As a business owner, your place of work is more than just a place to make a living. It’s a part of you. You’ve put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into making it what it is today. Understandably, you want to do everything possible to make sure it is properly protected.
In most cases, that means installing some type of burglary or intrusion alarm system. An intrusion alarm system can be a tremendous asset to your business by protecting your facility from after-hours break-ins, theft, and vandalism. The system can provide you with peace of mind knowing your business is being looked after even when you aren’t there. A comprehensive intrusion alarm system not only protects your inventory and assets, but it makes your customers and employees feel safe.
Parts of the Alarm System
Intrusion alarm systems are made up of several components that work together to monitor for intruders and alert you to their presence. Some of the primary components include:
Control panel
The control panel is the brain of your system. It’s where the signals from the field devices are sent and processed. The control panel is usually installed in a closet or utility room; somewhere hidden from tampering.
Keypads
A keypad is the interface where you control your intrusion alarm system. From the keypad you can arm/disarm, set users, and perform many programmatic functions. Keypads vary from simple push-button alphanumeric keypads to full screen displays and can have hard-wired or wireless connections. Some systems may require multiple keypads for multiple facility entry points. A specialized fire-alarm signal rated keypad may be used for those who utilize combination fire & intrusion alarm control panels.
Door/window sensors
When a door or window is left open, these sensors alert you. They are placed in a door or window and on the adjoining sill or frame. When the two sensors are touching, the device is secured by magnetic connectors. However, once the door or window is opened and the connectors are no longer touching, the alarm is triggered. Door/window sensors are a simple yet effective method of protecting the parts of your home most prone to forced entry!
Glassbreak sensors
If your windows can’t be forced open, an intruder may just opt to break it. Breaking glass produces a specific sound frequency and glass break sensors use a microphone to listen for it. Once it is picked up, the sensor will trigger an alarm. Since the sensors have a range of several feet, a wall of windows may only need one sensor installed.
Motion detectors
When they are enabled, these devices use vibration, ultrasonic waves, microwave pulses, infrared heat, or any combination of these options to detect movement in a given space. The range and focus of motion detectors vary greatly and depends on their design. Many are engineered to only monitor small rooms from a particular corner with 50-75 feet of range. However, long range and 360-degree motion detectors are available for special applications. Long range detectors can detect up to 200 feet, which is excellent for long hallways and warehouses. 360-degree detectors are great for vestibules and doorways with multiple points of entry.
Panic buttons
These devices allow for people to discreetly call for help in the event of an emergency. When the button is pressed, a signal is sent to the alarm system’s control panel. The signal is then transmitted to the designated alarm monitoring center and the appropriate emergency services are dispatched immediately!
Managing the System
Most commercial intrusion alarm systems are monitored by a professional security company. This means if an alarm is triggered by your system, a notification is sent to your security company’s monitoring center and the authorities alerted. These monitoring centers are staffed 24/7/365 by trained professionals.
Many monitoring centers receive notifications not just of triggered alarms, but of low batteries in system devices and any communication faults or errors between those devices.
Even though your security company is doing most of the heavy lifting when it comes to managing the system, there are still a few decisions that need to be made within your business about certain system management issues. For example:
- Who oversees the account?
- Who can arm and disarm the system?
- Who gets reports of alarm activity?
- Who is called in the event of an emergency?
Beyond the Basics – System Integrations
For enhanced protection, some intrusion alarm systems can integrate with fire alarm systems and remote access technologies. Integrating intrusion and fire alarm systems can be extremely beneficial by:
- Reducing false alarms. The integrated systems can provide confirmation of an incident from several sources before an alarm is raised.
- Lowering maintenance costs. When systems are integrated and serviced by a single provider, this can reduce the cost of maintenance contracts.
- Providing more efficient system control. The ability to monitor and control the systems from one place makes the process easier and more efficient.
Certain security systems can integrate with modern connected device technology to help you control your business security system from afar.
Remote Access Technologies
With the help of apps, you no longer need to stand directly in front of your system to manage it. Remote access apps, like EPS’ Total Connect platform, give you the ability to arm/disarm your system and receive notifications about its status right from your phone, tablet or computer. From your smartphone, PC, or connected device, you can use Total Conenct to arm and disarm your security system, control compatible automation devices such as lights, door locks, and thermostats, and view footage streaming in from any Total Connect cameras–all organized in a simple and easy-to-navigate events log. With the Total Connect app, you can know what is happening and when it’s happening, all from the palm of your hand.
The EPS Advantage
The protection of your employees and property is of the utmost importance, so investing in a comprehensive intrusion system pays dividends in the future. Trust in EPS Security and our nearly 65 years of industry experience to provide you with the security and peace of mind of an EPS system. Let our experienced Security Consultants and Engineers evaluate your business’s unique needs and develop an alarm system solution that both protects your business and provides you with the convenience you deserve. Whether you’re looking to install an intrusion alarm system for the first time or needing to replace your current outdated devices, find out why more and more people are turning to EPS Security for their business security solutions—and discover the EPS Advantage firsthand.