Hit the Road Jack
Remember when there was phone jack in every room? Those days are fading into the past as landlines are following the same path to the technology trash heap as the pay phone. Why be a prisoner to your analog fire alarm panel’s software when the new cellular technology delivers more control, better reliability and best results?
Cellular technology, which was introduced in the 1990s, has taken a firm grip on communication. You’ve experienced the evolution of cellular in your hand, from a phone resembling a brick (and weighing as much) to today’s pocket-sized phone that is more computer than phone. In 2018, more than half of American households had only wireless service. Ford’s Detroit headquarters recently purchased 8,000 wireless phones for the staff and discontinues their landlines. Eighty-five percent of the company’s business is now conducted wirelessly.
Cellular technology has swept through the fire and security industry, too, as analog’s limitations and costs have become apparent due to advancing technology. The landline-based security system takes a lot of manual effort, wiring and steady connections to produce surveillance recordings, and it’s expensive to install and own. The limited memory, lack of high-definition (HD) graphics and poor retrieval have contributed to its demise.
Cellular monitoring systems, on the other hand, don’t rely on the internet connection or telephone lines for its operation. It uses the same technology that is used in cell phones, sending cellular signals, both between the sensors in the building, and from the control panel to the monitoring center. The system’s capabilities include:
- Around the clock video surveillance utilizing wireless cellular technology to record and transmit video images.
- Better encryption and security programs to prevent online threats.
- Increased ease of data retrieval.
- Unlike analog landlines, cellular systems are more secure since there’s no physical technology that can be tampered with.
Are You Ready to Be Swept Into the Cellular Tide?
The thought of switching your analog security monitoring to cellular may seem intimidating, but it’s easier than you think, and Brothers Fire & Security is here to guide you each step if the way.
One of the hesitations about making the switch that I’ve heard from clients is that since many fire alarm panels have proprietary software, the programming software is only accessible by an authorized distributor. It is assumed by many of our customers that if we can’t program a panel, we can’t migrate the monitoring of the panel to the Brothers Fire & Security Network, or the programming would be too labor intensive. Another hesitation is that if the customer wants to get rid of the old company, the old company has to come out and do it. Talk about an awkward request!
In the end, they fear that making a switch in monitoring and service companies will be a costly and painful experience.
But thanks to the data capture element in our cellular dialer product, we can use this dialer to interface with the alarm panel and its software and re-route the signals to the new cellular phone number and on to our monitoring station and back. This means you current vendor doesn’t need to be called in to make the switch.
See? Freedom is simpler than you thought. Once you’ve made the switch, you’ll have better and quicker access to the data when you need it, better monitoring and it’s more affordable.
It’s time to breathe new life into your old security system, so give Brothers Fire & Security a call to get started.
About Brothers Fire & Security
As one of the premier providers of fire and security solutions in the Upper Midwest, Brothers Fire & Security strives to build long-term, value-added relationships. We work with business owners and property management companies, as well as all types of public institutions to solve fire and security needs. By taking advantage of our integrated bundled services, many of our clients find that they can save 25-30% on their safety services, annual inspections and more. From a single location to franchises throughout the region and the country, our integrated approach saves our clients valuable time, money and stress. We provide fire protection systems, security systems, fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, 24-7 monitoring, fire extinguishers, card access and kitchen hoods.
