What Is Central Station Monitoring? 

Central station monitoring manages automated devices. This is in order to respond to critical events by contacting the appropriate response team when triggered. If there is a need for a system to be supervised, then central station monitoring can be used.

Systems and Industries

The world of automated, IoT and touchless access control systems is growing. Naturally, so does the need for central station monitoring. Below are the top industries that benefit from central monitoring stations: 

• Security 
• Surveillance 
• Intrusion detection
• Fire
• Access Control 

Regulation

Third-party inspection agencies regulate central station monitoring systems and software. Below are the most well-known regulatory companies. In addition to approval by these independent evaluators, membership in outside organizations also builds credibility and demonstrates commitment to safety and security. 

• Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
• Factory Mutual (FM)
• The Monitoring Association (TMA)

Benefits of Central Station Monitoring

Peace of Mind

No one can manually monitor an alarm or security system 24/7. This is especially true for automated systems that are working off-site or at multiple locations. So, central station monitoring systems are a great benefit for anyone managing a facility, from residential to enterprise. The appropriate response team is alerted when the associated alarm is triggered for peace of mind all the time. 

Quickest Response Time

In the event of any emergency, time is always the most important determinant in mitigating risk and damage. Central station monitoring systems ensure real-time alerting to enact the fastest possible response time in any situation. 

Criminal Deterrent 

The purpose of many automated systems is to protect and secure assets and investments. This function is irrelevant if threatening activity still poses a risk from perceived lack of protection. If it’s known that a security or surveillance monitoring system has an accompanying, immediate response trigger, criminal activity is significantly deterred. 

Central Station Monitoring Companies

CentraLarm Monitoring

Centralarm is an alarm monitoring company committed to providing unrivaled service and support to all dealers and their clients. Below are the most significant features: 

• Infinus network
• No downtime or rerouting within the network
• No need to restore a backup, which takes systems down for minutes to potentially hours
• Access to a first-class call center that can perform duties from simple answering service to complex services to help them grow their company
• Remote access to account information, and account activity alerts via text and email. 
• Fast response time
• Customer success team provides ongoing training to ensure the highest level of service
• Certifications: 
  • UL UL2050, UL
  • TMA Five Diamond Certified

COPS Monitoring

COPS Monitoring is an award-winning monitoring company trusted by more alarm dealers to safeguard more accounts than any other company (3.5 million accounts). Below are the most significant features: 

• Proprietary UL listed monitoring platform
• Dealer access
• API supported by a team of in-house programmers
• Support of the best emerging technology (dozens of integrations completed in the past year alone)
• Certifications:
  • UL UL Burglar and Fire
  • Factory Mutual
  • IQ Certified
  • TMA Five Diamond Certified
  • Other: SOC 2 Type 2 Certified, Previous TMA Central Station of the Year

Rapid Response Monitoring 

Rapid Response Monitoring provides professional monitoring services, providing audio, video, GPS, Sonitrol, PERS, mPERS, IP, Cellular, IoT, Lone Worker and residential and commercial protection. 

• UL, FM, and FDNY-certified monitoring centers 
• Dealers with incomparable performance and real-time access to account data, support and alarm handling
• Certifications: 
  • UL CRZH [burglar alarm systems] National Industrial Security Systems; CRZM Monitoring Stations, National Industrial Security; CVSG [burglar alarm systems] Mercantile; UUFX [signal and fire alarm equipment and services] (Protective Signaling Services) central station; UUFO Central-Station Hosted Services
  • Factory Mutual
  • IQ Certified
  • Other: FDNY-certified