Security monitoring is a proven way to improve a site’s security and improve work efficiencies. However, as a security installer, there sits a big question of whether you should outsource monitoring to an ARC or keep it in-house. If you’re pondering this question, keep reading! We’ve put together all the benefits of outsourcing monitoring to an ARC as a security installer, so you can decide whether it’s the right decision for you.
What is an ARC?
Firstly, let’s cover what an ARC actually is. ARC stands for Alarm Receiving Centre and is a purpose-built facility to monitor various systems such as CCTV monitoring systems and intruder alarms. ARC’s are manned by a team of dedicated monitoring operatives who will monitor their client’s systems 24/7 and for 365 days of the year. When an alarm is triggered, they will rule out a false alarm and then carry out the most appropriate response, such as a police response or an audio challenge to the intruder.
In the UK, the need for robust, professional monitoring is continually highlighted by evolving crime trends. For instance, while some crime categories fluctuate, recent figures show significant increases in commercial-related crimes like robbery of business property and shoplifting, according to the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS). This escalating threat landscape reinforces the value of having an accredited, third-party monitoring centre in place, particularly for businesses in sectors like retail and showrooms.
A professional Alarm Receiving Centre provides the crucial first line of defence, ensuring a rapid, verified response that is often a requirement for insurance providers and police response protocols. Understanding how to evaluate Alarm Receiving Centres is vital for security installers looking to offer the highest standard of service to their clients.
Benefits of outsourcing security monitoring
There are numerous benefits of outsourcing monitoring to an ARC if you are a security installer:
Highly trained personnel
Monitoring operatives at an ARC receive focused and high-quality training. They are trained to a high level for specifically monitoring and responding to alarm activations, meaning they are the most efficient and effective personnel to be monitoring a site. To keep monitoring in-house would be costly, in terms of training an employee to the same standard. Modern ARCs also leverage the latest technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance their capabilities, which helps in reducing false alarms and improving the accuracy of detection systems. This fusion of human expertise and advanced technology provides an unparalleled level of service that in-house teams would struggle to replicate.
24/7 monitoring and operational resilience
An ARC will deliver constant site monitoring. That’s 365 days a year, around the clock. Not only does this significantly improve the level of security and protection of sites, but it also takes the responsibility away from and provides peace of mind for the security provider. Outsourced monitoring also provides critical resilience. A professional ARC maintains redundant systems and backup protocols to ensure continuity of service, even in the face of power outages, system failures, or severe weather. This reliability is something many businesses struggle to maintain with internal resources alone, as detailed in our guide on how backup protocols are key for remote monitoring. The ability to guarantee non-stop vigilance is a huge selling point for installers and a primary reason why clients opt for professional monitoring.
Monitoring infrastructure and accreditation
ARC’s are purposefully built to monitor alarms and systems. They, therefore, have all the necessary systems in place and infrastructure to carry out a high-quality monitoring service. By outsourcing to an ARC, a security installer does not need to spend the time and money on building out their own monitoring alternative. Furthermore, credible ARCs hold essential certifications like NSI Gold approval, demonstrating adherence to the highest industry standards for operational security and performance, which is a key consideration for clients seeking compliance.
In-depth analysis & reporting
Another benefit of outsourcing to an ARC for monitoring is that an ARC can provide full in-depth monitoring of all systems and alarm triggers, including false alarms. This is essential information when analysing system performance as well as a site’s efficiencies. This granular data allows installers to provide better maintenance and consultation to their clients, helping them optimise their security posture and identify potential weak points. Modern reporting is key to delivering superior customer service and proving the value of a comprehensive security monitoring package.
Instant intervention & response
Due to their high-quality training, an ARC can provide the quickest, efficient and most effective response to alarm activations. Their expertise meant that an intruder is most likely to be caught or stopped in their tracks, as well as any suspicious activity to be quickly identified. This swift action is critical, especially when you consider that a fire in a non-domestic building is highly likely to be accidental, yet it can result in significant damage and disruption, making the rapid intervention provided by fire alarm monitoring services invaluable, as highlighted by UK fire statistics.
Reliable and Compliance-Driven
By outsourcing to an ARC, the security provider will be working with a dedicated team whose sole job is to monitor systems and alarms. They can therefore be relied upon to respond to all activations and improve the overall security of a site. Beyond basic reliability, ARCs operate under strict regulatory frameworks, ensuring their clients remain compliant with industry standards and legal requirements, which is crucial for safety-critical sectors like care homes or manufacturing. This commitment to compliance is a central component of an ARC’s offering, providing peace of mind that all protocols are met. For a more detailed look into compliance, read our article on the importance of monitoring compliance for safety-critical environments.
Cost-effective and scalability
Setting up your own ARC and monitoring service can be costly, especially in terms of training monitoring operatives. Outsourcing monitoring to an ARC can therefore be a cost-effective experience as a security installer. Furthermore, a professional ARC offers inherent scalability. As your client base grows, the ARC can easily absorb the increased volume of sites and alarm signals without requiring you to invest in new staff, infrastructure, or technology. This scalable partnership allows security installers to focus on their core business of installation and maintenance, knowing that their monitoring partner can handle any expansion, offering a clear advantage over the limitations of self-monitoring.
Time-saving for your business
Monitoring alarms is also extremely time-consuming and is nearly impossible to carry out effectively without a dedicated team. Outsourcing security monitoring to an ARC is, therefore, a time-saving strategy. This allows security installers to reallocate valuable time and resources towards business development, technical support, and client relationship management, ultimately helping you grow your business and serve clients in high-demand areas like office spaces and commercial properties.
Additional monitoring solutions and added value
An ARC is able to monitor all types of systems and is not limited to solely security systems. By outsourcing to an ARC, additional monitoring solutions will be available to you such as virtual concierge, lone worker monitoring, cyber security monitoring and more. This is another benefit of outsourcing to an ARC and improving the overall safety and security of sites. The scope of modern remote monitoring extends far beyond security, now encompassing environmental factors like fridge and freezer monitoring and managing site access.
This holistic approach is crucial for modern facility management, a necessity driven by the increasing complexity of smart buildings, and ensures your clients receive comprehensive site care under one umbrella. The ability to offer these bundled services gives security installers a significant competitive edge, turning a security conversation into one about total site efficiency and risk mitigation. Integrating fire, security, and environmental systems is becoming a must for clients, which you can learn more about in our blog on the key advantages of combining monitoring systems.
Contact RMS
If you want to know more about RMS and our ARC and the monitoring solutions we offer, get in touch for a FREE quote or fill out our online form. One of the RMS team will be in touch to answer any of your questions.
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