5 Myths About Business Alarm Systems

5 Myths About Business Alarm Systems

The truth about commercial monitoring services

Two considerations come to mind when we talk about business alarm systems: complexity and scalability.

First, it takes a layered interplay of different systems to ensure the utmost coverage across multiple business units, locations and specific security needs. Subsequently, as an enterprise adds and subtracts employees, or expands to new locations, poor scalability can steadily inflate an alarm system’s total cost of ownership.

It is a lot to account for. And though the right business alarm system can help enterprises overcome these challenges, they persist. Their persistence has given way to five pervasive myths that require some expert attention.

Myth #1. You Need a Lot of Extra Hardware to Get Started with a Business Alarm System
Most experts agree that it takes more than security cameras to keep enterprises safe. For tight, around-the-clock coverage, enterprises require the addition of professional monitoring services, if not the integration of additional security measures, such as alarms, access control.

While there are cases, setting up this form of enterprise alarm system requires a lot of extra hardware, that doesn’t have to be the case. Modern alarm systems provide fully integrated 24/7 professional monitoring with emergency dispatch services using existing security devices—with no additional hardware needed.

Myth #2. Business Alarm Monitoring Requires Complex Configurations, Costly Servicing Fees
Traditionally, configuring alarm settings for enterprises has been costly and complicated. At least that is the perception across the industry. The truth is, there are cloud-based plug-and-play solutions that require a lot less configuration, and do not go offline very often, if at all, requiring far less service and care.

For example, modern alarm systems allow customers to fully customize their alarm settings, including the ability to:
Create or transition existing sites and subsites to become alarm sites.
Configure and set alarm triggers with different arm schedules, video verification, and notification lists ad hoc.
Without creating too much additional effort or cost, this customizability ensures that enterprises have the most accurate threat response as the needs of the organization change.

Myth #3. Onsite Security Guards are Enough
When you think of security guards, the ATM at a local branch of a national bank might come to mind. Out front where customers come to withdraw cash, you’ll usually find a security guard close by. Though that security guard is trained to intervene in case of an active incident, their real purpose is to serve as a deterrent.

Across multi-site enterprises, security guards alone can’t possibly provide the level of deterrence and protection needed to minimize incidents. Savvy wrongdoers will time and avoid intermittent patrols. Security guards cannot be everywhere at once, leaving gaps for intrusions, theft and property damage to occur.

Should business replace security guards completely? Not necessarily. But they should consider additional layers of security, such as cameras with motion alerts and a professional monitoring service. That way the enterprise can respond to detected threats in real-time, even if a security guard isn’t physically present.

Myth #4. Intrusions Only Happen at Night
Many enterprises make the mistake of assuming that crimes primarily take place after hours, under the cover of dark. The reality is that a significant amount of crime happens during operating hours—especially employee theft.

Customers often come to this realization after week-long streaks of break-ins and thefts. After implementing modern enterprise alarm systems, including video security and AI-powered analytics, customers make some valuable discoveries. They can now track down responsible parties and people committing crimes in broad daylight, all while dismissing a feline intruder as a false alarm.

Myth #5. Business Alarms are Enough
More than half of retailers allocate additional technology resources and capital specifically toward retail loss prevention. Alarms remain a key component in this fight, as does motion detection with integrated cameras and professional monitoring.

Yet these suites of top-line security technologies only go so far. The truth is that enterprise teams also need to train awareness and conscientiousness among staff members in three key areas.

  • Educate on the ways internal employees and external visitors shoplift and commit theft/fraud.
  • Teach how to detect intruders with a mask or verify a crime-in-progress for police.
  • Train employees to monitor the store when they are offsite, or to secure the store when they realize they have forgotten to lock up.

Where Businesses Go from Here
While the road to finding the most effective business alarm system might seem steep, it helps to know the truth of these five common myths.

  • You do not always need to expend a lot of capital on extra hardware.
  • You can minimize configuration and service fees.
  • Security guards have a role, but they need help.
  • Theft and other crimes can happen anytime.
  • Alarms are but one vital component of an enterprise security system.

In most cases, dispelling these five myths about business alarm systems goes a long way toward finding a complexity-proof and scalable solution.

Featured

  • Cyber Overconfidence Is Leaving Your Organization Vulnerable

    The increased sophistication of cyber threats pumped by the relentless use of AI and machine learning brings forth record-breaking statistics. Cyberattacks grew 44% YoY in 2024, with a weekly average of 1,673 cyberattacks per organization. While organizations up their security game to help thwart these attacks, a critical question remains: Can employees identify a threat when they come across one? A Confidence Gap survey reveals that 86% of employees feel confident in their ability to identify phishing attempts. But things are not as rosy as they appear; the more significant part of the report finds this confidence misplaced. Read Now

  • Mission 500 Debuts Refreshed Identity Ahead of Security 5K/2K at ISC West

    Mission 500, the security industry’s nonprofit charity dedicated to supporting children in need across the US, Canada, and Puerto Rico, has unveiled a refreshed brand identity ahead of ISC West. The charity’s new look includes a modernized logo with refined messaging to reinforce Mission 500’s nearly decade-long commitment to serving the needs of children and families in crisis. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Meeting Modern Demands

    Door hardware and access control continue to be at the forefront of innovation within the security industry, continuously evolving to meet the dynamic needs of commercial spaces. Read Now

  • Leveraging IoT and Open Platform VMS for a Connected Future

    The evolution of urban environments is being reshaped by the convergence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology and open platform VMS. As cities worldwide grapple with growing populations and increasing operational complexities, these integrated technologies are emerging as powerful tools for creating more livable, efficient, and secure urban spaces. Read Now

New Products

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame.

  • A8V MIND

    A8V MIND

    Hexagon’s Geosystems presents a portable version of its Accur8vision detection system. A rugged all-in-one solution, the A8V MIND (Mobile Intrusion Detection) is designed to provide flexible protection of critical outdoor infrastructure and objects. Hexagon’s Accur8vision is a volumetric detection system that employs LiDAR technology to safeguard entire areas. Whenever it detects movement in a specified zone, it automatically differentiates a threat from a nonthreat, and immediately notifies security staff if necessary. Person detection is carried out within a radius of 80 meters from this device. Connected remotely via a portable computer device, it enables remote surveillance and does not depend on security staff patrolling the area.

  • FEP GameChanger

    FEP GameChanger

    Paige Datacom Solutions Introduces Important and Innovative Cabling Products GameChanger Cable, a proven and patented solution that significantly exceeds the reach of traditional category cable will now have a FEP/FEP construction.