Our series on reflections from the security sector in 2025 and forecasts for 2026 continues with Tom LeBlanc, executive director of the National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA). Industry voices have shared lessons from the past year, and this installment brings a close view of 2025 and a projection for the next 12 months. This conversation explores emerging risks, success stories and technology trends from the association’s perspective.
Tom LeBlanc: "There was sense of enthusiasm in the security industry during 2025 that was very evident at industry events. That’s likely because the solutions that security integration companies offer have never been more important."
Maintaining physical security took on added urgency as businesses, campuses and venues planned reopenings and worked to bring people back into their spaces. Project teams weighed entry screening tools, perimeter fencing upgrades and contactless access controls, all designed to support health protocols and day-to-day work. Security integrators took the lead in scoping requirements, selecting vendors and overseeing smooth deployments.
Organizations depended on consultative partnerships to build confidence among stakeholders. In each market segment, integrators explained system capabilities and addressed concerns, turning complex blueprints into clear road maps that management teams could review and approve.
In K-12 environments, integrators aligned projects with Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS) guidance, often working in lockstep with those standards. They wove together technologies such as access control, vaping detection, artificial intelligence and facial recognition into unified platforms. Administrators and staff received training on new workflows so security measures would operate with minimal disruption to classroom routines.
Complex system designs can overwhelm personnel responsible for operations and maintenance. Integration specialists stepped in to simplify procedures, automate routine tasks and set up dashboards that deliver clear alerts. This focus allowed teachers and employees to concentrate on core responsibilities without wrestling with technical challenges. Demand spanned all sectors, highlighting integrators’ critical role.
Tom LeBlanc: "Security integrators need to be focused on making sure they have the right talent in place to help them evolve with their customers’ needs. Customers need a trusted integrator to talk them through what they need to know and what they need to plan for."
Clients recognize artificial intelligence’s role in detecting unusual behavior and optimizing response workflows, yet they depend on integrators to clarify technical jargon and outline adoption steps. They understand network connections are crucial for data sharing across devices, but worries about cyber exposure loom large. A reliable integrator provides clarity on encryption, access privileges and threat monitoring.
Firms equipped with expertise and in-house talent stand in a strong position; those without risk being left behind.
