Businesses have different security requirements depending on their industry, location, customer requirements, and size, among many other factors.
But no matter your needs, intruder alarms are highly effective at preventing trespassing, thefts, and other crimes, and are perfectly suited for use in a variety of different locations.
Before doing anything else, intruder alarms help to prevent theft by acting as a deterrent; their mere presence is often enough to convince potential wrongdoers to steer clear of your property.
However, should a perpetrator proceed to enter your premises unauthorised, the alarm system will send an alert to the business owner or site manager, to a professional remote monitoring centre, and/or to the relevant authorities.
Additionally, intruder alarms can also be controlled using a Smartphone-compatible app, allowing you to monitor the safety of your premises wherever you are.
Using a collection of different security technologies that complement each other - such as combining an intruder alarm and a CCTV setup, or an intruder alarm system and access controls - can give your business an optimal level of security and allow you to customise your setup to perfectly fit your needs.
For example, having an intruder alarm system alongside CCTV may be effective for deterring theft, while combining an intruder alarm with access controls may be more effective in monitoring the flow of employees (and other people) to restricted areas.
The Types Of Alarm
There are three main types of intruder alarm that you may have seen on the market: wired, wireless, or dummy. Each has its positive and negative points, but some are more effective than others at deterring trespassers.
Wired - Wired alarms are mains-powered, which means that the system gets a smooth, continuous flow of energy. As such, it is much less likely to cut out, and you won’t have to remember to change the batteries.
Plus, if your alarm system does cut out for any reason - such as a power cut, for example - you will be sent an alert through the control panel so that you are immediately made aware of any problems.
And as an additional security measure, each wired alarm comes with a backup battery, so that even if you experience a power outage, your premises are kept secure at all times.
Wireless - If your premises has many people passing through the area, or is unsuited to exposed wires for any other reason (e.g. if the location is damp or exposed to the elements), then a wireless alarm may be a better solution for you.
A wireless system is completely battery operated, which means fewer wire-related issues such as trip hazards. However, it is crucial to ensure that wireless alarm systems contain long-lasting and reliable batteries.
That’s why the wireless intruder alarm systems which we provide contain battery sets that last for up to two years – double the length of the average wireless alarm system, which contains batteries that need to be replaced every 12 months.
The Considerations
When choosing your intruder alarm, there are several considerations that your business may need to take into account. These factors are driven by your location, your business operations, staff skillsets, and insurance coverage.
• Premises - The location of your premises can tell you a lot about your security risk. By researching the area and talking to other businesses nearby, you can gauge the level and severity of local crime and learn about the common tactics that criminals might use.
You should also check for any ‘access points’ through which criminals may be able to enter your premises, such as a broken window or a gap in the fencing. By pinpointing these ‘weak points’ in your security, you can identify the best locations to place your intruder alarms and/or CCTV devices.
• Business operations - The way that your business operates may also give you an indication of which security system would be most effective. Consider what your company does, your opening and closing times, how many employees and clients will be on-site at any one time, and the type of stock, equipment, and data that you store on the premises.
For example, if you were operating a leisure centre, would a wired intruder alarm be the best solution, or would it pose a trip hazard when the place gets busy and lots of people are walking through the building?
• Personnel - If the intruder alarm goes off, would you need to attend to it yourself, would you alert the local authorities, or could you assign one of your employees to investigate the issue instead?
And are you happy to allow your employees to move around your premises as they wish, or do you need to monitor their access using CCTV or access controls?
The answers to these questions will impact on which type of intruder alarm system you should consider for your business.
• Insurance – The insurance policy covering your business may also influence whether you need to have an intruder alarm installed, and what type.
For example, depending on your level of risk, your company will be sorted into grading brackets, from Grade 1 (lowest risk) to Grade 4 (highest risk).
In addition, some insurance companies may insist that your alarm is installed by an NSI Gold or Silver approved security provider, who may have their own thoughts about what kind of intruder alarm system you should use.
Do you have questions about choosing the right alarm system for your business? Contact us at info@kcsprojects.co.uk or call 01234 230690 for a free consultation!