Benji Bolick, Regional Sales Manager at ProdataKey discusses his predictions for the security industry in 2025.

Where do I see this remarkable industry heading this year?

This is a complicated question that almost any security professional won’t be able to answer 100% correctly.

Still, I’ll do my best while staying in my lanes of physical security and access control technology.

I’d like to answer this question by simplifying and categorizing it into three segments: the technology, the market and the people.

The technology

In the last few years, we’ve come a long way in the technology segment by introducing AI, machine learning, biometrics and improved sensor technologies.

The problem we face today with all these new technologies is the adoption rate.

As impressive as these technologies are, their adoption rates are still quite low.

Without getting past the early adopters, it will take a miracle for some of these technologies to become mainstream.

My advice is to continue to work with these technologies, understand them, adopt them when you can and be ready to make a move when the opportunity presents itself.

I will say, the cloud has officially crossed that chasm of early adopters to the early majority so if you aren’t playing in the cloud, you better be soon.

The market

I’ll be the first to admit that I’m no market research expert, but I am included in a lot of conversations with people who are market researchers.

That being said, this is what I’m hearing. There is hope on the horizon.

An interesting trend I’ve been looking into is the redevelopment of unused office space into multifamily housing.

The last couple of years, companies have been trying their hardest to get people back into the office, but with varying success.

There is no surprise then to hear that there are large amounts of unused office space.

Several developers have seen this as an opportunity to purchase this space and transform it into housing.

If that is the case, security companies that specialize in multifamily housing solutions should see an increase in project opportunities in the next year.

I’d challenge these companies to look past only keeping the bad people out and giving access to the right people.

I’d challenge them to create an experience with their systems that is simple and seamless, that not only helps users feel safe and secure but adds value in more ways than just the traditional security box.

The people

Jim Collins in his infamous novel, Good to Great, says: “Those who build great organizations make sure they have the right people on the bus…” I believe that statement is more true today than ever.

With the influx of AI, there have been some concerns about it replacing jobs. Let me remind you that we thought the same thing when the personal computer came out.

AI like the PC is just a tool and those who learn to use it will prosper.

AI will never replace the will and creativity of a person and it will never be able to reproduce a personal brand.

Companies that invest in people, empower them and attract the right people on their bus will go the distance.

Benji Bolick

Benji, also known as “The Door Dork”, has been a passionate member of the security industry since 2018.

He is dedicated to furthering industry-wide education on the impact of proper and thorough security and moving forward with emerging technologies to keep our communities protected.

This article was originally published in the special February Influencers Edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.