Alarm Software
Update Part Costs Instantly! With Portal.io and Cornerstone Billing.
One of the biggest headaches for our life safety customers is this: keeping inventory costs CURRENT in their alarm business software. Especially with the inflation of the last few years, part prices are changing constantly. Well, Cornerstone Billing Solutions has solved the problem with our newest alarm business software integration. The payoff for our customers…
Read MoreG/L vs. Alarm Company Software: Why Integration Can Be Risky
In the dynamic world of business technology, the life safety software decisions you make can be the linchpin for your company’s success. One pivotal decision that businesses often grapple with is whether to integrate their General Ledger (GL) with their Customer Management Software (CRM). While the allure of an all-in-one solution is strong, there are compelling…
Read MoreCRM Software for Security Dealers: A Must Have
A CRM is generally understood to be software that helps you manage your customers and prospects. But when I hear “I really need a good CRM!” the real question is: what are you trying to manage? Lead Management CRM vs. Customer Management CRM Often what they really want is not a customer management system, but…
Read MoreAlarmBiller Customers: Compare your Service, Software, and Support
Our security dealer customers are in a very competitive market. They compete with large national players like ADT, usually several local independent dealers, “DIY” companies like SimpliSafe, and others. In order to compete successfully, our dealers need to be clear about their competitive advantages. “We are your best choice because…” The advantages could be unique…
Read More3G Upgrades: Good Process can Ease the Pain
Security dealers have worked very, very hard for their base of loyal subscribers. Every year, it takes work to KEEP those subscribers. This year, it’s going to take more work than usual. Major wireless companies like AT&T and Verizon are sunsetting their 3G networks, as you know. What a pain in the butt! Ignoring this…
Read MoreAlarm and Security Service Software: Why SSaaS beats SaaS
One of the big buzzwords right now is “SaaS”: Software as a Service. Today I’m coining a new term (drum roll please…): “SSaaS.” Let me elaborate on both of these and explain why SSaaS is superior. Cloud-Based or Local? The old business model for software, of course, was to buy it, install it on the local network, then maintain and upgrade it over time. MANY companies in…
Read MoreCornerstone integrates with NMC
We are excited to announce that Cornerstone Billing Solutions is fully integrated with National Monitoring Center (NMC), adding another excellent partner integration for our customers. What this integration means for our NMC dealers: PULL data from NMC (preferred) – set up new accounts as usual through the NMC Monitoring portal. Then, by clicking Download Customer…
Read MoreGood Quoting: Fast, Flexible & Classy
Winning a new customer starts with a good conversation, then a good quote. The conversation should uncover the prospect’s needs and priorities in making a decision. The quoting process should then address those needs and priorities, in a professional and compelling way. A good quote can be the difference between winning and losing the business.…
Read MoreMaking Sense of Your Numbers: Part 2
The main point of Part 1 is that most security dealers would benefit by separating their ‘steady Eddy’ recurring revenue / profit (RP) from their more messy and volatile Service & Installation revenue / profit (SIP). These two simple buckets will drive your company’s success or failure, because they drive your operating profit. Knowing your…
Read MoreSoftware For Alarm Companies: Little Differences Matter!
A question for our security dealer friends–do you agree with this statement? “Your security company is just like any other contractor business.” Nearly all our customers would shout: “NO WAY! Our business is unique!” Cornerstone has served this industry for over 21 years, and we completely agree. In fact, our business probably wouldn’t exist if…
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