Choosing an Intrusion Alarm System

June 21, 2022 | By: mm-admin

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. This 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. 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. 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. In turn allowing you to make quick 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 any intrusion alarm system. This is because they  allowsyou and/or your staff to arm and disarm the alarm system. It is best practice for each staff member to get a unique code. These codes will help to keep track of who accessed the system and what actions they took.

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fire monitoring of canada logoFor over 30 years, Fire Monitoring of Canada (FMC) has been a leader in the monitoring of fire alarm and intrusion alarm systems.  If you would like to learn more about intrusion alarms and the benefits they can provide for your facility, please call 1 888 789 FIRE (3473), email fminfo@fire-monitoring.com, or fill out the contact form below.