If the high-level takeaway from ISC East was that AI is becoming the backbone of security, the deeper takeaway is this: The industry is about to face a major skill gap that will fundamentally change how integrators hire, train, and deploy field talent.

Across breakouts, expo conversations, and panels, the message was remarkably consistent: future security projects will require technicians who can do far more than install hardware. The shift from endpoint-driven security to layered, intelligent, software-led systems is already changing the day-to-day demands of field work.

Here’s where that shift is happening most visibly.

1. Security technicians are becoming multi-disciplinary

Technicians used to specialize in cabling, access control, cameras, or alarms. Today, most new projects span all of them — plus networking and AI configuration.

Integrators repeatedly express that they don’t just need installers anymore. They need techs with experience in a variety of work types, including:

• Low-voltage cabling
• Network provisioning
• Access control + door hardware
• Cyber-aware installation practices
• AI configuration and sensor calibration

2. Documentation and compliance are now non-negotiable

When the 2027 IBC rule takes effect, every classroom and exterior school door in the U.S. will be required to be lockable from the inside without opening the door,  a change aimed at improving safety during active threat situations. This update to the International Building Code will force schools to upgrade hardware, replace non-compliant doors, and prove that openings meet life-safety and egress requirements. That change alone will spark a wave of:

• Door inspections
• Photo-based proof
• Latch and closer validation
• Compliance documentation
• Recurring maintenance schedules

And that’s just one example. Hospitals, retail environments, and public-sector facilities all face similar audit requirements driven by NFPA 101, NFPA 80, insurer expectations, and state-level safety mandates.

Installers aren’t just installing anymore. They’re documenting, validating, and proving compliance.

3. Security-as-a-service is reshaping workforce demand

As more customers adopt subscription-based security — including monitoring, health checks, configuration updates, and AI-driven analytics — integrators need repeatable workflows, reliable technician pools, regional continuity, short response times, and people who can return for multi-day, multi-site deployments. This shift favors workforces that have verified skills, deliver consistent results, understand integrated systems, and can handle both field work and digital documentation.

The opportunity for integrators and service providers

The opportunity for integrators and service providers is clear: those who evolve their workforce and delivery models will stay ahead. Success will depend on developing reliable networks of multi-skilled technicians, tightening workflows so installations and documentation are consistent everywhere, and treating AI configuration as a core competency rather than an optional skill. It also means reducing complications through better skill matching and positioning themselves as long-term operational partners, not just project-based installers.

Field Nation is already enabling integrators to make this shift by providing access to a marketplace of skilled, multi-disciplinary technicians and solutions that support complex, multi-layer deployments. Curious to learn more? Contact us, and we’ll tell you how you can leverage Field Nation for your upcoming projects.