In brief: Acre enhances dealer reach, Zeus adds PM Alarms, ESA delivers intelligence

AUSTIN, Texas—Acre Security has joined the AiN Group approved partner ecosystem, expanding access to its security portfolio across AiN’s network of independent dealers.

AiN operates as a networking group of approximately 700 independent dealer businesses, providing members with collective resources to compete and grow in an increasingly complex market. Through the partnership, AiN dealers gain access to Acre’s full portfolio of cloud, hybrid and on‑premises security solutions, enabling them to source multiple technologies through a single vendor relationship. 

As organizations face growing pressure to secure more complex environments, many are seeking to consolidate vendors and simplify how they procure and manage security infrastructure. Independent dealers play a central role in that process, helping customers evaluate options, manage deployments and integrate access control, intrusion and broader security operations.

The Acre–AiN partnership is intended to give independent dealers a broader portfolio to support those efforts.

“Dealers are on the front lines of helping organizations manage complexity across access control, intrusion and broader security operations,” said Kumar Sokka, CEO of Acre Security. “AiN represents the kind of partner network we want to grow with as we make Acre’s portfolio more accessible to independent dealers and the customers they serve.”

“Acre Security brings our dealers access to a broader physical security portfolio through a single partner relationship,” said Speros Venios, president of AiN Group. “That makes it easier to source, position and sell solutions that address a wider range of customer needs.”

Zeus Fire and Security acquires PM Alarms 

PAOLI, Pa.—Zeus Fire and Security has acquired PM Alarms, a Chattanooga‑based provider of fire alarm and electronic security services, expanding its footprint across Southeast Tennessee. 

PM Alarms, founded in 1961, delivers commercial fire alarm systems, intrusion security, access control, video solutions and video monitoring services. The company is licensed in Tennessee and Georgia and has built a long-standing regional reputation for locally focused service. 

As part of the transaction, PM Alarms will align with Zeus partner Gallaher & Associates, strengthening Zeus’s presence in the Tennessee market. Zeus Fire and Security is a portfolio company of Baltimore‑based private equity firm Access Holdings. 

“The addition of PM Alarms marks another step forward as we continue to strengthen our presence in Tennessee,” said Brandon Ramsey, president and COO of Zeus Fire and Security. “PM Alarms’ reputation and customer-first approach align well with Gallaher’s culture and our broader platform.”

Zeus said PM Alarms customers will gain access to an expanded range of fire protection and security services, as well as enhanced monitoring capabilities and national support resources. PM Alarms employees will also have access to expanded training and career development opportunities through the Zeus platform. 

“We’re excited to welcome PM Alarms into the Gallaher and Zeus family,” said Max Thomas, president of Gallaher & Associates. “This partnership allows us to combine our shared commitment to local service with additional resources that benefit customers across the region.” 

Stephen Castello, owner of PM Alarms, will remain involved during the transition to support continuity for customers and employees. 

“Joining Gallaher and Zeus is the right next step for our customers and our team,” he said. “Our customers will continue working with the same people they know, with additional tools and support behind them.” 

ESA launches Industry Research Center, unveils Performance Index

IRVING, Texas—The Electronic Security Association (ESA) announced the launch of its ESA Industry Research Center at the Electronic Security Expo (ESX), marking it as a new initiative aimed at delivering economic and industry intelligence to the electronic security and life safety market. 

Research center targets industry visibility 

The Research Center, developed in partnership with macroeconomic forecasting firm Beacon Economics, is designed to provide integrators and dealers with data to better understand industry performance, growth trends and forward trajectory, according to the association. 

At the center of the initiative is the forthcoming ESA Industry Performance Index (IPI), a composite score ranging from 0 to 100 that measures the health and trajectory of the industry. ESA said the index is based specifically on factors that influence the security and life safety sector, rather than broader economic indicators. 

Index framework focuses on four key areas 

The IPI measures industry health across four dimensions. Business Activity and Market Growth tracks current demand and future trajectory, including revenue trends, project backlogs, segment growth, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) activity and sales velocity. 

Workforce Capacity and Pressure assesses whether the industry can meet that demand, monitoring hiring timelines, vacancy rates, wage pressures and the widening skills gap between traditional field roles and AI-enabled technical positions. 

Revenue and Business Model Health looks beyond topline growth to evaluate earnings durability, analyzing profit margins, the shift toward recurring revenue and contract quality. 

Rounding out the index, Technology and AI Adoption tracks the pace of modernization, from proactive monitoring and connected systems integration to customer-facing technology and cybersecurity readiness. 

ESA said the index is scheduled to launch in July 2026. 

Leadership frames initiative as industry milestone 

Kevin Stone, ESA chairman and COO of Doyle Security Systems, said in a statement that the Research Center marks a significant step forward for the industry. 

“For the first time, integrators and dealers will have access to the kind of rigorous, purpose-built economic intelligence that supports smarter decisions, stronger businesses, and a more resilient industry overall,” he said.

Octave completes spinoff from Hexagon AB 

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.—Octave Intelligence plc completed its spinoff from Hexagon AB and began trading May 28 on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker OCTV, establishing the company as an independent provider of data-driven intelligence solutions. The separation was finalized May 22, when Hexagon distributed all shares of its wholly owned subsidiary Octave to Hexagon shareholders. Trading of Octave’s Swedish depository receipts (SDRs) followed on May 25 on Nasdaq Stockholm. “Today marks a new day for our customers, employees and partners,” said CEO Mattias Stenberg, who said the company is focused on addressing fragmented data environments by connecting intelligence across organizations and infrastructure. 

Poll - Americans back AI surveillance with guardrails amid safety concerns 

AMERICAN FORK, Utah—A new national survey highlights growing concern about public safety in the U.S., alongside broad - but conditional - support for artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance technologies. The 2026 Public Safety & Privacy Benchmark, released by LiveView Technologies (LVT) and conducted by The Harris Poll, surveyed 2,089 U.S. adults and found that Americans largely support the use of video cameras, license plate readers and facial recognition in public spaces, provided clear safeguards are in place. 

SIA adds more keynote and featured speakers to Perimeter PREVENT lineup 

SILVER SPRING, Md.—The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced additional keynote and featured speakers for its 2026 Perimeter PREVENT symposium, scheduled for June 24 in Washington, D.C. The event, focused on perimeter security for government and commercial environments, will bring together policymakers, federal officials, architects, engineers and solution providers to address emerging challenges in physical security and critical infrastructure protection. Newly added to the keynote lineup is David K. Hernandez, director of global security design and engineering at The Walt Disney Company. Hernandez will deliver the afternoon keynote session, titled “The Integrated Perimeter: Convergint Technology Into Outcomes,” examining how organizations can better connect perimeter technologies and operational workflows to improve visibility, accelerate decision-making and enhance resilience. 

ProdataKey adds geofencing to mobile access platform 

DRAPER, Utah—ProdataKey (PDK) has introduced geofencing capabilities to its PDK.io cloud-based access control platform, enabling location-aware controls for mobile credentials. The new feature allows system administrators to establish virtual boundaries around a site or system and limit mobile credential functionality to users who are physically within a defined distance of that location. The company says the capability is designed to reduce credential misuse while maintaining the convenience of mobile access. Geofencing is configured through access rules within PDK.io and applies to credentials issued via the PDK Access mobile app. The feature supports adjustable distance settings to accommodate different property types and deployment environments, including multi-site systems using cloud nodes. 

Iveda debuts real-time zero-shot AI for video detection 

MESA, Ariz.—Iveda has announced the launch of a real-time “zero-shot” artificial intelligence (AI) detection capability within its IvedaAI platform, allowing users to create and deploy video analytics models using natural language prompts. The feature enables operators to input a term such as “shoplifting” or “suspicious behavior,” which the system then converts into an active detection model applied to live or recorded video feeds. According to the company, the process eliminates the need for traditional model training, data labeling and deployment timelines. 

ISS expands SecurOS UVSS line with four versions, performance upgrades 

WOODBRIDGE, N.J.—Intelligent Security Systems (ISS) has expanded its SecurOS UVSS (under‑vehicle surveillance system) product line, rolling out four solution tiers and adding processing, speed and artificial intelligence (AI) enhancements aimed at a broader range of security environments. The updated lineup includes SecurOS UVSS Essential, Pro, Elite and Mobile, allowing customers to select systems based on site size, throughput requirements and deployment needs.

Allied Universal wins Association for Corporate Growth Award  

IRVINE, Calif.—Allied Universal announced it has received the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) award in the Global category from the Orange County chapter for its outstanding global expansion. “Allied Universal’s impressive global expansion is a prime example of forward-thinking growth,” said Michael Lutfi, chair of the ACG Orange County and Inland Empire Awards Committee. “The company’s investments in technology-based security platforms and advanced workforce management systems have significantly enhanced service delivery across their global operations and set a strong standard for global corporate growth.” 

Verkada names Carlos Rocha LATAM country manager 

SAN MATEO, Calif.—Verkada has promoted Carlos Rocha to country manager for Latin America (LATAM) as the company accelerates regional growth amid rising demand for artificial intelligence (AI)-powered physical security solutions. Based in Mexico City, Rocha will oversee go-to-market strategy, sales operations and partner development across LATAM. He joined Verkada as its first employee in Mexico and has helped grow the regional team to more than 30 employees. “Carlos has been instrumental in building Verkada’s business in Latin America from the ground up,” said Eric Salava, chief revenue officer at Verkada.  

Speco Technologies taps Jack Plunkett as director of innovation 

AMITYVILLE, N.Y.—Speco Technologies has appointed Jack Plunkett as director of innovation, effective June 1, 2026. Plunkett brings decades of experience in IoT technologies, connected devices, analytics and sensor development. In the role, he will help guide innovation across the company’s portfolio of security and connected technology solutions. At Speco, Plunkett will focus on advancing the company’s technology roadmap across connected devices, analytics, cloud platforms and sensor-based solutions.