Internet technology can be harnessed to deliver benefits to its customers, says a distributor.
Distributor Gardiner Security has been looking at ways in which internet technology can be harnessed to deliver benefits to its customers. Work with Intamac Systems, a company specialising in internet linked monitoring and control technology, has led to the development and launch of a home monitoring service. Intamac has developed a way in which domestic security panels can become a ‘home manager’. By connecting these security panels to their new internet platform, Intamac can receive and relay information to property owners using a variety of channels such as text messages to mobile phones, e-mails, or recorded messages sent over the phone. Not only do end users know if their alarm has been triggered, they also get full details of the sequence of events. This makes it much easier to identify and respond to false alarms, the firms say. And while Intamac’s system uses Internet technology for the messaging, customers only need a phone to use it. It is also easy to network panels with this new technology, the firms argue. Commercial properties can be linked to manned guarding services or customers linked to their holiday homes. The flexibility of the internet means they can all be monitored from anywhere. But it is not just external security which the system provides. The new technology will also allow installers to use panels to give customers protection against a wider range of threats by linking a range of different sensors to the panel and sending messages warning of water leaks, flooding, power failure or temperature. So far, the technology has been developed to be used specifically with the Scantronic 9750 (and will be compatible with the Scantronic 9751 when it is launched) and the Visonic Powermax (together with the Visonic Powermaster when it is launched). Intamac has developed a package of services to support the technology. These help to give customers complete peace of mind by ensuring that someone will respond to an alarm. They have partnered Securicor First Response to provide customers with the option of a manned guard service to check their property when they are on holiday. This can be extended to provide all year round cover with full key holder. Kevin Meagher, Managing Director of Intamac Systems, says: ‘We are keen to use the security system as a gateway through which we can deliver a range of new products and services to customers. This technology has huge potential. The internet will allow security systems to be adapted to deliver new services and low cost home automation features. Customers will no longer regard an alarm panel as a ‘grudge purchase’ because it will deliver a wider range of benefits that can be tailored to their needs.’ This new service is now available through all 43 Gardiner branches nationwide. For information on the nearest outlet, contact them on 01706 343343 or on-line at www.gardinersecurity.co.uk. James Somerville Smith, Gardiner Security’s Marketing Director, says: ‘We believe that by offering new services and capabilities for domestic customers, this will help our installers to stimulate growth in that sector. The Intamac service can play a definite part in growing domestic sales by offering something new and exciting.’ Together with Cooper and access control manufacturer Visonic (UK), Gardiner will be working to promote this new technology, which all three companies see as an important development.
