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We are often asked about “Open Protocol” or “Open Architecture” systems. Although this is quite a technical question, it is one of the fundamental issues to be addressed when specifying a fire detection and alarm system. In order to understand this issue it helps to consider the origins and basic principles of automatic fire detection systems, and then to consider the way the fire systems industry is structured.

These days, “Customer Service“ is a term used with wild abandon. All businesses claim to provide great Customer Service. Big companies even have huge “Customer Service” departments and employ dedicated “Customer Service” personnel. But isn’t this all missing the point somewhat? Every aspect of every business should be about customer service. All businesses provide a service of some kind to its customers.

Let’s face it, fire safety systems, especially fire alarm or fire detection systems, are pretty boring. They just sit there for years, doing nothing. Or even worse, being a nuisance with disruptive false alarms. So when it comes to deciding who should be servicing these systems, it’s not quite as exciting as say, buying a new car or a computer.

Ordinary fire detection and alarm systems need extensive cabling to be installed between all of the system devices and the central control panel. Wireless systems, on the other hand, achieve the same end using radio technology and so don’t need the installation of all that cabling. It’s not difficult to see the benefits of this, especially when it comes to installing a system within an occupied building. But the choice isn’t necessarily as simple as that!