Technology has changed the name of the game when it comes to our day-to-day lives. It makes everything just a little more convenient. But when tech goes wrong or it’s incomprehensible to some it becomes more of a nightmare. Don’t let this scare you away from a Smart Security System.
The more we know the better we are. That’s why we are going to talk about how smart security systems work and above all why they are so important. With anything, there are pros and cons and it’s important to know what they are to make the best decisions we can about these systems.
Let’s get into it!
What is a Smart Security System?
A smart security system can be integrated into your home or business for the sole purpose of adding more convenience and safety to a traditional security system. By using wiring, cellular networks, and smart devices, your entire security system will work with each other off a hub or app for east control.
They are types of surveillance, alarms, and other security features that can quickly alert authorities or your security team in case of an emergency.
Benefits of Smart Security Systems in Miami
When it comes to benefits the list seems endless. Even just the very few on this list are enough to pull the trigger and get a system. Let’s talk about the more important such as safety, convenience, and staying up-to-date.
Safety
There are so many benefits when it comes to your safety. But it is not just your safety that the system works for. Whether it is for residential or commercial, the benefits remain the same.
- Family/Employees. Whether it is your home or it is your business your family and employees’ safety is a major priority. With updated security systems, the security itself becomes more advanced.
- Neighbors/Friends. A security system placed within your property actually increases the safety of the entire neighborhood. When visible security systems are present as well as signs, criminals are immediately deterred from the entire area.
Convenience
The difference between a traditional security system and a smart one is the convenience it offers. Let’s talk through some of the examples where a smart security system provides these conveniences.
- Family/Employees. If you have kids or employees that should have access to the property at certain times or employees that should be only allowed to certain areas. A smart system can work with Bluetooth Access Control to provide these permitted access points.
- Calling Authorties. When it comes to an emergency it is natural to panic and not know what to do. A smart security system alerts the right authorities for you so that you can get to safety while they’re contacted as quickly as possible.
Easy Updating
Smart technology runs on software which makes updating the system very different today than it used to. If you have an old system in place chances are you are going to look at overhauling everything. With smart home security systems when it comes to updating it usually is done in the cloud over software This means that you are financially going to benefit long term.
How Do Smart Security Systems Work?
We briefly mentioned a birds-eye view of how these systems work. Let’s get into more detail so we can really understand how dependable they are. Throughout your property, you are going to assess your needs. Do you want to have mobile access to doors with individual restricted access? Do you want a surveillance camera that has an alarm?
When these questions are answered you can have a professional security team install these smart devices throughout the property. They will work together and be controlled from one central place. This could be a hub panel or an app on your smart devices. This is important because it keeps everything together in one spot.
When something goes wrong of course all the equipment works together to best alert the authorities as well as capture evidence on the scene.
Smart Security Systems Installation
Each individual installation process is going to be slightly different because each property system is going to be unique to its own. Regardless, the same general steps are followed each time. It’s important to note that a poor install can completely derail everything within the security system.
Here are the general steps a company should take:
- A consult is set up so that questions and concerns can be answered and basic info such as budget and property can be discussed.
- Once there is a clear image of what the customer needs and what will work within the property, a member of the security team will go to the property and make additional assessments as well as recommendations on how to best execute the plan.
- After the provider and the customer agree on the final contract and layout of the system, the security team can start the setup. The amount of time will depend on the size of the project as well as how many installers are provided.
Most Common Smart Security Systems
There are a few different types of smart security systems and within those systems are types of function. First, we can talk about the types of smart security systems then assess how they perform.
Self-Monitored
As it sounds this is a completely self-monitored security system. You watch the surveillance yourself and you are notified if something is wrong first then the police. Self-monitored is common in residential smart security systems in lower crime areas.
Third-Party Monitored
This is usually monitored by a trusted security team. This can likely be the same company that installed the system in the first place. This is more common for businesses but is also used in residential properties that want another layer of protection.
Unmonitored
Self-explanatory is a system that is checked in when needed rather than constantly monitored. This is also very popular as smart home security systems provide a level of protection by notifying police when necessary.
Wired
Within these three mentioned above categories you can have a wired or a wireless system. Wired systems are hardwired throughout the house and take an electrical technician to do. This is a reliable way of installing a home security system because it doesn’t rely on the cloud.
Wireless
Wireless runs through data and the cloud. Some prefer to go this route because this is how their smart devices work anyways. The benefit is if the power goes out wireless still can function as it is not attached to the electricity.
Risks of Having Smart Security Systems
When we look at the benefits and we talk about the risks mentioned below it is still fair to assume the benefit far outweighs the potential risk. But it’s important to understand some of these risks associated with smart home security systems.
- Cyberhacking. Cyberhacking is possibly the biggest threat you will have to look out for. Instead of necessarily breaking in physically, cyber hackers may try to break through your firewalls first to gain access to your property. This is another reason why the installation and the right security company become important.
- Poor Install. A poor install can lead to the smart security system not being as integrated as it should be. If something is glitching because it’s not properly wired or hooked up to the server the system becomes moot and your safety is exposed.
Smart Security Systems FAQs
It’s a lot of info to take in for the first time. If it’s not your first time you are probably still itching to get your questions out. That’s why this section is dedicated to the top FAQs when it comes to smart home security systems. Any other questions can be directed at your company of choice.
How do I know what products will work together and what won’t?
Not all security system products will integrate with eachother. This is why the initial consult is really important because your experienced representative can make sure the products in your lineup function together seamlessly.
It doesn’t necessarily mean that they have to all be from the same brand. Nowadays, a lot of security functions are working so that they cna all be connected through Bluetooth. Having said that it certainly makes it easy when you go with a bunch of products from the same company because you know they are going to have fewer glitches and bumps along the way.
What happens when I go with a wired system and the power goes out?
A wired system offers a lot of reliability which is why a lot of customers go that route. However, a lot wonder what happens when the power goes out? Technically speaking, if the power goes out so does your system. That’s not very safe which is why a lot of systems or parts of the system will run on battery until the system can get up and going again.
Some systems run both on hard wiring and network to ensure the best possible connection and for the system to be bullet-proof. Some larger companies and houses may work to just put their building on a generator. That however doesn’t mean there will be a few seconds of delay in the system when it originally goes out.
Are smart security systems expensive?
Full transparency, the smart security system can add up rather quickly. This is especially true when you start to add more features and have a bigger property and more needs. Something to consider in your process is talking to the security company you are working with no possible promotions or deals for working with them.
Another option to lower the prices is to head to your insurance company. The safer your property is the better it is for them. That’s because they are less likely to need to pay out if something goes wrong. Sometimes they will offer incentives for better security so make sure to call them first.
Circle Security Solutions Product Showcase
A number of times we mentioned the importance of working with a security company that knows what they are doing in terms of the install and the smart security system in general. We have been proudly serving Miami and South Florida and offer a number of high-quality products.
Most importantly here at Circle Security Solutions are team is qualified to make sure that your install is bullet-proof. We know it’s an investment and that’s why every I should be dotted and every T needs to be crossed. We will do that for you!
Need monitoring services as well? We are here for whatever you need!
Get The Upgrade
At first, it can be tough to want to drop the money and have an install team come in and start placing things around your property. But once it is done and you are living everyday life with peace of mind that your business or your home is secure, there is no better feeling. When it’s time to make the call make sure you vet your company carefully. As we mentioned all of this can be moot if not done correctly.
And remember it’s not just for you! It’s for your friends, family, and employees. They’ll be sure to thank you down the road to when their lives suddenly start becoming a lot more convenient. And if you still have questions about how the systems work and what’s out there, don’t be afraid to contact us today!
