Alarm monitoring is the monitoring of your alarm system by a Central Station (a 24 hour manned control room) via the phone line, cellular or radio transmission. In simple terms, your alarm system will automatically telephone the central station upon activation of an alarm or personal attack. They in turn will call the Gardai who will respond to the call. In addition the central station will also telephone you, or the key holder of the property. The time scale of this procedure is within 30 seconds from activation.

Apart from monitoring an intruder alert or personal attack alert (panic button), the central station can also monitor fire alarms fitted to your home or premises.

In a "social context" monitoring can provide immediate communications for the elderly and inform where help may be required in the form of medical and police assistance.

In the industrial world, monitoring of temperature changes, power, fluid levels, gas levels and humidity etc. can be included.

With the advancement of Digital Video compression, monitoring of your Closed Circuit TV system can now be achieved, doors & gates opened, effectively offering you a 24hour electronic security guard.