Before you Hire a Security Systems Provider- Think About This:

Finding the right security systems provider should give you peace of mind and make you feel as though you are receiving top service for your dollar. This sounds daunting, but it is not. Finding the best security system provider falls inline with choosing a company that specifically specializes in professional security systems. This will enable you to receive expert services provided through certification in software, hardware, and design. The safest facilities are secured by security system providers that are skilled in integrating high-tech software and securing all types of commercial facilities while taking their time and planning for future risk vulnerabilities, something fire alarm, residential installers, and large national integrators often fall short of.

Fire and Burglar Alarm Companies are not cut out for the Job

Though someone can be skilled or hold knowledge in a variety of trades, they are really only an expert in one. Considering logic, a person seeking out a product or service is going to want the best of the best. And what does the best of the best have, they have experts that create or implement what the consumer is seeking out. Now that we have that covered, consider this, you are seeking out a security systems provider but the company you use for your fire alarm system expresses that they can cover you in security systems integration as well. Your fire alarm systems provider’s core competence is just that, fire alarm systems, not professional security systems. The same goes for burglar alarm providers, contrary to what people think burglar alarms and professional security systems are far from being the same.

Fire and burglar alarm technology has not had any significant advancements or changes in the last several years, they are both compromised of sensors. Fire alarms sensing both heat and smoke, then sending out a signal to inform people while also setting off audio and visual alarms. While burglar alarms use magnetic sensors to detect unwarranted movement, followed by an alarm and signal to the alarm overseer. This technology has been pretty standard for as long as these devices have existed, with advancements basically pertaining to efficiency and speed.

Commercial security systems providers have had extreme advancements in technologies over the last several years and these advancements are not slowing down anytime soon. The technology has changed so dramatically that it requires a skill set that falls in line with those educated in the field of IT. Fire and burglar alarm providers are oftentimes solely educated in alarming devices and set up whereas the new age of enterprise security systems requires extensive knowledge in IT to adequately handle the software.

Though it may seem like getting your security solutions from your fire and burglar alarm provider is an easy two for one way of getting the job done, you are ultimately going to lose out on expert knowledge and integration. Taking the easy route is not substantial for securing your facility and that is why it is important to use a commercial security systems provider for your security needs.

Avoid Providers of Both Residential & Commercial Security

Residential Security Systems Provider

Commercial Security Systems Provider

Avoiding Large National Security Systems Providers

The negatives are very apparent when considering the use of large national security systems provider. These companies are more expensive due to the persona they display in being a nationwide provider. The truth is, they have limited design and technology expertise and outsource the majority of (their customers’ designs) to the manufacturers whom they have purchasing agreements with.  The agreement is simple. National System Integrator agrees to ‘specify’ the Manufacturer’s products into the accounts they serve and the Manufacturer gives them a steep discount on products (enhancing profit margins for the National System Integrator).  Their goal is met through meeting a quota, whereas enterprise security system providers find achievement through providing the best-in-breed solution that fits the needs of their clients.

We’ve heard first hand from end-users that it’s not uncommon for a response to request for service to take several days or in extreme cases weeks.  Again, depending on what the specific service issue is the National Systems Integrator may have a few ‘experts’ on the team but those experts are running in circles supporting the non-expert service technicians in the field. A variety of polls have found they provide poor service and ultimately do not provide long-term value whereas security systems providers that are less nationalized do.

Umbrella Technologies is the best fit for mid-size to large security projects for video surveillance, access control, and a variety of other security tech installation and integration projects. Because of our training, skill set areas of expertise and experience, and history within the field of commercial security we not only believe but know we are the best choice for a commercial security systems provider.