Shining a Light on Central Station Alarm Association’s Five Diamond Status

Five of the security industry’s most successful professional monitoring providers explain the value of CSAA Five Diamond Certification and how it furthers their business objectives.

They vary in size, range of services and years in business and represent leaders in the electronic security industry from New York to California. The owners and managers of these successful companies all agree that their Five Diamond Certification, from the Central Station Alarm Association International (CSAA), is an important component of their success and a worthwhile investment with proven payback through improved training, lower costs and setting their company apart from a crowded field of competitors.

“There has been steady growth in the CSAA Five Diamond program over the past five years,” says Steve Doyle, who retired last month as longtime CSAA executive vice president and CEO. “The program has grown by 80% with more than 130 member companies achieving the designation. They include those from the security industry and corporate central stations as well as government agencies. Because the number of recognized central stations is still relatively small [just under 19%], Five Diamond certificate holders tell us it is a significant differentiator and signifies a third-party seal of approval and recognized service quality.”

As experienced and respected as he is, don’t just take Doyle’s word for it; read about it for yourself.  Five of the industry’s most successful professional monitoring providers – Ackerman Security Systems, Metrodial, Watchlight, Time Warner Cable and Alarm Detection Systems – explain the value of CSAA Five Diamond Certification and how it furthers their business objectives.

Ackerman Refuses to Accept Less

There are more than 250 alarm companies serving the Atlanta area, but Ackerman Security Systems is one of only two local operators with the Five Diamond Certification for its central station. Founded in 1967, Ackerman has posted double-digit growth since 2012.

“Five Diamond is an integral part of our advertising program that includes radio, television and direct-mail campaigns,” says Ackerman Security President Jim Callahan. “Earning the designation and the required training demonstrates our company’s commitment to providing the best response and service avail-able in a tangible way to our team.”

Ackerman offers a full line of security services for homes and businesses, including alarm monitoring at very competitive prices. “Five Diamond helps us maintain the highest quality training in a manner that is affordable and consistent,” says Callahan.

Callahan sees a real benefit from the training for his central station staff. “They know there is an investment of both time and money to achieve and maintain the certification and are proud to work with an organization that talks the talk and walks the walk. The operators who have gone through the training enjoy a higher degree of confidence in their day-to-day interactions with customers and responding authorities, resulting in faster, more accurate and confident interactions.”

Metrodial Answers Call of Duty

Metrodial captured the CSAA Five Diamond Marketing Marvel Award – of which Security Sales & Integration is an exclusive media partner – in 2013 for excellence in leveraging its Five Diamond status. Founded in 1977, Metrodial serves 50,000 customers and proudly features its Five Diamond Certification on its Web-site homepage.

RELATED: Metrodial Dazzles as Five Diamond Monitoring Center

The Hicksville, N.Y.-based firm also prominently features the certification’s logo at alarm association meetings and related trade conferences. “It shows our prospective and current clients that we are a highly qualified central station office,” says Andrew Lowitt, vice president.

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