2020: The Security Year That Was, and Wasn’t

12.18.20 – SSI – Scott Goldfine

A look at the year through headlines shows just how much COVID-19 shaped the industry — from new solutions to altering in-person events.

This is typically the issue I devote my column to recapping the top news stories that shaped the security industry year, but there was nothing typical about 2020. Twelve months ago we were eager to embrace the dawn of a new decade, and there were 15 top trends I identified that to varying extents are still relevant. Some have been slowed but others have actually accelerated due to the COVID-19 crisis.

For better or (and certainly) worse, this has been a historic year for the ages. If for nothing more than posterity I felt it appropriate to summarize how the pandemic played out for security pros through the lens of SSI’s news headlines (paraphrased, through Nov. 16).

While trade show organizers were reluctant to cancel or pivot to virtual affairs, the timeline shows the resiliency of dealers and integrators to continue working and of their vendors to quickly bring COVID-19 solutions to market.

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

While little played out as we had envisioned during 2020, there is still much to be thankful for and to look forward to as a brighter tomorrow for 2021. Stay safe and positive.

Enter the 2021 SAMMY Awards

The tradition of excellence continues with the 2021 SAMMY Awards. For 26 years, SSI’s annual SAMMY Awards program has served as the benchmark for security industry excellence in sales & marketing, business operations, and project design, management, and installation among dealers and integrators. The deadline is December 30. Apply today.