Together, these new solutions “enable support for 345 MHz wireless sensors, giving installers more flexibility than ever before,” according to the company announcement.

The AERF3H is an on-board wireless receiver designed specifically for the Alarm Engine, providing a “clean and efficient way” to add 345 MHz sensor support directly at the panel. For applications requiring extended coverage, the AEXRFA3H allows additional receivers to be connected to the E27 data bus, enabling installers to place receivers throughout a property.

By supporting up to four data bus-connected receivers, the system “can significantly improve signal coverage and reliability—ideal for larger homes or light commercial installations where wireless performance is critical,” according to the ELK Products announcement.

What Do the New ELK Products Do?

The AERF3H and AEXRFA3H support a range of 345 MHz wireless sensors, including those from the Honeywell 5800 Series, MaxOut Technology 345 MHz sensors and other manufacturers operating on the 345 MHz frequency.

This compatibility “allows for easier system takeovers and expanded sensor selection across intrusion, life safety and environmental monitoring applications,” the company announcement says.

Key benefits of the AERF3H and AEXRFA3H include:

• Native support for 345 MHz wireless sensors
• Compatible with Honeywell 5800 Series, MaxOut Technology and other 345 MHz
  devices
• On-board receiver option with the AERF3H for streamlined installation
• Expandable coverage using AEXRFA3H data bus interfaces
• Support for up to four remote receivers for enhanced signal reliability
• Ideal for retrofits, takeovers, and large-area installations

“The addition of 345 MHz wireless support gives our dealers more flexibility in both new installations and system upgrades,” says Robert Dant, director of sales and marketing, in the company announcement. “With scalable receiver placement and seamless integration into the Alarm Engine, we’re making it easier to deliver reliable wireless performance in any environment.”

The ELK-AERF3H and ELK-AEXRFA3H are available now through authorized ELK distributors.

The post ELK Products Introduces 345 MHz Wireless Support for Alarm Engine appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

LINCOLNTON, N.C. — Lincoln County Schools (LCS) in North Carolina has modernized its district-wide security infrastructure using Genetec Security Center, unifying video surveillance, access control and intrusion systems across its schools and support facilities.

Lincoln County Schools serves more than 11,000 students across 23 schools, including 13 elementary schools, four middle schools, four high schools, a technology school and an alternative school. Four additional buildings support district-wide services such as school nutrition, transportation and maintenance. As its existing security technology began showing its age, the district set out to modernize its systems.

At the top of LCS’ requirements was an open, unified security platform, says chief technology officer Steven Hoyle. The district wanted the flexibility to reuse existing video and access control hardware while upgrading devices as needed. It also sought to manage video, access control and intrusion systems within a single solution and to connect other school systems, including the human resources database, to improve process automation.

How Did Lincoln County Schools Upgrade its Security?

LCS began upgrading its high schools’ video surveillance and access control systems, now unified as one in Genetec Security Center. They also added Radionix intrusion detection. When complete, hundreds of cameras, doors, and intrusion sensors across district buildings will be connected to the Genetec open architecture platform.

This has also allowed the district to retain much of its existing hardware and to migrate to newer devices at its own pace.

“We have the freedom to keep some existing hardware, upgrade to newer devices, and integrate other business systems,” says Hoyle. “This helps us find the right balance between enhancing security and managing costs. And we can do it at our own pace, taking our time to re-evaluate needs and make decisions from there.”

LCS has also digitized processes by connecting Microsoft Active Directory and its Radionix intrusion detection system within Security Center. With Active Directory integration, cardholder privileges are automatically assigned based on job role and location. When employees join or leave the district, door and system access is activated or deactivated automatically.

Synchronizing cardholders with the intrusion detection system has reduced false alarms, says Hoyle.

“In the past, intrusion alarms would sometimes be activated when someone was still in the building, resulting in many false alarms,” he says. “Now, staff can badge in during set hours, and the intrusion system is automatically armed or disarmed. We’re seeing far fewer false alarms and fewer calls to law enforcement and our administrators.”

As upgrades continue, Lincoln County Schools is working with Genetec to expand capabilities and connect additional systems to support faster, more coordinated communication across the district.

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Other Surveillance Videos of the Week include an emotional reunion between a Marine and his five daughters, a surfer getting unintentionally up close and person with a hammerhead shark and a full-scale bench-clearing brawl between the Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Angels that included a pitcher hanging on to the ball in the fight.

We also see footage of Southwest Airlines passengers celebrating a cancer-free diagnosis for a 2-year-old, a man charged with arson after a Kimberley-Clark warehouse fire and a door blowing open on a Cape Air flight to Boston.

Our weekly slideshow also captures surveillance video of an alligator in a Florida pool, a miner rescued in Mexico after almost two weeks and much more.

Click here to check out the latest batch of Surveillance Videos of the Week. Send your suggestions for future editions to digital editor Craig MacCormack at craig.maccormack@emeraldx.com.

The post Florida Bus Clipped By Train: Surveillance Videos of the Week appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

HID will be “demonstrating how a layered approach to security helps healthcare organizations protect patients, staff and visitors while modernizing fragmented access infrastructure in a phased, affordable and low-risk way that doesn’t disrupt daily operations,” according to the company announcement.

“Hospitals bring together staff, patients, visitors and vendors, each requiring specific levels of access, while simultaneously protecting health information, medications, medical devices and sensitive operational areas on a 24/7/365 basis,” the announcement says. “No single product solves that.

“HID’s approach to modernizing access control for healthcare is where physical access control, visitor management, staff authentication and real-time location awareness operate as a unified system rather than disconnected point solutions,” according to the company announcement.

Most recently, HID introduced HID Visitor Manager for Healthcare, a cloud-based solution that integrates directly with Epic, Oracle Health and other major Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems to strengthen visitor control across hospital facilities.

What Will HID Showcase at IAHSS 2026?

HID will showcase four interconnected capabilities at IAHSS that address this approach:

Securing Visitor Access: Knowing who is in your facility, where they are and whether they should be there is both a compliance requirement and a patient and staff safety imperative. HID Visitor Manager for Healthcare delivers a modern, configurable check-in process with direct EHR integration, photo capture, ID scanning, watchlist management and audit-ready compliance reporting for OSHA, CMS and HIPAA requirements — all with minimal IT involvement.

Giving Staff Back Time Lost to Credential Management: Remote issuance, updates and revocation eliminate the need for in-person card management, reducing administrative burden while giving clinical and operational teams a more convenient, secure way to move through the facility. HID Mobile Access delivers this capability through smartphones and wearables already in staff pockets.

Knowing Where People and Assets Are When It Matters Most: Worker safety and compliance now drive 69% of RTLS adoption decisions, according to HID’s 2026 State of Security and Identity Report. The HID Healthcare Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) platform gives clinical teams instant visibility into the location of staff, patients and assets. From staff safety and infant security to asset tracking, hand hygiene compliance and clinical workflow, it addresses the full range of location-aware needs in a hospital environment.

Unifying the Infrastructure That Makes All of It Work: Fragmented entry points, mixed credential types and siloed systems are where security gaps form. HID Signo readers support an unparalleled range of credential technologies across cards, fobs and mobile devices, with multi-layered security built in and seamless integration across HID’s broader access control ecosystem.

The post HID Demonstrates Trust as Foundation of Healthcare Security at IAHSS appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

MELVILLE, N.Y. — ADI, distributor of security, AV and smart living solutions, has announced the launch of its annual ADI Expo Tour, with a business-focused and growth-oriented program.

The ADI Expo will travel to 28 cities across the United States and Canada, connecting dealers, integrators and manufacturers for an immersive one-day experience. According to the distributor, the tour aims to uncover new revenue opportunities, strengthen competitive positioning and deliver actionable insights that participants can implement immediately to grow their business.

Per the statement, the 2026 ADI Expo will go beyond product discovery and technical training. Instead, each stop delivers practical, real-world education focused on helping dealers increase revenue and adapt to evolving customer demands.

The integrated program will also feature hands-on product demonstrations, targeted training sessions, guest speakers and high-value networking opportunities; all centered on business outcomes dealers can implement right away.

“The ADI Expo has always been about helping our customers succeed, and in 2026 we are taking an even more deliberate approach to business growth,” says Marco Cardazzi, senior vice president and chief merchandising officer of ADI Global Distribution, in the company announcement.

“This year’s Expo is designed to help dealers uncover new opportunities, better position their offerings and leave each event with insights and strategies they can put to work immediately to drive revenue and long-term growth,” he says.

What is the 2026 ADI Expo Tour Schedule?

The 2026 ADI Expo tour started in Nashville, Tenn. on April 7, and also includes stops in Toronto on April 9, Detroit on April 14, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., on April 21, Anaheim, Calif., on April 23, and Teaneck, N.J., on April 30.  In May, the Expo will travel to New Orleans, Chicago and Charlotte, N.C. Meanwhile, in June, the Expo will be in Edmonton, Alberta, San Jose, Calif., and Arlington, Va.

ADI further states that the expo will tour in the following locations: Oklahoma City, Raleigh, Austin, Seattle, Louisville, Tampa, Philadelphia, Vancouver, Houston, St. Louis, Long Island, Boston, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas and Montreal.

At each stop, attendees will gain access to education that directly supports business expansion, including sessions focused on emerging technologies, solution selling, system integration opportunities and evolving market trends. ADI says it will also offer educational seminars and CEU opportunities (where applicable), helping enable dealers to strengthen both their technical expertise and their ability to deliver solutions to customers.

Additional Information

Per the statement, the 2026 ADI Expo tour will feature more than 50 participating suppliers, giving attendees direct access to a wide range of brands, technologies and expertise from brands across all major product categories.

This close collaboration allows dealers to engage in meaningful, one-on-one conversations with suppliers, explore new product categories and identify solutions that can help expand services, increase project size and improve profitability.

“By bringing education, supplier engagement and exclusive one-day offers together in a single event, the ADI Expo continues to deliver measurable value for both dealers and manufacturers,” says Cardazzi in the ADI announcement. “The 2026 tour reinforces ADI’s commitment to helping customers not only stay current, but grow stronger, more resilient businesses in a competitive and rapidly changing marketplace.”

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PLANO, Texas — Parks Associates will host the 30th annual CONNECTIONS: The Premier Connected Home Conference, scheduled for May 5-7 at the Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, bringing together connected home executives from Alarm.com, Silicon Labs, AWS, Ring and more to explore the next phase of innovation in artificial intelligence, smart home and security platforms and intelligent consumer services.

Parks Associates estimates that close to 60 million U.S. internet households have a home security solution now, including households with security systems or those with no system but a smart camera or video doorbell. The firm forecasts that by 2030, 70 million U.S. internet households will have a home security solution.

Keynote speakers scheduled for the 2026 edition of CONNECTIONS include:

Robert Vance, vice president, new markets, Gentex
Jay Desai, general manager for Amazon Sidewalk, Ring (Amazon.com)
John Mack, managing director & sector co-head, security & safety, Raymond James
Kristen Valdes, founder & CEO, b.well Connected Health

Who Will Be Speaking at Parks Associates’ 2026 CONNECTIONS Conference?

Speakers at the annual Parks Associates CONNECTIONS Conference include:

Matt Adams, program coordinator for smart building technology, Houston City College
Matt Atkins, principal product manager, SmartRent
Brian Bedrosian, vice president, strategy marketing, Infineon
Ben Berg, product manager, Alarm.com
Colin Cureton, product line vice president, home, Silicon Labs
Matt Davidson, principal product manager, connected experiences, eero
Alan DiCicco, vice president, solution & product marketing, Calix
Gilles Drieu, senior vice president & chief technology officer, ADT
Tim Eskew, product director, residential electronics, Allegion
Mabell Garcia Paine, West Coast business development and sales leader, Carrier
John Grady, chief executive officer, Ayla Networks
Robert Grosz, president & chief operating officer, WorldVue
Jeffrey Guymon, vice president, IoT & connected devices, Ensure Protect
Scott Hanson, chief technology officer, Ambiq
Scott Harden, senior vice president and chief technology officer for software, home solutions, Schneider Electric
Morgan Hertel, VP, Technology & Innovation, Rapid Response Monitoring
Phoebe Hung, director – ecosystem team, Samsung SmartThings
Doug Jacobson, senior director of software platforms, Crestron
Jishnu Kinwar, vice president, AI & innovation, Chamberlain
Ramkumar Krishnan, head of cleantech incubation, LG NOVA (LG Electronics)
Gene LaNois, vice president, business development, Vivint (an NRG company)
Peter Levinson, vice president of product, Arity
Mike Link, chief operating officer, Kamicare, Kami Vision
Jenniffer Mackey, vice president, strategic accounts, Zyxel Communications
Tajinder (Taj) Manku, CEO & co-founder, Cognitive Systems
Andy McFarlane, vice president, marketing, Morse Micro
Todd Mozer, president & CEO, Sensory Inc.
David Morgan, co-founder, SD Marketing
Hervé Muller, vice president, North America, Telecom Design
Aaron Nowakowski, director of partner solutions, Becklar
Emily O’Donnell, vice president, product and communications, Evolution Digital
Hugh Owen, senior vice president, marketing, Alarm.com
Keith Puckett, co-founder & CEO, Ubiety Technologies
Joey Rao-Russell, president & CEO, Kimberlite – Sonitrol/Security First
Gary Rockis, president, Integrated Systems Technology
Louis Rogers, smart building integrator/owner, InFocus Technologies
Ryan Salmons, chief product and technology officer, DOOR
Saima Siddiqui, vice president of product management smart building, RealPage
Erica Sivertson, vice president of multi-dwelling unit product strategy, Comcast
Asad Tahir, director of product management, Lennox
Elizabeth Tobey, chief marketing officer, TechSee
Gordon van Zuiden, founder, cyberManor, Inc. | Branch Partner, Daisy Co.
Dave Wechsler, chief business officer, Plume
Matthew Wootton, co-founder & chief technology officer, Ivani
Jing Xue, senior director of product, Wyze Labs

“The 30th annual CONNECTIONS Conference continues to be the premier gathering for leaders shaping the future of the connected home,” says Mindi Sue Sternblitz-Rubenstein, vice president of marketing for Parks Associates.

“As AI accelerates innovation across smart home and security platforms, this year’s conference in Santa Clara, Calif., will highlight the partnerships, business models and technologies driving the next phase of growth in intelligent consumer services and products with a special focus on privacy and data security, security and smart home solutions, platforms and OS and the energy and health markets,” she says.

Parks Associates will recognize the 40 Tech Leaders of Connected Living during the conference’s networking reception. The firm is accepting nominations until April 16.

Click here to register for the 30th annual Parks Associates CONNECTIONS Conference.

The post Parks Associates CONNECTIONS Conference Highlights Impact of AI appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

Building on the recent introduction of the VUE Video Doorbell, this release “strengthens the VUE portfolio with new professional-grade cameras that offer improved performance, expanded capabilities and seamless integration across the DMP ecosystem,” according to the company announcement.

The VUE lineup includes bullet, turret and dome form factors, built for retail, QSR and medium to large commercial installations, the announcement says.

What Can DMP VUE 5MP Cameras Do?

With 5MP resolution across all models, VUE Cameras “deliver sharper detail and support faster, more confident alarm verification,” according to the company announcement. “Advanced analytics identify relevant activity such as person and vehicle detection, helping reduce unnecessary footage and improve response accuracy.”

All models support PoE or 12VDC power, are ONVIF compliant and include built-in microphones. VUE Cameras also integrate with Virtual Keypad, allowing users to view video, review events and verify alarms from anywhere.

Bullet and turret models feature integrated active deterrence lighting with red and blue or white options, along with two-way audio, enabling users to intervene in real time and help stop incidents before they escalate.

“The launch of VUE Cameras marks a significant advancement for our video lineup,” says Ken Francis, executive vice president of video solutions at DMP, in the company announcement. “Compared to our previous generation, these cameras deliver improved performance, sharper image quality and more capable analytics, helping dealers provide faster, more reliable and more proactive security.”

VUE Cameras are available now through authorized DMP dealers.

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The Risks of Commercial Power Outages

Electricity outages have far-reaching effects for businesses, including reduced productivity, supply chain disruptions and financial hits. It can also delay customer order fulfillment and deliveries, result in damaged equipment or lead to data loss.

The interruptions often force companies to suspend operations, compromising compliance requirements and potentially harming consumer satisfaction and loyalty. According to one study, 70% of companies said power shortages hindered growth and expansion plans, and many experienced an average 17% revenue shortfalls during such events.

Why Backup Power Systems Are a Nonnegotiable for Business Continuity

Downtime is not an option for business continuity, underscoring the need for secure and uninterrupted power supply (UPS) solutions. When extreme weather events knock out power lines, the grid malfunctions or equipment fails, then commercial safety, data protection and operational integrity may be at risk.

Organizations rely on electricity for heating and cooling, ventilation, lighting, communications, machinery operations and data storage. Without consistent power, industrial enterprises cannot use heavy equipment, such as pumps, conveyors, electric boilers or furnaces. In the office, employees will lose access to their computer networks and data centers.

This hurdle has ultimately led leaders in manufacturing, commercial security, and essential services to revisit the role of commercial power systems and backup generators in their continuity strategies.

6 Providers Offering Exceptional Backup Power Solutions

Ensuring a resilient backup power infrastructure requires partnering with an expert who understands the high stakes involved for your business. The right provider delivers integrated solutions tailored to your most critical operations.

1. Sunbelt Solomon

Sunbelt Solomon is a leading manufacturer of new, reconditioned and rental power distribution solutions, including transformers and backup power systems. It has a national reach and serves commercial, utility, oil and gas, data centers, renewables, mining, and industrial markets with speedy deployment and a wide range of products.

You can work with its engineers to develop a fully customized design that meets your business needs, receiving end-to-end assistance to ensure optimal results. The Sunbelt Solomon team also provides in-service and field service maintenance and repairs, including emergency response.

Key Features

• New, reconditioned and rental backup power solutions
• Custom engineering and field services
• Rapid deployment across North America

2. Eaton

Eaton is a global leader in intelligent power management and specializes in designing, manufacturing and servicing electrical, hydraulic and mechanical power systems. It serves an array of markets, including utilities, health care, aerospace, oil and gas, food and beverage, and buildings.

It stands out for its extensive inventory of uninterruptible power supply (UPS) systems, integrated digital monitoring and sustainability. The Brightlayer platform, in particular, offers smarter, remote or on-site management of energy solutions. It effectively helps you reduce energy consumption and waste.

Key Features

• Strong digital monitoring and predictive maintenance analytics
• Extensive UPS, surge and power distribution products
• Sustainable and energy-efficient power technologies

3. Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric aims to transform energy management and automation for organizations with critical power requirements. It is investing $1 billion into building a more power-resilient America over the next decade.

The provider’s offerings range from microgrids and grid integration to data centers and industrial automation, powered by its EcoStruxure Internet of Things (IoT) platform. Its predictive analytics enable uptime by measuring transformer health and extending its lifetime. Likewise, its small UPS systems keep computers running, while large commercial ones can power data centers and hospitals.

Key Features

• Holistic IoT-backed energy and infrastructure management
• Modular UPS, microgrids and energy storage systems
• Leader in automation, analytics and remote monitoring

4. Vertiv

Vertiv is a reputable supplier of backup energy systems for commercial enterprises. You can use its interactive UPS selector to determine which UPS solution best meets your operational needs. Its integrated management system is ideal for data centers, telecommunications, retail, education, finance, federal and industrial applications.

Among its greatest value propositions is Vertiv’s modularity and scalability. The solutions come equipped with high-density computing and security features, as well as artificial intelligence (AI)-backed cloud-based monitoring and predictive maintenance with simple integration and seamless interoperability.

Key Features

• Modular, scalable backup power and precision cooling
• Advanced remote diagnostics and predictive maintenance
• Tailored solutions for data centers and critical facilities

5. Generac

Generac is a top-rated manufacturer of backup generators for commercial and industrial applications. It has an extensive inventory of portable and standby generators, transfer switches, battery storage and mobile power units, serving education, telecommunications, water management, health care and other prominent sectors.

This provider also customizes microgrid energy solutions to help you develop a more secure energy ecosystem. Its experts guide you throughout each stage, from site assessment to product selection and installation. Generac also enables cloud-based analytics and monitoring to support forecasting and real-time reporting.

Key Features

• Standby, portable and mobile backup generators
• Broad dealer and service network
• Weather-resistant systems and disaster-readiness tools

6. Cummins

Cummins is a global power generation company that delivers industrial-grade diesel, natural gas, hybrid and alternative-fuel generators. It also offers fully integrated power systems for energy-intensive sectors, while highlighting fuel flexibility and sustainability with its “Power Onward” ethos.

Customers may be interested in its switchgear and transfer switches, system-level controls and digital remote monitoring. Among its primary services are turnkey project management, installation, maintenance and training, as well as around-the-clock customer support. Cummins is a highly trusted brand for reliability and superior expertise in complex, custom-engineered solutions.

Key Features

• Full range of generators and microgrid solutions
• Custom integrated power systems with enterprise-grade reliability
• Multi-fuel and sustainable power systems

Comparing the Best Providers of Commercial Power Systems

Selecting the best provider of commercial power systems requires considering your existing infrastructure and future growth potential. You must recognize energy gaps in current systems to determine which supplier is the right partner. Compare each company’s product range, customization options and key features.

Securing Your Business With Reliable Backup Power

Reliable backup power systems are essential for ongoing operations and business success. When you partner with industry-leading providers, you gain access to tailored solutions that keep you online during unexpected outages and disasters. An investment in advanced commercial power systems reduces financial and reputational risks and postures your organization for longevity and growth.

The post How Businesses Can Ensure Reliable Power Backup in Critical Operations appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

Built for “straightforward installations and broad compatibility,” the TG‑7FX “delivers exactly what commercial fire applications require: dependable connectivity, universal panel support and compliance with key fire signaling standards,” according to the Telguard announcement.

Designed to be installed inside a UL Listed enclosure and powered directly from the fire panel’s auxiliary output, the TG‑7FX “eliminates the need for added outlets or electrical work, helping simplify deployments across a wide range of fire installations,” the announcement says.

What Can the Telguard TG-7FX Do For You?

The Telguard TG‑7FX “replaces traditional landlines with LTE cellular service and supports either AT&T or Verizon networks, giving dealers flexibility based on regional coverage needs while introducing a more cost‑efficient option within Telguard’s fire communicator lineup,” according to the company announcement.

Using a single DACT connection, the communicator interfaces with virtually any fire panel equipped with a dialer and transmits signals to any central station using commonly supported formats, including CID, SIA, Pulse (4×2, 3×1), Radionics (IIe/3a²,4), and DMP.

“TG‑7FX was designed to meet the everyday needs of commercial fire installations with a focused and simple approach,” says George Brody, president of Telguard, in the company announcement. “It delivers the same Telguard reliability, compliance, and support customers expect, in a streamlined communicator built for entry-level and economical applications.”

The TG‑7FX is UL 864 Listed for use in a UL 864 Listed enclosure certified, “reinforcing its suitability for commercial fire signaling applications,” the announcement says. “Compact in size and efficient in power consumption, the communicator is engineered to integrate seamlessly into existing fire system designs.”

The TG‑7FX joins Telguard’s portfolio of fire alarm communicators, alongside intrusion and residential solutions, offering dealers the flexibility to select the right communicator for each application.

TG‑7FX Features:

• LTE sole path cellular communicator for commercial fire systems
• Supports AT&T or Verizon LTE service (model dependent)
• Universal compatibility with most fire panels
• Installs in a UL Listed enclosure; powered by panel auxiliary output (12 or 24 VDC)
• UL 864 Listed for commercial fire signaling
• Backed by Telguard’s technical support

The TG‑7FX is now available for pre‑order, with general availability expected in June.

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By thoughtfully integrating systems and aligning them with operational procedures, integrators enable organizations to move from detection to informed action more quickly when incidents occur, whether those involve unauthorized access attempts or more serious security threats.

Gunshot detection sits squarely in that shift. It’s not just a sensor, but a time-critical safety capability that works in conjunctions with the integrated security solutions around it. The deadly Midtown Manhattan office shooting on July 28, 2025, highlights how quickly a crisis can unfold inside spaces that otherwise feel secure, and as a result has prompted many organizations to reassess how prepared they truly are to detect a threat, verify what’s happening, and trigger a coordinated response.

In the wake of incidents like this, integrators should assume that clients are already researching active shooter-related technologies. What most clients do not yet have is a clear, confident plan for how those technologies should work together. That gap creates a strong opportunity for integrators to lead with guidance, not just equipment.

The value of detection is not simply that an alarm goes off, but that with this information an organization can move from confusion to decision quickly. A credible alert helps eliminate hesitation among staff and occupants who might otherwise waste precious time wondering whether they heard gunfire or something harmless.

Using coordinates, the location of the gunshot can be identified and sent to first responders and internal teams, allowing them to prioritize the right floor, hallway, or area. Just as importantly, gunshot detection can provide incident timelines and data that support investigation and recovery afterward.

However, none of that information is automatic. It all depends on design choices, integration with complementary technologies and how well the customer is trained to act based on the information provided.

Education and Training of the Integrator

Integrators play a central role in translating gunshot detection technology into operational readiness by educating customers on how the system works and how they can integrate gunshot alerts into their technology and response planning.

Even a perfectly integrated gunshot detection system can fall short if people do not understand what it is telling them or what they are supposed to do once a gunshot is detected. Many organizations have never practiced for the kind of high-velocity decision-making gunfire creates.

As a result, integrators are uniquely positioned to fill that gap because they understand the technology and its ability to integrate with complementary security technologies.

Training needs to be tailored based on the specific group of individuals. For example, security and security operations center (SOC)  teams must be able to interpret alerts quickly, pull up supporting video or situational data, and follow a consistent escalation path.

Facility leaders and executives need clarity about what the system can and cannot do, what automation is tied to detections, and how that automation can support liability reduction and duty-of-care obligations. Integrators can play an active role in training customers on the equipment at hand, which are an essential part of that trust-building.

Customers need to understand that active shooter scenarios are dynamic and emotionally intense, so preparedness should not be treated like a once-a-year compliance exercise. As a result, integrators can, in conjunction with a customers’ security consultant, help customers test detection-to-notification timing, validate lockdown logic and refine response roles through realistic walkthroughs.

Exercises like this can help to reveal workflow bottlenecks or assumptions that need to be corrected before a real event occurs. In that sense, training is not an add-on service but should be considered a part of the system performance.

The Role of Partnerships with Law Enforcement Stakeholders in Active Shooter Detection

Gunshot detection can dynamically change how an organization interacts with external responders, particularly law enforcement and emergency communications centers. When a detection event occurs, responders benefit most if the information they receive is precise, immediate and formatted in a way they can act upon.

That requires coordination before anything happens. Integrators can facilitate early conversations about what data law enforcement will receive, how that data will reach 911 or dispatch, and what access or navigation support officers will need when they arrive. When these relationships are built in advance, detection alerts move beyond internal signals to becoming catalysts for a faster, smarter public-safety response.

Communication within an organization also requires the same pre-planning. During gunfire incidents, confusion spreads as quickly as fear. Integrators should encourage customers to prepare notification templates and rules to map out realistic scenarios, including shelter-in-place instructions, evacuation guidance for unaffected zones and clear “all-clear” messaging once threats are neutralized.

Redundant communication pathways matter because no single channel is guaranteed to reach everyone. If a detection alert can automatically drive consistent messaging through public address systems, desktop alerts, mobile apps, digital signage, and text messaging, the customer gains control over information flow during the very minutes where control is hardest.

How Integrators Can Proactively Present Gunshot Detection to Customers

Given the current climate, integrators should not wait for customers to request gunshot detection. Many clients are already aware that their peer organizations are exploring these technologies, but they may not know what is realistic for their own environment or budget.

The most effective way to lead the conversation is to connect gunshot detection with law enforcement response time and action. When framed as a way to reduce the delay between incident onset and decisive action, the technology becomes a practical safety layer instead of a reactive purchase.

Integrators can also present gunshot detection as one component as part of a broader, layered strategy that may include access control hardening, video analytics, visitor screening, threat assessment teams, and ongoing training.

Clients respond well to roadmaps that allow them to start with a pilot in the most at-risk areas and expand once workflows are validated. That phased approach lowers adoption barriers and reinforces the integrator’s role as a long-term partner rather than a one-time installer.

Finally, integrators should be direct about the value they bring that “off-the-shelf” purchasing cannot. Clients may encounter gunshot detection products online and assume they are plug-and-play. The reality is that performance can depend on site acoustics, sensor placement, interoperability and thoughtful response procedures. Integrators protect customers from superficial deployments by ensuring the technology is operationally meaningful.

Gunshot detection technology can dramatically improve how quickly an organization recognizes and responds to gunfire, but only when it is treated as part of an integrated, trained and continuously supported safety program.

Integrators have the ability to turn detection into action by ensuring interoperability with security platforms, aligning alerts to real response workflows, preparing people to trust the system and coordinating with law enforcement and communications stakeholders in advance.

As more organizations search for proactive ways to strengthen active shooter readiness, integrators who step into the trusted advisor role will stand out in the market and, more importantly, help their customers close the gap between crisis and life-saving response.

Billy Borho is the director of sales for Shooter Detection Systems.

The post How Security Integrators Shape Effective Gunshot Detection and Active Shooter Response appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

SILVER SPRING, Md.— The Security Industry Association (SIA) has welcomed Amanda Garzon to serve as chief operating officer, according to an association announcement.

Garzon “oversees the association’s strategic execution and day-to-day operations, ensuring alignment across internal functions and delivery of SIA’s programs and initiatives,” the announcement says, noting she is “an experienced executive with a background spanning the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.”

Who is Amanda Garzon?

Most recently, Garzon served as COO of the Hydrocephalus Association, where she “supported organizational growth and program expansion across a national network of stakeholders, including patients, caregivers, clinicians, researchers and industry partners,” according to the SIA announcement.

She also led the development of HydroAssist, a mobile app designed to help patients and caregivers manage hydrocephalus treatment.

What is the Amanda Garzon Visionary Leadership Award?

In recognition of her leadership and contributions, the Hydrocephalus Association established the Amanda Garzon Visionary Leadership Award. It is presented annually.

Garzon was named one of the Top 20 Advocacy Professionals by the Advocacy Association in 2025, is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Alumni Association and previously served as a Woodrow Wilson School Graduate Fellow at Princeton University.

“With Amanda joining our already exceptional team, SIA is poised to deliver additional value to our members and become engaged in new areas that will further SIA’s influence within the industry globally,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson in the association announcement.

“Amanda’s perspective and experience will increase SIA’s effectiveness and also ensure that we increase our responsiveness to our members and ensure we deliver the programs that they expect in efficient and innovative ways,” he says. “I know SIA members will enjoy working with her as we build on SIA’s member value, programs and offerings.”

Other recent additions to the SIA team include Briana Jeter, senior manager of marketing and events; Courtney Kay, manager of industry relations; and Nicholas Matzerath, coordinator of member services.

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When physical and electronic security professionals gathered at ISC West 2026, the industry’s profound transformation was apparent. The demand for sophisticated, IT-centric security solutions has never been higher. Meanwhile, the vexing challenge posed by a shrinking pool of skilled field labor remains unresolved.

For integrators, navigating these waters requires hardware and software partners that prioritize innovation, seamless interoperability and unwavering integrator support.

That was the backdrop of Security Sales & Integration’s recent conversation with NAPCO Security Technologies’ executive team. During the busy, successful Las Vegas event, NAPCO leaders were eager to discuss the company’s successes.

Kevin Buchel, president and chief operating officer, and Joseph Pipczynski Jr., chief revenue officer, opined on strategic implementations of artificial intelligence, NAPCO’s vertically integrated approach and the company’s steadfast commitment to a recurring revenue-minded model for its partners.

Read on for valuable insights on the trajectory of the security sector and how NAPCO works to engineer solutions designed to boost integration businesses and client outcomes.

Bridging the Complexity Gap

There’s no doubt that security technology has become increasingly networked and data driven. That means integrators must frequently navigate the gap between advancing capabilities and operational realities. How can manufacturers like NAPCO address this tension?

According to Buchel and Pipczynski, this challenge is not a hurdle; instead, it’s an opportunity to rethink system architecture and deployment.

“The headline for 2026 is unified intelligence,” says Buchel. “We’re moving beyond simple connectivity [and toward] ecosystems where access control, fire safety and intrusion detection work as one proactive unit.”

NAPCO’s Kevin Buchel sees the final sunsetting of legacy POTS lines as a massive conversion opportunity that will enable the shift toward hybrid cloud models. Photo courtesy of NAPCO.

He continues, “Integrators have to pay attention to the final sunsetting of the legacy POTS lines. It’s a massive conversion opportunity [that will enable] the shift toward hybrid cloud models that offer local hardware reliability with the scalability of the cloud.”

To help integrators capitalize on these opportunities and mitigate downside risk from the ongoing labor shortage, NAPCO is prioritizing ease of deployment.

“You can’t get workers to install and run wires like the old days,” Buchel laments. “NAPCO addresses this through radical simplification. Our new MVP Access cloud platform and our StarLink universal communicators are designed for plug-and-play installation. We’re helping [integrators] replace labor-intensive hard wiring with wireless, cellular-based solutions that cut installation times in half.”

NAPCO’s commitment to “radical simplification” is born from necessity and a deep understanding of dealer pain points. “The world has changed from the early days of NAPCO products, where guys would be running wires in the attic [and] through the walls,” Buchel adds. These days, he says, “We’re more sophisticated than that.”

Is AI Just a Hot Trend or a Real Business Opportunity?

Artificial intelligence (AI) often dominates industry conversations — including at ISC West 2026 — but it’s often treated as a somewhat nebulous hot trend. According to its leadership team, NAPCO, by contrast, has operationalized AI to deliver concrete, measurable outcomes for internal processes and end users alike.

“We don’t use AI as a buzzword,” Buchel stresses. “We use it for operational efficiency. Our cloud-based solutions, like the MVP Access platform, use AI to filter out false alarms and provide predictive maintenance alerts. By leveraging IoT through our StarLink network, we’ve created a multi-carrier system that ensures [always-on connectivity], putting us miles ahead of single-path competitors.”

Beyond product features, AI is also playing a critical role in how NAPCO leverages technical services to support its integrators in the field. But before turning to AI’s role, Buchel first underlines NAPCO’s U.S.-based support infrastructure, a key differentiator in today’s market.

“A lot of companies have pushed technical service overseas,” Buchel acknowledges. “This is a very complex area. Guys could be rolling around in an attic or on a ladder, needing complex answers to complex questions. You need to have [abundant technical understanding] to help these people. So, we keep all the technical services in the United States.”

Elaborating further, Buchel says, “To make it even better, we’ve introduced AI into the equation. What AI will do is recognize who the caller is and what the caller’s prior problems have been. It’ll give us a head start on answering the questions — and then, [the caller can] go to a live person if necessary. It speeds up the process [and] keeps everything at our headquarters in Amityville, N.Y.”

Expressing optimism, he adds, “There’s no telling how much more AI is going to do.”

Those benefits certainly include NAPCO’s existing use of AI to help drive product development. “AI is a big part of our engineering,” Buchel declares, adding with a laugh, “It’s like having a bunch of new workers in our department.”

Joseph Pipczynski Jr. emphasizes that NAPCO doesn’t want to use it just to say “AI” as a buzzword. “We want to use it because we’re implementing efficiencies in the business,” he says. Photo courtesy of NAPCO.

Pipczynski emphasized that technology is implemented carefully to enhance — not replace — humans. “We don’t want it to be a crutch,” he says. “If a person calls up, and we can get them something immediately because they’re in dire need, and we can answer it through AI, we will. But if they feel that they need to go to those next steps, [that’s available] at their choosing. They’ll continue the dialogue after AI. Our experts can get on the phone with them.”

“We don’t want to use it just to say ‘AI,’” Pipczynski states. “We want to use it because we’re implementing efficiencies in the business.”

How Did NAPCO Expand the Product Ecosystem at ISC West 2026?

During SSI’s booth visit at ISC West, NAPCO sought to underline its commitment to continuous innovation. The company expanded its lineup with several notable additions to support prevailing market needs and resolve integrator pain points.

“We have the StarLink Fire MAX2, which is a generational leap into multi-carrier communication,” Buchel highlights. “Now, it’s not just one carrier, not just two carriers — it’s all three carriers: AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. The radio will figure out the best choice based on where the radio is located.” Gone are the days when a dealer would have to carry three different radios in their truck, depending on where they were. “This radio figures it out,” Buchel enthuses.

The expanded hardware ecosystem also includes the FireLink 64 addressable panel and the XK5 Slimline keypads.

However, the centerpiece of the booth for many integrators was the aforementioned MVP Access cloud management platform. “[It] allows integrators to manage one door, three doors, 50-plus doors from a smartphone. No running through the firewalls…the IT department,” Buchel says. “No breaking walls. Simple [and] easy.”

Importantly, NAPCO is ensuring that all its new technologies do not abandon existing systems. “We’re always backward compatible,” Pipczynski confirms. “We’re always making sure that when guys want to ramp up, they’re able to do that. I believe it’s an important issue in the business.”

Pipczynski frames the whole conversation as respecting the voice of the customer. “The sales force is out there listening to the customer, finding out the things that keep them awake at night and bringing that message back to the factory,” he says.

How is NAPCO’s Corporate Structure Proving Advantageous?

NAPCO’s corporate structure undergirds its strength in the market. By bringing various security disciplines together within a single organization, the company works to ensure seamless interoperability across product lines and categories.

“Our approach is vertical integration,” Buchel emphasizes. “We own the entire stack.” That extends to owning two locking companies: Alarm Lock and Marks USA. The organization also encompasses an alarm company — NAPCO, the original business — and an access company, Continental Access.

“No competitor has all of that, and that gives us an advantage,” says Buchel. “[From] the locks, to the panels, to the cloud network, we have it all. That ensures that, as technologies evolve, our components remain interoperable. They work together.”

He continues, “We have future-proofed through universal hardware. Our StarLink radios also work with anybody’s panel. Nobody [else] could say that.”

Pipczynski makes the case that a comprehensive portfolio translates directly into streamlined operations for integrator partners. “A lot of these integrators, they want to have one choke point, and it’s us,” he adds. “I can get locks, I can get access control, I can get security, I can get fire — it’s all under one roof. And we can put it all together for you, as well, with MVP, and have it operate.”

NAPCO at ISC West 2026: Cultivating Partnerships Through Profitability

Beyond providing robust technology, NAPCO seeks to distinguish itself by working to foster its integrator partners’ long-term success. A core component of this strategy is facilitating the transition from project-based revenue to sustainable recurring revenue streams.

“We build partnerships through profitability programs,” Buchel explains. “We don’t just sell a box. We provide a business model.” Elaborating further, he explains, “Our NAPCO Marketing Tools Portal gives integrators ready-made campaigns to win new contracts, and our territory managers act as consultants to help them transition from one-off sales to a potential high-value recurring-revenue model.”

NAPCO’s focus on services can be highly lucrative for integrators adopting its technologies and approaches. “This is our specialty,” Buchel continues. “Our recurring service revenues are reaching about $100 million in annual run rate. We provide [a] curb-to-cloud RMR model. Every StarLink radio, every MVP cloud door, every Prima all-in-one system — they all provide monthly recurring revenue for the integrator.”

As Buchel puts it, “We’ve turned traditional one-and-done locking jobs, alarm jobs, etc., into lifelong service contracts.”

These financial benefits are compelling on their own. But, more importantly, they illuminate an organizational ethos centered on a dedication to the integrator channel. “We are the pros’ brand,” Buchel declares. “We don’t sell to big-box retail. We don’t sell to do-it-yourself outlets. We protect the dealers. We protect the professional integrators’ margins.”

Pipczynski shares a compelling anecdote that encapsulates NAPCO’s commitment not only to dealer partnership but also to product quality and reliability. “At a prior show in New Jersey, I ran into an integrator,” he recounts. “In 1989, he bought a fire radio from NAPCO. The house got struck by lightning. The guy lost his power panel in the house.

“The integrator goes down into the customer’s basement, and there’s the NAPCO fire panel sitting there. And all he had to do was swap out the destroyed battery, and it fired back up. [It was] the only thing working in the house. It’s just that quality, that reliability and backing behind it that makes these guys want to stick with us,” Pipczynski adds.

NAPCO at ISC West: What’s the Vision for a Subscription-Based Future?

Looking ahead, NAPCO is actively aligning its engineering and corporate strategies with the broader trajectory of the technology sector to ensure integrators remain positioned for long-term growth.

“The trajectory is clear: Everything as a service; recurring revenue everywhere we turn,” Buchel predicts. “The security industry is moving toward a subscription-based utility model. NAPCO’s adapting by shifting our R&D.”

Buchel reveals that NAPCO has about 80 engineers, and they’re shifting heavily into software and cloud architecture, even while working to maintain hardware dominance.

“Right now, 50% of our revenue is recurring revenue,” Buchel explains. “Ten years ago, it was nothing. We want to look ahead, and, in a few years, [see it] be 70% or 80%. That’s where we’re headed. We see a future where security is autonomous, cloud-managed and accessible from anywhere.”

SSI’s conversation with the NAPCO leadership team was illuminating, underlining the company’s efforts to differentiate through technological innovation, radical simplification and dedicated partner support. For integrators trying to navigate the complexities of today’s market, NAPCO is offering a hand up, all while building the automated, cloud-managed security infrastructures that it hopes will define tomorrow.

The post NAPCO Insights From ISC West 2026: Automated, Cloud-Managed and Integrator-Friendly appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

The round was led by BlackPeak Capital, Cogito Capital and Taiwania Capital, with participation from existing investors Almaz Capital, EBRD, Ray Stata and others, the announcement says. Alcatraz plans to use the new capital to expand into new verticals, international markets and grow its team.

The company’s customers include the world’s largest AI data centers, major U.S. airports, energy companies, NFL teams, major universities and Fortune 100 companies. In 2025, Alcatraz reported more than 300% year-over-year growth in data center adoption, 200% growth in new enterprise customers and a fivefold expansion across Fortune 500 deployments.

“We are the Face ID of securing physical spaces,” says Tina D’Agostin, CEO of Alcatraz, in the company announcement. “The world’s largest airports, energy companies and the world’s most critical data centers all trust Alcatraz. Our technology is AI-powered and completely anonymized. For the workplace of today, badges and passcodes inherently invite too much risk.”

What Does Alcatraz Facial Authentication Do?

Alcatraz’s Rock, a solution installed at building entry points that verifies identity through facial authentication as a person walks past at normal speed, confirms that the person walking in is who they say they are – without storing any photos or accessing any other personal data.

“We are the only biometric system protecting physical spaces using facial authentication instead of the legacy facial surveillance use case,” says D’Agostin. “Like Face ID on your iPhone, no photographs are being taken. No personal data is being stored.”

The Founder: From Apple to the Buildings That Run the World

Alcatraz was founded in 2016 by Vince Gaydarzhiev, who led hardware prototyping for iPad and iPhone at Apple during the development of Face ID.

“We are the guardians of AI,” says Gaydarzhiev. “The data centers we protect aren’t just buildings. They are the infrastructure that the entire digital economy runs on.”

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“Chris’ track record reflects the operational rigor and ambition that will define Verkada’s next chapter,” says Filip Kaliszan, co-founder and CEO of Verkada, in the announcement. “As we continue to invest in AI-powered capabilities and scale our global footprint, Chris’ leadership will be critical to helping us build the AI-powered operating system for the physical world.” 

Why Did Verkada Hire Chris Stori as CIO?

Stori joins Verkada from Bright Machines, where he served as CEO. He brings deep expertise in enterprise networking and hardware-software integration, having spent 11 years at Cisco in various high-impact leadership roles.

He served as senior vice president and general manager of networking experiences, overseeing the multi-billion-dollar portfolio for enterprise networking, IOT and Meraki.

During his tenure, he was “instrumental in scaling Meraki from 18,000 to over 600,000 customers, demonstrating a proven track record of driving significant growth through high-value user experiences,” according to the Verkada announcement.

Prior to Cisco, he was a consultant at McKinsey & Company, advising on international market expansion.

What’s Ahead for Verkada

Stori’s appointment comes as Verkada closed a record-breaking fiscal year, with revenue up 30% year over year, and more than 31,000 customers globally, including more than 100 of the Fortune 500. Today, 78% of Verkada’s core customers use two or more Verkada product lines, 54% use three or more and the average customer nearly doubles their initial spend within the first 12 months of engagement.

Verkada’s record sales were driven by demand for proactive, AI-powered physical security that helps organizations deter threats, operate more efficiently and build safer communities at global scale. The company recently announced the availability of AI-powered deterrence, a proactive security solution that uses large vision, audio, and language models to autonomously detect and warn potential intruders before a crime occurs.

This capability reflects Verkada’s broader shift from passive recording to proactive, agentic security intelligence.

“Verkada is redefining what’s possible with physical AI and delivering real-world impact,” says Stori in the company announcement. “I am excited to join the team and focus on scaling our global business operations and internal infrastructure to further deepen our impact across industries and markets.”

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SILVER SPRING, Md.— The Security Industry Association (SIA) has named Rita Mounir as the new chairperson of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience Committee, according to an association announcement.

The committee’s mission is “to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of the association’s member engagement strategies,” the announcement says.

Mounir is the co-founder and chief operating officer of Allthenticate, an identity and access control company revolutionizing workforce security through passwordless and keyless solutions.

She “operates at the center of the identity and access management conversation, driving strategic partnerships, overseeing product go-to-market execution, and leading cross-functional initiatives that bring passwordless authentication from concept to deployment at scale,” according to the SIA announcement.

Mounir’s work “champions decentralized identity, FIDO-aligned credential frameworks and the enterprise-wide shift away from shared secrets—not just as industry talking points, but as operational realities she helps organizations navigate every day,” the announcement says.

Who is the SIA Member Engagement Committee Chair?

An award-winning entrepreneur, international keynote speaker, before assuming the role of chairperson of SIA’s Membership Engagement and Experience (MEE) Committee, Mounir served as vice chairperson for the past few years—a role that “reflects her commitment to shaping the security industry from the inside, not just commenting on it from the outside,” according to the SIA announcement.

“After serving as vice chair with John Nemerofsky, I’m honored to step into this role and build on the strong foundation of the Member Engagement and Experience Committee,” says Mounir in the announcement. “As a founder who benefited from SIA’s support very early on, I’m committed to ensuring every member feels equally welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow.”

The mission of the SIA Member Engagement and Experience Committee is “to create and evaluate initiatives that increase member participation within SIA and guide the development of member engagement strategies,” according to the association announcement.

The committee is “also dedicated to connecting new member companies to all resources SIA has to offer,” the announcement says. Key activities and accomplishments include assisting SIA in achieving unprecedented membership growth, providing input on and shaping SIA member onboarding programs and the development and analysis of findings of the annual SIA Member Satisfaction Survey.

“SIA is honored to welcome Rita Mounir as chair of the Member Engagement and Experience Committee,” says SIA CEO Don Erickson in the association announcement. “Rita is an accomplished security luminary with incredible passion for and commitment to the industry and SIA.

“Her impressive skills, championing of SIA and track record of innovation, industry engagement and leadership will be extremely beneficial to the committee and its work to help SIA build on our programs, member value and success. We also thank outgoing committee chair John Nemerofsky for his longstanding dedication of time and expertise at SIA and for the many achievements he has fostered during his time as chair,” he says.

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Established in 1996, CSI is a fully integrated and diversified security and communications company led by co-owners Carl Lyssy, Roger Lyssy and Darryl Mosses.

The company designs, installs, tests and maintains fire alarm and security systems. It also “specializes in video surveillance and monitoring, access control and communication systems, integrating products into a single solution that meets customer needs and provides peace of mind for commercial, industrial and residential buildings,” according to the joint announcement.

Why Did Pye-Barker Fire & Safety Acquire CSI?

“Selling this company required the perfect culture match and Pye-Barker provides just that,” says Carl Lyssy, co-owner of CSI, in the joint announcement. “It’s a relief to know we are now a part of a company with the national impact and resources needed to back our local mission. Together, we can continue to push innovation in fire and life safety to protect the communities we live in.”

“The integration of CSI into our team presents an exciting opportunity,” says Bart Proctor, CEO of Pye-Barker, in the announcement. “The addition not only adds to the capabilities of our comprehensive services in the San Antonio market, but most importantly this helps us protect more buildings, more people and more communities from the devastating impact of fire and life safety threats.”

CSI’s team and technicians will continue to serve customers in Texas.

Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP represented Pye-Barker in the transaction. CSI was represented by the Law Offices of Marc P. Katz, LLC and Tim Shiner with Sell Alarm Company.

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The distribution landscape for security, AV and datacom technology requires logistical precision, to be sure, but it also demands deep market knowledge, a robust partnership mentality and a commitment to solving the complex challenges that integrators face.

ADI sits at the center of this evolving landscape, constantly working to further expand the distributor-integrator relationship. Through strategic growth, a sharp focus on vertical-market solutions and significant investments in local support, ADI is working to equip integrators with the tools their businesses need.

Leading this operational evolution is Allie Copeland, chief operating officer at ADI. Boasting a deep understanding of wholesale distribution and a passion for ensuring customer success, Copeland is helping steer ADI through a period of transformation as it continues its journey to becoming a standalone, pure-play organization.

During ISC West 2026, SSI sat down with Copeland to discuss her career journey, ADI’s show floor presence and the strategic vision behind the transformative “ADI Gives You MORE” campaign.

To fully understand the momentum propelling ADI forward, you must look at Copeland’s trajectory within the organization. Over a decade of service, she has been a vital architect of the company’s success.

How Has Allie Copeland Grown Within ADI Over the Years?

Joining ADI as vice president of operations, North America, Allie Copeland steadily expanded her scope, taking on global accountability, overseeing revenue and managing ADI/Snap One integration efforts to build a fully unified organization. Moreover, Copeland was instrumental in successfully leading the company’s complex ERP transition, a massive undertaking that modernized ADI’s infrastructure.

Now, as ADI prepares to spin off from parent company Resideo, Copeland has successfully consolidated revenue and operations under a single, unified leadership structure. This alignment ensures that ADI can rapidly deliver the right solutions to its customers without friction.

Anyone who has a conversation with Copeland will immediately perceive her mastery of the facts and of our industry. Indeed, she brings 25 years of specialized experience in wholesale and industrial distribution to her role at ADI. This background fuels her deep appreciation for the trade.

“I love it,” Copeland enthuses as she reflects on her cumulative career experiences. “I think we’re very fortunate what we get to do every day: the people we get to work with, the customers, the partnerships.”

“[I love] this industry in particular. I’ve worked in HVAC and in electrical, [but] this is a cool industry,” Copeland says with a chuckle. Her enthusiasm for the converged technology ecosystems that define today’s integration landscape is palpable.

“You know,” Copeland continues, “when you come to product floors like this and see where things are going not just from a hardware perspective but [also] from a software perspective, it’s invigorating in terms of where the future is.”

Reimagining the Trade Show Experience at ISC West

ADI approached ISC West 2026 with a renewed focus on holistic, outcome-based systems, rather than standalone product deployments, and it reoriented its booth experience to match. This reflects broader shifts in the integrator landscape.

Instead of organizing the floor by product categories, ADI showcased technologies by vertical application. Whether focusing on healthcare, education or other commercial environments, the booth demonstrated exactly how ADI’s distributed brands and exclusive brands come together to meet real-world customer needs. Moreover, the company’s consultative approach empowers integrators to visualize complete systems and confidently pursue complex projects.

Reflecting broader shifts in the integrator landscape, ADI approached ISC West 2026 with a renewed focus on holistic, outcome-based systems, rather than standalone product deployments. (Photo by Emerald/Security Sales & Integration)

“Previously, we would lead with more of a product-category-focused strategy, if you will,” Copeland explains. “But, when you think of our customers, our customers don’t necessarily think product focus; they think vertical focus.”

She continues, “We really wanted a booth that was going to reflect that and enable us to have those solution conversations.”

Speaking candidly, Copeland says, “Look, anybody can sell products. It’s when you really solve problems and deliver solutions around what’s going on in those verticals that you create value.”

By shifting the conversation from “speeds and feeds” to outcomes, ADI looks to position itself as an indispensable partner offering resources far beyond traditional pick, pack and ship.

What Does ‘ADI Gives You MORE’ Represent?

The “ADI Gives You MORE” initiative represents a steadfast commitment to investing in the tools, services and local support structures that empower integrators to scale their operations.

A linear successor to the “Even Better Together” campaign that accompanied ADI’s acquisition of Snap One, “ADI Gives You MORE” leans heavily into the ongoing convergence of audiovisual, datacom and security technologies. ADI is positioning itself to serve as the central connection point, providing the scaffolding necessary for partners to navigate technology convergence comfortably and profitably.

Elaborating on this, Copeland states, “What we’re trying to do is acknowledge that convergence is happening and that we can serve as a point of connection for our customers. We can help them gain more in their business.” She continues, “We have more products stocked locally, more expertise, more training [and] more technical support across all of these [areas] to support customers as they’re navigating that convergence. [The goal is] to help them feel prepared to enter these spaces with the right knowledge, the right products and the right local support teams that they need behind them.”

A significant component of this initiative is ADI’s robust physical footprint.

How Does Allie Copeland Say ADI is Expanding Its Local Presence?

According to Copeland, ADI is aggressively expanding its local presence, with more than 160 stores domestically and 200-plus globally. The company is actively growing store footprints, stocking hundreds of additional SKUs locally and deploying dedicated security and AV sales specialists directly to those markets.

In an era in which many companies are reducing localized service, ADI is embracing the contrarian position. According to Copeland, the company fundamentally believes that relationships matter and that localized, store-based support accelerates business growth for integrators.

As she puts it, “When you come into an ADI store, you get that experience. In our stores, we have both AV sales specialists [and] security sales specialists. Again, we’re continuing to grow the footprint of those locations. We see this convergence as an opportunity. And customers can come in and experience it firsthand, while still protecting the industry-specific nuances that make the individual industries great — the things that are very unique to them.”

“That’s what makes us a valuable player for the future,” Copeland adds, “because that’s where the puck is going.”

Has Anything Changed with ADI’s Spin from Resideo?

As ADI’s spinoff from Resideo comes closer, the energy among the ADI team is palpable. Operating as an independent entity will grant ADI the agility to move even faster, bringing innovative solutions to market with greater speed. This transition will bring the team closer to customers and suppliers alike, ensuring their voices alone dictate the company’s strategic roadmap.

As Copeland puts it, “I obviously have a huge smile on my face about it. It’s something that we have wanted for a long time: to be masters of our own destiny and chart our own course.”

But for Copeland, the mission will remain unchanged: deliver value and champion the success of every customer. Her philosophy is built on shared prosperity and ADI’s aspiration to serve as a growth engine driving the industry forward.

What Underpins Allie Copeland’s Commitment to Customer Success?

Copeland’s approach centers on the fundamental principle that distributor and integrator success are inextricably linked.

“When I talk to [our customers], I say, ‘If you’re not seeing the value in what we’re delivering, then we’re not doing our job. It’s our obligation to show you that value, and to show you how you can grow and how we can help steward the industry forward. Because when you win, we win,’” Copeland declares. “And that’s true for everyone across our supply chain. We win together.”

With a firm operational foundation, a strategy centered on delivering real-world solutions across vertical markets, and continued investment in local support, ADI seems positioned for continued growth. As the company steps into its next chapter, Copeland radiates confidence in her organization’s seasoned leadership team and its steadfast commitment to giving the industry more.

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Security Sales & Integration: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Eddy Dacius: One of the most helpful pieces of advice I received was to approach every interaction as if you were in an interview for your next opportunity.

Every conversation, networking event and person you meet is important. You never know who might be paying attention, who they are connected to or where that connection could lead.

This advice encouraged me to always present myself well, no matter who I am talking to. It also taught me to stay focused, ask meaningful questions and leave a professional impression each time.

Over time, I understood that opportunities in this field often come from unexpected places. They come from consistently showing up.

SSI: What advice would you give to those looking to achieve success in the security industry?

Dacius: The advice I would share is straightforward but not easy: there are no shortcuts to success. You need to put in the work.

This means being active in the field, building genuine relationships and making sure people know who you are and what you represent. In this industry, your network is your strength.

If you remain professional, consistent and prepared, you will create opportunities. Regardless of challenges or setbacks, if you persist and do things properly, success will follow.

SSI: If you could point to one person in the security industry and tell up-and-comers, “Make sure to listen to what they have to say,” whom would you pick and why?

Dacius: There are many skilled professionals in this industry with strong careers and achievements. However, if I had to choose one, it would be Daniel Lascaze.

What stands out about him is not just his workplace or accomplishments, but how he supports others. Early in my career, when I was just starting out, he took time to listen, provide advice, and guide me without expecting anything back.

He didn’t just give answers. He helped me think critically, which is what true mentorship is about.

He is someone you can reach out to with a simple question and he will respond in a way that helps you learn. That kind of availability and insight is uncommon and leaves a lasting effect.

For anyone entering this field, finding someone like that and paying attention to their guidance can significantly influence your path.

Click here to check out all entries in SSI’s Best Advice series!

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