Jewelers Mutual® Group Acquires Core Luxsurance Technology

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Jewelers Mutual® Group recently announced its acquisition of the core technology of Luxsurance, LLC. This acquisition brings new technologies to the jeweler that transform the point-of-sale experience through an app that allows customers to digitally manage their new and existing jewelry with ease.

Jewelers Mutual continues to work with jewelers to reimagine the customer experience and make it easy for customers to protect their jewelry purchases before they walk out of the jewelry store. The Lux Digital Vault® is an app recently launched with a pilot group of independent jewelers. The advanced software capabilities give customers a sleek and easy way to keep inventory of their entire jewelry collection, while allowing them to submit their jewelry descriptions directly to Jewelers Mutual to receive a quote and insure each piece with a click of a button.

“The acquisition of the Luxsurance technology is an exciting opportunity for us as we continue to drive innovation and bring a new, comprehensive digital solution to market,” said Mike Alexander, Chief Operating Officer at Jewelers Mutual. “In listening to our jewelers and agents, we’re uncovering growing business needs and investing in technology that enhances the experience for both consumers and jewelers. The digital vault will be transformational in strengthening jewelers’ in-store offerings while staying connected to their customers in new ways.”

“We’re excited about this acquisition as it will allow us to bring our innovative solutions to more jewelry retailers,” said Stephen Alexander, cofounder of Luxsurance, who has joined forces with Jewelers Mutual to continue driving the insurtech platform forward. “The app is truly an added-value gift jewelers will be able to extend to their customers while building loyalty and strengthening relationships.”

The Lux Digital Vault seamlessly integrates into some of the most-used point-of-sale systems, including THE EDGE®, Logicmate, ARMS and more joining the platform. Jewelers interested in learning more about how the app works can visit JewelersMutual.com/luxsurance and get ready for broader availability in the coming months.

SecurityCEU.com Launches New Webinar Series

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SecurityCEU.com has created a new series of webinar events for security dealers/integrators.

Upcoming webinars include:

  • Feb. 16th – Holdup and Panic Alarm Systems – Methodologies and Best Practices
  • February 21st – How to Retain Top Talent & Improve The Bottom Line of Your Alarm Business
  • April 13th – Household Combination Listed Burglar and Fire Alarm Control Units

Go online to view the full list of upcoming events on the new SecurityCEU.com Webinar Channel. All the webinar events are live there. Click on the event of interest to learn more and to register.

TMA Honors Fiore’s Lifetime Contribution with Everlasting Scholarship

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The Monitoring Association’s (TMA) President Morgan Hertel announced the establishment of the Louis T. Fiore Electronic Communications Scholarship on Mon., Oct. 31st during the TMA General Business Meeting at the 2022 Annual Meeting on Marco Island, FL. The scholarship honors Mr. Fiore’s enduring contribution to the alarm industry and the Alarm Industry Communications Committee (AICC) and is intended to promote careers in electronic communications.

“How do you recognize someone who’s given his heart and soul for more than 30 years to an organization?” asked President Hertel when introducing the new scholarship. “Lou has served the alarm industry in many capacities. We wanted to honor his immeasurable contributions in an everlasting manner to make certain he and his work is never forgotten.” The room rose with a standing ovation as Fiore approached the stage to accept a small token of recognition from President Hertel.

“I am honored. As chair of the AICC for 30 years, I worked hard to make certain the Committee and its members thrived. The work was very close to my heart. Thank you very much. This is incredible,” stated Fiore in his acceptance comments.

The scholarship is open to anyone studying electrical engineering, specifically electronic communications, or software development related to electronic communications, regardless of financial need. Students at any nationally accredited educational institution, including vocational schools, two-year colleges, or other institutions of higher learning are eligible.

For more information on this scholarship, including donating, go to http://tma.us/louis-t-fiore-electronic-communications-scholarship/

Pictured (l to r): Bill Signer, Carmen Group; Ret. U.S. Rep. Peter T. King [R-NY]; and Louis T. Fiore

U.S. Patent and Trademark Office Issues Seventh Gunshot Detection Patent to Shooter Detection Systems

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Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com (NASDAQ: ALRM) company and the world’s leading gunshot detection solutions provider, today announced the issuance by the USPTO of SDS’ seventh patent for its gunshot detection technology, Patent No. US 11,417,183 titled Cable-Free Gunshot Detection.

The patent describes the application of indoor gunshot detection sensors that use a cable-free device powered by a battery. The foundational concepts and designs in this patent are currently offered by SDS as their Guardian Wireless product, a dual mode acoustic and infrared gunshot detection sensor that has been on the market since 2019. This patent builds on earlier SDS patents, specifically US 10,657,800 B1 titled Gunshot Detection Within an Indoor Environment, which focused on techniques for privacy-centric gunshot detection in an indoor environment utilizing two-factor authentication. The Guardian Wireless product has allowed SDS to achieve commercial success by meeting its goal of lowering overall customer costs by as much as 40-60 percent via reductions in overall project infrastructure costs.

Unlike some manufacturers whose patents do not directly relate to gunshot detection sensor technology, or focus only on single-factor acoustic detection, SDS’s patent portfolio reflects its long-term dedication to advancing the technical state of the art while delivering highly reliable, cost-effective solutions to the market. Additional technical advances developed by SDS and described in the new patent include high-level ambient lighting filtering in complex lighting environments, and advanced data processing techniques in the cable-free sensor to improve processing speeds and battery life.

“SDS works tirelessly to give our customers the most accurate, value-driven solution on the market today,” said Richard Onofrio, SDS’ Managing Director, member of the sensor design team and co-author of the patent with Ronald Fowler, Chief Technology Officer for SDS. “I am extremely proud of our entire engineering team. A strong patent portfolio demonstrates unequivocally to experts, clients, and investors that SDS is the industry leader in this domain.”

“Not all technical advances are patentable,” added Ronald Fowler. “The innovations that our team has made clearly deserve the attention and recognition that comes when a US patent is awarded.”

This patent marks the seventh gunshot detection patent owned by SDS, following its 2020 patent for techniques for indoor gunshot sensor testing. SDS invites its partners, competitors and the public to view its technical advance on the company’s patent page.

ADT appoints Wayne Thorsen to Chief Business Officer role

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On January 9th,  ADT announced the appointment of Wayne Thorsen to the newly created role of Executive Vice President and Chief Business Officer, effective immediately. Thorsen will be responsible for leading ADT’s product, innovation and new business development teams.

“Wayne is a seasoned executive who brings valuable experience in business development, strategic partnerships and product marketing and development,” said Jim DeVries, ADT President and CEO. “Wayne’s expertise will accelerate our strategy to sustainably grow our business and continue to attract strategic partners by showcasing ADT’s market leadership.”

“ADT’s innovation and strategic partnerships with fellow marquee brands, like State Farm and Google, are creating fantastic value that consumers are seeking from their preferred brands today,” Thorsen said. “It’s an exciting time for ADT, and I’m eager to join the teams building market-leading safe, smart and sustainable solutions for more customers in more places.”

Thorsen joins ADT from Google, where he served as Vice President, Devices and Services Business Development. Throughout his career, Thorsen held leadership roles at SoFi, Viacom, Telefónica Digital and Microsoft.

NAPCO’s Alarm Lock Trilogy Access Control Locks Win Annual Maintenance Innovation Award for Safety

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NAPCO Security Technologies Inc. is pleased to announce that its Alarm Lock Trilogy® Series Wireless Access Control Locks have been recognized by facility maintenance decision-makers as the award-winning locking product for the Maintenance Innovation Award in Safety. This 2022 Annual Award, just announced, is said to “recognize innovations and excellence in products, that contribute to the efficient and profitable operation and management of commercial buildings and institutions in the United States”. For over a decade, Alarm Lock’s popular Trilogy Locks have been #1 in their class, setting the benchmark when it comes to electronic access control locks, and its US-Based parent company, NAPCO, has continued to expand the line and integrate it with its other security technologies, offering a superior solution for every type of door and opening, inside and out, including schools, corporations, chain stores, airports and more.

Napco’s winning Trilogy Series Locks easily retrofit standard door locks and accept digital PIN codes or Prox ID card credentials for a few, to thousands of access control users.  The advanced wireless lock line features extra-long-life battery-operated standalone digital, prox, and classroom lock-down keyfob locks, with HID or iClass Prox readers and/or integrated wireless networking, in second-generation Trilogy Networx® wireless access locks, which add server control and optional real-time access control platform operation (using Napco’s Continental CA4K, or Lenel Systems). Trilogy Networx models offer building managers and occupants the added safety of providing global lockdown in seconds, in an emergency, activated from a server, any lock or lock group, or personal keyfobs.  BHMA Grade 1 durable, and proven low maintenance, Trilogy Networx Locks in cylindrical and mortise models, also reduce labor requirements, providing automatic lock/unlock or programming updates by schedule, eliminating door-to-door guard tour operations and audit trail queries.  Alarm Lock’s Trilogy Access Locks can be neatly installed in less than an hour, allowing facility managers and institutional and retail locksmiths to add wireless access control to one door at a time, with consistent operation, to varying door types (wood, metal, glass). The locks offer a multi-level access hierarchy, of master, management, and user codes, as well as one-time service codes, to readily customize to any business or building’s needs.

Most recently NAPCO, integrated the Trilogy Locks with new smart device App control with convenient mobile credentials, as part of its AirAccess® Cell/Cloud-Based Access Control System, which itself won multiple awards, offering easy cell-based wireless networking and central monitoring station reporting, speeding deployment, and eliminating IT Dept/Network burdens.

NAPCO offers intro classes and professional trainings online and in the field and supports the product with 24mos warranty.  For more information or to contact Napco’s Alarm Lock Team  visit www.alarmlock.com or email sales@napcosecurity.com

Aiphone IX Series Online Course Now Available

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Aiphone has partnered with SecurityCEU.com to develop an online course for integrators looking for a comprehensive training that teaches everything needed to know about installing and programming an Aiphone IX system.

Titled, Aiphone IX Series Quick Start Guide, the three-hour course, describes the network requirements for an Aiphone IX Series system, how to identify the type of network in an installation environment, how to install the easy to use IX Support Tool, and how to complete the initial programming of an Aiphone IX Series system.

“The complete guide covers all the essential topics and will have you up and running in no time,” said Connie Moorhead, CEO at The CMOOR Group who owns and operates SecurityCEU.com. “Plus, with the course being online, integrators can take the course at any time, and from anywhere.”

The Aiphone IX Series Quick Start Guide is a thorough resource for both seasoned pros and complete novices who want to get the most out of their Aiphone IX Series system.

“We are excited to have The CMOOR Group as our online training partner,” said Brad Kamcheff, VP of Marketing at Aiphone Corporation. “CMOOR brings two decades of experience in training the security, fire, and life safety market. When we wanted to bring an online offering to our training, CMOOR was the only logical choice.” Kamcheff went on to say.

The cost of the 3-hour IX Series training is only $30 per student. Volume corporate discounts are available for any company with five (5) or more students. For those who are interested in taking the online training program, Aiphone IX Series Quick Start Guide, they can visit www.aiphonetraining.com

NAPCO is Now a Partner in the PASS K-12 Partner Alliance for Safer Schools

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NAPCO Security Technologies is pleased to announce that it has recently become a PASS Partner (Partner Alliance for Safer Schools) as part of its commitment to help provide more school and campus solutions, in the face of the escalating violence and tragedies nationwide. PASS K-12 is a well-respected program that offers comprehensive information and objective guidelines for securing school facilities, created by a multidisciplinary team spanning security, education, infrastructure, and corporate sectors. PASS presents the comprehensive tools and insights needed for public safety and security professionals; school administrators and school boards, to work in concert to implement a tiered school security protection approach, from inside to the outer perimeter.

“NAPCO ‘s joining the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools was a natural for us – Knowledge is power, and it’s especially critical when it comes to school security, from my perspective both as NAPCO’s SVP of Sales, as well as the father of school-age children,“ said Stephen Spinelli. As a long-time trusted source in some of the largest school districts and best-known educational institutions across the country, NAPCO Security Technologies, and its divisions, Marks USA, Alarm Lock, and Continental Access have developed a wide range of security technology solutions, to fit any classroom, campus & budget for intrusion & commercial fire alarms and reporting, school and classroom locking, and access control, video, visitor- and security-management. As part of our PASS K-12 partnership, we will now be developing new school security training courses, and incorporating the PASS K-12 Program, taught by certified NAPCO trainers, for security providers and campus security professionals.

For more on NAPCO’s School Security Initiative & its Technology Solutions, and updates on Trainings go to www.savischools.com or call 1.800.645.9445.

Jewelers Mutual® Earns 36th Consecutive AM Best A+ Rating

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Jewelers Mutual® Insurance Company, SI (a stock insurer), a member insurer of the Jewelers Mutual Group, earned its 36th consecutive “A+ Superior” rating from AM Best, one of the world’s most respected insurance rating and information sources.

The AM Best rating references the company’s strong risk-adjusted capitalization, operating results, and liquidity, along with its risk management practices and reputation as the nation’s leading insurance company specializing in jewelry insurance for over a century.

“To be recognized 36 years in a row by AM Best with one of its highest ratings signifies our long-standing stability and commitment to our more than one million customers,” said Scott Murphy, Jewelers Mutual’s president and chief executive officer. “This year, we have maintained strong results while growing and evolving to meet their changing needs. We continue to reimagine how we serve our customers and remain focused on delivering unmatched value that elevates their experiences with us.”

AM Best’s Financial Strength Rating is an independent opinion of an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet its ongoing insurance policy and contract obligations. Ratings from AM Best are derived following a comprehensive quantitative and qualitative analysis of a company’s balance sheet strength, operating performance, and business profile. For more information on AM Best’s rating process and methodologies, visit web.ambest.com.

Napco’s NY-Based Technical Support Department Improves Again to Serve you Better

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NAPCO Security Technologies prides itself on providing the highest quality, most reliable product, backed by our experienced technical support team, with a combined century of real-world security expertise. They are always here to help, enhancing our customers’ user experience and ensuring all is made as easy as possible for the many security professional dealers, integrators & locksmiths who call in or are seeking technical advice. Recently, the department has been expanded, and many new updates have been made in our NY-Headquarters-based Technical Support Department operations & Online Tech Support Library, to expedite getting the help our Security Pro customers need.

 

Always improving upon speed and efficiency, Napco’s Award-Winning Technical Support team, located in NY Headquarters, central to Napco Engineering and Management, like NAPCO itself, will now also be integrated to enable Team Members to handle inquiries on the full range of Napco Security Technologies products in Access Control, Commercial Fire, Intrusion, and Locking Hardware, assisted by a full-featured interactive product knowledge database that not only summarizes prior calls but also includes trainings completed and notes from your interactions with the Napco Sales Team – for a 360-degree view. Also, since many call us directly from the field, while on an installation, in addition to dynamic hold-time messaging, now instead of hanging on the phone for the next available Napco Tech, we’ve added a new callback option. Just choose the option when you call, and we’ll call you back, while you retain your spot in the queue, and rest assured the first available support team member will call you right back on any number you provide.

 

Also newly added online, is the “What’s New?” button, to immediately access all newly-released tech documents. With product & programming manuals being added and often updated, this feature offers a quick solution to help save time on any questions that may arise – filtering for the latest, greatest, and most popular docs instantly. Debuting in 2023 is a new Customer Self-Service Portal, where security professionals will have access to our active product technical knowledge base, built by our team of specialists, to directly answer their questions.  

 

“We are constantly looking for ways to improve our customer experience. The field experience of our Technical Support Specialists helps us to quickly diagnose and suggest remedies for the issues we’re presented with a very high first contact resolution rate. We’re committed to your success.”

 

 – Dominic Macri, Sr. Director of Technical Services

 

Security Pros: Get your Tech Support login today, to stay on top of all the newly released tech tips & manuals for Napco, Alarm Lock, Continental Access, and Marks USA, all in one place, categorized by product brand or document type. Lastly, don’t forget to subscribe to Napco Technical Support’s YouTube Channel (@napcotechlibrary1539 ) – There’s a whole library of quick how-to videos and tech tips, done by our team members, many in direct response to your most frequently asked questions- available 24/7.  New tech help videos are added weekly. For Security Professionals Only – For more on Napco Technical Support or Tech Trainings go to www.napcosecurity.com “Resources” section or call 1.800.645.9440.