2017-05-11

According to a new research report by Berg Insight, the number of monitored alarm systems in Europe is forecasted to grow from 8.7 million in 2016 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.0 percent to reach 10.6 million in 2021. In North America, the number of monitored alarm systems is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 2.9 percent from 32.1 million at the end of 2016 to 37.1 million at the end of 2021. Small alarm systems for businesses and private homes can be divided into two main categories – local alarms and monitored alarms. The simplest type of local alarm only reacts to activation by ringing bells to alert the surroundings and scare off intruders. A more advanced type of local alarm is a self-monitoring alarm. Monitored alarms are connected to an Alarm Receiving Centre (ARC) that can respond to an activated alarm by contacting the police or dispatching a security patrol. ADT is the leading provider of monitored alarm systems in North America. In 2016, ADT merged with Protection 1, which makes the combined company the clear market leader. Vivint and MONI Smart Security are other players with well over a million monitored alarms. Comcast and Slomin’s are two other major actors on the very fragmented North American market. Verisure is the leading player on the European market, with monitored alarms in a dozen countries. Securitas, G4S and the rising star Sector Alarm are all sizeable players, especially in the northern part of Europe. In the southern part of Europe, Prosegur and EPS are two dominant players. United Technologies Corporation with its Climate, Controls & Security business as well as Stanley Security and Johnson Controls (acquired Tyco in 2016) are also important players active in both Europe and North America. There is still a significant growth potential for monitored small alarm systems, especially in Europe where the total penetration reached only 3.7 percent of all businesses and households at the end of 2016.

“The penetration of monitored alarm systems in North America is much higher than in Europe and the corresponding figure was in this region 22.0 percent at the end of 2016”, says Anders Frick, Senior Analyst at Berg Insight.

The most important factor for market growth today is active marketing and sales led by specialist alarm service companies and new market entrants from the home automation industry.

“Alarm systems are becoming more valuable for customers as the scope of offerings are being expanded to include detection of fire, carbon monoxide and water leaks, as well as home automation features such as smart plugs, locks, cameras, lighting and thermostat control”, concluded Mr Frick.