This research includes information based upon actual data from January through November 2020, as well as forecasted information for 2021 and beyond.

NSCA partners with FMI to provide this biannual report, which offers some of the newest, most relevant indicators of business opportunities for integrators. By tracking new construction starts and renovations across multiple markets – including healthcare, lodging, retail, education, houses of worship, and more – NSCA pinpoints which verticals should do well in 2021 and years to come.

This new Winter 2020 edition also provides an updated view of construction data by market for electronic systems/technology, including AV, data/IT, building automation/control, life safety/fire/security, and digital signage/lighting.

“2020 was certainly a challenging year for NSCA members. Projects were put on hold and some were cancelled altogether,” says NSCA Executive Director Chuck Wilson. “On the flipside, we saw rapid technology deployment for mission-critical applications placing huge demands on available labor and supply chain resources. At this time last year, our No. 1 issue was a lack of qualified workers. Today, our No. 1 issue is revenue predictability and matching revenue to staffing.”

During the virtual Business & Leadership Conference on Feb. 24-25, 2021, in what has become an annual tradition, Chris Kuehl – chief economist for several organisations, and managing partner for a firm that provides forecasts and strategic guidance – will use the Electronic Systems Outlook Winter 2020 report to analyse long-term trends, current conditions, and the economic outlook for 2021 and beyond.

In addition, NSCA will host a free, one-hour webinar on Feb. 16, 2021, to help integrators learn more about this data and how to apply it to their own businesses. For example, integrators can use the Electronic Systems Outlook to benchmark sales numbers and prepare business valuations. Growth indicators can be used to determine incentive programmes, reveal new market potential, and appropriately distribute resources. This forecast data can also be shared with financial advisors and lenders to prove the stability of systems integrators in the marketplace.