It’s tempting to save money on security cameras, smart doorbells, and wireless alarm systems by doing it yourself. After all, the idea of getting a business-grade system at home security pricing can be alluring to Chicago business owners working with slim budgets. However, there’s a significant difference between using do-it-yourself equipment and having a professionally installed, professionally monitored security system when your employees, merchandise, and ability to earn a living are on the line.
At Alarm Security Inc. (ASI), we’ve been installing and servicing security systems throughout the Chicago metro area for over 40 years. Since 1982, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and what can leave businesses exposed. Therefore, Chicago-area business owners should understand the key differences between DIY security and professional installation and monitoring before choosing a system.
Why DIY Security Systems Are Risky for Chicago Businesses
The typical DIY security product was created for residential security needs, not the wide range of risks businesses face. For example, commercial properties may need protection against inventory shrinkage, after-hours break-ins, employee theft, liability issues, and regulatory compliance concerns.
Here are some of the biggest limitations businesses may encounter with DIY security systems:
Wi-Fi connectivity and reliability issues: Wireless DIY security cameras often rely heavily on Wi-Fi, which can become sluggish, unavailable, or even blocked. As a result, if your internet connection fails, your security coverage may fail along with it.
No professional monitoring: A security camera that documents a break-in after it happens can be useful for evidence. However, without 24/7 monitoring and dispatch, you’re left to react to an incident rather than have trained professionals respond to it in real time.
No integration: DIY systems often aren’t able to combine burglar alarms, fire alarms, video surveillance, and access control into a single platform. Consequently, businesses may have to manage multiple apps, devices, and services separately.
No compliance capabilities: Businesses that need NFPA 72-compliant fire alarms, UL-listed monitoring, or systems that satisfy insurance-related requirements typically won’t find these capabilities in a standard DIY system. Therefore, consumer equipment may not be suitable for businesses with specific regulatory or insurance obligations.
Not scalable: A small DIY camera system might cover a retail storefront initially. However, it may struggle to keep up as your company expands to additional storefronts, warehouses, or distribution centers.
How Professional Installation Makes a Difference
Professional installation involves much more than having a few security cameras mounted on your walls. Instead, it means designing a security system around the specific vulnerabilities, risks, and operational needs of your business.
Custom Design Based on a Site Survey
Every business property is unique. For instance, a Chicago retail store will have different security requirements than a Des Plaines warehouse or a suburban school.
A professional security company starts with a site survey to identify blind spots, weak points, and potential risk factors in and around your property. With that information, the company can design a security system that fits your building, operations, and budget. As a result, your security strategy is based on your actual risks rather than a generic equipment package.
Single-Source Security Systems
ASI is a single-source security company that provides design, installation, monitoring, and service for burglar alarms, fire alarms, video surveillance, and access control. Instead of dealing with several different vendors, apps, and contracts, you have one partner responsible for your entire system.
More importantly, an integrated system allows your burglar alarm, fire alarm, video surveillance, and access control components to work together. For example, when a burglar alarm goes off, the system can initiate coordinated security actions, such as recording video from relevant cameras and notifying the monitoring center. Depending on the system configuration, other integrated security responses may also be triggered.
This level of coordination can be difficult to accomplish with separate DIY components. By contrast, professionally designed systems can provide a more unified approach to protecting your property.
UL-Listed Fire Alarm Services
Your fire alarm system needs to comply with applicable fire codes and requirements. Depending on the property and jurisdiction, businesses may also need specific monitoring, inspection, or certification services.
ASI offers UL-listed fire alarm services to help clients meet applicable local code, insurance, and inspection requirements. In addition, our services include fire alarm system design, installation, testing, and maintenance.
Professional support is especially valuable because fire alarm requirements can be complex. Rather than trying to determine those requirements on your own, you can work with experienced technicians who understand commercial fire alarm systems.
Bosch Authorized Dealer
As a Bosch Authorized Security Dealer, ASI has access to professional-grade equipment and is certified to install and service Bosch professional security systems. Consequently, businesses can receive commercial security solutions backed by professional installation and manufacturer-supported technology.
When you work with a Bosch dealer, your system is built around professional equipment rather than consumer-level products that may offer limited repair or service options. Furthermore, professional servicing can make it easier to maintain and expand your security system over time.
24/7 Professional Monitoring and Dispatch
Knowing what happens after an alarm is triggered is just as important as having the alarm itself. ASI’s 24/7 monitoring center monitors alarm signals around the clock and can dispatch appropriate emergency personnel, including police, fire, or EMS, when necessary.
For example, if your alarm triggers at 3 a.m. because of a door contact, a monitoring operator can review the alarm signal and follow established response procedures. As a result, you don’t have to rely solely on a smartphone notification that could easily go unseen while you’re sleeping, traveling, or otherwise unavailable.
Professional monitoring adds another layer of protection because someone is available to respond around the clock.
Why a Local Company Can Be the Best Security Partner
Large national companies may sell products while outsourcing installation or service work. ASI, on the other hand, is an independent, locally owned company based in Des Plaines, Illinois.
So, what does “local” really mean for customers?
Rapid Response Time: If a critical component stops working, local service can help minimize downtime. ASI offers fast local service, with response times that can often be measured in hours rather than days.
Chicago Building Code Knowledge: Because we serve Chicago and surrounding communities, we are familiar with local fire codes, permit procedures, and inspection processes. This local experience can make a significant difference when installing or maintaining commercial security and fire alarm systems.
Long-Term Relationships: Some clients have been with us for decades. Over time, these relationships give our team greater insight into their buildings, security history, and changing security needs.
Accountability: Our headquarters is located in Des Plaines, so our customers know where to find us when they need assistance. Additionally, ASI has maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since 2000.
DIY vs. ASI: A Comparison
System Design
DIY Systems: Generic, user-selected equipment and placement.
Professional Installation (ASI): Custom vulnerability assessment and system design based on your property and security requirements.
Equipment Quality
DIY Systems: Primarily consumer-grade equipment.
Professional Installation (ASI): Commercial-grade equipment with access to Bosch professional security technology.
Monitoring
DIY Systems: Typically self-monitoring or basic cloud-based notifications.
Professional Installation (ASI): 24/7 professional monitoring with dispatch capabilities.
Fire Alarm Compliance
DIY Systems: Generally not designed to satisfy commercial fire alarm requirements.
Professional Installation (ASI): UL-listed fire alarm services designed around applicable NFPA 72 and local requirements.
Integration
DIY Systems: Often fragmented across multiple devices, platforms, and apps.
Professional Installation (ASI): Single-source solutions covering burglar alarms, fire alarms, video surveillance, and access control.
Service Response
DIY Systems: Support may depend on a remote call center, replacement shipment, or mail-in service.
Professional Installation (ASI): Local technicians can provide on-site support, often within hours.
Scalability
DIY Systems: Expansion capabilities may be limited as a business grows.
Professional Installation (ASI): Commercial systems can be designed to scale across larger facilities and multiple locations.
Long-Term Partnership
DIY Systems: Typically limited to product support or subscription-based services.
Professional Installation (ASI): More than 40 years of local experience, service, and accountability.
Peace of Mind Is Not a DIY Project
Your business represents years of financial, emotional, and personal investment. Therefore, protecting it deserves more than a collection of consumer-grade devices.
A professionally designed and installed ASI system provides a coordinated approach to commercial security. Instead of relying on disconnected equipment and self-monitoring, your business can benefit from professional installation, integrated technology, ongoing service, and 24/7 monitoring.
When you partner with Alarm Security Inc., you are investing in more than security equipment. You gain access to four decades of experience, licensed and certified technicians, burglar and fire alarm solutions, video surveillance, access control, professional monitoring, and rapid local service.
Since 1982, our motto has been, “Installing peace of mind.” Ultimately, that reflects the level of service we’ve worked to provide Chicago-area businesses for more than 40 years.
What’s the Next Step?
If you own or manage a Chicago-area business, don’t settle for a DIY security solution when your property, employees, and operations require professional protection.
Instead, call our Des Plaines office for a free security consultation. We’ll assess your property, identify potential weaknesses, and recommend a security plan tailored to your specific needs and budget.
Call (847) 390-9600 for a free security consultation. Let Alarm Security Inc. show you how more than 40 years of experience can help protect your business.
Common Questions
What does a professional security system cost?
The cost of a professional security system depends on several factors, including facility size, the number of cameras or access points, monitoring requirements, and whether you need a fire alarm system.
Because every property is different, ASI provides free on-site consultations and personalized quotes. This approach allows us to recommend the security features your business actually needs rather than offering a one-size-fits-all package.
Can ASI modify or expand an existing security system, or do I need to replace everything?
ASI can often modify or expand an existing security system, so a complete replacement may not always be necessary. First, our technicians evaluate your current equipment, wiring, and infrastructure. Then, they determine what can continue to be used and what should be upgraded or replaced.
As a result, businesses may be able to improve their security while making practical use of compatible existing infrastructure.
What is ASI’s average service turnaround time?
Because ASI is based in Des Plaines and serves the greater Chicago metro area, we can typically respond to service needs within hours.
Additionally, if you are a monitored customer and an alarm signal is received, the monitoring center can review it immediately and follow the appropriate response procedures. When necessary, emergency responders can then be dispatched according to the monitoring protocol.
Do you install fire alarm systems that satisfy Illinois regulations?
Yes. ASI installs UL-listed fire alarm systems designed to conform to applicable NFPA 72 standards and local requirements. We also provide design, installation, testing, and certification services.
Furthermore, our team can assist with ongoing maintenance and inspection coordination with local authorities. This comprehensive approach helps businesses keep their fire alarm systems properly maintained and prepared for applicable inspections.
What types of customers does ASI work with?
ASI works with a wide range of commercial and institutional customers throughout the Chicago metro area. These include retail stores, warehouses and distribution centers, schools, financial institutions, car dealerships, cannabis businesses, government offices, hotels, and factories.
Because each type of facility faces different risks, we tailor our security recommendations to the property, operations, and specific protection requirements of each customer.
