GSX 2024: 3 Important Take-Aways

GSX 2024: Setting the tone as we close the year

GSX is always one of the most exhilarating and dynamic events in the security industry, and this year’s event did not disappoint. Despite the looming threat of Hurricane Helene at the end of the conference, which prompted an early departure for many, the energy was palpable! Industry visionaries, world-class speakers, and security management professionals from around the globe gathered to explore the latest security trends, showcase cutting-edge security products, and foster connections across the distribution channel. One of the best parts of these conferences is finding common themes that set the tone across the security industry for the coming year.  Here are our top three take-aways from GSX 2024.

What Did We Learn?

1. Security is more important than ever and relationships count!

GSX 2024 was busy! Connecting with customers and meeting friends was undoubtedly a highlight. This person-to-person interaction made one thing very apparent: relationships matter. The consumer trend of relying on relationships and recommendations is becoming more prominent in the security industry as we continue to grow and as security technology becomes more critical across diverse industries. While you may rely on Google to search for a great restaurant in a new city, a friendly referral or confirmation of a stellar experience will often make you feel more confident navigating your options, right? So it goes in the security industry: Professional relationships and reputation matter and have a big impact on the technology they represent.

Ricce Gargano, Regional Business Development Manager at GardaWorld, eloquently sums it up like this: “GSX is a magical conference, bringing those seeking the best-in-class security solutions in touch with the best-in-class security providers.”  We’re professionals and take our industry seriously, so invest in the best technology and services and the best professionals in which to do business.

2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a top priority – and it’s everywhere.

AI is no longer just a future concept or buzzword: it’s the reality. Security professionals are embracing all kinds of AI-driven technology and learning more about it. AI solutions are now ubiquitous, making spaces safer and more secure through offerings ranging from robotics and drones to facial recognition, license plate recognition (LPR), and more.

Another key theme at GSX 2024 was mainstreaming cyber security, where the boundaries between cyber and physical security are becoming increasingly blurred. Criminals are leveraging AI in both realms, making the need for robust security measures more pressing than ever. This intersection was a clear message from GSX.

3. Return on Investment (ROI) is a C-Suite question, and security has the answer.

While security professionals are eagerly trying to save our part of the world, our leadership is always reminding us about budget! We heard it time and again as we walked the GSX floor. But, get ready for some good news: security solutions are starting to prove a significant ROI, and we have the data to prove it!

For instance, people know that video analytics make your environment safer and more secure, accelerate investigations, increase productivity, and even provide critical business intelligence, but they still hesitate to pull the trigger due to the financial investment. However, a recent survey by OMDIA, an independent research group, determined that organizations who use video analytics experienced a return on their investment in as little as 90 days, and most seeing a significant return on investment within the first six months. The top three areas where organizations have seen the most impact in ROI:

• • Reducing the theft/loss prevention
  • Reducing frontline security costs
  • Reducing time spent on frontline security tasks

With that kind of rapid return, video analytics step out of the realm of “luxury technology” to a no-brainer investment. Now, that’s something to share with the C-suite when you need money for your security budget!

The security industry front and center

GSX 2024 was, as always, a fabulous safety and security event that leads the way in security innovation, education, and networking! It’s exciting to see the security industry taking a more prominent place as diverse industries realize the critical importance of security technologies, like video analytics, for their entire organization. Who doesn’t want an impressive return on investment that creates safer, more secure places to work, learn, and travel?!

Interested in learning more about the ROI of video analytics? Check out this exclusive Omdia report and discover the impact of video analytics across diverse industries.