SuiteWorld 2023 Recap

By Neal Bellamy, IT Director at Kenton Brothers

SuiteWorld 2023 RecapSome of you might remember when we switched to NetSuite as our backend ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) back in January 2022.

NetSuite essentially handles all of our sales orders, purchasing, inventory, and accounting needs. We use a phrase around here that is, “You don’t know what you don’t know” and it seems pretty obvious. However, this truth reared its ugly head when we went live with NetSuite.

Even though our team spent almost a year getting prepared, we instantly found dozens of decisions made that didn’t have the outcome we expected. After 18 months of bending, twisting, and shaping NetSuite, we are in a much better place, where most people know what to do and what the effect will be.

SuiteWorld 2023

SuiteWorld is NetSuite’s annual conference to showcase new features and talk about their product development roadmap. Since we were finally becoming comfortable with NetSuite as-is, it is now time to stretch its capability. Three of us went to SuiteWorld to spread out, make connections, and learn new things.

The Future of NetSuite is Powered by AI

The impression I got from the keynote is that the future of NetSuite will be powered by AI.

I get it… Every vendor is shouting AI capabilities from the rooftops. But very few that I have seen are actually implementing AI. Some of those touted AI capabilities are just a set of rules that can trigger alerts. Some are a little more advanced and can change the threshold of the alerts dynamically.

NetSuite’s vision of AI is as close to a ChatGPT moment as I’ve seen so far.

One of the examples shown at SuiteWorld was a scenario where NetSuite would watch KPIs, determine what “Normal” looks like, and then alert you when that known normal is not what is being seen. Then, according to the vision, NetSuite can even make suggestions about how to correct the discrepancy. Of course, this is all flashy media right now, but it seems more doable than other examples I’ve seen trotted out as AI.

Several New Features Are Now a Part of NetSuite

SuiteWorld 2023 RecapOne of the new features is a new license. Several new integrations between existing modules were shown. While they seem very powerful, the solutions of CPQ (Configure Price Quote), and SuiteCommerce (Online shopping) are more suited to Manufacturing or Retail companies versus the commercial security related solutions we provide at Kenton Brothers.

NetSuite did announce the purchase of NextService which is a service-based module meant to help service companies like KB schedule and dispatch technicians. We will certainly keep an eye on how NextService (renamed to Field Service) evolves.

The Expo floor had over 100 vendors that tie into or support NetSuite. It was a great place to explore other options and meet vendors who can help solve pain points. I certainly spent a lot of time on the conference floor making as many connections as I could.

Overall, the SuiteWorld experience was a good one. Several of the classes helped expand my knowledge of the capabilities and expansion options that are available to us. It was a good time to learn and make new connections!

International Security Conference West 2022 Recap

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

ISC West 2022 RecapWell, the floor was full again after a slow 2021 and there was an exciting energy in the air this year at ISC West. Those of us that came in early for the learning sessions came away better educated, but also excited for things to come.

The buzzwords for this year’s show had to be Innovation and Convergence.

Convergence

The convergence of Physical and Cyber security was on high display especially during the Early Learning sessions. Roughly a third of the sessions had something to do with the subject. Physical security is no longer just physical security. You must consider the cyber security practices on the physical security network as well as the physical security of your cyber network.

With the uncontrolled spread of IOT and IIOT devices on the worlds network practical solutions must be created by organizations to manage the risk.

The same layered approach to physical security devices can be applied to the cyber security procedures in place and visa versa. During the learning sessions, the instructors spotlighted critical steps in bringing the directors of Physical security and Cyber Security together and knocking down the siloed walls that hold those positions back.

Great Stuff! Check out the Kenton Brothers Blog about the convergence and some of the lessons learned.

Innovation

Many of the manufacturers on display this year really focused on innovations around automation and making life easier for the integrator and end user. These are both trends we like to support.

Evolv

ISC West 2022 RecapThe newest weapons detection platform on the market – and WOW is it cool!

Visitors want to move quickly through security checkpoints at a seamless pace, knowing they’re well-protected everywhere inside your venue—while your security teams want the assurance that they can reliably pinpoint and stop threats.

The Evolv weapons detection system combines powerful sensor technology with proven artificial intelligence (AI), security ecosystem integrations, and comprehensive venue analytics to ensure safer, more accurate threat detection at an unprecedented speed and volume.

Evolv Technology – The New Standard in Weapons Detection

Verkada

ISC West 2022 Recap - VerkadaVerkada used their marketing talents to draw big crowds at their booth. Guests were greeted with demonstrations of their newest innovative devices including access control, newest generation environmental sensors as well as their staple product Edge and Cloud hybrid recording cameras with on board analytics.

They also spotlighted their new intrusion detection systems. They ran a mean Plinko Machine too! No wonder they’re the fastest growing security manufacturer in the world. You likely know someone with their Verkada branded Yeti cup.

SafeHaven Defense Ballistic Film

Not all innovation is high tech. A retired police SWAT officer asked the question, “How do I contribute to the safety and well being of my community? How do we help keep our kids safe in schools?”

ISC West 2022 Recap - Safe Haven Defense

He decided to bring his experience to bear on the problem of school shootings by researching and developing a ballistic laminate product that is not only effective, but easier to install.

Safe Haven Defense manufactures a Security Laminate that offers superior protection against glass breakage due to burglaries, hurricanes, bombs and even bullets.

Unlike most competing products, SAFE HAVEN DEFENSE laminates are applied onsite to existing windows in commercial, municipal and residential buildings, with virtually no disruption to business activity. No special modifications or retrofitting is required. This is a game changer!

Axis Communications

Axis spotlighted two new exciting innovations!

ISC West 2022 Recap - Axis Communications

AXIS D4100-E Network Strobe Siren is the world’s first network strobe siren, helping to deter intruders, ensure on-site safety and improve operational efficiency with the power of light and sound. Integrated through VAPIX, MQTT or SIP, the device comes with various light and sound patterns to ensure the right level of protection for specific environments.

Based on the open Axis platform, this fully networked product can be connected to any Axis device, Axis VMS, or to third-party VMS and issue warnings and notifications with strobe lighting and/or siren alarms.

ISC West 2022 Recap - Axis CommunicationsSuited to a mobile-first society, AXIS Barcode Reader is an ACAP (AXIS Camera Application Platform)-based solution that makes it possible for Axis cameras and intercoms to function as QR Code® readers in an access control system. This powerful edge-based analytic leverages the outstanding video quality of Axis devices for reliable, convenient touch-free entry. Simple to install and cost-effective to manage, AXIS Barcode Reader ensures streamlined access control for both single- and multi-door scenarios.

LifeSafety Power

LifeSafety Power hit the show floor hard with it’s newest LSP ProWire enclosures. Each configuration can be customized for each manufacturer and ordered prewired for installation.

ISC West 2022 Recap - Life SafetyThey can be custom configured for each job and then drop-shipped right to the jobsite.  The prewired panels install quickly and reduce valuable manhours on site. We are excited about including them in our integrations immediately.

The world of security keeps growing and innovating.

As we say around here at Kenton Brothers Systems for Security – You must Innovate or Die. Based on what we witnessed at ISC West this year – The Security Industry is alive and well and bullish on Innovation!

Technology Update from ISC West 2021

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

ISC West 2021The 2021 International Security Conference West Coast (ISC West) was much smaller this year, but still packed a punch for technology announcements. The smaller crowd still showed a lot of enthusiasm for the latest and greatest innovations in Commercial Video Surveillance, Access Control, Visitor Management, Intrusion detection, Public Safety and Emergency management.

Cyber and Physical Security Convergence

The overwhelming conversation this year was around the convergence of cyber and physical security. The physical security of cyber networks and the management of commercial and industrial IOT (Internet of Things) devices. High profile hacks have made the world pause and analyze how to better protect their networks and data from outside intrusion.

Currently Worldwide – 65 billion IOT devices

  • 127 IOT devices being connected every second.
  • Each device allows for the possibility of a vulnerability onto your network.
  • More to come on this from Kenton Brothers in the future.

Artificial Intelligence

ISC West 2021 - Artificial IntelligenceArtificial intelligence and Robotics continued it’s flag waving this year. There are always large crowds around booths and displays for this type of technology. The use of artificial intelligence to analyze commercial video surveillance and create a proactive approach to stopping intrusion or crime continues to be a very strong driver for many companies.

Davantis, BriefCam and Avigilon continue to lead the way and evolve the technology to more use cases. The video analytics, AI learning and user input continue to make huge gains in deep learning and proactive measures.

With diminishing law enforcement personnel levels all across the country AI can help bridge the gap. There is no doubt that it is a force multiplier and will change the law enforcement and security industries forever.

Robotics

ISC West 2021 - RoboticsThe robotics offerings showed very well this year at ISC West. Cobalt robotics continued to show the strength of AI, Deep Learning and Human Intelligence all working together to create secure spaces. Their announcement of the open IP addresses check was a topic that many responded to. Robots can also help with wireless signal intelligence: WiFi and cellular signal strength heatmaps, locations of rogue wireless access points, and the presence and identity of nearby electronic devices through techniques such as MAC address fingerprinting.”

Cobalt continues to wow customers with it’s ability to adapt to the workspace and create endless services.


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ISC West 2021 - AsylonThe show saw some exciting new technology surface this year. Asylon showed off the its offering of Robotic perimeter security. This includes their offerings of both drones and “Guard Dogs or cats”. The combination of these two platforms gives you complete coverage and the ability to gain proactive intelligence quickly. The space is innovating quickly!

Commercial IP Video Surveillance

Axis Communications

Axis Communications enables a smarter and safer world by creating network solutions that provide insights for improving security and new ways of doing business. As the industry leader in network video, Axis offers products and services for video surveillance and analytics, access control, and audio systems. This year, Axis spotlighted their ability to converge their platforms to one united system. Axis produced a great video that showcases the new convergence of their offerings.

Avigilon

Avigilon was busy fielding questions around the H5A system cameras.  This FIPS compliant line of video surveillance has produced some excellent cameras for a wide range of needs.  This line has truly raised the bar for cyber and physical security compliance. The addition of convolutional neural networks as the edge greatly increases the ability to have better, faster analytics driving commercial video surveillance.  All while encrypting the footage.   Check out their video explaining the line in more detail.

One new product that deserves a mention is the G.L.O.V.E.  system.

The GLOVE, which stands for Generated Low Output Voltage Emitter, is a conducted electrical weapon (CEW) from Compliant Technologies. It is designed to be used in conjunction with an officer’s defensive tactics training and other use of force tools to more effectively de-escalate use of force incidents and bring non-compliant subjects under control in a safe and timely manner. Another force multiplier that is more reliable than a Taser.

In conclusion, the show was smaller this year but still packed the same punch! We look forward to next year and getting back to normal soon.

Kansas City Cannabis Industry Showcase

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers.

Kansas City Cannabis Industry ShowcaseMissouri’s Medical Marijuana industry is getting kicked off in a grassroots way. In November, Kenton Brothers Systems for Security hosted a booth at the Inaugural Kansas City Cannabis Industry Showcase. Our goal was to help educate and guide potential licensees through the security compliance maze and help them understand how to effectively implement their security plan to stay compliant with state regulations.

As it was the areas first showcase, it was lightly attended on both days. But the people who attended the showcase were definitely legitimate business owners with real questions and concerns around security compliance.

Common Questions

Questions ranged from “How often do you think the State will be making inspections?” to “My building just got pulled from under my due to rezoning, how quickly can you get me a new security plan?”

The answer to the first question is “No matter how often the state makes inspections, you must be ready every time” and to the new property owner, “We can be out there tomorrow!”.

By far the biggest question everyone had on their mind was, “When will the state announce the licensees?” Ironically, two days later the State of Missouri published this statement:

State of Missouri on Licensees

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation will begin issuing medical marijuana facility licenses before the end of the year. In order to give all potential applicants sufficient notice of when to expect notification of application determinations, DHSS is announcing tentative dates of license issuance for all facility types.

Medical marijuana facility license issuance is expected to occur on the following schedule:

  • Testing facilities: approximately December 19, 2019
  • Transportation facilities: approximately December 23, 2019
  • Cultivation facilities: approximately December 26, 2019
  • Infused Products Manufacturing facilities: approximately January 10, 2020
  • Dispensary facilities: approximately January 24, 2020
  • Seed to Sale: January 31, 2020

A few items that still need to be worked out by the state is how will the caregivers or individuals secure their growing areas to be in compliance. Currently, the regulation does not distinguish between a larger growing facility or one with say 6-12 plants.

Home Security Camera Drawing Winner

Shawn Pietrofere of Back to Earth Farm in SE Missouri was our lucky winnerA special congratulations to the winner of our home security camera drawing at the showcase. Shawn Pietrofere of Back to Earth Farm in SE Missouri was our lucky winner. Shawn and his family look at the Medical marijuana business as a way to sustain their family business for multiple generations. The back to Earth team was very impressive and have a very detailed business plan for success. We’re excited for the opportunity to partner with them to be sure that their investment is secure and that they stay complaint with the state.

During the show we met some really wonderful people that are investing quite a bit of time, energy and money into the industry. Our job is to help them protect their investment. We take that job very seriously.

Security Technology Update – ISC WEST

By David Strickland, Vice President of Kenton Brothers

In April, Kenton Brothers team members attended the largest physical security convention in the Americas called ISC West. Our team, along with 30,000 other attendees explored over 1,000 exhibits, and over a hundred classes and workshops. Each year, ISC West allows us to continue our education, find out what is changing, and keep up to date on the latest technologies in the physical security space.

This year several technologies made impressive advances and we had a front row seat to their unveiling.

Kenton Brothers: ISC West - AI and Analytics

1. AI and Analytics

Artificial intelligence and analytics are making huge strides right now. The easiest way to explain this is to think of all the data that is gathered by video cameras and intrusion detection systems, then push it through a digital brain that looks for specific patterns. This brain actually learns and identifies patterns, and then triggers alarms or alerts that can be acted upon. This is called deep learning.

Briefcam, a company that is developing this capability rapidly, had a very impressive show and we’re excited to bring this new technology to our customers.

Some of the benefits to this automated technology are:

  • Speeding up investigations
  • Helping to create safe and smart cities
  • Traffic Optimization
  • Loss Prevention
  • Consumer Analytics
  • Crowd Management.

Kenton Brothers: ISC West - Robots

2. Robots!

Yes Robots! They were everywhere at the show. The idea of robots small and large is to supplement your physical security patrolling options. Knightscope offers a 400 pound mobile robot that patrols like a security guard. It can also use analytics and sensors to test the environment for movement, gasses or other anomalies. Once detected, these alerts are passed on to a human in a central station that can interpret and act on these items in real time.

Kenton Brothers: ISC West - Drones

3. Drones and Anti Drone Technology

Drones have become common in daily life. You can’t go to a public event and not see one in the air. Drones do a lot of good, but also present a real problem for secure spaces and crowds. This aerial platform is one of the largest issues faced by critical infrastructure and secure spaces such as power plants, water sources, prisons and entertainment venues.

Several companies have developed unique ways to secure spaces from drone intrusion. They are also developing new capabilities for law enforcement to use drones to help protect the general public. This has become such a large scale item that ISC West created its own portion of the convention called the Unmanned Security and Safety Expo.

Kenton Brothers: ISC West - Legacy Systems

4. New technologies for legacy systems

One of the best things about Kenton Brothers is our legacy of locksmithing. It has been our foundation since 1897, so we’ve learned a few things along the way. One of them is that an organized key system is an effective key system. Tracking who has them and when they’re issued and returned is pivotal to the security of a building. We’re happy to report that several companies are still investing in updating these key tracking systems and developing integrations with access control software platforms like S2.

Kenton Brothers: ISC West - Radar

5. Radar!

Yes Radar! New federal regulations in critical infrastructure protection require an almost 100% threat detection capability. There is no acceptable level of failure to detect intrusion into a system that could affect thousands or millions of people. One of our strongest partners, Axis Communications, introduced their new radar system that works in conjunction with video analytics and thermal cameras to deliver near perfect perimeter detection capabilities. We’re very excited to see this technology perfected and offered on this scale.

All in all, the 2018 ISC West Security Conference was very beneficial. We look forward to helping our customers take advantage of these new technologies for protecting their people, property and possessions.