To say 2021 will go down as a year “we will never forget” would be an enormous understatement. In the security industry, we saw a massive increase in demand, supply chain issues, innovative technologies, and a reset of the DIY home security model. As we look forward to 2022, we wanted to share a list of those trends we see in our industry in the year ahead.
Increased interest in limited security contact solutions as the COVID-19 Pandemic continues
Limiting human interaction has been a theme of 2021 and will continue into the year ahead. In the security industry, this has led to investment in innovative technologies such as touchless entry security systems, touchless intercom systems, touchless access control systems as well as advanced video surveillance systems.
Strategic focus on upgrading legacy analog surveillance systems to higher quality hardware and questionable cloud-based technology
Technology is great, but eventually, it gets old and needs to be replaced by better solutions. This is true as it related to video surveillance, many systems are now past their useful life and should be upgraded to more efficient and advanced hardware. New systems now offer better resolution, increased functionality of apps, and innovative software.
Along these lines, we see an increased interest in cloud-based security technology, but security and cloud-based solutions don’t always mix. Many new consumer-based (DIY) video systems store your data in the cloud. Once something (such as security video) is moved to the cloud nefarious individuals can now hack into your platforms and view your videos. You only have to google “ring camera privacy concerns” to see why there are privacy concerns about residential and commercial video being hosted in the cloud.
Supply Chain woes continue
Issues in the supply chain have dominated many industries across the US and the security industry is one of them. Shortages in hardware are real and the consolidation of vendors does cause concern - if one company has an issue with a specific item then your whole system can be compromised waiting on parts.
The lingering pandemic has caused scarcity of security products, fleet vehicles, and other basic tools, posing unprecedented challenges for integrators (Security Business)
There is no easy answer for supply chain issues but we foresee some clarity occurring on the horizon as companies innovate.
Real-Live video surveillance will increase in demand for reasons other than security
People are no longer just happy to have a video of a “crime” they want to utilize their cameras to monitor their home in real-time for things such as package drop-offs, contractor monitoring, driveway plowing, this list goes on. Consumers want a real-time live video that can be monitored remotely from devices like cell phones.
Continued move away from Chinese-based technology over personal security fears and govt. blacklisted items/vendors
As technological innovations continue to drive the security market, many pieces of residential and commercial security hardware have been made in China. In fact, “all federal government bodies should have started on plans to remove tech from four manufacturers that are considered too closely linked to the Chinese government. They include telecoms giants Huawei and ZTE, as well as surveillance camera makers Dahua and Hikvision.” (Forbes) As the United States continues to have increased security concerns with China the security industry will have to look to new vendor relationships in new countries that provide the technologies needed.
There are so many more trends to monitor in the security industry in 2022 but these are a few that will play heavily into defining our industry over the next year. As always Tasco Security continues to be at the forefront of this evolving industry, offering our customers best-in-class products and services. If you would like to talk about how these trends may impact your security system in the future, please do not hesitate to reach out.
