CPI Security Systems
CPI Security Systems is a privately held, Charlotte-based provider of integrated home and business security with owned UL-listed monitoring, serving 230,000+ customers across the Southeast US through subscription monitoring, installed hardware, and AI-augmented overnight surveillance.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1991
- HeadquartersCharlotte, United States
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What CPI Security Systems does
CPI Security Systems, Inc. is a privately held home and business security provider founded in 1991 and headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina. The company designs, sells, installs, and monitors integrated security systems for roughly 230,000 residential and small-to-mid-market commercial customers across the Southeast United States (North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee), with 700+ employees and ranking among the nation's top 10 largest security providers. CPI owns and operates a UL-listed Central Monitoring Station staffed 24/7, and the company has been independently held since founding under CEO Kenneth Gill.
The core product is a proprietary smart-home security ecosystem built around the SmartHub touchscreen panel and the inTouch® mobile application. The SmartHub integrates PowerG, Z-Wave, LTE, dual-path Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity and serves as the unified control point for door/window sensors, motion sensors, glass-break detectors, smoke, CO, heat, and water-leak sensors, indoor and outdoor cameras (including the Floodlight Camera Pro and Spotlight Camera Pro), video doorbells, smart locks (Yale), thermostats, garage controllers (Chamberlain myQ), and lighting controls. Night Guard™ is CPI's premium overnight (11 PM-6 AM) monitoring service: AI-powered outdoor cameras with IVAN™ analytics detect potential threats and escalate to live human operators who can dispatch first responders directly under the Real Time Response℠ protocol, which CPI reports delivers a sub-30-second median response time. The Mobile Surveillance Unit (MVS) extends this capability into a solar-powered, rapidly deployable trailer with Turing AI-enabled PTZ cameras for construction, retail, event, and campus security, and the inTouch Enterprise platform provides centralized multi-location management for commercial accounts.
CPI makes money through recurring monthly monitoring subscriptions on tiered packages (Essentials, Essentials Pro, Custom), hardware sales (minimum $499 equipment investment for new residential customers), and financing via the SmartPay® program (39-month, 0% APR, coterminous with the monitoring agreement). Free professional installation is bundled, and adjacent services (Smart Sync home-automation setup, Sonos installation, TV mounting) generate incremental professional-services revenue. Distribution is exclusively direct-to-consumer via phone-based inside sales (800-827-4347), dedicated business sales lines, and field sales with in-home consultations by local technicians within a 60-mile service radius. Go-to-market is complemented by content marketing (Crime Hub resource), referral incentives ($100 monitoring credit for both parties), and a 4.8-star-rated inTouch app, with Trustpilot recognition as the #1 ranked security service.
CPI Security Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CPI Security Systems
- Legal name
- CPI Security Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://cpisecurity.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1991
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- CPI Security Systems is a privately held, Charlotte-based provider of integrated home and business security with owned UL-listed monitoring, serving 230,000+ customers across the Southeast US through subscription monitoring, installed hardware, and AI-augmented overnight surveillance.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CPI Security Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Home and Business Security Monitoring Services
- NAICS
- Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)
- SIC
- Services-Detective, Guard & Armored Car Services (7381)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Security Systems Monitoring & Dispatch (SOC/Remote Guarding) (IMAIAEAF)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Residential CCTV & Door/Perimeter Surveillance Packages (HSAHACAH), Retail Security Command Center/Remote Guarding (LP monitoring) (BPAKAJAN)
Keywords
Where CPI Security Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Charlotte
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices2 records
Markets served
CPI Security Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Monthly Monitoring Services: Recurring monthly monitoring fees for 24/7 professional monitoring, Real Time Response℠, and Night Guard™ premium service. Requires monthly monitoring agreement. Billing options include monthly ACH draft or annual billing.
- Equipment Sales: Sale of security hardware including cameras, sensors, smart home devices, and control panels. Minimum equipment investment of $499 for new residential customers, payable upfront or through SmartPay installment program (39 months at 0% APR).
- Professional Installation: Free professional installation included with all packages. Installation fees may apply for additional exterior cameras. Locksmith services may be required for smart door lock installation.
- Smart Sync Home Services: Additional home technology services including TV mounting, Wi-Fi network setup, Sonos audio system installation, and smart home device configuration.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | SmartPay® Financing Program |
| Subscription | Monthly | Essentials Package |
| Subscription | Monthly | Essentials Pro Package |
| Subscription | Monthly | Custom Package |
| Subscription | One time/ perpetual license | System Reactivation Bonus |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels7 records
CPI Security Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CPI Security Systems provides professionally installed home and business security systems paired with 24/7 UL-listed central station monitoring services. The offering centers on the proprietary inTouch platform and SmartHub control panel with video surveillance, fire/CO/heat/water detection, smart home devices, access control, and Night Guard AI-driven overnight protection. Revenue is generated through tiered security packages (Essentials, Essentials Pro, Custom), monthly monitoring subscriptions, equipment sales, and commercial security/fire-and-life-safety services across the Southeast US.
Product overview
CPI Security Systems offers an integrated security and home automation platform combining professional monitoring services with comprehensive hardware devices. The ecosystem centers on the inTouch mobile app and SmartHub control panel, offering tiered home security packages (Essentials, Essentials Pro, Custom), commercial security solutions, and premium Night Guard overnight monitoring. Product portfolio includes video surveillance (indoor/outdoor cameras, video doorbells), environmental detection (fire, CO, heat, water leak), smart home devices (locks, thermostats, garage control, lighting), access control, and cloud-based enterprise management. The company operates its own UL-listed monitoring center in Charlotte, NC, and serves customers across the Southeast United States.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Night Guard™: Premium nighttime security monitoring service that proactively monitors outdoor cameras between 11 PM and 6 AM with real-time threat detection and human verification.
- inTouch®
- Smart Sync
- inTouch® Enterprise
Products and services
- Essentials Package Foundational home security package including SmartHub control panel, door/window sensors, motion sensor, fire communicator, Essentials Video Doorbell, Indoor Camera, and Spotlight Camera Pro with Night Guard eligibility and free professional installation; targeted at residential homeowners.
- Essentials Pro Package Enhanced home security package building on Essentials with Floodlight Camera Pro, video-verified response, and 3 free months of Night Guard premium nighttime security; targeted at residential homeowners seeking expanded deterrence.
- Custom Package Tailored security solution designed with technician site walk supporting unlimited camera count, commercial-grade options, Night Guard eligibility, and priority service tier; targeted at residential or small-business customers with complex needs.
- Night Guard Premium overnight monitoring service (11 PM - 6 AM) using AI-powered IVAN camera analytics and live human verification by central station operators to dispatch first responders directly without customer intervention; add-on for residential and business customers.
- Smart Sync Home automation and home technology setup service including Sonos audio systems, TV mounting, Wi-Fi network setup, and smart device configuration; targeted at residential homeowners expanding their connected device setup.
- Real Time Response Professional 24/7 monitoring service with sub-30-second alarm response, live operator assessment at the UL-listed Charlotte central station, and direct coordination with emergency services dispatch; the core monitoring service bundled with all CPI security packages.
- Moving Program Security system relocation service including new home assessment, system dismantling, transport, professional installation, personalized setup, and ongoing support; targeted at existing residential customers relocating homes.
- MVS (Mobile Surveillance Unit) Rapidly deployable solar-powered mobile surveillance trailer equipped with four Turing AI-enabled PTZ cameras offering 360-degree pan/tilt/zoom, LED strobes with audio warning, and a 21-foot telescopic mast; targeted at construction sites, retail operations, events, and campus security.
- Fire and Life Safety Systems Commercial fire protection offering custom-engineered fire alarm installations, 24/7 monitoring, automated alerts, and compliance documentation for audit readiness; targeted at commercial and business customers.
- Automated Entry Systems Commercial access control system using mobile credentials, key cards, key fobs, and biometric authentication with one-touch lockdown, HR integration, and encrypted anti-tampering technology; targeted at business and commercial facilities.
- inTouch Enterprise Platform Multi-location security management platform with centralized app control, user access management, instant alerts, occupancy tracking, people counting, and proactive equipment monitoring; targeted at multi-location businesses across retail, healthcare, and commercial sectors.
Quantifiable outcome
- Sub-30-second median alarm response time with real human agents
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use CPI Security Systems
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CPI Security Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration7 records
AI capability6 records
Feature6 records
CPI Security Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and secondary.
- Amazon (Alexa)coreCPI security systems integrate with Amazon Alexa for voice-activated control of security functions including arming/disarming and device control through the inTouch app.
- Google (Google Assistant)coreCPI security systems work with Google Assistant for voice control capabilities, allowing users to manage security settings via voice commands.
- SonossecondaryCPI Smart Sync service offers Sonos sound system installation and configuration as part of home automation and entertainment setup services.
- YalecoreCPI Smart Door Lock is manufactured by Yale, featuring keyless touchscreen deadbolt with backlit keypad, up to 250 unique codes, and Z-Wave Plus connectivity integrated with CPI SmartHub.
- myQcoreCPI Garage Door Controller uses Chamberlain myQ technology for smartphone-controlled garage door operation integrated with the inTouch app and CPI Drive geo-fencing.
- CPI DrivecoreProprietary geo-fencing automation feature that works with the Garage Door Controller to automatically open or close garage based on user proximity.
- TuringcoreAI-enabled PTZ cameras used in Mobile Surveillance Units (MVS) for 360-degree pan/tilt/zoom with AI-driven detection and tracking capabilities.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
CPI Security Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- SimpliSafe: SimpliSafe is a major DIY home security provider with optional professional monitoring. While its no-contract, self-install model differs from CPI's professional model, it competes for the same residential security customer and represents a meaningful adjacent threat.
- Brinks Home: Brinks Home is a professionally monitored home security provider with national reach, offering smart home integration and professional installation. It directly competes with CPI in the residential monitored security space.
- Vivint Smart Home: Vivint is a leading smart home security provider offering professionally installed systems with 24/7 monitoring, smart home automation, and proprietary equipment. The 2025 $189.7M tortious interference verdict against Vivint in CPI's favor confirms it as a direct competitor in overlapping markets.
- ADT Inc. ADT is the largest professionally monitored home and business security provider in the United States with millions of subscribers. It competes head-to-head with CPI on residential monitored security, smart home integration, and professional installation, making it the most direct comparable.
Regional players
- Ackerman Security: Ackerman Security is a regional home and business security provider headquartered in the Southeast U.S., overlapping significantly with CPI's NC, SC, GA, and TN footprint. It offers similar monitored security and smart home services.
- Vector Security: Vector Security is a privately held regional security provider serving the Mid-Atlantic and Eastern U.S. with both residential and commercial monitoring. It is structured similarly to CPI as a regional, multi-state provider with a headquarters-owned monitoring center.
Broad incumbents
- Xfinity Home (Comcast): Xfinity Home is Comcast's professionally installed and monitored home security service, leveraging its broadband customer base. It competes with CPI in bundled broadband-plus-security deals in overlapping regional markets.
- Google Nest: Google Nest offers DIY home security cameras, video doorbells, and alarm systems integrated with the Google Assistant ecosystem. As a tech giant entrant, it competes with CPI on smart home-integrated security for tech-forward consumers.
- Ring (Amazon): Ring, owned by Amazon, is a leading DIY home security brand with cameras, video doorbells, and optional professional monitoring via Ring Alarm. As a tech giant-owned competitor, it represents a major disruptive force in the residential security market.
Emerging players
- Frontpoint Home Security: Frontpoint is a DIY home security provider with optional professional monitoring. While its self-install model differs from CPI's, it competes for digitally savvy residential customers seeking flexible, no-contract security.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
CPI Security Systems social profiles
Digital presenceCPI Security Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
CPI Security Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CPI Security Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
CPI Security Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CPI Security Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CPI Security Systems
What does CPI Security Systems do?
CPI Security Systems provides professionally installed home and business security systems paired with 24/7 UL-listed central station monitoring services. The offering centers on the proprietary inTouch platform and SmartHub control panel with video surveillance, fire/CO/heat/water detection, smart home devices, access control, and Night Guard AI-driven overnight protection. Revenue is generated through tiered security packages (Essentials, Essentials Pro, Custom), monthly monitoring subscriptions, equipment sales, and commercial security/fire-and-life-safety services across the Southeast US.
Is CPI Security Systems a public or private company?
CPI Security Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was CPI Security Systems founded?
CPI Security Systems was founded in 1991. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is CPI Security Systems based?
CPI Security Systems is headquartered in Charlotte, United States, in the North America region.
How does CPI Security Systems make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Monthly Monitoring Services are the primary driver. The others are equipment Sales, professional Installation and smart Sync Home Services.
Who are CPI Security Systems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are SimpliSafe, Brinks Home, Vivint Smart Home and ADT Inc.. Regional players are Ackerman Security and Vector Security. Broad incumbents are Xfinity Home (Comcast), Google Nest and Ring (Amazon). Frontpoint Home Security is listed as an emerging player.
Does CPI Security Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for CPI Security Systems.
What industry is CPI Security Systems in?
CPI Security Systems's product category is Home and Business Security Monitoring Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAIAEAF, Security Systems Monitoring & Dispatch (SOC/Remote Guarding), with a secondary code of HSAHACAH, Residential CCTV & Door/Perimeter Surveillance Packages. Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 7381.