Service – One of the Biggest Buzzwords at CEDIA Expo 2025
For most of its existence, CEDIA Expo has been all about the shiny boxes: the amazing AV, control interfaces, and innovation that dominate the show floor. But this year, more than any other, the conversations went deeper. Beyond the latest products and technologies, what really generated buzz was the business of systems integration, particularly the many facets of service.
From booth demos and manufacturer presentations to educational sessions, panels, and after-hours meetings, service emerged as the theme that tied it all together. The term is used broadly by the CI channel. To some, service means the responsiveness and support provided by manufacturers. For others, service is tied to recurring monthly revenue (RMR) programs or back-end tech platforms. Still others perceive service in the traditional sense: providing attentive customer care.
At Expo, all of these interpretations surfaced, and they are all valid. But taken individually, they paint an incomplete picture. At Daisy, we take a different approach. We unite all facets of service, delivering a comprehensive service model that supports integrators across the board. This includes:
Service from Manufacturers
One of the most critical service relationships integrators rely on is the one they have with their vendors. By aligning with the right manufacturers, integrators can reduce their workload and leverage the deep expertise of the manufacturers themselves. Our network of premier manufacturing partners provides full design and installation assistance, enabling integrators to expand their portfolios without adding headcount.
Based on project specifications, Daisy-aligned manufacturers can develop system layouts, oversee on-site installation, handle configuration and calibration, and even provide follow-up and technical support. Many of our manufacturing partners also provide ongoing training through webinars and other educational platforms. A hallmark of Daisy's approach is its “Lunch & Learn” program, where manufacturers present directly to Daisy teams on topics such as new product introductions, troubleshooting best practices, and emerging technologies.
This continuous flow of knowledge ensures integrators stay sharp, while fostering stronger vendor relationships, boosting margins, improving outcomes, and enhancing long-term service.
Service Through Back-End Tools
Service doesn't stop at the front lines; it also depends on robust project management and business operations. Without the right back-end tools, projects can quickly spiral out of control. Daisy has invested heavily in solutions to alleviate this issue. Our Bloom Tech Stack, specifically, provides integrators a fully integrated business management platform that spans the entire customer lifecycle. From lead generation and proposal creation to project delivery and real-time financial reporting, Bloom covers it all. Instead of patching together disparate tools, integrators now have one complete system that fosters accountability, improves team communication, and ensures customers get the attention they deserve.
According to CE Pro's Business Resources Deep Dive, nearly half of integrators (47%) prefer complete business management systems over a patchwork of niche apps. Daisy's Bloom Tech Stack platform addresses this directly, proving that streamlined back-end operations are just as much a part of “service” as front-end client care.
Service Through Ongoing Maintenance & Support
Maintenance contracts once had a reputation for being burdensome. Today, they've become a cornerstone of customer satisfaction and a growing revenue stream for integrators. At Expo, panelists highlighted how recurring service, especially for outdoor systems, is now expected. Consider the upkeep required for outdoor shading solutions alone: cleaning, inspections, and adjustments at least twice a year, plus seasonal prep for audio, lighting, and landscape changes.
We help integrators seize this opportunity by supplying enterprise-grade client support resources they don't have to build themselves. Daisy's platform integrates Microsoft Dynamics, RingCentral, OvrC, Help Lightning, and Microsoft Teams, uniting communication, troubleshooting, and workflow management into a single ecosystem. With access to Daisy's call center and remote diagnostic tools, integrators can deliver responsive, high-touch client support without dedicating new staff or infrastructure.
Service Through Sales and Training
Another aspect of service gaining renewed attention is sales enablement. As smart home systems grow more advanced and more expensive, integrators need stronger tools to communicate value and justify costs to clients. That's why sales training, once considered optional, is back in vogue.
We support integrators here as well, providing role-specific training through its Learning Management System (LMS). Accessible from mobile devices, the LMS delivers just-in-time education in the field, covering not only technical training but also sales techniques. Whether it's mastering the nuances of a product demo or articulating the long-term benefits of an ongoing service plan, Daisy ensures integrators have the skills and confidence to succeed.
A Holistic Approach to Service
The conversations at CEDIA Expo 2025 made it clear: service is no longer a single “thing.” It's a spectrum that includes vendor support, business management, client care, maintenance, and even sales enablement. Each piece matters, but the real power comes from connecting them into one seamless whole. Daisy provides integrators with a complete framework for long-term success. It's a broader, more modern definition of service, one that reflects the realities of today's integration business and sets a standard for the future.