End-of-Year Facility Technology Check: 5 Ways to Ensure a Safe Start to 2026

As December arrives and teams across New Mexico prepare for winter break, facility directors and administrators have a unique opportunity: the chance to evaluate and upgrade critical safety and technology systems before the new year begins.

A short pause in daily operations makes this the perfect time to assess fire alarm systems, security infrastructure, network health, and emerging safety needs. At Datalinx Technology Solutions, we partner with schools, municipalities, and commercial organizations across the state to help them plan ahead and enter 2026 with confidence.

Below are five essential year-end checks every facility should complete.

1. Fire Alarm System Condition

A reliable fire alarm system is the backbone of building safety. December is an ideal time to review:

• System age and remaining lifespan

• Active troubles or faults on the panel

• Compliance with current fire code requirements

• Whether a partial upgrade or full rip-and-replace is needed

• Documentation and testing procedures

  
  

With significant 2026 code updates on the horizon, many districts are proactively scheduling fire alarm evaluations now to avoid emergency replacements later.

2. Security & Access Control Upgrades

Winter break provides the rare window to complete security work without disrupting daily operations. This includes:

• Badge or card access updates

• Door hardware modernization

• Visitor management improvements

• Replacement of outdated access control software

• Adding doors, gates, or remote entry points

  
  

With threats evolving across the nation, districts are prioritizing secure entry points, better monitoring, and audit trails heading into 2026. Modern access control not only enhances safety — it simplifies daily operations for staff.

3. Camera Health & Storage Checks

Video surveillance is only as good as its configuration, uptime, and retention. A December camera audit should review:

• Video quality and resolution

• Blind spots or outdated camera models

• Storage capacity and compliance with retention policies

• Performance of Genetec VMS

• Integration with Axis, Hanwha, and other IP cameras

  
  

A quick assessment often reveals simple fixes — or uncovers larger upgrades needed to support investigations, monitoring, and safety initiatives.

4. Network & Cabling Quality

Your fire alarm, security, AV, and camera systems all depend on a stable network. As technology demands increase in 2026, the infrastructure behind it must keep up. End-of-year cabling checks should include:

• Condition of existing Cat6/Cat6A cabling

• Switch capacity and age

• Rack organization and labeling

• Bandwidth needs for new surveillance or AV systems

• Fiber backbone health for larger campuses

  
  

A strong low-voltage foundation prevents outages, improves system performance, and supports future growth.

5. Metal Detection & Visitor Screening Readiness

With school safety top-of-mind statewide, many districts are exploring Athena weapon detection systems to bolster entry-point security. December is a smart time to evaluate:

• Traffic flow into your building

• Screening needs for students, visitors, and staff

• Whether traditional wands or legacy metal detectors meet today’s threats

• Readiness for spring-semester safety planning

  
  

Athena’s advanced detection, high throughput, and analytics make it a strong choice for districts wanting an efficient, student-friendly solution.

Start 2026 Prepared, Protected, and Ahead of the Curve

A proactive December technology check sets the tone for a safer, smoother year. Whether you’re planning a fire alarm replacement, a Genetec security upgrade, new cameras, structured cabling, or Athena detection — now is the best time to start.

Datalinx can complete year-end assessments and provide detailed 2026 planning documents to help you prioritize, budget, and schedule effectively.

Ready to prepare your facility for the new year? Contact Datalinx Technology Solutions today.