TPM
An alarm system is only as useful as the response it triggers. When a sensor trips at 3 a.m., who finds out, and what happens next? That’s the choice between professional monitoring and self-monitoring.
Professional monitoring
The alarm panel sends signals to a monitoring station staffed around the clock. When an alarm comes in, an operator follows your instructions: calling you or your keyholders, and dispatching police or other help when appropriate.
- Good for: businesses, properties left empty for long periods, and anyone who can’t always respond to an alert.
- Keep in mind: there’s a monthly fee, and keyholder lists must be kept up to date.
Self-monitoring
The system sends alerts straight to your phone. You decide what to do: check your cameras, call a neighbour, or call the police.
- Good for: homes where someone is usually reachable, and people who want control without a monthly fee.
- Keep in mind: alerts are easy to miss when you’re asleep, travelling or in a meeting.
Things that matter either way
A communication path that can’t be cut easily
Older alarms used a phone line, which an intruder could cut. Modern panels communicate over the internet and cellular networks, often both, so the alarm still gets through.
Fewer false alarms
Pets, drafts and doors that don’t close fully cause most false alarms. Some municipalities charge fees or reduce response after repeated false alarms, so careful sensor placement and pet-immune detectors matter.
Video verification
Pairing the alarm with cameras lets you, or the monitoring station, look before reacting. That speeds up a real response and avoids unnecessary call-outs.
Insurance
Many insurers ask whether a property has a monitored alarm. Check with yours before you decide.
There’s no single right answer. Many people start self-monitored and add professional monitoring later, which modern panels make easy.