The biggest pro of self-monitoring is cost-effectiveness, but your response capability and the high potential for missed incidents limit it.
Whereas professional CCTV monitoring is 24/7 vigilance with a proactive, swift response to security breaches, accompanied by slightly higher costs.
But these are just a few pros and cons. In this article, we will discuss the detailed pros and cons of self-monitoring and professional CCTV monitoring so you have a better idea of what to choose to protect your assets and people from security breaches proactively.
For those just stepping into the world of CCTV monitoring, first, let’s find out what self-monitoring and professional CCTV monitoring are.
Once you find out how each of the security systems works you will better understand the pros and cons of self monitoring vs professional CCTV monitoring systems to make an informed decision for your home or business.
What is a self-monitoring security system?
A self-monitoring security system is a type of security setup where individuals themselves take an active role in overseeing and managing their security measures.
Simply put, you become the person in charge of keeping an eye on your home or business using the security system.
You may know it by these names also “home alarm monitoring system,” “self-monitoring alarm system,” “diy-monitoring security system,” and “surveillance monitoring system’.
Why do people use self-monitoring security systems?
A self-monitoring security system is usually used to avoid the costs associated with a professional monitoring system.
When you directly take charge of the safety of your business, you forget that security may be prone to lapses in attention or even occasional moments of fatigue. These factors can affect the efficiency of your security measures.
How to set up a self-monitoring security system?
Setting up a self-monitoring security system is simple;
Step 1: All you need to do is gather the necessary components for your security system, including security cameras, motion sensors, door sensors, window sensors, and a mobile app.
Step 2: Based on your security requirements, assess the security system’s features, including mobile app remote access and adjustable settings.
Regular maintenance of your security gear, like cleaning, updating firmware, and battery replacement, is essential for peak performance.
Step 3: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the security system components. Now you need to determine how you will respond to alarms or alerts generated by the security system.
Step 4: Whether through the mobile app or another means, establish a protocol for addressing potential security breaches.
This may involve contacting law enforcement, neighbors, or checking the live camera feed to assess the situation.
Pros and cons of self-monitoring systems
| Pros of self-monitoring systems | Cons of self-monitoring |
|---|---|
| 1. Less expensive 2. Save penalties on false alarms 3. Ideal for frequent movers | 1. No extra protection is available 2. Call the authorities yourself 3. Self setting of equipment 4. Challenges of sole control 5. Causes extra stress 6. Limited monitoring |
Pros of self-monitoring system
No monthly fees or low fees
When you choose self-monitoring, there are either no monthly charges or the fees are kept at a minimum, allowing you to save on costs.
Save penalties on false alarms
There are no penalties for false alarms in self-monitoring: If the alarm is accidentally triggered without a real emergency, you can simply disregard it. No authorities are automatically dispatched on your premises.
Ideal for renters and frequent movers
If you’re a renter or frequently on the move, self-monitored systems provide a flexible and suitable choice, offering security without the constraints of permanent installations.
Cons of self-monitoring system
No extra protection available in self-monitoring
In a self-monitoring system, there are no additional layers of security or backup measures beyond what is initially set up. Users are responsible for the primary monitoring and response mechanisms.
In emergencies like fires or the presence of armed criminals, a delay in receiving alerts on a cell phone or contact list could have severe consequences.
Call the authorities yourself
Self-monitoring allows you to respond to emergencies and summon aid from anywhere—be it an office meeting, gym, or vacation— although it requires you to evaluate situations and directly reach out to services like police, fire, or medical help by yourself.
Limited connection options in self-monitoring
When self-monitoring, the available choices for connecting or integrating the system with other devices or services may be restricted.
This limitation can impact the system’s versatility and its ability to interact with external components.
No help with setting up equipment in self-monitoring
Self-monitoring requires diy setting of the monitoring equipment and self-monitoring of the mobile app to check security breaches.
There is no external assistance or guidance provided, which may pose a challenge for individuals who are less familiar with the installation process.
Self monitoring causes extra stress
The absence of additional support or guaranteed safety features in self-monitoring can lead to heightened stress levels.
Users may experience increased pressure and anxiety, particularly during emergencies, as they bear the full responsibility for managing and responding to security concerns.
Challenges of sole control
When you’re the sole controller of your security system, whether it’s a fire or an intruder, dealing with incidents yourself can be demanding.
Managing well under pressure is crucial, and the effectiveness of your system is reliant on your cell signal strength to receive the alerts. Another challenge is how attentive you are to alerts and how you monitor tasks.
Connectivity issues and limited monitoring
Being out of town or using data down the street may limit your ability to connect with emergency services swiftly.
Technology glitches are part of the self-monitoring responsibility, and without third-party compatibility, smart features may be limited.
Blind spots or areas without adequate monitoring may exist in a home or business, leaving certain areas vulnerable to threats.
What is a professional CCTV monitoring system?
A professional CCTV monitoring system is when security breach alerts are received at the remote monitoring center and the vigilant operators take charge of the situation and swiftly act following the SOPs.
How does a professional video monitoring system work?
A professional video monitoring system uses cameras and sensors around your perimeter and entry/exit points.
When the alarm at the remote central hub is triggered, operators quickly respond to breaches. These components collectively create the remote video monitoring system.
Surveillance cameras:
Professional CCTV systems consist of high-quality cameras strategically placed to cover key areas. These cameras can capture video footage both during the day and at night, and they may have features like pan, tilt, and zoom for comprehensive coverage.
Video analytics:
Proactive detection is often achieved through the use of advanced video analytics software. This software can analyze the video feed for specific patterns, behaviors, or anomalies.
It may include features like motion detection, object tracking, and loitering detection.
Event triggering:
When the video analytics software detects an event or activity of interest, it triggers an alert or notification.
This alert is then sent to the monitoring personnel or a security operations center, prompting them to take immediate action.
Remote access:
Security personnel can access the live video feed and receive alerts remotely, allowing for quick response even if the monitoring station is not physically present at the location.
This feature enhances the system’s flexibility and responsiveness.
Proactive response:
In a proactive CCTV monitoring system, security personnel can take immediate action in response to detected threats according to the pre-established SOPs.
Check out our blog for a deep dive into what is remote video monitoring and how it works.
Pros and cons of professional monitoring systems
| Pros of professional monitoring system | Cons of professional monitoring system |
|---|---|
| – Faster response by authorities – Expert assistance by vigilant operators – Save on insurance costs – Around-the-clock monitoring – Integration with alarm system – Lesser false alarms | Higher cost |
Pros of professional monitoring systems
Faster response by authorities
With professional monitoring, emergency alerts are promptly relayed to authorities, ensuring a quicker police response in times of need and enhancing overall security.
Trained professionals at monitoring centers are ready to respond rapidly to any alerts or emergencies, minimizing the time between detection and action, which is crucial for effective security.
Expert assistance by vigilant operators
Professional monitoring systems come with skilled personnel who can provide expert assistance, guidance, and support. They are experts in handling installation, monitoring, and emergency response.
Save on insurance costs
Having a professional monitoring system in place may lead to a reduction in insurance costs, as it has been proven to be an efficient solution to reducing the number of intrusion, theft, and vandalism incidents.
Around-the-clock monitoring
Professional monitoring provides continuous surveillance around the clock, enhancing security by ensuring that any potential threats are detected and addressed promptly at any time.
Integration with alarm systems
Professional CCTV systems may be integrated with other security systems, such as intrusion alarms or access control systems.
Lesser false alarms and proactive solutions
False alarms can become a costly issue, but with a top-notch remote video monitoring system, you gain a proactive solution, minimizing unnecessary expenses and ensuring a more reliable security experience.
Cons of professional monitoring
Higher cost
The biggest and most probably the only con associated with professional monitoring are higher costs. They often require initial setup costs including the labor, expertise, and any additional materials needed to establish a comprehensive security system.
To maintain continuous monitoring and rapid response services, professional monitoring companies typically charge monthly fees. These fees cover the ongoing expenses associated with staffing monitoring centers, maintaining equipment, and providing 24/7 support.
Some professional monitoring services offer different subscription plans with varying levels of features and services.
Higher-tier plans may include additional functionalities, such as integration with other security systems, advanced reporting, faster issue resolution time, or access to advanced analytics.
How can remote monitored security services enhance your business security?
A system equipped with remote management features empowers administrators to oversee and regulate access remotely, improving both convenience and security management.
For individuals or businesses owning private or commercial properties, employing a remote video monitoring system ensures comprehensive security.
Utilizing video analytics facilitates prompt detection of various security threats such as loitering, tailgating, slip and fall incidents, and gun detection.
This technology extends its benefits to securing elevators in large shopping malls, shared living complexes, or office buildings and offers a virtual guard tour service, ideal for diverse industries like construction sites, parking lots, auto dealerships, cannabis farms, or truck yards.
Additionally, the system provides remote access to the site through a mobile app, allowing users to conveniently arm or disarm security measures from the comfort of their homes.
The major difference between self-monitoring vs professional CCTV monitoring
The primary distinction between self monitoring vs professional CCTV monitoring lies in the involvement of a third party or trained professional.
Self-monitoring involves individuals overseeing their surveillance systems, while professional CCTV monitoring employs external experts or services to actively manage and respond to security events.
Imagine it’s the dead of night, the world is asleep, and an alarm echoes through the quietness of your parking lot. In the self-monitoring realm, the responsibility falls on your shoulders.
You’re the one who needs to check what has triggered the alarm, assess the situation, and then call the related authority for help.
Now, transpose that scenario into the realm of professional CCTV monitoring. As soon as that alarm triggers, a team of experts is already on the case.
They are ready to respond swiftly and effectively. You keep sleeping and wake up to a safe and unchanged business.
How to decide between self-monitoring vs professional monitoring?
Deciding between self-monitoring vs professional monitoring involves considering various factors that meet your specific security requirements.
Self-monitoring comes with lower initial costs, as users handle the installation and monitoring on their own.
However, when considering the long-term expenses associated with potential break-ins, fires, and thefts, opting for professional monitoring, despite entailing higher initial costs and ongoing service fees, often proves beneficial.
The advantages include sustained security coverage and proactive detection of security breaches, contributing to overall peace of mind and savings in the long run.
Self-monitoring is suitable for homes, or small businesses with simpler security needs or smaller spaces where hands-on monitoring is feasible.
For high levels of expertise and constant vigilance of larger properties or businesses with complex security requirements, professional monitoring is more suitable.
Conclusion
The choice between self monitoring vs professional CCTV monitoring hinges on factors like cost, control preferences, and security needs.
Self-monitoring is budget-friendly but lacks additional protection, requiring personal handling of emergencies. Professional monitoring offers 24/7 vigilance and expert assistance but comes at a higher cost.
Contact us today to discuss your security needs and find the right solution for your business.
