Why Adding Wireless to Your Portfolio Makes Sense
Applying wireless technology is a mostly painless process even for the most traditional-minded installing security contractor. Learn about basic system advantages, organizational cost savings and customer benefits.
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A greatly extended transmission range (measured unobstructed line-of-site transmission range: 2,000m/6,500 feet @ 8m/24 feet, 750m/2,500 feet @ 2m/6.5feet) now makes it possible to cover significantly larger premises than traditional wired systems, without repeaters. Importantly, highly secured AES-128 encrypted wireless communication surpasses the most demanding industry standards.
Wireless residential alarm systems can now provide customer assurances such as enabling all smoke detectors to sound an alarm when any smoke detector is triggered. Installers can feel secure in the knowledge a homeowner’s family will awaken if a fire occurs (provided the detectors are located within proximity of the sleeping areas).
In commercial applications, the increased range of wireless and the robustness of the technology allow installers to circumvent 40-foot ceilings, block walls, multitenant installs, etc. More devices can be installed far more efficiently and easier in less time. And since the technology is the same for residential and commercial, technicians can cross job installs and become much more versed in both venues.
Initial Organizational Groundwork
Adding wireless components and systems to a portfolio of services is not a difficult proposition for an installing security contractor. For the traditional-minded installer, these safe and supervised solutions will work in even the most difficult scenarios. Becoming a company ready and able to utilize wireless components requires an investment as does any new product. However, understanding RF does not entail the need to hire RF engineers; simply, installers who recognize metal and concrete as possible RF obstructions bring this to more of a common sense approach.
To be sure, there is a need to install test systems in areas where one sees the potential for signal transmission
issues. Since RF may be new to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ), an installer will want to first confirm acceptance prior to installation to gauge the AHJ’s awareness of wireless technology. Having a tool box full of RF studies and equipment listings supplied by the manufacturer may be all that is needed to gain approval to proceed with the installation. This is especially important when installing residential or small commercial wireless fire systems.
Training installers and salespeople is a requisite as well. We all know that competitors will make claims about their own wired product and how they believe a wireless product is not stable or reliable. How the salespeople counter these objections is as important as knowing how to install a system.
Also important is to be certain your company contract is up-to-date for the use of wireless systems. Why use a contract that contains language about hardwiring when there is none? Keep in mind you are protecting life and property, so you must also protect yourself and your business. Many of us in the industry subscribe to the E-mail forum produced by industry attorney and SSI “Legal Briefing” columnist Ken Kirschenbaum; this can be an excellent source of information to learn about contractual issues other dealers are experiencing, including wireless issues.
Ultimately, as the generational shift occurs in the industry (i.e. second and third generations assuming control of the business) and larger corporations look to cut human resource costs, we will continue to see a much greater acceptance of wireless technology. Even “old” guys like me with 38+ years of security industry experience clearly see the value proposition!
Mark Ingram is President of Visonic Ltd., a provider a wireless security systems. He can be contacted at [email protected].
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