NBFAA/CSAA study shows member companies have varied end markets

FRAMINGHAM, Mass.--The increased collaboration between the two major security associations--the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association and the Central Station Alarm Association--brought to light by the groups' plans to hold an industry educational conference and exhibit called ESX in Nashville in June 2008, was in further evidence September 17 when they released a study that highlights all sorts of information about the groups' members. The study, conducted by EH Research here, includes annual revenue figures, business type, number of companies, product purchasing, as well as dollar sizing and projected growth in product purchases and projected growth in number of systems installed. Mike Miller, NBFAA president-elect, said the two organizations are hard at work now to ensure the success of ESX. This study was part of the "due diligence process" the groups performed in order to "assure ourselves and others that there's a market for this kind of show," Miller said. Among the highlights of the study are the following: CSAA/NBFAA members companies are bigger and longer established than the industry as a whole. They have an "average annual revenues of $2.75 million, median employment of 14 and an average of 20 years in the business," according the study. The member companies are heavily involved in CCTV, access control and the whole range of home automation systems, in addition to alarm systems. "In fact, the average annual expenditures on CCTV equipment ($393,000) actually outstripped alarm equipment ($359,000)," the study stated. In terms of end users: the breakdown of users served by members of CSAA/NBFAA is: 89 percent office buildings/suites; 88 percent single family residences; 88 percent retail businesses; 83 percent restaurants; 75 percent houses of worship; 68 percent industrial/manufacturing facilities; 64 percent schools and hotels/resorts; and 59 percent state and local government facilities. For copies of the report, email ddelano@ehpub.com.