Ben Linklater, Commercial Director at OPTEX, discusses his career in the industry, market development and OPTEX’s lineup for the International Security Expo 2024.

Can you tell me more about you and your role at OPTEX?  

As Commercial Director at OPTEX, I’m responsible for leading and implementing our sales and commercial strategy across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), ensuring we are continuing to solve the everyday problems of our customers with our leading sensing and detection solutions.   

My experience spans three decades of working in the security industry, starting in my family’s security business in South Africa.  

I have seen the security industry continue to grow at pace, with new developments and technologies to meet the ever-evolving customer requirements.  

I’m passionate about the continuous improvement and development of the industry.

As such, I am a non-executive board member and chairman of the video surveillance systems section within the British Security Industry Association (BSIA).   

How does OPTEX’s approach stand out in the sensor market?  

OPTEX is a global leader in sensing solutions and has been at the forefront of the industry for more than 45 years, recognised for our development of intelligent security solutions.   

We launched the world’s first far infrared automatic door sensor, which led to the development of the first wireless outdoor security sensors.

The accuracy and flexibility of sensors have been dramatically transformed through the use of LiDAR technologies, which we pioneered in 2009 with the introduction of our REDSCAN series.   

Our focus is always on uncovering the fundamental issues underlying a problem, allowing us to develop long-term solutions that work.  

Our comprehensive portfolio of sensing and detection solutions – including LiDAR, fibre optic and passive infrared technologies – have been developed to cater for different customer needs and environments. 

How do you see the sensor market developing in the years to come? 

More accurate positional data is increasingly required to provide faster and more coordinated security responses.

As technology advances, this need will become even more important, along with the demand for seamless integration between various security components to achieve reliable and cohesive solutions.  

As technology continues to evolve, the importance of accuracy, data, connectivity and verification in security sensing technologies will continue to increase and they will remain a critical element in our development.  

 As an exhibitor at ISE in September, what products will you have on show?  

We have a great lineup for ISE 2024, with the focus on showcasing our advanced intrusion detection solutions, including our multi award-winning REDSCAN Pro LiDAR series and the latest evolution in fibre optic sensing technology, EchoPoint Distributed Acoustic Sensors (DAS) for high security sites.  

We will also be previewing Olarm MAX, a simple-to-install, cost-effective smart security solution which provides a seamless upgrade to compatible systems, bringing 21st-century control to 20th-century security technology.   

We look forward to meeting with customers, partners and visitors throughout the event.  

This article was originally published in the September Edition of Security Journal UK. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.