Integration companies are already fighting the tight labor market, inflation and the supply chain, but there are legislative and regulatory issues for 2022 that could also affect their business. Chris Heaton of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) pinpointed five areas of legislation concern for the year. 1. Increased Hourly Wage Minimums As inflation continues, we […]
On the RISE: Marquis Chester Champions Diligent, Deliberate Approach
On the RISE is a bi-monthly column by the Security Industry Association (SIA) in partnership with Security Sales & Integration profiling the next generation of security industry leaders. This column is part of SIA’s RISE initiative, a community that fosters the careers of young professionals in the security through networking and career growth events, education and professional development offerings and scholarship […]
The Need for Change in Our Approach to Sales
I’m sure that we have all heard the phrase, “The only constant is change.” As we enter a new year and reflect on the last few years that have passed, we can’t fail to see that change has certainly been constant. And, no matter how unsettling it may have been, we must deal with it. […]
Google: Next 10 Years Are ‘Decade of the Integrator’
Adeell Tufail, head of Devices & Services Partnerships at Google, keynoted the CEDIA Tech Summit. He says the era of ambient computing is the next phase of technology for the home. “The coming decade is the decade of the integrator,” says Adeel Tufail, head of devices and services partnerships at Google. “When you are thinking […]
Industry Leaders Vow to Disengage from Russia to Support Ukraine
More than 50 executives in the custom electronics industry are doing their part to support Ukraine following the invasion of that sovereign nation by Russia. These business leaders have all pledged to halt all of their sales, partnerships and investments in Russia, and they are encouraging others in the industry to join the cause. “I’m […]
How to Calculate — and Communicate — Return on Security Investments
Many organizations find it hard to justify budgeting for physical security to protect against risks that have not happened yet. They also see security systems as a costly expense that do not generate revenue and therefore may not be worth the investment. In the past, the only way to demonstrate the return on investment (ROI) […]
How Integrators Can Effectively Tackle the Efficiency Dilemma
The AV industry is synonymous with many powerful words: innovative, intuitive, futuristic and tactile. Yet, it’s also plagued by a less-favorable phrase: efficiency dilemma. Despite being a problem-solver for so many businesses, the AV industry has its own obstacles to overcome. “Common problems include missed deadlines on project bids, outdated cost files, issues processing bid […]
Avoid the ‘Race to the Bottom’
During the recent Commercial Integrator and NSCA 2022 State of the Industry Report webinar, there was a consistent theme that can be captured with a single word: “but.” As in, the state of the integration market is such that there are tremendous opportunities; integrators’ services are much-needed, mission-critical and in high demand; there are plenty […]
Smart Bathrooms Offer Integrators Wealth of Wellness Opportunities
Bathrooms are coming out of the shadows to steal the limelight as a favorite spot to chill, unwind, and relax. Certainly, the pandemic has pushed its popularity. Families in isolation yearning for at-home escapes increasingly choose the bathroom. Factor in a focus on leading healthier lifestyles, and the functionality of the bathroom has transitioned from […]
Is Vehicle Control Becoming the Key to Access Control?
As supply chain issues continue to reduce vehicle sales, the fact is there are well over a billion automobiles around the world and seven out of 10 employees use their car to get to work (INSEE report). Despite being attached to most office buildings, parking lots are often overlooked when devising an access control security […]