TMA Launches Ambassador Program – Member Volunteers Sought

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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

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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.”

Axis Communications establishes Axis Experience Center

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Axis Communications has launched the Axis Experience Center (AEC) in Phoenix, AZ, promoting regional access to new technology. The expressed goal of the facility is to cultivate stronger connections with partners and customers in the area, encouraging a community of partnership and innovation for local communities and beyond. The facility features training rooms, conference rooms and demo rooms to support continued collaboration and evolution.

The AEC also features:

  • Real-time analytics such as people counting, hardhat detection, coughing detection and more.
  • A retail-centered space where retail analytics are displayed in a fun environment.
  • A theater-style demo area.

Bill Wendlandt, Business Area Director, U.S. West at Axis Communications, says, “Localized, on-site support makes a real difference for our partners and customers, who look to us to provide them with the tools and expertise they need to improve their security, safety, and business intelligence capabilities. We at Axis are both honored and excited to grow our relationship with the flourishing Phoenix business community, and we look forward to working directly with our many partners and customers in the area to provide them with the innovative solutions they need to thrive in today’s evolving business environment.”


Written and published by Security magazine staff, August 5, 2024.

Altronix Announces Strategic Partnership with LiftMaster

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Altronix, provider of power and data transmission for the professional security industry, is pleased to announce its strategic partnership with LiftMaster, a leading brand of professionally installed access solutions including smart video intercoms, smart door controllers and gate operators. This collaboration combines Altronix’s advanced power distribution with LiftMaster’s CAP2D Smart Access Controllers, resulting in new pre-configured kits designed to support up to 16 door systems from a single enclosure.

LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D) is a cloud-based credentialed access control product that controls up to two doors, gates, elevators or commercial door operators. Customers can easily expand to any number of access points through the myQ Community web portal.

“We are excited to partner with LiftMaster to deliver a seamless door control solution that allows for more flexibility for our mutual customers,” said Ronnie Pennington, Director of Sales for the Americas. “This new access and power integration highlights our focus on delivering solutions that exceed industry standards.”

These scalable Trove solutions are now available and consist of pre-configured kits that support 4, 8, or 16 door systems. These can also be designed a la carte – by choosing an Altronix Trove enclosure/backplane, power distribution, and the LMBK2 mounting bracket to support CAP2D controllers. Kit models include battery leads, mounting hardware, power on/off rocker switch(es), and tamper switch.

New Altronix Models Include:
TML400K1(D) – 4-Door Kit
T2LMK7F8N(D) – 8-Door Kit
T3LMK77F16N(D) – 16-Door Kit
(CAP2D boards sold separately)

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Altronix, delivering a seamless and easy-to-install solution for our LiftMaster Smart Access 2-Door Controller (CAP2D), said Rebecca Peterson, Director of Product, Access Control Solutions “The Trove-series SKUs, custom-built for LiftMaster, will enable our installers to unlock new possibilities for both retrofit and new installations, thereby expanding our award-winning myQ Community access control experience to an even broader customer base.”

By combining the strengths of both companies, these kits provide enhanced power, improve installation efficiency while providing a single point of maintenance, making them an ideal choice for a wide range of multi-door applications.

The Altronix and LiftMaster partnership exemplifies the companies’ dedication to advancing access control technology, ensuring that security integrators have the tools they need to deliver comprehensive and reliable solutions to their end users.

Orange County, NC ECC Goes Live with ASAP

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The Orange County Emergency Services, Public Safety Communications Division became the 146th Emergency Communications Center (ECC) in the United States and the 14th ECC in the State of North Carolina to implement the Automated Secure Alarm Protocol (ASAP).

“The ASAP program provides our ECC with most accurate and timely alarm notifications possible while reducing the workload of our Public Safety Telecommunicators.  The implementation of ASAP provides significant benefits to our Department, our partner public safety agencies, and the community we serve,” stated Christopher H. Ward, division chief – Public Safety Communications for Orange County Emergency Services.

Orange County went live on July 22, 2024 with the following companies: Rapid Response Monitoring, Vector Security, Alert360, Securitas, Holmes Security, Brinks Home Security, Dynamark Monitoring, United Central Control, Protection One, Guardian Protection, National Monitoring Center, Johnson Controls (Tyco), Vivint, CPI Security, Wegmans Security, Affiliated Monitoring, ADT and Security Central with Alert360 being brought online soon.

Learn more about ASAP at https://tma.us/programs/asap/

 

Industry Pioneer Ted Simon Passes

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Alarm industry leader and pioneer Ted Simon passed away peacefully, on Tues., July 23rd  surrounded by family.

Ted was born in Brownsville Brooklyn, on March 28, 1936. He graduated from Printers Vocational high school in Brooklyn and went on to join the Navy in the 1950’s where he served as a Plank Owner on the USS DuPont.

His engineering journey began at the City College of New York. Of note, Ted became the first person in his family to graduate from college. His head was always turning and spinning with ideas. For those who knew him, Ted’s ideas would become reality. In the 1970’s, he took a risk and established a company that would become Fire Burglary Instruments, Inc. [FBII]. He became a master in the alarm industry and an inspiration to many young engineers. His patented ideas and products were widely used in homes and companies. He eventually joined with Honeywell to develop and redevelop intricate systems to secure homes and lives.

Ted’s sense of humor was also infamous. He always had a joke to tell, but never revealed where he heard them.

Ted is survived by his wife Arlene and his two daughters, Michelle and Jamie. He was predeceased by his son Scott, who was also an innovator and creator of the company 2Gig. He is also survived by his seven (7) grandchildren.

Easily Takeover & Upgrade Any Alarm System to New Napco Prima All-in-One Security, Video & Smart Home with Wireless & Hardwire Retrofit Translator Modules

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NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc. is pleased to announce the addition of new retrofit and takeover options for its award-winning Prima 7” Super Self-Contained Panel & Smart System. These latest enhancements include video doorbells, cameras, smoke detectors, smoke/CO detectors, and various sensors, along with the newly introduced wireless and hardwire takeover modules, models PRETROFIT and PHW8RETRO, respectively.

Designed to save dealers time and costs, these new modules allow seamless integration of existing security components into the advanced Prima system, providing the latest RMR-services, user interface, and app functionality. The Prima Wireless Translator, model PRETROFIT, supports up to 64 existing wireless security sensors by translating common 345MHz wireless devices, such as 2GIG® and Honeywell® unencrypted sensors, for use in the 433MHz (encrypted) Prima system without replacing them.

For hardwired sensors, the PHW8RETRO module enables dealers to upgrade virtually any alarm system to the state-of-the-art Prima 7″ All-in-One Super Panel for security, video, and smart home applications. This cost-effective module allows the reuse of existing hardwire zones already in place, ensuring a smooth transition to the Prima system without the need for replacement equipment or labor expense.

NAPCO’s new retrofit solutions reinforce its commitment to providing cutting-edge, cost-effective upgrades for security professionals, ensuring their clients benefit from the latest in security technology.

The Full Prima by Napco Line, is now available in hundreds of Napco Distributor locations, for more information, ask at your local Napco Distributor, or contact  Jim Pless, Napco Director of Sales for Security & Smart Home (c)631-942-4017, or our  Regional Napco Sales Managers, and/or ask for a demo or free training , see schedule https://www.napcosecurity.com/seminars or call 1.800.645.9445.

Bold Group Blog Explores AVS-01 in New Post

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TMA member, Bold Group, recently posted a blog introducing its customers to TMA’s AVS-01 standard. The full blog, entitled “What to Know About AVS-01” can be read HERE.

This is a great example of how members can support TMA’s outreach.

Special appreciation to Julie Steven, Senior Marketing Director, Bold Group, for allowing us to share this.

Napco Access Pro Unveils CA4K v1.2: The Definitive Security Management Platform

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NAPCO Access Pro is excited to announce the release of its latest enterprise security management platform, CA4K v1.2. This scalable new platform simplifies and enhances security, access control, and video through seamless integration with our top-rated wireless access locks by Alarm Lock, Continental Controllers, and an expanding roster of technology partners specializing in intercoms, biometrics, video, and visitor management.

CA4K v1.2 features a redesigned, intuitive interface for effortless management of users and multiple credential types, including mobile solutions with geofencing. It allows for customized notifications, easy HR interactions, in-lists, and customized reporting. Advanced security features include built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and Microsoft Entra ID integration. The platform supports expiring operator log-ins, MiFare/DESFire & OSDP-V1, and is compatible with Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022. Remote administration is possible via a secure, enhanced web client and smart app with geofencing, and it offers global and peer-to-peer lockdown and threat-level management capabilities.

CA4K v1.2 is available now, designed to meet the needs of businesses, institutions, or organizations, in one building or across campuses of all sizes, with comprehensive door-to-door control. It offers a robust and scalable solution for any application, software and hardware longevity, and the lowest total cost of ownership.

Napco Access Pro, formerly Continental Access, is a division of NAPCO Security Technologies, Inc., and a leading provider of innovative security solutions, committed to quality and customer satisfaction. For more information, contact your local Napco Access Pro Dealer, or Regional Napco Access Pro Sales Manager for a CA4K v 1.2 demo or training. Also if you are interested in joining the  Napco Access Pro Dealer  Program please visit https://napcoaccesspro.com/program or 1.800.645.9445.

Elite Interactive Solutions Reaffirms Cybersecurity Vigilance

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Elite Interactive Solutions announced its systems and services are deployed and maintained to the highest available level of cybersecurity protections and protocols. As major news stories continue to proliferate about hacks, breaches and vulnerabilities — including the high-profile cyberattacks this past week that crippled CDK Global, which provides management software for thousands of auto dealers — Elite stands apart as an industry leader not only in its crime prevention solution but also its network security.

Among the more than a dozen commercial vertical markets served by Elite, auto dealerships are one of the largest. This gave the company a direct window into how the recent cyberattacks profoundly impacted those customers’ operations. Especially during such trying times, those businesses take solace and gain some peace of mind knowing that, regardless of whatever disruption such a breach may cause them, their Elite remote guarding solution is unaffected and continuing to prevent crime on their properties. That is among the reasons Elite boasts an industry-leading 99% customer retention rate.

“Whereas the physical security industry has been slow to adopt cybersecurity hardening and best hygiene practices as their devices transitioned to IP connectivity and moved onto networks, Elite has factored it into its solution since the very beginning,” says CTO Jonathan Kozak.

Elite keeps loops closed to would-be hackers by providing end-to-end solutions that include thoroughly analyzing sites, forensically designing video-based detection systems, running them through 30-day calibration periods, implementing the highest standard of cybersecurity, and continuous monitoring of camera and network health. Those elements are foundational to the real-time crime prevention that incorporates other key ingredients like advanced AI-enabled noise reduction to never miss an event, swift response and voice-downs from former military and law enforcement command center agents, and priority police response when necessary.

Elite’s surveillance networks are completely independent and pre-isolated from those of its customers, some of whom have experienced firsthand how their remote guarding service has been uninterrupted during enterprise network outages. In addition to using the utmost cybersecurity industry standards, Elite delivers a highly secure, remote access platform, and follows best practices in all implementations. More specifically, Elite’s Beyond Trust (formerly Bomgar) platform protects identities, fortifies any breach points, and delivers dynamic access to empower and secure a work-from-anywhere world.

“We understand that any device or system riding on or accessible through a network is a potential vulnerability, so we take every possible step to make it as difficult as possible — even against a nation state-sponsored advanced persistent threat,” adds Kozak. “We want our customers to rest easy knowing their Elite solution will never be used as a backdoor to their network or otherwise compromised, so long as they’ve opted for our patent-pending, recommended solution.”