Choosing a company to design and install your security system is one of the most critical decisions you’ll make for your business or property. This isn’t just about buying cameras or card readers—it’s about forming a long-term partnership with a company you trust to protect your people, assets, and operations.
The wrong choice can lead to a system that is unreliable, non-compliant, difficult to use, and impossible to scale. The right choice provides security, efficiency, and peace of mind for years to come.
To separate the true professionals from the rest, you need to ask the right questions. Here is the essential checklist every business owner and property manager in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware should use before signing a contract.
1. Are You Fully Licensed and Insured?
This should always be your first question. It’s a non-negotiable baseline for legitimacy and professionalism.
Why it matters: In New Jersey, security and alarm system installers are regulated by the Division of Consumer Affairs. A license proves the company has met stringent requirements for experience, technical knowledge, and has passed criminal background checks. Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida have similar regulatory requirements. Proper insurance—both General Liability and Workers’ Compensation—protects you from liability if an accident occurs on your property during installation.
What to look for: Ask for their specific license numbers for each state they operate in and verify them online through the respective Division of Consumer Affairs websites. Request a current Certificate of Insurance. If a contractor can’t provide these immediately, it’s a major red flag.
Systems Integrations: We are fully licensed in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Florida. We carry $1 million in general liability coverage and a $2 million umbrella policy. We’re happy to provide verification of our licenses and current insurance certificates upon request.
2. What Experience Do You Have in My Specific Industry?
A security system for a manufacturing plant is vastly different from one for a multi-tenant apartment building or a corporate office.
Why it matters: An experienced integrator will understand the unique challenges, compliance requirements, and operational workflows of your industry. They won’t just sell you products—they will design a solution that addresses your specific pain points, whether it’s managing visitor traffic, securing intellectual property, or ensuring employee safety on a production floor.
What to look for: Ask for examples of projects they’ve completed for businesses similar to yours. Request case studies or references from clients in your industry.
Systems Integrations: With over 20 years of experience, we specialize in serving manufacturing facilities, property management companies, wealth management firms, and small to mid-size businesses throughout South Jersey and Southeast Pennsylvania. We understand the unique security challenges of facilities in the Pureland Industrial Complex, Mid-Atlantic Industrial Park, and commercial properties across Gloucester, Camden, Salem, and Cumberland counties.
3. What Technology and Brands Do You Work With?
The answer to this question reveals a lot about their philosophy. Are they locked into a single, proprietary brand, or do they offer flexible, modern solutions?
Why it matters: Companies that only push one brand might be trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. A forward-thinking integrator works with open-platform technologies that allow for greater flexibility and integration. This prevents you from being locked in to a single manufacturer for future upgrades or expansions.
What to look for: Look for partners who champion modern, cloud-based, and open-platform systems. Ask specifically about NDAA compliance for video surveillance equipment, which is critical for facilities handling government contracts or sensitive materials.
Systems Integrations: We are certified partners with industry-leading manufacturers including Hanwha and Rhombus for video surveillance, and PDK and Feenics for access control. We use only NDAA-compliant video surveillance equipment to ensure your facility meets federal security standards. Our technicians are trained and certified on all equipment we install, and we invest in annual continuing education to stay current with the latest technology.
4. What Does Your Design and Consultation Process Look Like?
A professional integrator is a consultant first and an installer second. They should invest time in understanding your needs before ever quoting a price.
Why it matters: A one-size-fits-all quote sent over email is a sign of a “box seller,” not a solution provider. A proper process involves a site survey, a thorough needs assessment, and a discussion about your current problems and future goals.
What to look for: A detailed proposal that clearly explains why they are recommending specific components and how the system design solves your specific problems. The proposal should include a timeline, scope of work, and clear pricing.
Systems Integrations: Our process begins with a comprehensive site survey and security assessment. We take the time to understand your operational workflow, security concerns, and future growth plans. Our proposals are detailed and educational, explaining not just what we recommend, but why each component is the right fit for your specific needs.
5. Who Performs the Installation?
The quality of the installation is just as important as the quality of the hardware.
Why it matters: Some companies subcontract their installation work to the lowest bidder. This can lead to inconsistent quality, poor workmanship, and a lack of accountability. You need to know who will actually be on your property and whether they’ve been properly vetted.
What to look for: A company that uses its own in-house, factory-trained, and certified technicians. Ask about background checks and whether technicians are employees or subcontractors.
Systems Integrations: All installations are performed by our in-house team of licensed, certified technicians. Every team member has undergone thorough background checks as required by New Jersey law. We do not use unlicensed subcontractors. Our technicians are trained and certified on Hanwha, Rhombus, and PDK systems, ensuring expert installation and configuration.
6. What Kind of Support and Maintenance Do You Offer After Installation?
Your relationship with your integrator shouldn’t end when the installation is complete. A security system is a living technology that requires ongoing support.
Why it matters: What happens when a camera goes offline or a door controller fails? You need to know who to call and what their response time will be. A company that disappears after installation leaves you vulnerable and frustrated.
What to look for: Clear information about their service level agreements, options for preventative maintenance plans, and whether they offer remote and on-site technical support. Ask about emergency response times and after-hours availability.
Systems Integrations: We provide comprehensive post-installation support through master service agreements, maintenance contracts, and time-and-materials support options. Our emergency support is available through our after-hours on-call system, with a four-hour response time for emergencies and one to four business days for routine service. Every installation includes a one-year workmanship warranty. We also offer a dedicated support portal at support.systems-integrations.com for easy ticket submission and tracking.
7. Can You Provide Case Studies or Client References?
A reputable company will be proud of their work and happy to share their success stories.
Why it matters: This is your chance to hear directly from other clients about their experience. It provides social proof and validates the claims the company is making. A company that hesitates to provide references may have something to hide.
What to look for: A willingness to provide references from clients, especially those in your industry. Look for testimonials and case studies on their website. Ask about their repeat business rate—a high percentage indicates satisfied customers.
Systems Integrations: We’re proud that 75 percent of our business comes from repeat customers, a testament to the quality of our work and the relationships we build. We’re happy to provide references from manufacturing facilities, property management companies, and commercial clients throughout our service area. We’re also active members of NJELSA, ESA, and BNI, demonstrating our commitment to professional standards and community engagement.
Bonus Question: What Sets You Apart from Your Competitors?
This open-ended question allows the company to articulate their unique value proposition and gives you insight into what they prioritize.
Systems Integrations: What sets us apart is our commitment to doing things the right way. We’re fully licensed in four states, we use only NDAA-compliant equipment, our technicians undergo annual continuing education, and we maintain industry certifications including Security Industry Association Cybersecurity Certification. We don’t just install equipment—we design integrated security ecosystems that protect your business today and scale with your growth tomorrow. With over 20 years of experience and a 75 percent repeat customer rate, we’ve built our reputation on quality, responsiveness, and professionalism.
Your Partner in Protection
Choosing a security integrator is a decision that will impact your business for years to come. By asking these questions, you can ensure you’re selecting a true partner who is qualified, experienced, and committed to your long-term security.
At Systems Integrations, we pride ourselves on being that partner for businesses and properties throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. We are fully licensed and insured, and we build customized, best-in-class solutions to meet the unique needs of each client.
Contact Systems Integrations today at (866) 417-3787 for a professional consultation. We’re ready to answer all your questions and design a security solution you can trust.