Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/34202
6 NEWS www.securitysystemsnews.com JULY 2011 SECURITY SYSTEMS NEWS NEWS SSN readers still feel recession’s sting According to most, times remain tough despite bigger trade shows By Daniel Gelinas YARMOUTH, Maine—Security Sys- tems News asked readers to com- ment on the economic downturn of the last few years and to specu- late as to whether the much-touted improved state of industry trade shows like ISC West and ESX means the recession is over. The resounding answer appears to be, “No.” “This recession is not close to being over,” Online Alarm Quotes president Tom Fowler said simply. More than three quarters of poll- takers agreed with Fowler—76 per- cent voting that the recession was not over yet. Only 24 percent of you thought the recession was old news and that things were looking up. However, a number of anony- mous respondents complained of businesses going under and not being able to find a security indus- try job. Frank De Fina Frank De Fina, senior VP for supplier Sam- sung Techwin America feels that while the recession is far from over and mar- gins are indeed slimmer, things will look up eventually and persever- ance during the interim is the key. “The industry in general and integrators in particular need to ride the storm out if they can. Keep your good people because they’re very hard to find,” De Fina said. “There are other ways to reduce costs.” Roy Poucher, president of Santa Ana, Calif.-based video and access control-centric integrator Video Security Solutions, agreed hard times were yet in store and that integrators had to stay lean. “The trick is to minimize money outflow and maximize inflow. You do that cutting over- head—employees, advertising. But that’s a two-edged sword,” Poucher said. … I think this is a reality we’re going to have to contin- ue to deal with for a while to come.” With the end of the first half drawing to a close, we wanted to know if your revenue projections RECESSION see page 12 NEWSPOLL Do you think the recession is over? Nearing the end of the first half, is your revenue projection for 2011 better than it was for 2010? Many say revenues are up, but profit margins are slimmer. Is that your experience, too? HOW I USE MY SYSTEM Talking panels and keypads with Brad Tolliver S ECURITY DIVISION vice president Brad Tolliver has been with Davenport, Iowa-based Per Mar Security for 23 years. He and his family use security in their personal lives and recognize the importance of the life safety industry. Security Systems News talked with Brad recently about his own personal use of security, how his own system fits into his life, how his system has created a legacy of safety in his family and where he sees the industry going next. What kind of system do you have, Brad? We have a Honeywell 128. Do you have any extras or add-ons? We do. We have LCD touchscreens for starters. We have cli- mate control, lighting control. I also have Total Connect, which I have set up so I can view it from my iPhone and iPad, and in addition to that, I have the Total Connect cameras that I can view as well. Sounds like your system’s pretty integrated into your life. Does your family use the system as well? I’m married and I have three daughters, and we all use it. In fact, my girls have grown up with security and from an industry perspec- tive, security is a priority to them. I have a 15-year-old, a 17-year- old and a 24-year-old who graduated college and is now a high school teacher and has moved into her own house. She decided one of the first things she wanted was a security system in place. How does your system fit into your lifestyle? We truly utilize it every day whenever we leave the house and we use it in the evening when we’re in for the day. It fits in with our lives very well. With Total Connect, the flexibility of it just enhances everything. If we’re traveling or have a guest, we can check the status of the system and with the cameras, we can check in … It’s nice having that peace of mind when I’m traveling that everything’s okay. What do you see as the next big game changer in the industry? Cost-effective home automation. New panels that are com- ing out have HVAC control, Z-Wave lighting … For 20-some- odd years I’ve been hearing about home automation becoming mainstream, but it truly never has been because it’s been cost- prohibitive … I think with some of the new panels coming out, it might be there. And that’s exciting. If you connect the thermostat and add more value to the alarm system, it shows more value to the customer and lowers attrition. SSN NEWSPOLL based on answers provided by 73 respondents in May and June. —Daniel Gelinas NEW WEBCAST BUSINESS GROWTH SERIES The Security End User Speaks Education Hear from security practictioners in education on: How much they have in their budgets Security issues they plan to address Criteria used in selecting an integrator and installer How to win their business and more! Register for only $99. Learn more and sign up at: www.SecuritySystemsNews.com/webcasts EDUCATION DATE / TIME Wed, July 20th 3pm EDT