Alarm Detection Systems

What Alarm Detection Systems does

Alarm Detection Systems, Inc. (ADS) is a family-owned, private security and fire alarm company founded in 1968 and headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, with a regional office in Louisville, Colorado. The company serves more than 35,000 residential and commercial accounts across the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin) and Colorado/Wyoming, operating UL Listed and Five-Diamond certified central monitoring stations 24/7/365. Its core business is integrated electronic security - burglar alarms, fire alarms, access control, IP and thermal cameras, doorbell cameras, and professional monitoring - delivered through a direct enterprise field sales motion supported by inside sales and same-day/next-day service operations.

ADS monetizes primarily through recurring monthly monitoring subscriptions underwritten by two UL Listed central stations, complemented by one-time revenue from system design, installation, and locksmith services, plus subscription service-and-repair plans and the in-house ADS Runner physical response service. In 2026 the company extended its stack with ADS SEEKER, an AI-powered remote video monitoring platform pairing computer vision analytics with live operator intervention, and Mobile Defense Trailers for temporary outdoor deployments. Vertical-specific solutions are sold into cannabis, healthcare, retail, property management, construction, banking, education, and municipal accounts, supported by technology integrations with Honeywell/Resideo (Total Connect 2.0), DMP, HID Global WIN-PAK, Skybell, and OpenEye cloud video.

Name

Alarm Detection Systems

Legal name

Alarm Detection Systems, Inc.

Website

https://adsalarm.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1968

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Alarm Detection Systems (ADS) is a family-owned, 50+ year private security integrator providing UL Listed, Five-Diamond certified 24/7 alarm monitoring, fire alarms, access control, cameras, and AI-powered remote video monitoring to 35,000+ residential and commercial accounts across the Midwest and Colorado.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Commercial and Residential Security Services

NAICS

Security Systems Services (56162)

SIC

Measuring & Controlling Devices, Nec (3829)

akta.pro primary industry

Commercial & Industrial Alarm Monitoring (BPAKAFAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential Alarm Monitoring (Burglar/Intrusion) (BPAKAFAA), Fire Alarm Monitoring & Dispatch (BPAKAFAC), Environmental & Technical Alarm Monitoring (Temperature, Water Leak, Gas, Power) (BPAKAFAG)

Keywords

• Commercial security systems
• Alarm monitoring services
• Fire alarm systems
• Access control systems
• Video surveillance services

Headquarters

HQ city

Aurora

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. 24/7/365 Alarm Monitoring Services: Recurring monthly monitoring fees for residential and commercial alarm systems including intrusion detection, fire alarms, and video surveillance. Monitoring provided from UL Listed central stations in Illinois and Colorado.
2. Security System Design, Installation & Service: One-time revenue from professional installation, design, and ongoing service/repair of security systems including cameras, access control, fire alarms, and intrusion detection.
3. Service and Repair Plans: Comprehensive service and repair plans covering parts and labor on a 24/7/365 basis, including battery replacement, next-day repair, and equipment replacement coverage for equipment failure.
4. ADS Runner Services: Physical response service where trained employees respond to burglar alarms at customer properties to verify events, reset alarms, and unlock doors for police.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Alarm Detection Systems (ADS) designs, installs, and monitors integrated electronic security and fire safety systems for residential and commercial customers across the Midwest and Colorado. The company provides 24/7/365 central station alarm monitoring from UL Listed, five-diamond certified facilities, alongside burglary alarms, fire alarms, access control, IP security cameras, and AI-powered remote video monitoring through its proprietary ADS SEEKER platform. Services include professional installation, ongoing maintenance/repair plans, locksmith services, and vertical-specific solutions for cannabis, healthcare, retail, property management, education, and financial institutions.

Product overview

Alarm Detection Systems offers a modular security platform with multiple integrated product lines serving both residential and commercial markets. The core offering centers on 24/7 professional monitoring through five-diamond certified central stations, supplemented by AI-powered remote video monitoring (ADS SEEKER), traditional burglar/fire alarms, access control, and security cameras. The product portfolio includes vertical-specific solutions for cannabis, healthcare, retail, property management, and construction sectors, plus specialized services like locksmith, temperature monitoring, and water detection. Products are offered as standalone components or bundled into comprehensive security packages with professional installation and ongoing service plans.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ADS SEEKER: AI-powered remote video monitoring platform that combines artificial intelligence analytics with live human operator intervention to detect and respond to potential threats in real time.
• Mobile Defense Trailers

Products and services

• ADS SEEKER Remote Video Monitoring AI-powered remote video monitoring platform that combines artificial intelligence analytics with live human operator intervention to detect and respond to potential threats in real time. Features intelligent activity filtering, remote guard tours, video verification, event-based analytic response, and voice-down technology allowing operators to directly address intruders.
• Mobile Defense Trailers Solar-powered, rapidly deployable outdoor monitoring units for temporary and remote environments. Provides continuous surveillance for construction sites, outdoor operations, and events without permanent infrastructure.
• Business Security Systems Comprehensive commercial security including burglary/intrusion alarms, IP security cameras with digital video recorders, fire alarm systems, and card access control systems covering perimeter door protection to interior intrusion sensors for commercial facilities.
• Home Security Systems Residential security solutions including smart home protection, live streaming mobile access, alerts, schedules, automations, and 24/7/365 alarm monitoring with professional installation and same-day/next-day service.
• 24/7 Professional Alarm Monitoring Five-diamond certified central monitoring station operating at the highest industry standards, providing 24/7/365 live observation and support from UL Listed facilities in Illinois and Colorado.
• Remote Video Monitoring (RVM) Advanced monitoring system using video analytics and on-site audio response to deter crime in real-time. Detects objects and recognizes events based on pre-set rules, reducing false alarms and enhancing police response through real-time visibility.
• Fire Alarms Fire alarm installation, monitoring, testing, and inspection services including fire alarm panels, heat and smoke detectors, wireless transmitters, pull stations, warning horns, bells, and strobe lights with code-compliant notification and suppression systems.
• Burglar Alarms Intrusion detection systems covering perimeter door protection to interior intrusion sensors with professional monitoring and 24/7/365 central station observation and support.
• Card Access / Key Card Access Electronic door card access control systems allowing secure location control, tracking which users can go where and when, with logged access control reports and integration with other security systems.
• Security Cameras IP security cameras with digital video recorders, thermal security cameras, and temporary location video surveillance with cloud-based storage for video playback and remote viewing capability.
• Doorbell Cameras Video doorbell cameras providing front entry surveillance, motion detection, and two-way communication with integration to security systems for comprehensive home monitoring.
• Alarm Service and Repair Comprehensive service and repair plan covering all parts and labor on a 24/7/365 basis including battery replacement, next-day repair with weekend/holiday service, and equipment failure replacement coverage.
• Locksmith Services Full-service locksmith shop in Illinois providing rekeying, lock replacement, smart locks, and emergency lockout services, licensed with master locksmith capabilities.
• Cannabis Security Solutions End-to-end electronic security and fire safety solutions for cannabis cultivation centers, craft grow facilities, and dispensaries including 24/7 live video recording, electronic door card access, environmental monitoring for growing rooms, and fire alarm systems meeting regulatory requirements.
• Healthcare Security Systems Integrated security solutions for care centers, medical offices, and hospitals including video surveillance, access control, mass notification systems, and fire alarm integration to protect patients, staff, and confidential information (HIPAA compliance).
• Retail Security Solutions Layered retail security approach including security cameras, commercial alarms, fire alarms, and controlled access addressing shoplifting, organized retail crime, employee theft, and in-store violence with video analytics and real-time alerts.
• Property Management Security Security services for residential properties (apartments, gated communities, dormitories) and commercial facilities (warehouses, malls, parking garages) including fire alarms, theft prevention, vandalism reduction, and liability protection.
• Construction Site Security Temporary security solutions for construction sites including surveillance camera systems, access control, perimeter security, secure storage, and 24/7 monitoring addressing vandalism, theft, unauthorized access, and safety concerns.
• Commercial Temperature Monitoring Temperature monitoring systems for commercial businesses maintaining conditions for food, medication, and sensitive products, including real-time temperature data, automated alerts, and 24/7 alarm monitoring for compliance and product quality.
• Water Leak Detection Water detection devices providing early warning of leaks from washing machines, pipes, toilets, or water heaters, compatible with existing alarm systems and Total Connect app for comprehensive home protection.
• ADS Alerts (SMS Notifications) Instant SMS notification service sending text messages when alarms are triggered, enabling real-time decision-making and reducing false alarms through the ASAP protocol.

Quantifiable outcome

• Homeowners insurance discounts up to 20% with monitored alarm system
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability5 records

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• AI Technology Partners (SEEKER Platform)coreTechnology or Integration · 3 June 2026ADS SEEKER platform combines artificial intelligence analytics with live human operator intervention, leveraging AI technology for real-time threat detection and response capabilities.
• Video Analytics Technology ProviderscoreTechnology or IntegrationRemote Video Monitoring systems use advanced video analytics technology to detect objects and recognize events based on pre-set rules, distinguishing real threats from false positives.
• Honeywell/ResideocoreTechnology or IntegrationADS installs and services Honeywell security systems including Total Connect 2.0 app, VISTA panels, and Lyric controllers. Provides home security alarm apps and integration capabilities.
• DMP (Digital Monitoring Products)coreTechnology or IntegrationADS installs and services DMP security systems, offering alarm apps and integration options for both residential and commercial customers.
• HID Global (WIN-PAK)coreTechnology or IntegrationWIN-PAK PRO Central Station integration for access control management, allowing logged access control reports and facility security management.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Vivint Smart Home: Smart home security provider combining professionally installed systems with subscription monitoring, video, and home automation. Comparable in professionally-monitored, integrated offering and increasing overlap in AI-enabled video services.
• Vector Security: Mid-size regional security integrator providing intrusion, fire, video surveillance, access control, and 24/7 monitoring across the U.S. Comparable in customer mix (residential and commercial), service offerings, and central-station monitoring model.
• Guardian Protection: Privately-held security company offering professionally installed and monitored intrusion, fire, video, and home automation solutions across multiple U.S. regions. Closely comparable in service breadth, recurring monitoring revenue model, and target customer profile.
• Brinks Home: Direct-to-consumer and small-business monitored security provider offering intrusion, video, and smart home services nationwide. Comparable in core monitoring offering and target customer segments, though larger and more national in scale.
• Bay Alarm: Family-owned, multi-generation regional alarm and monitoring company serving California and surrounding states with intrusion, fire, access control, and 24/7 monitoring. Highly comparable to ADS in size, ownership structure, vertical mix, and subscription-based recurring revenue model.

Emerging players

• SimpliSafe: DIY home security company with no-contract professional monitoring, disrupting the traditional installed-and-monitored model. Directly competitive with ADS's residential offering on price and ease of installation.

Broad incumbents

• ADT Inc. Largest U.S. residential and commercial security company with national coverage, monitored intrusion/fire/video, and professional installation. Competes head-to-head with ADS in commercial segments and is the dominant benchmark for the entire alarm monitoring category.
• Johnson Controls Security Products: Global building technology company with a security and fire detection portfolio including intrusion panels, access control, and video. Overlaps with ADS on fire alarm and integrated building security products and competes on larger commercial deployments.
• Stanley Security (Securitas): Large-scale commercial security integrator offering intrusion, access control, video, and monitoring to enterprise customers. Overlaps with ADS in commercial segments but serves larger national accounts and operates a broader portfolio.

Others

• Telguard (Telular): Provider of cellular alarm communicators and interactive services for the security industry, serving alarm dealers including regional installers like ADS. Adjacent/ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor, but a key supplier in ADS's monitoring stack.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/adsalarm
• Facebookfacebook.com/alarmdetectionsystems
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/alarm-detection-systems
• Instagraminstagram.com/adsalarm

Compliance4 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Alarm Detection Systems