In the latest instalment of our security industry executive interview series, we spoke to e-Track Director Adam Smith about cloud platform for physical security, staying ahead of threats with OT updates, proactive security automation and the impact of AI…
Tell us about your company, products, and services.
e-Track is redefining intelligent key and asset management. We provide security solutions that help businesses automate key control, track critical assets, and enhance operational security. Our key cabinets and software have evolved into fully integrated systems that reduce risk and improve efficiency. With a growing presence in the UK, USA, EU, and Australia, we’re helping businesses adapt to the increasing security challenges of a digital world.
What have been the biggest challenges the security industry has faced over the past 12 months?
Cyber security is always a hot topic with our clients and unlike physical security the digital landscape is forever changing. Therefore, the focus in the security industry is often around this, especially when clients select new cloud first platforms to help them with their operations, something we are heavily focussed on at e-Track.
And what have been the biggest opportunities?
Scale of cloud infrastructure and OTA updates to systems means we can stay ahead of threats as they present themselves. With threat monitoring and automatic releases of security patches, we can ensure all clients are up to date and vulnerabilities are closed off as soon as they are automatically identified.
What is the biggest priority for the security industry in 2025?
Proactive security automation. In 2025, companies can no longer afford to react to threats after they occur. AI and real-time analytics are now being used to pre-emptively detect suspicious behaviour, prevent unauthorised access, and streamline compliance. Security must be integrated into every level of business operations, not treated as a separate function.
What are the main trends you are expecting to see in the market in 2025?
- AI-driven threat detection that stops breaches before they happen.
- Fully automated asset and key management systems with predictive analytics.
- The continued shift to biometric and zero-trust security models.
- The integration of blockchain for secure access control and audit trails.
What technology is going to have the biggest impact on the market this coming year?
AI-driven automation will continue to be the biggest disruptor in 2025. Security systems are now expected to not only track access but also predict security risks before they arise. Additionally, biometric authentication identity management (like blockchain-based access control) are gaining traction as organisations seek to eliminate security vulnerabilities.
In 2026 we’ll all be talking about…?
The complete automation of security operations. By the end of the decade, we’ll likely see fully autonomous security systems capable of managing access, detecting anomalies, and responding to threats in real time without human intervention. Additionally, businesses will be focused on balancing security with data privacy, as regulations around AI and biometric security tighten.
Which person in, or associated with, the security industry would you most like to meet?
I’m particularly interested in meeting likeminded product owners and developers building Machine Learning applications where physical and digital security are combined to solve real world problems.
What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about the security sector?
How quickly technology has outpaced traditional security models. Five years ago, many businesses still relied on manual access control and outdated security protocols. Now, companies that haven’t adapted to electronic security are struggling to keep up. The industry is evolving faster than ever, and those who don’t innovate risk being left behind.
You go to the bar at the Total Security Summit – what’s your tipple of choice?
A good single malt whisky on the rocks, timeless and refined. Just like a well-designed security system.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Seeing how the right security solutions can completely transform a business. The impact of asset management is significant. Our systems improve client’s business operations and result in higher security standards which quickly wash through to other areas. By introducing e-Track key management, a company immediately makes teams accountable for access to business assets whilst saving costs and streamlining processes. Watching companies go from outdated security systems to fully automated, future-proofed solutions is incredibly rewarding.
And what’s the most challenging?
Storytelling to educate the market on why we need to be proactive rather than reactive. Many companies still don’t invest in security until they’ve had a breach or compliance issue. The challenge is shifting that mindset and demonstrating how intelligent security systems can increase efficiency and prevent problems before they occur.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Don’t build for today, build for where you want the industry to be in five years.” That’s been our mindset at e-Track, and it’s why we continue to stay ahead in key and asset management innovation. We haven’t tried to recreate the systems of our competitors, we have listened intently to our customers and with their end goal in sight, developed solutions to their problems.
Succession or Stranger Things?
Succession. A crystal clear business strategy, with sufficient planning and an unwavering focus on the execution delivers products that clients can depend on.
