Time and again, when it comes to security system, the most common questions one will have to face are “where is it going to be placed”, “how big is the surveillance area”, “what is your budget”, and “what is your preference”. The list can go on and on and it can be rather tedious and overwhelming for amateurs.

Moreover, the many models and choices of security systems out there in the market readily for selection can also be a headache for many new users. As a result, it is common to find different types of security systems all housed under one roof. This may increase the likelihood of a system overriding the other, minimising or depleting the primary purpose of acquiring a network which safeguard our premises.

Hence, security systems are never the more the merrier. In fact, it should be the more consideration, the better. By consideration it means three things – read, ask, and learn.

To read is to garner adequate knowledge about closed circuit television (CCTV), alarm, and access control systems. You do not have to be an overnight expert but neither should you be completely blank. The best approach to do is to first understand that having a domestic or commercial system is some form of an investment. This investment is going to have an impact on what you will receive in return, be it short term or long term.

As such, find out the worthiness of the premise which you will like to protect and compare it across with different security systems. Be mindful that this investment is one-off, which means you will only have to make a major decision once and the rest to follow are just annual maintenance.

As you read, try to ask as many questions as possible too. Remember there is no such thing as “silly questions”. Nevertheless, remember to ask always the “right questions” so that you will not receive the “wrong answers”.

Asking means clarifications, sitting down with experts and owners of existing security systems. This will be beneficial when it comes to receiving insiders’ guide or tips. Asking can be internal too, as in, ask yourself what exactly do you want. Recently, security system also provides additional features like smoke or carbon monoxide detector and remote home automation services. These features are optional and only useful if the alarm is to be placed in certain areas prompt to these threats. Hence by having better ideas of your own needs, you can better weigh what is the best for yourself.

Last but not least, learn in the process so that you can revisit, again and again, what you have learnt previously. Technology advances, so do security system, and there is also no guarantee that the surveillance premise will not change. Therefore, move forward with time and this is definitely a much better solution than acquiring numerous security systems.