zNose® can be used for detecting and identifying the hidden explosives, bombs and weapons within buildings. It has a unique ability to detect all chemical compounds and enables the system to quickly recognize any threat including such explosives as TATP as well as conventional nitro-based compounds. The complete monitoring of ambient air within or around secure facilities by a network of sensors provides comprehensive protection against all threats as well as identification of suspicious or unusual chemical emissions. It also compares air chemistry within buildings with the building's normal background signature.

zNose® software includes an expandable library of over 700 chemicals and odor signatures allowing it to recognize virtually any target odor. Using ultra-high speed chromatography to separate chemicals within an odor in near real time, it performs pattern recognition and trace detection using virtual chemical sensors simultaneously. This is a highly effective way to recognize the presence of contraband material of all kinds. Based on Surface Acoustic Wave sensors and Ultra-fast Chromatography, it can analyze chemical vapors within a minute. Instead of using physical sensors zNose® creates hundreds of user-defined, virtual chemical sensors for multiple applications. Once a vapor has been detected, it’s VaporPrint™ software technology provides users with visual vapor representations allowing for easy interpretation and pattern recognition. Unlike conventional detection systems, it recognizes odors and fragrances based on their full chemical signature and is adaptive to recognize chemical signature of virtually any threat.

zNose® can operate within a wireless network using either Wi-fi, bluetooth, or RF modems with ranges up to 1 mile. It can also be remotely linked using an Internet connection. Currently the most recent model is completely mobile using a built in connection. The company provides online support for all its products using an internet network connection. This capability could be used within an airport security system to provide oversight by a central monitoring station as well as updating of new threat signatures to every zNose® within the facility.