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Chicomm Blog

Commercial Alarm Systems: What to Look For

Posted by Lisa MacGillivray on Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Commercial alarm systems don’t just protect the safety and security of your staff and property, they’re an important investment in your peace of mind. The right alarm system can make all the difference when it comes to preventing, handling and reporting incidents.

When you’re choosing the right system for your business or property, keep in mind what level of sophistication and convenience you need. As you’re conducting your search for a commercial alarm system, here are some features to look for:

Video Surveillance CapabilitiesCeiling_Camera.jpg

Video cameras are among the most trusted and effective monitoring options available, with the ability to track the activities of both visitors and employees, inside and outside of your facility. This high-tech set of extra eyes and ears can both deter incidents and make them easier to prosecute.

Options include high-resolution, dome, box, bullet, digital wireless, outdoor, IP security, hidden and cloud cameras. Some digital video recording and cloud options make it possible for business owners to monitor their surveillance feeds over the internet from any location.

Surveillance Video Recording

In the past, if your security protocols required camera footage to be preserved for a certain period of time, your best option included bulky DVRs and a separate backup server system. Today, video encoders offer the same storage capabilities – and more – for far less space.

Encoders connect to existing analog cameras and convert the analog signals into digital streams that can be sent over any IP-based network, including LAN, internet or intranet. With encoders, anyone with access to your network on an authorized device can view images in real time, as well as recordings.

Alert Mechanism

The best business alarm systems not only detect trouble, they alert you and your staff that it’s happening as rapidly and efficiently as possible. Systems are now available that integrate into existing building management and networks, and when an alert is raised, the system sends alarms via text or audio to MOTOTRBO devices. And it keeps sending alarms until someone responds.

Wired vs. Wireless Alarm Systems

Wired alarm systems require connection to a landline telephone, and once an alert is raised, a call is automatically placed to the alarm company, the police or fire department. Wireless systems offer the same capability, but instead of a call, the alert is reported via broadband WiFi or cell phone network. In general, cell phone connections are more reliable, so be sure to ask if that’s what your alarm company uses. The added benefits of a wireless system include the possibility of being able to monitor or make updates via cell phone or website.

To get help selecting the best business alarm system for your company, contact Chicago Communications.

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