The Access Control Executive Brief

The Future of Flexibility Episode 2: 𝗗𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝗗𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝗦𝗖 𝗪𝗲𝘀𝘁

Recorded live at ISC West 2025, this episode dives into the real forces shaping the future of access control. Lee Odess sits down with Manish Dalal (President, ZKTeco USA), Sal (OSDP specialist), and Esteban (Product specialist, ZKTeco USA) to explore how the industry is adapting to new standards, new expectations, and new realities.
What we cover:
Why OSDP is no longer optional—and what it takes to do it right
The mobile credential evolution: from Bluetooth to wallet-based access
Multi-tech readers, biometrics, and designing for flexibility at the edge
This isn’t just about products—it’s about the mindsets and strategies behind modern access control. If you’re in this space, you need to hear this.
Part 2 of a 3-part series from the show floor at ISC West.

Access the Future: Episode 1

Welcome to the inaugural episode of Access the Future—a new monthly podcast series brought to you by the Access Control Executive Brief and Acre Security. Hosted by Lee Odess, this series is your front-row seat to the trends, debates, and innovations reshaping the security technology landscape.
In this premiere episode, Lee is joined by Kumar Sokka, President of Intrusion and ComNet at Acre Security, to explore what security looks like in 2025 and beyond. Together, they unpack how traditional access control is evolving into a dynamic, data-driven ecosystem—one that's increasingly cloud-connected, AI-augmented, and customer-centric.
From redefining the role of mobile and user experience to bridging legacy systems with platform-driven innovation, this conversation dives deep into the transformative shifts affecting every corner of the industry. Lee and Kumar also make the case for a new shared vision—one that embraces convergence, talent reinvention, and proactive engagement with emerging technologies.
Whether you're a security professional, integrator, technology partner, or business leader, Access the Future is your guide to navigating change—and leading it.
🔊 Listen now and be part of the movement to shape what’s next in security.

Access Control Executive Brief #95: 2 Continents, 2 Weeks, 2 Major Security Showcases: A Rare Industry Alignment

In this free preview of Access Control Executive Brief 95, Lee Odess analyzes the unprecedented "security show lunar eclipse" as ISC West in Las Vegas and The Security Event in Birmingham converge within a two-week window. He breaks down key trends shaping the global security landscape in 2025:
Geopolitical juxtapositions between US and European markets
Economic concerns and their impact on innovation and M&A activity
The surge of investors walking the show floors
Industry talent migration and leadership changes
Platform strategies revolutionizing the industry
AI implementation - both marketed and behind-the-scenes
The convergence of access control and video technologies
LinkedIn's growing influence on industry relationships
He'll share predictions for both shows and follow up with analysis of what actually happened. Join Lee for insights beyond the obvious as we explore how these parallel events reveal the evolving security industry worldwide.
 
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Beyond Barriers: Security as a Catalyst to Do More: Intro

Join Lee Odess in this groundbreaking three-part series exploring how modern security systems can transform from mere protection to strategic enablers for your organization. Discover how leading companies are leveraging their security infrastructure to drive innovation, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
In this introduction, Lee outlines how security has evolved beyond traditional barriers to become a platform for possibility - to do more. Learn how organizations across industries—from manufacturing to healthcare—are using their security systems to optimize operations, enhance experiences, and create new value - and do more.
This series, a collaboration between Gallagher Security and the Access Control Executive Brief, will explore:
What's Possible: Reimagining security's potential
Becoming Capable: Building foundations for transformation
Transcending Boundaries: Security as a strategic enabler
Subscribe to catch all episodes and join us in discovering how security can DO MORE for your organization!

The Future of Flexibility Episode 1: How Access Control Technology is Reshaping Security | Ft. ZKTeco USA President

Join Lee Odess, CEO of The Access Control Executive Brief, for the premiere episode of "The Future of Flexibility" podcast series in partnership and underwritten by ZKTeco USA. In this groundbreaking conversation, Lee and Manish Dalal (President and Founder of ZKTeco USA) explore the critical crossroads facing the access control industry today.As traditional security expectations collide with technological innovation, we examine the evolving landscape of integration, choice, and trust in access control solutions. What does flexibility mean for tomorrow's security professionals? How can we preserve user choice while embracing new capabilities?This three-month series isn't just another technical discussion—it's an essential conversation about where our industry stands and where it's heading. Whether you're a manufacturer, integrator, or end user, these insights will help you navigate the complex decisions shaping security's future.
Topics covered:
The current state of access control technology
Emerging trends and future possibilities
Balancing innovation with user comfort and trust
The importance of flexibility in modern security system
Subscribe for new episodes as we continue to explore "The Future of Flexibility" in access control!

Access Control Executive Brief #94: Turning the Kaleidoscope: Reimagining Physical Security in the Digital Age

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 94, Lee Odess explores how the physical security industry stands at a critical inflection point. Explore how digital transformation has completely changed the lens through which we must view security challenges.
Just like a kaleidoscope creates entirely new patterns with the slightest rotation, our industry is experiencing a fundamental shift. We're moving from traditional access control focused solely on keeping bad people out, to a "Utility+" model that also drives operational efficiency and revenue generation.
Key topics covered:
Why separating cybersecurity and physical security no longer makes sense
How access control is evolving from a $10B to a $100B market opportunity
The era of "Utility+" - when security transforms from cost center to strategic business enabler
Why industry-wide collaboration and open standards are essential
How we can collectively shape this new paradigm together
Join the conversation at ISC West, The Security Event, ACS25 and beyond! This isn't my story — it's OUR story. Will you help create it?
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Access Control Executive Brief #92: Mercury Security: From Control(ler) to Collaboration

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 92, Lee Odess explores Mercury Security's announcement at MercTech, where they revealed plans to launch an App Store for their access control boards. Following in the footsteps of mainstream players, Mercury is opening up their platform to third-party developers, allowing for custom applications to be deployed directly on their hardware.
We'll discuss how this strategic shift could revolutionize the access control industry by enabling developers to get creative. The move promises benefits for everyone in the ecosystem - from OEMs and technology partners to end users - while maintaining the critical balance between innovation and security.Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Access Control Executive Brief #91: Dubai's Security Tech Paradox: Balancing Tradition, Innovation, and Regional Dynamics

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 91, Join Lee Odess for an illuminating discussion about the transformative state of Dubai's security market, as experienced firsthand at Intersec Dubai. Lee shares insights from this pivotal industry event, where traditional practices meet ambitious innovation⁠.Episode Highlights:
An inside look at Dubai's unique position as a mature security market within the region, balancing established processes with significant growth potential⁠⁠
Exclusive insights from key industry players, including visits to SIS, NV5, and Dubai Asset Holding Management (DAHM)⁠
⁠​Discussion of the Thought Leadership Pavilion featuring 30 presentations from global industry leaders⁠⁠​
Analysis of the market's careful approach to technological adoption, especially in cloud and mobile solutions⁠
Exploration of the contrasts between Dubai and Saudi Arabia's security markets⁠
⁠​This episode offers valuable insights for security industry professionals, technology innovators, and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of one of the world's most fascinating security markets. Whether you're a seasoned player in the Middle East market or observing from afar, this discussion provides crucial perspectives on where the industry is heading⁠.

Access Control Executive Brief #90: My Visit to PDQ Industries

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 90, Lee Odess provides an insider's look at PDQ Industries' remarkable transformation from a family-owned door hardware manufacturer to a dynamic industry player under new leadership. The piece details PDQ's strategic evolution, highlighting their new mantra of "Speed, Value, and Ease" and their successful operational changes in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The podcast explores PDQ's expansion into the Middle East market, its innovative manufacturing and customer service approaches, and its promising position in the changing landscape of commercial door hardware. Through personal observations and industry insights, Odess paints a picture of an American manufacturer successfully adapting to modern market demands while maintaining its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief

Access Control Executive Brief #89: Top 5 Trends in Access Control for 2025

In this free preview of the Access Control Executive Brief 89, industry expert Lee Odess shares his insights on the transformative trends shaping access control in 2025. Discover what's next for the industry and how these changes could impact your business.
Want the full analysis? Members get complete access to all our in-depth content, exclusive insights, and our active Slack community. Join us at https://www.leeodess.com/executivebrief