Choosing an Intrusion Alarm System

An intrusion alarm system is an important component of a building’s security plan and is an asset when to keeping valuables, customer information, documents, and occupants safe.  With that said, there are many important decisions needed when choosing the right intrusion alarm system for your facility.

It’s important to note that not all intrusion alarm systems are equal.  There are many things that go into designing an intrusion alarm system, and it is important for you to have a grasp of these elements in order to ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment.

Here are five important considerations when choosing the right intrusion alarm system for your building.

1. Site Visit and Survey

The industry is full of many different types of intrusion alarm systems (control panels, input, and output devices), but the set up and operations of your facility will have a significant impact on the type of system that you choose.  As a result, it’s incredibly important that a service provider conducts a site visit and survey to understand your building’s specific needs prior to presenting you with options.

2. Intrusion Alarm Monitoring

Monitoring your alarm system will be completed via either active of passive forms of communication.  Ideally, the monitoring of your system would take place by utilizing dual path communications, which consists of two forms of communication from your building to the monitoring company.  This way, if one method of communication is lost, there is a secondary line that will be used to send alarm signals.

3. Intrusion Detection Devices

An intrusion alarm system should provide coverage of all possible points of entry that an intruder may attempt to use in order to gain access to your facility.  This can be done through the use of door/window contacts, glass break sensors, motion detectors, and other types of devices that can detect an intrusion into your building.  Perimeter detection can also a valuable addition to provide a high level of security.

4. Security System Viewing Options

The ability to view security events that are detected by your intrusion alarm system in real-time on your mobile device or tablet is a valuable tool for the security system administrator on the go.  Remote access will provide you the ability to quickly assess potential threats and make fast decisions on how to respond to the alarm.  In this situation, professional monitoring is still advisable, however the ability to access your system remotely through an app like Alarm.com is very beneficial.  Additionally, these types of apps also allow you to arm and disarm remotely, provide alerts due to irregular activity, and add and remove users.

5. Security System Access Codes

Access codes are an important piece of an intrusion alarm system because it allows you and/or your staff to arm and disarm the alarm system.  It is best practice for each staff member to get a unique code in order to keep track of who accessed the system and what actions they took.

Learn More

• Introduction to Intrusion Alarm Systems
• Four Questions to Ask Before Buying an Intrusion Alarm System
• Three Ways to Get More ROI From Your Intrusion Alarm System

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