As AI, cloud, and connectivity continue to redefine the boundaries of physical security, one question remains constant: where does true innovation make the biggest difference? The Benchmark Innovation Awards 2025 once again set out to answer that – with results shaped entirely by you, the readers of Benchmark.
Each year, these awards celebrate technologies that don’t just promise change but prove it in real-world deployments. From software intelligence to network resilience, this year’s winners demonstrate how thoughtful design, integration, and usability can deliver lasting value.
Video Management Software Innovation Award
The beating heart of any security system is its video management platform – the interface that connects users, cameras, and analytics in real time.
Winner: IDIS – Smart Privacy Masks
IDIS claimed the top spot for Smart Privacy Masks, a smart, intuitive solution that simplifies GDPR compliance while maintaining operational visibility. It’s a strong example of innovation guided by both performance and principle – helping users balance transparency with privacy in the field.
Runner-up: Genetec – Genetec Security Center SaaS
Genetec’s scalable SaaS platform impressed with its flexibility and strength in hybrid environments, bringing the power of the cloud to complex security ecosystems.
As VMS solutions evolve, the focus shifts toward efficiency, AI integration, and ease of use – all qualities reflected in this year’s results.
Surveillance CCTV Innovation Award
Camera technology continues to advance rapidly, pushing image quality, edge intelligence, and low-light performance to new levels. This category highlights products that expand the potential of surveillance itself.
Winner: Synectics – Synergy DETECT
Synectics took the top honour for Synergy DETECT, an analytics-powered surveillance system designed for complex environments. Its real-time insights and data processing capabilities set a new bar for situational awareness and proactive monitoring.
Runner-up: i-PRO – AI-enabled High-Zoom Bullet Camera (incl. LPR range)
i-PRO’s AI-enabled cameras gained recognition for precise imaging and advanced licence plate recognition, proving that clarity and intelligence can coexist at the edge.
The evolution of surveillance isn’t just about sharper pictures – it’s about sharper insights.
Visitor Management Innovation Award
The first point of contact in any secure environment is often the visitor system – and innovation here means rethinking convenience, communication, and control.
Winner: Ajax – DoorBell
Ajax’s DoorBell has redefined first impressions with its elegant design and smart functionality. Seamlessly integrated into a connected security ecosystem, it delivers intuitive interaction and peace of mind.
Runner-up: Intratone – SC-02
Intratone’s SC-02 was praised for offering an intelligent, network-based approach to visitor management, enhancing efficiency and accessibility.
The growing emphasis on user experience shows that strong security can still be welcoming.
Alarm/Detection Innovation Award
Detection is the foundation of prevention. This category recognises the technologies that spot threats early, respond fast, and do it all with precision.
Winner: Pyronix – CarDefender
Pyronix’s CarDefender resonated strongly with readers for addressing one of the most persistent challenges in urban security – vehicle theft. Compact, reliable, and easy to install, it brings targeted protection to everyday environments.
Runner-up: JCI – IQPM
JCI’s IQPM was noted for its adaptable design and intelligent integration capabilities across different detection scenarios.
Whether for vehicles, perimeters, or personal property, detection technology continues to evolve toward accuracy and efficiency.
Analytics and Software Innovation Award
In today’s data-driven world, analytics are what turn raw footage into actionable intelligence. This award celebrates solutions that give users greater awareness and control.
Winner: AI Tech – AI-Caption
A.I. Tech secured top honours with AI-Caption, an innovative tool that translates video content into meaningful context. By extracting key insights directly from footage, it transforms monitoring into measurable understanding – helping users make faster, smarter decisions.
Runner-up: Hanwha Vision – AI Packs (Factory & Safety AIA – C01FSP; Retail & Business AIA – C01RET; Traffic AIA – C01TRF)
Hanwha Vision’s suite of AI Packs impressed with its sector-specific intelligence, bringing tailored analytics to a wide range of applications.
Analytics remains one of the fastest-moving frontiers in security – bridging human intuition with machine precision.
Cloud and SaaS Innovation Award
As systems become increasingly distributed, cloud and SaaS solutions are redefining how security data is managed, stored, and accessed.
Winner: OpenEye – OpenEye Web Services
OpenEye’s Web Services platform leads the way with its hybrid-cloud architecture, giving organisations the flexibility to scale and adapt securely. By simplifying management and strengthening resilience, it captures the spirit of cloud innovation in security.
Runner-up: Genetec – Genetec Security Center SaaS
Genetec once again stood out for its commitment to scalable, cloud-native management that empowers users with secure access and integration across systems.
Cloud innovation continues to drive efficiency, agility, and reliability across every layer of security infrastructure.
Network and Connectivity Innovation Award
Behind every great system lies a reliable network. This category celebrates the unsung technologies that keep communication stable, secure, and fast.
Winner: CSL – CSL Router
CSL earned top marks for its CSL Router, purpose-built for professional security installations. Combining robust connectivity with strong cybersecurity credentials, it’s a clear choice for dependable, always-on performance.
Runner-up: Pacom – S1000 Controller
Pacom’s S1000 Controller gained praise for its versatility and reliability in integrated network environments.
These technologies remind us that solid infrastructure is the quiet enabler of every successful deployment.
Innovator Company of the Year
The highest recognition of all – this award honours consistent excellence, forward-thinking leadership, and a clear vision for the future of security.
Winner: HIK (Hikvision UK Ltd)
Hikvision continues to lead through innovation, sustainability, and AIoT integration. Its investments in analytics, automation, and cloud collaboration underline a long-term commitment to developing smarter, more connected systems that deliver real-world value.
Runner-up: HID Global
HID Global was recognised for its pioneering work in secure identity and access control, helping redefine how trust is established in the digital age.
Innovation, in this category, means more than a single breakthrough – it’s a sustained drive to shape the direction of the industry.
Distributor Company of the Year
Behind every installation, there’s a partner making it possible. This award celebrates those who bring technology, service, and expertise together to empower integrators and end users alike.
Winner: ADI
With its extensive product portfolio, trusted service, and dedication to customer success, ADI continues to set the benchmark for distribution excellence. Its balance of technical support and accessibility keeps innovation flowing across the industry.
Runner-up: System Q
System Q was applauded for its practical training resources and strong installer support, helping professionals stay informed and connected.
Each of these results reflects the opinions of professionals on the front line of security – the integrators, consultants, and end users who live with technology every day. The 2025 winners showcase how innovation grounded in usability and collaboration delivers lasting value.
Congratulations to all the finalists and winners – and to the readers who continue to define what innovation truly means.
Stay tuned for exclusive interviews and product insights from this year’s winners in upcoming issues of Benchmark.