TMA Dispatch, Fall Issue, Is Now Available

/0 Comments/in , , , , , /by

The fall issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the TMA member portal to read.

Our Cover Story…With the increasing demand for advanced and scalable video monitoring solutions, the debate between Edge AI and Cloud AI has gained significant attention. Traditionally, edge devices focused on on-premises storage and video management. Members of TMA’s Technology Committee came together and drew upon their collective expertise to construct this issue’s cover story, the first of a three-part series, to help TMA members navigate the complexities of these technologies and make informed decisions when it comes to AI technology and its application.

In our Guest Column…Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO International, explores the decade-long discussion on the topic of NG9-1-1. In this column, he writes about the key benefits and make the case for the “comprehensively interoperable and an end-to-end solution.”

In Technology…Cyber-attacks – you hear about them…you read about them nearly every day. Is your company of the many that remain unprepared? TMA Technology Co-Chair Matt Narowski takes on this HOT topic. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it can’t be you.

In Research…The sale of smart smoke/CO detectors is booming! According to Parks Associates, 9-10% of U.S, Internet households own a smart smoke/CO detector and more than half of smoke/CO detector owners pay for a service. Parks Associates VP Jennifer Kent explores the latest trend.

In the GSOC Column…It’s important to put your best foot forward when hiring and onboarding a new team member. Training is critical. GSOC TMA GSOC Council Co-Chair Randy Rickert shares what every GSOC training program should have.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

TMA 2024 Achievement Highlights

/0 Comments/in , /by

With your support and participation, TMA has advanced the following initiatives over the past year:

  • To support TMA’s Alarm Validation Standard (AVS-01), three free operator training modules and a Training Manager guide were released to excellent reviews. Over 332 individuals from 35+ companies have completed the course. APCO International offers 1 CDE for course completion, which may encourage AVS-01 adoption in the public safety community.
  • The 2024 Mid-Year Meeting was delivered virtually in April. It covered AI, government affairs, litigation strategies, marketing, diversity, tech and video monitoring advancements, and leadership/industry trends.
  • In October, TMA will hold its Annual Meeting on St. Thomas in the USVI. Senior leaders and members of public safety organizations will gather to discuss overarching issues that impact the professional monitoring industry.
  • In November, TMA’s OPSTech program will take place in Charlotte, NC, featuring a visit to Security Central in Statesville. The hybrid format includes two days of operations and tech education, with a third day of three concurrent tracks covering deep-dive sessions on video monitoring, cybersecurity, big data, and GSOC best practices. Eight of the 14 sessions will be available virtually.
  • Since January 1, 2024, nearly 1407 Operator Level 1 & 2 courses have been sold, with over 1236 students successfully completing the courses.
  • TMA announced in June that it had signed a new agreement with Mission Critical Partners (MCP) to manage the lifesaving ASAP Service. The managed service provider will also assist in designing and developing the next-generation alarm signaling message broker for the ASAP service, which will deliver expanded capabilities, integration options, and an ongoing roadmap for the platform.
  • The ASAP service continues its exponential growth this year, with 147 active ECCs and plans to reach 160 by year-end. ASAP now covers over 17% of the US population, over 56,000,000 nationwide!
  • The TMA-ATN-01 Monitoring Center Notification of Active Threat Detection is a brand-new Standard that has been in development since mid-2023. Monitoring centers are increasingly receiving what may be classified as non-traditional alerts, such as shot detection.  These events require immediate notification to Public Safety.  Alert and situational information may be received in the monitoring center from a human source, initiated by technology, or a combination of both.  Monitoring centers increasingly monitor shot detection, weapons detection, manual lockdown notification, and other innovative threat technologies.  Human interaction initiated during the alert may indicate an active shooter situation.  These detection technologies and subsequent alerts are typically from facilities with high human presence.
    • The Project’s Need:
      • When a monitoring center receives electronic notification that one of these systems has been activated, a standardized workflow is needed to ensure timely and accurate notification to identified entities, such as first responders, employees, students, etc.
      • The standard is developing an efficient means for the monitoring center to provide responding authorities with information that assists with an efficient and safe response.
      • The standard will also facilitate means to initiate other actions, such as “shelter in place,” “wait for further instructions,” and notifications via multiple methods.
    • ATN-01 will be an ANSI Recognized National Standard by the end of 2024.
  • TMA presented the first Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship to Destini Spain, an engineering student at VCU in Richmond, VA. The scholarship, established to honor Mr. Fiore’s enduring contribution to the alarm industry and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC), is intended to promote careers in electronic communications. The 2024 recipient will be announced at the 2024 TMA Annual Meeting in October.
  • The 2024 TMA/SSI Marvel Award, presented in partnership with Security Sales and Integration magazine (SSI), was awarded to Elite Interactive Solutions. The 2024 TMA/SDM Excellence Awards, presented in partnership with SDM magazine, drew a combination of entries from small-to-medium and enterprise-sized member companies. 2024 winners included: Monitoring Center of the Year – Enterprise: ADT; Monitoring Center of the Year – SMB: Stealth Monitoring; Monitoring Center Manager of the Year: Erik Chalifour, TELUS Smart Security & Automation; Monitoring Center Operator of the Year: Brenda Eichfeld, COPS Monitoring; and Monitoring Center Support Person of the Year: John Turner, ADT Security Services. The application period for the 2025 awards opens Dec. 2, 2024.
  • TMA has published the spring, summer, and fall issues of TMA Dispatch magazine and 38 issues of TMA Signals weekly e-newsletter. Engagement in TMA’s social media communities, which include LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, has continued to grow in 2024.
  • This year, we are pleased to celebrate the achievement of 104 Five Diamond Designated companies and counting! The program is a testament to an unwavering commitment to excellence, quality, and service in professional monitoring. A company bearing the Five Diamond designation exemplifies the best in business.
  • TMA’s Installation Quality Certification Program, known as “IQ Certification,” continues to make significant strides. This year, we proudly recognize 15 companies that have achieved this esteemed certification, highlighting their excellence in installing, maintaining, and servicing electronic security systems.
  • We are excited to announce that 56 companies have achieved FirstNet Certification this year, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to public safety and emergency response.
  • The Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) diligently monitors federal issues impacting the alarm industry’s ability to use telecommunications technology for public protection services. With the backing of legal counsel and a lobbyist, AICC effectively interfaces with the FCC, regulatory agencies, and Congress on behalf of its members. The committee addresses a range of critical issues, including Right-to-Repair, the interference on alarm systems and other 900 MHz devices, Non-Compete Restrictions, Net Neutrality, the Chevron Doctrine, and NG911, among others, ensuring the industry’s interests are well-represented and protected.
  • TMA’s Government Relations (GR) Committee continues collaborating closely with the AICC and other industry GR Committees and educating TMA members on vital legislative priorities.
  • TMA’s Compliance Committee continues to work actively on summarizing licensing requirements across all 50 states, having already summarized 15 states, ensuring that industry standards are met nationwide.
  • The Surveillance and Video Verification Committee has completed 8 modules of video monitoring operator training, which will inform a future video monitoring standard. Modules will be released online as they become available.
  • The Technology Committee is conducting a due diligence review of TMA’s online operator technology training for potential updates.
  • The NextGen Committee has launched the New Empowering Leadership Series with Chairs Jessica Lambert and Amy Becht. The series offers engaging discussions on influential resources that have shaped our industry mentors. Stay tuned for more to come!
  • TMA Staff and leadership participated in public safety associations’ meetings to promote ASAP and AVS-01, exhibiting at APCO, hosting a dinner for the Fire Life Safety Section of the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), and attending the NENA Annual Meeting. Plans are underway for a reception in honor of the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). TMA will host again the top leadership of the main public safety organizations at its Annual Meeting: APCO, IACP, IAFC, NENA, NLETS, and NSA.
  • We continue to enhance the member portal, the InfoHub, adding resources and continually work to improve the member experience. Make sure to update your profile!

TMA acknowledges and thanks our many volunteers; your efforts allow us to succeed in elevating the professional monitoring industry. With your continued support and engagement, we look forward to another productive year. Many thanks to each of you!

For more information please reach out to membership@tma.us.

Jamie Brennan to Serve as DMP’s Executive Director of National Accounts

/0 Comments/in , /by

Jamie Brennan has returned to DMP as the executive director of national accounts. He will build and lead a team to develop initiatives and strategies for national accounts.

“We are excited to see the growth in this team,” said Jon Adams, vice president of sales at DMP. “As many of you know, Jamie successfully managed our relationship with ADT/Everon for many years.”

Prior to joining DMP, Brennen served at many of the national companies he will be focusing on in his new role. Brennan has over 25 years of experience in the security industry, including sales leadership, strategic account development and product marketing.

Contact Information:
Jamie Brennan | Executive Director of National Accounts
Email: JBrennan@DMP.com

Telguard Introduces the First Fire Alarm Communicator Compatible with AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile

/0 Comments/in , /by

Telguard introduced its latest innovation: the TG-7FM 5G LTE-M multi-carrier communicator. Setting a new standard in commercial fire applications, the TG-7FM offers unparalleled reliability and connectivity by harnessing groundbreaking multi-carrier capability, supporting all three major U.S. carriers – AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.

The TG-7FM provides superior connectivity right out of the box. Designed to ensure continuous coverage, it employs a patent-pending selection process during installation. This process intelligently chooses the carrier with the best signal strength and data quality in the area, automatically selecting it as the primary network. In the event of a service disruption, the unit seamlessly transitions to the next best connection, guaranteeing uninterrupted protection for businesses.

“Telguard is committed to delivering best-in-class life safety solutions to the market. We are very proud to bring this industry-first innovation to the commercial fire market,” says George Brody, President of Telguard. “The TG-7FM represents the first of our next generation of communicators, offering users unprecedented peace of mind with its three-carrier coverage and automatic failover.”

The TG-7FM comes complete with a wide array of features and benefits. It offers universal compatibility with any panel and seamlessly integrates with any central station. It connects to the panel DACT (dialer) to replace expensive landlines and communicates using 5G-LTE-M technology to ensure uninterrupted signal and product longevity The TG-7FM selects the optimum primary and backup carriers based on performance analysis. No AC outlet is needed; it operates on 12/24-volt panel power, complies with NFPA 72, and is UL 864 Listed, meeting the highest standard for sole path fire communications. For more information, please visit https://www.telguard.com/product/tg-7fm.

Introducing a New Package Featuring the XV-24 with AlarmVision

/0 Comments/in , /by

XV-24 with AlarmVision turns cameras into intelligent motion detectors able to trigger actions and alarms, the same way an intrusion sensor would. Instead of alerts about moving leaves, shadows and light, receive notifications about people, vehicles or animals.

Adding four V-4072MD Indoor/Outdoor Mini Dome cameras makes this a versatile and quickly installed solution to protect any site.

What’s included:

  • XV-24 with AlarmVision
  • (4) V-4072MD Cameras

– 2MP resolution

– 30ft of IR imaging

– Supports POE & Wi-Fi

– Includes 12VDC transformer

PureTech Systems Inc. Appoints Ben Renshaw as Director MENA

/0 Comments/in , /by

PureTech Systems Inc., a leader in geospatial AI-boosted video analytics for perimeter and border security, is proud to announce the appointment of Ben Renshaw as Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Mr. Renshaw brings over two decades of experience in security technology, having founded Veltek International Inc. in 1998 and played key roles in leading companies like Optellios, Duos Technologies Inc., and 4D Security.

His most recent position was Vice President of Sales at Comm Port Technologies Inc., where he oversaw global sales of Under Vehicle Surveillance Systems.

Mr. Renshaw holds a degree in Political Science and is a frequent speaker at industry conferences, including INSR, ASIS, and Intersec. In his new role at PureTech Systems Inc., he will focus on expanding the company’s presence in the MENA region.

“We are excited to have Ben Renshaw lead our MENA operations,” said Larry Bowe, CEO of PureTech Systems Inc. “His experience and deep industry knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to grow in this key region.”

Florida’s Broward County Goes Live with ASAP

/0 Comments/in , , , , , , /by

Broward County in Florida became the 147th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 12th ECC in the state of Florida to implement TMA’s Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

Broward County went live the week of August 12, 2024 with the following alarm companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, ADT, Affiliated Monitoring, Alert 360, Brinks Home Security Protection, Doyle, Dynamark, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Protection One/Everon, Quick Response, Security Central, Securitas (Stanley Division), Tyco (Johnson Controls), United Central Control, Vector Security, and Vivint.

Learn more about ASAP HERE

View the agency’s press release HERE

 

Verkada Opens its Command Platform to Third-party Cameras

/0 Comments/in , /by

Verkada, a cloud-based physical security solutions company, announced a new way for organizations to transition to the cloud with its Command Connector, which allows third-party cameras to connect to Verkada’s Command platform.

It also announced a range of new additions to its platform, including badge integration with Apple Wallet and a next-generation door reader.

“As we continue to expand our footprint we want to provide customers with a seamless transition to our cloud platform,” said Brandon Davito, Senior Vice President of Product and Operations at Verkada. “The new products and features we’re introducing today – including Command Connector, our next-generation reader, and Apple Wallet integration – underscore our commitment to innovating on behalf of our now 25,000 customers globally.”

Command Connector

Command Connector is a new hardware device that provides an on-ramp for third-party cameras to Verkada’s cloud-based Command platform. For customers with large legacy systems, Command Connector offers a migration plan as they transition to Verkada’s Command platform. Command Connector delivers the same easy-to-use Verkada Command interface as well as basic People and Vehicle Analytics, remote management, and powerful enterprise user administration. Learn more here.

Next Generation Door Reader

Verkada’s new AD34 door reader builds on Verkada’s commitment to providing secure and convenient access control systems, with improved scan performance, OSDP v2 security, and Intent Unlock, a powerful new Bluetooth unlock experience. Learn more here.

Badging with Apple Wallet

Verkada’s Access Control solution now integrates with Apple Wallet, enabling users to quickly unlock doors with their iPhone or Apple Watch. In addition to state-of-the-art encryption standards, Apple Wallet integration for employee badges gives organization administrators streamlined management of mobile credentials at scale and powerful control over badging behavior, including requiring a second factor for authentication such as FaceID. Learn more here.

Verkada customers can access new software features and functionalities on August 15, 2024. Hardware availability varies by device.

TMA Launches Ambassador Program – Member Volunteers Sought

/0 Comments/in , , , , /by

TMA is excited to announce the launch of a new initiative created by the Membership Committee – introducing the Member Ambassador Program!

The Member Ambassador Program is designed to foster a welcoming and engaging environment for new TMA members. By participating in this program, volunteer ambassadors will play a crucial role in helping new members integrate into the association, maximize their membership benefits, and develop meaningful professional relationships.

Each ambassador is asked to commit to welcoming up to two new members, more if desired. The commitment includes:

  • Making a welcome and a follow up call;
  • Inviting new members to attend in-person meetings;
  • Sharing your personal TMA experiences; and,
  • Engaging in face-to-face interactions during an upcoming meeting.

Our goal is to match new members with those of similar categories; ambassadors are particularly needed from monitoring member companies.

By implementing the Member Ambassador Program, TMA aims to create a more inclusive and supportive environment to help new members thrive and fully benefit from membership. Our goal is to increase both member engagement and first year member retention.

Interested in volunteering? Please contact Illeny Maaza, TMA Director of Membership and Programs at membership@tma.us.

 

Johnson Controls CEO George R. Oliver Announces Retirement

/0 Comments/in , /by

Johnson Controls CEO George R. Oliver has announced he is stepping down as he plans to retire after guiding the company in several strategic decisions that will define its course into the future.

Oliver’s decision was announced during an optimistic Q3 2024 earnings call, where the company disclosed that Oliver informed the company’s Board of Directors of his intentions.

“Following recent significant milestones in our portfolio transformation and as we move into the next phase of growth, I believe that now is the right time to begin the process of identifying the next leader of the new Johnson Controls,” said Oliver during the call. “I am confident in our position as Johnson Controls enters its next chapter, and I remain committed to supporting the full team as we work to ensure Johnson Controls realizes its full potential.”

The Board, alongside a nationally recognized search firm, will begin its search for the company’s next CEO, evaluating both internal and external candidates for the role. To facilitate a smooth management transition, Oliver will continue to serve the company as chairman and CEO until his position is succeeded, after which he will remain involved as Board chairman.

“On behalf of the Board, I thank George for his unwavering passion, leadership and commitment to Johnson Controls over the last seven years and since our merger with Tyco,” said Jürgen Tinggren, Lead Independent Director at Johnson Controls. “As chairman and CEO, George has successfully led Johnson Controls through a period of significant evolution, with a clear vision to optimize the company to deliver greater value for our customers, employees and shareholders.”

In July, Oliver helmed a significant portfolio simplification effort by selling off Johnson Controls’ Residential and Light Commercial (RL&C) HVAC business to the Bosch Group, a decision that aligned with the company’s new direction as a “pure-play provider” of commercial building solutions.

During the 12-month transaction finalization period, Johnson Controls will undergo significant restructuring in favor of the streamlined business model.

“Johnson Controls is already benefiting from our transformation, which enables the unparalleled value proposition we provide to customers, and exposure to rapidly accelerating demand in the data center market and other key macro-economic tailwinds. We believe Johnson Controls is well-positioned for its next phase of growth to deliver enhanced, long-term value to shareholders,” Oliver said in the official press release regarding the transaction.

This move was one in a long line of strategic sales by the company to offload non-core businesses, largely from its portfolio of heating and ventilation assets. It could be far from the last, though. According to three anonymous sources in an exclusive with Reuters, its ADT alarms business is likely next, though Johnson Controls refused to comment on the rumor.

Whatever the company’s future plans might be, Oliver is certain he’s leaving its mission in good hands.

“It has been a true honor to serve as CEO of Johnson Controls,” said Oliver. “I am proud of the remarkable success we have achieved in recent years to position our company as a pure-play provider of comprehensive solutions for commercial buildings. I am confident that Johnson Controls is solidly positioned for its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting the team to ensure the company achieves its full potential.”