Safe & Secure

Virtual Monitoring

Ease is a crucial component to a well-designed security system, and all systems need a centralized control point. Typically, systems are controlled via keypads or touchscreens placed in appropriate areas in the house—the front door, the back door, and even the master bedroom. Control panels can be as basic as a keypad that accepts an alphanumeric code or as sophisticated as a touchscreen that looks like a computer screen.

Dhariwal wanted to keep his control panel simple. “You don’t want to go through 25 menus to call the police,” he says.

Other homeowners choose more sophisticated options: Witta uses her computer as a control panel and to make automation changes. “Everything can be programmed at once through a central point,” Witta says. “It’s convenient.”

Homeowners are also using the Internet to access their systems from the office or while traveling. Some systems are completely Web-based with controls located on a Web page. Homeowners can tilt, pan, and zoom cameras, view recorded information, change the timing systems on their lights, choose to be notified of changes by phone or e-mail, alter the temperature of their heating systems, or even unlock their doors. For instance, if a door camera senses activity, a homeowner might get an e-mail notifying them. They could then log on to the Web, see that it’s the FedEx delivery person, and decide whether or not to let him or her in.

A Technology Blueprint

Such a complex design isn’t without hardware. Home systems typically have a central “nerve” center, where all the wires converge. Structurally, experts say the best time to add a comprehensive security system and integrate it with other home technology is during new construction or a remodel. Appropriate contingency requirements should also be included, such as battery backups in case of a power outage.

As an alternative, homeowners can choose wireless security systems. “Wireless technology typically allows for pre-existing homes to have all the capability that most of the new houses have,” says Bob Petersen, president of Terra-Com Communications, a company in Elk River that does residential wiring for communication, security, and entertainment technologies.

Like all technology, automated security systems do require upkeep. Most systems installed today will be current for at least five years, perhaps more, depending on the technology and equipment running behind the scenes. While most systems require little or no maintenance, choosing a local company that specializes in personalized service was important to Dhariwal. “If it breaks or I reset it for some reason, I just make one phone call and Amia would be there in five minutes to make sure everything is okay,” he says.

In the end, it’s that peace of mind that makes a security system effective. “Automation is designed to bring comfort to your life,” Williams says. “When you invest in security with automation, you pay yourself back. It can be a life saver.”