I find that looking back at the previous year’s (in this case, 2021) electronic security news stories is vital to fully grasp in totality the industry’s most significant developments and more accurately assess the paths of present trends.
The top topics on the tips of dealer/integrator tongues of late are pandemic recovery, supply chain slowdown, finding personnel and general business operations. Amid it all, most are pleased with where their company stands and are optimistic about prospects.
I share those sentiments. For your consideration, here’s my annual list of the most impactful news headlines (pulled from securitysales.com) and my key trends picks:
2021 TOP TRENDS (in random order)
COVID Consequences
- 5 Ways COVID-19 Is Impacting Alarm Business Transactions
- ESX Cancels In-Person Event, Will Pivot to Virtual Experience
- GSX 2021 Will Be Presented in Hybrid Format
- Milestone Systems Pulls Out of ISC West, Citing COVID Precautions
Pandemic Products
- Hanwha Releases New Body Temperature Detection Camera
- Rhombus Adds Mask Detection to Smart Security Cameras
- ProdataKey Rolls Out ‘Present-to-Open’ Touchless Option for Readers
- Aiphone Introduces Touchless Sensor for Gesture-Activated Calling
- LenelS2 Extends Touchless Visitor Management Experience
Sunset Scramble
- Verizon Sets 3G Sunset Date for Jan. 1, 2023
- Alula Launches Training Portal for 3G Sunset Solutions
- Assuring Alarm Panels Are All Set for 3G Sunset
- How the Industry Is Pressuring AT&T to Postpone Sunset
AI Ascent
- What’s Real in Artificial Intelligence: Applications, Markets & Opportunities
- Convergint Technologies, Dragonfruit AI Partner to Drive Business Intelligence
- Brinks Home Security Will Leverage AI to Drive Customer Experience
- Bosch’s New Autodome IP starlight 5100i is a Moving Camera With Built-in AI
Cloudier Outlook
- DMP Launches Cloud-Based X1 Access Control System
- Feenics Integrates Cloud Access Control Platform With Hanwha Wisenet VMS
- Alarm Lock Debuts AirAccess, an Access Control System as a Service
- 3xLOGIC Rolls Out Mobile App for VIGIL CLOUD
- IDIS Cloud Manager Enhances Control of Surveillance Operations
Monitoring M&A
- ADT Acquires Half of Ackerman Security Account Base for $73M
- Kimberlite Completes Deal for Security First Alarm King
- B Safe Snaps Up $200K RMR With BH Security Buy
- COPS Acquires Wholesale Monitoring Business From Security Partners
- Securitas Acquires N.J.-Based Supreme Security
- American Alarm Acquires Phoenix Security
- Alert 360 to Merge With My Alarm Center
Integrators Converge
- Allied Universal Acquires San Francisco Area-Based Security Integration
- The Protection Bureau Acquired by CTSI
- Paladin Technologies Acquires VTI Security
- Convergint Grows in Southeast With Simpson Security Buy
- Fedora Security, Intertech Ci Merge to Become Fedora Intertech
Fire Sales
- Carrier Sells Chubb Fire & Security for $3.1B
- Trident Fire & Security Expands Denver Footprint With Secure Source Buy
- CTSI to Acquire Fire Leader AFA Protective
- AE Industrial Partners Acquires Cross-Fire & Security
- CertaSite Snaps Up Great Lakes Fire & Safety Equipment
- ADT Commercial Bolsters Carolinas Footprint With Edwards Electronic Systems
Manufacturer M&A
- ASSA ABLOY to Acquire Kwikset, Rest of Spectrum Hardware and Home Improvement Division for $4.3B
- SnapAV to Purchase Networking Solutions Provider Access Networks
- Motorola Solutions Acquires Openpath to Expand Security Portfolio
- Quantum Acquires Pivot3’s Surveillance Business
- March Networks Acquired by Vivotek Parent Company Delta for $114M
- Nortek Control Acquired by Global Home Automation Giant Nice
- ACRE Expands Access and Security Portfolio With Feenics, Matrix Buys
Distributors Deal
- Synnex Strikes $7.2B Merger Deal With Tech Data
- SnapAV Builds Out Branch Network With HCA Distributing Buy
- Resideo Acquires Norfolk Wire & Electronics for ADI Business
- WAVE Electronics Acquired by Altamont Capital Partners
Industry Incites Investing
- ACRE Acquired by European PE Firm
- Evolv Technology to Go Public in $1.7B Merger With Investors
- Lee Equity Acquires Integrator Unlimited Technology
- Brivo to Merge With Crown PropTech, Go Public
- North Haven Capital Acquires Interstate Fire Protection
- BCD CEO Burgess Strikes PE Deal
- Immix Software Acquired by Norland Capital
2021 Top 10 News Stories (editor’s picks)
▶ Securitas Acquires Stanley Security for $3.2B
▶ U.S. Capitol Attack: IDing Domestic Terrorists Using Facial Recognition and Video Surveillance
▶ Verkada Breach Exposes 150,000 Security Cameras
▶ FLIR Acquired by Teledyne for $8B
▶ Hikvision, Dahua Among China Firms FCC Deems National Security Threat
▶ Allied Universal Finally Seals $5.3B Deal for G4S
▶ DIY Security Installs Rose 40% Since 2018
▶ Industry Copes With Supply Chain Calamity
▶ 9/11 20th Anniversary: Security Pros Share Reflections, Observations
▶ ADT Enters Solar Business With $825M Acquisition of Sunpro Solar
