Ensuring your business is secure and safe should be high on any business owner’s priority list. Instead of spending hours researching what you need, how it needs to be installed, costs involved and how you are possibly going to monitor all these new additions, we have covered everything you need to know about security systems for your business, right here.

The main types of security systems:

A business security system can be comprised of a few or many different elements. Depending on your business nature and needs, you may need different elements to keep your staff and physical location safe.

CCTV:

Closed-circuit television systems allow you to monitor what is going on both inside and outside of your business. This is great for stores, shops and businesses where internal theft as well as external crime could occur both in and out of business hours. Utilise this system when things go wrong for insurance claims or to catch criminals easier.

24/7 Security monitoring/surveillance:

Choosing how and when your cameras and other alerts are monitored is another important area to factor into your business security system. Do you need someone to monitor it for you 24/7 with a monthly retainer fee or are you happy to self-monitor on your phone through apps or in-house when you are present? Think about the costs and risks involved in both options, 24/7 monitoring can be affordable (from $20 a month) so is always something to consider.

Patrol cars:

Amp up your security measures with patrol cars that visit your place of business on a nightly basis and check the perimeter and doors for any sign of disturbance or threat. Patrol cars can also be employed on an “on-call” basis where they respond to any alerts or alarms when triggered or when they are called by the business.

Intercoms:

Secure your business from people you don’t want to enter, especially important for businesses that deal with medical, sensitive, or private information. Allow people to enter after they have spoken to someone on the intercom, assessing their need to enter and why they are there. This prevents unnecessary foot traffic and allows you to keep strong records of everyone who enters the building.

Retina/fingerprint access scanners:

Controlling who has access to which parts of your business is key in ensuring things remain safe and secure. With retinal identification, fingerprint scanners, or face scanners you will have the perfect way to track, monitor and keep things safe for your business and your staff.

Panic Buttons:

Not just for use in banks and in movies, panic buttons can actually serve a purpose in the average business. Great for businesses that deal with money handling or high price items, they can be placed on walls or under counters for ease of access, built-into them are help buttons that can help save lives when you are in trouble, threatened or worse. The purpose is to send for help immediately.

To look for: Two-way communication to help talk you through the situation until help or support arrives/recording of audio for police records.

Cameras: internal and external

As one of the most well-known and used security measures, security cameras and video CCTV recording is a great way to keep your business safe from break-ins and theft. Having them installed at every entrance isn’t necessary but it will help to give you the best chance of securing your business and reduce criminal activity. Cameras a great deterrent, both inside and outside. Inside they can help stamp out employees that are doing the wrong thing and outside they help to ensure any criminal activity is recorded and saved, as well as alerting you when things go south.

It is important to note that not all security packages come with cameras by default, they usually require you to add them on additionally.

Remote management/app alerts:

If you have decided that self-monitoring is all that your business requires, then downloading and paying for an app subscription is well-worth your time and money. This will allow you or whoever is in charge to receive alert notifications as soon as something happens.

Sensors:

These can come in two main forms – motion or entryway. Entryway sensors work by setting off an alert or alarm when a door or window is breached or open, helping to scare away and deter criminals from continuing. Sensors are very simple in the way they work, all they use is magnetic field technology, which gets disturbed when a door or window is opened after an alarm is set. This triggers the main station to let off the alarm sound.

To look for: Sensors that send an alert to your phone when there is a door or window deemed to be open or to a company that will come and investigate the breach at your place of business.

Motion sensors are like the next layer to your sensor game, they detect any motion within your home and are generally used in conjunction with entryway sensors. They work by emitting an undetectable laser light which triggers an alarm when someone moves past them.

To look for: The higher-end models can sense body heat with infrared technology. Facial recognition is also available should you require that level of security.

Glass break alerts: These alerts or sensors are only activated when it picks up the sound of glass breaking. Install them near your windows so the little microphones can detect the sound of glass breaking if it might occur. If someone breaks a window or door made from glass an alert will be triggered, scaring away potential burglars.

Prices:

The cost of investing in a business security system varies depending on which elements you require, the size of your business and what you need for your particular business sector. It is always best to get multiple quotes like we provide you here, so you can make a more educated and informed decision.

Key benefits for your business:

  • Safe and secure workplace
  • Great for insurance policies
  • Instant alerts
  • Self-monitoring or professional monitoring both available
  • Easy to use apps, 24/7 monitoring
  • Affordable packages

The Wrap Up:

Keeping your business and staff safe should be a no-brainer, an easy way to ensure that is to have one or many of the security solutions above installed at your place of business. Not only are they very worthwhile investments that take minimal upkeep, but you can sleep soundly or go away on holidays without stressing about your business while you should be relaxing. Having a professional install your security system is best when wired, but DIY can also work well if you are on a budget or a small business. Always opt for a quality system that will last if it is for outdoor use and never skimp on quality batteries. Set up regular checking intervals throughout the year to ensure all systems work and sensors are performing well. A business security system could be the perfect next step to ensuring your business runs safely and smoothly.