Blog Author: Errington Locksmiths and Security - Milton Keynes
We are a family run business based in MK with over 20 years experience in the locksmith and security industry.
Smart alarms and smart security systems are becoming buzz words in the industry at the moment and I have been prompted to write this blog after recent discussions with customers about what smart security systems actually are and whether or not they are worth the investment.
What is a smart security system?
A smart security system is simply a burglar alarm system that allows the user to interact with it from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Put simply, you control your burglar alarm from your smartphone or tablet! The systems are driven by an internet connected hub which connects with the components of the security system and your smart phone or tablet.
The system can be designed to match your property and security needs but will typically include the following components:
Once the components have been installed and the corresponding app downloaded on your smartphone or tablet, you are able to control your security system from anywhere provided you have an Internet connection. So is this ability to check in on your property actually worth the investment?
According to a survey of ex-burglars carried out by the consumer group Which in 2015, an alarm system and owning a dog were the biggest deterrents when it came to selecting a house to break into. Clearly an alarm system is worth the investment (although a dog may be more fun) but does it have to be smart? Here’s why I think it should be:
I am always astounded by the number of alarms in Milton Keynes that are ignored by neighbours and members of the public. Once a smart alarm is activated, it contacts you directly via your smartphone or tablet. If you have cameras connected to your smart alarm you will then have the opportunity to immediately establish the cause of the alarm and act accordingly. My system recently alerted me to an alarm and a quick check on my smartphone allowed me to establish that my wife had forgotten about our system and entered the house via the back door!
Being able to activate and deactivate your alarm from anywhere with an internet connection is also extremely beneficial. Perhaps you have a dog walker or cleaner that requires access to your property at a particular time of day; or you may have (like I do) particularly forgetful members of your family that will obliviously walk straight past an alarm panel when leaving the house without stopping to set it. I often use my smartphone to check that my system has been armed when my house is empty. I find this gives me added peace of mind and security. I particularly appreciated this feature whilst away on a family holiday.
Can I install it myself?
Many systems can be bought directly “off-the-shelf” and are designed to be installed by the consumer. Big name brands are available including Panasonic, Yale and Samsung but before buying an “off-the-shelf” solution, take some time to make sure it will provide you with the level of security you require. You may need to invest in extra parts or take some advice about installing the components correctly – cameras for example will need to be installed where they will give the highest quality images.
Another option is to have a security expert specify, design and install a more professional system to meet the needs of you and your family. This option has the added benefit of a security expert being on hand 24/7 a day after installation to resolve any queries you may have. Our locksmiths and alarm engineers at Errington locksmiths in Milton keynes are highly experienced in the specification, design and installation of bespoke smart security systems to meet your needs. We offer a FREE site survey where we would be happy to discuss the various options with you. Please contact our locksmiths and alarm engineers in Milton Keynes for more information.
So is a smart security system really a smart investment?
In my opinion, the answer to this question is yes. I feel that when specified, designed and installed correctly, a smart security system acts as a valuable deterrent to would-be intruders and offers greater peace of mind to users.
What is a smart security system?
A smart security system is simply a burglar alarm system that allows the user to interact with it from an app on a smartphone or tablet. Put simply, you control your burglar alarm from your smartphone or tablet! The systems are driven by an internet connected hub which connects with the components of the security system and your smart phone or tablet.
The system can be designed to match your property and security needs but will typically include the following components:
- Sensors
- Sirens
- Motion Detectors
- Cameras
Once the components have been installed and the corresponding app downloaded on your smartphone or tablet, you are able to control your security system from anywhere provided you have an Internet connection. So is this ability to check in on your property actually worth the investment?
According to a survey of ex-burglars carried out by the consumer group Which in 2015, an alarm system and owning a dog were the biggest deterrents when it came to selecting a house to break into. Clearly an alarm system is worth the investment (although a dog may be more fun) but does it have to be smart? Here’s why I think it should be:
I am always astounded by the number of alarms in Milton Keynes that are ignored by neighbours and members of the public. Once a smart alarm is activated, it contacts you directly via your smartphone or tablet. If you have cameras connected to your smart alarm you will then have the opportunity to immediately establish the cause of the alarm and act accordingly. My system recently alerted me to an alarm and a quick check on my smartphone allowed me to establish that my wife had forgotten about our system and entered the house via the back door!
Being able to activate and deactivate your alarm from anywhere with an internet connection is also extremely beneficial. Perhaps you have a dog walker or cleaner that requires access to your property at a particular time of day; or you may have (like I do) particularly forgetful members of your family that will obliviously walk straight past an alarm panel when leaving the house without stopping to set it. I often use my smartphone to check that my system has been armed when my house is empty. I find this gives me added peace of mind and security. I particularly appreciated this feature whilst away on a family holiday.
Can I install it myself?
Many systems can be bought directly “off-the-shelf” and are designed to be installed by the consumer. Big name brands are available including Panasonic, Yale and Samsung but before buying an “off-the-shelf” solution, take some time to make sure it will provide you with the level of security you require. You may need to invest in extra parts or take some advice about installing the components correctly – cameras for example will need to be installed where they will give the highest quality images.
Another option is to have a security expert specify, design and install a more professional system to meet the needs of you and your family. This option has the added benefit of a security expert being on hand 24/7 a day after installation to resolve any queries you may have. Our locksmiths and alarm engineers at Errington locksmiths in Milton keynes are highly experienced in the specification, design and installation of bespoke smart security systems to meet your needs. We offer a FREE site survey where we would be happy to discuss the various options with you. Please contact our locksmiths and alarm engineers in Milton Keynes for more information.
So is a smart security system really a smart investment?
In my opinion, the answer to this question is yes. I feel that when specified, designed and installed correctly, a smart security system acts as a valuable deterrent to would-be intruders and offers greater peace of mind to users.
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