In today’s edition of our series of 2025 reflections and 2026 predictions about the security industry, we hear from Tia Eskandari, senior director of national field service at Allied Universal. She offers up her look back at the year that was in the security industry, the best of what’s to come and how we’ll remember the next 12 months.
Security Sales & Integration: What kind of year has 2025 been for the electronic security and physical security industries?
Tia Eskandari: 2025 has been a strong but complicated year for the security industry. The demand for cameras, access control systems, alarms and alarm monitoring remains strong with businesses investing in upgrading their older systems.
However, the challenges surrounding procurement and tariffs on imported products had a detrimental effect on how we, as an industry, managed operations this year. These challenges pushed the industry to think differently and explore smarter, more resilient solutions. As we head into 2026, our focus will be on stability, innovation and finding ways to deliver even more value to our customers, regardless of what the market throws our way.
SSI: What’s getting better about the security industry these days? What seems to be getting worse?
Eskandari: Technology across the industry is becoming much smarter. Artificial intelligence is being integrated into cameras and software to detect issues more quickly, reduce false alarms and boost monitoring efficiency.
More organizations are shifting their systems to the cloud because it is easier to manage and update as business needs evolve. Mobile credentials are replacing traditional badges and fobs as the new standard. As an end user and consumer, I often find that the convenience of managing the technology I use at home through my phone is the main factor influencing my decisions.
Hiring and retaining talented technicians in the security industry is becoming increasingly difficult. Our industry faces challenges in striking a balance between competitive pay, career development and employee engagement.
As leaders, we need to look beyond performance metrics to understand technicians’ strengths, recognize achievements and foster a supportive culture. Offering competitive wages and clear advancement opportunities is essential for attracting and keeping talent, while proactive recognition programs can set your organization apart from competitors.
Training should extend beyond technical certifications to encompass soft skills and advanced technological solutions, ensuring technicians are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our customers. Ultimately, having clear career paths and effective communication strategies is vital for retaining talent and building a sustainable workforce pipeline.
SSI: Finish this sentence: 2026 will be remembered as the year that the security industry…
Eskandari: … shifted toward hosted managed services, such as remote view trailers offered at fixed costs. This model provides customers with predictable budgeting, eliminating the uncertainty often linked to fluctuating expenses.
By leveraging these technology-driven solutions, organizations can mitigate risks associated with tariffs or regulatory changes that could negatively impact their profitability. Hosted managed services not only offer operational stability but also enable businesses to adapt smoothly to market volatility while maintaining strong customer value.
