Questioning what you bought? We often do when the devices are high-tech. Even more so when most of it is hidden from plain sight. And then throw in 3rd party service contract uncertainty.
Seems odd.
You buy a Bosch alarm panel.
You buy it for all the right reasons.
- brand reliability
- data security & encryption
- ease of use
- customized functions
- UL listed
- warranty
- longevity of technology
- dedicated service dealers
So why might you unknowingly not be leveraging some of the best features?
You likely have no idea you're not!
Odds are that you're using the majority of the features you want on the "user-side" of the equation. But let's look at what's happening on the central monitoring station side of the equation.
The central monitoring station is where your Bosch intrusion detection alarm system (G-series or B-series) is monitored 24x7x365. The various central station companies, ranging from federal government monitoring locations to your local alarm dealer, use various manufacturers' technology to receive and evaluate the alarm messages coming to their station.
The incoming alarm information, very basic or very detailed, is used to give the responding guard or police agency information about the alarm situation so that they know as much detail as possible about the intrusion as they determine their proper response.
Wait. Are you hearing a train coming down the tracks? Hang on . . . maybe, maybe not . . .
Let's talk about the central station's technology choice for a moment.
Bosch's current central station receiver technology is the D6600. The most current "line card" is the D6641. And the newest Ethernet interface is the ITS_D6686-UL.
These most current behind-the-scenes devices allow your central station contractor to accept the latest formats of Bosch intrusion panel alarm messages. With the newest line cards in place, the central station can accept the "Modem 4" format which allows the central station staff to receive the most details through alarm reporting. This enables the dispatchers at the central station to know exactly what is happening on your property. The IP interface allows you, the business owner or manager, to eliminate your telephone lines (i.e. reduce unnecessary expenses) and transmit alarms via existing Ethernet or cellular connection.
Essentially it's a win, win. You win by transmitting the most detailed information about an alarm event.
Then you win again by reducing unnecessary expenses related maintaining to old telephone lines. More here about eliminating old phone lines and saving money.
So, why does all this tech talk and part number discussion really matter?
When you send your Bosch alarm messages to central stations not equipped with Bosch receivers, your central station must use basic "Contact ID" format to receive the alarm information. This means that the central station can't receive the most important, detailed information from your panel's alarm message.
Important information such as where at your facility the intrusion is taking place. Certainly you'd like for the responding officer to go to where the alarm is located to catch the suspect rather than just arriving at the front entrance to start investigating. Likewise, the responding officer would like to know the trail the intruder is leaving behind so that the response is safe and effective.
What does your IT department and accounting team think about this?
Having the IP interface is IT-friendly. Not only do you eliminate the cost of unnecessary phone lines, you can also know almost immediately if your connection to the central station monitoring company is interrupted or compromised. With old phone lines, you likely have a test signal sent automatically every 24 hours.
However, if something bad happens in the 23 hours and 59 minutes between signal tests, no signal will be sent out if the telephone connection has gone dark. With IP connectivity, you know much quicker if you have a problem: before you have a malicious intrusion. An IP connected alarm system polls the receiver at the central station at a faster rate. Also, the IT department can monitor the health of the system 24x7.
Since IT monitors so many of your important systems already, why aren't they monitoring this critical system as well?
In the end, business owners want to have the highest level of operability from the alarm system at the lowest cost.
You purchased a high-end alarm system. You want it to operate at 100% and give the people responsible for responding to alarms everything they need to react safely and effectively.
It's about protecting your people and your property.
Alarm system companies want to make sure that the central monitoring station is using Bosch technology to receive their customers' alarm transmissions. They most certainly don’t want to install a solution and not have the proper support on the "back-end."
Later today, or tomorrow, when you're at your desk, give a quick call to your security alarm contractor and ask about the alarm receiving technology at the central station. If you don't like the answer, ask to move your service to a central station that offers Bosch alarm receivers. If you're not sure what to ask or what to do, give us a call and we'll let you know of a properly equipped central station company in your area that will meet your new expectations.
As always, we're a phone call or email away with free Expert Security Advice.
Learn more about Bosch intrusion alarm systems here
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