SIA New Member Profile: Xtract One

New Security Industry Association (SIA) member Xtract One offers integrated security solutions that secure venues and provide a frictionless welcoming experience. The company is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, with additional offices in Vancouver and Fredericton.

SIA spoke with Peter Evans, CEO and director of Xtract One, about the company, the security industry and working with SIA.

Tell us the story of your company.

Peter Evans: We started Xtract One in 2016 because we saw a clear need for better security technology.  Facilities were using outdated systems and labor-based business approaches that did not address today’s modern threat and weapons concerns, and that created long lines and frustrated visitors. Our team believed artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies could offer a solution to this problem.

Initially, we focused on covert threat detection. As we worked with more clients, we realized there was potential to do more. We expanded our focus to create comprehensive security solutions that improve safety without disrupting the visitor experience.

It’s been challenging at times. Developing new security technology isn’t easy, and we are bending the laws of physics with our sensor technology coupled with our advanced AI software to deliver the needed solutions. Seeing our systems protect people at stadiums, hospitals and schools without disrupting the enjoyment of their day makes the effort worthwhile. We want people to feel safe without constantly thinking about security measures.

What solutions/services does your business offer in the security industry? And what makes your offerings/company unique?

PE: Xtract One offers AI-powered security solutions, with a primary focus on detecting weapons, while enhancing the individual’s experience:

Our SmartGateway system provides efficient screening for individuals entering facilities, oftentimes where there is a need to balance security with the ingress experience. These venues include arenas, stadiums, schools, hospitals, manufacturing and distribution centers and other facilities. The SmartGateway processes thousands of people per hour without requiring them to empty pockets or remove personal items. People simply walk right in and go about their business.

We’re in the process of launching our newest product, Xtract One Gateway, which is intended for environments that see many visitors with a large number of personal items – for example, backpacks and other small bags that include laptops, chargers, binders and water bottles along with cell phones and other personal items. It can detect weapons among a large amount of clutter and alert on the specific type of weapon, without the need for secondary screening or bag lines. Visitors walk through as is.

Xtract One View is a cloud-based platform that allows security teams to manage multiple gateways from a single dashboard. It provides real-time alerting, data and analytics to help optimize security operations.

What sets us apart is our focus on unobtrusive security. As a company, we started with solving the security problem first and then optimizing the gateways for faster and faster ingress volumes and lower alerts. We aim to create safer environments where people can attend events or go about their days without feeling disruption to their normal routines or to the businesses operational flow. Our AI-powered architecture allows for accurate threat detection with fewer alerts, improving both security and the overall experience for visitors and staff.

What is something we might not know about your company – or something new you are doing in security?

PE: Xtract One View is changing how venues handle their security operations. This cloud-based platform integrates data from all a customer’s gateways in a network, giving a comprehensive overview of security status across multiple locations.

View identifies patterns in crowd movement, anticipates potential congestion points and helps security teams allocate resources more effectively. If one entrance becomes busier than others, View alerts managers so they can open additional lanes before lines form.

We’re seeing real impact from this technology. Facilities using View report improved operational efficiency and reduced wait times. They’re maintaining high security standards while enhancing the visitor experience.

We’re constantly exploring new applications of AI and data analytics to address security challenges, always aiming to create safer spaces without compromising convenience or privacy.

What is your company’s vision, and what are your goals for the security industry?

PE: At Xtract One, we’re focused on reshaping how people think about security. Our vision is to create a world where safety and great experiences go hand in hand. We want to get to a point where advanced security measures are so seamlessly integrated that people don’t even notice them as they progress through that customer journey.

In terms of goals for the industry, we’re pushing for a shift towards more intelligent, data-driven security solutions. We want to see venues move away from reactive approaches and embrace proactive, AI-powered systems that are preemptive in nature.

We’re also committed to making these advanced security solutions more accessible. Right now, we’re seeing strong interest from facilities of all sizes, from major stadiums to local high schools. Our goal is to continue developing scalable solutions that can work for any type of facility.

What do you think are the biggest opportunities in the security industry right now?

PE: The biggest opportunity I see right now is in leveraging AI to address the shortcomings of traditional security methods. Software is infinitely scalable, cost effective and adaptable. It can be everywhere and always on. The traditional approach to security – hiring more security staff – does not meet today’s modern-day requirements for security. A guard cannot be everywhere at once, always on and preventative in their stance. We’re at a point where AI can process and analyze data faster and more accurately than ever before and provide insights before an event occurs. This opens up possibilities for more precise threat detection, reduced false alarms and smoother security operations overall.

There’s also a growing demand for security solutions that can adapt to different environments. The needs of a sports stadium are different from those of a hospital or a school or a church or a subway system. We’re seeing a big opportunity in developing highly flexible and customizable systems that can meet these varied needs seamlessly and without business operations redesign.

What are your predictions for the security industry in the short and long term?

PE: In the short term, I expect we’ll see a continued shift towards AI and cloud-based solutions. More venues will start adopting systems that can provide real-time data and analytics. We’re also likely to see an increase in the use of mobile credentials and biometrics, replacing traditional access cards in both commercial and government settings.

Looking further ahead, I believe we’ll see a move towards more unified security platforms. Solutions like our Xtract One View, which integrate various security and operational functions into a single interface, will become more common.

In the long term, I predict we’ll see security technology become increasingly invisible. As AI and sensor technology advance, we’ll be able to create safer environments without visible security measures. The goal is to reach a point where top-tier security is so well integrated that it enhances, rather than interrupts, people’s daily lives.

Finally, I believe that we will see a standardization of weapons detection systems in every venue, in the same manner that we see sprinkler systems, access control, cameras, Wi-Fi and defibrillators as standards in every building.

What are the biggest challenges facing your company and/or others in the security industry?

PE: One of our main challenges is helping venues understand the full potential of AI-driven security. Many are used to traditional methods and might be hesitant to adopt new technologies. We’re constantly working to demonstrate how our systems can improve both security and the overall visitor experience.

Another industrywide challenge is keeping pace with threats. As security technology advances, so do the methods of those looking to bypass it. This means we’re always pushing to stay ahead, refining our AI and expanding its capabilities.

Balancing security needs with privacy concerns is also an ongoing challenge. We’re committed to developing solutions that protect people without infringing on their privacy, but it’s a complex issue that requires constant attention.

What do you enjoy most about being at your company – and in the security industry?

PE: What I find most rewarding is seeing the real-world impact of our work. When we hear from a customer about how our system helped them manage a large event smoothly, or from a school that feels safer with our technology in place, it reinforces why we do what we do. Or seeing a customer walk through the system for the first time and ask, “That’s it?” completely unaware that they were scanned and experienced a much more graceful entry.

I also enjoy the fast-paced nature of this industry. Security needs are always changing, which means we’re constantly innovating and problem solving. It keeps the work exciting and meaningful.

The collaborative aspect of our industry is another highlight. Whether we’re working with facilities to understand their unique needs or partnering with other tech companies to enhance our solutions, there’s a sense that we’re all working towards a common goal of creating safer spaces.

What does SIA offer that is most important to you/your company? And what do you most hope to get out of your membership with SIA?

PE: SIA’s industry events and networking opportunities are invaluable to us. They provide a platform to connect with other security professionals, share insights, obtain feedback so that we can continue to develop customer-focused solutions and stay updated on the latest industry trends.

Looking ahead, we hope to leverage our SIA membership to build stronger partnerships within the industry. We’re also keen to contribute our expertise, particularly in AI and data analytics, to help drive the industry forward.

How does your organization engage with SIA? What are your plans for involvement in the next year?

PE: We’ve been active participants in SIA events and have found them to be great opportunities for knowledge sharing and relationship building. In the coming year, we’re looking to expand on that even further!

We believe our experience in developing and implementing AI-driven security solutions could provide valuable insights at various levels within the SIA community.

We’re also interested in SIA’s educational resources. As we continue to grow our team, we’re looking at how we can use SIA’s training programs to support our employees’ professional development.

Lastly, we’re excited about the prospect of presenting at SIA events. We have some innovative projects in the pipeline, and we’re keen to share our learnings with the broader security community.

The views and opinions expressed in guest posts and/or profiles are those of the authors or sources and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Security Industry Association.