Tell Me More: Alarm monitoring system

Each year, businesses lose billions of dollars to theft and vandalism that could be prevented with the installation of an alarm monitoring system. These losses aren't limited to the loss of merchandise and equipment: they include the disclosure of personal information that customers trust you to keep private.

Composed of a series of devices that detect unauthorized entry, an alarm monitoring system sends a signal to a central monitoring station when it detects intrusion. These nationwide monitoring centers provide continuous service – 24X7X365 – and will alert local police to dispatch authorities to the scene as necessary.

All you need to get set up with an alarm monitoring system is a standard phone system. You can then select whether you want a hard-wired or wireless system. You can easily add a monitored alarm to your pre-existing wiring, but a wireless system can keep wires out of sight and can be installed without disturbing the work area.

Each alarm monitoring system features a set of standard equipment that watches over your business and helps prevent serious theft and damage:

• Control panels. Power source of the alarm monitoring system, usually hidden in a closet away from plain view, that’s connected to your telephone wiring.
• Security keypads. Two-way communication system that allows employees to confirm who they are by entering a passcode manually, or telling it to central monitoring personnel.
• Motion detectors. Trips the alarm by sensing changes in the infrared energy levels when an intruder is in the area.
• Door and window contacts. Magnetic devices placed along door jams and window frames that trigger the alarm system when opened.
• Glassbreak sensors. Sensors identify the acoustic shock waves of glass breaking and set off the system.
• Sirens. Audible horns activated inside and outside of the building. May also include strobe lights to draw immediate attention to the intrusion.