When it comes to keeping your valuable assets, customer information, confidential documents, and building occupants safe, an intrusion alarm system is an important piece to any building. So, when it comes to choosing the right intrusion alarm system and devices for your facility, you’ll have some important decisions to make.
It’s important to remember that not all intrusion alarm systems are created equal. There are many things that go into designing an intrusion alarm system, and it’s important for you to understand these elements in order to get the best value for your investment.
Here are five important things you’ll want to do and consider when choosing the right intrusion alarm system for your building.
1. Site Visit and Survey
As you may know, there is a wide selection of intrusion alarm systems (control panels, input, and output devices) available, but the set up and operations of your building will have a major influence on the system that you choose. Because of this, it’s critical that you have a service provider conduct a site visit and survey to determine your specific needs prior to letting you know your options.
2. Intrusion Alarm Monitoring
There are many different ways to monitor your security system utilizing either active or passive forms of communication. The optimal way to securely monitor your system is through dual path communications, which comprises of two forms of alarm communications out of your building to the monitoring company. This way, if one method of communication is tampered with (like a burglar cutting a phone line), there is a second one to send alarm signals to the monitoring company.
3. Intrusion Alarm Detection Options
Your intrusion alarm system should provide you with the option to monitor all of the possible entry points that criminals might take advantage of to try and gain access to your building. This can include the use of door contacts, glass break sensors, motion detectors and other types of devices that can detect an intrusion into your facility. Perimeter detection can also be considered to provide a high level of security.
4. Security System Viewing Options
Being able to see the security events that are captured by your intrusion alarm system, and receiving real-time alerts on your mobile device or tablet is an incredibly useful tool for the person on the go. You will have the ability to quickly assess potential threats and make quick decisions if you have access to a footage real time event buffer. You should take advantage of a professional monitoring your system however, the ability to access your system via your phone through an app like Alarm.com is very helpful.
Services like Alarm.com used with a professional monitoring system can provide a lot of useful information about not only the security of your business, but how your business is being run. These systems also allow you to arm and disarm remotely, provide alerts due to irregular activity, and add and remove users remotely.
5. Security System Access Codes
Access codes are a critical part of an intrusion alarm system because they make it possible for you or your workers to arm or disarm the alarm system. It’s a good idea to ensure that each employee gets a unique pass code to keep track of who did what and when they did it.
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It’s important for every building to have an intrusion alarm system to protect their business interests. Don’t leave things up to chance – be proactive and take these steps to protect your investment.
For 19 years, Bulldog Fire and Security has been an expert in Intrusion Alarm System installation, having installed a variety of systems in numerous applications across Southwestern, Ontario.
To learn more about Intrusion Alarm Systems and the role they can play in your building’s security, call us at 1 866 670 1590, email info@bulldogsecurity.ca, or fill out the contact form below.
Additional Resources
Guide to Intrusion Alarm Systems