Protecting your business premises and assets from unauthorised access, intrusions and theft is a top priority. An effective intruder alarm system should therefore be a crucial component of your overall security strategy. However, with a wide range of options available, choosing the best intruder alarm system for your business can be a daunting task. In this article, we will guide you through the key factors to consider when selecting an intruder alarm system to meet your need.
A good place to start when choosing the best intruder alarm system for your business is to access what our security requirements are. What issues do you want to address and what are the vulnerable aspects of your site? Recent data from the Home Office reveals that 19% of wholesale and retail premises in the UK experienced a crime in the preceding 12 months, highlighting a persistent threat to commercial property. It’s therefore important to consider the risks associated with your industry as well as the site size. This will help you filter down security systems to find one that meets your needs.
For those operating in high-risk environments, such as the retail sector or logistics industry, the volume of high-value stock makes them a primary target for sophisticated intruders. Understanding how to build a security-first culture in your workplace begins with a thorough risk assessment that identifies these entry points.
There are various types of intruder alarm systems available, each with its own features and capabilities. It’s important to understand the different types so that you know which will suit your site best. The two main categories are wired and wireless systems:
Wired Systems – require physical wiring to connect the control panel, sensors, and sirens. They offer a reliable and robust solution, especially for larger properties, but may involve more installation time and cost.
Wireless Systems – use wireless technology (e.g. WIFI) to connect the components, eliminating the need for extensive wiring. They are easier to install and can be more flexible for buildings with limitations on wiring, but may require battery replacements and can be susceptible to signal interference. You can explore the EN50131 guide to intruder alarm grades to understand the technical standards required for insurance compliance.
If you’re unsure, a site survey with a professional installer will help you determine what is suitable. It is also important to ensure your team is aware of what your employees should know about intruder response procedures so the hardware is supported by human action.
Although a professional installer will evaluate your site and suggest appropriate components and their location, it’s always good to research your options yourself. Essential components include a control panel, keypads for arming/disarming, door/window sensors, motion detectors, and sirens. Therefore when agreeing on a system, ensure it has all these assets and provides adequate coverage for your premises. Additionally, you can consider advanced features such as glass break sensors, panic buttons, or integration with other security systems for comprehensive protection.
For businesses in specialised sectors like the healthcare sector, sensors might need to be positioned to protect medicine stores or sensitive patient records. Often, insurers will mandate specific certifications, so it is helpful to understand security system certification and what insurers look for before finalising your hardware list.
When deciding on an intruder alarm system, it’s worth considering if you want the system professionally monitored. Professionally monitoring can provide a whole host of benefits to a site and is considered a worthwhile investment to ensure continuous monitoring and increased safety and security. Market analysis suggests that the UK security monitoring sector is growing significantly as more businesses move away from unmonitored “bells-only” systems toward managed security. You can learn more about the benefits of remote monitoring for fire and security systems and how they provide peace of mind during out-of-hours periods.
It’s a good idea to consider the scalability of an intruder alarm system. As your business grows, so may the security requirements. Therefore it’s worth choosing a system that has the flexibility and scalability to easily accommodate your changing security needs. This is particularly relevant when securing business premises after hours, as expansion may lead to new blind spots or entry points that weren’t present during the initial installation.
Make sure to research the manufacturer and installer of your intruder alarm system, as well as their accreditations, to ensure a high-quality and reliable system is being installed. An intruder alarm system is a worthwhile investment to protect your business, site and people, so quality and reliability are paramount. Checking a provider’s accreditations ensures they meet the stringent British and European standards for security equipment.
Consider the integration capabilities of the intruder alarm system with other security systems you may have in place, such as CCTV cameras, access control systems, or fire alarms. Integration allows for a unified security infrastructure, enabling seamless communication and coordinated responses.
At BusinessWatch, we connect all your security and fire safety systems, so they are completely integrated and can create efficiencies across your site – find out more here. There is immense value in integrating intruder alarms with fire safety systems, as it allows for a central command point during an emergency, reducing response times and potentially saving lives.
When looking to install an intruder alarm system on your site, it’s best to talk to the professionals. A professional installer will hold a wealth of experience and be able to advise you on what would work best for your site. They will be able to create bespoke solutions that address all your site’s needs and offer professional advice on the best intruder alarm for your business. For instance, those in the property management sector often face unique challenges regarding multi-tenant access that only an expert can navigate.
If you are still unsure of what intruder alarm system would be best for your business or are looking for an NSI Gold-approved installer, we can help. We are experienced in alarm systems across a variety of industries and are trusted by some of the UK’s leading organisations.
Talk to the team for a free quote and to book your site survey. Call us on 0330 094 7404 or contact us online here.
