In a recent panel discussion hosted by SDM Magazine, experts from three prominent companies in the security sector shared their insights on competitive landscapes as they look ahead to 2025. The panel comprised Kathleen Ford, co-owner and CEO of ScDataCom; Chuck Petrusha, president and CEO of Advanced Security Systems; and Greg Parker, global vice president of security and fire life cycle management at Johnson Controls.
When asked about the greatest competition their companies will face in 2025, the panel offered varied perspectives rooted in their unique positions within the industry.
Kathleen Ford noted that as a small business operating across the United States, ScDataCom faces significant challenges from larger, national counterparts. “For us as a small business, I think the challenge is competing against large nationals,” she explained. Ford highlighted the limitations imposed by smaller marketing budgets and lesser name recognition compared to their more prominent competitors. Despite these hurdles, she asserted that ScDataCom remains committed to providing agile all-in-one solutions with competitive pricing, stating, “We consider ourselves small and mighty.” However, she acknowledged the ongoing challenge of competing against well-known brands in the security industry.
Greg Parker from Johnson Controls reflected on the competitive dynamics from a different angle. He acknowledged admiration for smaller integrators like ScDataCom and Advanced Security Systems, but emphasised the necessity for larger companies to become more agile in their approach. Parker indicated that a major focus for Johnson Controls is the enhancement of customer value through connected security solutions. He remarked, “We know who the big players are and we understand that roughly 80 percent of the market is probably a regional integrator.” Parker detailed the need to create and demonstrate the value of connected security offerings, particularly in catering to different market segments, including geographic considerations and variations in market type.
Chuck Petrusha took an insightful approach by identifying a distinct kind of competition facing the industry in 2025—tertiary competitors. He stated, "I think truly my biggest competitor will be that of a tertiary competitor," highlighting that consumer spending choices are influenced by inflation and economic constraints. Petrusha elaborated that homeowners may prioritise expenditures on non-security upgrades, such as home appliances or landscaping, which further complicates the financial landscape for security services. He underscored that the same principles apply to the business sector, where inflation has led to increased costs across the board, creating a limited pool of available capital for security investments.
As businesses prepare for the competitive landscape of 2025, these insights from key industry leaders reveal the complexities of market positioning, customer engagement, and the challenges posed by economic conditions. The dialogue reflects a rapidly evolving industry, one that must adapt to both internal dynamics and broader economic influences to thrive in the coming years.
Source: Noah Wire Services