SDM Top Systems Integrators Report: The Specialists

It’s July, and that means one thing: It’s time for our annual Top Systems Integrator Report! While it might not quite merit the same hoopla as this year’s 250 national birthday celebrations, it is definitely cause for personal celebration when it is completed. And I like to think it generates excitement in the industry when it is released.

This and our SDM 100M Report published in May are huge undertakings that take, in total, about 6 months to complete start to finish. But the data and insight they provide is well worth the effort.

Annual rankings always focus on the numbers, but the stories behind those numbers are often just as interesting, if harder to quantify. In reading the comments to this year’s report, I was struck by a common thread that ran through the responses — many highlighted how they were focusing on certain verticals, introducing specialty services or had focused their efforts internally to align processes and procedures. A few companies even referred to this as becoming “One [company name].”

“One of our most significant accomplishments in 2025 was the successful launch of a unified set of reporting tools, technologies and performance dashboards that reinforce our promise to act as one team, one Everon,” wrote Don Young, CEO, Everon.

Similarly, Pavion wrote, “Pavion concluded its migration to one Pavion, simplifying our business structure for internal operations and customers.”

These types of efforts helped integrators hone their skills to focus on their customers — in some cases, very specific ones like data centers, an often mentioned fast-rising vertical opportunity.

From looking inward to reading the room when it comes to customer demand, this year’s report spotlights companies that are successfully adapting to shifting customer expectations, rapid advances in AI, and continued economic pressures.

NextGen Security LLC wrote, “Bigger than AI technology itself is the opportunity for securing large AI data centers.”

Looking for quick answers on security topics? Try Ask SDM, our new smart AI search tool. Ask SDM →

Some, such as ORR Protection and ECC, focused on specific technologies they have developed in-house: a fire protection software platform in ORR’s case and a proprietary correctional security system for ECC.

Others mentioned introducing mobile surveillance trailers or video monitoring solutions.

By all accounts, these strategies paid off. Their aggregate total systems integration revenue rose by double digits for the second year in a row to $9.72 billion, up 15 percentage points over last year’s 18 percentage point gain.

As you review the rankings and accompanying analysis, look beyond revenue figures and consider the broader lesson: sustainable growth often comes from knowing who you are, what you do best, and where you can deliver the most value.

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Karyn Hodgson is a veteran security industry journalist.. As the Editor-in-Chief of SDM, Karyn is responsible for the overall editorial direction of the magazine, its supplements, newsletters and website. She works with the SDM editorial staff to develop content that helps security dealers and systems integrators operate successful businesses. Karyn represents SDM at trade shows and conferences, and directs exclusive research such as the SDM Industry Forecast, the SDM 100 and The Top Systems Integrators Report. She also manages SDM’s Dealer of the Year and Systems Integrator of the Year Award programs. Karyn has an MSJ in Journalism (magazine publishing) degree from Northwestern University, and more than 30 years’ experience writing for and about the security industry. Contact Karyn with article ideas.