Article Presented by Will West

Smart home services offer enhanced protection, convenience, and peace of mind, making them valuable add-ons for security companies. They give integrators both immediate revenue from additional gear and labor, and the opportunity to integrate the security system more deeply into customers’ daily lives.

New data from Parks Associates reveals that the more smart home devices a user has, the more likely they are to own a security system. In her June “The Smart Money” column in Security Business, Parks Associates’ Jennifer Kent encourages integrators to “inspire these middle-market buyers to acquire their next 3-5 smart home devices.”

The implication is that smart home devices are not just a lucrative system add-on; instead, they are a catalyst that evolves casual consumers into hot prospects. This suggests that integrators have the opportunity to lead with smart home solution sales to form a relationship with customers who will purchase more sophisticated solutions and services over time.

Consumers want the flexibility to choose devices from multiple manufacturers, and they need support. By offering ongoing maintenance and upgrades, security companies can build lasting relationships with customers. This loyalty deepens customer value over time.

Will West is CEO of OliverIQ, which provides an app-based platform for managing the connected home designed for integrator partners. www.oliveriq.com  (855) 789-7500

In today’s rapidly advancing technological landscape, the importance of maintaining and upgrading equipment cannot be overstated, particularly when it comes to systems designed to safeguard lives and assets. One area where this is especially crucial is in alarm and detection systems, where outdated technology can lead to a significant number of false alarms. Upgrading old equipment is not just a matter of keeping up with trends but is vital for enhancing safety, operational efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

False alarms—those that trigger without an actual threat—can have serious implications. In security and safety systems, such as fire alarms, security alarms, and industrial sensors, false alarms can:

1. Distract and Desensitize: Frequent false alarms can cause people to become complacent, leading to slower reactions during genuine emergencies. This desensitization can increase the risk of injury or damage when a real threat arises.

2. Strain Resources: Emergency services often respond to false alarms, diverting resources from actual emergencies. This not only strains emergency responders but can also lead to increased operational costs for organizations that are frequently triggering false alarms.

3. Reduce Trust in the System: Repeated false alarms can erode confidence in the reliability of alarm systems. When users begin to doubt the efficacy of their alarms, they may be less likely to take necessary precautions during a real threat.

4. Increase Costs: Beyond the potential costs associated with emergency response and resource allocation, false alarms can also lead to fines or increased insurance premiums. For businesses, this can translate into significant financial strain.

Upgrading old equipment is a proactive measure that addresses several of these issues. Here’s why it’s crucial:

1. Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability: Newer equipment typically incorporates advanced technologies and improved algorithms that significantly reduce the likelihood of false alarms. Modern sensors and detection systems are designed to discern between real threats and benign factors with greater precision.

2. Better Integration and Connectivity: Contemporary alarm systems often feature better integration capabilities with other safety and security infrastructure. This improved connectivity ensures that alarms are part of a cohesive network that can more accurately assess and respond to threats.

3. Improved Sensitivity and Calibration: As technology evolves, so do the methods for calibrating and fine-tuning equipment. Upgraded systems come with enhanced sensitivity controls and calibration options that reduce the risk of false alarms triggered by environmental changes or equipment malfunctions.

4. Advanced Features and Adaptability: Newer systems often come with features that allow for greater adaptability to different environments and conditions. For instance, modern fire alarms can better distinguish between smoke and steam, reducing the likelihood of false alarms in areas where both are common.

5. Cost Efficiency Over Time: While the initial investment in upgrading equipment can be significant, the long-term savings in reduced false alarm incidents, lower emergency response costs, and decreased maintenance expenses can outweigh the upfront costs.

When considering an upgrade, it’s essential to assess the existing systems thoroughly. This involves:

• Evaluating the Current System’s Performance: Determine the frequency and causes of false alarms to understand which components need attention.

• Consulting with Experts: Engage with professionals who can provide recommendations based on current technology trends and your specific needs.

• Planning for Integration: Ensure that the new equipment can integrate seamlessly with existing systems and infrastructure to maximize efficiency and reliability.

• Training and Education: Train staff and users on the new system to ensure they understand its features and capabilities, which can further reduce the risk of false alarms.

Upgrading old equipment is not merely a technological upgrade; it is a crucial step toward ensuring safety, efficiency, and reliability. By investing in modern systems that reduce false alarms, organizations and individuals can enhance their safety measures, optimize resource use, and maintain confidence in their alarm systems. In a world where every second counts during emergencies, having reliable, accurate equipment is not just beneficial—it is imperative.

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) hosted its Region 3 State Meeting on August 15th just outside in Lake Charles, Louisiana. The event was held at Bayou Rum Distiller, the oldest family-owned and operated sugar mill in the United States. This event brought together integrators, industry vendors, the State Fire Marshals office and local Communication Center to discuss the latest advancements, best practices, and future directions for the profession. 

With a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation, the LLSSA State Meeting featured a dynamic program of CEU classes, legislative updates, and presentations with open discussions. The event was a resounding success, drawing more than 20 attendees from the Lake Charles area. 

Key highlights of the meeting included: 

• CEU Classes: Industry experts Alarm Monitoring Services, DSC/JCI, Alarm.com, and United Central Control shared their insights on emerging trends in life safety and property protection. 

• State Meeting Presentations: Speakers shared their insights on current changes to legislature and ways in which those in attendance could aid in the fight against false alarms that are crippling many communication centers and local police and fire departments.  Notable speakers included Captain Ricky Roubique of the State Fire Marshal’s Office Special Services Division and Richard McGuire or the Calcasieu Communications Department.   

• Networking Opportunities: The event provided ample opportunities for professionals to connect and collaborate, including a Bayou Rum Tour and Tasting. 

“The Bayou Rum Distillery was a nice location for the Region 3 State Meeting,” said United Central Control Account Executive, Felipe Presas.   “The content given by the presenters addressed active and current issues especially where alarm monitoring is leading to Remote Video Monitoring.” 

The LLSSA extends its gratitude to all speakers, sponsors, and volunteers who made the event possible. Special thanks go to the Bayou Rum Distillery for their exceptional hospitality and support. 

For more information about the LLSSA and upcoming events, please visit www.llssa.org. 

Article Presented by Mark McCormick

Answering a few critical questions will enable campus security directors to recognize an integrator that will be a partner

Regardless of whether an organization needs a retrofit, technology upgrade or new, fully integrated security operations, one of the most critical decisions a campus security director can make is choosing a systems integrator.

With today’s constantly changing threat landscape and rapidly maturing technologies, working with a systems integrator that will allow the organization to remain agile now and into the future is more important than ever before.

Ideally, a systems integrator will become a trusted partner, a guide and a source of knowledge. But finding that trusted partner can be a challenge. Let’s dive into three critical questions that will help campus security leaders on their journey to finding the right one for their organization.

Why Does an Organization Need a Systems Integrator?

Three of the biggest reasons why security leaders need a systems integrator are installation, service, and support. First and foremost, most campuses don’t have the resources or technological background to conduct their own installations.

What Characteristics Should Campuses Look for in a Security Integrator?

Many times, manufacturers and systems integrators get out bid strictly due to cost, but the true value of an integrator (and the chosen technologies) will come from gaining a trusted partner that will support an organization through growth and into the future.

Here are a few characteristics to consider when vetting a system integrator:

1. An Eye to the Future

2. Established Experience

3. Solid Service and Support

4. An Interest in You

How Can Campus Security Leaders Find the Right Partner?

Finding a quality systems integrator requires focusing on a few practical suggestions. Research is one of the most important elements here. One of the best ways to find potential systems integrators is talking to peers at other schools, institutions of higher education, and healthcare facilities to learn about their integrators and solutions.

By following practical recommendations on finding a systems integrator, campus security directors can find a knowledgeable, trustworthy partner that will act as a voice of reason and understanding, while guiding the organization to get the most out of its security solutions.

Mark McCormack is senior national sales manager for global and national accounts at Axis Communications.

The Louisiana Life Safety & Security Association (LLSSA) is honored to offer a Youth Scholarship Program. The program was created to promote goodwill among the electronic systems industry and police, fire, and EMT officials by providing college scholarship awards to their deserving sons or daughters.  

This year’s second place goes to Madison Chaplain.  Madison is a graduate of Archbishop Chapelle High School with a GPA of 3.94.  She plans to attend University of the Holy Cross this Fall.  Her father, David Chaplain is a Lieutenant at the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Department.  Madison impressed the Scholarship Committee with her academics but won our hearts with her adoration for her father and her commitment to her being the best she can be to make her family proud.

We congratulate Madison on her academic success and wish her continued success in her endeavors yet to come.  To David we say “Good Job, your daughter is a delight to have met and gotten to know during this process.  Stay safe and thank you for your service to your community.”

You can read Madison’s essay using the link below.  If you know a High School senior in LA who is the child of a police, fire, or EMT first responder, remind them to apply for this scholarship and perhaps next year we will be announcing their name.

The Hidden Cost of False Dispatches: The Importance of Putting Systems on Test

False dispatches are a significant issue in the security industry, costing businesses time, money, and resources. A frequent cause of these unnecessary alarms is technicians failing to put systems on test while performing maintenance or installations. This seemingly minor oversight can have substantial consequences, affecting not only the efficiency of security operations but also the reputation of the companies involved.

When a security system is being serviced or installed, technicians often need to trigger alarms as part of the process. Whether they are testing sensors, replacing parts, or conducting routine maintenance, these actions can unintentionally activate the alarm system if it is not placed on test mode. In test mode, the system can be checked without sending alarm signals to the monitoring center or emergency responders.

However, when technicians forget to put the system on test, the alarms triggered during their work are treated as genuine threats. This results in false dispatches, where police, fire departments, or private security firms respond to what they believe is an emergency. These responses not only waste valuable resources but also risk desensitizing authorities to genuine alarms, potentially leading to slower response times in real emergencies.

False dispatches are more than just an inconvenience—they carry significant costs. For security companies, frequent false alarms can lead to fines from local governments or law enforcement agencies, as many jurisdictions impose penalties to deter unnecessary dispatches. Additionally, customers may face increased insurance premiums due to the perceived unreliability of their security systems.

Moreover, repeated false alarms can erode trust between customers and their security providers. Clients expect their security systems to function correctly, and when false alarms occur, they may question the competence of the technicians or the reliability of the system itself. In some cases, customers may even seek alternative providers, leading to lost business for the security company.

Technicians play a crucial role in preventing false dispatches. Proper training and adherence to protocols are essential in ensuring that systems are placed on test before any work begins. Technicians should be well-versed in the specific procedures for each type of security system they work with, as the steps to place a system on test can vary.

Regular reminders and ongoing education can help reinforce the importance of this step. Additionally, companies can implement checklists or digital reminders within their service management software to prompt technicians to verify that the system is on test before proceeding with any work. This simple step can significantly reduce the likelihood of false dispatches.

The failure to put systems on test is a common yet avoidable cause of false dispatches in the security industry. By prioritizing proper procedures and investing in technician training, security companies can mitigate this risk, saving time, money, and resources while maintaining customer trust. In an industry where reliability is paramount, taking the extra step to ensure systems are on test is not just good practice—it’s essential.

The National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA) was formed to promote communication between state associations and to influence and monitor electronic security and alarm industry federal legislation.

Leaders of state associations teamed together to form NESA to help them solve common problems and to help them serve their members. NESA is focused on the needs of the state associations.

Burglars are jamming Wi-Fi security cameras — here’s what you can do

The LLSSA State Meeting for Region 3 is Thursday August 15th.  You will find us Bayou Rum Distillery at 20909 S. Frontage Road, Iowa, LA 70650 from 8am – 4pm. The agenda is packed with 5 CEUs available featuring Alarm Monitoring Center, DSC, Alarm,com and United Central Control. 

Lunch will be served during the State Meeting with industry speakers like the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the local 911 Communication Center.  There will also be time to visit with our vendors.  The Event Sponsor is PELICAN Sponsors – Alarm Monitoring Services and united Central Control.  Other vendors in attendance include Wesco, DSC, and Alarm.com. 

Following the classes hang around for a special tour and tasting at the distillery – check out the Whiskey of Louisiana.