System monitoring is a key part of a business site’s security and fire safety. But do you know the different types of monitoring available? In particular, event-based monitoring? Keep reading to discover all you need to know, including what is event-based monitoring, how it works and how it can benefit your sites.
What is event-based monitoring?
Event-based monitoring is a type of professional monitoring, in which a monitoring company will use security system triggers, such as movement on motion sensors, to monitor and oversee a site. This method is a cornerstone of modern, efficient security and is crucial for sectors like manufacturing, waste and recycling operations, where large perimeters and complex layouts make constant physical surveillance impractical. By focusing the monitoring centre’s attention only on confirmed events, businesses can achieve higher security standards without the prohibitive costs associated with continuous, proactive live surveillance. It forms a key part of our overall security monitoring services.
How does event-based monitoring work?
Event-based monitoring works by using technology-driven alerts from motion sensors on a site, to send a signal to a central monitoring station. These motion sensors can be individually placed around a site or can be set within CCTV cameras, such as line crossing or intrusion parameters. If these motion sensors are activated, a signal will be sent and a notification received by a monitoring operative who will then review the activation through the CCTV system cameras. They will then be able to confirm whether it is a true or false alarm. If it proves to be true, then they will carry out the necessary response, such as contacting the emergency services or police. If it is false, they can deactivate the alarm.
This verification process is increasingly being enhanced by advanced technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning. Modern remote monitoring centres are leveraging these tools to dramatically improve the speed and accuracy of incident verification. AI can distinguish between genuine threats (like an intruder) and benign events (like a moving branch or a passing animal), helping reduce false alarms and operator fatigue in ARCs. This integration of smart technology is defining the age of smart buildings, making remote monitoring more effective than ever. The ability to filter and verify alarms remotely is essential for maintaining a fast response and is a critical component of professional intruder monitoring services. Our ability to provide rapid response is underpinned by rigorous backup protocols and redundant systems, ensuring continuous service even during technical issues.
What’s the difference between event-based monitoring and live monitoring?
Live monitoring is when a monitoring operative will watch video surveillance footage live and in real-time. It may be a single or several video feeds showing the footage of CCTV cameras across a site. In contrast, event-based monitoring uses technology to alert operatives only when there is an activation of a motion sensor.
Live monitoring, therefore, allows for constant viewing of all activity, but also requires someone to watch footage 24/7 in order to catch suspicious or other criminal activity. Event monitoring allows for a monitoring operative to be on hand and ready to act, only when there is movement onsite. This distinction is vital when assessing the right security solution for your needs. For instance, high-value retail showrooms might opt for a hybrid approach, combining event-triggered monitoring for perimeter protection with short bursts of live monitoring during critical times, such as opening and closing hours. This targeted approach ensures that resources are deployed intelligently, a core principle in delivering truly efficient and impactful security.
Furthermore, event-based monitoring extends beyond just security. It is the underlying technology used in crucial environmental and facility services, such as fire alarm monitoring and fridge and freezer monitoring. In these contexts, the ‘event’ could be a drop in temperature outside a safe threshold or the activation of a smoke detector. This capability to integrate both security and non-security alerts into a single, cohesive system is a major advantage for businesses looking to enhance facility management efficiency.
What are the benefits of event-based monitoring?
Event-based monitoring offers a strategic advantage over traditional, resource-intensive security models. This approach delivers tangible improvements in cost, efficiency, and safety, which is increasingly important given the rising risks faced by UK businesses.
More Cost-Effective
Eliminating the need for security personnel to either physically monitor a site or view hours of video footage around the clock, will result in significant savings. By focusing operator time only on actionable events, businesses can drastically cut down on staffing overheads, making professional security more accessible. This cost efficiency is particularly appealing for businesses that need robust out-of-hours protection, such as those that utilise our remote arm and disarm services.
Improved Efficiencies
Event-based monitoring can result in improved business efficiencies throughout. Due to giving the responsibility to a third-party company, resources can be assigned elsewhere. This centralisation of monitoring allows internal staff to focus on their core competencies, while expert remote operatives handle security. This is particularly valuable in the current climate; for example, data from the Office for National Statistics for the last year showed that police-recorded robbery of business property increased by 55%, underscoring the vital need for highly efficient, professional security responses. Businesses can find more details on mitigating security risks in our dedicated guide to security systems versus self-monitoring.
Filter Out False Alarms
The use of event-based monitoring not only provides an extra layer of security to a site, but also helps filter out, and ultimately, reduce false alarms. This verification process is a primary benefit, as police forces across the UK impose charges or even withdraw response from sites that consistently generate unverified false calls. A dedicated Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) ensures that every alert is investigated and confirmed as a genuine threat before involving emergency services, a process that is critical for maintaining effective police response eligibility.
Reduce Business Disruption
Sites will experience reduced disruption if an incident does take place, due to the monitoring company dealing with the issue quickly and efficiently, as well as from fewer false alarms. The financial and operational impact of crime on businesses can be severe. According to recent research from Simply Business, the average value of a tool theft claim has surged, highlighting the growing financial stakes for UK tradespeople and businesses. By ensuring quick verification and response, event-based monitoring minimises the time an incident can cause damage or halt operations. Our remote patrol services can also be quickly dispatched in the event of an incident requiring a physical presence.
Rapid Response
Professional event-based monitoring allows for every site to experience fast responses to any incident. Due to the instant notifications sent to the monitoring operatives when an event is triggered, false alarms will be identified and disarmed quickly, whilst any criminal activity will receive immediate attention and the correct response within a matter of minutes. This rapid deployment of the correct response is a hallmark of the high standards we adhere to.
Get a quote for event-based monitoring
RMS are a professional event-based monitoring company with an NSI Gold approved Category 2 Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC). This certification signifies the highest standards of operation and infrastructure, giving you complete confidence in the reliability and quality of our service.
Highly experienced with hand-picked operatives, get in touch with the team to receive a free and bespoke quotation for your sites. Call us on 0330 002 1149 today.
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