Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the security industry, driving significant advancements in technologies like video surveillance, access control and video analytics. For systems integrators, the rapid pace of AI adoption presents both opportunities and challenges, from navigating complex implementations to addressing the high cost of these cutting-edge solutions.

The cover story of SDM’s November emagazine, presented as a two-part online series, examines the implications of the rapidly changing AI landscape. In this first installment, the focus is on identifying which technologies are most significantly impacted by AI. Insights from interviews with leading integrators offer a closer look at their experiences with AI integration, how it’s reshaping system design, and the ways they are using AI to enhance internal business efficiencies.

Next week, the second installment will continue by focusing on the practical steps integrators take to ensure effective AI implementation. To implement AI solutions effectively, security integrators must first evaluate their clients’ specific needs, aligning AI technologies with operational challenges to select solutions that deliver the most value and enhance both security and efficiency. Also, perspectives from manufacturers further illustrate how they support integrators in preparing for AI integration through comprehensive training programs and resources.

AI’s Significant Impact on Surveillance

While multiple security technologies are being disrupted by AI and its related subsets, video surveillance stands out as the most intensely impacted, according to sources interviewed for this story. Integrators are finding that AI’s advancements in real-time analytics and threat detection are driving significant changes in how these systems are designed and deployed, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

“AI is truly transforming the security landscape, and we’re seeing the biggest impact in video surveillance,” says Priya Serai, chief information officer, Zeus Fire and Security, Paoli, Pa. “Traditional systems that relied on manual monitoring are evolving into intelligent, proactive tools. With AI, video surveillance has shifted from just passively recording footage to real-time analysis — identifying suspicious behavior, detecting unusual patterns, and even predicting potential security breaches before they occur.”

Access control systems are also seeing significant transformation, explains Serai, who is featured on this month’s cover. AI-driven biometrics, facial recognition and smart access patterns make these systems not just more secure but more seamless for users.

“And we can’t forget intrusion detection — AI’s ability to differentiate between real threats and false alarms is helping teams focus on what matters and respond faster,” Serai continues. “At the end of the day, AI is all about converting data into actionable insights, and that’s what’s making these systems smarter, faster, and more effective than ever before.”

At Chimera Integrations in Syracuse, N.Y., the 2024 SDM Systems Integrator of the Year, video surveillance has experienced the most significant transformation due to AI, says Vice President Justin Stearns. He explains that AI’s ability to provide real-time threat detection and pattern recognition has greatly enhanced the effectiveness and adaptability of these systems.

“Intelligent surveillance is replacing card readers for access control, traditional IDs,” Stearns adds. “This is a guess, but I think surveillance equipment could potentially replace fire alarm systems in the not too distant future.”

Amir Shechter, executive director of innovation and technology at Convergint, Schaumberg, Ill., notes that while AI transformation in the security industry is still in its early stages, the landscape is evolving rapidly. He explains that AI’s performance, accuracy, scalability and use cases are steadily improving, not just in video applications — where object detection and classification generate metadata or alerts — but also across a range of emerging applications, including:

• Access control systems, which prioritize dynamic data management, insights, authentication and workstream logic.
• Smart sensors, such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and radar to classify, track and detect objects.
• Orchestration software such as PSIM and PIAM to incorporate data insights, automatic report creation, language based queries, dynamic event standard operating procedures (SOPs), anomaly detection, smart recommendations, etc.

Moreover, Shechter explains, challenges such as labor shortages, regulatory demands (e.g., alarm verification), and the high costs of employing security guards are driving the demand for increased automation and cost control.

“These pressures present a significant opportunity for the market to introduce new capabilities and services that deliver real value to customers, such as AI-driven remote alarm monitoring,” he says. “Finally, the shift toward cloud-friendly architectures is enabling innovations that were previously constrained, facilitating and expanding the potential for new offerings.”

Prosegur, Deerfield Beach, Fla., is another systems integrator witnessing a surge in video surveillance offerings, as end users increasingly expect their existing systems to deliver more through advanced analytics. Mark Barbaric, senior vice president of technology integration at the company, notes that analytics once focused mainly on security features like cross-line detection, movement tracking, object left behind and suspicious behavior. Now, new analytics offer valuable business insights, such as customer wait times, spill detection, personal protective equipment (PPE) compliance, and facial recognition for access control — often using something as simple as a standard iPad camera.

“By enhancing existing video surveillance infrastructure with cameras that incorporate AI capabilities, many specialized IoT sensors are becoming redundant, streamlining design and maximizing the most use of the camera,” Barbaric explains, but adds, “This will not negate the need for special sensors in the near term; some use cases are very specific and require purpose-built devices.”

How AI Has Changed Systems Design

As AI continues to reshape the security landscape, security integrators are finding that the design and installation of various systems have been significantly influenced by these advancements. From modifying system architecture, to incorporating AI-driven analytics, to rethinking hardware configurations for better compatibility, the impact of AI is prompting new approaches. Integrators are adapting their methods to meet the demand for more intelligent, efficient and scalable solutions that leverage AI’s capabilities to deliver greater value for end users.

“AI has transformed system design and installation in the physical security industry, by going beyond traditional access control and video management solutions,” Shechter explains. “Its focus is on solving inefficiencies and offering new data insights. The design process begins by understanding the problem, defining objectives, and evaluating the data needed for informed decision-making.

Choosing the appropriate AI model is essential, followed by rigorous testing, validation and fine-tuning, Shechter says. To achieve peak performance, AI systems, like sensor placements, must be carefully integrated with hardware and software. Continuous monitoring and adjustments are necessary to ensure these systems evolve over time, delivering lasting value.

“AI solutions are not ‘set it and forget it’ applications,” Shechter adds. “They require ongoing attention, including a comprehensive approach that connects hardware, software, data, logic and integration. Once installed, the system must be continuously monitored and improved, ensuring that the AI model evolves with changing data and needs. This continuous cycle of refinement ensures that AI delivers sustained value over time.”

AI-based solutions have fundamentally transformed Chimera Integrations’ approach to system design, whether or not the planned installation includes advanced analytics or AI, explains Stearns.

“Historically we considered surveillance coverage from a forensic perspective,” he says. “What coverage does the client need to have supervision over their organizations areas of concern? Now the question is what problems are you having in your facility?”

For example, is PPE required and a concern for the end customer’s facility if not worn properly? Will automating the workflows associated with the supervision of PPE benefit the organization?

“We can now create proactive solutions that can stop something from happening,” Stearns says. “That is a complete change in our engineering principals.”

Stearns cites a specific use case example: A customer sought a glass-break system, self-monitored by security staff, for their offices with external windows. Instead, for half the cost, Chimera installed two 360-degree cameras with machine learning tied to PoE speakers outside the building. The integrator programmed line-crossing analytics, creating a 20-foot perimeter barrier. If crossed during specific hours, an automated message played, alerting security staff, who could then communicate with the intruder using two-way audio through the speakers.

AI has transformed system design and installation in the physical security industry, by going beyond traditional access control and video management solutions. Its focus is on solving inefficiencies and offering new data insights.

“Cameras wouldn’t have been useful here prior to advancements in machine learning,” Stearns says. “The solution we went with will also alert on anomalies it detects in its environment.”

Barbaric explains that traditionally, Prosegur’s installation approach focused on designing security systems to protect people, property and reputation. The conversation has now evolved to consider how video cameras can serve multiple operational purposes beyond safety and security. Nowadays, discussions with end customers start by explaining the readily available analytics with current technology, then proceed to develop a proof-of-concept design that meets most customer expectations within a reasonable budget.

“Other analytics that may require additional or replacement hardware are then considered as optional, as the costs of supply and installation start to become more significant,” Barbaric says. “This strategic approach allows us to maximize the value of existing video surveillance in various business operations without a major capital cost upgrade to the end user.”

Serai emphasizes that AI is fundamentally transforming how Zeus designs and installs security systems, taking the company far beyond merely setting up cameras or access controls. Today, the integrator focuses on designing systems that are not only secure but also intelligent, scalable, and adaptable to evolving needs.

“Take video surveillance, for example. With AI-driven video analytics, camera placement is more strategic than ever,” she explains. “Instead of simply covering an area of concern for a customer, we also focus on key zones to leverage AI’s capabilities to detect behaviors, recognize faces or identify objects in real time. It’s all about placing cameras where they’ll generate the most valuable data for the customer and working closely with customer to ensure those insights are actionable and tailored to their environment. It’s smarter placement, not just more coverage.”

For access control systems, AI allows Zeus to integrate biometric authentication and pattern recognition seamlessly. This enhances security while making access more frictionless for users. Serai says the company is designing systems that can set access rules based on behavior patterns, providing a more responsive and user-friendly experience.

“We’re also exploring how to make installations more efficient and expect to have systems that automatically calibrate, learn their environment and self-optimize, leading to less manual intervention, more predictive maintenance and smarter updates based on actual usage,” she says.

Similar to other forward-thinking integrators, AI’s impact extends beyond security at Zeus. Serai describes how the company is leveraging operational analytics to unlock video data’s potential, offering insights into both security and business operations. From understanding customer flow in retail to optimizing warehouse processes, video intelligence is helping clients make better decisions.

“AI is pushing us to rethink security design,” she says. “It’s not just about hardware and coverage anymore; it’s about data, intelligence and delivering greater value that evolves with our customers’ needs.”