When choosing a business security system to safeguard and monitor employees, property, and assets, consider important factors such as features and benefits, cost, technology and equipment, smart integrations, installation methods, and more.
Commercial security systems are essential for deterring trespassers, intruders, and burglars, offering real-time monitoring and surveillance through advanced alarm systems and security cameras. These systems are a significant investment, with the market projected to grow from $236.3 billion in 2023 to $343.7 billion by 2028. They often incorporate key components such as keycard access control, intercom systems, fire and life safety devices, and smart technologies. Proper installation requires adherence to local regulations and compliance requirements to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Modern commercial security systems are designed with scalability and integration capabilities, allowing businesses to expand and adapt their security measures as they grow. Many commercial buildings require between 16 to 65 business security cameras to ensure comprehensive coverage, capturing high-definition images that aid in identifying individuals on screen. Additionally, these systems provide remote access, enabling business owners to monitor live feeds and manage their systems from anywhere.
In 2022, there were approximately 42,100 burglaries in commercial and office buildings, highlighting the critical need for robust security measures to prevent security breaches . Service providers like General Security offer extended features, including VoIP phones and fleet monitoring, providing a one-stop-shop for all security needs. Employee communications and productivity also benefit from specialized data and analytics reporting. While business owners can tailor their security solutions, understanding the various technologies and available features can be complex but is crucial for effective protection.
Even if your business is located in a relatively safe area, physical security measures against burglaries, break-ins, and vandalism can still occur. Surprisingly, many burglaries happen during the day when businesses are open, making it crucial to have comprehensive security measures in place. Poorly lit locations without cameras and alarms, or other protective measures, are particularly vulnerable. While most of these crimes occur at night and after hours, there are even higher theft and employee safety risks for 24/7 business operations. Aside from a traditional burglar alarm system, other protective measures of commercial security systems include indoor, outdoor, and front-door cameras; fire alarms and life safety devices; access control; intercom systems; and real-time video surveillance.
Investing in a business security system not only enhances protection against burglaries and vandalism but also offers financial benefits. Companies that invest in security systems often see reduced insurance costs due to the decreased risk of loss. Additionally, surveillance systems serve as a deterrent against internal fraud by employees, ensuring a more secure and trustworthy workplace environment.
While commercial security system pricing varies, significant factors include need, equipment, work scope, size, and number of employees, among others. A small business with one location and less than 10 employees will have different requirements than a commercial operation with hundreds of employees and multiple facilities. Rather than offer so-called “cookie-cutter” packages, service providers such as General Security are now featuring custom solutions to meet specific needs. Whether you require several security cameras with smart features and Business Activity Analytics, or a basic alarm system, we can help protect your employees, business, and livelihood.
Prior to adding any devices or equipment, a complete on-site security review and location(s) inspection is necessary to understand your goals. This will help determine important protection elements, such as equipment types, placement and installation, number of devices, and weakened or vulnerable entry points. Whether hiring a professional or conducting your own review, it’s best to consider the following:
Most standard alarm systems boast a control panel with keypad, three to six window contacts, and motion sensors. Higher-end solutions could include multiple security cameras with smart automation features, such as temperature and flood sensors, intrusion detection, access control, remote video surveillance, and more. General Security can help create a specially designed package for your needs.
Should you decide to add smart technologies to your commercial security system, these can be easily controlled and managed from anywhere via any mobile device. Consider the following integrations for additional protection, ease of use, convenience, and more.
Access control systems ensure that only authorised personnel can access restricted areas, enhancing the security of your business. These systems can include keycards, biometric scanners, or PIN codes for authentication. Companies like Kisi offer access control systems with features such as door schedules and mobile notifications for intrusion alerts, providing a robust security solution.
CCTV surveillance systems are crucial for monitoring business activities and ensuring overall security. Surveillance footage can help monitor employee productivity and provide insights into daily operations. Video management software offers a single interface for reviewing surveillance footage, making it easier to manage and analyse recorded data.
Alarm systems play a vital role in threat detection and response. They can integrate with surveillance cameras to alert authorities in real-time and trigger alerts for hazardous situations like fires or gas leaks. Alarm systems often include sensors on doors, windows, and other entry points. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent false alarms and ensure functionality.
Fire and life safety systems are critical components of security equipment in commercial security, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and providing critical alerts in emergencies. These systems include smoke detectors, fire alarms, and emergency lighting systems. Regular maintenance and inspection can prevent injuries, damages, and even death during emergencies. Fire alarms provide early detection of fires or hazardous leaks like gas and carbon monoxide in commercial properties. More than 125,000 fires occur in non-residential structures each year, posing a serious risk to businesses. Studies indicate that having functioning fire alarm systems can significantly reduce fire damage in commercial properties. Compliance with fire safety codes is essential for all commercial properties to avoid legal and financial repercussions. Smart fire alarms offer faster detection and alert emergency services more quickly, minimising potential damage.
Remotely monitor your business and operations 24/7 when you’re off-site or on holiday. You can also instruct delivery persons or other visitors to leave packages at your front door, even when you’re not there.
Smart thermostats monitor your building’s interior heating and cooling, for additional energy efficiency and quality control. Consider adding contact sensors to appliances containing perishable items requiring specific temperature settings. These can also help manage food storage and accountability, detecting how often a refrigerator or freezer door is opened, or if someone accidentally leaves it ajar.
Flood sensors alert to sudden and extreme fluctuations in moisture, water, and temperature that could lead to weather-related flooding. It protects your business from costly damages that could be incurred due to flooding from natural disasters, leaky pipes, or septic tank issues.
Installing smart locks with mobile alerts eliminate security concerns regarding lost or stolen employee keys, or terminations. These also immediately inform you if a door is unlocked, ajar, or opened by an unauthorised user.
Easily turn your business alarm on and off, from any location. This is also useful during after hours, should an employee require access to a job site. In conjunction with smart cameras, this ensures safely monitored entry points.
Schedule lights or other electronics to turn on and shut down each day. An app can also be set to activate smart bulbs should your night vision camera detect outdoor motion.
When purchasing a commercial security camera package, motion detection rules and thresholds can be programmed for a wide variety of coverage, through Alarm.com Business Activity Analytics. This includes virtual tripwires for occupancy, group gatherings, and people-counting measures, as well as heat mapping and queue monitoring. These technologies transform security within and around your place of business, and provide invaluable insights, such as customer traffic, marketing analytics, and inventory tracking through automated weekly or monthly reports.
If you have several employees across multiple locations, consider tying together your analytics and information on one interface, via the Alarm.com Enterprise Dashboard.
A virtual tripwire at building entrances captures total occupancy via multi-directional counting. As this technology calculates how many cross this invisible line, you’ll receive immediate alerts about exceeding capacity levels.
Invisible ground zones track the locations and duration of customers, employees, guests, and others. Time-lapsed or single image heat maps examine average spot movements, for marketing insights and other consumer information.
Virtual ground zones count the amount of people in a specific area. This can also detect unwanted loitering by both customers and employees. Real-time mobile device alerts will appear for overcapacity situations.
This virtual zone manages average customer wait time. Notifications appear if the queue length is too lengthy or exceeds pre-set durations.
While all commercial properties are prone to theft and vandalism, small businesses are even more vulnerable. Many do not have the methods, security personnel, and technologies to monitor and review operations, logs, and activities both during and after business hours. Such a lack of security and surveillance increases opportunities for employees to steal. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, as cited by insurance agency JW Surety Bonds, three out of four employees have admitted to stealing from their employer. With appropriate protection systems, small business owners are less likely to experience potential threats, incidents, associated losses, and other unsavoury scenarios.
A DIY commercial security system can be a cost-saving option for budget-minded and tech-savvy business owners. While General Security provides guidance and technical support to DIYers within local service areas, a professional installation could be more prudent for multiple locations with complex systems. Utilising a professional company also grants access to expert knowledge and guidance regarding product placement and other best practices.
Collaborate with a seasoned provider like Castle Security to identify the optimal commercial security package that safeguards your employees, property, business, and assets effectively.
