Introduction:
ISC West 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada delivered one of the most comprehensive showcases of innovation the security industry has seen in recent years. Over the course of two intensive days at the conference, SM&W’s security subject matter experts engaged directly with a wide spectrum of leading-edge end-users, manufacturers, integrators, and software developers. Our focus was on identifying not just the latest technologies, but the transformative trends reshaping the future of physical and electronic security. The event served as a nexus of innovation, where traditional security paradigms are being rapidly redefined by emerging capabilities.
Trends:
As expected, artificial intelligence technology was a dominant theme, though the conversation has evolved far beyond theoretical use cases. There are tangible operational applications of AI that are already driving smarter surveillance, adaptive threat detection, and predictive analytics across complex security ecosystems. AI is no longer just a feature; it’s becoming the backbone of integrated platforms that fuse access control, video intelligence, and cyber-physical convergence. What stood out this year was the maturing of AI from a buzzword into a practical, deployable architecture that enables proactive security postures. Our discussions underscored a critical shift: security is moving from reactive to anticipatory, and AI is the engine behind that evolution.
Insights / Advancements / Solutions:
Essex Electronics
o Highly impact resistant and ligature resistant card readers and related devices.
AccessNSite
o Remote mustering unit with facial reader for check-in at mustering points. Battery powered and can upload, via RJ45 connection, back to access control system when back online.
Genetec – Clear ID
o Cloud Based Visitor Management System unified with Synergis Access Control.
Smarter Security
o Door Detective: Secures vulnerable entry points and counters common criminal tactics like tailgating, piggybacking, and collusion.
o Wide range of turnstiles and speed gates.
Turing Ai
o License Plate Recognition: (LPR) solutions consist of purpose-built cameras and AI-enabled LPR licenses. The system automatically captures license plates in real time, compares them against or adds them to a critical database, and takes appropriate actions accordingly.
Zenitel
o Advances in Intercom, Public Address, Voice Alarm, IP speakers and Radio.
CommScope
o SYSTIMAX GigaREACH XL cabling
Cable can transmit 90W up to 150m at 1000 speed.
Cable can transmit 90W up to 200m at 100+ speed.
Cable can transmit 90W up to 250m at 10+ speed.
HID
o Amico Suite of Products
Facial recognition via camera integrated within reader.
Two-factor authentication, virtual keypad, multiclass reader and or face ID.
Key use at critical areas, data centers, labs and medical facilities.
7” door station which includes the above and a SIP intercom.
o White finish HID Signo readers. ADA approved mechanical keypad with brail print.
Mobile Surveillance Kits (Multiple Vendors)
o Trailer mounted, collapsable poles with IP cameras.
o Generator or solar panel options.
o Option for construction site security.
iLOQ
o New product provides a wireless access-control door lock and padlock without the use of batteries. Locks are powered from NFC “power share” feature of some current smartphone devices. This technology may have valuable applications for remote facilities that could benefit from electronic access control without the need for local power or hardwired communications.
Key Takeaways:
Security Technology continues to advance at an extremely rapid rate. SM&W’s team of subject matter experts is constantly keeping tabs on industry trends to ensure we can inform our clients of appropriate applications, as well as impacts to their projects and operations.
If you would like to learn more about SM&W’s Security Services, please contact Justin Boberg, Senior Principal, Global Security Discipline Lead at jboberg@smwllc.com
Contributors:
Justin Boberg, Senior Principal, Global Security Lead
John Duke, Principal
David Goetz, Senior Principal
David Waldron, Principal
Jeffrey Ballard, Associate
Jerry Domagalski, Associate
Joe Eberhardt, Associate
