With identity theft and shrinkage on the rise, it's more important than ever to have quality security alarm systems installed in your business. And it's not just the little guys in the business world – retail leader, Wal-Mart, estimates they'll lose more than $3 billion in 2007 due to theft. While security alarm systems can't completely eliminate theft or vandalism, monitored systems by reputable dealers could curtail the problem and perhaps catch perpetrators during the act.

Security alarm systems work by activating a series of sensors, detectors, and sirens when it notices an intrusion. The system than communicates with a central monitoring station that watches over your business 24 x 7 x 365 and sends authorities to the scene when they notice a problem.

Typical security alarm systems features
Deciding which features your system needs is a critical decision. Make sure a security alarm systems dealer visits your office and takes a full assessment of your surroundings to suggest the appropriate setup. One way to find the best dealer is to use BuyerZone's free request for security alarm quotes. You'll get matched up to as many as six different providers who will explain what services they offer and furnish you with customized price quotes.

Here are the most common security alarm system features available:

• Control panels – The "brains" of your security alarm system, the control panel connects to your standard phone line to alert the central monitoring station of an intrusion.
• Security keypads – Located outside entrances, employees enter a special code into the keypads to enter and exit the office, and can communicate directly with the monitoring station if they detect theft or vandalism.
• Motion detectors – When the infrared energy levels change in an area, these devices will trip the alarm.
• Window and door contacts – Magnetic equipment placed along window frames and door jams that automatically sets the alarm when opened.
• Glassbreak sensors – If an intruder breaks a window, the shock waves from the shattered glass activates the security alarm system.
• Audible sirens and visible strobes – Loud horns that go off in and out of the building and activate bright strobe lights so authorities can easily locate the building from afar.
• Backup systems – Redundant connections through a cellular or radio backup system are necessary to ensure your alarm is always up and running, even during a power outage.
• Schedule monitoring – Detect who last opened and closed your office and note when someone is inexplicably on premises after hours. With schedule monitoring, the central station can also let you know if someone forgot to activate the system.

In addition, dealers can also connect your monitored security alarm systems with your existing access control system or CCTV setup. However, certain devices such as fire alarms must comply with multiple local and national codes and guidelines, and require a specially designed system that’s separate from your security alarm.