What is one significant disadvantage of a traditional alarm system based on project findings?

Frequent false dispatches represent a significant disadvantage of traditional alarm systems because they can lead to wasted resources and reduced credibility of the system. When alarms trigger without valid threats, it can cause unnecessary dispatches of law enforcement or emergency services, which strains these resources and frustrates authorities. This issue may arise from various factors such as sensor sensitivity, improper installation, or environmental factors that cause interference. The impact of false alarms extends beyond just inconvenience; it can lead to fines for the property owner, reduced response times for real emergencies, and lower public trust in alarm systems.

In contrast, while installation costs, limited range, and wire vulnerabilities are important considerations, they do not directly relate to the operational efficacy and real-world consequences of the alarm system's functionality. The cost of installation might deter some users from adopting these systems, and limited range or wire vulnerabilities are more technical issues rather than operational pitfalls that affect the immediate trust and reliance on the system by users and the community.