Dale Eller, IQ executive director, said IQ started marketing the program further about 18 months ago. The program has about 130 companies.
In order to obtain IQ certification, alarm companies must follow a set of installation and false alarm prevention guidelines. Companies must provide superior maintenance, service programs and training in industry-recognized programs. Additionally, IQ certified companies must meet all licensing requirements, maintain proper insurance coverage and re-certify every year.
“It’s not only a good program to address false alarms, but it’s a great way to make your business run better,†Eller said. “When you adopt these quality control initiatives, it makes the systems function better.â€
Dealers are drawn to IQ for several reasons, Eller said. Many dealers are involved in the Brink’s dealer program, which uses IQ as a prerequisite. Smaller dealers may join because they’re looking for something to use as a marketing difference that isn’t linked to a particular manufacturer, Eller said. Some larger dealers join to distinguish themselves in their marketplace.
The 22 companies now IQ certified are: American Security, St. Joseph, Mich.; A New Era Security, Eynon, Pa.; AAA Alarms, El Paso, Texas; Simpson Security, Iva, S.C.; Fort Knox Alarm & Security, Osage, Mo.; Allsafe Security Inc., Albuquerque, N.M.; Anchor Security Services IT, Theodore, Ala.; AAA Alarm Company, Bangor, Maine; Golden Eagle Technologies, McAllen, Texas; Innovative Sound & Security Inc., Burlington, N.C.; Gold Star Security & More, Osage Beach, Mo.; Cross Security Solutions/Cross Surveillance Systems Inc., Winston Salem, N.C.; Apex Technology Solutions, Wichita, Kansas; Integrity Security Systems LLC, Southhaven, Miss.; LowVolt, Pittsburgh, Pa.; Lifesafety & Security, Louisville, Ky.; Tri-State Security & Fire, Lexington, S.C.; New West Security, Duncanville, Texas; Alarms Security Networks, Yuma, Ariz.; TSG Communications, Springfield, Mo.; Martin Security Systems Inc., Green Bay, Wis.; and Easy Tech Connections Inc., Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
For more information about the IQ Certification Program, or to obtain an IQ certification application, call (866) 833-8302 or visit www.iqcertification.org.