspectives.

a&s Adria: Your engagement within ASIS’s Women in Security Working Group, as well as its very existence is, shows us the existence of certain challenges that are imposed to women in security industry. What are the common challenges faced to women who choose to build their professional career in the security industry? 

Tanya Spencer: The challenges come in many shapes and forms. I’ve heard numerous stories from WiS members about clients paying women contractors less money and male colleagues being openly hostile and discriminatory. Meanwhile, there are many who claim these challenges do not exist therefore groups such as WiS should not exist.

In my position as the Strategic Lead for WiS in Europe, one of my challenges is the fact that many women security professionals don’t want to be defined by their gender so they avoid being associated with the WiS label. I completely understand as I felt the same way – I previously declined several opportunities to be more involved with WiS until I stopped seeing it as a somewhat negative label on myself and starting viewing it as an opportunity to improve ASIS through inclusion, representation, and better service for its members.

a&s Adria: It is possible to measure the number of women in security or measure growth trends? Can we talk about the figures representing women in security globally or we can only discuss an assumption based on experience? How many female professional members we have in ASIS to date? How many ASIS Chapters around the globe actually have a Women in Security Liaison?

Tanya Spencer: The defining element of my WiS European strategy is that all 24 European chapters will increase the number of women members by 1% and the same applies for leadership positions by Fall 2014. Part of my task is to establish benchmarks – right now not all the chapters have reported their baseline figures and future goals but it looks like women make up 10-15% of ASIS membership in Europe.

I can give antedotal examples for instance at the ASIS European conference in April 2014, out of nearly 600 attendees only 54 were women. In the Austrian chapter, the first woman joined a few months ago. In Europe, only about a third of the chapters have identified a WiS focal point who will champion WiS in their chapter.

a&s Adria: Whether these challenges differ with respect to cultural, traditional and developmental characteristics of certain areas and to the stage of industry development wholly? Can we say that the level of women integration in the security industry with a qualitative and quantitative point of fact, in a certain way says about the overall stage of development of this promising and rapidly growing industry?

Tanya Spencer: Part of the challenge is definitely that there are fewer women in this industry but part of it is recognizing that many women security professionals work in new/non-traditional branches such as IT security, bio-security, intelligence and NGOs. Part of my task is to support the chapters with ‘thinking out of the box’ by identifying and reaching out to these branches so that ASIS is more inclusive and reflective of the changing face of security.

a&s Adria: The group WIS, which was originally formed in 2009 with a few dozen members is being transferred from ASIS’s strategic operations department to its education department. What are the main program objectives of ASIS’s Women in Security Working Group and how are such program goals implemented in our real life? Does the implementation of these objectives have enough broad support and understanding of the industry? Can you tell us more about ASIS’s Women in Security Working Group, about its goals and objectives?

Tanya Spencer: The official mission statement is: “To provide support and assistance to women in the security industry as well as to inspire those interested in entering the security industry through tailored programming and mentoring. WIS will support and promote its global members by utilizing collaborated skills and talents to strengthen leadership abilities.”

For me, the membership statement “While the group’s benefits and programs are tailored for women, we encourage and welcome the participation of all ASIS members who are dedicated to the support of women in the security industry.” includes the important aspect that WiS membership is inclusive – it is for those who want to increase the numbers and impove the role of an underrepresented group. I truely believe that diversity will make ASIS a better network.

a&s Adria: The security industry continues to change and evolve and today security, both traditional and cyber, is one of the fastest growing sectors in the world. Thanks to the clients diversity in gender, ethnicity, religion, and race, and as such, it is now increasingly important to encourage more women into the security industry, to bridge the gender gap in what is generally perceived to be a male dominated industry. How to support the women in security industry systematically, especially when  talking about their assignments in the area of risk analysis, business continuity and training?  Can we say that the lack of female professionals in these positions actually just a reflection of the general lack of women in management positions in any other industry?

Tanya Spencer: The traditional career path into the security industry has been through the police or military. Women are underrepresented in those branches so it makes sense that there are fewer of them who then step into the security industry. However, increasingly, the career path is changing and opportunities are expanding. For example, security management courses are springing up all over the world therefore women and men can join this exciting industry through that channel.

a&s Adria: How has the increase in security education courses affected the new intake and next generation? What is it that we can do all together, as professionals and colleagues, in order to enable the women to feel comfortable in the industry?

Tanya Spencer: The career boosting elements are the same for men and women – Networking, mentoring, and recognition are all good starting points. Male colleagues do these things for each other so it is essential that they understand that if they identify a female colleague with a lot of potential then to ‘champion’ her in the same way that they would do for a male colleague – introduce her to the right people, mentor her to exploit career opportunities, and make sure her contributions are recognized.

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ISSN 1986-5

a&s Adria – professional security magazine for providing total security solutions is a monthly circulating publication and a licenced representative of Messe Frankfurt New Era Business Media for Adriatic region, which consists of following countries: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, Montenegro, FYR Macedonia, Slovenia and Serbia.