IDtech Is Setting New Standards in Security Integration

From energy and utilities to government buildings and transportation hubs, the demand for intelligent, integrated, and resilient access control systems is driving a new wave of innovation across the security industry. At the forefront of this transformation is IDtech, a European access control specialist with a growing international footprint and a strong reputation for protecting high-stakes environments.

By: Thomas Deville, General Manager, Middle East & Africa, IDtech

In an increasingly interconnected and high-risk world, protecting critical infrastructure is no longer a matter of physical barriers alone. In this article, we will explore the latest innovations in securing critical infrastructure, IDtech’s integration with best-in-class video and AI technologies, and major reference projects that demonstrate how these systems are being deployed in real-world scenarios in the Middle East.

Innovations in Access Control for Critical Infrastructure

The security landscape for critical infrastructure has become significantly more complex over the past decade. Beyond guarding entry points, today’s access control systems must offer multi-layered protection, situational awareness, and adaptive threat response, all while complying with stringent data protection and operational standards.

Some of the most important innovations now reshaping this field include AI-powered credential verification, where facial recognition, behavioral biometrics, and multi-factor authentication systems improve both security and user convenience; and cloud-enabled platforms, which allow central management of multiple remote sites with rapid scalability and secure data storage. Other key trends include integration with video analytics, which combines access logs with live video verification to enable operators to detect anomalies instantly and respond to threats proactively. Additionally, cyber-resilient architecture is becoming increasingly important as physical security systems become part of broader IT ecosystems, with protecting them from cyber threats becoming a top priority.

These technologies are converging to build smart, proactive security environments capable of preventing incidents rather than simply recording them.

Access Control + Video: A Seamless Integration with Milestone XProtect

IDtech has long been known for its robust, enterprise-grade physical access control systems (PACS), widely deployed across Europe’s most sensitive facilities. But its latest offerings go far beyond traditional door control.

Today, access control and video offer seamless integration with Milestone XProtect. One of IDtech’s standout developments is its tight integration with this leading video management system. This integration provides users with a unified interface that automatically links video feeds with access events. It enables real-time verification, allowing operators to instantly see who accessed a door and whether their credentials matched their identity on camera. Alarm synchronization ensures suspicious access attempts trigger video bookmarks and alerts across systems, speeding up investigations. Finally, streamlined forensics simplifies review and reporting in case of security incidents. By bridging physical access and surveillance into a single ecosystem, IDtech ensures that security teams are not just watching, but understanding and responding in real time.

AI-powered PACS: Advanced Video Analytics with Aicuda

In partnership with Aicuda, a specialist in intelligent video analytics, IDtech is taking access control even further. Their joint solutions add a layer of AI-based interpretation to the system, unlocking capabilities such as facial recognition, which enables seamless identification of personnel even in low-light or masked conditions. License plate recognition (LPR) automates vehicle access based on driver credentials and site-specific permissions. Object and behavior detection identifies unusual objects or behavior patterns near secure zones. In contrast, PPE detection ensures workers entering hazardous areas wear mandatory protective equipment, enhancing both security and occupational safety compliance.

These tools not only enhance security effectiveness but also facilitate operational oversight and regulatory compliance, particularly in sectors such as energy, manufacturing, and transport.

Proven Deployments: Key IDtech Projects in the Middle East

With growing geopolitical and infrastructure investment across the Middle East, IDtech has delivered several high-profile projects in the region, tailored to local needs such as data sovereignty, cybersecurity regulations, and environmental resilience.

Cloud-Based Access Control System Hosted on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure

IDtech implemented a fully cloud-hosted access control and alarm management solution on Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) in one major deployment for a UAE-based critical infrastructure, showcasing the capabilities of a cloud-based access control system.

This project stands out for its data sovereignty compliance, with all data hosted within the country’s borders in full accordance with national regulations. Cybersecurity hardening includes advanced encryption and continuous vulnerability monitoring. Integration with Avigilon Unity allows IDtech PACS to work seamlessly with Avigilon’s VMS, providing real-time visual verification and advanced video analytics. Scalable multi-site management gives a single cloud dashboard control over access across three critical sites, complete with granular access policies and audit trails. The project reflects a broader shift toward secure cloud adoption in critical infrastructure, balancing flexibility with stringent local compliance.

Securing an ADNOC Gas Site with Explosion-Proof Surveillance and AI

This project illustrates how access control and AI-driven video analytics can serve dual purposes: securing sites and enforcing safety compliance, a growing priority in industrial and energy environments.

Another notable deployment involves securing the entrance of an ADNOC Gas facility, where safety and surveillance requirements are exceptionally high due to the nature of operations. Here, IDtech integrated its access control system with explosion-proof Axis cameras to monitor entry zones exposed to hazardous materials and Aicuda analytics performing: Facial recognition for employee and visitor validation, License plate recognition for automated gate control, Object detection to flag abandoned items or unauthorized materials such as telephones, PPE detection to ensure all staff entering the site meet safety standards. This project illustrates how access control and AI-driven video analytics can serve dual purposes: securing sites and enforcing safety compliance, a growing priority in industrial and energy environments.

Toward Smarter, Safer Infrastructure

As critical infrastructure becomes a focal point for both physical and cyber threats, the integration of intelligent, adaptable access control systems is no longer optional — it is essential. IDtech’s approach combines proven reliability, cutting-edge integration, and deep domain expertise, particularly in high-risk and compliance-intensive sectors.

Whether deploying cloud-based solutions with strict data governance or fusing AI analytics with traditional access control, IDtech is helping organizations take the next step toward proactive, intelligent security.