In the latest instalment for our education procurement executive interview series we speak to Peter Howard, Channel Sales Executive at Avigilon Motorola Solutions company, about rapidly changing security, technological, and budgetary demands placed on schools and universities, how cloud technology is improving campus security, and how AI will enable proactive threat detection and faster incident response…
Tell us about your company, products and services.
Avigilon, a Motorola Solutions company, is a leading provider of advanced security solutions that are designed to help protect people, property, and assets. The company specializes in video surveillance, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered analytics, and access control technologies. Avigilon’s products and services are widely used across various industries, including retail, education, healthcare, transportation, government, and more.
What have been the biggest challenges the Education Procurement industry has faced over the past 12 months?
From Avigilon’s perspective, the education procurement industry has faced several significant challenges over the past 12 months, particularly as schools, colleges, and universities navigate complex and rapidly changing security, technological, and budgetary demands. As a leading provider of security and surveillance solutions, Avigilon has had to align its products and services to help educational institutions address these challenges effectively. Below are some of the key obstacles faced by the education procurement sector:
- Increased Need for Campus Security and Safety
- Budget Constraints and Cost Pressures
- Adapting to Hybrid and Remote Learning Environments
- Evolving Compliance and Privacy Regulations
- Integration Challenges with Legacy Systems
- Cybersecurity Concerns in Network
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
New technologies including our halo sensor which detects vape usage and aggressive behaviour and also the introduction of cloud based solutions. This will accelerate as schools and universities look for flexible, scalable, and cost-effective systems that can be managed remotely. Cloud-based platforms will also enable security teams to monitor and respond to incidents from anywhere
What is the biggest priority for the Education Procurement industry in 2025?
The biggest priority for the education procurement industry in 2025, specifically in the realm of physical security, will likely be creating safer, smarter, and more integrated campuses through the adoption of advanced technologies that address evolving safety challenges. With heightened concerns around campus safety, cyber-physical integration, and compliance with regulatory standards, the focus will shift toward scalable, future-proof security solutions that balance innovation with affordability. From Avigilon’s perspective, here are the key priorities that will shape the education procurement landscape in 2025
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2025?
1.Increased Adoption of AI-Powered Security Systems
Artificial Intelligence (AI) will continue to play a critical role in transforming physical security
2. Integration of Unified Security Platforms
3.Expansion of Smart Campus.
4. Focus on Cybersecurity in Physical Security
5. Cloud-Based Solutions and Remote Monitoring
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this coming year?
From Avigilon’s perspective, AI-powered security solutions will have the biggest impact on the education sector in the coming year. Technologies like AI video analytics (e.g., Unusual Motion Detection, Facial Recognition, and Appearance Search) will enable proactive threat detection and faster incident response. Additionally, cloud-based systems will allow remote monitoring and scalability, while integrated platforms combining video surveillance and access control will enhance operational efficiency. Edge AI-enabled cameras, such as Avigilon’s H5A and H6 lines, will deliver real-time analytics directly on devices, reducing latency and improving performance. These innovations will transform safety and security in education.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
In 2026, we’ll all be talking about AI-powered unified security ecosystems that seamlessly integrate video surveillance, access control, and real-time analytics. With advancements in cloud-based solutions and edge AI technologies, educational institutions will prioritize proactive, scalable, and data-driven security to create safer and smarter campuses.
Which person in, or associated with, the Education Procurement industry would you most like to meet?
Key Decision Makers including Head of Security, Procurement and IT.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learnt about the Education Procurement sector?
From Avigilon’s perspective, the most surprising thing about the education procurement sector is the growing demand for scalable, future-proof security solutions despite tight budgets. Schools are increasingly prioritizing AI-driven technologies and integrated systems, recognizing that proactive safety measures and long-term investments in advanced security can outweigh initial cost concerns.
You go to the bar at the Education Forum – what’s your tipple of choice?
JD & Coke.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Meeting new people, being able to provide solutions which are fit for purpose, doing Proof of Concepts
And what’s the most challenging?
Working with tight budgets
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Be a good listener.
Succession or Stranger Things?
Neither, Game of Thrones.
