When emergencies happen, every second counts. That’s why many McAllen-area schools are adding projectile-resistant film to vulnerable glass surfaces. But with so many testing standards—UL, ASTM, GSA—it’s easy to get lost in the acronyms. What do these labels actually mean? And which ones matter when it comes to protecting students and staff?

Let’s break it down so you know what to look for before deciding.

There’s no denying the importance of school resource officers as an active way to monitor school activity, connect with students and address threats. It’s part of the reason new Texas state directives like HB 3 and SB 838 now require the presence of armed security guards on campuses. But one person alone isn’t enough to cover your school security solutions. 

That’s why those same directives also require certain technology frameworks. Security must operate as a coordinated network, not a single point of defense. Circle Industries helps schools in McAllen design integrated systems that support personnel, improve awareness, and accelerate response when every second matters.

McAllen's financial sector serves thousands of customers daily through institutions like Texas National Bank, Rio Bank, and numerous credit unions across the Rio Grande Valley. With substantial cash transactions, customer data, and valuable assets at stake, security can't be an afterthought.

Traditional NVR and DVR systems leave banks vulnerable due to limited remote access, challenging investigations, and outdated footage that's difficult to find when needed most. Video surveillance technology has evolved beyond simple recording—Verkada's cloud-based platform provides financial institutions with real-time monitoring, instant incident response, and AI-powered tools that detect threats before they become problems.

 This summer, a spree of burglaries and robberies affected businesses in the Rio Grande Valley. Some of these businesses were hit multiple times. In response, companies throughout the valley, including McAllen, TX, are searching for solutions. How can they proactively protect their businesses, customers, and staff? And why aren’t traditional commercial video surveillance systems working? 

Here, we'll explore the answers to those all-important questions.