When we first rolled out this new award in 2022 I wasn’t sure how much interest it would generate. Project stories are difficult to get at the best of times, with end users reluctant to share details of their security even to the trade press. I have been pleasantly surprised at the number and quality of submissions we have gotten, with more applicants every year.

This year’s crop was particularly strong, with a number of applicants worthy of consideration for the top spot. But in the end, there was one project that won the judges over with its complexity, outcome and interesting story: Minuteman’s takeover and upgrade/consolidation of Boston University’s access control system, taking multiple standalone and outdated access control systems and consolidating them into one enterprise level single pane of glass solution.

Joseph Lynch, CEO, Minuteman Security and Life Safety, explains in the article: “They had 23 different systems — 23 independent instances of Software House C•CURE 800. None of the databases talked to each other. Everything was separate. You would have to go over to every individual system within the university to add or delete a card holder.”

Working closely with the university’s director of security infrastructure and support services operations, as well as the IT department, Minuteman not only converted the individual access control systems to a Software House C•CURE 9000 enterprise system, but in the process became the university’s new preferred integrator, complete with embedded technicians on campus to troubleshoot issues and provide ongoing service.

Check out the full article to read about this involved and complex project.

There were a number of strong contenders for this award that will be featured over the next months in our Technology at Work department. This month’s story was one of those, featuring Pref-Tech and its project for the Trinity Metro Mass Transit System’s bus fleet in Fort Worth, Texas.

Speaking of awards, the SDM Systems Integrator of the Year Award nomination form is live and due May 1. If you are an integrator and feel you have a good story to tell this year, I would like to encourage you to apply. The nomination form is quick and easy. Then you have two months to fill out the longer application and submit. The winner will be profiled in the October issue of SDM and featured on the cover.

Last but not least, it’s April, which in the security industry this year means one thing: It’s ISC West time! Whether you are reading this just before or sometime after the event, I hope it is a productive and fruitful show filled with new technology discoveries, networking and perhaps a little fun.