By Daniel Forrest, Becklar Remote Guarding
The security industry has seen remarkable transformation in recent years, but for those who’ve grown up in the business, witnessing the long-form evolution is even more striking. My journey in the security industry began long before I founded Eyeforce. As a kid growing up in Houston, I spent my summers working for my dad’s security integration company where I pulled cable and installed fire and burglar alarms, access control systems, and surveillance cameras. Those early years in the field taught me not only the nuts and bolts of the trade, but also exposed areas where the industry could significantly improve.
After college, with a degree in Entrepreneurship in tow, I returned to help run my dad’s company. It was at that point where I began to appreciate the power of the recurring revenue model. The industry wasn’t just about one-off installations—it had long-term business potential. It was also during this period where I identified a significant gap in the market: while dealers relied on wholesale monitoring centers for burglar and fire alarms, there was no comparable infrastructure for video monitoring. That realization sparked the creation of Eyeforce, a company built to bring remote video monitoring to security dealers in the same way traditional central stations had supported them for decades.
This mindset is what led to a transformational moment in 2023, whenEyeforce joined forces with Becklar, a powerhouse of innovation and technology. This merger brought us into a family of companies that share our commitment to protecting people and property through groundbreaking services and compassionate care.
This integration enabled us to better empower businesses and individuals to create safer, more connected environments. With seamless technology and a human touch, we’re helping transform the way the world experiences security and peace of mind.
Embracing the Tech Evolution: A Decade of Progress
Over the last ten to fifteen years, the security industry has undergone a massive transformation, particularly in outdoor applications. It’s only in the last five years, however, that we’ve seen truly game-changing advancements. Technology like artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and vastly improved camera quality—especially in low-light and long-distance scenarios—have made remote guarding more efficient and affordable. This innovation has empowered customers with real-time, accurate perimeter security at price points that were previously unthinkable.
Another catalyst in this transformation has been the growing availability of reliable internet access. In the past, bandwidth constraints limited how video monitoring could be deployed, especially in outdoor or remote settings. Today, we’re able to offer comprehensive, real-time solutions to clients regardless of location, vastly increasing coverage and effectiveness.
Creativity Through Partnership: Leveraging Innovation Wisely
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that innovation doesn’t happen in isolation. In a fast-moving industry like ours, it’s not sustainable—or wise—to try and be the expert in every new technology. The most creative and effective approach is to find strong, knowledgeable partners who live and breathe this space. Let them bring emerging technologies to the table, test new solutions, and help you deliver them to your customers. By doing so, integrators can stay focused on their core mission while continuously adding value to their offerings.
The Imperative for Integrators: Why Now Is the Time
There’s never been a better time for integrators and alarm-installing companies to integrate video monitoring into their suite of services. Despite the technology being widely accepted and the market being primed, only about 10% of the available market is currently being captured. This means there is significant untapped potential—low-hanging fruit that is accessible to those willing to take action now.
The financial incentives are significant, too. Just 100 video monitoring customers can generate approximately $35,000 in monthly recurring revenue, compared to the same revenue from 1,000 intrusion alarm customers. Video not only improves your bottom line, it strengthens your business’s long-term viability and exit strategy, especially as high valuation multiples are being placed on video contracts.
Additionally, we’re seeing a trend where end-users are increasingly relying on video surveillance systems as their primary means of security, replacing traditional intrusion systems. Integrators who offer video services can reduce attrition and increase customer retention by adapting to this shift.
The Central Station’s New Role: Beyond Just Monitoring
The role of central stations has evolved significantly with the rise of video monitoring. In the past, they primarily handled after-hours alarm responses. Today, central stations must be full-scale support systems for dealers, not only offering monitoring of their accounts, but also in the sales process, IT onboarding, system configuration, and management of false alarms or missed events.
This closer relationship between integrators and central stations is both a challenge and an opportunity. It fosters a level of collaboration that was previously uncommon in the security space. With video, the stakes are higher, but the potential rewards, for both parties, are greater.
Looking Ahead: The Next Decade in Remote Guarding
As we look to the future, there is no doubt that video will become the centerpiece of the monitoring landscape. For central stations that fail to adapt, market share will inevitably shrink. However, traditional intrusion monitoring isn’t going to vanish overnight. Just like analog video has persisted alongside IP video for decades, both technologies will coexist for some time.
Physical guards will also remain relevant in certain contexts, but their role will be diminished as technology advances. Remote guarding is becoming more sophisticated, cost-effective, and perhaps most importantly, almost flawlessly accurate. We are on the cusp of achieving 99% accuracy in video monitoring, and this will fundamentally reshape how security is delivered.
The next five to ten years will bring exponential advancements in AI-driven analytics, automation, real-time threat detection, and proactive response systems. Integrators who begin investing in these technologies now will not only stay competitive but will also help shape the future of the industry.
Final Thoughts
From pulling cables in Houston to founding a company focused on video-first solutions, my journey through the security industry has shown me the power of innovation backed by a strong service model. Remote guarding and video monitoring are no longer “nice to have” technologies—they are becoming the industry standard.
With the strength of Becklar’s ecosystem, the power of technology, and a deep understanding of customer needs, we’re not just reacting to the future—we’re on the forefront of building it. Now is the time for integrators and security providers to step up, embrace this shift, and become part of a movement that is truly creating solutions for a safer world.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Daniel Forrest is the President of Becklar Remote Guarding (formerly Eyeforce Remote Guarding), a provider of advanced remote video guarding services, specializing in surveillance of outdoor critical areas. Prior to founding Eyeforce, Daniel was the operations manager of Houston-based Advantage Security Integration. Daniel’s industry accolades include his inclusion as a member of Security Sales &Integration’s Top 20 under 40 in 2011.