Convergint Technologies EMEA division has grown by 50% since Convergint acquired them in January of 2015. The team, led by Managing Director Steve Dorking, is a leading provider of physical security systems and services in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe. Serving global Fortune 500 companies, the Convergint EMEA team provides a wide array of world-class security services including system design, integration, support, and training. Our team is experienced in supporting global financial organizations, pharmaceuticals, technology, and utility companies.

Read our in-depth interview with Steve as he shares information about the Convergint EMEA team and provides insight for security professionals who are looking for answers on how to solve security problems and control risk at a global scale.

Tell us about your professional background and your role at Convergint.
I have nearly 40 years of experience in the electronic security systems industry. In September of 2015, I was named Managing Director of EMEA for Convergint Technologies. Joining the industry at 16 years old, I have worked my way up from an apprentice install technician to senior operational roles. I’ve held roles across multiple disciplines, including operations, project management, customer service, U.K. and international sales, key account management, and more. I was serving as the Operations Director of Beacon Security when it was acquired by Convergint in January 2015. I consider myself extremely lucky to have been exposed to a wide range of experiences that have provided deep insight into all the links in the chain that ultimately make a company a great service provider.

Where is Convergint located in Europe?

Convergint Technologies EMEA has offices in London, Germany, Ireland, Switzerland, and France. Current expansion plans include Poland, the Netherlands, and Sweden. Moving into these countries would not have been on our radar one year ago. However, our growing global account presence requires us to increase our capabilities and establish more Convergint Technology Centers. Our Global Accounts team, which is found on both sides of the Atlantic, are experts in their specific region assigned to be the global business development lead for multiple accounts. In addition, there are global account managers on my team who are responsible for program management to help ensure operational consistency.

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How is Convergint different from other security firms in the region?

Our focus on being our customers’ best service provider is what makes us different. We provide that service with our own colleagues in-country, who understand local culture, language, and compliance. We make sure to do a great job with the project and follow up with a Customer Support Program (CSP) to continue to support those customers for the lifecycle of the project.

Can you tell us about an interesting project or solution that was delivered recently?

An example of a project we have recently completed is a fully integrated security system for a world-renowned research institution in London. The Francis Crick Institution is a £700m cathedral dedicated to biomedical science. Scientists work together to make breakthroughs in cancer, neuroscience, pandemics, and genetics, as well as being a substantial scientific research center. The Francis Crick Institute exerts wider influence as a flagship for U.K. biomedical science. We have been honored to work with a security team that has an innovative approach to security and are always looking towards leading-edge solutions to secure this highly prestigious building. We are working collaboratively to provide the right solutions.

What are some common mistakes or pitfalls you see repeated when it comes to security?

I continually see poorly defined project scope and unidentified user expectations; projects should start with the end goal in mind. Expectations of what the end user wants to achieve, scope, and budget are all inextricably tied. It’s the goal to protect property or bodily safety, and it’s essential to have a clearly defined scope and goals that can inform the type of system and elements that work together to achieve the customer’s goals. Knowing the scope will also inform the budget and ensure the best system is designed for the origination’s needs now and in the future.

There’s a growing trend in the number of organizations that do want to take up security system support and maintenance contracts. Organizations invest a lot of time and money in installing leading-edge technology and then seem to think that it will not require support and maintenance and wait until systems start to fail before doing anything about it.

What are some trends you are seeing in security?

We are receiving more requests for smart buildings. This popular buzz term is used to describe any structure that uses automated processes to control the building’s operations including heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, security, and other systems. A smart building uses sensors, actuators, and microchips, in order to collect data and manage it according to a business’ functions and services. This infrastructure helps owners, operators, and facility managers improve asset reliability and performance, which reduces energy use, optimizes how space is used, and minimizes the environmental impact of buildings.

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