With the rising cost of inflation and potential for a recession it is getting harder to make ends meet on everyday expenses.  Improvement in the economy is going to take time and is going to be tougher before it gets easier.  Many will suffer hardship and as a result crime will increase in the months and years ahead.

Right now is the best time to look into upgrading security for your property or business to protect your assets and more importantly your family or staff.  So how can you invest in security and save while also having control over the project and expenses?

Traditional vs DIY Project Management of Security Installations.

The traditional way to acquire security, whether it be CCTV, and alarm system, or access control, is to engage with a security professional who will quote to supply and install your new system.  Usually this will be based on the suppliers recommendation with little breakdown of cost (so you can’t easily search Google for comparison).  There may be variations invoked during installation for difficulties eg. difficult access to roof or wall cavities, weather etc.  There should be training provided and you have the supplier on speed dial for any questions or issues, right?  This is not always the case as we can attest by the number of phone calls we get.

The new way is DIY project management with Active Online.  So what does this entail and how can you save money?

When you work with us we take you through the steps required to choose the right equipment for your project.  This will take into account your security requirements, any existing infrastructure (old systems, cabling), and your budget.  We will propose several options explaining the difference between them so you understand what each entails and the pros and cons, and we provide all the information for you to engage a basic trades installer (no need for specialist knowledge other than basic cabling, mounting etc).  Our supply price will be significantly lower than the former method and the installation costs should be lower as the training and knowledge on the particular equipment is not required.  Ongoing support is provided including online remote access and full warranty support (equipment only).

Typical Scenarios

You may have an existing intercom system on your home or business that has failed.  It is old technology and no longer available or you want additional features such as video, or remote calls to mobile App, or access control (RFID card or FOB, or PIN access through a keypad).

Active Online will ask for photos and any identifying make or model information from the existing system.  From there we will determine the type of cabling in use and any forseeable issues using the existing cabling.  We will then propose multiple scanarios: 1) Using existing cabling with a new system including any risks, and, 2) Recabling for a new system.  In some cases we are able to pre-program the system so it is plug and play, in others it may not be possible (WiFi for example).  We work with you or the installer to ensure everything arrives in good order, is tested locally on a bench or loungroom floor so you know it works before it is installed (this is important as if it doesn’t work after installation on the cables it can quickly be determined to be a cable issue), and then installed and working correctly.  Our support continues via telephone, email, and remote access if needed.

You have an existing old analogue CCTV system and are looking to upgrade to digital or better resolution cameras.

Active Online will ask for photos and any identifying make or model information from the existing system.  From there we will determine the type of cabling in use and any forseeable issues using the existing cabling.  We will then propose multiple scanarios: 1)  Replace the existing DVR with a backward compatible HDCVI (digital) version and update some or all of the cameras to HDCVI for higher resolution where needed.  This is not foolproof as some cabling does not work well with the higher throughput required for higher resolution (Swann cable can be an issue and may need replacement).  With good cabling the savings are quite high as recabling can be expensive.  2)  Reuse the coaxial cable by putting adapters on each end to allow them to carry data and power for eternet based cameras.  This allows a new NVR and IP cameras to be installed over old cabling.   3)  Recable where possible and reuse old cable elsewhere.

We work with you or the installer to ensure everything arrives in good order, is tested locally on a bench or loungroom floor so you know it works before it is installed (this is important as if it doesn’t work after installation on the cables it can quickly be determined to be a cable issue), and then installed and working correctly.  Our support continues via telephone, email, and remote access if needed.

You are renting a home, apartment, or business and are looking for a security system that is portable and self managed.

Alarm systems traditionally have been cabled and therefore not portable and difficult for a customer to DIY install.  We supply both cabled and wireless sytems with the majority being wireless mainly because of easier installation and protability.  When you move home or business you can take the alarm system with you.  Please contact us to discuss wireless alarm systems for your home or business.