Security Alarm Monitoring

Table of Contents

Security alarm monitoring for business can be defined as the transmission of signals from security alarm system components (e.g., motion sensors, fire detectors and central control panels) to a central monitoring station. There the alarm is recorded (and verified if necessary), and the appropriate authorities are dispatched.

This article will provide information regarding how security alarm systems are installed as well as how those systems communicate with the central monitoring station. The many benefits of using security alarm monitoring will be discussed.

And you will be given insight into how to make informed decisions about which monitoring company to choose, and what to look for in a monitoring contract.

Technology of Security Alarm Monitoring

Home security alarm monitoring can be accomplished through several technologies. The security system itself may be wired into the home or wireless. Communication with the monitoring station can be established through a number of methods, the most common being landline, IP, cellular and dual-path.

Types of Alarm Systems

There are two types of alarm systems to choose from, each with its pros and cons. These are wired and wireless. And wireless systems can be either Wi-Fi (internet) or cellular. An alarm system can also be a hybrid of any of these systems.

Wired systems operate from a central control panel that sends signals to the monitoring station over your telephone line or the internet via an ethernet connection or Wi-Fi. Systems that only rely on a landline are vulnerable to breach because a bad actor simply has to cut the telephone line to deactivate the security system. If the system only relies on the internet, if that goes down, or there’s interference, then the system will not function. A combination of both strengthens the system and allows the user to monitor the system remotely with their smartphone.

Also, wired systems provide more stable protection because they are hardwired to your home or business’s electrical system. They provide continuous recording of high-quality video that records on site to either a DVR or NVR. Further, sensors to detect movement of doors and windows, as well as motion inside, and smoke detectors can be spread out and monitored over a large area, even between buildings.

Sensors and devices, such as smoke detectors are connected to the control panel. A signal to the control panel will send an alert to the monitoring station and one to you on your smartphone if you have Wi-Fi and/or cellular integration. This integration provides extra protection if the power should go off. Then your system would continue to function via cellular or the internet. A battery back-up is also an important option.

However, wired systems are more expensive and require professional installation. Also, you may have to pay more for cellular services. And once integrated into your home or business’s wiring, they can’t practically be removed. So, if you move, you can’t take them with you.

Wireless systems can either connect via Wi-Fi or cellular, or a combination of both. They are less expensive, even with professional installation, and you can add components and upgrades easily. If you move, you can take your system with you.

Wireless systems are battery operated, so when there’s a power outage, your system stays up and running. But if you’re relying solely on Wi-Fi with a cable modem connection, a power outage could take down your system. And bad actors can cut the wires to your router to disable it as well.

These systems allow the user to not only monitor remotely, but also to control and access various aspects of the security system. For instance, they can watch video in real time, or arm the system remotely. Video is stored in the cloud and can be stored locally as well.

On the con side, while cellular uses encryption technology, Wi-Fi wireless signals can be hacked, exposing your personal information. Also, Wi-Fi signals can be disrupted by other nearby Wi-Fi devices or obstructions, such as walls. And since they are battery operated, you must always be cognizant of their power level. Finally, they are restricted in how much area they can cover.

And if your Wi-Fi or cellular goes down, your system will too.

Security Monitoring Technologies

The primary three methods of monitoring communication are landline, IP (Internet Protocol), and cellular. You can also combine methods, such as in dual-path communication which uses both IP and cellular.

Landline monitoring works by sending signals from your alarm system to the monitoring station over the phone lines. But with smartphones replacing landlines in a large number of homes, this method is declining. And new homes and businesses often won’t have landline technology included in their construction.

Landline signals aren’t as fast as cellular and Wi-Fi signals. And although it may be the more affordable alternative, it’s usually not compatible with today’s smart home security technology.

IP monitoring communicates via the internet either by connecting to Wi-Fi or through an ethernet cable. IP is faster than landline communication, and the security system can be accessed remotely by smartphone, tablet or computer. It may be the least expensive of the three options.

However, as discussed above, this option is susceptible to power outages and bad actors cutting router connections.

Also, internet connections may not be reliable enough on their own. This is why IP monitoring often pairs with cellular monitoring. This is called Dual-Path technology. It automatically chooses the faster way to signal for help. It also makes it more difficult for bad actors to disable both pathways at once.

With cellular security monitoring, the signal from your system is transmitted to the monitoring station over the cellular towers. Cellular is very secure as you can use encryption technology to protect your personal information. And it can be controlled remotely through your smartphone, computer or tablet.

Cellular is also faster than landline signals. And it is more stable, so long as you have a strong cellular connection. It won’t be affected by storms or power outages due to a battery backup. But you have to keep your batteries fully charged.

Because it’s so stable, cellular is often used as a backup for landline and IP monitoring systems. And this monitoring method is completely wireless.

But cellular can be more expensive due to necessary equipment and monthly use charges.

Security Benefits of Alarm Monitoring for Business

Security alarm monitoring not only detects criminal activity, but it also deters it. And since fire protection, intruder detection and other emergency alarms are monitored continuously and responded to immediately, the benefits for business are enormous.

Immediate Response

Monitoring ensures rapid response to emergencies because central monitoring stations are manned 24 hours a day, seven days a week by highly trained personnel. When an alarm sends a signal to the monitoring station, these personnel quickly authenticate it and immediately dispatch the appropriate authorities.

Crime Deterrence

According to the Department of Justice, study done involving three suburbs in Philadelphia between 1989 and 1991 revealed that the most effective deterrent against burglars was a plainly displayed vendor sign showing that the property was protected by an electronic security system. Further, it was found that only 4.1% of businesses with alarm systems that had another three or more antiburglary precautions, and only 4.2%, with less than three, were burglarized in that time period. But businesses without a security system were four times more likely to be burglarized despite the number of other precautions they took.

Another study looked at 422 randomly selected burglars who were incarcerated at that time. It found that approximately 60% of burglars would be motivated to look for a different target if an alarm system was present. The presence of an alarm sign was one of the things burglars considered when deciding whether to rob a particular site. And, the majority of burglars would attempt to discover if there was an alarm system before going forward.

Protection against Various Threats

Security alarm monitoring can protect your business from a variety of risks, including fire through smoke and fire detectors as well as pull alarms. Glass break detectors, motion sensor and sensors on the windows and doors alert the monitoring station of an intruder immediately. And cameras can quickly and easily confirm the intrusion and both live stream and record it.

Integration with other Security Measures

Your 24/7 security monitoring can be integrated with your other security systems such as access control systems that allow you to electronically manage who accesses your property. These access control systems can also be remotely unlocked to aid in evacuation in case of a fire.

And, your security monitoring can include your CCTV cameras for video surveillance and devices that alert for water and gas leaks.

Panic alarms, as well as elevator emergency phones can also be included in your security alarm monitoring. You can even protect sensitive areas within your property from employees’ or others’ intrusion.

Financial Benefits

Security alarm monitoring can save you money by lowering your insurance premium and mitigating your losses from criminal and employee activities. Not having to hire additional security provides additional savings.

Insurance Premium Reductions

Having a monitored security alarm system can reduce your business’s insurance premiums significantly. The amount will be determined by each insurance company based on your alarm system, the monitoring company, and any additional risk mitigation measures you take, such as fire sprinkler installation.

Minimizing Losses

When your property is monitored on a constant basis, criminals are deterred. Thiis reduces your losses from vandalism, burglary or employee theft.

Operational Efficiency

With security alarm monitoring, you have less need for an on-site security presence. This not only saves you money, but also time and effort in the operation of your business.

Common Misconceptions about Security Alarm Monitoring

There are many myths and misconceptions about security alarm monitoring. Here we will dispel three of the most common ones.

Misconception 1

There is a common misconception that police don’t respond to burglar alarm calls anymore. This is because the vast majority of these are false alarms. The truth of the matter is that many cities and towns are now asking for video, audio or eyewitness verification that a crime is in progress before they will commit police resources to the call. With today’s home security alarm monitoring and business alarm monitoring, highly trained agents continuously monitoring your property are able to quickly provide this verification to police.

Misconception 2

Another misconception is that security monitoring, especially home security monitoring is cost prohibitive. It’s actually quite affordable.

In 2024, home security monitoring fees have normally fallen between $10 to $60 a month, depending on your features and level of protection. Companies like Abode and Ring fall into the low-cost range, while companies like ADT and Vivint fall into the higher cost range.

But don’t forget that professional monitoring can get you an insurance discount to help offset the cost.

Misconception 3

Some people believe that having an alarm is itself enough security. While the presence of an alarm system does have some deterrent effect, having security alarm monitoring adds an invaluable layer of deterrence because criminals know the house or business is being watched and recorded.

Also, while it’s true that you can monitor your home or business yourself through your mobile device, you can’t do that 24/7 like a professional monitoring service can. And they are trained to handle whatever type of emergency may come up and respond quickly.

Further, all of your security components, such as your cameras, motion detectors, sensors, smoke, fire, and gas and water leak detectors and your sprinkler systems can all be seamlessly monitored from one central location. This is not something that can be easily accomplished with self-monitoring.

How to Choose a Security Alarm Monitoring Provider

In determining how to choose a security alarm monitoring provider, you must ask yourself several questions. What does my business need right now, and what will it need in the future? Does the provider I’m considering have all the necessary licenses and preferred certifications? Do they have the technology, expertise, experience and flexibility to meet my security goals now and in the future? And, will they provide 24/7 qualified support for my needs.

Assessing Business Needs

Unless you owned a fleet of commercial vehicles, you likely wouldn’t invest in a large number of vehicle fire extinguishers. Conversely, if your primary vulnerabilities are from intrusion and fire, those are the systems and monitoring capabilities you will be most interested in.

And if your business is in a growth phase where it will need to update and upgrade its security systems and alarm capabilities, you will need a security monitoring provider that can accommodate that growth with ease.

Provider Reputation and Credentials

First, you will want to know if your central station is UL (Underwriter’s Laboratory) Listed. UL 827* provides strict standards that must be adhered to in order to receive this certification. These requirements include the monitoring station having appropriate backup power options and communication infrastructure as well as demonstrating that they have taken necessary precautions to isolate backup data from cybersecurity threats. The standards are quite involved.

Next, look for whether the central station has a Five Diamond Designation from The Monitoring Association (TMA). Monitoring centers must comply with all five of the TMA’s points of excellence. These are

  • Commitment to random inspections and quality criteria standards by a nationally recognized testing laboratory such as FM Approvals, Intertek/ETL and UL.
  • Commitment to the highest levels of customer service.
  • Commitment to ongoing job-related education and testing by having 100% of its central station operators certified using TMA online training series.
  • Commitment to raising the industry standards through TMA membership and participation in its activities.
  • Commitment to reducing false dispatches.

You will also want to see the company’s state licenses and certifications. Each state may have different requirements. And don’t forget customer reviews. These can be extremely helpful when choosing a monitoring provider. Be sure to read both the highest and lowest reviews to aide you in your decision making.

Technology and Service Offerings

Technology is an important consideration. You’ll need to know if the systems the monitoring company has will sync with your existing alarm systems. It’s also valuable to understand whether their systems will be able to handle any upgrades and additions you want to make to your security system.

The same is true if you bought your security system from this company—is it scalable? And if you want to customize, such as with marine fire suppression for your boat, or add vehicular fire suppression systems, you need to know if they can accommodate you.

Contract Terms and Support

First, read the contract, especially if the monitoring company has installed the system and you are still paying for it, or leasing it. You’ll want to know if repairs and replacement of the system or its components are covered under your contract. And you’ll want to know if you’ll be able to scale your system as your needs dictate within the terms of the contract.

Other things to look for in an alarm monitoring contract include the length of the contract, hidden fees, and under what circumstances the monitoring company will assume no liability for interruptions in your service, such as when an interruption in service is due to strikes or interruption in telephone service.

Also, be aware that some companies will require that you do your own fire sprinkler inspection and maintenance.

Another important aspect of alarm monitoring is what kind of support you get. This is where not only the 24/7 availability of an accredited company comes into play, but also those customer reviews.

And response time must be considered. But how do you learn what you need to know about this? Again, choosing a monitoring company with the proper certifications is a must.

Then find out if they promise swift response times. Customer reviews will help you gauge what that promise is worth. If their personnel are properly trained, they will know how and when to respond to each alarm notification for optimal response times to each threat.

Conclusion

Clearly, security alarm monitoring is beneficial for businesses. It provides 24/7 protection for your assets and employees, and positively affects the company’s bottom line. And having your security alarms monitored by highly trained individuals who know how to provide the necessary evidence to police when needed for a burglary call is priceless. So is knowing that your life safety alarms are constantly monitored.

A comprehensive security strategy includes more than protecting against installing motion sensors, cameras, and smoke and fire detectors. Protecting your business and employees against fire risks includes providing fire extinguishers and having fire extinguisher service performed routinely.

If you know the risks your business faces, i.e., theft, fire, water incursion, you can plan out your security strategy better. And understanding how the different security and communication systems work can prove invaluable, especially if you have more than one building.

Finally, do your homework. Research the alarm companies and security monitoring companies before you start building your security system. You want the most seamless, scalable, flexible contract you can negotiate with regard to your equipment. And you want the most qualified, trustworthy security monitoring company to watch over your investment and people.

*2022 revisions