Some decisions are easier than others: what to have for breakfast, what to wear to work, and when to go to bed. Choosing the right security system for your business can be a much harder decision, as there are a lot of products and companies to choose from. To simplify the process, we have a few tips to help you choose the right security system for your business.
After all, keeping your business and employees safe is of the utmost importance. You have valuable goods, ideas, people, and systems in place—you don’t want a security breach to threaten all your hard work.
From do-it-yourself security systems to fully monitored systems, security systems for businesses run the gamut. You might have a small storefront with a few employees, or perhaps you run a large office park. Whatever your scenario, we’ll help you choose the right security system for your business.
Read on to learn more on how to choose the best business security options:
1. Conduct a security review
The first step in the process of determining the right security system for your business is to conduct a security review. You can conduct this review yourself, or have it done by an outside consultant or alarm security company.
Doing a security review should tell you what security equipment you need, where you need to install it, and where your building’s weak spots are. All of these points are key in determining what kind of security system you should choose.
If you decide to go with an alarm security company, make sure you take the time to walk through your facility with an alarm security representative to go over the following:
- Where all entrances and exits are located
- What the physical features of your space are
- How employees access the building, and how many employees you have
- What vulnerabilities may exist
- What your hours of operation are, and whether workers are on site past normal business hours
Knowing these things about your business will help an alarm security company provide you with the right system and services needed to protect your business.
2. Review installation services
Next, figure out whether you will install a security system yourself, or hire an alarm security company to do it for you. If you’re going the DIY route, it is a doable task, but one that requires research and some basic understanding of the system you’re putting in.
Also consider whether you want the responsibility of security to be in your hands, or in the hands of professionals. It might be the right choice to pick a company that will do the security system installation, and maintain the security system for you, (including any updates that need to happen over time).
3. Decide on video surveillance
You might have a small business where you don’t get a lot—or any—customer foot traffic. If that’s the case, you might not need video surveillance. There are many reasons though that a video surveillance system could be the right fit for you.
Some benefits of a video surveillance system:
- Provides round-the-clock surveillance at your building
- Can prevent break-ins and crime
- Allows you to monitor items or valuables left unattended for long periods of time
- Can help resolve employee disputes and prevent dishonest claims by employees or customers
- Provides visual evidence if a crime occurs or goods go missing
- Can ensure only employees and those with the right access credentials get into your building
- Can monitor a cash register or other point of sale system
4. Choose whether you need an access control system
An access control system allows you to limit access to different areas of your business. You may want only some employees—or no employees—to have access to a stock room, office, safe, or other place where information or valuables are stored.
An access control system allows you do decide who has access to what parts of your business.
5. Other factors to consider
Another factor to consider is whether you want to be able to control the security features of your business off-site, whether you’re at a conference for a few days, or just home at night looking to make sure all is well at work. You could also choose to give access to these types of controls to certain employees. The choice is yours.
You’ll also want to decide whether a wireless or wired security system is the best fit for your business. If you’re in the planning phases of creating office space, workspace, or a storefront, consider security systems now. This will be especially beneficial if you choose a wired system. Don’t know if a wired system is right for you? Read more about the differences between wired and wireless security systems.
Take the necessary steps today to ensure your business is safe and sound. You’ll be happy you did.
