Research Overview
Skilled and Trained Personnel Critical For Market Growth of Fire Alarm Services
Stringent codes adopted by municipalities and authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) based on standards developed by independent agencies such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) are compelling the North American fire alarm service providers to train, update, and retain skilled personnel. The companies are forced to invest heavily in imparting cross-functional expertise including basic skills in electronics and computer programming to ensure superior service levels. Such intensive training has become essential in the wake of continuous technological advancements and the integration of fire alarm systems with other building safety systems. However, in order to offer consistent services and ensure increase in market share, companies must retain these select and highly specialized service personnel who are constantly lured by better opportunities.
Frost & Sullivanfs recent research on the North American fire alarm service markets examines the challenges faced by participants and provides strategic recommendations to overcome them. The study also offers an in-depth analysis of emerging technologies and product innovations besides providing details on unmet consumer needs.
Replacement of Defective Systems Spurs Market Growth
For long, false alarms have been a nagging problem in the fire alarm industry. "Besides the exorbitant costs/resources involved in attending to such calls, false alarms demoralize the fire fighters, and compromise the safety of the occupants. Moreover, there is the potential for loss of life in the event of an actual fire as the respondents could be busy attending to a false alarm," says the analyst.
To overcome the problem, manufacturers are focusing on developing detectors immune to false alarms whereas servicing companies are addressing the issue through timely inspections and testing of fire alarm systems. Additionally, frequent instances of false alarms have forced authorities to impose strict penalties and eventually revoke building permits for repeat incidences. This is prompting system upgrades as building owners opt for replacement of defective alarms in instances where rectification involves substantial expenses.
Third-Party Service Providers Constrained By Legacy and Proprietary Software
The fire alarm services sector is impeded by the presence of a large number of legacy systems driven by patented software. This restricts third-party service personnel from operating the system as they have to depend on fire alarm manufacturers to provide authorization software and hardware (keys and dongle) for accessibility. As a result, third-party maintenance service is limited to routine checks and testing, which limit its growth potential.
Although it is technically possible for third-party service providers to develop the requisite accessibility tools, economic considerations prevent them from doing so," comments the analyst. "Moreover, they run the risk of violating copyright agreements and patents in case they choose to develop their own tools." The impact of this challenge is likely to reduce in the future as the industry moves toward development of multi-protocol and open fire alarm systems. | 
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