Have you ever been awake at night, wondering if your family, possessions, or business are truly safe? It’s a concern many of us share. We like to feel that we have done everything possible to secure ourselves and our families. Choosing the right security system supplier can start you down that road of peace of mind.
Having been involved in security system design and setup for over 30 years, I know the frustrations of not knowing what or how to choose the right system. Overwhelming is an understatement. But it doesn’t have to be. Before you lose any more sleep let’s break down the steps you should follow to choose a security supplier wisely.
You should get a notebook or pen and paper so you can follow along as we get started.
What is a Security Supplier?
A security Supplier is a company that provides you with a security system for your home. Many major brands are recognizable like ADT, Brinks, and Vivint. These companies have similar things you’ll need depending on your situation.
Reasons You Need to Know How to Choose a Security Supplier.
Deciding on a security supplier can be frustrating. Especially if you have no experience in the security and surveillance field. However, it’s important for you to understand the basics, here’s why:
Safety and Security: The primary reason to safeguard your loved ones, property, and assets. The right supplier ensures you get a system that offers maximum protection.
Quality Assurance: With so many providers in the market, quality can vary dramatically. Knowing how to choose means you’re likely to end up with a high-quality system that’s durable and reliable.
Cost Efficiency: Not all expensive systems are the best, and not all cheap systems are bad. Learning how to select the right supplier can ensure you get the best value for your money.
Tailored Solutions: Every home or business has unique security needs. The right supplier can offer a customized solution.
Avoiding Scams: Unfortunately, the security industry isn’t exempt from scams. Knowing how to choose helps you steer clear of these pitfalls.
Ease of Use: The right supplier often provides systems that are user-friendly.
Future-Proofing: Technology in security systems change fast. Understanding how to choose a supplier can help you choose a system that can easily be upgraded.
Integrated Solutions: Many modern security systems can integrate with other smart home devices. The right supplier will connect your home and system seamlessly.
Support and Maintenance: Security systems, like all tech, will need occasional tweaks or repairs. Choosing a reliable supplier ensures you have consistent access to customer support and maintenance services.
Peace of Mind: At the end of the day, knowing you’ve made an informed decision to keep your family safe will give you peace of mind.
With 30 years of experience making these kinds of decisions, I’ve put together a step-by-step list of how to make the right choice for your needs. Let’s get started.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Choosing the Right Security Supplier
After spending 3 decades making security system decisions I put together this list to help guide you to the right choice.
Understand your needs
Reputation matters
Dive into their offerings
Check out their support system
Consider cost
Think about integration
Test the waters
Each of these steps are there to make choosing the right security supplier less frustrating giving you confidence when talking to each company.
1. Understand Your Needs
Before you even begin searching for security suppliers access solutions, you need to understand your security requirements. Ask yourself:
What am I protecting? Is it your home, office, or maybe a warehouse?
What’s my budget? This will play a big role in the type of supplier and system you choose.
Do I need indoor or outdoor cameras or both?
How big is the area I want to secure? This will determine the number of cameras or sensors you might need.
Answering these questions will provide a solid foundation for your search.
2. Reputation Matters
When it comes to your security solutions, you don’t want to cut corners. Look for suppliers with a proven track record. Here’s how:
Read Reviews: Places like Google, Yelp, and even social media platforms can be gold mines for honest feedback. What are other customers saying about their experience?
Ask Around: Personal recommendations can be invaluable. Perhaps your neighbors or friends have a system they swear by?
3. Dive Into Their Offerings
Not all video security systems are created equal. Once you’ve shortlisted a few suppliers, it’s time to scrutinize their offerings:
Features: Does the system offer live monitoring, motion detection, or night vision? Think about the features you listed as essential from the first step.
Flexibility: Can the system grow with you? If you decide to move or expand, can it adapt to the new environment?
Ease of Use: Remember, a system that’s too complex might not be practical. You want something that’s user-friendly.
4. Check Out Security Systems Support System
One of THE most important steps:
Availability: WHEN something goes wrong at 2 am, is there someone you can call?
Training: Do they offer training on how to use the system? Is the training material accessible online 24/7 after your purchase? You will need this as a refresher.
Maintenance: Like all things, security systems can experience wear and tear. Does the supplier offer regular check-ups or maintenance services?
5. Consider the Costs
While you shouldn’t skimp on security, you also don’t want to break the bank.
Upfront Costs: Some systems require a significant initial investment for equipment and installation.
Monthly Fees: Some suppliers might offer lower upfront costs but charge monthly fees for monitoring services or cloud storage. This can give you constant access to your supplier
Contracts: Some security companies might require long-term contracts. Ensure you’re okay with the commitment.
6. Think About Integration
In today’s tech age, having devices that can communicate with each other is a must.
Smart Home Compatibility: If you’ve got other smart devices, like thermostats or lights, can the security system integrate with them?
App Accessibility: Being able to monitor your security system on the go through your smartphone should be non-negotiable.
7. Test the Waters
Before fully committing:
Request a Demo: Many security companies offer demonstrations. This can give you a feel for the system’s Access Control, Video Security, and user-friendliness.
Ask About Return Policies: Just in case the system or the security company’s service isn’t a good fit, it’s good to know if you can return or exchange it.
Key Considerations For Successfully Choosing the Right Security System Supplier
When going through these steps another consideration is the PERSON you are talking to should be giving you a sense of trust. This relationship is invaluable for later if something goes wrong OR you look for more security solutions.
Take your time. This is not a decision to take lightly. There is no reason to rush.
Once you’ve decided on a provider make sure you can be home when they are installing your system. I can’t tell you how many things I’ve learned while talking to system installers about the systems they work on.
Taking it to the Next Level: How to Bulletproof Your Decision.
Talk to ACTUAL verified clients. Make sure to speak to at least 5 verified clients. You want to ask all the down-and-dirty questions.
What claims the supplier is making about their system? Can the clients verify this? This is crucial to getting ALL the information.
Speaking with actual current clients will give you an advantage and bulletproof your decision.
Alternatives to This list of Steps
Not every system or How-To list is going to be 100% successful. So to better understand the process you could contact National Associations like the Electronic Security Association, or the American Society of Industrial Security regarding Security System Suppliers.
Wrapping Up Security System Suppliers
There are several ways to approach choosing the right supplier. I spent an entire career planning, supervising, and designing security systems for large-scale venues. My experience with Life Safety, CCTV, Access Control, and Intrusion Detection spans over 30 years. In that time I have tried and failed many times in choosing the right supplier. But what I learned at the end of the day is the trust you place in a company will be a leap of faith. However, arming yourself with as much information, as I’ve gone over here, will give you peace of mind when you take that leap.
