A multifaceted series has launched to explore significant developments within the security sector over the past year and cast an eye on anticipated shifts for the next twelve months across commercial and residential settings. Leaders from central monitoring stations, integration specialists and installation firms will each contribute firsthand accounts of what defined 2025 and what lies ahead for 2026. Kicking off this lineup is Whitney A. Doll, chief executive officer of The Monitoring Association (TMA).
Whitney A. Doll said, "2025 has been a year of significant change for the security industry. Rapid technological advancements, including the impacts of artificial intelligence, growing cybersecurity needs and data privacy concerns, have transformed many aspects of the industry."
Doll highlighted gains driven by machine learning. She added, "In particular, AI has evolved the hardware and software solutions companies use to deliver physical security solutions and monitoring capabilities as well as the workforce with agent assist or agentic AI solutions, expanding service capabilities, skills and customer experiences."
She pointed out that as innovations arrive at an accelerating pace, "the number one challenge remains finding and retaining talent."
Doll observed that organizations across the field—including central monitoring operations and installation firms—require "having qualified staff who understand technology and have the necessary skills."
She wrapped up by noting, "The industry has a significant gap in qualified personnel and staff turnover and the current labor market continue to challenge the security industry. Associations like TMA remain essential avenues for training, education, and certification to close the skills gap and help businesses staff up quickly and efficiently."
TMA currently represents a broad network of central station providers across North America, supplying members with resources on compliance, best practices and workforce development.
More insights from industry experts on technology adoption, customer expectations and emerging risks will appear through December and January.
