Unique Communications has designed and installed business alarm systems in Windsor since 1961. We start with a free site survey, recommend only what the building needs, install it with our own technicians and connect it to a ULC-listed monitoring station. If something goes off at 3 a.m., the station acts on it and you get a call or text.
What a business alarm system includes
Every system has a control panel, a keypad or app to arm and disarm, and a set of detectors chosen for your building. The usual parts are:
- Door and window contacts. Small magnetic sensors that trigger when an entry point opens while the system is armed.
- Motion detectors. Cover open floor areas, corridors and stock rooms. Pet-immune and high-ceiling versions are available for warehouses.
- Glass-break detectors. Listen for the sound frequency of breaking glass, which matters for storefronts with large windows.
- Photoelectric beams. Invisible beams across a yard, loading bay or long aisle that trigger when someone walks through them.
- Hold-up and panic buttons. Silent alarms at a counter or office that alert the monitoring station without alerting the intruder.
- Environmental sensors. Flood, temperature and freezer alarms for server rooms, restaurants and greenhouses.
- Communicator. Sends signals to the monitoring station over a cellular connection, a landline, or both for backup.
Most systems we install today use DSC PowerSeries Neo or Qolsys panels with Alarm.com, so owners and managers can arm, disarm and get alerts from their phone, and see who armed the building and when.
How much does a business alarm system cost?
The price depends on the size of the building, how many entry points and zones need covering, whether you want cameras or access control on the same system, and the monitoring plan.
| Type of site | Typical installed price | Monitoring |
|---|---|---|
| Small retail unit or office | from $___ | from $__/month |
| Multi-room office or restaurant | $___ to $___ | from $__/month |
| Warehouse, plant or greenhouse | Quoted after site survey | from $__/month |
You get an itemised written quote after the site survey, with equipment, installation and monitoring listed separately so you can compare like with like.
How installation works
- Site survey. We walk the building with you, note entry points, opening hours and who needs access, and check where the panel and communicator should go.
- Quote and design. You get a written quote and a zone plan.
- Installation. Our technicians install and program the system, usually outside your busiest hours. Typical install time: __ hours for a small site.
- Testing. Every device is tested with the monitoring station before we leave.
- Training. We set up user codes for each staff member, show managers the app and give you the monitoring certificate for your insurer.
Already have an alarm? We can often take over monitoring and service of an existing panel rather than replacing it. Bring us the make and model and we will tell you what can be reused.
Businesses we work with
Retail stores, offices, restaurants, dental and medical clinics, warehouses, manufacturing plants, greenhouse operations and apartment buildings across Windsor, LaSalle, Tecumseh, Amherstburg, Essex, Kingsville, Leamington and Chatham-Kent. Many add security cameras or access control to the same system, and some also run their business phones with us.
Common questions
Do I need monitoring, or can the alarm just alert my phone?
An unmonitored alarm only helps if someone sees the alert and acts on it. With monitoring, a ULC-listed station receives the signal around the clock, verifies it and contacts your keyholders or emergency services. Many insurers require monitoring for commercial policies.
Will a monitored alarm lower my insurance premium?
Often, yes. Ask your insurer what they need to see. We provide a monitoring certificate once your system is live.
What happens if the power or internet goes out?
The panel has a backup battery, and a cellular communicator keeps sending signals if your phone line or internet is down. We test both at installation.
Can each employee have their own code?
Yes. Each person gets a personal code, so you can see who armed or disarmed the building and remove a code the day someone leaves.
Can you add to the alarm system I already have?
Usually. We service Honeywell, DSC and Qolsys systems and can often add zones, cameras or app control to an existing panel.
How long does a site survey take?
Most surveys take under an hour. They are free and there is no obligation.
Do you install in Leamington and London?
Yes. We have offices in both, as well as our Windsor head office.
Who services the system after installation?
We do. You call the same local office for service, changes and annual inspections.