Monthly columns featured in SDM Magazine, written by security marketplace experts. https://www.sdmmag.com/rss/5072 en-us ESX 2026 highlighted how proactive video monitoring and AI-driven video analytics create new RMR opportunities. ESX 2026 highlighted how proactive video monitoring and AI-driven video analytics create new RMR opportunities.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105586 Wed, 08 Jul 2026 07:21:19 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105586-unlocking-the-value-of-video-intelligence 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 This article explores how monitoring centers are using AI to improve efficiency, enhance situational awareness and support human decision-making in life-safety environments. This article explores how monitoring centers are using AI to improve efficiency, enhance situational awareness and support human decision-making in life-safety environments.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105567 Wed, 01 Jul 2026 07:20:44 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105567-ai-in-video-monitoring-operational-reality-beyond-the-hype wilsonbm@bnpmedia.com (Brianna Wilson) I had the pleasure of putting together both of this year’s Video Monitoring Today features, in which SDM explores the “nuanced” and “fragmented” video monitoring market with over a dozen experts who are in the field every single day. I had the pleasure of putting together both of this year’s Video Monitoring Today features, in which SDM explores the “nuanced” and “fragmented” video monitoring market with over a dozen experts who are in the field every single day.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105544 Mon, 22 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105544-the-full-scope-of-modern-video-monitoring LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) What happens when a system does not perform as expected? And can that failure be legally linked to the damages being claimed? What happens when a system does not perform as expected? And can that failure be legally linked to the damages being claimed?

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105541 Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:06:57 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105541-from-system-failure-to-liability-not-so-fast Security integrators already own the hardware, the relationships and the access. Here’s how to turn that into a recurring cybersecurity practice, before someone else does. Security integrators already own the hardware, the relationships and the access. Here’s how to turn that into a recurring cybersecurity practice, before someone else does.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105516 Fri, 12 Jun 2026 08:00:09 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105527-the-devices-you-install-are-your-next-revenue-stream Reducing employee turnover can help companies safeguard their financial health. This article explores strategies for increasing retention. Reducing employee turnover can help companies safeguard their financial health. This article explores strategies for increasing retention.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105484 Thu, 04 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105484-the-importance-of-investing-in-training hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Spoiler alert: If you haven’t seen the movie by now, you likely know that the “twist” in the 1999 movie “The Sixth Sense” was that the psychologist played by Bruce Willis has been dead the whole time. He just didn’t know it. Spoiler alert: If you haven’t seen the movie by now, you likely know that the “twist” in the 1999 movie “The Sixth Sense” was that the psychologist played by Bruce Willis has been dead the whole time. He just didn’t know it.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105486 Tue, 02 Jun 2026 10:55:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105486-securitys-sixth-sense-are-silos-already-dead 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 By working directly with IT teams from the jump, not at the end of the process, security sales professionals can work to stop pesky data breaches before they happen — and get approval for security systems faster. By working directly with IT teams from the jump, not at the end of the process, security sales professionals can work to stop pesky data breaches before they happen — and get approval for security systems faster. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105413 Thu, 07 May 2026 07:14:16 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105413-stop-avoiding-it-start-owning-the-room hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) This year’s top 100 security dealers shared how they had to be strategic to overcome outside challenges and pressures. This year’s top 100 security dealers shared how they had to be strategic to overcome outside challenges and pressures.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105366 Mon, 04 May 2026 08:30:00 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105366-the-strategists LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) A security dealer sued an alarm manufacturer when a defective model kept causing false alarms for end customers. A security dealer sued an alarm manufacturer when a defective model kept causing false alarms for end customers. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105398 Mon, 04 May 2026 07:09:12 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105398-when-a-manufacturers-problem-becomes-your-customers-problem LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) In a case before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the court considered the defendant’s motion for summary judgment addressing whether the plaintiffs’ carbon monoxide injury claims could proceed under theories of ordinary negligence, premises liability, or both. In a case before the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan, the court considered the defendant’s motion for summary judgment addressing whether the plaintiffs’ carbon monoxide injury claims could proceed under theories of ordinary negligence, premises liability, or both.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105335 Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:10:28 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105335-the-line-between-premises-liability-and-ordinary-negligence Why using a “future-focused” design with optionality is better than a “future-proof” approach. Why using a “future-focused” design with optionality is better than a “future-proof” approach.  

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105297 Thu, 02 Apr 2026 07:49:05 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105297-future-focused-design-building-systems-with-optionality-not-predictions In a new video from the SIA Audio and Intelligent Communications Subcommittee, SIA member experts discuss the ways in which adding audio to your customers’ security solutions suite can get them more insights and actionable intelligence. In a new video from the SIA Audio and Intelligent Communications Subcommittee, SIA member experts discuss the ways in which adding audio to your customers’ security solutions suite can get them more insights and actionable intelligence.  

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105234 Fri, 20 Mar 2026 12:42:14 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105234-the-hidden-value-of-audio-in-security LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) A recent case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania addressed the issue of whether a fire protection and monitoring contractor may be held liable for negligence to an insured’s subrogating insurers for alleged failures in the inspection and maintenance of a fire suppression system. A recent case in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania addressed the issue of whether a fire protection and monitoring contractor may be held liable for negligence to an insured’s subrogating insurers for alleged failures in the inspection and maintenance of a fire suppression system. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105192 Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:18:18 -0400 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105192-lessons-from-a-fatal-fire-case What to do in the first 90 days after hiring technicians to boost retention. What to do in the first 90 days after hiring technicians to boost retention. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105163 Thu, 05 Mar 2026 07:25:46 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105163-retention-is-built-in-the-first-90-days-not-the-first-offer-letter Merit Medical Systems partnered with Stone Security to deploy an integrated video and access control solution that enhances clean-room manufacturing oversight and strengthens global security operations. Merit Medical Systems partnered with Stone Security to deploy an integrated video and access control solution that enhances clean-room manufacturing oversight and strengthens global security operations.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105155 Mon, 02 Mar 2026 07:15:39 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105155-stone-security-enhances-manufacturing-oversight-and-global-security-for-merit-medical 3 - Merit Manufacturing Oversight.jpg 5 - Merit VMS.png 4 - Merit Global Manufacturing Security.jpg 2 - Merit Facillity.jpg 1 - Merit Aerial View.png LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) A recent United States District Court case in Kentucky addressed whether a defendant alarm and fire security service provider was entitled to summary judgment on negligence and contract-based claims arising from alleged failure of a fire alarm and sprinkler system. A recent United States District Court case in Kentucky addressed whether a defendant alarm and fire security service provider was entitled to summary judgment on negligence and contract-based claims arising from alleged failure of a fire alarm and sprinkler system. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105090 Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105090-split-ruling-highlights-importance-of-service-agreements How security integrators can move from project sales to a consultative relationship. How security integrators can move from project sales to a consultative relationship.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105081 Thu, 05 Feb 2026 07:18:33 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105081-from-seller-to-strategic-partner-how-integrators-can-lead-with-a-consulting-mindset hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Being an integrator in the security industry is a bit like the saying “Keeping up with the Joneses.” Being an integrator in the security industry is a bit like the saying “Keeping up with the Joneses.”

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105060 Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:30:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105060-keeping-up-with-the-joneses With rapid growth comes rapid emergence of challenges — as the data center market booms, so, too, do outdated specifications, siloed security systems and the unique demands of new partners. This article highlights 10 key findings from the SIA’s examination of physical security threats facing today’s data centers. With rapid growth comes rapid emergence of challenges — as the data center market booms, so, too, do outdated specifications, siloed security systems and the unique demands of new partners. This article highlights 10 key findings from the SIA’s examination of physical security threats facing today’s data centers. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105030 Wed, 21 Jan 2026 12:55:47 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105030-working-in-the-data-center-market-here-are-10-things-you-need-to-know LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) A recent case before the United States District Court concerned whether the defendant insurance company had a contractual duty to defend the plaintiff’s insured seller under a Manufacturing Supply Agreement. A recent case before the United States District Court concerned whether the defendant insurance company had a contractual duty to defend the plaintiff’s insured seller under a Manufacturing Supply Agreement. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105014 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 06:16:59 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/105014-no-device-no-excuse-court-upholds-duty-to-defend Younger professionals entering the field expect flexible work culture, purpose-driven roles and modern tech stacks like AI and mobile credentials — a major shift influencing employer branding and recruitment. Younger professionals entering the field expect flexible work culture, purpose-driven roles and modern tech stacks like AI and mobile credentials — a major shift influencing employer branding and recruitment. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104986 Thu, 08 Jan 2026 06:21:09 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104986-gen-z-workforce-expectations hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that the top three issues that will continue to impact 2026 will likely be these three things: talent acquisition/retention, the economy and technology advancements, particularly AI. It doesn’t take a crystal ball to see that the top three issues that will continue to impact 2026 will likely be these three things: talent acquisition/retention, the economy and technology advancements, particularly AI.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104967 Mon, 05 Jan 2026 08:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104967-time-to-bring-out-the-crystal-ball In cybersecurity, the principle of defense in depth is a strategy that layers multiple security measures to protect data and systems, ensuring that if one layer fails, others still stand. In cybersecurity, the principle of defense in depth is a strategy that layers multiple security measures to protect data and systems, ensuring that if one layer fails, others still stand.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104936 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:00:05 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104936-defense-in-depth-a-layered-approach-to-cybersecurity Strong communication and accountability between sales, operations and service can turn handoff headaches into profitable, repeatable success. Strong communication and accountability between sales, operations and service can turn handoff headaches into profitable, repeatable success. 

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104910 Thu, 04 Dec 2025 06:49:38 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104910-project-management-or-project-mayhem-how-to-fix-job-handoff-chaos hodgsonk@bnpmedia.com (Karyn Hodgson) Alarm New England faced a tough choice in 2024: either take the path of growing the enterprise side with the Sonitrol division, or focus exclusively on the residential and small commercial business. They chose the latter. Alarm New England faced a tough choice in 2024: either take the path of growing the enterprise side with the Sonitrol division, or focus exclusively on the residential and small commercial business. They chose the latter.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104893 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104893-bucking-the-trend LEG@msk.com (Lessing E. Gold) Court considers what defines a “local fire alarm” in a Texas case. Court considers what defines a “local fire alarm” in a Texas case.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104897 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 07:31:45 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104897-insurance-company-protective-safeguards-endorsement-at-issue-in-texas-case How the security industry can fill the talent pipeline by considering military veterans. How the security industry can fill the talent pipeline by considering military veterans.

]]> http://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104879 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 06:44:39 -0500 https://www.sdmmag.com/articles/104879-valuing-experience-talent-and-service-vets-how-the-security-industry-is-fostering-the-talent-pipeline-by-engaging-military-veterans