The security industry can expect a paradigm shift in the upcoming years: the move from on-premises security solutions to hosted methods for access control and video surveillance. In terms of revenue streams, redundancy, and user experience, this shift is immensely positive. It also comes with its own implications and questions.

I was meeting with a colleague recently and they asked the question, “What’s the hardest part of your job?” My response was, “It’s lonely at the top.”

For a long time in the physical security industry, there were two camps: the alarm company — based on RMR, and the integrator — based on large onsite systems.

Strong leadership sets the example for one security integrator.

TIMES HAVE CHANGED — for some systems integrators more than others. Without spending time discussing what we have been through in the past year, let’s just say that things are changing as rapidly now as they did last March.

Examining the Disconnect between doors and technology to secure them.

EXPANDING REVENUE STREAMS and increasing profitability are never ending battles for security integrators. Adapting your offerings to capitalize on emerging technologies that serve critical needs — without falling for flash-in-the-pan trends that quickly fade — is one of the surest ways to boost your bottom line and ensure business survival for the long haul.

AN AGE-OLD SAYING STATES that there are two certainties in life — death and taxes. The reality is that whether you are a security integration company, a product manufacturer or a security service provider, there are many additional work occurrences that are equally as certain.

Like individuals who resolve to lose weight or save more, businesses have resolutions or goals, many of which do not get executed or even incorporated into the upcoming year’s business plan. Just like “I am going to lose weight” needs a resolve to change exercise and eating habits, so too do business objectives require the thoughtful and deliberate strategy to deliver the desired outcome.

There are two unshakeable facts that determine the direction of the security industry. The first is that digital communications have redefined the concept of business risk.