Interactive monitoring is the ability to remotely check the status of your alarm through a mobile app, which gives you the functionality to arm and disarm your system as well: at its most basic, interactive security does this. At its most advanced, it is a tool and a means by which to control the complete electrical and digital workings of your home, from lights and temperature to alarms, cameras and sound systems.

Everyone can, and should, look into updating their monitoring systems to reflect the increasing security and comfort demands of the mobile age.

Tek Systems Group can set up existing customers on interactive security monitoring in little time, so updating your system doesn’t need to feel like a daunting task or one more overwhelming project.

Interactive systems can be integrated into most existing monitored alarm systems. Call a representative to find out how easy a switch in your system will be.

The benefits of interactive, or smart monitoring systems are innumerable. Ian Pattinson, Vice-President, Smart Home Monitoring, Rogers Communications has this to say about it,

“Smart monitoring provides anytime, anywhere connectivity and real-time monitoring. You’re able to view and control your home from a computer, smartphone or tablet. Apps can remotely control your home security, cameras, lights, thermostats, and automate them all. Home automation technology has really developed in the last [five] years making powerful home automation very affordable for the average consumer. For example, when your kids arrive home from school the heat automatically turns up, and you receive a video alert on your smartphone.”

Keep in mind, if your are looking for a full home automation experience, you may have to update your system and purchase special equipment (light bulbs, etc.) to allow for these more advanced options.

Why has this become such an industry game-changer? Ian Pattinson further explains, Interactive security or “smart monitoring increases home safety and security because the system is always online and connected to the cloud through two networks. When the home is always online this means the homeowner and central station are instantly alerted the moment something happens. Lastly, remote control of your system through your smartphone or tablet means you use the system more frequently and have it in an armed state providing ultimate protection.”

It’s also a great (we would say the best) way to provide alarm verification. We talked about alarm verification in our blog post, because it’s an important step in ensuring your home’s security and avoiding costly false alarm charges at the time of an alarm. This is particularly useful to businesses and such where no one would be in the vicinity to verify an alarm’s legitimacy.

How to Get Your Security Up-to-date:

1. Discuss with your family/executives your security needs and wants, talk about some of the benefits that were mentioned in this article and how they would apply to your home/business (e.g. children coming home from school, cleaning staff coming in at night).
2. Check your current system and determine the services you definitely want from your security monitoring system.
3. Call your representative to discuss your current system and the benefits and services you determined you would like to have.
4. Let TSG provide a safe and sound solution that is fit for any modern home or business. The team will work on your existing system or explain which one will allow you to get the best user experience you deserve.

Are Big Tech Companies Actually Giving Value?

Shiny price packages lure us in, low stated prices make us stay – but are we really getting the value and security we expect from large telecommunication technology companies? People want and need dependable security that makes them more secure – or what’s the point in investing any money at all?

Here is the fundamental difference between just purchasing the lowest cost camera package and finding a security company: your safety and security are worth your investment! So, where can you find value? In the words of the Canadian Security Association (CANASA):

“If you currently do not own a security system and have been thinking about getting one, always make sure you try to meet with a minimum of three companies in order to compare services and costs. Don’t be afraid to ask questions about products and services—electronic security professionals are there to help define your individual security needs. Find out how long the security company has been in business, and look for evidence of the company’s areas of expertise and employee training. Discuss your needs with companies who are members of associations like CANASA because they all are governed by a membership code of ethics, which can be used to help resolve ethical issues that may arise down the road.”

So the product and service you want to have is worth the search for each customer. As one US reviewing service concluded, “After reviewing all the top home security systems for 2017, we found that reputation, recognition, technology, and dependability matter the most.” Those characteristics set apart the big-value-providers from the big-brands.

We’ve seen why we should look into an accredited security company, but what should you look for?

Customized Solutions

“The size and layout of your home and property must be taken into consideration,” says Joe O’Connell of ADT, “when designing a security system. However, the basic elements of a standard system include a key pad, a control panel, a siren, an inside motion detector, at least two door contacts, as well as connection to a central monitoring station.”

Just owning and hooking up cameras may seem like a low-cost security alternative, but if there’s no dedicated person to monitor the video, does it make a difference at all? It’s hard to think of constantly watching your mobile security video app as a convenient, or reliable security option. A company like Tek Systems Group can give you the same interactive security features, with the peace of mind of your home’s security being alarm-monitored! Notifications of irregular activity/motion (through interactive monitoring) is the best way to integrate video camera footage for clients.

‘Street Cred’

A legal corporation monitoring your home or business gives the advantage of a professional presence. An alarm company sticker helps keep intruders away – since thieves look for easy targets. In fact, 85% “of police chiefs said security systems decrease the likelihood a home will be burglarized…” (National Burglar Fire Alarm Association, Electronic Security Association)

Other Dangers Monitored

Hidden dangers of smoke, fire, carbon monoxide, flooding, extreme temperatures etc. are all wrapped up by alarm and security companies. Years of industry experience show that sometimes the most common dangers are not the ones that first come to a customer’s mind.

Tek Systems Group is a member of CANASA, doesn’t do cookie-cutter solutions (a sales representative takes a look at what your home or business actually needs, and only gives you the best), has easily recognizable stickers for your windows, and offers all of the hidden danger monitoring specs mentioned above. For good reason, many have entrusted their safety to this local company that’s been a Southern/Central Ontario industry pillar for the last 25 years.

Most burglar alarm users must deal with the flip-side, false alarms. There are things that all can do to reduce the unnecessary costs on themselves and hard-working Police Departments. For example:

• know your codes
• keep pets in their place or use pet-immune sensors
• secure all windows and doors
• alert house guests, cleaning staff, or new system users
• keep contact lists with us up-to-date
• watch for and secure stray objects near motion detectors
• replace batteries regularly; and
• tell us if equipment is faulty or damaged!

Verification is the next big thing in the security industry. The trend is clear, increased false alarms leading to inefficient use of resources for Municipal Police Departments has the security-tech industry crafting more sophisticated ways to verify false alarms. Currently, verification entails that all alarm signals must be verified before a request for police attendance is made. Then, a verified response will be dispatched to the first available police unit and a non-verified response will be dispatched at a lower priority level. The Peel Regional Police and Toronto Police Service already require verification.

Did you know between 75-90% of alarms attended to are false?

The following verification processes are accepted for Toronto and Peel burglar alarm activations effective January 1, 2016, and for Niagara effective July 1, 2018:

• Audio sensing device;
• Video monitoring device;
• Multiple zone activations;
• An eyewitness (i.e. private security or person at scene);
• Key holder confirmation.

So start thinking about how you can increase the security of your home and the reliability of your burglar alarm through incorporating any of the verification processes – that will help now, and into the future of your security system! We can help you choose what’s best, contact us.