This Week in Security: The Illusion of Audio Glass Break Detection, ESX 2025 Booth Spaces & Sponsorships Are Now Available and more!

Each week, the marketing team at ESA gathers the latest news from the security industry for our weekly integrator round up!

This week we look at ESA Presents Keith Baird with Honorary Lifetime Membership at ESX 2024, Female athletes leading the charge to reinforce the security field and more…

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The Illusion of Audio Glass Break Detection

Homes are commonly surrounded by fixed and sliding glass doors and windows. Against the foregoing backdrop, from a security system perspective, the alarm industry has always needed to pay attention to these vulnerable perimeter entry points into the home.

For those of you who have been in the industry for decades, foil was the standard of care for perimeter glass break detection.

Invariably, audio glass break detectors were in the material part intended to replace foil and save all of the time-consuming work needed to install and maintain this methodology.

Given that, alarm contractors have enjoyed and continue to enjoy the benefits of being able to install one audio glass break detector to cover multiple windows if they were in the same room and/or in proximity to where the audio glass break sensor was ultimately placed and installed.

From first-generation single-technology audio glass break detectors to dual-technology detectors designed to detect a combination of ultra-low-frequency sounds and ultra-high-frequency sounds within a certain timeframe before an alarm condition would be initiated to help minimize false alarms, tens of millions of audio glass break detectors have been installed in homes and businesses across the country.

Fast forward to today, while audio glass break detectors have not lost their popularity, I have inspected thousands and thousands of alarm systems across the country since 1980 and have noticed a serious trend whereby audio glass break detectors are often found to have been improperly installed.

In other words, despite the subscriber being able to successfully arm their alarm system, the effectiveness, and reliability of the population of audio glass break detectors in the premises equates to an intrusion detection device that may not be reliable enough to perform its intended detection function.

By way of example, either the audio glass break detector(s) are mounted too far away from the glass and/or they are found to be facing in the opposite direction of the glass that was intended to be electronically protected by the alarm system.

On the other end of the technical spectrum, to the extent that the audio glass break detectors are correctly placed and installed, the customer is found to have installed curtains and/or shades covering the entirety of the glass, and/or the subscriber has installed multiple window treatments covering their glass windows.

Resultantly, the sounds generated by forcible glass breakage into the home cannot penetrate the window treatment(s) to reach/travel to the microphone of the audio glass break detector and trigger the alarm system.

In other words, the sounds of breaking glass are being absorbed by/into the window coverings instead of being able to reach/travel to the microphone of the audio glass break detector. Accordingly, this intrusion detection device is unable to detect the burglarized event, and the alarm system fails. In sum, this foreseeably creates both liability and risk.

Read the Full Article - The Illusion of Audio Glass Break Detection - Security Sales & Integration

Female Athletes Leading the Charge to Reinforce the Security Field

Diverse skill sets and perspectives are paramount in the security industry. With their distinctive experiences and attributes, female athletes emerge as prime candidates for roles in this dynamic field. Their athletic backgrounds instill discipline, resilience, and strategic problem-solving, which are crucial for influential security professionals.

In my role as Chair for the Security Industry Association’s Women in Security Forum (WISF), we are articulating to the industry why female athletes are particularly suited for the security sector and how their inclusion can enhance industry standards and practices. We recently sat down with student-athletes and coaches from the University of Louisville to better understand these trends. This article will examine major takeaways from our research and recent discussions with college athletes pursuing this path.

The Drive of Female Athletes

At the heart of every accomplished athlete lies a profound drive for excellence. Through their dedication to rigorous training and high-pressure competition, female athletes exemplify an unyielding pursuit of goals and a desire for excellence. Their lives are a testament to balancing demanding schedules, including early practices, academic responsibilities, and social commitments, with a consistent focus on improvement and achievement.

For example, Merissah Russell and Phekran (PK) Kong are student-athletes at the University of Louisville. Russell’s involvement in basketball, academics, and internships showcases her ability to effectively juggle multiple high-stakes commitments via various competencies. The same is true of Kong. These attributes reflect the intrinsic drive that aligns seamlessly with the demands of the security field, where managing stress, adapting to fast-paced, dynamic scenarios, and maintaining an unwavering focus on multiple objectives simultaneously are essential qualities for success.

Core Strengths of Teamwork and Leadership

The security industry thrives on individuals who can balance roles as effective team members and decisive leaders. Female athletes excel in these areas, honing their skills through experiences requiring exceptional communication, trust, and team effort. Their common ability to navigate complex team dynamics, resolve conflicts, and lead by example mirrors the collaborative and leadership demands of security roles.

University of Louisville Women’s Basketball Coach, Stephanie Norman, emphasizes the importance of fostering a cohesive team environment. Her players’ adeptness at navigating interpersonal communication and leading under pressure prepares them for roles that demand collaborative effort and independent decision-making, which are critical for success in security professions.

Commitment and Loyalty

Female athletes often exemplify a profound sense of commitment and loyalty, which can extend beyond their sports careers into many professional realms. Their dedication to their sport, team, and personal development fosters deep loyalty that translates into their professional endeavors. This commitment is evident in the SIA WISF PropelHER initiative as Russell and Kong plan their futures with the same dedication they exhibit on the court, eager to apply their skills to new challenges in the security field.

In our discussion, Kong reflected on how athletes handle confrontation and adversity, adapting to challenges with resilience and a strategic mindset. This ability to overcome obstacles is mirrored in security, where professionals often face high-pressure situations where an initial solution proves insufficient.

Moreover, Russell’s reflection on her basketball career, where she had to overcome initial challenges and push herself beyond her limits, exemplifies the essential commitment and adaptability in security roles. These athletes' experiences prepare them for the complex and dynamic nature of the security field, making them ideal candidates for several critical roles.

Navigating Dynamic Situations

The dynamic nature of security work necessitates individuals who can swiftly adapt to changing circumstances and assimilate new information. Female athletes excel in this aspect. Their ability to adapt to varying game plans, opponents, and unexpected scenarios during competitions prepares them from an early age. Their proficiency in strategic adaptation and swift decision-making makes them well-suited for the unpredictable nature of security roles.

Kong noted the importance of flexibility in athletic success, showcasing how athletes’ transition seamlessly between diverse activities, from training sessions to academic responsibilities. This ability to adapt quickly to new information and changing environments is crucial for many security positions, where professionals must always be agile and responsive.

Inclusivity and Diverse Perspectives

Incorporating more female athletes into the security field goes beyond addressing gender disparities; it introduces fresh perspectives and experiences that help drive innovation. Their athletic backgrounds cultivate a unique outlook that enriches industry approaches and solutions. The presence of female athletes promotes an inclusive environment that values diverse strengths and viewpoints, which is necessary for a holistic and effective security strategy.

At the Women in Security Forum, we advocate for a bolder presence for women within the security industry and provide platforms for women to excel in security roles. Integrating female athletes into our workforce taps into a pool of highly qualified candidates and promotes a culture of inclusivity that benefits the entire industry. Their experiences in sports, often in male-dominated environments, position them as natural leaders and advocates for gender equity in the workplace.

Bridging the Gap

To fully leverage female athletes' potential, we must create pathways accommodating their unique schedules and commitments. Offering flexible internships, remote work opportunities, and robust mentorship programs can facilitate their transition from athletic careers to security roles. Meeting them where they are and providing the support they need ensures a smooth transition into the security field.

It is also the industry’s responsibility to spotlight security careers and make them attractive to this particular pool of talent. We should be explicit that their team-centric skills translate well to professional competencies. Whether they step into a position with a manufacturer, distributor, integrator, or other security ecosystem organization, female athletes are primed to enter roles that include engineering, finance, operations, marketing, sales, and more.

Further, it is the industry's job to entice these women at an early age, beginning with STEM education alignments and continuing to college recruitment days. Likely, these women have no idea that security technology and personnel have been a part of their sports experience. From arena wireless networking, a Rajant Corporation specialty, to video surveillance, access control, biometric scanners, and more, security has been with them on their athletic journey.

University of Louisville Women’s Volleyball Coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, underscores the importance of providing specific examples of career opportunities in security. Athletes often want to understand these roles and how they align with their interests. Educating coaches about the diverse job opportunities and connecting athletes with industry professionals can bridge the gap between athletic and security careers.

Embracing the Potential of Female Athletes

Female athletes bring a wealth of skills and qualities that make them exemplary candidates for roles in the security industry. Their discipline, teamwork, resilience, commitment, and adaptability are attributes needed to tackle the security field's complex challenges. By embracing their potential and fostering an inclusive environment, we can build a more robust, dynamic security industry poised to meet future challenges with confidence and innovation.

As we continue to shape the future of our industry, let us recognize and harness the capabilities of female athletes. Their integration can enhance our workforce and propel our industry towards greater inclusivity and effectiveness. Let us champion their potential and watch our industry thrive.

Read the Full Article - Female athletes leading the charge to reinforce the security field | Security Info Watch

ESX 2025 Booth Spaces & Sponsorships Are Now Available! 

ESX is a great place to promote your products and services. Since the ESX expo is designed for electronic security professionals in the pro-installed channel, exhibitors will have the opportunity to highlight their products and/or services to qualified buyers and influencers. This channel-focused expo is large enough to see the latest products and services, and intimate enough to have meaningful business conversations.  

“ESX was incredible! Since we were able to meet with actual decision makers, we closed more than 150K in sales on the ESX show floor. That paid for our booth and was the first time we left a tradeshow with an immediate ROI!” – Jake Voll, President of SS&Si Dealer Network    

ESX is designed to provide security professionals with a forum in which to learn about the latest technology innovations, acquire proven business strategies, gain new insights based on best practices, and connect with peers to grow a trusted network. The lowest exhibit space pricing rates (Early-bird rate) will be available until December 31, 2024, so the event’s organizers encourage security vendors and service providers to reserve soon while the savings last. 

“The ESX show is really the highlight of the summer for the security industry. It is the best of both worlds, it feels like a big industry tradeshow at times, but delivers the value and best practice sharing of a smaller industry event. It is really an event that allows us to have meaningful longer conversations with key customers and prospects alike. If you are a dealer or integrator that is interested in RMR you need to be at ESX!” – Mark Hillenburg, Vice President of Industry Relations at DMP – Digital Monitoring Products   

Early Bird pricing is $41 per square foot for ESA Member Companies and $43 per square foot for Non-Member Companies. You can learn more about the available booth space at esxweb.com/esx-floor-plan.  

“ESX provided us with a comprehensive forum to explore the latest technological innovations in the security industry. The knowledge and connections we gained at ESX have been instrumental in enhancing our operations.” – Emily Nowicki, Account Executive, Edgeworth Security 

Beyond the tradeshow floor is an unparalleled opportunity to position your organization as a leading force in the marketplace. When this focused group comes together to share their ideas and solutions, the industry takes a bold leap forward in setting the pace for its future. ESX is a unique environment — and you have the opportunity to set your company apart through branding and thought leadership opportunities. If you’re interested in additional sponsorship options, take a look at ESX’s sponsorship brochure here: esxweb.com/electronic-security-expo-sponsorship.   

“As a sponsor of ESX 2024, we were thoroughly impressed with the quality of decision makers on the expo floor that provided us with access to key industry leaders. The focused and intimate environment of ESX allowed us to engage in meaningful conversations, fostering connections that exceeded our expectations, and we are confident that the relationships and insights gained at ESX 2024 will drive significant progress for our company. We look forward to participating again at ESX 2025.” – Michael Zydor, Managing Director of Affiliated Monitoring

The Electronic Security Expo (ESX) is the largest trade show of its kind, specifically designed for the pro-installed channel. It is a great opportunity to gain experience, network, and grow your company. There are many booths to choose from, in a variety of sizes, to meet your company’s needs.  

The ESX team is ready and willing to help all existing and potential exhibitors and sponsors explore all opportunities available at the upcoming 2025 event. Act now, expo booths and sponsorships are limited. Contact one of ESX’s team members to reserve a booth, today. 

Read the Full Article - ESX 2025 Booth Spaces & Sponsorships Are Now Available! - ESX (esxweb.com)

ESA Presents Keith Baird with Honorary Lifetime Membership at ESX 2024

The Electronic Security Association (ESA), during its annual meeting at ESX 2024 presented Keith Baird with an honorary lifetime membership. This membership category is designed to honor an individual who has rendered meritorious service to the association and the industry. The association does not grant this honor lightly, in fact only nine other individuals have been honored in the past 75 years.

Recently retired, Baird’s career in the security industry began in 1984 when Ben Cornett hired him as the West Coast sales manager for Blue Grass Electronics, which was acquired in 1995 by ADEMCO (Pittway), itself then acquired in 2000 by Honeywell, and eventually spun off into Resideo. 

For 35+ years he led with class and by example, guiding and mentoring teams of young professionals that developed into future industry leaders. He worked tirelessly supporting associations including ESA, the Foundation for Advancing Security Talent (FAST), the Security Industry Alarm Coalition and the California Alarm Association (CAA) to name a few. 

Recruited by John Jennings to the board of directors of the Alarm Industry Research and Educational Foundation (now FAST), he served as treasurer and co-chaired the annual golf classic that was a critical fundraiser for the organization. 

His efforts advocating for participation and financial support of local, state, and national associations led to many industry accolades such as CAA Mark Schubert Award finalist (2004), CAA Mid-California Alarm/Silicon Valley Alarm Member of the Year (2004), CAA Mark Schubert Memorial Award finalist (2015) and the Security Sales & Integration Hall of Fame inductee in 2021. 

As a Lifetime Member, Baird can attend ESA meetings and events and shall have the right to vote on all matters brought before the Members.

Read Full Article - ESA Presents Keith Baird with Honorary Lifetime Membership (esaweb.org)

And that’s all for this week, but don’t forget to follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram for real-time announcements of all our news content!

Sources: SecurityInfoWatch.com, Security Sales & Integration and ESX - Electronic Security Expo