Selecting the right alarm security system for the job
Choosing an alarm system that balances your security vision, satisfies the security needs of your property, and delivers on price, can feel like a daunting challenge. From low budget “Audible Only Alarms” through to multi-functional Police Monitored alarms, there is such a diversity of choice for your home or business setting. While the multitude of designs and systems can seem like a lot to get your head around, there’s three key questions to keep in mind:
- What type and scale of property are we securing?
- What is the asset value that we are protecting?
- What is the budget?
For example, a larger property containing higher value assets ought to consider more stringent security means, but could be contained by a narrow budget. With this in mind, we have put this blog together to help you determine how some of these different systems stack up and what you can expect for your investment.
Audible Only Alarms
When an intrusion to the property is detected through a door or zonal sensor, the Audible Only Alarm will emit a loud noise that can be heard within the local area. The effect of this noise is designed to panic and discourage any potential intruder whilst also notifying anyone else in the area that the property is potentially under attack. They are incapable of directly notifying an alarm owner or Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that the property is under threat.
This means the level of security provided and response generated by such alarms are relatively low compared to other systems and because of this Audible Only Alarms are often the cheapest option. These unmonitored systems still have a place as a deterrent for lower-risk settings or for those not looking to safeguard high value contents.
Should you acquire or inherit an Audible Only System, you can be reassured to know that, depending on the make and model, many of these can be upgraded to offer enhanced functionality. If the system is maintained by an NSI or SSAIB security company, a signalling unit can be fitted within the control panel to offer a monitored system.
PROS
- Alerts neighbourhood to the disturbance
- Lower installation cost
- Lower maintenance cost
CONS
- No live notifications about alarm status
- Generates a low response rate
- Not recommended for remote properties
- Activations are hard to identify
Smart Alarm System (App system)
Smart Phone operability means that you can now manage your property’s security solution from your handset no matter where you are. Modern alarm installers can integrate every aspect of your alarm system through a dedicated mobile App and put the power of your security right in the palm of your hands. This kind of intruder alarm system keeps you connected to your home 24/7 with the ability to set/unset systems and receive live time activation notifications.
With such a system you can keep an eye on your property from anywhere without having to rely on a neighbour to keep checking up on your house. These systems will also include a physical keypad within the property, which can be used as an alternative method for those without App privileges.
The persistent issue of having to check false activations with Audible Only Alarm Systems can often bring frustration, not only to the owner, but also to the wider neighbourhood. With the App enabled technology, false activations are virtually eliminated as you can monitor your activations instantly and remotely. Not only this, but with theses notifications you can keep ahead of the game and reset any activations quickly and with confidence.
Another positive feature of this technology is the ability for security companies to push upgrades for the alarm and associated Apps quickly to keep software up to date. The alarm company can also remotely diagnose and resolve issues which may save costly call out fees.
PROS
- Real-time alerts and notifications
- Ability to operate the system remotely
- Ability to check alarm history and deliver remote support
- Reduced false activations
- Instant peace of mind
CONS
- Wi-Fi signal required
- Ongoing service costs for Smart App
To get further information on how we integrate your systems with Smart App technology, click here.
Monitored Alarm Systems
The professional monitoring of an alarm removes the owners need to constantly check up on the status of a system and puts them safe in the knowledge that they will only be contacted if absolutely required. There are two main types of monitoring service that Alarm companies can source:
Keyholder Only System
With a keyholder enabled alarm, your alarm provider will provide oversight and services to your alarm upon the report of an activation. They do this through connecting your alarm system to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) via a signalling unit fitted within the alarm control panel. This connection is maintained either through an internet connection or through radio GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), or sometimes a combination of both, and maintained 24 hours a day.
When an activation is received at the ARC, the dedicated team will work quickly to enact the specific protocols for your alarm to ensure the right response. This could be a call to yourself to make you aware of what is happening or to one of your nominated keyholders. If instructed, Alarm companies will often work alongside certified physical security companies that can respond and provide a presence should there be an activation to safeguard your property. If you have such a package they will attend and make safe the site, keeping you abreast of any developments.
The key advantage to keyholder monitored alarms is that there’ll always be a professional to keep an eye on your property all the time. As you might expect with a service like this, it comes with an additional cost.
PROS
- Professional service removes the burden of customer intervention
- Real-time alerts and notifications
- Dedicated quick response with professional options
- ARC will triage and diagnose activations
CONS
- Ongoing services come with added expense
Why not check our Monitored and Physical Security options here.
Policed Response System
Once an activation on an alarm system has been confirmed by the Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC), they will quickly notify the Police prior to calling any keyholder. The ARC will pass a Unique Reference Number (URN) specific to your property to the Police operator. With that code the Police will be able to summon information specific to your address and how to respond based on data embedded in that URN. This process serves to expedite a Police unit as quickly as possible to commence safeguarding of your property.
This Police response can only be made possible by the handling of a URN, and these can only be provided by NSI and SSAIB approved security companies. These types of systems are more expensive than others as a one-off URN setup cost fee and annual fee is charged by the police. These systems require an alarm service every 6 month as opposed to the 12-month service period of other alarm systems.
Police Monitored systems are highly recommend for homes and businesses with high valved goods to ensure full protection and in most cases a requirement from insurance companies. These types of alarms are also encouraged for Firearm License Holders to provide specific security for their legal ownership.
For all policed monitored systems, fobs will be required for you to set and unset as a standard requirement.
PROS
- Highest level of response
- Highest level of security
- Best level of evidence preservation
CONS
- Increased maintenance costs as 2 inspection visits required per year
- URNs require additional fees
Armed with the knowledge of what alarm systems can offer, why not check up on what you can expect to pay for your alarm system but reviewing our Pricing Blog.
