Detection Alternatives
Every business is different and has different security needs. Perimeter detection includes sensors on personnel doors, overhead delivery doors, and windows.  Interior detection varies from motion detectors, glassbreak sensors, photobeams, and asset movement devices.  A clever combination of different devices will really keep the bad guys guessing.

Identifying Who’s Coming and Going?
The pushbutton keypad that operates your alarm system has the capability to hold multiple user codes.  Every employee should have his/her own individual code.  Whenever a code arms or disarms the alarm system, the alarm control panel records which user operated the system and when they did so. 

After allowing employees to select their own unique 4 digit code, explain to them that the alarm control panel records that activity in its internal memory log.  This discourages them from giving out their code to others.  Entry after business hours or at improper times can be viewed at the keypad, or be printed out on a regular basis, or be text alerted at the time of the irregular opening. (see Total Connect for business)

Authority Levels for Different Users
Even though an employee is assigned a unique code identifying his or her activity, restrictions can be placed on what that code is allowed to do.  For instance, codes given to “warehouse” employees will not access the “office” area.  Similarly, codes given to “office” employees will not access the “warehouse” portion of the alarm system.

Access Codes for Cleaning Services
Many businesses hire cleaning services that come in after business hours.  Some business owners feel a little uneasy knowing that the code that disarms their business is in the hands of the employees of the cleaning service.  The authority level of the cleaning service code can be restricted to a particular day.

Automatic Arming at a Particular Time
What if a regular employee forgets to arm the alarm system at night?  What if the cleaning service forgets to arm the alarm system when they leave?  The answer is automatic arming.  The alarm system can automatically arm itself at a specified time, reducing your exposure to an unprotected business property.

Duress Codes for Confrontation
What if someone with a weapon follows you into the business at opening time?  What if someone meets you with a weapon when closing the business, and forces you to re-enter the business?  A special duress code enables you to signal for help without letting the culprit know that you are doing so.  If you disarm the system with the special duress code, the alarm system at the premise will disarm, but a silent signal is sent to the Central Monitoring Station for emergency police dispatch.

Silent Hold-up Alarms
Silent hold-up buttons should be located at check-out cash registers.  Additional silent hold-up buttons should be scattered about the business in case the person at the check-out counter cannot reach their silent hold-up button.  Portable silent hold-up buttons can also be carried concealed in a pocket or worn on a belt-clip.

Telephone Line Security/Communication Alternatives
Every alarm system must communicate somehow to the central monitoring station.  There are 3 methods of communication: through the telephone, internet, or cellular.