Top 10 Monitored alarm systems 2024

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Buying Guide for Monitored Alarm Systems

Introduction to Monitored Alarm Systems

For businesses at the present time, the significance of a monitored alarm system cannot be understated. Every single year, businesses suffer losses into the billions of dollars based on theft of data, products, supplies and proprietary information. Unfortunately some of those billions also come from theft internal to the companies themselves. Employee theft is a well - documented and growing problem, especially in this age of cybercrime.

The good news is, monitored alarm systems are relatively easy to set up and deploy - once you choose a vendor, your company can feasibly be protected that very same or the following day.

With this Buying Guide, you can learn what you need to do know to make an informed purchase decision for safety of your company and benefit.

Basic Features of Monitored Alarm Systems

There are two main triggers that typically cause a company to shop for a monitored alarm system. The first is prevention - which of course is still the best cure. The second is in response to a recent incident of vandalism or theft.

A monitored alarm system is a simple but effective way to keep your property and personnel safe. The monitoring takes place 24/7. When an unauthorized entry is detected, a signal is instantly transmitted to the monitoring center. Local police are then immediately dispatched to investigate.

What your monitored alarm system includes:

• Control panels.

  These panels are the system's central brain and are attached to all ancillary controls as listed here.

• Security keypads.

  Permits authorized employee entry after hours.

• Motion detectors.

  PIR (passive infrared) devices monitor infrared energy, which goes up when an intruder enters.

• Door and window contacts.

  Magnetic devices that trip the system and trigger an alert when doors or windows are breached.

• Glassbreak sensors.

  Acoustic shock triggers the system when glass breaks.

• Sirens.

  You also have the option of strobe lights.

Wired Versus Wireless

In our days monitored alarm systems come in both wired and wireless versions. Many companies that are installing a monitored alarm system for the first time prefer the wireless version because there is no pricey interior or exterior work to be done to lay wires.

Another perk of wireless systems is that some offer remote access so you can monitor your company's security even from home or on the go.

Audible Delay Versus Instant Siren Systems

Depending on where your company is and what your theft deterrent goals are, you may prefer the latter to the former. Most monitored alarm systems will set off audible alarms the moment any of the sensors are triggered.

But if your business is located in an out-of-the-way location where no one will hear alarms after hours, you may prefer an audible delay system instead. Your system will generate a silent alarm that brings out the police, but the criminal would not hear an alarm to know they have been detected, giving police an opportunity to catch the thief in the act.

Comparing Sellers of Monitored Alarm Systems

Once you realize that there are only about 10 companies that actually manufacture the equipment used to install monitored alarm systems, your decision-making process starts to look easier. However, there are literally thousands of resellers who work with one, several or all 10 companies, and these are probably the folks you will be talking to.

So here is what to look for :

• Responsiveness and high quality customer service.
• Offer for an in-person meeting (versus just over the phone or email).
• Positive BBB ratings and high quality current customer testimonials.
• Referrals to current customers you can talk with about the alarm systems, and especially about the speed of response during an incident.
• A customized quote that factors in the unique strengths and weaknesses of your facility.
• Price quotes delivered in writing.
• Inclusion of setup, service, ongoing support, warranty information and all fees.

It is always wise to get at least three or four quotes that you can compare and contrast against the others. This will give you a much better feel for the range of options, features and prices you are looking at.

Monitored Alarm Systems Pricing

Here are some benchmark prices you can use for comparison as you shop:

• Installation, Equipment: $1,000 to $4,000 (to buy outright).
• Installation, Equipment: $300 to $500 per year (to lease).
• Monthly monitoring fees: $25 to $50 per month.
• Dual communication: Add $10 per month.
• Tracking system: Add $100 to $600 annually.
• Remote control access: Add $25 to $200 per year (for wired systems only).
• Police permits (where needed): $5 to $40 annually.

You will also pay additional charges and fees for a monitored fire alarm system and warranties.

Monitored Alarm Systems Setup Tips

Here are important alarm system setup considerations to think through.

• Employee training.

  Your system should be simple enough so staff can learn what they need to know in 20 minutes of training or less.

• Duress signal option.

  You should have the option to disable your system in the event you are ever forced to permit access by a criminal (this could save your life if not your property)!

• Updates.

  You should have the ability to change passcodes quickly if the need arises.

• Insurance savings.

  You may be able to save up to 20 percent off your commercial liability insurance annually by installing a monitored alarm system.

• No 911.

  Do not set up your system to dial 911. Not only is this illegal, but it defeats the purpose of installing a monitored system.