2024 SDM Top Systems Integrators Rankings

In addition No. 4, Pavion, with its top-ranked $25million project, a number of companies from the 2024 SDM Top Systems Integrators Report shared their most successful projects completed in 2023. Here are a few of the stand-out projects that helped these companies achieve their top-ranked status.

Convergint, ranked, No. 1, partnered with Milestone Systems throughout 2023 to help schools centralize security operations across campuses and experience enhanced flexibility by integrating video technology with numerous security tools (including IP cameras, access control systems, vape detection and video analytics). Leveraging innovative, emerging technology to enhance overall security posture, these security systems have a tangible impact on school safety across the globe — equipping K-12 facilities with the intelligent tools needed to protect students and faculty. In addition, Convergint greatly expanded its STEP Up for Schools initiative in 2023 to help strengthen security at underserved schools in communities across the globe. In 2023, over 500 Convergint colleagues provided free security upgrades and enhancements as part of the STEP Up program, serving 32 schools in the U.S. — including in Denver, Atlanta and Baltimore. This effort resulted in a nearly $200,000 donation in the form of labor, equipment and partner participation. To date, approximately 100+ schools have received security donations from Convergint through this program since its inception.

Everon, ranked No. 3, recently deepened its partnership with Hawaiian Financial Federal Credit Union, the fourth largest credit union in Hawaii. Everon, also known as ADT Commercial, was first contacted by HIFICU and the manufacturer of their Teller Cash Recycler systems (TCR) for assistance in installing their new TCR systems. Everon had previous experience installing these systems at other customer locations and saw an opportunity to expand its presence and expertise in the banking business in Hawaii. To kick off the project, Everon held strategy and planning meetings, immediately establishing trust with the HIFICU team. The conversation quickly transformed into a full-service design engineering project. In addition to upgrading and enhancing many components of its aging security ecosystem, HIFICU expressed concern about its limited IT resources. To address this concern, Everon introduced HIFICU to the network operations center (NOC) suite of managed services, which included setting up dedicated, security-only networks so Everon can monitor the cameras’ health, set up IP addresses, provide internet connections, and manage all of it from its NOC. To help manage excessive false alarm fees, HIFICU collaborated with the Everon team to identify a video verification solution for both indoor and outdoor alarms. In collaboration with HIFICU, Everon identified each of these technologies as a creative solution that would not only respond to HIFICU’s specific needs and address their pain points but would do so in a way that would optimize their operations without resulting in costly infrastructure. After extensive rounds of surveys at both the main office location and all branch operations, it was determined that HIFICU’s current security set-up was out-of-date and in need of vital upgrades and enhancements. Since some of the systems were built on viable technologies, Everon proposed upgrading existing panels and servers while changing out old wireless locking systems to help save the customer on some costs. In addition to updating the existing systems to extend the longevity of viable systems, Everon introduced HIFICU to new technologies and services that not only more comprehensively and reliably protect their facilities but help them to establish operational efficiencies while supporting their existing infrastructure. By taking advantage of managed services through Everon and establishing a security-only network, HIFICU can now rely on Everon to effectively monitor the health of their systems and manage their internal IT infrastructure without putting pressure on critical resources or personnel. The comprehensive, integrated security system encompasses the HIFICU main office building, 11 branch locations, a multi-story parking structure and surrounding common grounds. What began simply as an engagement to install several new TCR systems for HIFICU’s locations has transformed into a much more in-depth partnership, with Everon entrusted with designing and installing a full, comprehensive, integrated security system for the credit union. Since HIFICU began its relationship with Everon, they have further expanded the partnership with the addition of fire and life-safety solutions and have placed their trust in Everon’s capabilities to the level of engaging with the company to manage their dedicated security-only networks. As the single-source security, fire and life-safety provider for one of the leading credit unions in Hawaii, as HIFICU continues to expand its locations, Everon will continue to expand its support of the organization.

Minuteman, ranked No. 12, completed a major project at Boston University that showed the capabilities and the talent of its staff. Minuteman combined 23 separate, stand-alone Software House C•CURE systems into an enterprise system. This included setting up a master application server (MAS) and three satellite application servers (SAS). Minuteman met all project goals on time, on budget and at a minimum of disruption to this incredibly busy community. The result is a system that has streamlined and improved BU’s operational security and safety and provides tremendous peace of mind to this most valuable partner. This project won SDM’s 2024 Project of the Year award.

Stone Security, ranked No. 15, partnered with Cache County School District (Utah) after a several-year pilot of Milestone/Axis and LenelS2. After great success with these technologies and with Stone at the helm supporting them with best-in-class design, engineering, installation and support, all facilities are now secured with these core technologies as a standard. Stone has assisted the district in locking down the schools from an open campus to a secure one. Stone has also helped the client protect the glass on perimeter doors and windows, and deployed a door station video entry solution for main entry doors where two-way video and communication takes place as well as remote door release. This solution is all tied back into the Milestone VMS and recorded. Lockdown readers have been deployed in every school to secure the students upon an event. Stone works with the district and local law enforcement professionals on weapons detection solutions and remote video monitoring. Everything is tied into the open platform headend of Milestone, providing flexibility and growth to the district.

Preferred Technologies LLC, ranked No. 17, was tasked with upgrading JP Morgan Chase from one existing system to another. The goal was to replace Mercury control boards and cabling from the old control panel to doors and have their programmers reprogram the boards for their new systems. With assets and information like mortgages, investing and banking information to secure, minimizing downtime for access control systems and servers is of the utmost importance. Pref-Tech wanted to ensure that there was as little downtime as possible taking down the old system and cutting to the new system. To reduce downtime, a new panel was built and set up on a rolling cart or table. Then, the new cabling was wired to the panel to get it prepared for installation. They then tested each door as they went, 30-50 doors at one time, ensuring every door stayed online for as long as possible. This reduced the customer’s usual downtime of an entire day or longer. JP Morgan Chase has continued to do business with Pref-Tech and the integrator has become their “trusted advisor” for integration services at many of their locations across Texas.

Prosegur Security Integration, ranked No. 25, was contracted to help a customer reduce guarding OPEX spend through remote guarding of various locations across the country. The scope of work included supply and installation of video cameras, access control, gate operators, fencing and other civil work to remotely monitor video cameras and grant after-hours access of truck deliveries through yard gates after verification of credential driver credentials and delivery logs. The project installation costs were supported through Prosegur financing and reduced the customer’s ongoing OPEX costs by 86.3 percent. Prosegur’s team of solutions designers, project management, highly skilled technical field supervisors, security operations center (iSOC) technical and guarding staff, with support from senior management have made the customer program a success.

Guardian Protection, ranked No. 39, conducted a comprehensive security overhaul at the facility of Animal Friends, a full-service companion animal welfare organization serving the pets and people of Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. This project involved the replacement of 36 cameras to ensure extensive surveillance coverage both outdoors and indoors, including dog parks, parking areas and wooded sections. The team’s ability to quickly train dozens of employees on how to efficiently review video footage and accurately identify animals in distress showcases the company’s commitment to not only implementing advanced technology but also ensuring the technology is used effectively for the protection and welfare of animals. Moreover, Guardian incorporated advanced security measures such as license plate readers and facial recognition technology. These additions were crucial in safeguarding the animals against potential threats and ensuring that only individuals with verified access could interact with or approach the animals. This level of security is pivotal in preventing unauthorized removals and ensuring the safety of the animals within the facility. Additionally, they integrated a large access control system throughout the 50,000-square-foot building. This system was meticulously designed to control access precisely, allowing only authorized personnel within specific areas, thereby ensuring the highest level of security and protection for the animals housed there.

Custom Alarm, ranked No. 48, partnered with SEMCIL, a 501 (c3) non-residential, non-profit organization that has been serving Southeastern Minnesota for over four decades. SEMCIL is run by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, while full inclusion and community participation is the foundation of the work that they complete. In 2022 the group set forth to establish an indoor community space that would encourage play for its invaluable contribution to physical and social growth. Located in Northwest Rochester, Boundless, is a 40,000 square foot facility providing year-round indoor play and activity for kids and adults of all abilities. The project broke ground in November of 2022 with construction lasting just at the year mark. The Custom Alarm team first worked with the electrician to provide the full installation of a Notifier NFW-100X Fire Alarm System. With the entire building having a fire suppression system, the focus was to monitor the sprinkler points as well as provide proper audio and visual notification in the event of a fire to evacuate the individuals in the building. A few months into the project, Custom Alarm provided a demonstration of a video surveillance system utilizing Hanwha Analytic Cameras through the OpenEye VMS System. Knowing this large space would have many critical areas that were going to need to be monitored, it was determined that a variety of cameras — including multi-sensor, fisheye and dome cameras — would be the best solution for the customer. One main focus was to still create a welcoming environment to all community members, but to also establish a sense of security that while in attendance children would be safe in the establishment. long with the video surveillance system, Boundless wanted to control access to several exterior door locations as well as office areas and event spaces. Custom Alarm decided a DMP XR Series Panel would be the best approach, accomplishing both traditional security monitoring as well as access control with the one panel. Previously, the customer was not able to use remote interactive features at their other location, which was a struggle to add and delete staff user codes and access badges. With DMP’s Virtual Keypad app, Boundless would now have the option to remotely manage the security and access control system even creating user credentials and schedules from any computer or their mobile device. Custom Alarm worked for many months pulling tens of thousands of feet of cable and installing dozens of field devices to ensure a solution that would provide peace of mind not only to the Boundless organization but to each child and parent that would be welcomed to this facility. The Custom Alarm team was committed to leveraging technology to provide tailored solutions for SEMCIL all while delivering outstanding customer service.

IP Systems Inc., ranked No. 49, substantially completed the installation of a large juvenile detention center. The complex project contains five residential units, a school, gymnasium, an intake center, and a court building, including over 500 intercoms being converted from analog to digital. There are over 200 doors of access control. The integrator also added a WAVE duress radio system. There are 180 cameras installed through the project.

Telenet VoiP Inc., ranked No. 51, completed the modernization of a historical elementary school in Beverly Hills. This project scope included fire alarm, intrusion, access control, video surveillance, paging, intercom and structured cabling for $2.5 million.

Sonitrol of Sacramento & Orange County, Cybex Security Solutions, ranked No. 53, worked with a client who reached out to get bids on modernizing an existing camera system. All other bidders were quoting complete system replacement leading to quotes higher than budgeted. Sonitrol was able to evaluate the condition of the existing cabling and network infrastructure and utilize what they had already invested in. This approach reduced the client’s capital expense and built trust and respect. The integrator was also able to tie the whole project into a maintenance and managed service contract maximizing the RMR potential for this opportunity.

Security Alarm Corporation, ranked No. 64, was approached by SIU Credit Union to upgrade the video, intrusion and access control systems at each of their nine branches. SIU Credit Union had very old systems that were completely independent of each other. The goal was to integrate and upgrade all systems with little or no down time. To make this happen the integrator worked with their IT Team to extract all the user information, zone information, DVR settings and access control groups prior to the installation. Back at the office, they were able to program all of the user and zone information into the panels. This allowed technicians to be able to complete each upgrade in a one-day period. Because this due diligence was done, there were very few surprises and they were able to use all existing wiring and all existing peripheral devices. The video surveillance upgrade was challenging because SIU Credit Union wanted to integrate both legacy analog cameras and modern IP cameras onto a single platform. A fair amount of research had to take place to make sure all existing cameras were compatible. There were some hiccups with some of the cameras and encoders originally chosen. But the integrator was able to pivot and get the parts needed to complete the upgrade in a short period of time.

Pace Protection, ranked No. 94, provided an access control system for a private high school in the San Antonio area. The school did not have any access control on campus. The upgrade was prompted by the recent events in Uvalde, Texas, just 45 minutes away from the campus. The school transitioned into providing access control on all classroom doors and exterior doors on campus to keep their students and faculty safe. Pace Protection installed over 112 doors of access control using magnetic door locks and electronic strikes. The school building was built in 1957 so there was a significant amount of conduit involved to make all wiring clean for the installation.

LOUD Security Systems Inc., ranked No. 97, has had 15-year partnership with LiveSafe Resources, a local shelter for victims of domestic violence. LOUD Security recently began work to upgrade every system on-site, including security, access control, video, fire and intercom systems. LOUD installed the following equipment: 125 IP cameras; two 64-channel NVRs; four 42-in. monitors; 35 doors of access control with encrypted credentials for added safety; and six doors of video intercom systems to allow employees to see and speak to visitors for both tenant and employee safety. In addition, LOUD Security General Manager Eric Widner and his wife, Row, volunteered their time and materials to help LiveSafe refresh their facility with new paint, furniture and decor.