For years, burglar alarms were the foundation of every security system. That’s where every sale started and where most companies made their money.
That’s no longer true.
Stephen and I broke this down on a recent episode of the Entry & Exit podcast. The shift is already happening, and it’s going to reshape how security companies make money. Here’s what matters:
- Why alarms are losing value: DIY systems, cheaper tech, and slower police response times have turned alarms into a commodity that customers don’t value the same way anymore.
- What’s replacing them: AI-powered cameras are becoming the core system, handling detection, verification, and monitoring all in one place.
- How the role of alarms is changing: Instead of triggering events, alarms are becoming a secondary layer that confirms what the camera has already identified.
- Why video is the real opportunity: Cameras now handle facial recognition, access control, and behavior detection, which opens the door to higher-value services and recurring revenue.
- Where the industry is going next: Security is merging with building operations, where cameras and sensors track everything from foot traffic to equipment performance.
- How to actually capitalize on this shift: Start with one camera in every deal, get customers comfortable, then expand into a full video-first system over time.
Watch the episode on YouTube or listen on Apple or Spotify.
