Volume 16 | May 9, 2025
This Weeks Featured Articles & Media
Mike Niola | Design Like You Belong – Why Security Professionals Must Think Like Architects
This article calls for a cultural shift in the security industry, urging consultants to integrate security into architectural design from the start rather than treating it as an afterthought. By collaborating early and appreciating architectural intent, security professionals can enhance both aesthetics and system effectiveness while reducing project friction.
Ronen Isaac | How I Hooked Up an Axis Camera to Trigger a Strobe Light with MQTT and Node-RED
What started as a fun idea to flash a strobe when a camera sees someone turned into a clever automation project using Axis, MQTT, and Node-RED. This playful build shows how open protocols and creativity can transform modern security systems into powerful, flexible tools—no boring tech required.
Steve Van Till x Larry Gadea | Podcast - The New Security Network
Steve recently spoke with Larry Gadea, Founder and CEO of Envoy, about how visitor management and access control are evolving to meet the changing needs of modern workplaces. Listen in to hear about forward-looking insights on how technology is reshaping our interaction with physical spaces.
The Access Control Collective x Gallagher Security | Podcast: Barriers: Security as a Catalyst to Do More
Episode 2 of Access the Future explores what it truly means to be “capable” in modern security, where success depends on integrating systems, leveraging emerging tech, and building teams that turn complexity into action. Joined by Mike Margrain of Gallagher Security, we break down how real capability connects strategy with execution to unlock smarter, scalable outcomes.
The Access Control Collective x acre security | Podcast: Access The Future: Customer Demands and Expectations Shifts
Episode 2 of Access the Future explores how access control is shifting from feature lists to full-scale problem-solving. Justin Wilmas of acre security breaks down why simplifying complexity and delivering platform-based solutions is now the key to winning over today’s security buyers.
The Access Control Collective | The Access Control Executive Brief
Celebrating a huge milestone of 100 briefs, The Access Control Collective is offering 100 twelve-month professional memberships. Read all about it below.
The Access Control Collective | ACS San Sebastián
Join us May 28- 29th in beautiful San Sebastián, Spain, and be a part of the revolutionary conversations shaping the security industry.
Find them all below!
In the world of security consulting, the focus is often centered on threats, risks, vulnerabilities, and the selection of technologies that can help mitigate them. Access control systems, cameras, intrusion detection sensors, and protective barriers are all part of the toolbox. However, in our pursuit of building more secure environments, we have often failed to consider the environments themselves; not just how they function, but how they feel, how they look, and how they are experienced.
After two decades working with architects to incorporate security into their designs, I’ve come to believe that if the security industry is to evolve and truly elevate its influence, we must begin to appreciate and integrate with the discipline of architecture. It’s time we design security systems into these environments—not simply onto them. This shift isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about a philosophical and cultural transformation that will strengthen our relationships with architects, enrich our designs, and influence the future of security technology itself.
The Disconnect Between Security and Architecture
Security consultants are often brought into the design process late, frequently after major building design components have already been defined. This late-stage engagement leads to security devices being retrofitted into designs, mounted on walls like an afterthought, and seen as intrusive rather than integrated. When that happens, security systems are not only less effective, but they also become a point of friction in otherwise beautifully designed spaces.
This dynamic often stems from a cultural divide. Architects are trained to think holistically and visually. Their goal is to create buildings that inspire, that evoke emotion, that harmonize with their surroundings. Security consultants, on the other hand, are trained to look for what could go wrong. We scrutinize, dissect, and safeguard. These goals aren’t mutually exclusive, but too often, they are treated as if they are.
The result? Security elements are seen as “necessary evils” that mar the architectural vision. Cameras are awkwardly placed. Card readers are mounted without context. Bollards look like prison infrastructure. We’re designing against the building rather than with it.
But what if we approached security design like an architect would? What if, instead of treating devices as separate components, we saw them as part of a building’s material palette—no different than glass, steel, or stone?
Appreciating architecture means understanding how lines, shapes, materials, and lighting create a cohesive narrative. When we begin to see our cameras, readers, and sensors as design elements that contribute to that narrative, the result is more harmonious. A recessed camera within a soffit or a reader that complements a metal trim isn’t just more attractive—it is more secure, less tamper-prone, and less obtrusive to users.
This philosophy echoes a key principle in architecture: form follows function. Security systems must function, yes, but they can also be beautiful. They can enhance, rather than detract from, the environment. And when we design with that intent, the end product is not only more effective, but more accepted.
Security as Part of the Design Language: A Cultural Shift Within the AEC Industry
The broader implications of this mindset are profound. If security consultants began to value and study architecture, our conversations with design teams would shift. We would be more empathetic to their goals. We would speak their language. We would move from being seen as technical advisors to becoming design collaborators.
This cultural shift would also improve project outcomes. Architects would no longer resist the inclusion of security features, because those features would be presented in a way that aligns with their vision. Security would no longer be a bolt-on layer, it would be embedded in the DNA of the building.
Over time, this change in how we think and collaborate would influence the tools and technologies available to us. If consultants begin to demand devices that are more discreet, elegant, and designed with aesthetics in mind, manufacturers will respond. We could see a new generation of products that are not only smarter and more secure, but also more beautiful.
Imagine a world where a camera looks like part of the ceiling plane. Where a stanchion blends seamlessly with a landscape feature. Where security furniture complements lobby architecture. These things are not only possible—they are necessary if we want security to feel like a natural part of the built environment.
Building Bridges with the Design Community
Appreciating architecture isn’t about becoming architects. It’s about respecting their craft enough to want to work alongside them, not just as security professionals, but as fellow designers. To do this, we must immerse ourselves in their process. That means understanding architectural design thinking, knowing what a massing model represents, and recognizing how building systems coordinate with one another.
Security consultants should attend design charrettes. We should sketch, not just annotate. We should be in early meetings, when spatial adjacencies and circulation paths are being decided. This is when we can influence the siting of security control rooms, optimize entry vestibules for access control, and plan for conduits and cable paths that won’t interfere with aesthetic features.
When architects see that we care about their priorities, trust is built. That trust opens doors to deeper collaboration and ultimately, to better buildings.
Real-World Benefits of Integrated Design
There are practical benefits to this approach beyond better aesthetics. Integrating security design into the architectural process: Reduces Cost Overruns – Devices planned early can be coordinated with finishes, reducing rework and change orders.
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Improves Effectiveness – Cameras have better fields of view when planned with the building layout in mind.
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Minimizes User Friction – Access control flows more naturally when aligned with entry paths and spatial sequences.
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Enhances Long-Term Maintenance – Devices are easier to service when installed with forethought.
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Promotes Occupant Comfort – Environments feel safer but not oppressive when security is discreet and intuitive.
Each of these outcomes enhances the value we bring to a project and increases the likelihood that our recommendations will be embraced.
Toward a Shared Design Ethos
Ultimately, embracing architecture isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about adopting a shared ethos, one that values thoughtful design, user experience, and the human response to space. Security is fundamentally about people: protecting them, guiding them, and responding to their behaviors. Architects are also in the business of shaping human experience. When we recognize that alignment, we become more than risk mitigators. We become experience designers.
This evolution in thinking will take time. It requires a re-education of the security community, a greater focus on design thinking, and a willingness to leave our silos. But the reward is worth it: stronger partnerships, better projects, and a more elevated role for security in the design of our built environment.
Security professionals have always been tasked with protecting people, assets, and infrastructure. But in today’s world, where safety, aesthetics, and experience intersect, we must expand our toolkit to include an understanding of architecture and design thinking. Not just because it makes our systems look better, but because it makes them work better.
By designing security into spaces rather than onto them, we elevate our role and contribute to buildings that are not only safer, but smarter, more seamless, and more inspiring. The future of security consulting depends on our ability to evolve, not just in technology, but in philosophy. Let’s step up, learn the language of design, and build a more integrated future, one beautiful building at a time.
About the Author: Michael Niola, PSP, CPTED
Mike is Principal and Co-founder of Consulting Group LLC, a security consulting and engineering firm focused on delivering holistic solutions for the built environment. Everywhere from Data Centers to Healthcare campuses, he looks to provide value directly within the fast-moving markets experiencing technological revolutions that affect how buildings are planned, designed, built, and operated.
This all started with a strobe light.
Not because I needed one, but because I wanted one. You know—just a casual thought: “Wouldn’t it be fun to make a security camera trigger a strobe when it sees something?” The answer is yes. Yes, it would.
So, I set out to do it using an Axis camera, MQTT, and Node-RED. Here’s the simplified walk-through of how I wired it all together, plus a few things I learned along the way.
Step 1: Getting the Axis Camera to See Something
I used Axis Object Analytics (AOA), which is built into Axis cameras, to detect when a person entered the scene. The setup is pretty simple: within the Axis web interface, you draw your detection zone, pick what objects you want to trigger events (like “person”), and it generates a rule based on that.
Axis lets you configure an action rule that sends an HTTP notification when the camera sees something. This becomes our trigger.
Step 2: Pushing the Event to MQTT
I wanted to relay this trigger to another system—in this case, Node-RED—using MQTT (a lightweight messaging protocol). Axis has a neat feature for publishing MQTT messages directly from the camera.
Once you configure MQTT in the Axis settings (by pointing it to your broker and enabling the right security settings), the camera can publish a custom message every time the rule is triggered. Think of it like: “Hey, I saw a person. Here's a message about it.”
I set mine to publish to a topic called axis/camera/trigger with a message like {"event": "person_detected"}.
Step 3: Making Node-RED React
Node-RED is a flow-based tool for wiring things together, often used in home automation. It listens for events—in this case, MQTT messages—and responds accordingly.
I created a simple flow that:
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Has an MQTT dispatcher that receives messages from the camera and filters for events
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The strobe is subscribed to the MQTT broker and listens to messages it receives.
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When the strobe sees the topic axis/camera/trigger and triggers a light and sound profile.
Voilà : person enters scene → camera sees person → MQTT sends message → Node-RED turns on strobe & so much more
Why This Matters (Beyond the Cool Factor)
Sure, a strobe light is fun. But the bigger takeaway here is how accessible and flexible modern security systems can be when you combine open protocols with some creativity. Axis cameras support MQTT and HTTP natively. Node-RED gives you drag-and-drop logic. And from there, you can do a lot more than turn on a flashy light.
This same flow could trigger a pre-recorded announcement, a custom Slack alert, or even lock/unlock a door based on context. You’re only limited by your imagination—and maybe your MQTT debugging skills.
Want the Full Tutorial?
If you want the exact MQTT payloads, Node-RED flow code, and smart plug setup, I broke it all down step-by-step in the full blog post here:
At The Boring Lab, our mission has always been to make security less boring. If you geek out on security system tutorials and weird stuff like this, subscribe to my Not Boring Newsletter. It's a monthly dose of Milestone tips, security hot takes, and unapologetically nerdy commentary on everything in between. Join the community at https://theboringlab.com/newsletter-sign-up/.
Follow Ronen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronenisaac/
About the Author
Ronen Isaac is the CEO and co-founder of The Boring Lab, where he’s on a mission to make managing video surveillance systems less tedious and more efficient to manage. When he’s not building tools that save VMS admins hours of work, he’s probably wiring up a strobe light just to see if he can.
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Want more hands-on tutorials, VMS tips, and security hot takes? Subscribe to Ronen’s NOT Boring Newsletter.
This week, The New Security Network by Steve Van Till released a new podcast episode with Larry Gadea, the CEO of Envoy. Both Steve and Larry are prominent figures in the security industry, and will both be speaking and sharing more insights at ACS 2025. Listen in to this podcast for an insightful conversation about the rapid transformation of visitor management and access control in today’s workplaces. As technology reshapes how we interact with physical spaces, Larry offered a forward-looking perspective on the evolving demands of both businesses and employees. Some key topics featured in this podcast are:
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The rise of seamless integrations and mobile-first experiences — Larry emphasized how modern workplace technology is now expected to be intuitive, interconnected, and optimized for smartphones. These advancements are raising the bar for both convenience and security, fundamentally altering how people move through and interact with office environments.
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The importance of simplicity and accessibility — In an era of constant digital noise, products that are easy to use and understand play a crucial role in building trust with users. Larry highlighted that frictionless user experiences not only boost adoption rates but also reinforce a company’s commitment to transparency and user-centric design.
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Why innovation is more important than ever — With software-based solutions lowering traditional barriers to market entry, companies must continuously evolve to remain competitive. Larry shared that ongoing product development and a relentless focus on user needs are essential strategies for sustaining long-term growth and relevance in a fast-paced, tech-driven landscape.
This episode is all about what it really means to be capable in today’s security landscape—operationally, technologically, and strategically.
Lee is joined by Mike Margrain, Technical Director at Gallagher Security, for a powerful conversation about the foundational elements that enable security teams to do more with the tools at their disposal. We unpack how true capability isn’t just about adopting the latest technology—it’s about building the right systems, teams, and mindset to turn innovation into measurable impact.
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Integrating physical and digital layers of security
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Harnessing AI, machine learning, biometrics, and IoT to anticipate and respond in real time
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Structuring teams and workflows that transform advanced tech into meaningful outcomes
Because let’s be honest—tech alone isn’t the answer. What matters is your ability to operationalize it, scale it, and deliver value from it.
Capability is the connective tissue between intention and execution. It's what enables organizations to shift from reactive to proactive, and from siloed to strategic.
In Episode 3, we’ll talk about how security can Transcend—moving beyond traditional boundaries to become a core business enabler. But before we get there, we need to get capable. Let’s dig in to episode 2.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c95Ezd4HCwc
Episode 2 of Access the Future, a podcast collaboration between acre security and The Access Control Executive Brief, dives deep into the changing dynamics of the access control industry. In this episode, host Lee Odess is joined by Justin Wilmas, Executive Vice President of Sales at acre security, for an insightful conversation about how customer demands and expectations have fundamentally shifted.
Together, they unpack a critical truth: today’s buyers aren’t looking for long lists of features—they’re looking for solutions that directly address their challenges. The conversation emphasizes how the role of the seller is evolving from offering standalone products to delivering comprehensive, flexible platforms tailored to real-world needs.
Wilmas highlights the growing importance of "simplifying the complexity" in security infrastructure—making systems easier to deploy, integrate, and manage across industries. This isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a new industry standard driven by rising customer expectations and accelerated digital transformation.
The discussion also explores the nuances of different market verticals, emerging deployment models, and how go-to-market strategies must evolve to meet customers where they are—both technologically and operationally. The key message: the access control landscape hasn't merely begun to change—it already has, and staying ahead means understanding and adapting to that reality now.
The Access Control Collective has just hit a major milestone—its 100th Access Control Executive Brief has officially been released to Members. To celebrate, the team is giving away 100 twelve-month professional memberships to mark the occasion.
This achievement reflects years of dedication, covering a wide range of topics and countless hours of thoughtful writing. But what truly gives this milestone meaning is the vibrant community of Members—both corporate and individual—who continue to support, engage with, and elevate the work of The Collective. Their involvement has made it all possible.
Want a free membership? It’s easy: connect with any current member, ask for the special coupon code, then head to the website to sign up and apply it—no strings attached, just 12 months of full access.
For those following along on LinkedIn, now’s the perfect time to take the next step. Becoming a member unlocks access to the private Slack community, direct Brief delivery, and a growing network of professionals reshaping the access control conversation.
Here’s to the next 100 Briefs—and to the community making it all possible.
We spotlight each city's unique cultural fingerprint and pair local visionaries with global leaders—recognizing that behind every technical innovation are real people with distinctive backgrounds.
Technology is ultimately created by people with stories, accents, traditions, and regional perspectives worth celebrating - so we do.
That’s why we’re putting the mic in their hands at ACS:
Marc Handels
Ruben Wegman
Jose Antonio Magana
Ivan Kravchenko
Travis Willis, CFF
Josh Hartmann
Olivia Renaud
Giovanni Bettinazzi
Tess Mattisson
Onur Sirmatel
Juan Andrés Arias
Join us May 28- 29th in San Sebastián, Spain. Register here.
