Why You Need to Monitor and Maintain Your Business' Alarm Systems.
From the Perspective of an N.S.I Gold Installer with an in-house 24/7 Monitoring Station.
Maintaining an effective alarm system is vital to the security of your business, its assets and personnel. Regular monitoring and maintenance can ensure that your alarm systems are functioning correctly and optimally, helping to prevent theft, damage and other security issues.
1. Protecting Your Assets
In any business, tangible assets such as equipment, stock and technology can be a prime target for thieves. According to the UK's Office for National Statistics, there were an estimated 289,000 reported incidents of burglary on business premises in England and Wales alone from April 2019 to March 2020. A well-maintained and monitored alarm system acts as a strong deterrent against burglaries, helping to safeguard your valuable assets.
2. Ensuring Employee Safety
Your employees are your most valuable asset and their safety is paramount. A monitored alarm system can provide round-the-clock protection for your staff, particularly those who work outside standard business hours or alone. In case of a security breach or other incidents, the alarm monitoring centre can alert the necessary emergency services.
3. Compliance with Insurance Requirements
Many insurance companies require businesses to have a functioning and monitored alarm system in place as a prerequisite for theft and damage coverage. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can ensure that your system is up-to-date and meets the required standards, preventing any issues with insurance claims in the event of an incident.
4. Rapid Response to Incidents
A monitored alarm system ensures that any triggered alarms are not ignored. Alarm receiving centres in the UK are regulated by the British Standard BS 5979 and European Standard EN 50518, which requires them to respond to alarm activations within a specified time frame. The faster the response, the quicker the situation can be assessed and therefore appropriate action can be taken to mitigate potential damage or loss.
5. Prevention of False Alarms
False alarms can be disruptive, potentially leading to a loss of faith in the system and complacency amongst staff. Regular maintenance can help identify and rectify issues before they result in false alarms. In many areas of the UK, police response to alarm activations can be withdrawn if there are excessive false alarms from one location.
6. Save on Costs in the Long Run
While there is an initial investment and ongoing costs associated with maintaining and monitoring alarm systems, these are usually offset by the potential losses a breach could cause. In addition, a well-maintained system will last longer, reducing the need for early replacement.
7. Providing Peace of Mind
Knowing that your business is protected 24/7 offers an invaluable sense of security. Alarm monitoring gives the reassurance that, even when your premises are unattended, there is a vigilant eye ensuring the safety of your business.
8. Continuous Improvement and Adaptation
With Business growth there is a constant requirement for reviewing all security aspects. Regular maintenance provides opportunities to assess and update your security measures, ensuring they remain fit for purpose. New threats should be regularly addressed and technological advancements can be integrated to provide the best possible protection.
In conclusion, the monitoring and maintenance of your business' alarm systems are essential tasks that should not be neglected. Regardless of the size or nature of your business, a well-maintained and monitored alarm system is a critical factor in protecting your assets and employees, maintaining insurance compliance and providing peace of mind. A robust security system is not an expense it is an investment in the prosperity of your business.
We offer a 360° in-house service, from bespoke design, installation, maintenance and monitoring of all fire and security systems and are proud to have held NSI Gold Accreditation for over 30 years.
