Adoption of new technologies is picking up speed exponentially. In less than 200 years, technology has transformed our lives. Just look at the shortening of time for mass adoption. Some of the biggest trends happening are fueled by this health crisis. Understanding what is happening will help companies stay alive and plan for recovery.

Read the article online or in the SDM December 2020 issue.

2020 has certainly been a challenging year. So many things are in turmoil; disruption and uncertainty surround our personal and professional lives. Business plans, and the future, are up in the air. How can we cope and survive, maybe even grow and thrive? Here are some ideas to get on innovative tracks and find success in the new normal.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2020 issue.

Given the uncharted times the world is experiencing right now, the looming question in many people’s minds is, “What can we do to help our company survive?” The answer is simple and focuses on the treasure you already have: clients. This applies to almost any business, but especially those in the security industry. Years of hard work, ongoing service and building long-term relationships lead to loyal customers.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2020 issue.

The coronavirus is impacting business operations and sales, and also dramatically influencing consumer spending. Parks Associates just released insights based on this summer’s consumer surveys, and found that while spending cuts due to COVID-19 affect most product categories, consumers continue spending on technology for productivity and entertainment. This highlights opportunities for security dealers.

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2020 issue.

Living in today’s uncertain world brings challenges and changes every day, but it also brings new opportunities. Security companies are trusted by owners to protect and care for their families through system installation and monitoring. With the desire to stay home, people are enjoying more entertainment at home. Incorporating the cinema experience in a home can be as simple as adding surround sound to an entertainment system.

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2020 issue.

We’ve all been there, working long hours to get projects done, eager to mark them off the list. But, often one or more minor things still need attention to actually wrap up a project. Have you ever said, “It doesn’t really matter right now if the cables at the panel are organized and labeled,” or “instructions aren’t written or given to the owners, but that’s OK, we will come back when there’s more time?”

Read the article online or in the SDM July 2020 issue.

It is my hope that you and your team are doing well in these times of uncertainty, and I extend my thoughts and prayers to those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Hopefully your local government is now allowing you to get back to business and service your customers. Now how do we ensure workers in the office, technicians in the field and clients in their homes remain safe and healthy? The answer lies in a 2020 playbook for your business.

Read the article online or in the SDM June 2020 issue.

There’s a technology revolution coming our way that will alter the use of electricity as we know it. It has the potential to disrupt the construction, remodel, retrofit and installation industries. In particular, it will change the game for security companies — not only with their product offerings, but also installation processes and services.

Read the article online or in the SDM May 2020 issue.

Neither paperwork nor digital recordkeeping are very popular, but both are necessary for long-term success. I admit I don’t like the time it takes — and I know I’m not alone on this one — but project management is vital to performance and client satisfaction in any company.

Read the article in the SDM April 2020 issue.

The plea is the same for every skilled trade industry: “We need qualified workers.” And it’s been going on for a while. It’s not just in the security industry; this is true for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and construction workers. . . . It’s difficult to fill open positions with knowledgeable and trained people at companies, including manufacturers, distributors, and other firms serving an industry.

Read the article online or in the SDM March 2020 issue.

2020 looks like a great year in the smart home industry. Electronics are flying off the shelves, delivery trucks are full and professional installation is at an all-time high. But there continues to be a real shortage of knowledgeable technicians.

Read the article online or in the SDM January 2020 issue.

Business goals typically revolve around new opportunities, growth, revenue and profit. Through evaluation of the past year’s results, new tactics are identified to achieve the outlined goals. By defining a roadmap for 2020, the company is on its way to a great year, and hopefully management will share the strategy company-wide for all to see.

Read the article online or in the SDM December 2019 issue.

Streaming media can be accessed anytime, everywhere. Understanding the technology will benefit everyone personally; and for those that deliver connectivity, professionally.

To stream media, all that is needed is a broadband connection and a streaming device or software app. A streaming player does just that: it connects to the internet, accesses content provided by online services and delivers the streaming media to the playback device.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2019 issue.

A century ago, most electrical devices, such as a fan or appliance, required 120V to operate. Today, 110V devices are in use, but technology has advanced to the point where electronics are prevalent and only need a low amount of DC voltage to operate; examples of this are mobile devices and even flat-screen displays.

. . . the bottom line is transformers are everywhere and there aren’t enough AC outlets to plug all of them in.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2019 issue.

AC Versus DC Power

A century ago, most electrical devices, such as a fan or appliance, required 120V to operate. Today, 110V devices are in use, but technology has advanced to the point where electronics are prevalent and only need a low amount of DC voltage to operate; examples of this are mobile devices and even flat-screen displays.

. . . the bottom line is transformers are everywhere and there aren’t enough AC outlets to plug all of them in.

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2019 issue.

Look around and you will see a plethora of brands offering smart devices.
…
How do you decide what to promote, and how do you spread the word?
The bottom line is it’s no longer about the product’s brand.
In today’s competitive world, the installation company is the brand.

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2019 issue.

Fantasy has caught up with reality; smart home and connected living is going mainstream. The security game has changed, and it is no longer just about protecting, detecting and alerting when unwanted events happen.

Read the article online or in the SDM July 2019 issue.

Security is today’s hot buzz word and it’s a big and continually expanding “pie” full of robust slices that are all in high demand. Lucky you, that’s the industry you are in and live every day. But which slice, or slices, are you enjoying? Where might your appetite grow?

Read the article online or in the SDM June 2019 issue.

Digital residential and commercial buildings have become a reality with ubiquitous connectivity. The internet, digital media and entertainment, security systems and smart home and building management are integral parts of living today.

Read the article online or in the SDM May 2019 issue.

Projects are the mainstay of business in the security industry, whether you’re installing a 260-zone security system, a smart home security system with lighting and HVAC automation/control, a 16-camera installation or an access control system. To achieve the desired result of a project, the most essential element of making it happen is project management.

Read the article online or in the SDM April 2019 issue.

The security industry is in ‘pole position’ to be the source for delivering the smart home and connected living. It’s all about networking, the human kind of networking where people exchange information and develop professional and social contacts.

Read the article online or in the SDM March 2019 issue.

Smart home technology has certainly come of age. Identify your strategy for operating in the connected devices and smart home markets. The security industry is well-positioned to serve this burgeoning market.

Read the article online or in the SDM February 2019 issue.

Today’s world bombards us with data. Whether it be looking for information, reading or watching the news or being inundated with advertising, it can be overwhelming to sort through the “haystack” for the desired “needle,” especially when it comes to making sense of technology. How can you be remembered?

Read the article online or in the SDM January 2019 issue.

The smart home and smart office are here to stay. Let’s look at what has changed, what hasn’t and what’s innovative. The good news is the security industry is still in pole position to take advantage of growth in the smart home/office industry and win the race.

Read the article online or in the SDM November 2018 issue.

Some folks may not know it but I started my own integration business, The Automation Link, Inc. (TALI), in 1989 and put on the side of my van, “The Leader in Home Automation.” I was 20 years ahead of my time. Home automation hadn’t happened yet and it was easy to be the leader — there were no followers.

Read the article online or in the SDM October 2018 issue.

The word smart has been partnered with high-tech for many decades.
control of systems in the home is one of the fastest growing business opportunities.

Read the article online or in the SDM September 2018 issue.

One of the hottest topics for discussion with many opportunities emerging around it is the Internet of Things, or IoT. It’s not just change or progress. It has the potential to disrupt and, in many instances, already is disrupting work, home, travel, play, and just about every facet of our lives. But what is it and what does it mean for the security industry — in particular, your business?

Read the article online or in the SDM August 2018 issue.

Interoperability is a key issue that keeps coming up.

Read the article online or in the SDM July 2018 issue.

It’s a fact: People grow older. The good news is that technology is helping address medical issues and contributing to healthier living. Technology is also able to keep people living at home without moving to a care facility.

Read the article online or in the SDM June 2018 issue.