How I Use My System: Robert Forsythe

Robert Forsythe is the president of US Monitoring, a wholesale monitoring company based in Oklahoma City. He is also the president of C & C Products a rep firm for security products, also based in Oklahoma City. He started in the industry in 1989 as a service manager with Rollins Security.

What kind of system do you have?

A Honeywell 21IP. It's a hybrid system, with both hardwired and wireless zones. It's pretty straightforward. I have about 20 zones. I have five keypads. I've got a keypad in the master bedroom … in the event that something happens when [I'm] asleep. … I have a keypad outside, on the garage door. I like the idea that if my wife comes home, that she has a visual if the alarm's gone off while she's gone. … That's probably one of the unique things about my system.

Why this particular setup?

I've been in the alarm business since 1989. I was an installer. I worked for Honeywell/ADEMCO for many years as a rep. It's just a system I'm familiar with. It's easy to use, convenient and dependable.

What is one aspect of your security system that you wouldn't want to live without?

As cliché as it sounds, I like the peace of mind of having it when you go to bed. Having a keypad in the master bedroom, I can lean out from my bed and see that the light's on and know that if something happens it will make me aware of it. The acknowledgement of the keypad … the basic functionality of what security does, making you aware of your surroundings so you can react is the key thing for me.

Where do you see security going next? What are some big trends?

I think the home control side of security is key. One of the upgrades that I'll be making in the near future is incorporating the SecureNet product. … I think that that is the future. Everyone wants that convenience of being able to access their system from anywhere, with as many options as possible.