Questions we get asked

We don't publish prices, because we don't sell fixed packages. What a property needs depends on its layout, what you're protecting and what you want the system to do. The survey and the quotation are both free, so you can find out what it would cost without committing to anything.

No. We only install what we've specified and supplied ourselves. If something isn't right afterwards, we want it to be ours to put right. If you've already bought something we're happy to give you an honest opinion on it, but installing it isn't work we take on.

Yes. Archer offers finance options for commercial clients.

If finance would be useful for your project, mention it when you enquire and we'll explain the available options alongside your quotation.

Specific terms depend on the finance arrangement, so we don't publish generic repayment figures on the website.

Night-time performance depends on the camera, its position, the available lighting and what you need the camera to capture.

That's one of the reasons we look at the property before specifying a system rather than promising the same result from every camera position.

That depends on the system specification, how it is configured and the storage available.

We'll discuss the appropriate setup as part of specifying the system.

There isn't a single retention period that is right for every business or CCTV system. How footage is retained needs to reflect the purpose for which the CCTV is being used and the organisation's data-protection responsibilities.

If all your footage is stored on a recorder at the premises, that recorder becomes a single point of reliance – if it's damaged, fails or is removed, the footage may go with it. CCTV Connect stores a copy off-site in the cloud, and you access it through your own CCTV Connect account.

Home alarm systems can be set up so different parts of the property can be protected according to how the house is used.

Tell us how you'd like the alarm to work at night and we'll take that into account when specifying the system.

Pets need to be considered when the system is being specified.

Detection can be selected and positioned with pets in mind, so let us know what animals are in the house and where they normally move around before we design the system.

Some systems can provide notifications to your phone, giving you another way to know when something has happened at the property.

Yes. If your insurer has given you specific alarm requirements, provide those details before the system is specified.

Archer can then consider them as part of the survey and quotation.

That depends on the premises, how the building is used and the system specification.

If different teams, working hours or areas of the building need to operate independently, explain that during the survey so the requirement can be considered when the system is designed.

Potentially.

Whether an existing door can be used depends on the door itself, its hardware and what the access-control system needs to achieve.

Archer can assess the existing doors during the free site survey before recommending the appropriate approach.

That depends on the door, the hardware and the requirements of the building.

Emergency escape arrangements and power-loss behaviour need to be considered when the system is specified rather than assuming every controlled door should behave in the same way.

Archer will assess the access-control requirement during the site survey.

No.

An intercom is generally used to communicate with visitors who need somebody to admit them. Access control manages people who already have permission to enter controlled areas.

Where a site needs both, the requirements can be considered together.

Some intercom systems can provide phone/app-based answering, depending on the equipment specified and the connectivity available at the property.

If this is important to you, mention it during the survey so Archer can recommend an appropriate system.

Potentially.

It depends on the existing gate equipment and the intercom system being specified. Archer will assess what's already installed during the site survey before confirming compatibility.

Archer installs Cat5, Cat6 and Cat7 data cabling. The appropriate specification depends on the existing infrastructure, premises and what the network needs to support, so we'll look at the requirement before recommending an approach.

Yes. Not every job requires a completely new network. Archer can survey existing infrastructure and establish whether suitable cabling, network points or WiFi can be added or upgraded.

Yes. Archer focuses on the physical network and data infrastructure rather than acting as an outsourced IT department. Where you already have an IT provider, we can work alongside them on the parts of the network we're responsible for.

Yes. Archer provides WiFi installation for homes as well as businesses.

We can look at the property, existing network and where you're having problems before recommending suitable access-point locations and any supporting cabling required.

Suitable WiFi installations can use wired access points connected to the network infrastructure behind them.

Archer can install the supporting Data Cabling as part of the WiFi installation where required.

There isn't one answer that applies to every security system.

The appropriate servicing schedule can depend on the type of equipment, how the system is used and any specific requirements attached to the installation.

If you're unsure when your system was last serviced, tell Archer what is installed and we can advise on the appropriate next step.

Yes, Archer can service suitable systems installed by another company.

We'll normally need to inspect what's already installed first so we can understand its condition and whether it is appropriate for us to take on.

Archer can assess faults on suitable security systems and advise whether repairing the existing equipment is worthwhile.

If the system is reaching the end of its useful life or replacement would make more sense, we'll explain that rather than recommending repair work that is unlikely to be good value.

If your security system uses your network or internet connection, changing router or broadband provider can affect parts of the system. For Pyronix and Orisec alarms, Archer's short videos show how to update the WiFi settings yourself. For anything else, the Support page explains what to check, and Archer can often reconnect the system remotely with Splashtop while you're on the phone.

Archer Security is SSAIB certificated and fully insured.

Archer Security is based in Telford and works across Telford, Shrewsbury and the wider Shropshire area, as well as Stafford and Wolverhampton.

For larger commercial projects, Archer can travel further where the opportunity is a suitable fit. Not sure whether you're in range? Ring and ask.

Archer provides a 24/7 call-out service for customers who need assistance outside normal office hours.

Our normal office hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:30pm.