Johnson Controls, Inc. - Experts & Thought Leaders

Gallagher Security is thrilled to announce the appointment of Matt Butts as Executive Vice President – the Americas, effective September 15. With more than 25 years of experience in the security and software industries, Matt has built a strong record of driving growth and leading high-performing teams. He’s held leadership roles at Johnson Controls, Tyco Integrated Security, ADT, and most recently served as Senior Director of Global Security Sales at Transact Campus, where he successfully led global expansion efforts and strengthened the company’s position in key markets. Matt leads Gallagher’s operations Matt lead Gallagher’s operations across North, Central, and South America, guiding regional strategy In his new role, Matt will lead Gallagher’s operations across North, Central, and South America, guiding regional strategy as Gallagher continues to expand its presence in the region.  He’s enthusiastic about joining the team, citing the company’s 85-year history and tangible drive as key factors that attracted him to the role. Gallagher’s culture and commitment “Gallagher stands out for its culture and commitment to innovation,” says Matt Butts. He adds, “I see a company with the capability and solutions to play a much bigger role across the Americas. I strongly believe Gallagher’s solutions are the best available, and I’m eager to work alongside the team to help more businesses in our market see that, too. The momentum already created in this region is inspiring, and I can’t wait to get started.”  New standards of success Mark Junge, Chief Executive, believes Matt will lead the team to set new standards of success Mark Junge, Chief Executive, believes Matt will lead the team to set new standards of success. “Matt’s passion for innovation and ability to inspire teams makes him the right pioneer to accelerate our momentum in the Americas,” he says. Mark Junge adds, “He brings dynamic energy and genuine passion to the role, and most importantly, his core values are aligned with our mission to protect what matters most. I’m confident Matt will make this role his own in a way that furthers our global vision.” Real impact for customers and partners The way Matt sees it, that means tapping into the region’s greatest asset: its people. “When you ask security professionals what makes Gallagher stand out, it’s always the people,” he explains. Matt Butts adds, “My leadership philosophy is built around empowering people and fostering a culture where teams can do their best work. I believe that when people feel trusted, supported, and inspired, they achieve remarkable results. At Gallagher, I see an opportunity to harness that kind of energy to deliver real impact for our end customers and partners.” Gallagher Security at GSX 2025 Matt will be joining the Gallagher Security Americas team at GSX 2025 in New Orleans at booth #3339 from September 29 to October 1 and invites all GSX attendees to stop by to say hello.

Johnson Controls recently released Software House C•CURE IQ v3.10, the latest advancement to its intelligent security platform. C•CURE v3.10 delivers an integrated access control and video surveillance experience through a single browser-based interface, meeting operator demand for dynamic alarm prioritisation, spatial and occupancy analytics, and attendance reporting. Updated version This updated version allows operators to seamlessly monitor outdoor GIS maps This updated version allows operators to seamlessly monitor outdoor GIS maps and indoor floor plans to take more targeted action. The system connects directly to American Dynamics VideoEdge NVRs and leverages advanced edge analytics through native integration with Illustra cameras, providing security teams with real-time visibility and actionable insights. The v3.10 update also provides personalised video clip management with whiteboard space and full audit trails, enabling users to streamline forensic investigations. Alongside this, newly unified health dashboards can monitor device status, storage capacity, and system performance. Real-time alarm intelligence Another major enhancement is the availability of C•CURE High Assurance as a native option built into C•CURE v3.10, giving users the ability to meet the highest security and compliance standards. Real-time alarm intelligence capabilities also provide operators with a snapshot of alarm activity, trending analysis, and automated rule performance. C•CURE v3.10   “C•CURE IQ v3.10 represents a leap forward in proactive security management,” said Rick Focke, Director of Product and Market Development, Johnson Controls Security Products. He adds, “With intuitive dashboards, smarter alarm automation, and data-driven spatial insights, this release not only helps protect people and property – it empowers organisations to reduce operational costs and really optimise how space is used. The C•CURE IQ v3.10 features enable organisations to strengthen security, improve employee well-being, and drive operational efficiency.”

Keeping beachgoers, swimmers and surfers safe is all in a day’s work for the team at South Maroubra Surf Live Saving Club, and every second counts when an incident unfolds on the water.   One of the most topical issues and threats to those enjoying Australia’s world-renowned beaches is sharks, so for the surf club it made sense to look to smart, new technology to keep those who enjoy the sand and surf safe. Security technology to lifesavers   "Since the club was established in 1959, we’ve prided ourselves on looking out for people at our iconic beach. More recently, we’ve turned to security technology to support our lifesavers to do what they do best: stay alert for hazards," says Simon Torsellini, Director of Lifesaving, South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.  He adds, "Sharks along with surf conditions represent two of our biggest national hazards on popular beaches, so it’s of critical importance to get people out of the water as quickly as possible when a circumstance evolves." Evacuation of beach users Simon Torsellini continues: "To achieve a prompt evacuation of beach users from the water, an alert system such as an audible siren is the most effective tool. To sound a siren at South Maroubra, the club relies upon a manual switch that triggers an audible alarm across the beach, better known locally as the Shark Siren."  He further states, "Like many other surf lifesaving clubs, we have our club house situated back from the shoreline. What this means is that in the event of a hazard detection, a lifesaver is dispatched from the beach to the club house to activate the audible siren - losing precious moments to alert those at risk."  Recent mass rescue conditions As a result of a recent mass rescue where surf needs threatened swimmers and all lifesaving resources As a result of a recent mass rescue where surf conditions threatened swimmers and all lifesaving resources were in the water, no lifesavers were available to activate the siren, and the team recognised a solution was needed. Andrew McCabe, a surf lifesaver at the club and Director Government and Defence, Pacific at Johnson Controls, spoke to Gallagher Security about a smarter way to raise the all-important shark siren. SMB solutions    After initially working with the club in 2023, Gallagher Security’s Sales Solutions Engineer - NSW, Sabrish Venugopal, was pleased to work together again and find a way to further support the hardworking lifesavers and volunteers at South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club.   "Alongside our Channel Partner, Johnson Controls, we were proud to gift the club one of our Security Made Better (SMB) solutions as a joint community initiative," says Sabrish Venugopal. Next-generation cloud-based system SMB is a cloud-based security app that simplifies everyday business tasks with plenty of functionality SMB is a cloud-based security app that streamlines everyday business tasks with plenty of functionality: from managing alarms, responding to security incidents and controlling site access.   The SMB app provided the club with security and access control through a next-generation cloud-based system that can be easily managed from a smartphone.  Idea of using the SMB system "As a member of the club, Andrew floated the idea of using the SMB system to trigger the shark siren, in a first for Gallagher Security," says Sabrish Venugopal, adding "We joined forces and two weeks later, we had a game-changing solution for South Maroubra Surf Life Saving Club." He continues, "Now, lifesavers on surf patrol duty can launch the shark siren immediately via their smartphones if required, to help evacuate beach users from the surf faster."  Key role in enhancing security efficiency Gallagher Security team genuinely enjoys engaging with end users to discuss any challenges Sabrish says the Gallagher Security team genuinely enjoys engaging with end users to discuss any challenges they may be facing, with the aim of developing tailored solutions.  They also value close collaboration with channel partners like Johnson Controls, who have a deep understanding of Gallagher Security products and play a key role in enhancing security efficiency.  How security solutions can make such a positive difference? Sabrish Venugopal said, "We take great pride in playing our part to support the club keep Aussies safe at the beach." He concludes, "We’re chuffed to have helped the club continue their dedicated service to keeping South Maroubra Beach safe by using Gallagher’s SMB, and to see how security solutions can make such a positive difference to our daily lives."

Students deserve a safe and positive environment where they can learn and thrive. Teachers and administrators should be able to focus on their primary role of educating students because they feel supported and protected by a comprehensive security plan. Staff require a clear protocol for responding to emergencies. And parents deserve peace of mind that their children are safe during the school day. One of the tools for safer schools is physical security technology. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How can physical security systems make schools safer? 

A system's lifecycle is the journey it takes from planning and design through to decommissioning. Considering the entire lifecycle of a system can encourage integrators and end users to embrace higher-quality technologies with an eye toward maximising their value over time rather than focusing on lower-priced equipment. For additional insights, we asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does consideration of system lifecycles impact the choice of physical security technologies?

The Internet of Things (IoT) is having a profound impact on businesses across various industries, including security. In physical security as in other business environments, the IoT is changing how systems operate, interact, and create value. In the process, the IoT is driving efficiency, reducing costs, and opening up new avenues for innovation and growth. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How is the Internet of Things (IoT) transforming how security systems are deployed?