Technology, Innovation, and Education: 3 Key Takeaways from GSX

The annual Global Security Exchange (GSX) Conference, sponsored by ASIS International, is one of the largest, most-attended events in the security industry. Over 16,000 people from more than 85 countries convened in Orlando, Florida, to attend hundreds of sessions on a wide range of topics impacting the security industry. Our team attended this year’s event and below are the three key takeaways that clients like you may find of interest.
1. Technology Is Centerstage in Security…
Technology, namely Artificial Intelligence (AI), has become one of the most ubiquitous topics in recent years. Its impact on the security industry as indicated by the number of exhibits featuring some form of AI in their sessions – 50 of this year’s 72 Featured Exhibitors – clearly demonstrates where the industry is heading.
Our key observation was the merging of technologies both hardware and software continue to improve Security Operations. Additionally, we believe the evolution of AI will continue to improve the industry and increase efficiencies in ways we have not yet imagined.
That being said, we are still in the early innings of adaptation, and it is likely the larger, super-regional companies that possess the means of harnessing the technology correctly which will prevail in this highly competitive, highly regulated industry.
2. …Along With Innovation
From surveillance to visitor management, to high-tech equipment designed to process, record, and relay information quicker and more efficiently, many of the exhibits displayed how innovation is improving the operational and tactical aspects of security. Even advancements in more “traditional” equipment showcase an industry where innovation is at the heart of making clients safer by empowering security companies like ours to provide greater service.
While we were impressed with innovations in “Delay, Detect, and Alert” capabilities, we continue to believe they should only be one Arrow in the quiver (pun intended). Physical Security remains a mainstay for the simple reason: many of these innovations do not effectively “Respond”.
3. Knowledge (and Education) Is Power
There is real demand for educational sessions and learning opportunities in our industry, and GSX featured more than 200 education sessions. Tradeshow events like GSX also provide access to a variety of security certifications necessary to operate in many local jurisdictions, including the tri-state area.
Among the educational sessions, topics, and demos this year, several showcases featured a Physical/Cybersecurity Pavilion, the Resilience Zone (which focused on ways your organization, business, or city can change and adapt in the face of adversity), and the X Stage, where several keynotes outlined new-age best practices in the security workplace.
The event also featured a variety of sessions on constantly evolving role of the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO), including workplace/HR management, crisis de-escalation, crowd control, terrorism, and litigious risk mitigation.
In Summary: Our Takeaways
Having the opportunity to see new exhibits and ideas impacting the security industry obviously has its benefits. But what may surprise some readers is that it is also beneficial to see what our peers (and some competitors) are doing. Conversations with vendors and leaders from other companies in different regions, and other segments of security, provide us with an open source of insight into the industry.
It’s also a great opportunity to self-reflect on the level of service and consultation we provide to you – our clients.
The need to embrace new technologies is important. However, the event reinforced our conviction that it is better to remain “right sized” and implement technology based on the client needs, with a steadfast focus on service and quality.
It’s also important not to lose sight of the “human capital” side of the security industry; the innovations being brought to the industry are intended to augment, not replace, physical Security Officers.
And lastly, it is crucial to have the right educational platforms specific to the security needs within each sector – as well as training & certifications customized for Security Officers, and the corporate-level industry experts tasked with stewarding the efforts of Security Officers.
Embracing change and incorporating industry best-practices are just a few ways that Arrow Security remains committed to providing the highest level of security service to our clients.