TMA Dispatch – Winter issue Released

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The winter issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! 

Our Cover Story…A serious regulatory proposal now under review by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has the potential to significantly disrupt the alarm and life-safety industry nationwide. A company called NextNav has petitioned to acquire a portion of the lower 900MHz band where many low power alarm devices currently operate. If this proposal goes through, harmful interference and channel crowding could result in the widespread failure of current alarm devices and a significant threat to lives and property. Replacing potentially hundreds of millions of devices could cost billions, overwhelm technicians, and disrupt supply chains. While this is not yet a crisis, it is a clear warning—and the time to act is now. 

Our Guest Column…Our industry is facing a growing skills-transfer challenge that affects every stage of alarm response and on-site resolution. To help bridge this divide, many organizations are beginning to explore AI-supported tools. Learn how your business can achieve greater success. 

In Technology…Agentic AI is not just another tool that adds a layer of automation. It represents a different category of capability. These systems can observe, analyze context, decide on a course of action. Gain new insights into how AI is rapidly changing monitoring center operations.

In Research…Did you know that approximately a third of apartment renters are willing to pay an additional $60 per month amenity fee for a complete smart home and security amenity package, representing an $8.5B market opportunity for multifamily. Read to learn more about this growing market.

In Marketing…When it comes to marketing, do you feel as though you are drowning trying to to be everywhere? TMA Marketing and Communications Committee Co-Chair David Morgan unveils what the winners are doing differently.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

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TMA Dispatch – Spring issue now available!

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The spring issue of TMA Dispatch is now available.

Our Cover Story…The genesis of The Monitoring Association (TMA) traces back to a pivotal meeting in 1949 at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart, where eight industry pioneers convened to advocate for independent central stations. Their collaboration culminated in the formal incorporation of CSEPA in Illinois in 1950. Today, 75 years later, we join together to celebrate and reflect on a rich history of collaboration, innovation, and leadership. Learn more about where and how we began our journey and get a glimpse into some of our greatest achievements. Yesterday, today, and tomorrow – Together. Moving. Ahead.

In our Guest Column…Has your company given thought to pursing UL Solutions’ AVS-01 certification, but hesitated for a reason? Get a glimpse into the process from ADT – one of the first certificants. Learn more about the certification itself and how their team went about getting certified.

In Technology…In today’s world, surveillance devices like cameras, speakers, and more are essential. However, the effectiveness of these devices hinges on one crucial factor: they must be operational. Learn how monitoring centers ensure device functionality and reliable operation.

In Research…Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are actively investing in energy management solutions. Parks Associations President and CMO Elizabeth Parks identifies four key trends shaping the adoption of energy management tools among SMBs. Gain new insights into key market drivers.

In Standards…Learn how standards like TMA-AVS-01, ASAP, and NENA’s EPRC are enhancing emergency response. In this month’s column, John Chiaramonte, Mission Critical Partner and PPVAR Board of Director, explores how the two industry organizations are impacting effectiveness and efficiency.

In Training…Today’s monitoring center training is integrating multiple security functions, leveraging cloud-based monitoring tools, and incorporating AI for enhanced security and operational efficiency. Discover how training programs are transforming to keep pace advancements in technology and evolving threats.

Exec Q&A…Meet Steve Reinharz, founder and president of Robotic Assistance Devices (RAD). Find out what keeps him up at night and what advice he’d give to young professionals pursuing a career in the industry today.

Login to the TMA member InfoHub to read.

 

 

TMA Dispatch, Fall Issue, Is Now Available

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The fall issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the TMA member portal to read.

Our Cover Story…With the increasing demand for advanced and scalable video monitoring solutions, the debate between Edge AI and Cloud AI has gained significant attention. Traditionally, edge devices focused on on-premises storage and video management. Members of TMA’s Technology Committee came together and drew upon their collective expertise to construct this issue’s cover story, the first of a three-part series, to help TMA members navigate the complexities of these technologies and make informed decisions when it comes to AI technology and its application.

In our Guest Column…Stephen Devine, Chief Technology Officer, APCO International, explores the decade-long discussion on the topic of NG9-1-1. In this column, he writes about the key benefits and make the case for the “comprehensively interoperable and an end-to-end solution.”

In Technology…Cyber-attacks – you hear about them…you read about them nearly every day. Is your company of the many that remain unprepared? TMA Technology Co-Chair Matt Narowski takes on this HOT topic. Don’t make the mistake of thinking it can’t be you.

In Research…The sale of smart smoke/CO detectors is booming! According to Parks Associates, 9-10% of U.S, Internet households own a smart smoke/CO detector and more than half of smoke/CO detector owners pay for a service. Parks Associates VP Jennifer Kent explores the latest trend.

In the GSOC Column…It’s important to put your best foot forward when hiring and onboarding a new team member. Training is critical. GSOC TMA GSOC Council Co-Chair Randy Rickert shares what every GSOC training program should have.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

Seattle Issues New Response Parameters

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Starting October 1, 2024, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) will only dispatch officers to calls from alarm companies with supporting evidence, such as audio, video, panic alarms or eyewitness evidence that a person is illegally entering or attempting to enter a residence or commercial property. SPD will no longer respond to calls from alarm companies based only on sensor or motion activations. With depleted resources we cannot prioritize a patrol response when there is a very low probability that criminal activity is taking place.

Read the full announcement HERE.

COURT OVERTURNS FTC’S BAN ON NON-COMPETE CLAUSES. SEPT. 4 DEADLINE FOR NOTIFYING EMPLOYEES IS CANCELLED

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On August 20, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas overturned the FTC’s recently-adopted ban on the use of non-compete restrictions in employee contracts.  The rule was scheduled to go into effect on September 4, which would have required employers to proactively notify their employees as of that date that most existing non-compete clauses would not be enforced, and no new non-compete arrangements could be imposed. The Court set aside the Non-Compete Rule in all respects, finding it to be arbitrary and capricious, and beyond the authority of the FTC (especially since the ban applied to all non-compete clauses with no attempt to identify only those restrictions that were harmful to competition and did not serve a legitimate need). Consequently, the Court made it clear that “the Rule shall not be enforced or otherwise take effect on its effective date of September 4, 2024 or thereafter.”  The FTC may appeal this decision to the US Court of Appeals, so employers will need to stay abreast of any further rulings in this matter.  But it is clear that employers do not have to send their employees a non-compete notice on September 4 (unless a higher court issues a stay of the District Court’s decision, which is unlikely since postponing the Sept. 4 deadline simply maintains the status quo).

Please consult with employment counsel if you have any questions.

TMA Dispatch – Summer Issue – NOW AVAILABLE!

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The summer issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the TMA member portal to read.

Our Cover Story…It’s one of the best times of the year for TMA members and staff—awards season! This issue’s cover story puts a spotlight on the 2024 winners of the TMA/SDM Excellence Awards and the TMA/SSI Marvel Technology Award. Find out who took the top award this year!

In Guest Columns…In the first of two guest columns in this issue, TMA member Jeffrey Zwirn, President, IDS Research and Development, Inc. poses the question, “How long is it acceptable to leave a zone on Test?” Consultant Peter Giacalone, Giacalone Associates, explores the wonders of conversational AI in our second guest column. What is it? Would you be surprised to learn that Conversational AI offers superior accuracy and flexibility? Enjoy the read.

In Research…Discover how partnerships and special product/service bundles are giving security companies a competitive edge in today’s challenging residential marketplace. Parks Associates VP Jennifer Kent offers valuable insights into how to deliver (and exceed) homeowners’ expectations. As always, lots of great insights!

In the GSOC Column…What is the myth of the video wall in GSOCs? TMA GSOC Council Chair Richard Flores takes you behind the scenes and unveils the real value of this highly acclaimed security asset. Does it replace guards? Read and find out.

Read these and more in the latest issue the TMA Dispatch now!

View the Spring Issue of TMA Dispatch

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The spring issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available! Login to the InfoHub to read.

One area where monitoring companies and dealers who are “new to the game” are concerned about is the camera conditions that AI can work well with and those they don’t work well with. In this issue’s cover story, TMA member and AI guru, Sonny Tai, Actuate, hopes to help clear this up. Learn more about the primary factors impacting camera accuracy.

In our Guest column, TMA friend and past keynote presenter Joel Block, Bullseye Capital, shares some of his and a colleague’s essential steps to master the art of attracting top performers. What are your company’s STATs when it comes to identifying and attracting top performers to your team?

Elizabeth Parks, President, Parks Associates, dives into the latest residential market facts and figures in her monthly column. Just for starters, her research reports that 43% of US internet households now own a security solution and 32% subscribe to a security service. The news is quite exciting.

TMA’s GSOC Committee Co-Chair Richard Flores, IV, tackles redundancy in GSOC operations and systems in this new sanding column. In doing so, he asks the reader to consider the difference between redundancy and resiliency. Are they interchangeable?

Read these and more in the first issue of 2024!

TMA Dispatch – Winter Issue Released

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The winter issue of the TMA Dispatch is now available for online reading and download.

This issue’s cover story reviews the year’s highlights in TMA programs such as ASAP-to-PSAP and key initiatives like standards. Catch up and learn how you can get involved in the New Year! Volunteering on a committee is a great way to meet other TMA members and to giveback to the industry.

Our guest column explores how AI and ML is being used to boost video for monitoring centers. See how these new technologies are impacting our industry.

Get to know a bit more about our new president and his plans for his tenure in the President’s column.

Interested in submitting an article? Advertising? Contact communications@tma.us for details.

TMA Dispatch – Spring Issue Now Available

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What’s keeping you up at night? TMA members are saying the post-COVID hiring challenges are at the top of their list. The spring issue of the TMA Dispatch dips it’s toes into the challenge. Read how two TMA member company HR leaders are confronting the issue and how you can bets position your company for successful recruiting, as well as retention. In a related article, a guest columnist shares five ways your company continue to enhance your brand image to attract multigenerational talent. She poses the question, “Would your employees recommend your company to others in the community?”

You’ll also find:

  • Guest Column – Every three years, NFPA 72® is updated. The 2022 edition of the standard was published in the fall of 2021. Honeywell’s Richard Roberts provides a high-level summary of the new requirements for NFPA 72.
  • Standards – TMA-AVS-01, TMA’s groundbreaking standard, is officially an ANSI standard. T h e next step is implementation. Learn more and find out about our new, proposed ANSI standard that is taking on active threats.
  • Research – Parks Associates’ Research Analyst Frank Saldana takes a close look at how issues of warranty and data security will continue to rise with the sale of security and smart home devices into the residential market increases.
  • CEO Q&A – Meet one of the most accomplished and respected women in security industry leadership today in this issue’s CEO Q&A. Read our interview with Joey Rao-Russell, President & CEO of Kimberlite, Corp.
  • More!

Read it today –