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Annual Industry Forecast

SDM’s annual Industry Forecast Study measures the health and viability of the electronic security industry. Factors include revenue increases and decreases, expected growth for the coming year, pricing trends, and challenges that installing companies face. The health and viability of the electronic security industry is measured each year through SDM’s Industry Forecast Study, conducted annually since 1981. Through the Industry Forecast Study, which samples SDM’s subscriber base of installing security dealers and systems integrators, we get a depiction of the strength of the industry as measured by revenue increases and decreases, expected growth for the coming year, pricing trends for systems and services such as monitoring, and challenges that installing companies face.

The study’s results are presented annually in the January edition of SDM and on the website. More comprehensive results of the SDM Industry Forecast Study are available in a report. To order contact Jackie Bean at (215) 939-8967 or by e-mail to beanj@bnpmedia.com.

Dealer of the Year

SDM founded its Dealer of the Year Award in 1980 to recognize one company every year that demonstrates unmistakable success, a high level of innovation, the use of industry best practices, and notable growth and accomplishments in the security dealer industry.

SDM 100 Report

A yearly report ranking the top 100 U.S. companies that earn their revenues from the sale, installation, service and monitoring of electronic security systems to residential and non-residential customers.

The 2025 SDM 100/Top Systems Integrator Report Survey is NOW OPEN. New entrants are welcome and encouraged to apply! Surveys are due by March 3, 2025. APPLY NOW!

State of the Market Series

Every year the State of the Market Reports offer an in-depth review of the five major segments of the security industry: Video Surveillance, Alarm Systems & Monitoring, Access Control, Fire Alarm and Connected Home.

Systems Integrator of the Year

SDM’s Systems Integrator of the Year recognizes one company every year that demonstrates unmistakable success, a high level of innovation, the use of industry best practices, and notable growth and accomplishments in the systems integration industry.

TMA Excellence Awards

The Monitoring Association’s Excellence Awards, sponsored by SDM Magazine, are designed to recognize any central station that is certified by one of the TMA-recognized Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratories.

Top Systems Integrators Report

The SDM Top Systems Integrators Report ranks, by total annual revenue, the largest U.S. firms that contract electronic security projects for commercial, industrial, institutional, government, and other non-residential markets.

The 2025 SDM 100/Top Systems Integrator Report Survey is NOW OPEN. New entrants are welcome and encouraged to apply! Surveys are due by March 3, 2025. APPLY NOW!

Cybersecurity Chronicles

An essential guide to cybersecurity best practices, tailor-made for security integrators seeking to fortify digital defenses and protect client assets.

Digital Shuffle

The latest apps and websites in the security industry.

Editor's Angle

Monthly column by Editor Karyn Hodgson.

Insider News & Business

The latest information about mergers and acquisitions, new hires and other news affecting the security industry.

Integration Spotlight

Key trends and business insights for security integrators provided by PSA leaders and members.

Marketing Madmen

A marketing column related to the Security industry.

Security & the Law

Monthly column featuring information on the law in the security industry.

Security Comings & Goings

A round-up of new hires, promotions and other announcements for security industry professionals.

Security NetWorkings

Monthly column featuring information pertaining to the security industry.

SIA Waypoints

SIA Waypoints is a column written by the Security Industry Association addressing a variety of industry topics, concerns and best practices.

Technology @ Work

Articles on security for small-large businesses.

Technology Solutions

Access Control & Door Hardware

In physical security, access control is the management of access to a place. In building management, this allows the right people to enter certain areas at the correct time, whether with a key card, password, PIN, mobile credentials or through biometric credentials like fingerprints. Access control systems and door hardware together determine who is allowed to enter or exit, and when they are allowed to do so. The past few years have seen an increased interest in access control products for their ability to filter through visitors and determine whether someone should access a facility or not.

Alarm Monitoring Equipment & Services

From the central station to your home, alarm monitoring allows for the protection of a building or home during closing hours or when the home/building owner is away. A central station alarm monitoring center uses software and trained operators to reach out to home/building owners or emergency services when an alarm signal is received. Monitored alarm systems give a layer of protection to safeguard assets like workers, business documents and currency and prevent property loss.

Authorized Dealer Supplies & Services

Everyone can use a trusted partner in business. Authorized dealer programs experienced a boom in the 1990s, allowing security dealers of any size to compete with the help of mass market residential security companies. Dealer programs have allowed for the growth of mom and pop operations, providing them with the support of a powerful brand and added support and infrastructure. Though some dealer programs operate through a buy-sell model, where accounts are sold off once they are generated, many dealer programs allow for equipment sales or different types of support, like billing, sales, marketing support and training. And, these dealer programs help dealers build long-term relationships with customers.

Distributors

There are many options for purchasing security products, whether you buy online, directly through a manufacturer or from a trusted distributor. Buying from a distributor has many advantages. Purchasing from a distribution company allows customers to get access to products from manufacturers that only sell through the distribution channel — a definite edge against competitors. Distributors can help customers ship equipment directly to a job site, and can pre-load software and program equipment such as video management systems, IP cameras and other devices. Distributors also provide easier scalability to reach a wider audience. Plus, with competitive financing options that provide a longer period to pay for a large project, choosing to work with a dealer can be a cost-effective method of project planning. Distributors can also provide training, which is always helpful when implementing a new product.

Fire Protection | Life Safety Equipment

Fire protection and other life safety equipment helps save thousands of lives each year. There are two kinds of fire alarm systems: non-addressable fire alarms, and the newer addressable, or smart system. The most basic fire alarm initiating device is a manual pull station, and the most common is a smoke detector. The market also includes heat detectors which, although the slowest to react to a fire, are a viable option when the environment does not allow for the use of a smoke detector. Bringing buildings “up to code” is a major part of the fire protection/life safety industry since it’s considered a necessity, not a luxury, in the commercial building space. Mass notification systems have also evolved with text messaging, email and smartphone notifications alerting customers of fire.

Video Surveillance & Communication Equipment

Video surveillance is a large part of the physical security industry, and a consideration for many commercial and residential customers. Video surveillance and communication equipment helps hinder crime, observe scenarios and activities, pick and assemble evidence for recording and documenting events, improve public safety, prevent crime in public areas and more. Video surveillance systems employ point-to-point (P2P), point-to-multipoint, mesh wired or wireless links. Video cameras now often have motion detection built into them and feature some of the best imaging in the history of the technology. IP cameras, storing footage in the cloud, thermal imaging and edge processing have also marked advances in video surveillance technology.

Access Control & Identification

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Stay informed on advances in access control and identification technologies, including smart locks, edge-based access solutions, biometric systems, cybersecurity trends, and industry deployment best practices.

Business Services & Education

Trade shows, conferences, educational opportunities, and other business services for security dealers and security integrators.

Communication & Infrastructure

The infrastructure or backbone of security systems and how they communicate, from alarms to enterprise-wide systems.

Hosted & Managed Services

The latest trends, products and solutions in hosted, managed, and cloud-based security services for security dealers and security integrators.

Integration & Network Solutions

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Explore expert insights on IP-network-based security, drone defense, cybersecurity, access control, and AI's impact on integrated systems for security integrators.

Intrusion Alarm

Technology updates, in-the-field projects, installation and service issues, products and more in the security systems field.

Industry Innovations

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Explore the latest industry innovations in security technology, featuring cutting-edge solutions and trends transforming access control, video surveillance, and more.

Life Safety & Fire Alarm

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Explore SDM Magazine's comprehensive coverage on life safety and fire alarm systems. Stay updated with the latest industry trends, technologies, and best practices to ensure optimal safety and compliance.

Monitoring

In-depth information on trends in monitoring services, including security systems and fire detection, video surveillance, panic alarms, medical alarms and more.

Product Manufacturing/Distribution

Security acquisitions, technology partnerships and developments, channel program news and more among manufacturers, distributors and sources of supply.

Smart Home

Home automation, home entertainment, and connected-home information for the residential security dealer.

Standards, Regulations & Legislation

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Stay up to date on security industry standards, regulations, and legislation impacting compliance, safety protocols, and best practices for security professionals.

Trends & Industry Issues

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Stay informed on key trends and industry issues shaping the security market, with expert insights on challenges, opportunities, and emerging technologies.

Video Solutions

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Discover the latest video solutions in security, including advanced surveillance technologies, video analytics, and integrated systems for enhanced protection.

SDM Newswire

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Get the latest SDM Newswire updates on security industry developments, product launches, company news, and market trends shaping the future of security.

Home Automation / Entertainment

Articles on home automation and entertainment pertaining to the security industry.

Monitoring Today

An annual supplement featuring the security monitoring industry, including columns from industry trade associations.

Technology Solutions & Skills

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Explore technology solutions and essential skills driving innovation in the security industry, from system integration to advanced cybersecurity practices.

ISC West

Exclusive coverage of the ISC West Conference & Expo, brought to you from the show floor.

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