Custom Integrations. Limitless Potential.
Our in-house software engineering team builds custom middleware, dashboards, and API integrations to make your disparate systems work as one.
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Our in-house engineering team builds custom middleware, dashboards, and integrations that connect physical security and building systems to the rest of your business. APIs, identity sync, automation pipelines, and bespoke front-ends — written and supported by the same people who installed the hardware.
Technology Partners
A representative environment where ZEI engineers, deploys, and supports software engineering.
Where current systems fall short.
- Vendor platforms that almost do what you need but require manual workarounds daily
- Disconnected systems that should share data but never do
- Reports and dashboards stitched together in spreadsheets
- Identity drift between HR, IT, and physical access systems
- Legacy serial / proprietary devices that cannot reach modern IP networks
Bridging the Gap
Off-the-shelf software rarely does exactly what you need. We write the code to fill the gaps.
API Integrations
We connect your access control, HR systems (Workday, BambooHR), and identity providers (Okta, Entra ID) for automated onboarding.
Custom Dashboards
Web-based command centers that aggregate video, alarms, and IoT sensor data into a single, tailored user interface.
Workflow Automation
Scripted responses to security events, such as automatically locking doors and sending Slack alerts when an intrusion occurs.
Legacy Modernization
We build custom IoT gateways and protocol converters to bring legacy serial devices into modern IP networks.
What gets installed.
A real deployment is more than the headline product. These are the components we typically specify and integrate.
Integration middleware
Serverless functions or container services that bridge access control, VMS, HR, ITSM, and notification systems.
Custom dashboards
Web dashboards built on React / Next.js with role-based access, fed by your existing systems' APIs.
Automation engines
Event-driven automation: alarm triggers Slack post, Slack approval triggers door unlock, etc.
Identity sync services
SCIM / SAML / LDAP connectors keeping access control in lockstep with HR and identity providers.
Legacy gateways
Custom IoT gateways and protocol converters bringing serial / RS-485 / Modbus devices to modern APIs.
Cloud hosting
AWS / GCP / Azure infrastructure with CI/CD, secret management, and observability.
Connects to what you already run.
Our software engineering integrate with your existing identity, communication, and security systems for unified operations.
How it gets built.
Every project follows the same engineering-led sequence — designed, documented, and delivered with no surprises.
- 01
Discovery
Map the systems, the data flows, and the manual steps you want to eliminate. Define what success looks like.
- 02
Solution design
Architecture diagram, data model, API contract, and rollout plan reviewed with your team before any code is written.
- 03
Build & test
Iterative development with frequent demos. Automated tests for integration boundaries; manual verification with stakeholders.
- 04
Pilot deployment
Roll out to a single site or department, observe, fix, document.
- 05
Production rollout
Wider rollout with monitoring, runbooks, and on-call coverage during the launch window.
- 06
Handover or managed service
Either deliver to your team with documentation and training, or continue running the service under a managed agreement.
What our engineers look for.
- We pick boring, dependable technology — TypeScript, Python, AWS Lambda — over novelty.
- Every integration is observable: structured logs, metrics, alerts on failure paths.
- Auth is OAuth 2 / OIDC where supported; service accounts use short-lived credentials, never static API keys checked into config.
- Code is delivered to your repo with documentation, not as a black box we own forever.
- Custom software is justified against off-the-shelf alternatives; we say "buy, don't build" when that's the right answer.
After the install.
Service tiers built around what your facility actually needs — not a one-size-fits-all SLA.
We host, monitor, and maintain the integration. SLA-backed uptime and proactive incident response.
You host; we provide on-call support, bug fixes, and feature changes under a retainer.
Code delivered to your repo with documentation. We are available for changes on time-and-materials basis.
Development Approach
How we build software for physical security.
Middleware & Connectors
Serverless functions that bridge two existing platforms.
- Fast deployment time
- Low maintenance overhead
- Hosted on AWS/GCP
- Event-driven architecture
- Perfect for HR syncs
Full-Stack Applications
Custom web and mobile apps built from the ground up.
- React/Next.js frontends
- Node.js/Python backends
- Custom database architecture
- Tailored UI/UX design
- Complete ownership of the platform
Where this system fits.
Banking
Protecting financial assets, sensitive data, and personnel with integrated security systems that meet strict regulatory requirements
Healthcare
Securing hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies while maintaining strict HIPAA compliance and ensuring a safe environment for patient care
Logistics
Securing massive distribution centers and tracking fleet movement with long-range surveillance, yard management, and access control
Manufacturing
Industrial-grade security and process monitoring to protect intellectual property, ensure OSHA compliance, and minimize downtime
Utilities
NERC CIP compliant security solutions for power plants, substations, water treatment facilities, and critical energy infrastructure
Government
NDAA-compliant security infrastructure designed to protect municipal, state, and federal government facilities and personnel
Education
Creating safe learning environments with integrated lockdown systems, vape detection, and campus-wide mass notification
Airports
Comprehensive security and networking solutions designed to meet the rigorous compliance and operational demands of modern transportation hubs
Often deployed together.
Cloud Infrastructure
ZEI hosts and manages cloud infrastructure for physical security, video, and building systems on AWS, GCP, and Azure
Physical AI
ZEI deploys physical AI — computer vision, behavioral analytics, and machine learning — that turns existing camera infrastructure into intelligent sensors
Access Control
ZEI deploys cloud-managed and enterprise access control across single-door deployments and multi-site campuses
Video Surveillance
ZEI engineers commercial video surveillance systems built around modern IP cameras, edge AI analytics, and cloud or on-premise video management
From the engineering blog.
Background reading our team uses when designing software engineering systems.
Integrating Legacy SCADA with Modern VMS
Most electric utilities operate two completely separate technology stacks for their substations.
Edge AI Analytics: Moving Intelligence from the Server to the Camera
Edge AI moves video analytics from the data center to the camera itself, cutting bandwidth and latency. Here is when edge wins and when cloud still does.
Hybrid Cloud Video Storage: Balancing Retention, Bandwidth, and Cost
The debate over where to store surveillance video has evolved beyond the binary choice of on-premises NVR versus cloud.
Frequently asked.
When is custom software the right answer?
Do you own the code, or do we?
Which stacks do you use?
Can you build a single pane of glass on top of our existing systems?
How do you handle long-term support?
Let's build your system.
Tell us about your facility. Our engineering team will design a system tailored to your security, connectivity, and automation requirements.
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