TDSi - Experts & Thought Leaders

Integrated access control and security manufacturer - TDSi announces that it is offering a free training kit to individuals taking part in its official free GARDiS installer training course for the first time. The offer is designed to support security installers who are new to TDSi’s products and applies to those attending the course at its Headquarters in Poole, Dorset; along with Coventry in the West Midlands, and Haslingden in Lancashire. GARDiS installer training kit Jon Hooley, Technical Support Manager at TDSi, commented, “We believe that supporting installers who are new to the industry, or indeed new to TDSi, is an important step in broadening the remit of our security training.” He adds, “To further help with this, we are offering a training kit that comprises a GARDiS G4 Controller + Power Supply Unit, GARDiS Desfire Mullion Reader, 10 GARDiS Desfire Cards, and GARDiS Express Software – giving attendees everything they need for their first GARDiS Install with their newly earned Installer Training skills.” Free training course on offer Free course is open to multiple attendees from same business, but offer is limited to one training kit per company The free course is open to multiple attendees from the same business, although the offer itself is limited to one training kit per company, spaces are limited and pre-booking via the TDSi website is essential. Jon Hooley continues, “To ensure your company receives its kit, just ensure the training offer is selected as part of the online booking process and we’ll get your pack out to your registered address after the course has been successfully completed.” TDSi’s proud history of offering free installer training TDSi has a proud history of offering free installer training, which is designed to ensure Installers are equipped with everything they need to efficiently install, maintain, and upgrade its GARDiS Integrated Access Control Solution. The training is delivered by Jon and his team, who offer first-hand technical support, guidance, and advice to ensure installers have everything they need. The TDSi training offer runs from June until December 2025.

Vitaprotech, the European pioneer in electronic security solutions, is taking a major step forward in its growth strategy by reshaping its organisation. The objective: to offer its clients an enhanced experience — simpler, more consistent, and ever more innovative. Starting July 1st, the group will adopt a new organisation built around strong brands, each dedicated to a specific sales channel. This approach will provide clients with tailored support, an integrated technology offering, and easier access to the group’s full range of expertise — including access control, intrusion & perimeter protection, and AI-powered video — all operated through a single unified platform. A new organisation designed with clients in mind  “We want to make security easier to manage, more efficient, and more connected — no matter the site, the country, or the type of client,” says Éric Thord, CEO of Vitaprotech. HIRSCH, the international brand resulting from the late 2024 acquisition of the security business of U.S.-based IDENTIV, is dedicated to the systems integrator sales channel. By bringing together under one unified banner the brands TIL Technologies, Sorhea, Cossilys, and Neo InSys in France, Harper Chalice in the UK, and Protech and Hirsch in the United States, the group offers a strong, coherent, and instantly recognisable brand on a global scale. This consolidation unifies local and international expertise to provide integrators with tailored solutions for every region and site type — whether industrial, commercial, institutional, or governmental.  For the integrators: a comprehensive, interoperable offering, and a trusted local partner to tackle the most complex security challenges — anywhere in the world. PRYSM, the group’s software publisher, becomes the single point of entry for service operators and OEMs. Formed through the merger of PRYSM and ESI, and strengthened by the group’s artificial intelligence expertise, the new Prysm entity establishes itself as the software reference for smart, open, and scalable security management. With a unified offering covering monitoring, PSIM, video management, and AI, Prysm enables its clients to deliver fully customisable, interoperable white-label solutions — ready for on-premise, hosted, or fully cloud-based environments. For clients: tailor-made, white-label solutions designed for new uses — enabling the creation of adaptable security software tailored to each end customer. Vauban Systems (France) and TDSi (UK) target the distribution network. Thanks to their commercial agility, they make Vitaprotech's innovation accessible to all distributors seeking reliable, high-performance, and intuitive products. Vauban Systems in France completes its product range by integrating the FoxBox and FoxVigi products from Foxstream. For distributors: products available quickly, ready to install, with local support. ARD remains dedicated to clients with high service requirements. It will offer a complete, turnkey solution combining cutting-edge technologies and premium support. ARD will continue to serve its portfolio of clients with a diverse and innovative offering, integrating access control, payment solutions, video surveillance, intrusion detection, and intercom systems, and will be responsible for marketing and providing services associated with GS4 alert transmission solutions. For clients: a turnkey offering and a single partner, from installation to commissioning. One ambition: simplifying access to the security of tomorrow Vitaprotech is focusing on a unified platform capable of managing all aspects of security Vitaprotech is focusing on a unified platform capable of managing all aspects of security. The result: a global, centralised, and proactive approach to safety, serving the performance of all types of sites, from the simplest to the most demanding. This transformation is supported by an increase in R&D investments: 25% of the workforce and 10% of revenue are dedicated to innovation, with six key areas: artificial intelligence, Cloud, cybersecurity, interoperability, unified management, and user experience.  "We combine the best of technologies and talents to help our clients stay ahead. With our new organisation, we offer them more than just a solution: a true performance lever," explains Eric Thord, CEO of Vitaprotech. An international vision, a local impact With solutions present in over 70 countries, Vitaprotech strengthens its local presence while leveraging the power of its group. This new dynamic aims to build the international pioneer in electronic security, capable of addressing the most critical challenges, from the perimeter to the core of the organisation.  "Our goal is to deliver to our customers and partners the most advanced high-security solutions, from the perimeter to the core of the organisation. Our advanced access control, video analytics, perimeter security and integrated monitoring platform integrates all key components of physical security." "Our new organisation combines this focus with the complete range of deeply technical capabilities scale. It positions us as the trusted partner to our customer and the pioneer in the industry of the next generation of cloud-based, AI-enabled, IT-integrated physical security for security-critical applications globally," says Steve Humphreys, Deputy CEO of Vitaprotech.

The UK’s pioneering Perimeter Intrusion Detection manufacturer Harper Chalice announces it is combining product lines, brands and organisation with fellow Vitaprotech company Hirsch for their UK and Export business activities. The Hirsch product range of high security Physical Access Control, Video, Analytics, and Security Monitoring, Command & Control solutions combined with Harper Chalice’s lineup of National Protective Security Authority approved perimeter intrusion detection solutions represent the UK’s most complete range of physical security solutions.  Range of high-security solutions Hirsch product range of high security Physical Access Control, Video, Analytics, and Security Monitoring “The Harper Chalice name has a long and respected history within the perimeter intrusion market here in the UK. Since our acquisition by Vitaprotech back in 2023, we have taken huge strides to develop the business both here in the UK and overseas," said Adam O’Reilly, Managing Director of Hirsch in the UK. “This combination of our business activities and name change represents much more than a rebrand - it marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. We’ll continue our development and offer a more comprehensive and innovative range of high security solutions to our customers." Excellence in the high-security market O’Reilly added: "By combining our shared high-security expertise and brand credibility, we are reinforcing our shared commitment to excellence in the high-security market on both sides of the Atlantic." "The scale of Hirsch worldwide will allow us to accelerate our investment in products, offer local-time technical support across multiple time zones, providing more value to our customers and a greater range of solutions for our partners to provide to the market.” Integrated suite of security solutions Harper-Chalice products will be sold and supported across the Americas, and current reach across Europe The combination delivers significant benefits to customers throughout the UK as well as the Americas, as Harper-Chalice products will be sold and supported across the Americas as well as their current reach across Europe and the Middle East. The full range of products provide an integrated suite of security solutions tailored to the most demanding environments which builds upon both companies prestigious place as security providers to some of the most secure locations in both the USA and the UK. High security solutions in the UK Thibaut Galland, UK COO for Vitaprotech, will be the business pioneer for the combined Hirsch UK company, in addition to his role as Managing Director of TDSi. Mr. Galland commented: “This evolution underscores our dedication to providing a complete portfolio of world-class high security solutions in the UK. We believe that this change will put us in a stronger position for the future leveraging our combined strengths to deliver even greater value to our clients.” Product range and technological innovation The move marks the first stage of planned strategic changes within the Vitaprotech Group since its acquisition of Hirsch back in September 2024 and enhances the Groups offering both in the UK and USA, ensuring expanded access to enterprise-scale, high-security solutions. Current Harper Chalice customers can expect the same level of support and reliability under the new Hirsch name, with the added advantage of an enhanced product range and technological innovation.

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?

In many cases, architectural design and layout dictate optimal placement of security devices like cameras, access control readers, and sensors. Poor design can lead to blind spots, reduced coverage, and ineffective surveillance. However, planning that involves all the various stakeholders can maximise both security and design elements. We asked this week’s Expert Panel Roundtable: When are building design and physical security systems complementary? When are they at odds?

Big news on the mergers and acquisitions (M&A) front is closing out 2024, a year in which several shifts changed the face of the physical security manufacturer community. Announced in December, German giant Bosch Group is selling its Building Technologies division’s product business for security and communications technology to the European investment firm Triton.  Bosch division selling to Triton  The transaction encompasses three business units – Video, Access and Intrusion, and Communication – and thus the entire product business of Bosch Building Technologies that was offered for sale. All 4,300 associates employed in these units at more than 90 locations worldwide will be taken over. The transaction reflects a growing confidence in the security market among private equity companies such as Triton, Becklar, and Volaris.   Sharing best practices Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership Acre Security, previously acquired by Triton, has benefited from Triton’s strategic guidance and expertise, according to the company, which is confident Bosch will experience the same level of support and opportunity to thrive. Acre Security and Bosch will remain independent, standalone companies under Triton’s ownership, but will benefit from the potential to collaborate and share best practices as part of the broader Triton portfolio.  Resideo acquires Snap One  Earlier in 2024, there were other large M&A transactions. In the spring, Resideo Technologies, Inc., a manufacturer and distributor of technology-driven products and solutions, agreed to acquire Snap One Holdings Corp., a provider of smart-living products, services, and software to professional integrators. The transaction is valued at $1.4 billion, inclusive of net debt. Upon closing, Snap One becomes part of Resideo's ADI Global Distribution business.  Honeywell buys Carrier’s Access Solutions  In late 2023, Honeywell announced plans to enhance and strengthen its building automation capabilities with the acquisition of Carrier Global Corporation’s Global Access Solutions business for $4.95 billion, in an all-cash transaction.  The acquisition, which played out through 2024, includes both hardware and software solutions, adding three respected brands to Honeywell’s portfolio with a focus on life safety and digital access solutions. Acquired brands include LenelS2, commercial and enterprise access solutions; Onity electronic locks; and Supra cloud-based electronic real estate lock boxes. Hirsch reemerges as an iconic brand  The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval Identiv announced plans to sell its physical security business and assets to Vitaprotech, the security solutions provider that also acquired British manufacturer, TDSI, in 2019. The Identiv sale was originally announced in April, subject to regulatory approval.  As a result of the sale, Hirsch, a global security technology pioneer advancing physical security, video intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital identification solutions, announces the relaunch of its iconic brand and strengthened focus on the industry’s most complete high-security, end-to-end platform.  Ease of use security solutions The move seeks to reposition Hirsch as the global pioneer in physical security, video intelligence, and identity solutions, protecting everything from small enterprises to critical national infrastructure. With a 43-year-strong foundation in the industry, Hirsch’s mission has always been empowering a secure, connected world, combining government-grade high security with ease of use. Milestone and Arcules unite  Effective July 1, 2024, global video technology company Milestone Systems announced its merger with the cloud-based video surveillance solutions provider, Arcules. Both companies are owned by Japanese multinational Canon Inc. Based in Irvine, Calif., Arcules was spun off from Milestone in 2017. The merger brings together Milestone and Arcules’ best-in-class capabilities within video management software (VMS), video analytics, and video surveillance as a service (VSaaS), providing a complete video technology offering.  More M&A stories in 2024  In other M&A moves in 2024, cloud-based workforce management software provider Synerion USA Inc. acquired cloud-based video surveillance and access control solutions platform Qumulex Inc. Also, the global pioneer in airspace awareness and security, Dedrone, became part of the public safety and technology company Axon. The acquisition unites two companies with a shared mission to improve public safety and national security by staying ahead of persistent and escalating threats, enabling faster, more effective responses and ultimately protecting more lives in more places.