2020: The Security Year That Was, and Wasn’t
A look at the year through headlines shows just how much COVID-19 shaped the industry — from new solutions to altering in-person events.
This is typically the issue I devote my column to recapping the top news stories that shaped the security industry year, but there was nothing typical about 2020. Twelve months ago we were eager to embrace the dawn of a new decade, and there were 15 top trends I identified that to varying extents are still relevant. Some have been slowed but others have actually accelerated due to the COVID-19 crisis.
For better or (and certainly) worse, this has been a historic year for the ages. If for nothing more than posterity I felt it appropriate to summarize how the pandemic played out for security pros through the lens of SSI’s news headlines (paraphrased, through Nov. 16).
While trade show organizers were reluctant to cancel or pivot to virtual affairs, the timeline shows the resiliency of dealers and integrators to continue working and of their vendors to quickly bring COVID-19 solutions to market.
FEBRUARY
21: ISC West Eliminates ‘China Pavilion’ Due to Coronavirus Travel Restrictions
21: Coronavirus Prompts Motorola Solutions to Pull Out of ISC West
MARCH
2: How Coronavirus Could Impact Global Video Surveillance Market
6: Reed Exhibitions Postpones ISC West Till July
11: Genetec to Host Virtual Trade Show
23: DHS Labels Integrators ‘Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers’
23: Alula to Host Virtual Trade Show
25: What Small Business Owners Need to Know About Families First Coronavirus Relief Bill
27: Why Security Pros May Benefit From the Coronavirus Outbreak
31: CARES Act Update: Forgivable Loans Explained
31: CAA Scratches Spring Conference, Will Host Virtual Event
APRIL
1: Report: 87% of Small Businesses Hurting From Coronavirus
1: Everbridge Launches Coronavirus Protection Solutions
2: FLIR Smart Thermal Sensor Detects Elevated Skin Temperature
2: SIA Posts Guide to State and Local COVID-19 Programs
7: Coronavirus Could Raise Smart Home Voice Control Growth 30%
8: PSA Cancels TEC After Initially Postponing
9: ISC West 2020 to Now Be Held Oct. 5-8
9: ADT CEO Jim DeVries Diagnosed With COVID-19
10: How Video Systems Can Mitigate Risk During Pandemic
13: 19 Answers to Your Federal Relief Programs Questions
13: ESX Canceled; Virtual Event Explored (editor note: never held)
23: How to Protect Remote Workers From Business Email Attacks
27: Paycheck Protection Program Reopens: What You Need to Know
30: Winsted Releases Protective Partition for Added COVID-19 Protection
MAY
1: How Integrators Can Help Clients Reopen After COVID-19 Lockdown
6: Campus Safety Conference Events Canceled
7: How to Operate a Central Station During a Pandemic
7: Vivotek Pulls Out of ISC West Citing Coronavirus Concerns
11: Kastle Launches Integrated COVID-19 Program for Office Buildings
14: How Employers Can Protect Against COVID-19 Liabilities
14: Honeywell AI-Driven Thermal Camera Detects Elevated Body Temperature
19: ASSA ABLOY Introduces Hands-Free Door Opening Solutions
20: 5 Ways to Connect With Customers During COVID-19
28: CEDIA Expo Canceled; Virtual Experience on Tap
JUNE
4: BriefCam Adds Video Analytics for Physical Distancing, Face Mask Detection
18: SIA to Host AcceleRISE as Virtual Conference
22: ASIS Shifts GSX to All-Virtual GSX+
23: HID Automates Social Distancing Enforcement, Contact Tracing in Workplace
23: Paxton Aims to Help Installers Provide COVID-Secure Buildings
25: ISC West Cancels In-Person Show, Moves to Virtual Event
29: LILIN Video Surveillance System Remotely Measures Temperature, Detects Masks
JULY
6: Hanwha Adds Occupancy Monitoring, Mask Detection to P-Series AI Cameras
16: TMA to Host Fall Events in Virtual Formats
16: ESA Leadership Summit to Be Staged Online
23: Kwikset Bows ‘COVID-19 Dealer Support Program’
29: Work From Home Is New Normal, Study Asserts
AUGUST
3: UL Targets Work-From-Home Guidelines
5: ADI Cancels All Expos for Rest of 2020
6: Alarm.com Q2 Revenue Up 16% Despite Coronavirus
7: PSA-USAV ADAPT Canceled, Will Be Held Virtually
11: PDK Adds Contactless, Multisite Features to Touch Reader & Mobile App
12: COVID-19 Changing How Americans Prioritize Their Home
19: Telguard Debuts Integrated Body Temperature Screening System
20: Camden Door Controls Bows ValueWave Handsfree Switches
27: Motorola Releases Avigilon H4 Thermal Elevated Temperature Detection Solution
SEPTEMBER
2: ISC East Canceled, Virtual Event to Be Held
14: Total Tech Summit Pivots to Virtual Experience
14: Survey: COVID-19 Driving Big Access Control Changes
24: SnapAV Sets Dates for Snap Pro Live Virtual Summit
OCTOBER
20: IDIS to Show Video Tech Solutions During Virtual Showcase
29: Axis Integrator Survey: COVID-19 Economic Recovery Top Concern
30: Inovonics Virtual Security Conference to Focus on Commercial Life Safety
NOVEMBER
2: Study: More Residential Dealers Deploy DIY During Pandemic
4: Why Logistics Operations Are Pivotal in Time of COVID-19
6: With More People Working at Home, Smart Homes Expected to Do More
While little played out as we had envisioned during 2020, there is still much to be thankful for and to look forward to as a brighter tomorrow for 2021. Stay safe and positive.
2020 Top 10 Non-COVID Security Stories
- ADT, Google Form Smart Home Security Partnership
- Hikvision Among Firms Declared by DoD Backed by Chinese Military
- SIA-ESA Foundation to Advance Security Talent
- Anixter Agrees to Wesco’s $4.5B Buyout Offer
- Motorola Acquires Pelco for $110M Cash
- ACRE Boosts Portfolio With Razberi Acquisition
- SES Buys iVerify’s Customer Contracts
- Tough Cyber Standard Validates DoD Contractors
- UTC Split Final, Carrier Now Independent Company
- ADT Buys Its Largest Independent Dealer, Defenders
If you enjoyed this article and want to receive more valuable industry content like this, click here to sign up for our FREE digital newsletters!
About the Author
Scott Goldfine
Scott Goldfine is the marketing director for Elite Interactive Solutions. He is the former editor-in-chief and associate publisher of Security Sales & Integration. He can be reached at [email protected].
Related Content
Security Is Our Business, Too
For professionals who recommend, buy and install all types of electronic security equipment, a free subscription to Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration is like having a consultant on call. You’ll find an ideal balance of technology and business coverage, with installation tips and techniques for products and updates on how to add to your bottom line.
A FREE subscription to the top resource for security and integration industry will prove to be invaluable.
