Top 2025 Systems Integration Projects
A number of companies from the 2025 SDM Top Systems Integrators Report shared their most successful projects completed in 2025. Here is a sampling of the stand-out projects that helped these companies achieve their top-ranked status.
Robbins Brothers Fine Jewelers
Due to the historic status of the building, the Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission had a vested interest in ensuring that the architectural legacy of the building integral to the city’s identity remained largely intact. This introduced strict preservation rules that prohibit the placement of cameras and other hardware on ceilings or walls. In collaboration with the property management team, the customer and Everon’s staff of engineers, project managers and technicians, an innovative solution was identified to preserve the historic building’s character while seamlessly integrating essential access control, video management and intrusion systems.
Additionally, securing the Robbins Brothers store required installing security solutions on multiple floors, with each floor housing a fundamental business function. Varying degrees of personnel authorization for each floor, as well as differing business hours and the premium value of the inventory, all factored into the thoughtful design of the access control system. In close collaboration with Robbins Brothers, Everon identified video management, access control and alarm/intrusion technologies to work as a cohesive, innovative solution that would not only respond to Robbins Brothers’ specific needs and address their challenges, but would do so in a way that would optimize and safeguard their operations without resulting in costly infrastructure.
Throughout the process, the Everon team was cognizant and careful to recommend and design a total integrated solution that fit within the building’s historical architectural aesthetic, maintaining compliance with the Pasadena Historic Preservation Commission while implementing a solution that prioritized protecting Robbins Brothers’ inventory and operations.
Everon chose Hanwha video components, including cameras, AI software and seamless integration into the access control system. These high-resolution cameras also serve multiple purposes. Fully equipped with AI software, the cameras capture the diamonds’ locations and catalogue the cut, weight and clarity of the diamonds at every moment in travel throughout the facility. AI technology records and organizes every diamond detail alongside the video feed, cataloging and housing all pertinent inventory information in one place. This allows the customer access to critical insights on its inventory via a single, unified platform. For access control, the Brivo Door Station access control solution includes an all-in-one card and fob reader, facial authentication and intercom with audio to unlock doors while capturing video of every access event. This solution allows the client the flexibility to control access into the building from a tablet or iPhone.
Simple-to-use applications and user interfaces for employees to easily manage, service and leverage their systems to meet the needs of their business were crucial in reliably protecting their new headquarters and creating immense, long-term value for Robbins Brothers.
Large Energy Provider
Unlimited Technology Inc., ranked No. 14, was selected by an investor-owned energy provider in the United States to support a multi-year modernization of its enterprise physical security infrastructure across more than 400 facilities nationwide. The organization’s generation plants, substations and administrative offices were connected to a centralized Security Operations Center (SOC) but relied on fragmented legacy access control and video systems that limited interoperability, reduced visibility across the enterprise and introduced operational inefficiencies.
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Unlimited Technology designed and implemented an enterprise-wide modernization program valued at more than $100 million to transition the customer to a standardized physical access control and video management ecosystem. The engagement included the deployment of upgraded fiber and copper network infrastructure to support secure, high-bandwidth connectivity, as well as the integration of advanced perimeter protection technologies such as intrusion detection, radar systems, automated gates and fence line monitoring. All work was executed in coordination with operational stakeholders to maintain continuity of service across critical infrastructure environments.
As a result of the program, the customer now operates under a unified security architecture that enables centralized monitoring through its SOC, improves situational awareness and supports consistent security practices across a geographically dispersed portfolio of facilities. The open-architecture design of the deployed solution provides a scalable foundation for future technology integration and supports the organization’s long-term infrastructure modernization roadmap. Ongoing lifecycle maintenance and system performance monitoring are delivered through Unlimited Technology’s SHIELD service program to ensure continued reliability and operational readiness.
Battery Energy Storage Facility
ORR Protection, ranked No. 16, recently completed the design and commissioning of a fire alarm and life safety system for a utility-scale battery energy storage facility in the Southwestern United States. The project supports a large energy storage installation in the region, providing 1,200 MWh of energy storage capacity, enough to power more than 240,000 homes.
Protecting this type of infrastructure required a highly scalable fire protection architecture capable of monitoring hundreds of modular lithium-ion battery containers. ORR engineered and deployed a distributed network of approximately 800 fire alarm control panels, pull stations and annunciators, all communicating with a centralized command interface to provide continuous system supervision and rapid response capability across the entire site.
The complexity of the installation was heightened by containerized equipment from multiple vendors and programming inconsistencies that threatened commissioning timelines. ORR’s engineering and technical teams conducted extensive pre-testing, identified compatibility issues between vendor-programmed equipment and the site’s life safety network, and reprogrammed components to ensure full system integration and NFPA code compliance. The ORR team also provided on-site troubleshooting and training to support commissioning and ensure operational readiness.
The system was successfully commissioned without delays to the overall project schedule. This installation highlights ORR’s ability to engineer and deploy large-scale, highly integrated life safety systems for critical energy infrastructure, where reliability, code compliance and operational continuity are essential.
Merit Medical
Stone Security implemented an integrated solution combining Milestone XProtect video management software (VMS) with the Merit’s existing S2 NetBox access control system. They also leveraged the ORBNET Systems connector to unite these platforms, standardizing on network video cameras from Axis Communications throughout their facilities. The solution incorporates door controllers, credential verification and visual recognition into Merit’s existing VMS-based mapping system.
This integration provides a single interface for operations, allowing staff to verify identity, control access and review events seamlessly.
Dallas Area Rapid Transit
The pilot was distinguished by close, cross-functional collaboration between Pref Tech and DART, along with technology partners, including Axis Communications and Genetec. From initial design and engineering through deployment, Pref Tech served as a trusted advisor, delivering an end-to-end solution that combined technical rigor with world class operational execution.
Clear, consistent communication proved foundational to the project’s success, enabling alignment across all stakeholders and fostering meaningful growth in the partnership, both internally and externally. The engagement stands as a compelling example of Pref Tech’s holistic capabilities and commitment to delivering scalable, future-ready security solutions for complex transit environments — all while fostering lifelong relationships.
K-12 School District
Parallel Technologies, ranked No. 28, recently completed a district-wide security modernization project for a major K–12 school district in the Twin Cities metro area. The engagement replaced fragmented, aging systems with a unified security platform designed for consistent operations, faster response and simpler, long-term management.
The Parallel team upgraded and standardized key components across the district, including video surveillance cameras, electronic door hardware and card readers, then brought video and access control together into a single integrated environment. The outcome was a more cohesive security posture that supports district-wide standards, reduces complexity for staff and enables advanced functionality such as intelligent event-based alerts and actionable analytics.
Just as importantly, the integrator transitioned the project from installation to sustained performance. Through its managed services program, Parallel Technologies continues to support the district with proactive maintenance and ongoing platform enablement sessions to ensure the system stays optimized, staff remain confident using it and the security investment continues to deliver measurable value over time.
Municipal Security Project
TRL Systems Inc., ranked No. 48, had a design-build application requirement from one of its customers to protect a four block radius of a downtown area, where a lot of events take place through the year. This was to include video for the intersections and turnarounds, as well as the ability to see down the streets and provide license plate recognition that would be monitored two miles away at the police station in City Hall.
There was no existing infrastructure for the project, so the integrator partnered with several of its key vendors to design an application utilizing existing city light poles for the cameras. The company designed and built the infrastructure with a wireless application to communicate to the police department.
TRL partnered with Avigilon on the design and implementation for the installation of 48 cameras, which included a mix of multi-sensor, fixed cameras and PTZs, along with 10 LPR cameras. Using the power on each of the poles for the cameras and wireless units, TRL completed this installation successfully in less than four months to meet a deadline for one of the city’s events. The total contract was over $500,000.
What made this $500,000 project so successful was the fact that within the first three months there were three incidents of firearms discharges that relied on the new technology. The police department was able to make several arrests.
Crowne-Plaza Multi-Family Conversion
Chimera Integrations, ranked No. 62, began its Crowne-Plaza project as a retrofit for a large hotel and it evolved into a full residential conversion. Originally a 277-room hotel, the property was transitioned into a 287-unit, fully livable apartment complex.
Chimera supported the project throughout the transformation. The initial scope focused on construction-phase security, including monitoring for theft, loitering and intrusions using professional video monitoring services. As the project progressed, the scope expanded significantly. Chimera completed a full access control upgrade by replacing all hotel-style locks with Salto access control across the entire property. This required extensive hardware work, including retrofitting every door with mounting plates, new door hardware and electronic locks, demonstrating Chimera’s capability in large-scale door and lock retrofits.
In addition, the integrator designed and installed a site-wide video surveillance system covering the entire property, supporting both the construction phase and the final residential environment.
Mobile Credit Union
Custom Alarm created a layered electronic security design tailored specifically for a mobile platform. A professionally monitored intrusion detection system formed the foundation of the solution. All primary entry points, including staff doors and service access panels, were protected using door contacts, while interior motion detection was configured to account for daily transport. The Alarm.com software can be programmed to update when the unit is parked, open for business or secured after hours. Alarm signals are transmitted to Custom Alarm’s 24/7 monitoring center, ensuring prompt response regardless of the location. Video surveillance was integrated to provide situational awareness, deterrence and event verification. An OpenEye VMS recorder with Hanwha cameras was installed throughout the interior to cover customer areas, staff workspaces and private offices, while exterior cameras provide coverage of the vehicle’s perimeter and immediate surroundings. Video can be accessed with the hybrid cloud solution, allowing authorized bank personnel to view live or recorded footage from any location. This capability supports remote operators accessing the cameras for incident review, alarm verification and operational oversight when the mobile branch is operating far from a fixed facility.
Employee safety was a key design consideration as well. Panic devices were integrated into the system, allowing staff to discreetly signal for assistance during high-risk situations. These events are prioritized at the monitoring center to ensure rapid response. Reliable system communication was critical to the success of the project. Because the mobile branch operates across rural areas of Southeast Minnesota, Custom Alarm deployed cellular-based alarm communication with redundancy to ensure consistent signal transmission. This design allows intrusion, duress and system events to be delivered reliably to the monitoring center, even in areas with limited infrastructure or connectivity challenges.
Coordination during the design and build phases played a significant role in the project’s success. Custom Alarm worked closely with bank leadership, vehicle upfitters in Florida and IT stakeholders to integrate security systems directly into the vehicle during construction. Equipment placement, cable routing, power management and service access were addressed early, resulting in a clean installation and a system designed for long-term reliability and maintenance. As mobile and non-traditional facilities continue to grow across the financial sector, this project demonstrates how electronic security systems can be engineered to adapt to new service models without sacrificing performance or protection.
Gatton Park
For Silent Guard, this project was more than another installation; it was personal. The property was once the childhood home of the father of Barbara, co-owner of Silent Guard. Long before the parking lot, before the arena traffic, this land was a neighborhood. Adding to that connection, the integrator’s sales representative on the project, Will Gary, grew up just down the street and spent significant time at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club next door. Being entrusted to protect this park meant protecting a place tied directly to the team’s history and the city’s legacy.
Silent Guard was selected to design and implement a fully integrated life-safety and security solution that protects visitors, staff, vendors and infrastructure across the entire property. The integrator installed strategically placed cameras on permanent structures and light poles to monitor entrances, exits and high-traffic gathering areas, ensuring visibility across the expansive grounds. Nineteen doors throughout the park — including offices, kitchens, production rooms, stage access points, restrooms and vendor spaces — were secured with access control to provide structured, accountable entry management.
Silent Guard engineered and installed the automated vendor gate with integrated access credentials, allowing park leadership to control who can enter, when they can enter and how long they remain on site. Speakers installed throughout the park enable real-time emergency notifications as well as general announcements during large events, adding an additional layer of public safety and operational control. In addition, Silent Guard implemented comprehensive security, fire alarm and flood protection systems for all permanent structures. The result is a seamless, centrally managed system that protects one of Lexington’s most impactful new public spaces.
DR Horton Community
KMT Systems Inc., ranked No. 89, was originally contracted by a DR Horton Community to provide access control, video surveillance, intrusion and an emergency phone for the HOA pool house. After much of that work was already roughed in, and after construction had begun on the tennis courts, pickleball courts, restroom facilities and mailbox area, the KMT team identified that those additional amenity spaces had no integrated security plan in place.
Although this realization came mid-construction and outside of the original scope, the integrator proactively addressed it by developing and implementing a comprehensive solution that included access control and video surveillance across all courts and surrounding amenity areas. This ensured that the entire property, not just the pool house, was properly secured.
Adding this scope required coordination, infrastructure adjustments and internal flexibility. But the result was a fully integrated security solution across the entire amenity footprint. This project demonstrates how KMT operates as a company: by taking ownership, anticipating needs and going above and beyond to ensure every customer receives a complete and thoughtfully executed solution, even when it requires additional effort behind the scenes.
Bath Fitter Utah
The team deployed a comprehensive system that combined Axis cameras, access control, intercoms and automated audio messaging so customers could gain entry remotely, move through the showroom autonomously and receive product information via triggered audio zones.
The success of this project not only eliminated the need for onsite staff during normal operating hours, but also helped reduce staffing costs and enhance customer experience. Plans are underway to roll this same model out to over 26 more showrooms across the United States
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