Consumers are asking for, and expecting, video monitoring as part of their home security solutions. In a Parks Associates research report, Alerts & Alarms: Improving Emergency Detection (commissioned by ESA and sponsored by Bold Group), video monitoring stood out as a powerful way to reduce false alarm calls, saving consumers and security providers time and money—and potentially speeding emergency response times when it mattered most.
The demand for video is expected to increase, especially if homeowners continue adopting home security systems as they have in recent years. According to the Bold Group-sponsored report, only 26-27% of homes had residential security systems between 2014 and 2017, but that number increased to 36% by 2021.
Interest in video monitoring is growing, with 25% of homeowners ranking it among their top-requested features. At the same time, 12% of broadband households have already adopted networked cameras and 13% use smart video doorbells.
Offering integrated features like video to customers should be a key component of a security company’s sales proposition because it offers several advantages:
#1. Do More With Less
Today’s event-based recording capabilities allow cameras to capture relevant footage when it’s needed most. Devices can now capture trigger-based events without draining battery or overwhelming storage space. Video verification also provides relevant and timely information to law enforcement and security companies so they can respond quickly and appropriately in emergency situations.
#2. False Alarms Are Reduced With Video Monitoring
False alarms are a headache for consumers, law enforcement, and security companies. Whether it’s an animal roaming across the yard or a homeowner forgetting to turn off the security system as they walk through the door, false alarms can be so frequent and frustrating that many people simply disable or ignore their security alerts altogether. Video verification can help reduce these types of false alarms by providing meaningful context for most situations.
#3. Save Time And Money
False alarms aren’t just frustrating—they’re costly for everyone, from police departments who rush to scramble emergency personnel to homeowners and security companies who get stuck paying the bill. Depending on location, homeowners could be on the hook for anywhere from $25-$250 per false alarm. In some areas, the security providers can be fined for false alarms. Video can help eliminate a lot of confusion and unnecessary calls to police.
#4. Expand Your Business Offerings
When security providers sell a system, they have to stand by its ability to detect true threats and guarantee a swift and appropriate response. Video monitoring solutions can streamline emergency response capabilities, allowing providers to save time and money while delivering high-quality service to customers. Video, for instance, all but eliminates scenarios in which employees waste crucial time figuring out what triggered the system and how to respond appropriately. When integrated with analytics or even facial recognition, video can add an important layer of verification before emergency services are ever contacted.
Smarter Systems Mean A Smarter Response
At Bold Group, we help security providers create a great experience for their customers with solutions that integrate security and alarm systems, including legacy systems, to achieve complete monitoring. Our portfolio of solutions includes alarm monitoring systems like Manitou, and stages, among others. Contact Bold Group today to see how an integrated system can lead to a smarter response.