AMAG Technology, an Allied Universal company, has been at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that businesses and institutions have robust, future-proof solutions. We recently sat down with David Sullivan, President of AMAG Technology, to discuss the company's evolution, leadership principles, innovations, cybersecurity strategies, and what the future holds for access control.

The Evolution of AMAG Technology

AMAG Technology's journey began in 1971 as a manufacturer of magnetic tape drives for mainframe computers. Recognizing an opportunity in magstripe card technology, the company pivoted to access control in 1986. Over the years, AMAG has consistently refined its focus, selling off unrelated products in 1995 and re-branding its product line to Symmetry in 2006, which positioned them as a leader in medium to large-scale access control solutions.

One of AMAG's most significant milestones was in 2013 when they developed an access control panel to help Casi Rusco system users upgrade to the Symmetry solution. This move solidified AMAG’s position as a trusted provider for large enterprises. In 2017, the company expanded further with the Symmetry CONNECT Identity Management system and Symmetry GUEST Visitor Management solution, integrating multiple security functions. Today, AMAG continues to innovate, offering digital wallet credentials and interconnected systems to help businesses automate workflows and enhance efficiency.

Leadership and Guiding Principles

Sullivan emphasizes a leadership style that provides structure while allowing managers the freedom to innovate. "I work to provide a clear framework and structure that allows my managers to operate freely within these boundaries. I leave room for and expect to see creative performance. Empowerment is important to me, and I do all I can to empower my management to run the business by not being intrusive in my management style and giving a lot of leeway to managers who are performing,” he explains.

Since Sullivan took the helm in 2022, AMAG has been committed to providing users with a seamless migration path as technology advances. Rather than implementing technology for its own sake, Sullivan mentions the company focuses on functionality—enabling cloud-based operations, mobile device compatibility, and automation to improve security efficiency. "Our overriding objective is to provide our existing users with a clear and easy migration path toward our future vision. The investment that end-users make in their security solutions is significant, and it is important that we help them to migrate as technology advances."

A Customer-First Approach

"Customer-first is one of our imperative core values. It cannot just be a part of the company's stated objectives, but rather a cultural objective for the business,” Sullivan highlights. Like most companies in the security industry, customer satisfaction is a core value at AMAG. The company's "CustomerFirst" program educates employees about industry needs, business operations, and product offerings, ensuring they deliver exceptional service.

Cybersecurity is another imperative at AMAG. The company embeds cybersecurity protections within its solutions while maintaining strict internal policies and working with external experts to safeguard against threats. "While we prioritize the importance of developing solutions that are impenetrable, it is important that we focus our organization on keeping our entire business protected,” David mentions. We have seen physical and cyber security frequently intersect in the physical security industry. A healthy change from years past and now an even a top priority here in 2025.

Trends Shaping the Future of Access Control

Sullivan predicts that access control will continue to balance security and convenience, leveraging advancements in biometrics, mobile solutions, and cloud technology. "There is always a balance between security and convenience. If you make one more important than the other, often the solution does not work. Recent technological advances have provided us with the ability to provide both." We recently spoke about the challenges with mobile solutions on our podcast with David. You can view it here.

The Allied Universal Advantage

As part of Allied Universal®, the world's largest security company, AMAG benefits from substantial resources and investment. Allied Universal supports AMAG’s technological advancements, including a recent factory upgrade to enhance manufacturing capabilities. "Allied's commitment and backing provide our customers the assurance that we will continue to be here tomorrow providing advanced solutions that complement their manpower solutions." This competitive edge has enabled AMAG to expand its industry presence and achieve new revenue milestones.

A Standout Success Story

We asked David for a success story where AMAG had a significant impact for a customer.  ACI Worldwide, a leader in global payments technology, was his answer. To meet stringent compliance requirements, ACI implemented AMAG’s Symmetry CONNECT identity management system, which provided real-time access visibility and seamless compliance tracking. By integrating Symmetry CONNECT with Symmetry Access Control, ACI enhanced security operations, streamlined audit preparation, and ensured adherence to PCI DSS standards. "The impact has been significant—improved compliance tracking, smoother communication with regulators, and a stronger overall security posture."

Future-Proofing Access Control

To future-proof security systems, Sullivan advises organizations to focus on four key areas:

1. Cloud-Based Access Control – "Enables remote management, automatic updates, and seamless scalability."

2. Mobile Credentials – "Digital wallet credentials enhance user convenience while reducing reliance on physical cards."

3. Scalability – "Investing in modular systems allows seamless expansion."

4. Open Systems Integration – "Incorporating video, identity management, and visitor management solutions ensures flexibility and longevity."

AMAG’s Vision for the Next Five Years

Looking ahead, AMAG aims to be the gold standard in security management solutions. "In five years, I see AMAG Technology as THE leader in security management solutions. Our current leadership team, including our product development and engineering teams, are enhancing the Symmetry product line so it will be not only more user-friendly but will be easier to install and update,” David shares.

The company is refining its technology partner strategy, with the goal of becoming the most attractive manufacturer for integration across industries. David goes on to explain that "technology companies from inside and outside the security space will be asking to integrate with AMAG’s Symmetry solution suite. Creating this type of magnetism is a huge undertaking, but the result will mean that organizations will choose AMAG because our Symmetry system integrates with the business and workflow technologies they already use."

AMAG’s commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and cybersecurity ensures that it will continue to shape the future of access control. As security needs evolve, AMAG remains dedicated to providing solutions that meet the demands of today and tomorrow.

What are your thoughts of the future AMAG? Do you have insights to share and want to be featured in an article? Email us at info@securityvip.net and let's talk!