To say 2020 was a bit of a roller coaster ride is perhaps an understatement. At this time last year, most security integrators anticipated a strong 2020, only to be thrown into turmoil late in the first quarter by the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s SDM Industry Forecast Study (a report published every year since 1982) certainly reflects that, with more than 30 percent anticipating finishing 2020 with a decrease in revenue. However, this year’s forecast — illustrated in the graphs on the following pages and on SDM’s website at www.SDMmag.com/annual-security-industry-forecast — underscores the resilience of the security industry and a continued sense of optimism. Despite a rocky year that saw a series of shutdowns and slowdowns, there was still double-digit growth in both total annual revenue and recurring monthly revenue (RMR) for integrators and dealers who participated in the study. Their total annual revenue increased by an average of 17 percent, while RMR grew by 23 percent, on average — one percentage point up and five percentage points down from 2019, respectively.