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A Business Owner’s Guide to Commercial Alarm Monitoring

February 21, 2023

Security is a top priority for any business owner. Investing in security systems and commercial alarm monitoring to protect your employees, customers, and inventory can no longer be a last resort, especially for retailers and convenience stores.

The US Chamber of Commerce website reports that 56% of small retail stores have been burglarized from mid-2021 to mid-2022. In 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation reported that 3% of all violent crimes happened in convenience stores, and 2% occurred in gas stations.

These figures show that small and medium-sized businesses are vulnerable to burglaries, theft, vandalism, and other crimes – perhaps more so than bigger businesses and establishments, because most assume they have low to zero security measures.

What Is Commercial Alarm Monitoring?

Security systems come in different formats and devices. Putting together compatible security features can give your establishment a comprehensive security system.

Commercial alarm monitoring setups connect alarm systems remotely to a monitoring center where security specialists keep watch over everything. They receive and review real-time data, like live feeds from video surveillance cameras or entry logs of every person who enters code-accessed doors.

Monitoring centers in facilities that handle sensitive materials may also receive readouts on pressure gauges, freezer temperature, air quality indicators, and other environmental factors they need to monitor.

Here are examples of technologies and equipment that can be integrated into a commercial establishment’s alarm monitoring system:

Keycard access systems and controls
Intercom
Fire and smoke detectors
Security alarms
Motion detectors
24/7 video surveillance
Internet of Things (IoT) devices / smart technologies

Modern Capabilities of Commercial Security and Alarm Systems

The technology behind commercial security systems is so broad that businesses can customize alarm systems and monitors according to their unique needs. Here are some examples of the impressive features commercial security systems offer to businesses:

- Intelligent Lighting: Adjusts to daytime and nighttime hours.
- Thermal Imaging Cameras: Useful for detecting people with fever.
- Remote, Real-time Surveillance: Allows video surveillance off-site.
- Remote, Mobile Intercom: Allows you to speak to people near surveillance cameras.
- Keycard Access: Ensures only authorized employees enter restricted areas.
- Vehicle Tracking and Monitoring: Useful for monitoring and tracking fleet activity.
- Smart Locks: Allows heads of security to revoke or grant access immediately.
- Heating, Air Quality, and Flooding Detectors: Ensures everyone’s physical safety and well-being on the premises.

The Security Benefits of Commercial Alarm Monitoring

There is no downtime for security in commercial establishments. Even if you are located in a relatively safe neighborhood, a lapse in security can lead to a break-in, causing your business to incur losses.

Commercial alarm monitoring maximizes the benefits of security alarms, empowering businesses to deter and prevent crimes. If an intruder gets past your perimeter security, you have a better chance of catching and detaining them if you have an alarm monitoring station.

Other benefits of commercial alarm monitoring systems include the following:

24/7 Surveillance and Security: Most crimes happen at night and on the weekends when an establishment is closed for business. Alarm monitoring systems provide passive protection: you don’t need to be there to reinforce locks, sound the alarm, or alert the nearby establishments of a crime. Additionally, if there are attempts at forceful entry or vandalism during non-business hours, you’ll have useful information to track down and identify criminals.
Immediate Response From First Responders and Emergency Services: Modern security systems are directly connected to the nearest police station. When a qualified threat trips your security alarm, the system automatically sends a transmission to the authorities or the security company, alerting them of a possible break-in.

Deter Criminals: Security cameras, locks, and alarms may discourage thieves from targeting your establishment. Studies and federal reports show that collective use of security cameras and alarms reduces the overall crime rate in residential and commercial districts.

Resolve Claims: Surveillance and alarm monitoring data can also be helpful in identifying fraudulent claims, like people claiming to be injured inside business premises or harmed in any way because of employee negligence.

Reduce Insurance Premiums: Security systems lower the risk of loss and damage to commercial property. As such, insurance companies typically reduce premiums when you have a sound security system.

Gain Tax Incentives: Section 179 of the Tax Code allows businesses to write off the total cost of fire alarms and security systems in the same year they are bought. You can recoup this investment through tax incentives.

Choosing the Right System for Your Business

Before investing in any security product or system, it’s essential to identify your business’s goals and needs. Consider the following:

Location
Prevalent security threats in the area
Your building’s physical features (i.e., number of doors and windows and window types)
Number of entry points
Number of employees and daily customers
Business hours
Number and working hours of security guards
Value of the goods and services you sell

All of the above will help you decide what type of security systems to buy, where to install specific devices, how many devices to install, and other technical details.

It helps to consult security experts about this matter. They can advise you on how to get the best security while keeping costs within your budget.

We recommend our security specialists at Aeon Systems. Our company offers comprehensive home and business security solutions. We provide and install security devices and have operators on standby. If you seek expert advice on commercial alarm monitoring and security systems, we can help.

Browse our website to learn more about our services, and contact us to request a free quote.

Advantages of Video Surveillance Cameras for Businesses

January 18, 2023

Surveillance systems help keep your property secure by recording evidence of crimes committed on your property. More than this, but these video-recording capabilities also act as a deterrent to criminal behavior. One study found that installing video surveillance cameras on parking lots reduced crime by as much as 51%.

What Are Video Surveillance Cameras?

A video surveillance camera is a recording device capable of capturing security footage of an area of interest around your home or property. In modern surveillance systems, the surveillance camera is often a high-definition capture device capable of detecting and capturing motion, which helps keep an area secure.

Modern surveillance systems are best described as closed-circuit systems. Commonly referred to as closed-circuit television (CCTV), these systems capture security footage, which is then transferred to a digital video recorder (DVR) and stored for later viewing. These systems are considered the most secure, efficient, and cost-effective methods of video surveillance today.

Types of Video Surveillance Cameras

There is a wide range of camera models currently available on the market. But all of these camera options fall under two main categories:

Analog Cameras: Traditional cameras that offer lower resolutions and are connected to the DVR through coaxial cables. In these systems, the camera must be close to the DVR for better-quality images.
Digital Cameras (Internet Protocol/IP): Digital cameras generally have higher resolutions, producing higher-quality images. These cameras connect to a network video recorder (NVR) and can do so wirelessly. Cables are only used when connecting the NVR with the power source.

The following examples of camera types fall under these two categories:

Dome Cameras (Internal and External) – Cameras that come with a protecting dome covering that makes it difficult to see where it’s pointing.
Zoom Cameras (PTZ Pan, Tilt) – Remote-controlled cameras that allow operators complete freedom to keep track of targets and movement.
Discreet Cameras – Cameras that can be disguised and are ideal for indoor surveillance purposes.
Bullet Cameras – Compact and tube-shaped cameras with cylindrical-style bodies.
Thermal Image Cameras – Not often easily distinguishable from standard cameras but are capable of detecting motion based on body temperature.
High-Definition Cameras – Commonly used in high-risk environments and institutions where high-resolution images are critical.

Businesses That Can Benefit From Having a Video Surveillance Camera

All businesses can benefit from the installation of a surveillance camera system on their premises. However, some companies have more incentive to acquire extra protection. These include the following:

Construction Companies

Construction sites are prone to theft, trespassing, and vandalism. As a result, projects get delayed, and expenses exceed the entire budget. A surveillance camera can help deter criminal activity and secure all valuable equipment and materials.

Banks and Financial Institutions

It’s no secret that banks require increased security to help secure their clients’ money. Installing bank surveillance cameras enables security personnel to detect suspicious activity within their premises 24/7.

Utilities and Communication Companies

Utilities and communication companies offer services critical to society’s functioning. As such, all their equipment must be kept secure from vandals, thieves, and trespassers.

Commercial Properties

Video surveillance cameras are essential as they help protect your property from burglaries and vandalism. They also protect employees, visitors, and tenants from any crime that may occur inside the property and the immediate vicinity.

Retail Establishments

Retail establishments must invest in loss prevention to maintain their businesses’ profitability. Video surveillance cameras can help deter thieves and catch shoplifters in the act in real-time, securing your inventory and protecting your bottom line.

Advantages of Video Surveillance Cameras For Businesses

Keeping your business protected from any security threat should be a primary concern for any business owner. The following are some of the benefits you can enjoy with the installation of a video surveillance camera system.

Peace of Mind

The mere presence of video surveillance equipment on your premises offers peace of mind. By acting as an early warning system, these pieces of equipment can help detect the presence of intruders, fire, and smoke, which is absolutely critical in emergencies.

Theft Deterrent

They say prevention is always better than a thousand cures. In this case, preventing theft is always better than trying to recover the items stolen from you – and a surveillance camera can help you with that. Whether the threat is an outside thief or an employee, the mere presence of a video surveillance camera can deter thieves from stealing from you, protecting your inventory and your bottom line.

Liability Protection

Video surveillance cameras can document instances of inappropriate behavior on your premises. They can also offer documentary evidence of any incident that may or may not have occurred, shielding you from any potential liability. For instance, a customer may claim to have slipped due to a puddle of water but did not actually happen. Video footage can clear you from such a lawsuit, saving you a significant amount of time and money.

Asset Protection

Each year, businesses lose up to 7% of their annual revenue to theft and burglary. This figure also doesn’t account for other potential losses you may experience, such as the destruction of property due to vandalism. Aside from acting as a deterrent to criminal behavior, security footage can also aid in identifying crimes as they happen, which helps prevent inventory loss. Further, it can provide additional insight into problematic behavior and reduce instances of workplace incidents, protecting your assets from damage and loss.

Get the Best in Video Surveillance Technology at Aeon Systems

As a business owner, keeping your assets and inventory secure is crucial in protecting your investment. Invest in video surveillance equipment from a reliable provider to prevent losses and ensure your bottom line.

Aeon Systems offers a complete range of security solutions for residential and commercial properties, helping protect your precious assets. We also provide and install security devices on any existing system to greatly enhance your security capabilities. Visit our website to learn more about our services, and contact us to request a free quote.

How Does Alarm Monitoring Work With an Alarm System?

December 14, 2022

Current emergency and security monitoring systems have leveled up to meet consumer demands, one of which is an immediate response from personnel who can provide aid or protection when needed. This is the purpose of alarm monitoring and why it is a crucial addition to the standard home or commercial alarm systems.

What Is Alarm Monitoring?

Alarm monitoring is a system of on-site security and alarm devices communicating rapidly with your security provider’s central station. Here’s how it works:

The security company installs the alarm system in your home, office, or building.
The alarm system is on standby 24/7 and is connected via telephone or Internet lines to the central station or the emergency department.
If the system is triggered, it will send a signal to the central station.
The central station has monitoring personnel who will call the house or building where the signal came from to verify if an emergency is occurring or if the alarm was falsely tripped.
An affirmative reply will signal the security personnel to immediately contact first responders and other appropriate emergency services, like the fire department or the nearest police station.

What happens if your alarms go off while you are out of the house? What if an emergency is happening, but circumstances prevent you from answering the phone call?

The SOP (standard operating procedure) for security systems providers is usually to still call the authorities or first responders, depending on which alarm system transmitted the signal. After all, it’s safer to verify a false alarm than to respond late to a real emergency.

If you suspect an intruder is entering the building, answering a call from your security company could be dangerous then. This is especially true in commercial establishments where armed thieves can harm staff and customers at the slightest provocation. To prevent such tragedies, security providers offer security systems that contact first responders immediately without alerting anybody on the premises.

Security Alarms That Connect To Alarm Monitoring

To better demonstrate how alarm systems work within an alarm monitoring system, let’s consider the security alarms you usually find on a residential property.

Here are the alarm systems homeowners typically invest in for their security:

Perimeter motion sensor
Window and door sensors
Tamper sensors (usually in phone boxes and the main power box)
Smoke detector
Carbon monoxide detector
Floodwater detector
Intruder alarm
Temperature monitor

As described above, these systems perform different functions; and when triggered, they transmit emergency signals to the security provider’s monitoring station and emergency departments.

What Should a Property Owner Know When Installing a Monitoring System?

In an ideal situation, alarm systems are provided by the same security company, making it easier to link all systems to form a home security ecosystem.

However, having security systems from different companies is more common because households tend to add one at a time. Secondly, security companies specialize in different risk areas: the highest-rated company for home security systems may not be the popular choice for carbon monoxide detectors, for example.

Here are a few things to check when choosing alarm systems from different home security providers:

Do they have personnel monitoring for triggered alarms 24/7?
Can you trust them to contact the police, fire department, and paramedics immediately?
Are the new monitoring devices compatible with your existing alarm monitoring system?

What’s important is you can trust each service provider to be on guard 24/7.

Uses of Alarm Monitoring for Homeowners and Business Owners

Now more than ever, alarm monitoring systems are needed in homes and businesses in America. Homeowners and employees might overlook security threats they’re not aware of. Moreover, people are sometimes slow to notice dangerous incidents like spiking carbon monoxide levels (think of a frog in a pot of slowly boiling water). Alarm systems compensate where the five senses might fall short, and that’s how these technologies save lives.

Besides providing security and ensuring the safety of the people within a property, here are the different uses for alarm monitoring systems in homes and businesses:

Damage prevention – Helps protect properties from vandals, burglars, and calamities like fire, toxic gas poisoning, and floods.
Access Control – Denies unauthorized people entry to your home or high-security areas of your business premises.
Reduce power consumption – This enables property owners to monitor power-hungry smart home features, like lighting, heating, and air conditioning.

Get the Best Security and Alarm Monitoring Technology at Aeon Systems

Protect your family or staff by picking suitable alarm systems from a trusted service provider.

Aeon Systems offers comprehensive home and business security solutions. We provide and install security devices and have operators on standby, ready to call first responders immediately whenever there’s a valid threat.

We also offer a wide range of security systems, like fire alarms, smart home systems, and video surveillance. Browse our website to learn more about our services, and contact us to request a free quote.

Which is Better: Wireless CCTV or Wired CCTV?

November 11, 2022

Now’s a great time to improve your home security with CCTV systems. There are now many options for high-resolution cameras, audio surveillance, indoor/outdoor compatibility, smart home integration, remote monitoring, etc., so you should be able to find a video surveillance system whose features work for your home.

Before selecting brands and cool, high-tech features, consider first choosing between wireless or wired CCTV systems.

What Is the Difference Between Wired and Wireless Systems?

It helps to recognize the distinction between “wired” and “wireless” CCTV camera video cameras. These determine how the devices transmit footage to their respective hubs.

Wired CCTV

Needs cables connected to a power source to work
Sends footage to a hub through ethernet cables
Allows users to view footage in real-time or later by checking the archive

Wireless CCTV

Also needs cables connected to a power source
Sends footage to a hub wirelessly via WiFi
Also allows real-time or archive viewing of footage

So, are all CCTV systems wired to an extent? Isn’t there wireless CCTV surveillance at all?

The answer is yes, there are non-wired CCTV cameras and surveillance systems, and they are called “wire-free.”

Wire-free CCTV

Battery operated; no power cables included
Transmits footage wirelessly via WiFi

Only records footage when the system detects motion within its coverage range (a limitation of being battery-operated)

Wire-free systems are classified as wireless, it’s easy to get confused if a security systems provider only asks if you prefer wireless or wired.

To make the best choice for your home, consider the benefits of each option.

The Pros and Cons of Wired CCTV

The biggest advantage of wired CCTV cameras is that they are more reliable in transmitting and archiving surveillance footage. The system won’t suddenly stop recording because it ran out of batteries or memory card storage space.

Transmission is also unaffected by weak WiFi signals or poor Internet connection. The footage is immediately archived in an on-site hub or the cloud.

Transmission fidelity, which is crucial for real-time CCTV monitoring, is also stronger in a wired CCTV system. It doesn’t depend on WiFi strength, so there are no issues with concrete walls and floors blocking Internet signals and impeding transmission.

As for the disadvantages, the most significant issue is the amount of work and wires needed for the installation. Power supply and transmission lines are all via cables, so you can easily need a couple of hundred feet of power cables and ethernet wires. Moreover, you must carefully plan the wiring for cameras mounted far from power sources.

Another huge challenge with installation is keeping the wires out of sight. Tacking the cables along the baseboards, cornices, and trims can be easy, but exposed cables are messy and will take away from your home’s interior design. In addition, it’s a lot of work to drill small holes in drywall and fish out cables from one end to another, so DIY-ing the installation of a wired CCTV camera is usually not your best option.

Finally, the dependence of wired systems on power cables can pose an issue if power outages are common in your area. You may have to invest in backup generators to ensure 100% surveillance continuity.

The Pros and Cons of Wireless CCTV

Scalability and portability are the two biggest benefits of using wire-free CCTV. You can mount them anywhere you like on your property and expand the coverage range with less hassle than wired CCTV. Wireless systems still use power cables, but the installation work is minimal compared to wired systems. Simply plug the cameras in, then program the devices to your WiFi.

Another advantage of wireless and wire-free cameras is they often have advanced features and machine-learning capabilities. For example, they can detect motion and sound and distinguish harmless animals or swaying plants from human movement. As such, they only record whenever a person walks inside their surveillance range, not every time a cat stalks across the yard.

Considering their functions and mechanisms, wireless systems are also more energy efficient compared to wired varieties.

Ironically, however, these advantages are also their disadvantages. For example, when the battery in a wire-free system runs out, the cameras can’t record anything until the empty cells are replaced or recharged. In addition, if the WiFi connection weakens, real-time transmission and archiving will be affected, and you can lose crucial surveillance footage. Finally, thick concrete or brick walls can block WiFi signals and compromise video recording and transmission.

Wired vs. Wireless CCTV Camera Video: Which Should I Choose?

Picking CCTV systems should be about finding the best match for your house and surveillance needs. It’s not that one is superior to the other, but a specific system might serve you best.

For example, wired CCTV will usually work for you if you own your residence and don’t intend to move soon. However, wireless CCTV may be the better choice if you are a renter and cannot just drill holes in the walls. You can also take the CCTV cameras with you if you decide to move to another place.

Also, consider other important factors like WiFi strength, frequency of power outages, budget, urgency (wireless is faster and easier to install than wired), advanced features, etc. You can also opt for a hybrid system and combine wireless and wired CCTV systems if doing so meets your surveillance requirements.

If you have further questions about CCTV surveillance and want a professional’s input, get in touch with Aeon Systems. We provide comprehensive and affordable home security solutions, including video surveillance and alarm monitoring. Our residential security systems experts can help you design a CCTV system that meets your needs. If you need installation assistance, our team will be happy to assist.

Call Aeon Systems at 817-466-9079 or contact us online to request a free quote.

What You Need to Know Before Investing in a Wireless Alarm System

October 12, 2022

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), property crimes are the most common type in the U.S.

In 2019, there were over 2,000 property crimes per 100,000 people. In contrast, there were just 379.4 violent crimes per 100,000 people in that same year. This means that statistically, you are more likely to be a victim of property crime than any other type.

Alarm systems are a proven tool in preventing property crime. But with so many on the market, it may be difficult to choose which one will work best for you and which ones you can trust.

One of the most popular options among security-minded homeowners is wireless security systems. They have many advantages over their older, wired counterparts. Mainly, wireless systems do not need to be hardwired to a DVR box in the basement of your home or building. You won’t have to worry about drilling through walls or running cables through your home.

Before you hit “checkout” on that wireless alarm system you’ve been eyeing, it pays to know what you need from a system. Having this information handy will help make sure that your requirements will be met by the specifications of the system you invest in.

How Much Coverage You Need

Before choosing a system, consider whether you need alarm monitoring inside your home, outside, or both. Mapping out and measuring your space and figuring out the boundaries for your future security system will help you choose units that provide the necessary coverage.

Generally, apartments and small homes can get by with just one outdoor camera to go with their alarm security system. For one thing, having cameras inside can intrude upon your privacy and that of your household. Although, if you must, it’s best to keep cameras in common areas like hallways and living rooms.

Bigger properties and those with outside buildings like sheds, outhouses, and garages will benefit from more cameras. The amount of cameras you will need depends on the size of your property.

What Kind of Cameras Are Best

Most home security systems come with cameras that allow you to see what’s happening within the coverage area. Cameras are useful because they document crimes and act as a deterrent to potential burglars.

Alarm system cameras can be grouped into two basic categories: indoor and outdoor. The latter are usually waterproof.

Most modern wireless systems come with high-definition (HD) cameras, some of which also have night vision capabilities.

Keep in mind that wireless security cameras cover, at most, 300 feet, as long as there isn’t a wall blocking the signal. If you plan on monitoring more space than that or if there are possible obstructions to the signal, you may need more cameras.

What Is Required for the Wireless Alarm System

Contrary to popular belief, not all wireless alarm security systems need WiFi to function. Wireless alarm systems can require the following connections:

Cellular: This type of system uses cell towers to transmit signals and allow calls. It usually requires a cell plan, which in turn translates to additional operating costs.
WiFi: Internet-enabled systems are more cost-effective than cellular, as they require nothing more than the WiFi you probably already have at home. It also works well with smart devices, and you can use your phone to enable or disarm your system. Some systems have additional helpful features, such as automatic text alerts and compatibility with virtual assistants like Alexa. A potential risk with this option is if your WiFi is down for any reason or you have a capped plan, you will not have security.

Dual: This system utilizes cellular data but can switch to WiFi as a backup when signal problems arise.

How Much Does the Service Cost?

The cost of having a wireless alarm system depends on many factors, such as whether you also plan on having it professionally monitored. Security experts recommend this over self-monitoring, mostly because it’s impossible to constantly watch your security cameras for any suspicious activity.

Having your home professionally monitored means you get timely responses to home emergencies, as well as regular testing to ensure that your alarm security system is working as it should. What’s more, it can help lower your insurance premiums.

Other factors that affect how much you end up paying for your wireless security system include the type of equipment you choose, the installation fees and the activation fees.

Despite these expenses, most homeowners find that the peace of mind alarm systems bring is worth every penny.

A Security Company Backed by More Than 35 Years of Experience

Aeon Systems provides security solutions to residential, commercial, and industrial clients in the Arlington, TX, area and beyond. Our services include home wireless security system installation and monitoring via our 24-hour alarm monitoring facility.

To request a free quote, give us a call at 1-817-466-9079.