Before you hire electronic security in Panama: 10 questions

1Question 1: What problem do you want to solve?

Why it matters

The right system depends on the risk: break-ins after hours, unauthorized people coming in, inventory losses or the safety of your staff. If you start with the problem, it is easier to rule out what you do not need.

Ask for it in writing

That the proposal says which risk each part of the system addresses.

If you also need fire detection, ask for it to be quoted as a separate scope: it has its own standards and requirements, different from those of a burglar alarm.

2Question 2: Who visited the site before quoting?

Why it matters

Doors, walls, lighting, height, existing cabling and building rules change the design and the cost. Without a visit, a quote is only an estimate.

Ask for it in writing

Whether the proposal was made with a visit, with drawings or with photos, and what may change after the visit.

3Question 3: What is included, what is optional, what is up to you and what is excluded?

Why it matters

Two prices can only be compared if they cover the same thing.

Ask for it in writing

Equipment with brand and model, materials, installation, setup, licenses, storage, internet connection, monitoring, maintenance, technical visits and ITBMS (the sales tax), each one marked as included, optional, your requirement or excluded. And the upfront payment separate from the monthly payments.

4Question 4: Who does each part?

Why it matters

A single project may involve whoever supplies and installs, whoever monitors, the manufacturer that provides the warranty and your internet provider. If something fails, you need to know whom to call.

Ask for it in writing

A table with each part of the service and the company responsible for it.

With us: ADVSYSA supplies and installs; 24/7 monitoring is operated by AMS (Advanced Monitoring Services, S.A.), an ATG Group company, under a separate contract; the warranty for each device is provided by its manufacturer.

5Question 5: What happens when an alarm goes off or an event is detected?

Why it matters

A system without a clear protocol produces alerts nobody handles, or calls to the wrong person.

Ask for it in writing

The response protocol: which events are reviewed, who is contacted, in what order and what happens if nobody answers.

Monitoring does not replace the police or the fire department: be wary of any response promise that is not written in the contract.

6Question 6: Where are the recordings and logs kept, and who can see them?

Why it matters

If your employees or customers can be recognized in the videos or in the entry logs, that is personal data. In Panama, its protection is governed by Law 81 of 2019 (Panama’s Personal Data Protection Law) and its regulations, Executive Decree 285 of 2021.

Ask for it in writing

The days of recording, where it is stored (at your premises or in the cloud), who has access and how a copy is handed over.

In its frequently asked questions (in Spanish), answering about the common areas of a condominium, Panama’s National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI) clarifies that the rules do not expressly require posting notices, but it recommends visible notices at every entrance to an area under video surveillance, to respect the information and transparency principles of Law 81. For residential condominiums, that answer says the information signs must be placed visibly at each camera. Check with your legal advisor which notices apply to your premises and how long to keep the recordings.

7Question 7: Can your network, internet and power support the system?

Why it matters

Cameras, access control and monitoring depend on the network and on power. A power or internet outage should not take you by surprise.

Ask for it in writing

Which network equipment and which power backup (UPS) the proposal includes, what internet connection the system needs and what happens when it goes down.

8Question 8: How is the system handed over?

Why it matters

When the installation is finished, you should be able to use and manage what you paid for.

Ask for it in writing

Tests with a signed handover record, the list of equipment and its location, users and passwords in your name, and training for your staff.

9Question 9: What warranty and what maintenance will you have?

Why it matters

The warranty covers the equipment under each manufacturer’s conditions. Preventive maintenance is something else: it helps prevent failures from dust, wear or missing updates, and it may be included in the proposal or quoted separately.

Ask for it in writing

Each manufacturer’s warranty conditions, what maintenance includes, how often it is done and how much it costs.

10Question 10: How do you ask for support when something fails?

Why it matters

Sales and support are different channels. When a device fails, you need a clear number and procedure.

Ask for it in writing

The support channel, its hours and how each case is logged.

With us: Sales: (507) 209‑5151. 24/7 technical support for clients: (507) 202‑3585.