Meeting the next generation

NEXT GENERATION

FUTURE-PROOFING

The first Next Generation event kicked off in June at Luton Hoo with a comprehensive seminar programme aimed at security systems installers and developing skills in the sector as well as a table-top exhibition of new innovations

The agenda devised by Skills for Security included presentations and interactive discussions to promote and advise companies on the value of apprenticeships, training and good business practise when it comes to the latest technologies.

The Installer Forum

First session on the seminar agenda was an open forum hosted by James Gribben of the BSIA involving Matthew Holliday of NSI, David Roscoe of SSAIB and Steve Lampett of the BSIA who discussed various topics relating to the future development of the sector including standards, emerging technology, All-IP, cyber security, ECHO and more. The Panel also took questions from the floor including: • What are the industry associations doing to work with police and insurers regarding the recognition of professionally installed systems? • Should you fit a digital communicator onto a VoIP line? • After Brexit, will we still follow EU standards or will BS standards take over?

Cyber security

In the second session Cary Hendricks of ID Cyber Solutions focussed on cyber related concerns outlining how organisations can avoid weaknesses and address vulnerabilities before criminal hackers have the chance to exploit them. Furthermore, the five most common hacks and the five controls every business needs to stay safe were revealed.

Installer issues

In the afternoon George Zitko of Zitko Group hosted a fascinating look into the life of installers and what they like about the industry. The aim of this session was to make delegates appreciate what type of career they had and to

NEXT GENERATION

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The event was supported by:

share ideas and opinions about how to make working in the sector more fruitful.

Areas under the microscope included: • Social media • How installers entered the sector • Favourite thing about the industry • Most important thing to look for from an employer • Most important aspect of the job Answers to some of these questions included job security, training, good pay as being important factors of the career, the delegates visited the table-top exhibition area to see and handle some of the latest kit on the market.

Exhibition Area

Throughout the day there was ample chance for delegates to view and get hands-on with security technologies from some of the most innovative companies in the sector.

Exhibitors included: Hikvision, Inner Range, ADI, Cento, Cloudview, CSL, FIA, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Pyronix, Takex, Dahua, RISCO, Eagle Eye Networks, Texecom, Videcon

AI and the Cloud – the route forward

Chaired by James Gribben, the final presentation of the day was divided into three parts. First-off was Pauline Norstrom of Anekanta Consulting with an overview of the new technology expectations driven by the user, that every installer must be aware of, specifically concerning AI systems, the importance of these changes and how they create opportunities. Chris Carter Brennan of Conxtd then looked at the principles of cloud and how the security sector fares against other emerging AI sectors and the challenges that the security sector has in embracing AI and cloud. Finally David Barr of Eagle Eye Networks covered the systems that are using cloud and how installers can be more knowledgeable enabling them to support their clients more effectively in decision making.

Questions from the floor regarded the use and regulation of AI systems, among other subjects.