Tertius Woldaardt, a leading authority in architecture engineering and business development for Axis Communications, brings his profound insight into the security sector in the Middle East, a landscape ripe with opportunity and fraught with unique challenges. With nearly two decades of rich experience, Tertius helps us navigate through the transformative journey of the region's economies as they pivot away from oil dependency towards sectors like hospitality and tourism. Saudi Arabia’s ambitious projects and Dubai's remarkable evolution serve as prime examples of this shift. As we unpack the intricacies of the local regulations and standards that dictate security system design and implementation, the episode becomes a crucial guide for businesses aiming to thrive in the Middle East by understanding these critical nuances. Our conversation delves into the intricate dance between safety, technology, and regulatory compliance that defines cities like Dubai.

About our guest:

Tertius is the Architecture & Engineering Manager for Axis Communications in the Middle East & Africa. With over 15 years of rich experience in the security industry, Tertius has been an integral part of Axis Communications for nearly a decade, having held diverse roles across engineering, sales, and business development.

In his current role, Tertius is focused on managing and optimizing relationships with architects and engineering consultants throughout the region. His role is pivotal in ensuring effective collaboration and integration of Axis's security solutions into architectural and engineering projects, driving both innovation and excellence.

Tertius’s extensive background and deep industry knowledge make him a key asset in aligning Axis Communications' strategic goals with the needs of the architectural and engineering communities.

Connect with Tertius on LinkedIn

Chapters:

Security Standards in the Middle East (0:00:08)

Tertius discusses the substantial growth and unique regulatory challenges in the Middle Eastern security market, highlighting opportunities in sectors like hospitality and tourism.

Security Compliance Challenges in Global Markets (0:07:07)

Steve and Tertius explore the critical importance of aligning security system designs with local regulations to avoid operational and financial risks in cities like Dubai.

Security Regulations in the Middle East (0:23:30)

This segment focuses on the environmental challenges and specific regulatory requirements, including specialized testing and certification necessary to comply with GCC standards.

Resources:

Security Industry Regulatory Agency (SIRA)

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best complement day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across Northern Europe. Steve is a...

In this episode we delve into the transformative journey of Smart Spaces, led by CEO and co-founder Dan Drogman. From its inception as a software consultancy in 2010, to its current status as a trailblazer in the PropTech industry – Smart Spaces has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance modern office environments. Discover how Dan and his team have harnessed innovations like Apple's iBeacon and AI-driven security solutions to revolutionize access control, climate management, and visitor interactions, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Join us as we explore the challenges and breakthroughs in smart building integration over the past five years, and learn how companies have shifted their perspective from viewing smart technology as a risk to recognizing it as a crucial competitive advantage. Dan shares insights on the role of AI and open protocol systems in enhancing building security and the importance of collaboration with security consultants and stakeholders. And, listen in as Steve and Dan envision a future where frictionless access control and digital transformation drive energy efficiency and unparalleled customer satisfaction in smart building solutions.

About our guest:

Dan Drogman is a software development entrepreneur who first entered the market in 2004. He is a founding partner, owner and Managing Director at Smart Spaces; a London based PropTech, Software Development Consultancy ‘where design meets technology’ set up in 2010 and now employing 35+ .Net, C# web developers and UX/UI designers working across the office, retail, residential and industrial markets.

Source: https://www.smartspaces.app/about/

Connect with Dan on LinkedIn

Chapters:

(0:00:08) - Smart Building Solutions

Dan Drogman, CEO of Smart Spaces, introduces the journey of his company from a software consultancy to a leader in the prop tech industry. The chapter delves into how Smart Spaces utilizes IoT and Apple's iBeacon technology to enhance access control and climate management, emphasizing the role of smartphones and the pandemic in increasing demand for smart building features.

(0:08:46) - Navigating Smart Building Integration Challenges

This segment highlights the evolution of smart building integration over recent years, showcasing how companies have embraced open integration platforms to gain competitive advantages. It explores the transformation of traditional security tools into data-driven solutions, underscoring the challenges faced by firms resistant to adopting new technologies.

(0:11:58) - Optimizing Smart Building Integration Journey

The focus here is on the inefficiencies in traditional building systems and how Smart Spaces has streamlined operations by consolidating multiple sensors. The chapter discusses the use of machine vision for occupancy data, emphasizing ethical advising and the importance of collaboration with security managers and stakeholders.

(0:19:44) - Enhancing Smart Building Security With AI

This chapter explores the integration of open protocol systems and AI in smart building technology. It highlights the necessity of selecting adaptable vendors to future-proof buildings and discusses how AI aids in processing large...

Veteran security industry expert Jamie Donald from Axis Communications shares his wisdom on the fast-evolving landscape of security technology. With nearly three decades of industry experience, Jamie takes us through the journey from a fragmented market to a more unified, consolidated one. We delve into the strategic importance of open ecosystems and the necessity of technology partnerships, particularly in video management systems and analytics, to enhance both security measures and operational efficiency. Jamie also provides insight into the challenges and opportunities that come with market consolidation and why adopting an IT mindset is crucial to effectively navigate these changes.

While AI has often been overstated, Jamie and Steve discuss its potential for innovation when companies collaborate meaningfully. The discussion touches on the complexities faced by small developers in choosing between edge, server, or cloud solutions, and how collective investments can greatly enhance the value of technological solutions.

About our guest:

Working in the Global Sales Solutions team at Axis Communications, Jamie is responsible for managing and optimizing relationships with strategic alliance ecosystem partners, to deliver joint solutions for the enterprise business customers. Prior to joining Axis, Jamie worked in the security industry for 17 years, holding a range of sales and commercial roles. This included 2 years Business Development in Saudi Arabia.

Connect with Jamie on LinkedIn

Chapters:

The Future of Security Technology Partnerships (00:00)

Jamie and Steve discuss the industry's shift from fragmentation to consolidation and emphasizes the importance of open ecosystems and partnerships in video management and analytics for enhancing security and operational efficiency.

Exploring Technology Partnerships and Innovations (10:30)

This section highlights the potential of AI when integrated through technology partnerships, the challenges faced by small developers, and the role of collective investments in driving innovation in smart cities and buildings.

Navigating Technology Partnerships and Innovation (21:15)

Jamie and Steve explore the importance of identifying specific use cases for scalable solutions, address cybersecurity concerns with open systems and the implications of market consolidation on technology partnerships.

Value of Technology Partnerships for Security (32:45)

The episode concludes by emphasizing the benefits of collaborating with technology partners to drive innovation and efficiency, ultimately enhancing value for customers and operators of complex systems.

Resources:

More information on Axis’ Technology Integration Partner Program

Meet your host Steve Kenny: Steve has spent 14 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best complement day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across Northern Europe. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK...