These brand-usage lists were compiled from the 2014 Top Systems Integrators Report. Earlier this year, integrators were instructed to list their top three suppliers (both manufacturers and distributors, unprompted) in order of volume purchased from them.

The 2014 Central Station of the Year winner is COPS Monitoring, which is Five Diamond and IQ certified, as well as the holder of multiple UL listings including UL 2050. COPS Monitoring operates five hot redundant and load-sharing UL-listed central stations.

Revenue classified as North American systems integration revenue rose from $6.29 billion in 2012 to $7.36 billion in 2013 — even though seven fewer companies are included in the report. However, for comparison purposes, SDM measures the top 100 companies’ 2012 integration revenue ($6.25 billion) against the top 100’s 2013 integration revenue ($7.33 billion).

The articles in this issue demonstrate that not only does the electronic security industry offer a high value proposition, but that new and improved technologies alone are never enough to strike success. They must fit into the overall picture of market need/acceptance the competitive environment, and — crucially — the business requirements of dealers and integrators.

Which suppliers do the largest security dealers use? This SDM 100 brand-usage report lists the top 14 manufacturers and top 9 distributors that earn the business of the largest security companies in the installation and monitoring channel.

World Wide Security & GC Alarm Inc., ranked No. 73, concurs there was “greater demand for security services and an increase in budgets to accomplish security goals.” The company, which logged a 3.2 percent increase in RMR, notes the best growth areas were video and managed services.

SDM 100 dealers as well as throughout the industry, routine security installations as well as more complex projects like these are signs of success for the industry and progress towards a more secure America.

 Kudos to Kevin Lehan of the Illinois Electronic Security Association for being featured on WGN-TV Chicago on May 9, on one of its Midday News Segments. 

If I were a security technician, salesperson or project manager — or an executive responsible for the training of these individuals — I would be energized about the opportunities for industry education taking place this spring and summer.