There is good news for all of us involved in the electronic security industry and in particular, remote site monitoring. Next generation broadband is fast becoming a reality.
After 100 years of supremacy, our copper PSTN infrastructure is being relegated to a ‘has been’. The race to fibre is on and BT has announced plans to offer “superfast” internet speeds of between 70-100Mbps to two-thirds of UK premises by the end of 2014 – a year ahead of target.
With many businesses and councils upgrading their communications networks to take advantage of VoIP services so that their data, voice and video applications can all share the same connection, the message to upgrade their signalling is potentially pushing on an open door.
Winning new business
Forward thinking installers are already using managed dual path IP signalling services to gain competitive advantage and win new business.
With no waiting around for a block terminal, no need for on-site programming, installation for IP signalling is not only cheaper, but also easier and quicker.
Installation companies can boost profits further by upgrading their analogue signalling systems to IP and build customer loyalty at the same time.
By upgrading to IP signalling, not only does the customer often save GB pound 200 for each dedicated PSTN alarm line used, but they can also enhance security, improve system integration and experience a more proactive service.
It is therefore not surprising that in these harsh economic times, more and more installers are realising the benefits of using IP signalling to send out a positive message of reducing costs and enhancing security. It also means less time spent on individual channel wiring, meaning a quicker and easier install.
Added value services
But there is more. While upgrading legacy analogue systems to advanced IP signalling is a win-win for customers and installers, more opportunities emerge as installers start to exploit the added value services that the IP world opens up.
For example, the opportunity for intelligent information on the status of a system to be sent in real time allows the exact location of a fault to be pinpointed thereby removing guess work for the engineer and end-user alike.
The ability to talk directly to the panel via a secure IP connection using their existing panel service software puts installers firmly in control.
Remote diagnostics
IP opens up the potential to control sensors and change user codes. It also enables remote diagnostics, allowing installers to identify and deal with problems in seconds, and perhaps even before the customer even realises that they had a problem.
Rather than spend days on the road burning up fuel and valuable engineering resources, routine maintenance visits can be managed without leaving the office.
In a market with rising fuel costs and ever increasing customer expectations, this has to be a major benefit to all concerned.
Going digital is clearly therefore a major opportunity – especially for an industry which needs to always look for opportunities to increase revenue whilst engaging and consolidating relationships with customers by adding value.
IP signalling makes it easy for installers to embrace the broadband roll out and use it to win new business, improve customer service and make more profit.
