Maintenance & Monitoring Guides
App alerts versus professional alarm monitoring
An app notification goes to the user. Professional monitoring sends agreed alarm events through a monitored signalling route with a defined keyholder process.
The direct answer
An app alert notifies the people logged into the system. Professional monitoring sends agreed events through a monitored signalling route so an alarm receiving centre can follow the confirmed contact or keyholder process.
Neither option should be described with vague promises. The customer needs to know which events are transmitted, who is contacted, what supervision is provided and what happens when contacts cannot be reached.
App notifications
App control is useful for arming, event history, user management and direct alerts. Its effectiveness depends on the user’s phone, data connection, notification settings, availability and willingness to respond.
It can suit customers who want direct control, but it is not the same service as a monitored signalling route.
Professional monitoring
A suitable maintained system communicates with the monitoring route and sends agreed alarm events. Keyholder details and the response process are recorded as part of the service.
- Alarm event signalling
- Keyholder contact process
- System or communication supervision where included
- Defined contact records
- Maintenance and compatibility requirements
- Clear renewal and service scope
What monitoring does not automatically mean
Professional monitoring should not be described as guaranteed attendance, guaranteed emergency response or police response unless the exact service and eligibility have been verified and agreed. NOX describes the available route accurately for the individual system.
Choosing the route
Consider who needs to know about an alarm, whether phones can be unavailable, who holds keys, how quickly contacts change and whether the property is residential, commercial or multi-site.
NOX can assess monitoring compatibility for new Ajax systems and suitable existing alarms, subject to maintenance, communication and takeover requirements.
Common questions
Does professional monitoring guarantee attendance?
No. The exact signalling and keyholder process must be confirmed. Guaranteed attendance or police response should not be assumed.
Can an existing alarm be monitored?
Potentially, subject to compatibility, communication equipment, maintenance and a takeover assessment.
Next step
Discuss your own property or system
This guide provides general information. Share the building, existing equipment and the work you are considering for a property-specific survey, service or quotation route.