Challenges — in many forms — have come fast and furious over the last few years. The trend continues in 2013, but so does the alarm industry’s ability to meet and beat the obstacles.
For every challenge the alarm industry overcomes, another pops up, almost like a fast and furious game of Whac-A-Mole. “Whack!” The industry beats the advanced mobile phone service (AMPS) technology sunset in 2008. Up pops the 2G communications sunset. “Whack!” The industry successfully lobbies against telecommunications companies (telcos) trying to enter the market in the 1980s. Up pops another, larger, “telco invasion,” as AT&T, Comcast and Verizon — even retailers Lowe’s and Best Buy — target the industry. “Whack, whack, whack.” The industry beat the recessions of the ‘80s, ‘90s and early 2000s only to have the Great Recession and the collapse of the U.S. housing bubble pop up.
While the steady stream of challenges may seem exhausting, the alarm industry has mastered the game. Instead of a padded mallet, the industry continues to swing outstanding service and a paramount mastery of life safety alongside new technologies and service offerings that appeal to lifestyle, home or business management, and convenience. With the added punch generated by the multi-faceted approach, the opportunity to “win the game” (or customer, rather) and grow continues in 2013.