What is back-to-base monitoring?
Back-to-base monitoring is a pathway where alarm events or security signals are
sent from your system to a monitoring process so they can be received, reviewed
and escalated according to an agreed response procedure.
Is monitoring only for alarm systems?
No. Alarm monitoring is a common monitoring pathway, but modern security monitoring
can also involve video verification, duress or panic alerts, system signals, CCTV
event context and other security-related events depending on the site setup.
What is the difference between alarm monitoring and video verification?
Alarm monitoring focuses on receiving alarm signals and following an agreed
escalation procedure. Video verification adds visual context by allowing suitable
CCTV or video events to be reviewed before escalation where the system supports it.
Can my existing alarm be connected to monitoring?
In many cases, yes. We can assess your existing alarm panel, communication
pathway, sensors, zones and monitoring requirements, then advise what is needed
to connect or update the system for monitoring.
Can monitoring use 4G or cellular communication?
Yes. Depending on the alarm platform and site conditions, monitoring pathways may
use IP, 4G or cellular communication modules. This can be useful for sites affected
by phone line changes, NBN transitions or locations needing a more suitable
communication path.
Who gets contacted when an event occurs?
Contacts and escalation steps are based on the agreed response procedure. This may
include business owners, managers, nominated contacts, monitoring operators,
response providers or other authorised contacts depending on the site and event type.
Can monitoring include duress or panic alerts?
Yes. Duress or panic activations can be included where suitable. These events may
require a different escalation procedure based on staff safety, site risk and the
response requirements agreed for the property.
Can CCTV help verify alarm events?
Yes. Where CCTV or video verification is part of the security setup, video context
can help confirm what may be happening before escalation. This can reduce uncertainty
and support better response decisions.
Do you provide monitoring for homes and businesses?
Yes. Sunstate can help with monitoring pathways for homes, small businesses,
offices, retail premises, warehouses, commercial sites, farms, sheds, construction
sites and other higher-risk properties across Brisbane and South East Queensland.
Can monitoring procedures be changed later?
Yes. Monitoring procedures may need to change as staff, contact lists, operating
hours, site risks or security systems change. Sunstate can assist with updates,
testing, communication changes and future monitoring adjustments.