Best security systems suppliers in Montreal

Choosing a security systems supplier is a critical task, regardless of whether you are a small security systems installer or a large systems integration company. Security systems typically include surveillance cameras, alarm systems, access control, intercom systems, and related accessories like power supplies, cables, junction boxes, PoE switches, and splitters.

The importance of selecting the right security systems suppliers lies in the fact that installers often work with one or several suppliers over a long period. Finding the best fit saves time and effort, eliminating the need to search for new suppliers in the future. According to our team at PIPL Systems, the ideal supplier should meet specific criteria while aligning with the installer’s unique needs.

Here are some key factors to consider when evaluating suppliers:

Warehouse Locations In a city like Montreal, the proximity of the supplier's warehouse to the installer’s office can significantly impact efficiency. Installers often need to visit warehouses multiple times a day, making accessibility a crucial factor. Suppliers with multiple warehouse locations in the city have a distinct advantage.
Product Range The variety of products a supplier offers is another critical factor. While some suppliers specialize in specific systems like surveillance cameras or alarm systems, others cater to comprehensive security solutions, including intercoms, access control, and fire alarms. For installers managing diverse projects, a supplier with a wide range of in-stock systems is indispensable.
Technical Support Large distributors with extensive product portfolios often rely on manufacturers' technical support teams. In contrast, smaller distributors with focused product lines can offer dedicated in-house support. This direct assistance is a significant advantage for installers who frequently encounter technical challenges during system selection, installation, and configuration.
Unique Services Some suppliers differentiate themselves by offering exclusive services, such as cloud storage solutions, custom-built servers, or tailor-made security systems like active deterrence surveillance setups. These value-added services can be a decisive factor for installers seeking specialized support.
Delivery Speed Fast delivery is essential, particularly for installers who need same-day equipment delivery. Timely deliveries ensure that end users - whether homeowners, businesses, or government entities - receive prompt service, which is crucial in the security industry.
Showroom Availability A supplier's showroom adds significant value by allowing installers to showcase live security systems to their clients. For expensive or complex systems, this demonstration capability can be a game-changer, especially for installers without the resources to maintain their own demo equipment.
Technical Training As product lines and technologies evolve, it is vital for security installers to keep their skills up-to-date. Suppliers offering training - whether on-site, online, or at the installer’s office - play a critical role in ensuring their clients remain competitive and knowledgeable.

These criteria form the foundation of our evaluation and recommendations for the best security systems suppliers in Montreal. By addressing these factors, we aim to help installers choose the right partner for their business needs.

Best security systems suppliers in Montreal

Company Name

Locations Warehouse

Type of distribution products

Unique Services

Inaxsys

www.inaxsys.com 1 in Montreal 1. Video surveillance 2. Alarm systems 3. Access control systems 4. Intercom systems 5. Power Supplies 6. Custom Servers 7. VMS 8. PoE switches 1. Building Custom Servers 2. Cloud service 3. VMS Own Technical Support Delivery Own Showroom Technical Training Experienced technical support team available 10.5 hours from Monday to Friday No information No Every month, in person

Conclusion

Inaxsys is the exclusive master distributor of ICT (Integrated Control Technology) in Canada, offering a full range of security components, including cameras, alarm systems, access control, and intercoms of other brands. They also manufacture their own servers and provide a proprietary cloud service. However, with only one warehouse in Montreal, deliveries to regions outside Quebec may take several days to a week.

Company Name

Locations Warehouse

Type of distribution products

Unique Services

G.S.D Group

https://gsdgroup.ca 1 in Montreal 1. Video surveillance 2. PoE Switches 3. AI Video Solutions 4. VMS 1. Cloud 2. Custom active deterrence video surveillance solutions Own Technical Support Delivery Own Showroom Technical Training Experienced technical support team available 9 hours from Monday to Friday No information Yes No, online by request

Conclusion

G.S.D Group specializes in creating innovative video surveillance solutions, including their unique Active Deterrence Video Surveillance system and Public Video Monitors (PVM). All their products are under the G.S.D Group brand, offering a range of video surveillance equipment and exclusive solutions. However, their focus is primarily on video surveillance, which may be insufficient for companies that require comprehensive systems including access control and alarm solutions.

Company Name

Locations Warehouse

Type of distribution products

Unique Services

A.P.A.

www.apainc.ca 1 in Montreal, 7 in Canada (nearest Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto) 1. Video surveillance 2. Alarm systems 3. Access control systems 4. Intercom systems 5. Power Supplies 6. Custom Servers 7. VMS 8. PoE switches APA with Electronic Commerce – a vast online service, easy purchase and friendly service as well as our 24h locker service opened 7 days a week Own Technical Support Delivery Own Showroom Technical Training Experienced technical support team available 12 hours a day No information No information Every month, in person

Conclusion

A.P.A. has seven branches across Canada, with locations in Ottawa, Quebec City, and Toronto, providing installers in Montreal with convenient access to a wide range of security products. They offer over 50 brands and a diverse selection of security systems, making them a versatile choice for installers and integrators. They also provide certified training. However, their website is outdated, featuring an old design and lacking sufficient marketing materials for product selection.

Company Name

Locations Warehouse

Type of distribution products

Unique Services

Wesco

https://buy.wesco.ca 3 in Montreal, X in Canada (nearest Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto) 1. Video surveillance 2. Alarm systems 3. Access control systems 4. Intercom systems 5. Power Supplies 6. Custom Servers 7. VMS 8. PoE switches Near 50 branches in Canada, pay aftrer Own Technical Support Delivery Own Showroom Technical Training No Order Cutoff Times for In Stock, Same Day Shipping, Monday through Friday (4:00 PM Local Time) Yes Every week, in person

Conclusion

Vesco is the largest security systems distributor in Canada, with 50 branches across the country, including three in Montreal, making them highly convenient for installers due to their strong logistics network. They work with most major manufacturers, offering a wide range of security products in their warehouses. However, their technical support lacks in-depth knowledge of all the products due to the vast array of items they carry.

Company Name

Locations Warehouse

Type of distribution products

Unique Services

ADI

www.en.adiglobaldistribution.ca 4 in Montreal, X in Canada (nearest Ottawa, Quebec, Toronto) 1. Video surveillance 2. Alarm systems 3. Access control systems 4. Intercom systems 5. Power Supplies 6. Custom Servers 7. VMS 8. PoE switches Best website for installers and user(Online Account Benefits), Near 30 branches in Canada, Pay after Own Technical Support Delivery Own Showroom Technical Training No Free Ground Shipping On online orders of $500 Yes Every week, in person

Conclusion

ADI is one of the largest security systems distributors in Canada and globally, with four branches in Montreal, offering excellent logistical convenience for installers. Their modern website, designed specifically for installers, allows easy product selection, and they offer online order discounts and free shipping on orders over $500. However, due to the large number of brands they carry, their technical support often lacks deep product knowledge and typically refers installers to the manufacturer’s support for complex issues.

1. Inaxsys

Inaxsys is a prominent security supplier in Quebec with a significant impact on the Montreal security market and the entire province. The company offers comprehensive security solutions, including surveillance cameras, wireless alarm systems, professional access control, intercom systems, power supplies, PoE switches, and custom-built servers for video surveillance and access control. They also stand out as developers of their proprietary Video Management Solution (VMS), making them a unique provider in the industry.

Inaxsys is the exclusive master distributor of ICT (Integrated Control Technology) products in Canada and has been distributing ICT access control systems for over 20 years. They offer specialized technical support with deep knowledge of ICT products and provide certified training sessions in their Montreal office, primarily focused on ProtoJet GX by ICT. Additionally, the company offers a proprietary cloud service that adds value to its offerings.

Their sales team is strategically located across Canada, with representatives in British Columbia, central regions, and eastern Canada. This ensures that customers can always access a knowledgeable sales manager in their region for technical consultations and cost estimation support. However, a notable drawback is their single main warehouse in Montreal, which can result in longer delivery times - ranging from several days to a week - for customers outside Quebec.

2. G.S.D Group

G.S.D Group, established in 2011, specializes in the supply of video surveillance systems, including cameras, recorders, complete surveillance kits, and various accessories such as transmitters, power supplies, monitors, switches, and network equipment. They focus primarily on video surveillance solutions but also offer exclusive products like VMS, PVM (public video monitors), and cloud-based solutions. The company develops its own security systems, including Active Deterrence Video Surveillance, and sells their products across Canada, the U.S., and even Europe through distributors and directly to integrators and installers.

While they operate from a smaller base in Montreal, they offer a showroom where integrators and installers can arrange demonstrations and training. However, they do not provide certified technical training for their products, and they lack solutions for access control, alarm systems, and intercoms, which limits their ability to provide a complete, integrated security system. As such, working with multiple suppliers is necessary to create a fully comprehensive security solution.

3. A.P.A.

A.P.A. is a well-established company with a strong presence in Canada, operating seven branches across the country, including in Montreal, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Toronto. This extensive network makes it highly convenient for installers working with clients across multiple locations, as they can easily pick up equipment from different regions. A.P.A. partners with over 50 manufacturers, offering a wide range of products including video surveillance cameras, NVRs, DVRs, security systems, access control, intercom systems, power supplies, servers for video surveillance, and Video Management Solutions (VMS). They also provide an Electronic Commerce system, allowing installers and integrators to easily place orders 24/7. With specialized technical support available 12 hours a day, A.P.A. offers the longest support hours among the companies we’ve reviewed in Montreal. They also offer training at their branches and remotely, with certification available. However, their website is outdated, lacking product descriptions and marketing materials, and they do not maintain a strong presence on social media or invest much in marketing.

4. Wesco

Wesco is the largest security systems distributor in Canada, with over 50 branches across the country, including three locations in Montreal, making them highly convenient for logistics and installers in the area. They offer a vast range of security products, including surveillance cameras, DVRs, NVRs, servers, access control systems, power supplies, and VMS, as well as additional products related to electrical and electronic equipment. One of the advantages for installers and integrators is their flexible payment system, with terms of 30-60 days depending on the partnership conditions. However, due to their extensive product range from hundreds of brands, their technical support is often limited, although their sales managers can quickly connect installers with brand representatives to find the best security solution. They provide same-day shipping for orders placed before 4 p.m. and offer certified training both in their branches and through online courses in collaboration with manufacturers. The main drawback is the limited technical support.

5. ADI

ADI is one of the largest security systems distributors in both Canada and globally, with four branches in Montreal and additional locations in cities such as Ottawa, Quebec City, Toronto, and others. They offer a wide selection of products from nearly every major brand available in Canada, as they work directly with manufacturers to represent their brands. A standout feature is their advanced website, designed specifically for installers and integrators, allowing them to easily browse, compare, and filter products, access technical information, register for certified training, and webinars, and receive technical consultations. The website is also optimized for B2B transactions and offers special discounts for online orders, as well as free ground shipping on orders over $500. ADI provides weekly training sessions both online and in their branches, with the added benefit of a showroom where clients can schedule visits to test and see the equipment in action. However, due to the vast number of brands they carry, their technical support often lacks in-depth knowledge of all the products, leading them to frequently refer installers directly to manufacturers for specialized assistance. Despite this, their knowledgeable sales team is always available to help installers choose the right security system and connect them with manufacturers when needed.

Who is a Security Systems Supplier, and What is Their Business Model?

When searching for a security systems supplier, the term often refers to a distributor or vendor. These terms are generally interchangeable and describe a company that typically does not manufacture products itself. Instead, the primary role of a security systems supplier is to establish direct contracts with manufacturers of security systems, whether they are located overseas or have a presence in Canada or the United States. By working directly with these manufacturers, suppliers acquire equipment, maintain stock in their warehouses, and sell these products to their clients.

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Security systems distributors typically operate under a B2B (business-to-business) model. Their clients are specialized companies that focus on installing security systems. These clients include both large-scale system integrators - companies that handle complex security integrations - and smaller businesses known as security systems installers. These installers are responsible for implementing various security solutions such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, access control systems, and intercom systems.

It’s important to note that distributors generally do not deal directly with end users. Instead, they work exclusively with businesses in the security installation sector. The term "end user" in the security industry refers to the individuals or entities that ultimately utilize the security systems. End users may include homeowners (residential projects), businesses of all sizes (small, medium, and large enterprises), and even government institutions. These end users rely on the expertise of installers and system integrators to design and implement their security solutions.

Types of Security System Distributors

In the security systems market, there are generally two types of distributors (also referred to as suppliers or vendors):

Classic Distributors

The primary role of a classic distributor is often referred to as "box moving." Their main function is logistical: managing a warehouse, maintaining stock, and ensuring efficient distribution of products from manufacturers to their installer clients. These distributors typically purchase equipment in bulk directly from manufacturers, store it in their warehouses, and rapidly redistribute it to security systems installers for specific projects, such as surveillance cameras, alarm systems, access control systems, or intercoms. An additional function classic distributors often provide is credit facilitation. While manufacturers usually require upfront payments from distributors, these distributors may offer payment terms to their installer clients, allowing for deferred payments over 30, or even 60, days. This provides installers with greater financial flexibility to manage their cash flow while completing projects.

Value-Added Distributors (VADs)

Unlike classic distributors, Value-Added Distributors go beyond logistics to offer specialized services that add extra value for their clients. These services can include:

Expert Technical Support: VADs often employ engineers who are highly knowledgeable about the products they distribute, offering direct assistance to installers for setup, configuration, and troubleshooting. This eliminates the need to contact manufacturers’ support teams.
Custom Delivery Options: They may provide faster or more personalized delivery services than classic distributors.
Pre-Configured Equipment: VADs can offer pre-installation services, such as configuring surveillance kits or alarm systems to the client’s specifications before shipping.
Custom Solutions: They may assemble custom servers, power supply units, or other tailored solutions for specific projects, effectively taking on some responsibilities typically associated with manufacturers.

Value-Added Distributors focus on creating unique offerings that cater to specific client needs, often enabling installers to handle complex or large-scale projects more efficiently.

Each installer must evaluate which type of distributor best suits their business needs. For some, proximity to multiple warehouses in a city like Montreal and the ability to access equipment quickly is a top priority. For others, having access to reliable, responsive technical support - sometimes even outside regular business hours - can be the deciding factor. Both types of distributors play essential roles in the market, and their services complement different aspects of a security installer’s operations.