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By Woodie Andrawos, President, National Monitoring Center
Technology has become the centerpiece of our lives, driving rapid progress and accelerating the pace of change. However, it’s not just technological advancements and emerging trends that are evolving – our understanding of technology’s role in the world is also shifting. As a result, we are continually learning, unlearning, and relearning, which brings both excitement and a renewed sense of purpose.
The coming year calls for vigilance in staying current with emerging technologies and evolving trends. It also requires forward-thinking to anticipate the skills needed to secure a place in the future landscape of security. Preparing for tomorrow means adapting today, and nowhere is this more true than in the world of AI and video.
The world of video monitoring is entering a new chapter where advanced technology is rewriting what’s possible. Advances in AI, the increasing adoption of SaaS models, and a shift towards proactive security solutions are redefining the landscape, pushing us all to rethink how we operate and grow. As we move into 2025, these trends offer a chance to reimagine monitoring services – enabling greater efficiency, deeper customer connections, and innovative growth opportunities.
Solutions for Every Scenario
The evolution of video monitoring is driven by the need to provide flexible and reliable support, whether during emergencies or everyday situations. Cutting-edge tools like video analytics and mobile access allow video monitoring providers and personnel within the monitoring centers to deliver more responsive and efficient services for various scenarios, from verifying alarms to resolving routine inquiries.
AI reduces false alarms and improves threat detection, helping operators distinguish between genuine incidents and routine activities. This proactive approach minimizes unnecessary disruptions while ensuring security teams can focus their efforts where they’re needed most. For example, instead of waiting for a call to confirm a false alarm, emergency contacts can use SMS-based tools to verify or cancel alerts quickly. This seamless interaction streamlines resolution and reduces unnecessary first-responder dispatches.
Mobile access further enhances flexibility, facilitating users to manage systems on the go. Whether adjusting settings, reviewing alarm history, or placing accounts on and off tests, these tools give users control over their systems from anywhere. By addressing both urgent needs and day-to-day tasks, these innovations demonstrate how monitoring services are meeting modern demands for accessible, reliable, and tailored support – empowering customers to take control while reducing operational inefficiencies.
Power of SaaS and RMR
Recurring monthly revenue will continue to be the future of the security business. These service-based offerings empower providers to move beyond one-time sales, creating steady income streams through ongoing service contracts. Remote video monitoring, proactive video monitoring, and alarm management services provide consistent revenue and foster stronger customer relationships.
According to a recent SecurityInfoWatch report, 68% of security integrators and consultants experienced significant RMR growth in the past year with the addition of SaaS-based services. This shift reflects the end user’s growing demand for solutions that offer convenience, flexibility, and value over time and the integrator’s willingness to embrace a new business model that supports future growth.
Mobile tools are a key component of these solutions, enabling customers to manage systems from their devices. Technicians and security professionals can troubleshoot alarms, monitor activity, and make real-time adjustments in the field, adding a layer of convenience that strengthens customer satisfaction. For instance, a technician using mobile support might quickly resolve alarm issues while conducting preventive maintenance, ensuring seamless service, and reducing future disruptions.
Growth Opportunities
A SaaS-based business serves as a foundation for steady growth, enabling providers to innovate and explore new avenues for expansion. By integrating AI, cloud platforms, and IoT capabilities, security providers can offer comprehensive solutions that align with evolving customer expectations. These features enable businesses to diversify their services, reduce customer churn, and secure higher-margin, long-term contracts.
For instance, recurring revenue streams give providers the resources to invest in new training programs, infrastructure upgrades, and modern tools. Predictable income also supports scalable growth, enabling businesses to serve larger customer bases without sacrificing quality. Mobile-enabled management tools further strengthen these offerings, allowing providers and customers to respond to security needs quickly and efficiently, whether adjusting system settings during a power outage or monitoring live activity from any location.
A New Era for Security
As we move into 2025, the video monitoring sector will evolve significantly, blending state-of-the-art technologies with a commitment to customer-focused service. Whether AI, SaaS models, or proactive approaches, the industry is advancing to meet the needs of a changing world. Providers who adopt and embrace innovations like mobile management and adaptive AI will lead the way, delivering smarter, more efficient security services that inspire trust and resilience.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Woodie Andrawos started his career in the alarm industry in 1992 working for National Alarm Computer Center (NACC) in their business office, moving his way up to Billing and Credit Manager and ultimately as VP of Finance. In June 2001, Woodie Andrawos and Michael Shubert founded National Monitoring Center (NMC). In its first year of operations, NMC added 40,000 accounts and brought on new technologies that enabled the new monitoring center company to continue accelerated growth for many years. In 2007, he opened the company’s second monitoring center in Irving, Texas. In 2012, Woodie and his partners bought a 25,000 square foot building in Lake Forest, Calif., and built a state-of-the-art monitoring center and moved the business there in 2014.
