Here the experts at RISCO highlight the key questions you should be asking before selecting a security system for your customers.
Selecting the right security system for a residence or business requires advanced planning and evaluation of the client’s protection and security needs. Proper evaluation will prevent unnecessary expenses, and will ensure the security level they require.
To help you to successfully choose the security type that is right for your customer, here are a few guidelines that you can follow:
- Wired or wireless security systems?
First, decide whether they’re interested in a security system to prevent intrusion only, or a more global protection system that also includes detectors for additional safety hazards — an intercom system, indoor and outdoor cameras, and other custom enhancements. There are three types of systems – wired, wireless, and hybrid – and all three are excellent, reliable solutions.
So which one should you choose? If the customer is in the planning and design phase of a new home, now’s the time for them to ask their engineer or architect to plan the security and protection infrastructure in consultation with a security expert or professional installer.
While they can choose either a wired or hybrid system in this phase, they may want to consider hybrid as the hybrid allows the user to add wireless devices later, without replacing the main unit. If they wish to secure an existing home, then a wireless system can be a good fit. Its installation doesn’t require preparation of an infrastructure and the breaking of walls to place pipeline.
Regardless of the system type, it is important to ensure that the system is properly installed and that the system’s operation frequency is the approved local frequency for these systems.
- Mapping access points
The primary goal of a security system is the ability to identify and alert the property owner in the case of an intrusion. A quality security system will operate effectively to identify an intrusion from all possible access points. Note: you’re not required to install a detector at every access point, but rather make sure that installed detectors provide coverage to all openings without “exposed zones” (i.e. zones that are not covered by a detector).
This is why installers should first map all windows and doors in all rooms on the property being secured. Review all the possible points of weakness (including access to upper floors, side entrances, and home location as compared to other houses in the neighbourhood) and also take into account high vegetation, and access paths to the yard.
You should examine the premises to assess risk and weakness points on the property and its surroundings, and to plan a system that will work with your customers’ security needs. Residential units in apartment buildings require internal protection in most situations, or protection of the main entrance in the residential space.
In the case of a private home, garden apartment, a penthouse, or a house with side balconies, you should also consider protection of outdoor areas that provides an additional level of protection. You may also want to think about installing outdoor detectors and cameras. An external protection is more effective for protection from intruders since it alerts the user before the intruder enters the premises and causes any damage (breaks window or locks etc.).
- Is there a connection to a security centre?
Connecting the security system to a monitoring centre will improve the quality of your customers’ security. When the system is connected, an alert is sent to the monitoring centre each time the system is activated. In this case, the monitoring centre will contact the homeowner by phone to ensure that there is no false alarm, and will then contact patrollers for a field inspection, as needed.
Take into account that connection to a monitoring centre usually involves a fixed monthly fee which is based on system size and service type. The connection to the monitoring centre can then be activated by either the monitoring centre company, or a professional installer.
RISCO and reward
Over the past three decades, RISCO Group has evolved to become a leader in the global security solutions market, producing high quality and reliable security products for every type of security installation – from intrusion alarm systems for residential and commercial installations — including a full range of accessories — to large scale access control and integrated security and building management platforms.
For more information about the range of security products and equipment from RISCO Group visit: www.riscogroup.com/uk
