IRVING, Texas – A new body backed by the Electronic Security Association will guide integrators and dealers through AI adoption. Dubbed the AI Readiness Council (ARC), the group is a “forward-thinking initiative designed to help the electronic security and life safety industry navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in a responsible, practical and profitable way.” The effort aims to address both technical and business demands as companies adopt AI tools.
The ESA tapped Priya Serai, chief information officer at Zeus Fire and Security, to chair ARC. According to the association’s announcement, Serai brings “deep expertise and strategic vision to this groundbreaking effort.” Matt Carlson, controller and accounting manager with Doyle Security, will serve as vice chair, keeping the Council’s work rooted in the real-world needs of security professionals.
The association noted that “Artificial intelligence is transforming the security industry on multiple fronts.” Its release adds that “It is redefining how systems are designed, sold, and maintained through innovations like predictive analytics, intelligent video and biometric access control. At the same time, AI is reshaping the way security companies run their businesses. From marketing and sales automation to streamlined scheduling, installations, service and billing, AI is becoming a powerful tool for improving efficiency and profitability.”
With new capabilities come challenges. The announcement warns that “With these opportunities come new challenges, including governance, compliance and ethical considerations.” It goes on to say, “Without clear guidance, companies risk falling behind or making misinformed decisions. ESA created ARC to ensure members stay ahead of this transformation.”
“ARC gives our members a way to lead, not just react, as AI reshapes the security landscape,” says Kevin Stone, ESA chairman of the board and chief operating officer at Doyle Security. “This council is about real-world solutions that help integrators and business owners adopt AI with confidence and clarity.”
ARC will organize its efforts around four main pillars:
- AI in Action: Highlighting real-world use cases in video surveillance, fire detection, intrusion systems, and central station monitoring.
- Ethics and Governance: Building frameworks to address bias, manage risk, and meet compliance standards.
- Standards and Best Practices: Developing operational and technical guidance for safe, scalable AI integration.
- Education, Workforce Readiness and Business Optimization: Delivering training content and pathways that build AI literacy, with a special emphasis on how AI can streamline marketing, sales, operations, installation, and billing for security companies.
“ARC is here to separate signal from noise,” says Serai. “We want to help companies make informed decisions and understand the long-term impact of AI in our industry.”
The Electronic Security Association is now seeking volunteers to join the AI Readiness Council. Council members “will contribute to webinars, toolkits, white papers and working groups focused on shaping the future of AI in the security space,” according to the announcement. Industry professionals with a passion for innovation and leadership are encouraged to volunteer.
