How to Choose a Commercial Burglar Alarm System

Mammoth Takeaways

• System Types: Burglar alarms include wired systems, which are reliable but harder to install, and wireless systems, which are flexible but can be interfered with. They can be local, alerting nearby occupants, or central, offering 24/7 monitoring for added security.
• Key Components: Alarm systems consist of control panels, sensors, and alarms. They should be customized to the business's size, location, and insurance needs. Integration with other security devices and choosing between professional or DIY installation are important considerations.
• Costs and Maintenance: Costs vary depending on features and installation type. DIY installations are cheaper initially but may incur higher long-term costs, while professional installations are pricier but ensure proper setup. Regular maintenance and upgrades are crucial for optimal system performance.

Burglar alarms are pretty much a necessity nowadays, or so it seems.
With the rapid progression of technology and the increasing need for protection, it’s no surprise that around a third of all US households have some sort of security system. And that’s just for households, not even businesses.
So, how do you choose the right burglar alarm for your business’s needs? First, you need to see what’s available on the market and what features benefit you the most.

Understanding Burglar Alarm Systems

A burglar alarm is a sophisticated piece of technology that uses a blend of software and hardware to protect a predetermined area. When a system is installed, sensors are placed around the property to create a network. This web can be made of a combination of motion sensors, glass break recognition sensors, and magnetic window and door sensors. The blend depends upon the specific needs of the company and what types of places need to be secured.

Types of Burglar Alarm Systems

• Wired - A wired burglar alarm is one that is connected to its sensors via wire. The connection is more reliable and less easy to hack. However, it can be hard to retrofit into buildings and is often suggested for new construction.
• Wireless - This is a flexible system. All communication between sensors and the control panel are done through wireless signals. The lack of wires allows placement to be more open, but the connection can be compromised by interference or tampering.
• Local - Local refers to the type of notification that the system provides. A local system alerts nearby occupants and does not reach out to a monitoring center during an event.
• Central - In contrast, a central alarm system is connected to a 24/7 monitoring system, which guarantees coverage even in the event of no one being present. Central systems usually incur a monthly fee for the service.

Wired vs. Wireless Systems

People often wonder if there is a significant difference between wired and wireless systems. There is a belief that one must be better than the other. However, each system has its own strengths and weaknesses.
Wired systems are known for their reliability. It’s a lot more difficult to damage wiring behind walls or to interfere with the connection remotely. This results in a stable connection at all times, given that the source is still powered and unaffected. The drawback with this particular setup is that installation is a laborious task. Professionals are required to drill holes and fish lines of cable through a property to create a suitable network of protection. This means that the installation often costs significantly more than a wireless setup.

Wireless systems, on the other hand, are praised for their versatility. With no reliance on wires, sensors and hubs can be placed in a variety of locations. These systems can also be easily expanded or moved if necessary. The flexibility comes at a cost though, as wireless networks are more likely to have interference or dropped signal. These networks are also more susceptible to hacking due to their wave nature.

Local vs. Central Burglar Alarm Systems

Where wired vs wireless focuses on how the system is internally connected, local vs. central is about how a triggered alarm is processed.
A local alarm is not connected to any outside service. Without being attached to a service, this setup is usually more affordable. However, when an event occurs, a notification will only be sent to the owner of the system or people present in the area. Meaning that you are responsible for responding to an event, not the police.
Alternatively, a central burglar alarm is constantly monitored by a service which provides 24/7 coverage. This monitoring also provides the ability to contact and dispatch the authorities during an incident. You are not required to be present for action to be taken. This extended protection does come at a cost: a monthly fee that can vary between companies.

Assessing Your Business Security Needs

As everyone knows, every business is unique and has its own needs that must be met. A grocery store does not have the same requirements that a doctor’s office has. It’s for this reason that it is important to study your business and consider the following:
Property Size: Determining the exact square footage of your business will allow for a more accurate quote in regards to the amount of sensors and panels needed. The bigger the business, the more sensors and/or cabling needed.

Location: The location of the system is also an important factor. Research crime rates, daily traffic, and other metrics. The busier a property is, the more advanced a system will need to be in order to provide accurate protection.

Insurance Needs: Many insurance companies offer discounts to individuals who install comprehensive security systems on their property. This is because the system is likely to deter thieves, which results in it being less likely a claim will be filed. Some insurances may even require certain coverages. Always check with your insurance company before committing to a security setup.

Key Components of a Burglar Alarm System

A burglar alarm system is a composition of many pieces that all play their own part in protecting an area. Below is a quick breakdown of the main components:

• Control Panels: This piece of equipment is the brain of the unit. All information is passed through the control panel. It receives inputs from sensors and from its users via its keypad or interface. The main body of software is housed in this unit.
• Sensors and Detectors: These devices serve as the lookouts for the alarm system. Using varied techniques, different sensors employ unique strategies to detect break-ins. These detectors come in many forms, such as motion detectors, glass break sensors, and contact break sensors.
• Alarms and Alert Systems: The alarms are the result of the unit verifying that there has been a breach. In most cases, an alarm will be sounded to notify surrounding individuals of the occurrence. Monitored systems will also contact the monitoring center to see if authorities need to be dispatched. Some systems, however, use silent alarms which notify individuals without making any noise.

Choosing the Right Features for Your Business

With so many options available, it can be confusing to determine which type of features you should have in your business’s setup. Using the information above, research what types of systems are most commonly used in your industry or location. It’s also possible to reach out to a professional security company and work with them to build the perfect system. They have the knowledge and experience to determine your best options.

Integration with Other Security Systems

There are many smart devices that can currently be purchased. Each piece of technology provides a unique benefit or service. When choosing a system it’s crucial to choose one which is compatible with a multitude of brands. This way you can expand your coverage in a variety of ways without being pigeonholed into one brand’s offerings.

Professional vs. DIY Installation

With all the different systems available there can be the option to install the burglar alarm yourself or to have a professional install it for you.
While DIY systems look like a quick, easy, and affordable option, they can have pitfalls. DIY systems often do not come with alarm monitoring services, can be installed improperly resulting in poor coverage or false alarms, and if broken during installation may not be covered by warranty.

Professional installation costs more upfront, but has a guarantee on proper installation and troubleshooting. Experts in the field make sure that everything is up-to-date and functional when they are complete, which means there is no risk of lack of protection.

Benefits of Remote Business Alarm Monitoring

Running a business is a hectic endeavor. Not only that, with so many things to take care of, security can pass by the wayside. However, having a remote alarm monitoring system can reduce the burden. Being able to check on the safety of a business, even when not on-site, can result in a greater amount of freedom. It also may reduce stress and worry when you have the ability to check in on your property at any moment. Even greater peace of mind can be achieved when you subscribe to a 24/7 monitoring service that will keep an eye on your business for you.

Burglar Alarm System Cost Considerations

There are burglar alarms setups for every budget. Depending on what features and equipment are implemented, the cost can greatly vary.

Installation

DIY systems will cost less upfront in regards to installation. After all, you are not paying for labor time or materials to hook up the system. DIY can incur more long term costs, especially if the unit is installed incorrectly or not properly maintained.

Professional installation requires a fee that is rolled into the cost of your alarm system. It’s usually a significant amount extra, but likely results in less maintenance needed over the years, providing that the system is regularly inspected.

Alarm Maintenance

It’s important to maintain burglar alarm systems and their many components. Weather and time can affect their efficiency or reliability. It’s recommended, that regardless of whether the system was self-installed or installed by a professional, that regular checks are performed on the unit. This means checking sensors for accurate readings, clearing off debris on sensors and cameras, and inspecting parts for physical damage.
In the event that you are unable to perform these checks yourself, hiring a professional security company is a great option. The company can be scheduled to routinely come and inspect your equipment as necessary.

Upgrades

As technology advances and software and hardware continuously improves, it’s likely that over a long span of time, upgrading your system may be required. Some upgrades may require only replacing certain components, while very out-of-date systems may require a full replacement.
Other upgrades can also be done in the form of expanding coverage. Additional sensors and technology can be added to an existing system for better performance.

What to Look for in a Professional Burglar Alarm Installer

When it comes to hiring a professional burglar alarm system installer, it’s worth taking the time to do proper research. Having a comprehensive system installed can be a sizable investment, and it’s important to choose a company that has your best interests in mind. You want to make sure that your selected company is certified, knowledgeable, friendly, and reliable. Look into their reviews, the services they offer, and examples of their previous work to determine if they are a good fit for your needs.

Mammoth Conclusion

If you are looking for a commercial burglar alarm system, look to Mammoth Security Inc.!
Mammoth has years of experience and a collection of highly knowledgeable and trained staff and installers who know the equipment inside and out.
Reach out to our friendly sales team or customer service today to schedule a free on-site consultation!