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In a recent conversation with Dan Ferrisi, group director of content + editorial, industrial + tech, for Emerald, Maureen Carlson, co-founder and president of System Surveyor, discussed the pivotal role of open system design platforms in advancing the physical security industry. She highlighted how System Surveyor provides a collaborative, cloud-based platform that streamlines the entire process, from initial site survey to a proposal-ready design. This benefits systems integrators, manufacturers and end users alike. Carlson emphasized that the platform’s power lies in its openness, which she defined across four key pillars. The first is being open to diverse system types, allowing users to design for video surveillance, access control, cabling and intrusion detection, all in one place. The second is being brand-agnostic. “We’re open to any kind of manufacturer’s product,” says Carlson in the conversation with Ferrisi. “We’ve got more than two dozen manufacturers that now make their product catalogs almost like a plug-in and then available to System Surveyor.” The third pillar is openness for collaboration. Carlson noted this feature has spurred growth in unexpected ways, with integrators, manufacturers and end users working together seamlessly on the platform. The final pillar is the ability to integrate with other business applications via API, streamlining workflows without attempting to replace existing CRM or ERP systems. How Can Security Integrators Scale Their Businesses Profitably? Discussing broader industry trends, Carlson pointed to the need for integrators to scale their businesses profitably. Accuracy from the very first site visit is critical to avoid costly mistakes like return truck rolls. She stressed the importance of delivering on the promise of technology, especially with the rise of artificial intelligence. “If the pixels aren’t on target — aren’t correct — it’s possible that the AI is not going to be able to do whatever we need it to do,” she says. This focus on accurate design ensures that the technology can effectively enhance the safety of people and places. Ultimately, Carlson sees the System Surveyor platform as a tool for visualization and engagement, helping non-technical stakeholders understand their investment. “It used to be on a yellow pad, and it can’t be on a yellow pad anymore,” she said. “They want to be involved. They want to know what they’re investing in.” To hear more of Maureen Carlson’s insights on leveraging open platforms to meet the evolving needs of the physical security market, watch the full interview in the embedded video below. The post The Power of an Open Platform in Physical Security appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.

Emergency communication systems are a critical component of modern safety and security infrastructure. From corporate campuses to K-12 schools, these platforms are essential for disseminating timely information during critical events. As technology evolves and client needs shift, the commercial and security integration industries must adapt to new challenges and opportunities. How are integrators navigating this complex landscape? To answer this question, Commercial Integrator and Security Sales & Integration‘s Emergency Communications Deep Dive will explore vital data on the latest industry trends, deployment challenges and revenue opportunities related to these life-safety solutions. Lend Your Voice to the Emergency Communications Survey Your expert perspective as an integrator, consultant or manufacturer is crucial to painting an accurate picture of the market today. This survey explores key topics including: Primary vertical markets for system deployment The most significant client challenges Integration levels between disparate notification platforms Key decision-makers in the buying process Emerging technologies and their potential impact Your participation will help produce valuable industry-wide insights on everything from system upgrades and integration hurdles to recurring revenue potential. The findings will provide a benchmark for how the commercial and security industries are approaching this vital technology category. We invite you to contribute your expertise to this important research. The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and your responses will remain confidential. Share your insights and help us uncover the state of emergency communication systems. The results of the survey and thoughts on the emergency communications sector from security and commercial AV experts in the field will be included in the January/February 2026 issue of Commercial Integrator + Security Sales & Integration and posted on the websites for both brands. Take the CI+SSI Emergency Communications Deep Dive Survey TODAY! The post Help to Shape the 2026 CI + SSI Emergency Communications Survey appeared first on Security Sales & Integration.