Articles

A lesson in the true meaning of customer care.

In the security industry, there is often an ebb and flow where one technology may dominate while another seems to generate less excitement. But while we may praise video, another sometimes overlooked but valuable technology — access control — is just as important.

The Z-Wave Alliance is a consortium of more than 200 independent manufacturers that build wireless home control products based on the Z-Wave standard. Mark Walters, chairman of the group, joins the conversation to discuss the increasingly competitive home automation/home security landscape.

Simple steps for transitioning alarm accounts, pain free.

Winners of the 18th annual SAMMY Awards illustrate how creative and economical marketing collateral helps build brand awareness and business success. Learn who won in each category and pick up effective concepts for your own company. 

While word of mouth is just as powerful attracting new business as it always has been, these days those referrals are increasingly spreading through online and other connected channels of electronic-based media. The evolving methods in which installing and monitoring security services providers sell their wares and promote themselves is thoroughly examined in SSI’s 2013 Sales & Marketing Survey. 

Six leading wholesale distributors explain how they are bringing the latest technologies to the security marketplace. They tell how installing contractors can build distributor relationships, work their best deals, and take advantage of training and value-added perks, as well as offer stocking and inventory tips, and insights on products and services trends.

Installing security and monitoring providers are heading to Nashville for the annual show jointly owned by ESA and CSAA. Here’s a handy preview of the various educational sessions, plus many other happenings on tap.

Just as previous deadly attacks have served to raise awareness for electronic security measures, the Boston Marathon bombing has refocused attention on the role public video surveillance can play in identifying and apprehending perpetrators.

The electronic security industry continues to soar beyond its hardware-based legacy into the new world of software-centric solutions. Find out how the four main areas of technology are interacting today, and why mobile apps are becoming the apple of security professionals’ eyes.

Unfortunately, there is no shortage of security systems installations gone wrong — sometimes with devastating and fatal consequences. Two in particular serve as departure points to review critical practices and grasp why wisdom trumps smarts.

Conscientious fire systems professionals realize they not only need to keep abreast of current codes and standards but also keep their ear to the ground to be prepared when requirements change. Cut through the din of hundreds of recent proposed ICC fire code changes with this overview of those that matter most.

Convenient and even fun add-on services are spurring customers to expand their engagement with security providers. Discover the best practices for selling interactive and lifestyle-enhancing services that increase both recurring revenue and the likelihood of retention.

Mobile Personal Emergency Response Systems (mPERS) is becoming a much larger greenfield than it was initially portrayed, partially because of advances in technology but also innovation.

Although relatively few security dealers focus on it, the multifamily residential market is a segment offering significant RMR growth opportunities.

The following is but a select sampling of the industry’s many wholesale distributors.

With wireless communications playing an ever-increasing role in end users’ professional and personal lives, why wouldn’t they also be interested in kicking the copper to the curb in video surveillance applications? Fortunately, the technology and deployment advantages it brings is making it both possible and appealing for security integrators to take to the airwaves.

New innovations in the field of solar-powered video systems are expanding their usefulness in the security and surveillance markets.Here are some application factors that favor use of wireless solar-powered video systems — and some tips to maximize deployment of the systems.

Misclassifying an employee as a self-employed worker can result in harsh consequences. Business owners can protect themselves from audits and tax penalties by understanding and adhering to specific reporting criteria.

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