Reflecting on what transpired within the electronic security industry during the year just ended it becomes evident not only how many big news stories took place during 2019 but also how many less flashy items were intertwined by common threads that, in aggregate, add up to being major stories as well.

Reviewing them in composite is one of the surest ways to assess the industry’s current landscape — and what to anticipate for the new year. That’s my rationale for annually compiling this compendium.

The most stunning revelation of 2019 I believe is also a candidate for the most head-spinning news of the entire 2010s — United Technologies’ decision to shut down rather than sell Interlogix, one of security’s most prominent portfolio of products.

The fallout and shockwaves from that will play out for some time, but also its opportunity as other suppliers scramble to fill that void. My list of the year’s most impactful news stories as well as leading trends gleaned from analyzing recurring themes (only examples are shown, not comprehensive listings), and acknowledgement of those who passed on follows.

2019 Top 10 News Stories

1. Interlogix to Shut Down at End of 2019
2. Federal Ban on Chinese Video, Telecom Equipment Takes Effect
3. Allied Universal Acquires Securadyne to Build Out Integration Platform
4. SnapAV, Control4 Complete Merger to Form Unified Smart Home Business
5. ADT Acquires Video Alarm Verification Specialist I-View Now
6. Vector Security Purchases ADS Security to Grow Subscriber Base to 400K
7.  San Francisco Becomes First U.S. City to Ban Facial Recognition Software
8. ADT Buys DIY Home Security Company LifeShield
9. VSC Fire & Security Agrees to Be Acquired by Insurer Markel Corp.
10. Anixter to Be Sold for $3.8B to Private Equity Firm [Ed. note: This deal is ongoing. Here’s the latest.]

2019 TOP TRENDS (in random order)

AI & Robotics on Rise

• Dahua Releases People-Counting Camera With AI
• Walmart Wants to Nab Self-Checkout Cheats With AI Cameras
• Global Security Robotics Market Growing at 8%
• DroneShield Integrates Counter-Drone Detection With Bosch Surveillance
• Cobalt Robotics Closes $35M in Funding

FLIR Doubles Down on Drones:

• FLIR Acquires Canadian Drone-Maker Aeryon Labs for $200M
• FLIR Foots $385M for Endeavor Robotics
• FLIR Acquires Assets & Tech From Tethered Drone Startup Aria

Gunshot Detection Gains Traction

• Speco SecureGuard V2.6 Adds Active Shooter Detection Integration
• Gunshot Detection Provider Safe Zone Completes $1M Financing
• LifeStyle Automation and Security Unveils Gunshot Detection Solution
• SDS to Deploy Guardian Active Shooter Detection at LAX

Education Market Red Hot

• California School District Outfitted With $1.5M IP Video Solution
• A+ Technology Aces School Security Project
• Illinois High School Cuts Video Search Time Via Surveillance Upgrade
• Motorola, Avigilon Selected to Upgrade S.C. School District

DIY Market Shaking Out

• Arlo DIY Home Security System Unveiled at CES
• Ring Launches Smart DIY Security System for Small Businesses
• Lowe’s to Shut Down Iris Smart Home Platform After Failure to Sell Off the Business

IoT Makes More Connections

• Resideo Reveals Smart Water Management, Indoor Air Quality Program
• Allegion, Silicon Labs Partner to Expand IoT Capabilities
• Commercial Security Applications for IoT Devices Are on the Rise

Facial Recognition Stirs Controversy

• Americans Are Warming Up to Facial Recognition Tech, Survey Finds
• Facial Recognition Technology Faces Scrutiny
• SIA, Others Compel Congress to Examine Benefits of Facial Recognition

Cybersecurity Front & Center

• Access Control Technology Facing Serious Cyber Threats
• Cyber:Secured Forum Takes Logical Approach to Physical Security
• Cybersecurity Again Tops SIA Megatrends
• TMA Webinar Series Tackles Key Cybersecurity Concerns

Managed Services Momentum

• PSA Launches Managed Security Service Provider Program
• Resideo Buys LifeWhere to Expand Remote Monitoring, Predictive Maintenance
• Integrator Star Asset Security Takes Managed Services Model to Market

ASAP-to-PSAP Progresses

• Montgomery (Ala.) Goes Live With Automated Secure Alarm Protocol
• Vector Security Helps Cincinnati Implement ASAP-to-PSAP
• Bradley County, Tenn., Becomes 50th Jurisdiction to Adopt ASAP-to-PSAP
• Vector Security Goes Live with ASAP-to-PSAP in Dauphin County, Pa.

Forecasts Show Bright Future

• IP Security Camera Market Forecast at $20B by 2025
• Global Video Analytics Market Forecast at 21.5% Annual Growth
• Global IoT Security Product Market Projected to Hit $50B by 2027

Manufacturers Acquire Competencies

• ASSA ABLOY Purchases LifeSafety Power
• Alarm.com Acquires OpenEye
• ACRE Buys RS2 Technologies
• Central Station Software Maker SGS Bought by EverCommerce

Investors Flock to Industry

• Schneider Electric Sells Pelco to Transom Capital Group
• Panasonic Works With PE Firm to Spinoff Security Division
• IDEAL Networks Acquired by London-Based Private Equity Firm
• ConnectWise to Be Sold to PE Firm for $1.5B
• Winsted Corp. Purchased by PE Investor Pathfinder

Dealers Wheel, Deal

• Lone Star Communications Buys Advanced Communications & Cabling
• Redwire Expands With American Alarm & Audio Buy
• Bates Security Acquires Absolute Protection Team
• Doyle Security Purchases CIA Security
• FE Moran Acquires MidCo
• American Defense Systems Buys Direct Protect Security and Surveillance
• Sciens Building Solutions Acquires Critical System Solutions
• Richmond Alarm Buys Becker & Ellington Security Systems
• Supreme Security Systems Snaps Up T&R Alarm Systems

Most Acquisitive Dealers/Integrators

1. ADT (at least 8, but sold off Canadian operations)
2. Allied Universal (at least 4, plus guarding firms);
3. Convergint Technologies (at least 5);
4. Per Mar (at least 3)

In Memoriam

As a parting shot, here’s a final farewell to a half-dozen industry greats we lost during 2019 whose contributions we should never forget: Industry Hall of Famers Allen Fritts (68), George Gunning (83) and Mel Mahler (82); Arnold Blumenthal (92); Joe Lanier (81); and Jerry Schubert (86).

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