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Episode 17

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Published on:

30th Jun 2026

Operations Drive Design: Avoiding the Pitfalls of Modern Control Room Layouts

To kick off Season Two of Security Tech Talk, host Steve Kenny is back to explore a topic that takes him straight back to his roots in the industry: the evolution, design, and master-planning of modern command and control centres (CCCs). Joining him for this deep dive is Justin Vaughan, Director of Public Safety and Security at PwC Middle East.

Justin brings first-hand insights from working on some of the world's most ambitious greenfield megaprojects and smart cities in the Gulf region. Together, Steve and Justin challenge the outdated notion that control rooms should operate in isolated security silos. Instead, they discuss the rise of cognitive nerve centres that converge physical security, urban mobility, smart building systems, and crisis resilience into a single unified platform. From the true impact of artificial intelligence to the emerging world of space-based geospatial intelligence, this episode serves as an essential reality check for anyone building or managing a modern control room.

About Our Guest:

Justin Vaughan is the Director of Public Safety and Security at PwC Middle East. Justin has spent over 15 years advising governments, developers, and critical infrastructure operators across Europe and the Middle East on public safety technology, safe city architectures, and border security master-planning.

Chapters:

(0:00:21) – Season 2 Kickoff: The Shift to Unified Platforms

Steve welcomes Justin to the show to dissect the unprecedented scale of modern smart city command centres. Justin shares how the Middle East has built upon historical integration challenges faced by Europe and the US, moving away from fragmented applications toward intuitive, single-pane-of-glass operations.

(0:02:31) – The Convergence of Smart Cities and Public Safety

Control rooms are no longer just about physical security. Inspired by pioneering projects like Rio de Janeiro’s operations centre, modern CCCs now weave in urban mobility, traffic monitoring, health infrastructure, and sustainability, allowing cross-agency leaders to collaborate during major crises.

(0:04:38) – Operational Pitfalls: When Design Ignores the End User

Justin warns against the common global error where architects design a control room facility without consulting the actual operators. He discusses the critical timeline of engagement, future-proofing for organizational growth, and how to course-correct when you are brought into a project late.

(0:08:35) – Supercharging the Human in the Loop with AI

Steve and Justin address the misconception that automation will replace human staff. Justin explains how AI and video analytics cut through data noise, manage information overload across thousands of cameras, and transition operators from a fatigued, reactive state to proactive anomaly detection.

(11:08) – Real-World Case Study: Maritime Domain Awareness from Space

Justin shares an extraordinary example of AI applied to national maritime security. By fusing artificial intelligence with space-based geospatial sensors, operators can actively track "dark vessels" (ships that disable their tracking transponders) to intercept illegal fishing and piracy before they reach territorial waters.

(13:26) – Launching the PwC Command & Control Index: What "Good" Looks Like

Introducing the global PwC Command and Control Center Index. Justin reveals why having flash technology means nothing without robust Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), clear escalation models, and properly trained personnel.

(16:32) – Ergonomics, Lighting, and Airflow: Protecting the Operator

A nostalgic look back at control room ergonomics. The two discuss how proper console layouts, intelligent lighting, and optimized HVAC systems combat operator fatigue and ensure sharp decision-making during high-pressure, 12-hour shifts.

(19:48) – Greenfield Mega-Masterplans vs. Small Scale Applications

How smart environments coordinate automated cause-and-effect sequences (like evacuating 70,000 citizens in minutes during a fire alarm). Justin emphasizes that these strategic principles are perfectly scalable and completely transferable to compact corporate towers using only a small team of operators.

(23:32) – Emerging Trends: The Future of Satellite Security

Moving past the AI buzzwords, Justin highlights how the massive commercial launch of satellite networks and geospatial startups over the last few years is completely changing the face of defense and national security.

Resources:

Meet your host Steve Kenny:

Steve has spent 15 years in the security sector undertaking various roles that have seen him take responsibility for key elements of mission critical, high profile projects across a number of different vertical markets. For the last several years, Steve has focused his attention on how technologies can best compliment day to day operations and specifically address operational issues by supporting the A&E consultant community across EMEA. Steve is a committee member for ASIS International focusing on Education for the security sector and the UK technology advisor for TINYg (Terrorist Information New York group).

Connect with Steve on LinkedIn

More about Axis Communications: Axis enables a smarter and safer world by improving security, safety, operational efficiency, and business intelligence. As a network technology company and industry leader, Axis offers video surveillance, access control, intercoms, and audio solutions. These are enhanced by intelligent analytics applications and supported by high-quality training.

Axis has around 5,000 dedicated employees in over 50 countries and collaborates with technology and system integration partners worldwide to deliver customer solutions. Axis was founded in 1984, and the headquarters are in Lund, Sweden.

Find out more about Axis Communications - Innovating for a smarter, safer world

https://www.axis.com/

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About the Podcast

Security Tech Talk
Conversations with security industry disruptors and innovators
We talk to security industry leaders, disruptors, and innovators with strong views and opinions on the future of topics like physical security, smart buildings, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and more. We dig into the latest tech trends, explore how security is shaping the world, and delve into those tricky regulations (like NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, the EU Artificial Intelligence Act, the UK's Product Security, Telecommunications, Infrastructure Act and more) that keep everyone on their toes. We are here to talk about technology trends, explore the big issues facing the security industry, and provide valuable insights that will support you and your business. Join us as we uncover important information to help you come away feeling well-educated and prepared for the future. This podcast is brought to you by Axis Communications Inc. - innovating for a smarter, safer world.

About your host

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Steven Kenny

Steven Kenny – Manager, Architecture & Engineering Program – EMEA, Axis Communications.
With two decades of experience in the security industry, Steven Kenny has played active roles in numerous high-profile projects, both domestically and internationally. Over the last eleven years, his focus has been on understanding how security technologies can best support business security strategies, all while advocating for the heightened importance of cybersecurity and compliance within the physical security field.

Currently leading a team of Architect and Engineering managers across the EMEA region, Steven remains committed to contributing positively to global security practices. He is actively involved in industry associations and international standards organizations, seeking to collaboratively shape the landscape of security.

In a more behind-the-scenes capacity, Steven has provided consultative support to a national steering group instrumental in establishing the Secure by Design, Secure by Default certification. His close collaboration with the UK Surveillance Camera Commissioner reflects his dedication to enhancing standards in the physical security sector. As a speaker at international security conferences, Steven has modestly shared insights that have contributed to the industry's development and the identification of key technology trends.

Beyond his professional commitments, Steven has volunteered his expertise, previously serving as Director of Systems, Information, and Cyber Security for ASIS International and the UK chapter, before being elected as a board director. He also serves on the EMEA Advisor Council as the emerging technology lead for TiNYg (Global Terrorism Information Network). Additionally, he contributes to various standards committees supporting IoT security and plays a role in the BSI Private Security Management and Services. Steven Kenny's humble dedication has made a meaningful impact on the global security landscape, positioning him as a valued contributor to the industry.