Monitoring - Articles - Page 74

Elevating RMR’s Potential

Even in a tight economy, RMR opportunities continue to grow. Some may surprise you, while others are new twists on existing opportunities. The overall consensus? RMR opportunities can be found everywhere.

Heather Klotz-Young

September 14, 2011

It is time to abbreviate the abbreviation. For decades, the security industry has strongly associated recurring monthly revenue (RMR) with monitoring, namely alarm monitoring. The connection is so strong to alarm monitoring that some define RMR as recurring monitoring revenue. Whether the “M” stands for monthly or monitoring one could almost argue for removing the long-standing connotation by taking the letter out — shortening RMR to recurring revenue (RR). Indeed, a broader application of RMR opportunities in both the residential and commercial sectors, combined with increasing technological capabilities and admirable industry creativity is enabling dealers and integrators to gain RMR via multiple forms that stretch far beyond monitoring and alarms.

Who’s Hosting Video Services?

Wholesale central stations commonly offer video monitoring today — but with relatively low demand, many have not moved into hosted video yet.

Joan Engebretson

September 14, 2011

It’s becoming increasingly commonplace for third-party central stations to offer video monitoring services — sometimes known as managed video services — such as remote video guard tours, video verification of alarm signals and video escort services. But often these services represent a relatively small percentage of the third-party central station’s total revenues.

Researching AIREF

The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation serves as the research arm of the electronic life safety, security and systems industry, but what exactly does it do and how can the industry benefit from its projects?

Maggie Shein

September 12, 2011

The Alarm Industry Research & Educational Foundation (AIREF) represents the electronic life safety, security and systems industry, under the auspices of the Electronic Security Association (ESA). Since AIREF’s beginnings in 1977, foundation members have been focused on improving education in the alarm industry as well as conducting research that public safety officials can use to better protect and serve the community, and dealers, distributors, manufacturers and monitoring stations can use to increase acceptance of their products and improve public relations.

Anthropomorphizing Alarms

Verification technologies, such as audio and video, lend sound and sight to traditional alarm systems and offer a way for security dealers to develop positive relationships with law enforcement and customers.

September 12, 2011

It is no secret that 75 to 80 percent of all alarms are caused by user error, according to the Security Industry Alarm Coalition (SIAC) and, therefore, alarm verification procedures and technologies can greatly reduce the number of false dispatches. Many national and regional companies already have implemented Enhanced Call Verification (ECV) or two-call verification as a necessity due to verified response or non-response ordinances in the cities or areas they serve, and a growing number are implementing verification technologies such as video and audio to add a deeper level of verification.

Relentless Growth

SDM profiles the recipients of the sixth annual CSAA Excellence Awards.

Heather Klotz-Young

August 15, 2011

Every year companies across the country take the time to fill out applications for the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) Excellence Awards. Central stations, managers, operators, and support staff all take on the challenge of communicating who they are and what they do so well — in an application.

When Selling the Cell

Getting the price right is key to operating a successful customer-conversion program from POTS to wireless alarm signal transmission. Add-ons can help maximize cellular system appeal and profitability.

Joan Engebretson

August 15, 2011

As more and more homeowners opt to forego traditional phone service in favor of cellular service or VoIP, alarm systems with cellular communication are being installed like never before. Some dealers are encouraging all customers to use cellular, even when they have a traditional phone line, because that option minimizes potential future headaches if the customer should cancel voice service at some point in the future.

Office & Central Station Software Update

Back-office software can be a dealer’s best friend or their biggest nightmare. Keeping up with its evolution can help ensure the former.

Derek Rice

August 15, 2011

Software isn’t the most interesting or gripping thing to talk about. Especially back office software. But in the end, it’s something that’s absolutely necessary. Some would say that a good back office software solution is the backbone of your organization. If it’s not strong, your business won’t be either.

SDM’s 2011 Guide to Monitoring Services

August 14, 2011

The central stations listed on the following pages offer monitoring services as a third-party provider. Access this useful guide here and online at http://directories.sdmmag.com/monitoringguide to find services, listings and certifications offered by monitoring service firms across North America.

$39 Million Contract Reportedly Largest Video Monitoring Award in Industry History

August 5, 2011

Iverify was awarded a five-year contract valued at $39 million dollars to provide guard replacement and shrink reduction services for an NYSE National Retailer.