Benchmark Innovation Awards are focused on innovation in the areas of technologies, solutions, services and products that provide solutions in the security sector.
In 2022, we had a significant number of votes from our readers , so we have included the winners in each category and the companies that came in second place.
What we noticed in 2022 was that since the end of the lockdown, businesses had not entirely gone back to being ‘as usual.’ As a result, security industry leaders have had to come up with strategies, new services and products to achieve business resilience in the long term. Now more than ever, security businesses need to consider the macro trends driving growth when they plan for the future.
Along with staff shortages, a lack of new trainees entering the industry, and financial uncertainty, 2021 and 2022 have been years of supply chain disruption. Ninety-four per cent of Fortune 1000 companies have experienced supply chain disruptions as a result of Covid-19, according to Accenture.
Today we live in a world where change has been the name of the game, and adaptation has happened more often than not through innovation. The use of technology in the workplace and at home has forced businesses and individuals to rethink their relationship with technology.
Many businesses have adapted to a more flexible way of working, thus resulting in an even greater reliance on technology than they did in the past, which also shows in the solutions needed for the market.
Here are the companies that have excelled in their innovative solutions and have been recognised by Benchmark readers in the Benchmark Innovation Awards 2022.
Video Management Software innovation
Winner: Cathexis – CathexisVision Video Surveillance Management Software upgraded suite
The new open architecture suite provides solutions to satisfy all security and infrastructure management requirements across various market sectors. In addition, the software’s features and analytics suite offer integration with leading IP camera brands and systems such as access control, perimeter monitoring, point-of-sale, intercoms and more, making CathexisVision a comprehensive security solution.
Second: Atos
Surveillance innovation (CCTV)
Winner: Hikvision – HeatPro Series
Hikvision’s HeatPro thermal cameras, now in their third generation, include added-value features and a low installation cost. Thermal cameras such as Hikvision’s HeatPro Series take advantage of thermal radiation to make invisible thermal radiation ‘visible’ in the form of heat zone images. HeatPro models support temperature measurements in the range of -20 °C to 150°C, with an accuracy of ± 8°C.
Second: Dahua
Visitor Management innovation
Winner: Hikvision All-in-one Indoor Station
The All-in-one Indoor Station has a built-in Hik-Connect App, which controls and manages all Hikvision access control, video security, NVRs, intrusion alarm, video intercom, and alarm devices. The station also features easy integration with third-party Android applications, adding new levels of user convenience. Apps, such as Spotify or Alexa, can also be loaded on the tablet.
Second: Paxton’s – Paxton 10
Alarm/detection innovation
Winner: Johnson Controls – Qolsys IQ2
The IQ Panel 2 features a 7-inch HD, edge-to-edge capacitive glass screen and a modern, clean user interface (UI). The IQ Panel 2 combines legacy, current, and future protocols seamlessly with seven wireless radios. The panel supports multi-gestures and has a resolution of 1280 x 800, allowing you to navigate using swipes and gestures that consumers expect today. Moreover, the display only shows pages for devices that have been added, thus reducing clutter and making the system more intuitive.
Second: Texecom – Capture motion sensors
Analytics and software innovation
Winner: IPS Securiton – Intelligent Video Software
IPS NextGen VideoAnalytics to version 13 offers intrusion detection, loitering, and privacy detection. The new features make the solution much more desirable and provide an all-in-one licence option for users. In addition, the combined video analytics are now available for fixed cameras and can be configured easily, all for one fixed price.
Second: COSMO – COSMO PSIM+ IoT System
Cloud/SaaS innovation
WebeyeCMS, Webeye’s cloud-based security platform, is the first cloud-only alarm handling platform designed specifically for the CCTV sector. WebeyeCMS is an intelligent platform that uses fail-safe methods via the cloud to send, receive, and monitor alarms via a secure platform. This video monitoring solution does not require capital infrastructure and has been designed to be straightforward, easy to configure and use, and cost-effective.
Second: Eagle Eye Networks – Eagle Eye LPR (license plate recognition)
Network & connectivity innovation
Texecom Monitor provides turn-key digital tools and services to leading ARCs and installers specifically designed to help grow and optimise their business. Launched only in April 2022, it provides digital tools designed to help installers raise service levels, automate tasks, and get robust analytics, all while reducing overheads – saving time and money.
Second: CSL – CSL Router Pro and Broadband
Innovator (company) of the Year Award
As a designer and manufacturer of integrated security and access control products, Inner Range is a market leader in this field. The company offers a great deal of flexibility and great integration with 3rd party products. The company’s systems all have standard integrated intruder alarms that meet Grade 3 requirements.
Second: Webeye