Intelligence
The ESA Industry Research Center is a new initiative delivering data-driven insight for the electronic security industry.
Designed for integrators, dealers, and industry leaders, the Research Center will provide a clearer view of economic trends, business conditions, workforce shifts, and growth opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
Backed by Beacon Economics and Christopher Thornberg, PhD, ESA Chief Economist
Data-Driven Clarity for Integrators & Dealers
The ESA Industry Research Center is a new initiative delivering data-driven insight for the electronic security industry.
Designed for integrators, dealers, and industry leaders, the Research Center will provide a clearer view of economic trends, business conditions, workforce shifts, and growth opportunities shaping the future of the industry.
Backed by Beacon Economics and ESA Chief Economist Christopher Thornberg.
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ESA Industry Performance Index
A composite score across four strategic pillars — measuring where the security industry stands and where it’s heading.
What the IPI Measures
Each pillar examines a critical dimension of industry performance — from market demand to workforce readiness, financial health, and technology adoption.
Business Activity & Market Growth
“Where is the demand today and where is it heading?”
Highlights current conditions and future demand. Includes revenue trends, project backlogs, segment growth (residential, commercial, fire, video, access control), M&A activity, and sales velocity.
Workforce Capacity & Pressure
“Can the industry deliver on demand at scale?”
Examines labor availability and operational strain. Monitors time-to-hire, vacancy rates, wage pressure, retention, and the skills gap between traditional field labor and AI-enabled technical roles.
Revenue & Business Model Health
“Is growth translating into durable, high-quality earnings?”
Assesses business strength and sustainability. Analyzes profitability margins, the shift from project-based to service-based models, RMR growth, and contract quality.
Technology & AI Adoption
“How effectively is the industry modernizing?”
Evaluates the transition from reactive to proactive monitoring, integration maturity of connected systems, customer-facing tech, and cybersecurity readiness.
Christopher Thornberg, PhD
ESA Chief Economist &
Founding Partner, Beacon Economics
Strategic Insight from Beacon Economics
ESA’s Chief Economist, Christopher Thornberg, PhD — founding partner of Beacon Economics — brings nationally recognized forecast expertise and economic analysis to the ESA Industry Research Center.
Working alongside the Beacon Economics team, Dr. Thornberg will provide ongoing economic insights, analysis, and guidance to support the Industry Performance Index and the research initiatives behind the Center.
Together, ESA and Beacon Economics are creating a new level of trusted industry intelligence designed to give integrators, dealers, and industry leaders a clearer understanding of the trends shaping the future of the electronic security industry.
Latest News
Press Release
Electronic Security Association Announces Launch of ESA Industry Research Center
IRVING, TX, June 2, 2026: The Electronic Security Association (ESA), the nation’s largest trade organization representing the electronic life safety and security industry, today announced the launch of the ESA Industry Research Center, giving the security industry a new lens into performance, growth, and what’s ahead.
Blog
The Security Industry Has Changed Faster Than the Data Supporting It
The electronic security and life safety industry is not what it was fifteen years ago. The products are different. The business models are different. The workforce requirements are different. And the pace at which all three continue shifting has increased exponentially.
Be Among the First to Access the IPI
Join the waitlist to receive exclusive updates and be among the first to access the inaugural Industry Performance Index when it launches in July 2026.