Image courtesy of: monsitj (iStock / Getty Images Plus) Stay informed on key trends and industry issues shaping the security market, with expert insights on challenges, opportunities, and emerging technologies. https://www.sdmmag.com/rss/2227 en-us Being a strategic security advisor means connecting systems across video, access, alarm infrastructure, etc., leading with solutions rather than products, tapping into the end users’ operations and offering value-added services. Being a strategic security advisor means connecting systems across video, access, alarm infrastructure, etc., leading with solutions rather than products, tapping into the end users’ operations and offering value-added services.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105572 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 08:55:11 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105572-beyond-installation-why-security-systems-integrators-must-think-like-advisors When sales, engineering and field teams operate from incomplete or misaligned inputs, even technically sound systems can result in rework, delays and diminished customer confidence. When sales, engineering and field teams operate from incomplete or misaligned inputs, even technically sound systems can result in rework, delays and diminished customer confidence.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105560 Mon, 29 Jun 2026 06:52:52 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105560-how-closing-workflow-gaps-streamlines-end-to-end-system-integration-success Four out of every five respondents to SIA’s May–June Security Market Index survey rated business conditions at their companies in positive terms. Four out of every five respondents to SIA’s May–June Security Market Index survey rated business conditions at their companies in positive terms.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105555 Wed, 24 Jun 2026 09:10:51 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105555-new-security-industry-association-research-shows-80-of-professionals-see-positive-conditions-in-the-security-industry As consultants and integrators, it’s critical to hold vendors accountable for the full scope of an investment. Features are an essential area to consider, but making decisions entirely on cost and features has left countless teams with systems that cannot deliver what they are meant to. As consultants and integrators, it’s critical to hold vendors accountable for the full scope of an investment. Features are an essential area to consider, but making decisions entirely on cost and features has left countless teams with systems that cannot deliver what they are meant to.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105548 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:30:16 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105548-ending-the-cycle-of-buyers-remorse-in-security-investment The report outlines the risk of inaction, the amplifying power of audio in video surveillance, access control and reducing false alarms, the operational efficiencies that audio can provide and more. The report outlines the risk of inaction, the amplifying power of audio in video surveillance, access control and reducing false alarms, the operational efficiencies that audio can provide and more.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105538 Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:59:55 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105538-sia-releases-resource-about-why-intelligent-audio-is-the-industrys-most-overlooked-advantage The 8th annual ISSA and Omdia survey finds that, while organizations pour resources into AI-powered security tools, the professionals responsible for using them are burning out, being left out and leaving the field. The 8th annual ISSA and Omdia survey finds that, while organizations pour resources into AI-powered security tools, the professionals responsible for using them are burning out, being left out and leaving the field.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105534 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 21:18:17 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105534-issa-83-of-organizations-are-adopting-ai-for-cybersecurity-but-cyber-pros-say-the-job-has-become-harder The research reveals that 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years. The research reveals that 94% of enterprises claim they can revoke employee access within 24 hours, yet 35% experienced delays or failures in the past two years.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105528 Mon, 15 Jun 2026 13:46:22 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105528-new-fido-alliance-and-hid-study-reveals-major-gap-between-identity-security-confidence-and-reality The companies that will thrive in this new era of security are those willing to embrace convergence, invest in education, and see themselves not simply as product providers, but as long-term technology partners helping customers navigate whatever comes next. The companies that will thrive in this new era of security are those willing to embrace convergence, invest in education, and see themselves not simply as product providers, but as long-term technology partners helping customers navigate whatever comes next.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105515 Thu, 11 Jun 2026 21:48:55 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105515-how-security-integrators-can-lead-the-next-era-of-physical-and-electronic-access-security HiveWatch’s new benchmark research reveals growing operational gaps in enterprise security, with false alarm rates nearing 44% at large organizations and AI emerging as a defining marker of mature programs. HiveWatch’s new benchmark research reveals growing operational gaps in enterprise security, with false alarm rates nearing 44% at large organizations and AI emerging as a defining marker of mature programs.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105509 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 18:02:01 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105509-hivewatch-only-19-of-security-teams-consistently-meet-their-own-slas-despite-93-confidence-in-threat-detection wilsonbm@bnpmedia.com (Brianna Wilson) ESX 2026 delivered a mix of inspiration, emotion and practical insights. Attendees explored fire market growth, leadership through failure and cost-effective strategies for thriving in today’s security landscape. ESX 2026 delivered a mix of inspiration, emotion and practical insights. Attendees explored fire market growth, leadership through failure and cost-effective strategies for thriving in today’s security landscape.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105499 Mon, 08 Jun 2026 08:17:31 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105499-fire-failure-and-future-growth-take-center-stage-at-esx-2026 For years, gunshot detection was weighed down by complex infrastructure, triangulation-heavy designs, false positives and lengthy deployments. Fortunately, that has changed. For years, gunshot detection was weighed down by complex infrastructure, triangulation-heavy designs, false positives and lengthy deployments. Fortunately, that has changed.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105481 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 08:56:17 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105481-why-gunshot-detection-belongs-in-the-modern-integrator-portfolio These benchmark findings from LVT aim to empower security teams, public safety leaders and elected officials to improve community safety while preserving the trust and transparency people expect and value. These benchmark findings from LVT aim to empower security teams, public safety leaders and elected officials to improve community safety while preserving the trust and transparency people expect and value.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105477 Mon, 01 Jun 2026 07:04:18 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105477-new-poll-identifies-where-ai-cameras-and-civil-liberties-collide-and-can-coexist The Role of Locked Doors and Access Control in School-Based Active Shooter Events was drawn from empirical analysis of 54 school-based active shooter incidents occurring between 2000 and 2025, which resulted in 324 total victims. The Role of Locked Doors and Access Control in School-Based Active Shooter Events was drawn from empirical analysis of 54 school-based active shooter incidents occurring between 2000 and 2025, which resulted in 324 total victims.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105455 Thu, 21 May 2026 10:43:45 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105455-texas-state-universitys-alerrt-center-releases-research-on-active-shooter-events-in-schools To connect with commercial real estate investors, security integrators need to speak their language. That means leading with solutions, not technology, and clearly articulating the ROI of security systems. To connect with commercial real estate investors, security integrators need to speak their language. That means leading with solutions, not technology, and clearly articulating the ROI of security systems.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105424 Thu, 14 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105424-how-commercial-real-estate-investors-view-security wilsonbm@bnpmedia.com (Brianna Wilson) Video health monitoring presents key benefits for integrators: it seamlessly supports RMR, contributes to customer stickiness, and is a no-stress, low-effort deployment. Video health monitoring presents key benefits for integrators: it seamlessly supports RMR, contributes to customer stickiness, and is a no-stress, low-effort deployment.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105372 Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105372-why-video-health-monitoring-is-a-no-brainer Most integrators lead with video because video is tangible, but end users are asking for earlier insight, faster intervention and greater certainty in moments where seconds matter. For integrators seeking their next strategic edge, the path is clear: stop selling what everyone else can see, and start interpreting what only you can hear. Most integrators lead with video because video is tangible, but end users are asking for earlier insight, faster intervention and greater certainty in moments where seconds matter. For integrators seeking their next strategic edge, the path is clear: stop selling what everyone else can see, and start interpreting what only you can hear.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105414 Thu, 07 May 2026 08:03:47 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105414-the-unseen-unheard-opportunity-for-security Ahead of World Password Day, Genetec warns that password changes alone are no longer enough to protect connected physical security environments. Ahead of World Password Day, Genetec warns that password changes alone are no longer enough to protect connected physical security environments.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105411 Tue, 05 May 2026 13:38:12 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105411-genetec-urges-stronger-identity-and-credential-governance-for-physical-security-systems-as-ai-accelerates-cyber-risk wilsonbm@bnpmedia.com (Brianna Wilson) In celebration of Earth Day, SDM sat down with four security industry leaders to explore why integrators can’t afford to ignore sustainability and how small changes today can drive long-term value for both customers and the industry. In celebration of Earth Day, SDM sat down with four security industry leaders to explore why integrators can’t afford to ignore sustainability and how small changes today can drive long-term value for both customers and the industry.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105359 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105359-sustainability-is-becoming-a-business-imperative Culture is not built by checking boxes. A pizza party cannot repair distrust. An employee-of-the-month plaque cannot offset unresolved tension. If leaders want people to buy into the mission, they first have to create an environment where respect is the norm and conflict is addressed honestly. Culture is not built by checking boxes. A pizza party cannot repair distrust. An employee-of-the-month plaque cannot offset unresolved tension. If leaders want people to buy into the mission, they first have to create an environment where respect is the norm and conflict is addressed honestly.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105358 Mon, 20 Apr 2026 04:00:49 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105358-beyond-perks-and-pizza-parties-building-a-company-culture-that-sticks hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Where is AI really headed in the security and life safety industry? Where is AI really headed in the security and life safety industry?

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105386 Mon, 06 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105386-musings-on-ai As certificate lifespans shrink, modern PKI strategies require solutions that scale, integrate and stay ahead of emerging threats, according to HID’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in the Age of AI and Automation market study. As certificate lifespans shrink, modern PKI strategies require solutions that scale, integrate and stay ahead of emerging threats, according to HID’s Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in the Age of AI and Automation market study.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105295 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 10:50:47 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105295-hid-highlights-top-pki-trends-threats-and-innovations-shaping-the-age-of-ai-automation-and-post-quantum-computing As the FCC evaluates potential changes to the lower 900 MHz band, it’s important that policymakers understand how these systems operate in the field. As the FCC evaluates potential changes to the lower 900 MHz band, it’s important that policymakers understand how these systems operate in the field.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105276 Tue, 31 Mar 2026 08:15:10 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105276-dont-break-the-band-that-security-systems-depend-on When customers ask about Zero Trust, they are asking about a discipline that spans software design, integrations, hardware and identity management. Integrators who can articulate how their solutions establish, limit, monitor and revoke trust differentiate themselves from those who just focus on features. When customers ask about Zero Trust, they are asking about a discipline that spans software design, integrations, hardware and identity management. Integrators who can articulate how their solutions establish, limit, monitor and revoke trust differentiate themselves from those who just focus on features. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105233 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:44:39 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105233-when-a-customer-asks-about-zero-trust-what-integrators-need-to-say-and-do In the connected home, protection is no longer divided into categories. It is a single, integrated responsibility to safeguard both the physical space and the digital systems that now sustain it. In the connected home, protection is no longer divided into categories. It is a single, integrated responsibility to safeguard both the physical space and the digital systems that now sustain it.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105197 Fri, 13 Mar 2026 09:35:09 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105197-the-evolution-of-home-security-innovation-and-the-reality-of-converging-protection The transformation of the security systems integrator is already underway. The integrators who recognize this shift early and adapt intentionally will not only remain relevant but will also help shape what comes next within the security industry. The transformation of the security systems integrator is already underway. The integrators who recognize this shift early and adapt intentionally will not only remain relevant but will also help shape what comes next within the security industry.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105160 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 13:41:33 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105160-whats-the-dna-of-the-2030-integrator The publication, produced by SIA’s Credential Design Working Group, offers recommended practices for the design and implementation of credentials and badges by corporate security teams. The publication, produced by SIA’s Credential Design Working Group, offers recommended practices for the design and implementation of credentials and badges by corporate security teams.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105156 Tue, 03 Mar 2026 07:57:50 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105156-security-industry-association-releases-new-corporate-credential-design-guide hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Industry veterans and pioneers explain why they believe autonomous security solutions like robots and drones are going to be the next big thing in security. Industry veterans and pioneers explain why they believe autonomous security solutions like robots and drones are going to be the next big thing in security.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105134 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105134-autonomous-security-solutions-the-next-frontier Vendors that neglect cybersecurity requirements introduce recurring, costly risks that jeopardize their customers’ digital and physical livelihoods. By adhering to proper standards and a unified security approach that starts with air gapping, we can lead the industry forward and innovate from a security-first mindset. Vendors that neglect cybersecurity requirements introduce recurring, costly risks that jeopardize their customers’ digital and physical livelihoods. By adhering to proper standards and a unified security approach that starts with air gapping, we can lead the industry forward and innovate from a security-first mindset.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14/post/105153 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 06:52:09 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/blogs/14-sdm-blog/post/105153-the-cellular-technology-security-gap-and-how-to-fix-it Steve Lindsey.jpg VSaaS Connected Cameras.jpg NVR Method.jpg wilsonbm@bnpmedia.com (Brianna Wilson) In the world of security mergers and acquisitions (M&A), 2025 delivered a surprising year, from a large spark of confidence in the residential sector to the lack of financial impact despite high interest rates and tariffs. In the world of security mergers and acquisitions (M&A), 2025 delivered a surprising year, from a large spark of confidence in the residential sector to the lack of financial impact despite high interest rates and tariffs.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105123 Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105123-a-year-of-surprises-m-and-a-activity-in-2025-slightly-improves New research from HID highlights seven trends shaping identity, access and trust, alongside rising ethical and privacy concerns. New research from HID highlights seven trends shaping identity, access and trust, alongside rising ethical and privacy concerns.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105122 Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:04:31 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105122-identity-convergence-drives-new-focus-on-trust-protection-and-user-choice