Selecting the right system: Five smart features that make choosing security simple

By Maciej Polak, Senior Regional Product Manager for Intrusion, EMEALA and APAC, Johnson Controls
From smart speakers and televisions to mobile payment platforms, modern technology brings ease and convenience to the consumer experience. Security system installers — and the end users that they work with — increasingly demand those same qualities from security solutions. Installers want intuitive and quick installation, programming and service options, while customers expect the same seamless, mobile-friendly smart home experience they’ve come to expect in other aspects of their lives.

For installers, selecting the right system for each residential and small commercial project can be a challenge. It’s helpful to know which security system features will provide the experience you and your customers want. To simplify that process, here are five security system features to look for that will enhance your workflow and meet your customer demands.

1. Mobile app convenience

Mobile app connectivity streamlines the full lifecycle experience for installers. Advanced alarm apps, like AlarmInstall from Johnson Controls, allow technicians to efficiently install and remotely monitor, manage, and control security systems. Managing installation through an app makes it easy to install and configure intrusion panels – like the new, wireless IQ Panel 4 Family from Johnson Controls – with a phone or tablet rather than a push-button keypad. The mobile app also enables technicians to perform system tests and remotely enroll devices and program panels with pre-set templates.

Once the system is installed, the app makes remote management easier than ever before since technicians can download event logs, run diagnostics and upgrade panel firmware. On top of that, installers can store data from multiple accounts in the app and switch between them easily.

Mobile apps are also an enticing feature for your customers. Whether you’re working with a homeowner or a small business owner or manager, they increasingly want free, user-friendly mobile apps to remotely monitor and control their intrusion alarm systems. Free apps like ConnectAlarm, used with the new Johnson Controls IQ panels, allow customers to do exactly that from their mobile phone or tablet. Through the app, customers can conveniently perform the following actions:

• remotely arm and disarm their system and bypass zones
• get visual verification images and video on demand
• create automation rules and control automation devices
• receive push notifications for alarms and alerts

Geofencing is another valuable feature installers can offer their customers through the ConnectAlarm app and the new IQ panels. With this virtual boundary, customers can set the system to automatically remind them to arm or disarm their security system. This and other mobile app features allow you to provide customers with a security option that also brings smart home convenience into their lives.

2. Instant internet connection during installation

Installers can get systems up and running more quickly with dual path connectivity. This feature allows panels to automatically connect to the internet via a Wi-Fi network or via mobile data, just like a smartphone. Dual path connectivity allows you to easily connect panels to the internet to streamline the installation process. With the IQ Panel 4 Family of security panels, supported by the PowerManage all-in-one receiver, technical management center and interactive service platform, installers can spend less time installing systems and more time understanding and addressing the specific needs of each customer.

3. Hands-free Bluetooth® security system disarming

Another feature that helps security installers provide customers with the convenience they want is Bluetooth disarming. This allows users to disarm their security system hands-free using their mobile device. As the user approaches the door from the outside, their mobile phone comes within range of the system’s Bluetooth and automatically disarms it without the need to enter a code on the outside panel.

End users can give Bluetooth access to other authorized people, as well. For example, families can grant access to loved ones or caregivers, while businesses can provide employees access to the office via their phones. Another advantage of this feature is the ability to set up Bluetooth rules that enable smart home and office devices. For example, when the alarm is disarmed as the user returns, the lights can be set to automatically turn on.

The Bluetooth disarming feature is currently exclusively available with the Johnson Controls all-in-one IQ Panel 4 Family smart home and security systems.

4. Secure data storage options on the cloud or a local device

With so many connected devices in our lives, cybersecurity is more important than ever for installers and their customers. Having an option to store security data on a secure local server, located at the alarm management company’s facility, can help keep customer data secure. The Johnson Controls PowerManage platform allows you to install the system on a local server or in the cloud, giving you maximum flexibility to manage customer data in a way that works best for you and them.

When installed on a secured, on-premises server, only users with network access can view customer data. As a result, PowerManage can help reduce the risk of unauthorized access, denial-of-service attacks and other threats.

5. Panel options to suit any need

One size does not fit all when it comes to users’ security system needs. Some users want alarm panels with large touchscreens for easy use, while others prefer sleek, screenless systems they can control with a smartphone. Some small businesses might require different panels to accommodate multiple spaces in one or more buildings.

Installers can set themselves apart from the competition by offering all the features their customers expect in three IQ Panel 4 Family options:

• The next-generation IQ Panel 4 goes beyond security, offering a complete smart home solution. Its premium features include an 8-megapixel (MP) camera with 120-degree wide angle lens with Flex Tilt for high-quality disarm photos and alarm videos, three microphones with echo cancellation, two-way voice, built-in glass break detector, panel motion and a compatible IQ base with QuadSound speakers.
• The IQ4 HUB offers all-in-one affordability without compromise. IQ4 HUB shares some advanced features with the IQ Panel 4 like the built-in touchscreen, control of automation devices, music streaming and a photo frame screen saver.
• The IQ4 NS is a best-in-class, screen-free panel that offers affordable smart security. The panel is ideal for customers who prefer a smaller, sleek panel with all the essential security features, as well as the powerful benefits that come with PowerManage integration.

All three IQ panels include Bluetooth disarming as well as ultra-long range and two-way wireless connection with encryption and easy automation for lights, locks, thermostats and more. With the IQ Panel 4 Family, installers can be confident they have the right solution for any residential or small commercial customer.

The smart, easy choice
The era of seamless, powerful, secure and mobile-friendly smart home and small business security technology is here. With the IQ panels and PowerManage from Johnson Controls, installers can easily choose the right panel for any application. For resources on the new IQ Panels and PowerManage, visit security.jci.com/iq-pm.