How many times have you left home and asked yourself, “Did I arm my security system?” only to reverse course and go back home to check? Or even worse, you are on an amazing vacation or an important business trip – but in the back of your mind wondering whether you armed your security system? It wasn’t long ago that your only option in such scenarios was, in fact, to head home or call a neighbor. Thankfully, those days are long gone.
Advances in smart home technologies and the realization of the Internet of Things (IoT) in residential security systems are enabling security providers to expand the range of options available to consumers, allowing you to have a stronger, optimized and automated security system.
Internet of things
Today, you can arm your security system via your smart phone from almost anywhere in the world – and through the integration of video surveillance and remote monitoring, it is possible for you to view what is taking place inside and outside your home.
With an array of options and price points, these advances empower you to better integrate home security into your lifestyle. There are a wide variety of automated features that exponentially increase your ability to better secure both home and property.
For example, solutions like audio or video verification permit a monitoring service to hear or see what is taking place if an alarm is triggered. This real-time technology allows you, your monitoring service – and first responders – to react quickly and stay up-to-date during emergency situations.
Additionally, electronic door locks that communicate using Z-Wave technology can be incorporated into a home security system. These locks do away with the hassle of keys and provide an added level of security. Certain electronic locks can be accessed by you remotely, so you can provide entry to a trusted neighbor or family member in case of a minor emergency.
Interconnections
IoT connects different areas of a home in real time – and through system customization you can create rules that make your life so much more convenient. For example, when you disarm the system from your phone as you pull into the driveway, you can program it to turn on certain lights, open your garage door, turn up your heat and unlock your door.
As interconnected home technologies continue to evolve, there will be a continuous stream of innovative security features. If you are considering adding or upgrading a home security system, ask if a company is a member of the Electronic Security Association (ESA) and if its employees are trained by ESA’s National Training School (NTS). ESA member companies whose security professionals are certified through NTS have completed extensive training in electronic security and adhere to a strict Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
