John Hopefl, Author at Convergint

Use Case: Tailored DEA-Validated Vault Solutions for Pharmaceuticals

Convergint stands as a premier provider of DEA-validated vault and cage solutions, with demonstrated expertise in solutions for the pharmaceutical industry. For over forty years, Convergint CustomVault has been at the forefront of designing modular vault systems and wire cages that meet the rigorous standards of 21 CFR 1301.72 for the secure storage of Schedule I, II, III, IV, and V controlled substances. The service portfolio includes design, engineering, installation, and service for modular vaults based at pharmaceutical manufacturers, pharmaceutical distributors, and healthcare facilities requiring DEA-compliant physical security. Ultimately, Convergint CustomVault provides customized solutions and outstanding service end to end as evidenced in the following use case.

Review this use case to learn how Convergint emphasizes the critical role of robust security infrastructure in protecting pharmaceutical companies’ assets, data, and operations from diverse industry threats.

View the Case Study Here.

Download Full Case Study

Learn more.

Contact an expert today to learn how Convergint’s innovative solutions can help safeguard an organization’s assets and operations against emerging security threats.

Effective security and safety is a multi-layered approach involving people, processes, and technologies. Convergint-provided products and services are only one part of this multi-layered approach, will not detect or prevent all threats or solve every risk, and should not be your sole method of security or safety. Please see the “IMPORTANT PRODUCT SAFETY AND SERVICE INFORMATION” documentation, available at convergint.com/terms, prior to using a Convergint-installed system.

Optimising Security: Convergint’s Expert Approach to SOC Design and Implementation

In an increasingly complex and dynamic security landscape, the importance of a state-of-the-art Security Operations Centre (SOC) cannot be overstated. An SOC serves as the nerve centre for monitoring, detecting, and responding to security threats in real-time. It is where crucial decisions are made to protect assets, people, and infrastructure. Convergint understands the critical role of an SOC and offers a comprehensive suite of solutions to design, build, and implement SOCs that meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and technological advancement.

Comprehensive SOC Infrastructure Development.

Convergint’s approach to building an SOC begins with a robust infrastructure designed to support continuous 24/7 operations. The process is divided into two phases.

Phase I: Preparation of Infrastructure

In the first phase, the focus is on preparing the infrastructure. High-quality video wall displays are at the core of every SOC’s visual monitoring capabilities. These displays, tailored for uninterrupted operation, ensure optimal visibility and clarity. They are supported by scalable video wall controllers and modular structures, including encoders and decoders, to efficiently manage multiple inputs and outputs. Audio clarity is another critical aspect, and Convergint addresses this by installing Digital Signal Processing (DSP) amplifiers and line array speakers, ensuring even sound distribution and superior audio quality throughout the SOC. This setup is crucial for effective communication and enhancing situational awareness.

The design also prioritises operator comfort and efficiency through the installation of ergonomic operator consoles. These consoles are adjustable, allowing operators to sit or stand as needed, reducing fatigue during long shifts. They are also equipped with features like cable management and CPU trays to maintain a clutter-free workspace. Additionally, the interior design of the SOC is meticulously planned with comprehensive solutions tailored to create an environment conducive to focused, high-performance operations.

Phase II: PSIM Application Implementation

In the second phase, the focus shifts to implementing the Physical Security Information Management (PSIM) application, which integrates all the SOC’s security systems into a single platform for centralised management and control. Convergint handles the installation and configuration of the selected PSIM application, ensuring it is tailored to the client’s specific needs. The PSIM software brings together various security systems—such as IP CCTV, access control, fire alarm systems, perimeter and intruder detection, and more—into a unified interface. This allows operators to manage and respond to incidents from a single location, streamlining operations and enhancing response times.

To ensure the system’s effectiveness, Convergint provides comprehensive training for operators. This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills needed to fully utilise the PSIM system, effectively manage incidents, and maintain continuous and efficient SOC operations.

Challenges and Solutions in SOC Implementation.

Building an SOC presents a unique set of challenges. Convergint expertly navigates common hurdles such as display alignment, maintenance accessibility, and the necessity for specialised mounts during installation. Our solutions are enhanced with advanced capabilities like automatic colour calibration, ensuring consistent display quality over time. Convergint’s expertise in SOC development is rooted in a profound understanding of the technological and operational demands of modern security environments. We provide bespoke, end-to-end solutions, underpinned by a steadfast commitment to quality, safety, and efficiency. Every SOC we design and build is engineered to meet the highest standards, delivering robust protection and operational excellence.

About Convergint

Committed to service excellence, Convergint continues to set the bar for quality and innovation in the security and audio-visual industry. Contact our Asia Pacific team of experts today to learn more about how Convergint can provide reliable, world-class solutions and services tailored to meet the needs of your business.

Large led projection screens. Colorful abstract background. Light show on the stage.

Programmatic Governance for Complex Multisite Operations

Global and enterprise accounts require consistent delivery to ensure the safety and security of all facilities. Convergint leverages a programmatic approach for implementing scalable, sustainable solutions. Program governance facilitates successful standardization for complex, multisite engagements.

Download Infographic in Greater Detail

Contact Us

Contact Convergint today to discover how their program management can enhance global and enterprise operations’ safety, security, and efficiency.

Use Case: Strengthening Security Infrastructure in Biotechnology

The biotechnology industry serves as the pioneer of scientific innovation, driving advancements in healthcare and beyond. Yet, amidst the pursuit of groundbreaking discoveries, biotech customers face an ever-growing need to fortify their security infrastructure. This comprehensive use case evaluates the intricate security challenges inherent in the biotech sector and demonstrates how Convergint, a leader in security solutions, has addressed these challenges through specialized strategies and cutting-edge technologies.

Review this use case to learn how Convergint emphasizes the critical role of robust security infrastructure in protecting biotech companies’ assets, data, and operations from diverse threats within the industry.

View the case study here.

Download Full Case Study

Learn more.

Contact an expert today to learn how Convergint’s innovative solutions can help safeguard an organization’s assets and operations against emerging security threats.

Convergint Appoints Eric Jacobs as Chief Financial Officer

Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration, has appointed Eric Jacobs as its new Chief Financial Officer. Jacobs joins Convergint with extensive senior leadership experience in growth-oriented marketplace businesses. After nearly a decade as Convergint CFO, Alan Bergschneider will assist with this transition in an advisory role.

“I am thrilled to welcome Eric to Convergint as our Chief Financial Officer. Convergint is well-positioned for continued growth globally, and Eric’s extensive experience will serve as a strategic asset for our team,” said Ann Fandozzi, CEO, Convergint. “Our customers continue to demand innovative solutions for their most complex security challenges. Eric’s guidance will support us in achieving our business goals, while ensuring we deliver on our promise to be our customers’ best service provider.”

Jacobs has led accounting, finance, and other corporate functions for both private and publicly traded companies throughout his career. He formerly served as the Chief Financial Officer of RB Global, Wheels Up, and Dealertrack Technologies, where he played a pivotal role in each of their strategic growth initiatives. Jacobs also led Corporate Development for Cox Automotive. Before transitioning to operating company leadership roles, he practiced corporate law at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and was as an audit manager at KPMG LLP.

“I’m excited to join Convergint; the company’s reputation for exceptional company culture, investment in its colleagues, and dedication to customers has driven its admirable momentum and continued success,” said Eric Jacobs, Chief Financial Officer, Convergint. “We will continue to drive global growth and remain committed to innovation and exceptional customer service.”

About Convergint

Convergint is a $2.5 billion USD global, industry-leading systems integrator that designs, installs, and services electronic security, cybersecurity, fire and life safety, building automation, and audio-visual systems. Listed as the #1 systems integrator in SDM Magazine’s Top Systems Integrators Report for the past 6 years, Convergint leads with over 10,000 colleagues and more than 220 locations worldwide. To learn more about Convergint, visit www.convergint.com.

Case Study: Convergint Partners with Crestron to Implement Cutting-Edge Hub for AV Innovation in Manila

AV hub showing map, graphs and data

In 2023, Convergint opened a new CTC in Manila, Philippines, to meet growing business demands in the region. This new, state-of-the-art facility is of key strategic importance, serving as the centre of Convergint’s expanding audio-visual (AV) business in Southeast Asia and hosting Convergint’s largest Service Operations Centre (SOC) in Asia Pacific (APAC). This SOC serves as a centralised hub for the deployment of Managed Services in APAC and provides 24/7 English-language customer support and maintenance services.

Challenge.

The new office needed to excel at two major areas. Firstly, as a demo facility to showcase the latest AV and unified communications (UC) technologies and solutions to customers across APAC. Secondly, as the centre of Managed Services delivery and 24/7 customer support in the region, the facility demanded cutting-edge technology for optimised work efficiency and collaboration to ensure an outstanding customer experience.

Solution.

Based on the office space and functionality, the Convergint team designed, installed, and integrated a comprehensive AV and UC system using Crestron Flex technology for an all-in-one solution that enables colleagues to be connected regardless of where they are in the facility.

Core spaces include the boardroom, training room, office space and communal areas, as well as the crucial SOC. Each of these is equipped with large display screens, ranging from 65” to 85” in size, to facilitate video conferencing and media broadcasting. In addition, the SOC boasts an outstanding 4800 x 2025mm LED display wall to enable its operations. The Crestron Virtual Control platform empowers centralised management of all office screens, facilitating seamless content broadcasting across the entire workspace, subject to supervisor authorisation.

In the boardroom, the large 85” touchscreen display enables high-resolution video conferencing, with ceiling microphones and speakers set up to capture and relay sound. All lighting, power switches, blinds and monitor displays can be managed centrally for ease and convenience. To facilitate meeting-room use, and avoid clashes, a room-booking system was implemented alongside occupancy sensors. The Crestron Go Tablet and App offer a central place for organisers to easily manage the room’s facilities and technology, allowing colleagues to check at a glance if the room is in use.

“We had a clear vision for what we wanted to achieve for this space and how this would enable us to work more effectively as a team on the ground and virtually with global colleagues and customers. Our team conceptualised and designed the entire solution with Crestron’s technology as the foundation of the design due to the capabilities and features of the technology. This enabled us to achieve a cutting-edge workspace for our team and an impressive AV showcase facility for customers that seek similar AV and UC capabilities.”
–Dharmesh Gandhi, General Manager, AV, Convergint

Result.

The result of implementing Crestron’s solutions is a fully functional office with cutting-edge technologies, and the creation of an optimal workspace environment that functions for both remote and in-person colleagues. The comprehensive AV and UC capabilities make collaboration easier, facilitating efficiency across the board, both in the main office space and the SOC. “With the solutions in place, we are able to showcase some of the best technologies in the market to our customers, and help them envision how these solutions and platforms can be applied at their own offices and workspaces to achieve incredible results,” commented Dharmesh.

“The Manila SOC is our key English-language customer service support centre and Managed Services hub for the entire Asia-Pacific region. It is critical that our team is equipped with the latest technologies in the facility to enable efficient work and collaboration, helping us provide the best possible service to our customers. The solution in place absolutely achieves that goal.”

–Ricky Du, VP Strategic Accounts and Service, APAC, Convergint

Manila SOC customer service support centre

Offering innovative AV solutions across multiple verticals.

Convergint is strategically aligned with the world’s leading AV technology partners to provide customers with transformative solutions across all locations and verticals. Contact a Convergint expert today to learn more about the solutions deployed in this case study.

Rear view of audience listening to speakers

Convergint’s 18th Annual Unite Conference to Reinforce a Culture of Innovation and Service

Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration, today announced that Unite Orlando, its 18th annual sales, operations, and leadership conference, will take place from March 17-20, 2024 at the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, FL. This year’s conference will bring together over 1,000 Convergint colleagues and nearly 100 partners for technology sessions, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities with colleagues and Convergint’s global network of partners. With a central theme of “Create WOW,” the conference will focus on the application of cutting-edge technologies to ensure an unparalleled service experience for Convergint customers.

Through colleague-led workshops and presentations from technology partners, colleagues will discuss new and innovative technologies and solutions in the systems integration industry, empowering them with skills to stay true to Convergint’s mission of being its customers’ best service provider. During strategic breakouts on key verticals including financial, data centers, utilities, healthcare, and more, Colleagues will explore strategies for optimizing operations, boosting productivity, and paving the way for innovative business models and customer experiences.

“Unite is more than just an annual conference; it is a celebration of our culture, growth, and community,” said Tony Varco, Vice President, Global Marketing, Convergint. “It’s our opportunity to strengthen connections with colleagues and partners, coming together to make our community even stronger, and empowering us to be our customers’ best service provider.”

“Convergint’s culture of service and innovation is central to our success as an organization,” said Ann Fandozzi, CEO, Convergint. “Unite Orlando gives us a platform to fuel this culture, share knowledge, unlock opportunities for collaboration with our technology partners, and recognize the colleagues who make all of our accomplishments possible.”

About Convergint

The Six Steps to a Better Retail Experience for Financial Institutions

Branch banking remains the best source for new client acquisition for financial institutions. Therefore, branches need to design welcoming spaces that securely and efficiently enable successful client transactions and support the overall retail experience. Here are 6 steps to a better retail experience for financial institutions:

Download Infographic in Greater Detail

With a deep understanding of compliance requirements and operational demands, Convergint partners with branch networks to optimize security and efficiencies while enhancing the customer experience. We are committed to providing strategic guidance, implementing program support and scaling solutions for peak branch results.

Contact Us

Convergint is a trusted leader providing the highest level of service for the financial sector. To learn more about Convergint’s financial capabilities, contact a specialist today.

Two engineers in a water treatment facility

Safeguarding Vital Infrastructure with Convergint’s Defense in Depth Approach

In an era where security threats to utilities are increasingly diverse and sophisticated, the need for a robust defense strategy cannot be overstated. With the vital role that utilities play in daily life, ensuring the safety and integrity of infrastructure such as wastewater treatment plants and pump stations is paramount.

Understanding the threat landscape.

Convergint recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to security is inadequate in today’s dynamic environment. Therefore, Convergint leverages the American Water Works Association (AWWA) standards to assess the specific needs of each client comprehensively. By starting an evaluation at the perimeter and working inwards towards an organizations most valuable assets, Convergint will identify not only the unique threats faced by individual wastewater treatment facilities and pump stations but also lay the groundwork for a customized defense strategy at those sites.

Defense in depth: The key to resilience.

Convergint’s approach to security revolves around the concept of defense in depth, which involves deploying multiple layers of security measures to deter, detect, delay, and respond to threats effectively.

Deterrence: This aspect encompasses security measures aimed at discouraging potential threats. It includes elements such as proper lighting, the presence of video surveillance devices, and maintaining a visibly clear facility free of obstructions or unauthorized activity.
Detection: Detection involves security measures such as intrusion detection devices and surveillance cameras, enabling electronic assessment of alarms and video footage to identify potential security breaches promptly.
Delay: Delay tactics typically involve the implementation of physical barriers in multiple layers, strategically designed to provide defense in depth. However, their effectiveness relies on being complemented by layers of detection, ensuring timely response to detected threats.
Response: Response refers to the actions taken to disrupt an adversary’s activities until appropriate personnel, whether staff, security, or law enforcement, can intervene effectively. It’s essential that the capabilities of responders surpass the perceived threat to the facility, ensuring an effective and swift response to security incidents.

Addressing threats.

Convergint’s approach also takes into account the various types of threats that utilities may encounter:

Vandal: Vandals are individuals with the intent to deface, damage, or destroy property. They typically seek targets of opportunity and do not intend to injure or kill. Vandals are assumed to be unarmed.
Criminal: Criminals aim to obtain equipment, tools, or other components that can be resold for profit. They may be willing to injure or kill to achieve their objectives.
Saboteur: Saboteurs are often motivated by political, doctrinal, or religious beliefs. They may be willing to injure or kill and are intent on damaging or destroying facilities. Their actions may also aim to undermine public confidence in the utility’s ability to serve and protect the public.
Insider: Insiders are individuals with knowledge of the utility and access to its facilities or portions of the system as part of their daily work activity. This category may include potentially disgruntled employees or contractors with employee-level access. Insiders may collaborate with criminals or saboteurs and their objectives could involve physical or information theft.

Contact Us

By embracing the concept of defense in depth and tailoring solutions to individual client needs, Convergint not only enhances security but also fosters confidence in the resilience of essential utilities. To learn more about how the Convergint utilities team can meet organization’s specific needs and enhance security infrastructure, contact an expert today.

Businesswoman making handshake with a businessman

Convergint Announces Ann Fandozzi as CEO

Convergint, a global leader in service-based systems integration, has appointed Ann Fandozzi as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. After a distinguished, decade-long tenure, Ken Lochiatto will move from his role as Chief Executive Officer to continuing to serve Convergint in an advisory role on its Board of Managers. He will support the company and its colleagues during this period of transition.

Ken Lochiatto has played a pivotal role in Convergint’s growth and success during his tenure as CEO. Under his leadership, the company expanded its global footprint to more than 10,000 colleagues across more than 220 Convergint Technology Center locations, diversified its service offerings, completed 55 acquisitions, and strengthened its position as an industry leader. Lochiatto’s dedication to Convergint’s culture and strategic vision have been instrumental in shaping the company into the $2.5B powerhouse it is today. Fandozzi joins the company at a pivotal moment and will lead its next phase of transformational growth as Convergint drives innovation in the electronic security, cybersecurity, fire and life safety, building automation, and audio-visual systems markets.

This is Ann Fandozzi’s fourth CEO role, having previously led RB Global, Abra Auto Body & Glass, and vRide through unprecedented transformation and growth. Prior to these CEO roles, she held senior leadership positions at Whirlpool, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, and Lockheed Martin.

“Ann’s experience in leading company culture, combined with her passion for innovation and commitment to customer success, are a natural fit for Convergint. We are excited to welcome her as CEO,” said Lochiatto. “We’re incredibly proud of Convergint’s ongoing success and look forward to accelerating our global growth.”

Fandozzi commented, “I am honored to join Convergint. The company’s Values and Beliefs and long-standing reputation for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions and top-tier service are impressive. I look forward to working closely with the talented team to continue its trajectory of growth—centering on Convergint’s strong culture.”

“We are extremely grateful to Ken Lochiatto for his leadership in shaping Convergint’s strategy and vision over the last decade. His unwavering commitment to the success of our customers and colleagues resulted in a strong foundation for continuous momentum and achievement,” said Dan Moceri, Executive Chairman of Convergint’s Board of Managers. “We welcome Ann Fandozzi to lead us into the next phase of the company’s evolution. The future is bright for Convergint.”

About Convergint

1 2 3 4

View the Case Study Here.

Learn more.

Comprehensive SOC Infrastructure Development.

Phase I: Preparation of Infrastructure

Phase II: PSIM Application Implementation

Challenges and Solutions in SOC Implementation.

About Convergint

Contact Us

View the case study here.

Learn more.

About Convergint

Challenge.

Solution.

Result.

Offering innovative AV solutions across multiple verticals.

About Convergint

Contact Us

Understanding the threat landscape.

Defense in depth: The key to resilience.

Addressing threats.

Contact Us

About Convergint

Posts navigation