When it comes to safeguarding your small business, understanding the costs associated with security systems is crucial. Commercial security systems are essential to protect your assets, employees, and sensitive data from theft, vandalism, and other potential threats. By investing in the right security solutions, you can ensure the safety of your business premises and maintain peace of mind. This guide will help you navigate the various types of security systems available, including video surveillance, computer security systems, intrusion alarms, and electronic access control systems, along with their associated costs.
A well-rounded business security system not only protects your physical assets but also contributes to the overall success and growth of your business. By preventing unauthorized access and monitoring potential threats, you can reduce the risk of costly incidents and improve operational efficiency. In this article, we will explore the different components of a business security system, their pricing, and how to choose the best options for your specific needs.
Summary of Key Points:
There’s a vast array of security systems, so it’s crucial to evaluate and select the business security system features you need to protect the assets you rely on most.
We’ll explore the four primary types of business security systems, along with their functions and costs, to help you decide on the best security solutions for your organization’s needs.
The cost for business security systems varies widely, generally ranging from $1,000 to $10,000. Business security system costs can be divided into four general categories: hardware, installation and activation, business monitoring, and cybersecurity. Here’s a general breakdown of the expenses you’ll see:
When you add all of the expenses, you can expect a business security system to cost around $1,390 in the first year with one device monitored and $170 a year after that — before any maintenance or repair charges.
The more you want to protect, the more it will cost. Consider checking if your vendor will offer a discount for purchasing multiple services.
Here’s a breakdown of the most common business security equipment and solutions, what they protect, why you might need them, and how much they cost.
What Video Surveillance Systems Protect
Video surveillance or CCTV systems are essentially security cameras that monitor the inside of your office or building and surrounding areas outside.
Why You Might Need a Video Surveillance System
Installing one or more video surveillance cameras gives you a 24/7 view of what’s happening in the areas you’re most concerned about. Many systems offer live video feeds from your premises on your phone or computer, even when you’re not at work. You can access live video feeds whenever you want to monitor your employees and customers.
Video proof of an incident is helpful if you file an insurance claim for theft or damages. Be sure to choose a high-definition video camera, as low-quality footage may not be of evidential quality.
How Much Video Surveillance Systems Cost
Your security provider will install the video cameras and software. The total cost of the equipment and installation for a four-camera system starts at around $1,700. Most professional vendors charge monthly fees after installation for access to livestreams and recorded footage.
Alternatively, you could buy security cameras and accessories. Many home CCTV systems are now quite sophisticated and would work well for smaller business premises. Expect to pay $300 to $750 for cameras, but you’ll have to install them yourself. If you want to watch and record live footage via the cloud, you’ll need to make a separate agreement with a monitoring company. Before you buy, ensure the cameras you want are compatible with the monitoring company’s service.
What Burglar Alarms Protect
Burglar alarms systems protect everything inside your office, building, or store from theft, criminal damage, and vandalism.
Why You Might Need a Burglar Alarm
Burglar alarms discourage employee theft and burglary. They also help ensure your employees’ safety in public-facing environments.
Motion detectors, glass-breaking sensors, and other devices trigger burglar alarms. If they’re triggered by movement, your alarm sends an alert to a monitoring station that operates 24 hours a day. The station will notify you, a mobile patrol, or the police within seconds of a suspicious incident.
How Much Burglar Alarms Cost
The cost of supplying and installing a business alarm system depends on the size of your office or building. Budget between $150 and $600 for each sensor, plus around $100 to $200 for a system control panel. Monthly monitoring fees range from $40 to $120.
What a Computer Security System Protects
Computer security systems protect your business’s sensitive information, including files, documents, customer data, business software, apps, and other critical data on your IT network. Computer security systems include antivirus software, firewalls, employee monitoring software, and more.
Why You Might Need a Computer Security System
You need computer security solutions to protect your bottom line from data breaches. The best antivirus and internet security software protects small businesses from nearly all malware, spyware, hackers, ransomware, and other threats.
This protection is crucial because companies rely on their IT systems to automate repetitive but necessary internal tasks. If your system goes down because of a cyberattack, losses incurred by downtime can be astronomical. Even bigger losses can stem from a loss of trust and brand reputation damage if a breach compromises customer information.
How Much Computer Security Systems Cost
Security system costs vary depending on the solutions you implement.
What Electronic Access Control Systems Protect
Electronic access control systems let employees and authorized guests enter your business premises and specific areas while preventing unauthorized people from entering. These systems safeguard your building’s entrance against all unauthorized individuals, including former employees.
Why You Might Need an Electronic Access Control System
Protecting sensitive or proprietary information, valuable equipment, and inventory is challenging. However, limiting access — and knowing who has access — can make it easier.
Access control systems range from straightforward to sophisticated. For example, a small business may start with a simple keypad entry mechanism for a single door. In contrast, a bigger company might implement a large networked system using individually issued swipe or access cards managed by a central database. Some companies use biometric access control systems, so employees can still get in if they lose their keys.
Clients often require companies handling sensitive information to lock away specific data with an access control system.
How Much Access Control Systems Cost
Costs for electronic access control vary depending on the hardware you implement and the number of doors you must control. You should budget $500 for keypad access control systems, while biometric authentication control systems run between $2,000 and $8,000. There may be additional charges for control panels and software.
In conclusion, investing in a comprehensive business security system is essential for safeguarding your assets, employees, and sensitive data. By understanding the different types of security systems and their associated costs, you can make informed decisions that align with your business security needs and budget. From video surveillance systems to electronic access control systems, each component plays a crucial role in creating a robust security solution.
If you’re ready to enhance your business security, consider partnering with Castle Security. As a trusted provider of commercial security systems, Castle Security offers customized solutions tailored to your specific requirements. Protect your business with state-of-the-art security hardware and professional monitoring services. Contact Castle Security today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your business premises and ensuring peace of mind.
