30 Security Technologies That Set 2013’s Course
Today’s flood of new products and technologies rain down on security professionals in a torrential downpour. The 2013 Top Technology Innovations navigates those waters with 30 picks to guide you to the high ground of opportunity amid a broad landscape of technologies and applications.

SECURITY SALES & INTEGRATION’s annual Top 30 Technology Innovations features standout products from the past year. SSI’s well-seasoned, veteran guides — expert columnists Paul Boucherle and Bob Dolph — have once again explored all the technology terrain to map out the points of high interest.
Besides inclusions broadly encompassing the time-honored disciplines of access control, fire/life-safety, intrusion detection and video surveillance, also included are: lighting; environmental controls; testing equipment; educational guides; mobile alerting; elevator controls; energy management; service and installation aids; cloud-based applications; wireless devices; biometrics; and even command center furnishings. There is more than enough to captivate and enthrall even the most hardcore security technology enthusiast.
Paul Boucherle’s Picks
AFC Industries Ergonomic Workstation
The Ergo Tier EFX caught my attention because of its ability to help security professionals of all physical dimensions more effectively monitor and interact with technology. This product adjusts monitoring panel angles and work surface heights to the individuals doing the work of security monitoring or dispatching.
With rising concerns of work-related injuries brought on by repetitious work processes, it makes sense to reduce fatigue, and increase attentiveness and comfort with ergonomically adjustable workstations. If your guard forces are rotating to maintain “fresh” eyes, this product can help them position their tools effectively and quickly. The quality of the EFX Series supports the investment to improve public and private monitoring effectiveness.
AMAG Security Management Platform
The AMAG Technologies Symmetry Professional v7.0 software adds greater dimension, applications and reliability to upgrading or retrofitting security solutions. This product is designed to provide big feature sets with up to 512 card readers and nine servers as needed for mid to large market business client. It combines the key elements of integrated security — including video, intercom, ID management, intrusion and fire — and does it with an XML open architecture for future integration needs.
Being able to choose what software application features you need streamlines training requirements and system functionality while providing future growth opportunities for the next five years. The software’s optional feature sets cover 95% of the bases end users require or may need to support growth. AMAG’s reputation for reliability and stability makes this solution a solid choice for mid-market end users.
The growth of access control is trending upward in general, and specifically in the residential market. While PIN pad access control is generally considered entry level, it does provide cost-effectiveness and flexibility for many applications. The CM-120 keypads provide simple, cost-effective access control functionality for a wide variety of security applications. They can also be used to activate/deactivate equipment and machinery in different environmental conditions in commercial or residential applications.
The optional plug-in of a two-channel wireless transmitter and receivers allows much greater flexibility for installation options and unique applications at lower costs to the customer.
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