Thanks to advances in electronics and microcomputers, fire/life-safety devices and systems have become one of the world’s best lifesaving success stories. And that story continues to unfold as manufacturers, standards-making bodies, system designers and installing contractors push for superior solutions. SSI’s eighth annual Fire Market Report provides the latest research to further the pursuit.

The connected home continues to evolve from basic connected home networks to a feature-rich collection of consumer electronic (CE) devices, broadband-enabled services and multifunctional set-top boxes and residential gateways.

New research lays out challenges top managers from installing/monitoring firms face in leading their respective businesses. Exclusive survey results have been shared with SSI to coincide with this month’s ESA Leadership Summit in Orlando, Fla. Find out managements’ sweet — and sour — spots.

Getting closer to customers is a top priority for most any business. Today’s companies are increasingly building social media programs to do just that. But are customers as enthusiastic?

University, school and hospital protection professionals want technologies that will help them better manage visitors and reach them during emergencies.

Seven in 10 security directors/managers are looking to spend more money on security, with 72% of that group considering new or upgraded systems. However, SSI’s eighth Commercial End-User Study also shows increased sensitivity to equipment and integrator costs, and the belief that safety within organizations has slipped.

The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) Market Intelligence Briefing (MIB) Series focuses on internal and external factors surrounding the commercial electronic systems industry.

Grow the business! Generate more sales! Reduce attrition! Deliver better customer service! Raise employee morale! And do it all more cheaply and efficiently. That’s the tall order most security company managers face in today’s economy-challenged landscape. Fortunately, the Operations & Opportunities Report offers clues and shortcuts toward success, including which technologies, services and markets to target.

The residential market is shaking off the recession to emerge with greater upside than ever. Consumers want new technologies and services associated with home controls and remote access, and security companies are positioned to deliver them. With the latest trends, sales tips, technology and more, SSI’s Rebirth of Residential Security Revenues special section tells how to cash in. First up: New market research.  

Fuel costs, insurance expenses, driver training and other challenges are keeping some installing security company owners and vehicle fleet managers awake at night. SSI’s second Super Security Fleets study taps into hundreds of firms nationwide to assess key factors vital to effective operations.  

A look at residential fire sprinkler and false fire alarm activity trends offer installing system contractors insights on the latest developments driving the marketplace. SSI’s annual report also provides legislative and code updates for carbon monoxide detection.

The security systems integration business is rattling as much as humming, with operators continuing to extricate themselves from economic quicksand. SSI’s eighth annual Systems Integrator Study highlights the fits and starts of recovering profitability, as well as numerous positive trends for companies to zero in on.

Slowly but surely installing North American security contractor companies are becoming more diverse. SSI’s fourth biannual Security Industry Demographic Census shows that changes along gender, race, ethnicity and other lines are transforming this historically homogenous business. The 2012 Census not only profiles and reveals the practices of a typical manager working in the industry today, but also operational facets of the businesses themselves.

Increasingly, electronics consumers expect much more than quality devices; they desire a quality experience. That trend is supported by consumer research conducted by IBM, which found that with the proliferation of connected devices and increased network accessibility, consumers are demanding high performance and enhanced, integrated device experiences.

Increased broadband penetration is serving to compel Internet service providers (ISPs) to modify their market strategy. Many ISPs are looking to value-added services to retain customers and serve as platforms for future revenue growth.

Each year, nonfire-related CO poisoning is responsible for about 15,000 emergency department visits and nearly 500 deaths, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nearly four in five security directors/managers intend to spend at least as much on security in 2011 as they did last year. SSI’s seventh Commercial End-User Study shows the recession loosening its grip on budgets, but clients are becoming more particular about their electronic security solutions and providers. A higher degree of IT capabilities and systems integration are among the heightened expectations.

The Custom Electronic Design & Installation Association (CEDIA) recently released key findings from its 2011 Benchmarking Survey that could offer a ray of light at the end of very dark recessionary tunnel.

After several years of internal austerity and resignation to pricing erosion, security integrators are looking externally to turn their fortunes. The third annual Operations & Opportunities Report (OOR) shows company managers are eager to negotiate better deals on the goods they acquire and sell to curtail margin squeeze. The 2011 OOR also exposes the best technologies, services and markets to exploit.

In the spring, Electronic Security Association (ESA) conducted an online survey of its membership, as well as consumers, to gauge emerging trends in the residential space.