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Managing Editor, IFSEC Insider

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James Moore is the Managing Editor of IFSEC Insider, the leading online publication for security and fire news in the industry. James writes, commissions, edits and produces content for IFSEC Insider, including articles, breaking news stories and exclusive industry reports. He liaises and speaks with leading industry figures, vendors and associations to ensure security and fire professionals remain abreast of all the latest developments in the sector.
September 13, 2021

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Why tech is transforming the intruder alarm market

At a recent panel discussion at IFSEC Connect, several experts on the intruder alarm and detection market explored major trends in the industry. IFSEC Global reports on how the sector is undergoing a transformation, and the impact on end-users and systems installers.

“There is a transformation of the intruder alarm system from a traditional signalling device, to a much more interactive system,” explained Omdia analyst, Anna Sliwon-Stewart, in the recent IFSEC panel discussion focused on the future of intruder detection and alarms.

The development of enhanced connectivity options, from 2G, to 4G and even 5G, alongside the integration of disparate systems, has enabled intruder alarm systems to be more than simply a security necessity for compliance and insurance purposes.

Throughout the discussion, the panel highlighted how there was increased demand of physical security systems that interact with each other across access control, video surveillance and intruder devices. For instance, if an alarm were to be sounded on a system that linked the alarm to a surveillance device, security end-users would be given an alert message with the corresponding video footage, enabling proactive monitoring during potential incidents.

IntruderAlarms-EbookFull-21The cloud is also enabling security managers to view incidents remotely, too. Adrian Mealing, Head of Industry Affairs at Texecom, explained that vendors had invested significantly in apps and cloud-based remote monitoring software. While education is a continual process for security professionals to fully grasp the benefits of the cloud, many are now aware of its convenience, where real-time updates can be delivered directly to specified devices even when off-site, improving response times and enhancing the decision-making process.


An exclusive IFSEC Global eBook also covers the views of vendors on the market, which is available to download for free, now: future of intruder alarms and detection: EBOOK – Intruder Alarms and Detection: Trends, Opportunities and Challenges.


A changing world for security systems installers

According to the panel, perhaps the biggest changes for security systems installers comes as a result of the demand for integration and cloud-based products.

Wireless products no longer require base electrical installation and wiring skills that previous generations would have viewed as a prerequisite (though this is still an important aspect of the job), but there is significant upskilling necessary in IP-based skills, noted David Roscoe, Field Operations Manager at the SSAIB.

For those beginning their careers, there is certainly a greater focus on training for apprentices and newer entrants into the market on IP-based and cloud systems. “At the very least, there needs to be a basic understanding of how conventional intruder alarm systems communicate to the outside world, especially over an IP network,” explained Darrell Gilmour, Director of Technical Training at Skills for Security.

Regardless of the move towards remote monitoring, Darrell also emphasised that installers still need to ensure systems follow the correct standards and protocols if alarms are to be professionally monitored and connected with alarm receiving centres (ARCs).

Clearly, vendors emphasise that a major benefit for systems installers sits with the development of the cloud. With intruder devices connected to a network and linked to a cloud-based app, installers can monitor and maintain devices without needing to be on site. Faults and false alarms can be identified quickly, and proactive maintenance and monitoring enables the generation of recurring monthly revenue streams for more steady income streams.

Watch the full webinar below, where the discussion moves on to current growth opportunities, challenges ahead and the switchover from PTSN to all-IP, which is currently in process in the UK.

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