When I wrote this column a year ago I was writing about a group of security integrators who by and large had filled in their surveys in March of 2023. Why is that relevant? Because the technology world experienced a pivotal event in November 2022, a mere four months before last year’s group expressed their opinions on the previous year, and the coming one. Now this group of top performing companies featured in the 2024 Top Systems Integrators Report have had well over a year to gauge the impacts on their own business — and that of their customers — that Generative AI and the larger “artificial intelligence” umbrella of offerings has brought to the table.

And they had plenty to say on the topic of AI this year.

For example, No. 1-ranked Convergint noted, “In 2023, the market for security systems was strong — driven by the escalating need for highly automated and AI-driven systems that can protect facilities and device networks from emerging threats (both physical and cyber).”

No. 4, Pavion Corp., wrote similarly: “We are still seeing strong demand for technology refresh and upgrades as well as extension of services to improve business operations, enhance revenue and protect profits by strategically applying technology and emerging needs for AI offerings.”

As No. 25, Prosegur Security Integration, aptly put it: “The security industry is on the cusp of a dynamic transformation, with technology, integration, and adaptability at its core.”

But AI was not the only technology trend impacting the top integrators this year. Other top contenders were cloud, security as a service (including both access and video services), and remote video monitoring, which also happens to be the topic of this month’s special supplement, Video Monitoring Today.

Not surprisingly, AI features prominently the remote video monitoring world as well.

“Remote and proactive video monitoring are both growing segments that AI is powering, and we’re seeing a lot of interest from dealers and end users in deploying these options,” says Woodie Andrawos, president, NMC in the article, “How Video Analytics Is Elevating Public Safety” by Senior Editor Rodney Bosch.

For those interested in learning more on how the operation of remote video monitoring works in practice, check out Laura Stepanek’s cover story in our video monitoring supplement, where she details seven best practices for efficient and effective remote video monitoring.

While not the main focus, this article, as well, touches on the impact of AI, with Wes Usie, president, Guardian Alarm Systems commenting that the evolution of video analytics and AI is set to transform the security industry fundamentally with technologies that can provide more accurate detection, reduce false alarms, and offer advanced predictive analytics that can preemptively identify potential threats.

One thing is sure: We have only just begun to see the impact that AI and Generative AI will have on the security industry and these applications will no doubt expand exponentially in the coming year and beyond.

As Unlimited Technology Inc., ranked No. 11 in the TSI Report, wrote: “The security industry faces significant changes, driven by technological advancements and economic recovery. Success will depend on the industry's ability to adapt quickly and understand market and technology trends.”