This is a service most of our customers already know we offer, but I wanted to make sure everyone was aware. Take a moment and check it out at Armor Keys, hopefully this a service which will help you better serve your company and commercial properties. The site will be under construction for the next several days and we welcome any feedback.

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1. Monitored Alarm System – this is a system that will call for assistance based on the programming of the alarm system. It will either call a personal contact number, or in most cases, it will call the authorities (police, fire, medical) based on the alarm condition. Ninety-nine percent of the time we recommend a monitored alarm system.
2. Non-Monitored Alarm System – a non-monitored alarm system is a local only alarm. This type of system will not call anyone, it will only present an alarm locally. There are certain circumstances where this type of system is preferred, but in most cases a monitored system is recommended.

The goal of any alarm system is to alert you to an unwanted presence. In order to accomplish this the alarm system will use various sensors to detect intrusion. Alarm systems are not a one size fits all application, they must be tailored specifically to the space you are trying to protect. Typical alarm systems will include:

* main control panel
* centrally located keypad(s)
* window and/or door sensors
* motion detectors
* glass break sensors
* smoke and/or heat sensors

In addition to the most popular alarm options there are some other sensors/features which are becoming increasingly popular. They include:

* CO2 detectors
* water sensors to detect flooding
* panic alarms (hard wired buttons or mobile buttons you wear)
* cellular back-up

To recap, alarms are an integral part of business security. When used in conjunction with other security features they greatly increase the security of both personnel and property. I’ve included a few tips on purchasing an alarm system below:

* Do not sign a contract when purchasing an alarm. You will pay a little more up front for your equipment costs when not signing a contract, but in the long run you will spend less by getting a better monthly monitoring rate.
* Make sure training on your system is included in the price. Knowing how to properly use your system will help prevent false alarms. Constant false alarms will lead to fines imposed on you by the county.
* Make sure the alarm installation company takes the time to understand what you are trying to accomplish with your alarm system. A poorly designed and implemented system may actually compromise your security.
* Register your alarm system with your county/city once it has been installed.

Wireless technology can bring down the installation costs associated with installing an audio/video intercom making it more affordable and also more useful for clients. Being able to carry around the indoor unit is appealing to many users of these systems.

Image quality on these units is extremely good, clients are often surprised at the quality of picture associated with these wireless systems. This system is not for every application but it does fit certain situations very well and it is something to keep in mind when evaluating audio/video intercom systems.

Please contact us if you have any questions regarding intercom systems.

There are many reasons individuals and organizations use video surveillance, a few of the more popular reasons include:

1. Theft Security – Theft security is often the most popular reason for video surveillance. Images can be viewed in real time or recorded data can be viewed to help prevent and also to hold those who commit theft accountable.
2. Monitor Work Flow – Several of our customers use video to watch over their production lines and facilities. This can be done from both within the facility and off-site.
3. Protect Business from Lawsuits – Did that person really just fall at your facility? Did your employee do something to cause it? Video and Audio surveillance can protect a business from wrongful litigation.
4. Protect Employees – Several of our customers use video surveillance to monitor the safety of their employees. One example of this is our customer that has a physical therapist working for them alone in part of the building. Using video, the accounting staff in the office down the hall watches her with clients in real time to make sure she is ok. This applies to any employee who works alone.

It is important to know that quality surveillance systems are not the systems you see being sold at stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club. Those systems generally do not record images at a high enough quality to be of any use during playback. This is especially true if you are trying to view images from any distance greater than 10 feet or if you are in low light conditions.

A few tips we’ve found useful with the implementation of a surveillance system at your place of business is to reward your employees for the positive behaviors you see. Watching your recorded videos and rewarding positive behavior does two things: 1) it reinforces that good behavior and 2) it let’s your employees know you are monitoring what is going on at your place of business. Both will have positive effects on performance.

Armor Lock & Safe would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

We are often asked by customers what are the factors they should consider when selecting a security provider.  Here are a few things we suggest to them:

1. The company you select needs to have firm roots in Atlanta. When I refer to having roots in Atlanta what I am saying is that you should look for a company that has a successful track record of serving customers in Atlanta for many years.  Why risk your company’s security by using an unproven vendor with no references?

2. Look for a security company that has the size to adequately service your properties. For commercial clients this means having multiple service vehicles (5+ trucks).  Due to a lack of regulation for locksmiths in Georgia, 95% of locksmith companies do not meet this requirement.  It should not take a week for a technician to come out and see you. If you find yourself waiting more than 24 hours for a service visit you need to look for a new provider.

3. Make sure your locksmith carries insurance. If any locksmith will not readily provide you with a copy of their insurance you should not let them do work on your property. Make sure to protect yourself and your business. Any reputable locksmith will carry a multi-million dollar General Liability & Workmen’s Compensation Insurance Policy. Here is Armor Lock & Safe’s.

4. All reputable locksmiths will have an office location in Atlanta. We can not stress this point enough. Through the years we have seen many “mobile” and out of state locksmiths do unjustice to the profession.  You need to ensure you are dealing with a professional company and not just a single or fly by night entity.

5. Last but not least, work with someone you trust. Someone who will take the time to learn your property and your particular needs. Every property and every customer is different, your security provider should take the time to learn how you do business.