ARCs enable immediate response and ensure effective intervention
Alarm Receiving Centres (ARCs) are a vital component in the security sector and play a key role in prevention, according to ACAES, the Catalan Association of Security Companies. These centres not only enable an immediate response to intrusions, thefts, fires, or other emergencies, but also serve as coordination hubs that ensure a professional and efficient intervention 24 hours a day.
ARCs are an essential link in the security chain. They not only facilitate rapid responses to incidents such as break-ins, robberies, or fires, but also act as central command centres, guaranteeing effective, round-the-clock support every day of the year. According to ACAES, their function is critical in preventing risks, as they “reduce response times and handle each incident according to strict, tailored protocols for every type of alert.” Moreover, ARCs “help optimise the use of security and emergency resources by filtering potential false alarms and conducting prior verification before notifying the relevant authorities.” This process helps to “reduce unnecessary deployments of police and emergency services, focusing their attention where it is genuinely needed.”
Each setting has its own characteristics and requires customised solutions. In residential environments, for instance, the priorities are speed of response, ease of use, and minimising false alarms. “The ARC must inspire confidence and be accessible to all household members.” In retail settings, the focus shifts to “combining perimeter protection, access control, and video surveillance, all adapted to the store’s opening hours and daily operations.” In industrial contexts, the requirements are more demanding: “securing extensive perimeters, managing access to restricted areas, and detecting fires or gas leaks...” ARCs must handle numerous signals simultaneously and activate appropriate protocols accordingly.
New Technologies
The industry is continuously evolving through the integration of new technologies, as ACAES explains. Among the most significant advancements in ARCs are: “Artificial intelligence applied to video analytics, capable of detecting suspicious behaviour or critical events (such as fires) in real time; systems integration, as there's a growing trend to centralise the management of alarms, CCTV, video analytics, access control, and sensors on a single platform to boost operational efficiency; advanced cybersecurity, which is increasingly essential to counter rising digital threats and protect personal data and communication integrity; and redundant communication systems (IP, 4G/5G, GPRS...), which ensure service continuity even during network or power outages.”
The human element
The Catalan Association of Security Companies also highlights the importance of the human factor. “Behind every piece of technology are highly trained professionals who analyse, verify, and make critical decisions within seconds. This combination of cutting-edge technology and expert human judgement is what truly makes ARCs effective.”
ACAES “underscores the importance of strengthening public-private collaboration between ARCs and law enforcement agencies, with the aim of creating a more effective, coordinated, and sustainable system that benefits all citizens.”