Security Systems Commercial Security Systems Access Control Sep 9, 2024 11:00:00 AM General Security 5 min read
Maintaining robust security levels is one of the primary foundations of any successful business, as it serves as the first line of defense against potential threats and criminals.
Even minor lapses, like forgetting to lock a window or neglecting to change default security settings on a device, can lead to severe consequences.
- The safety of employees could become compromised
- Operations may become disrupted
- Businesses may face financial losses and even lawsuits
Choosing the best security system for your business is crucial to prevent such instances. It involves selecting a system that not only addresses your immediate security needs but is also adaptable to other types of threats that may pose a risk in the future. A robust security system should provide comprehensive coverage, including surveillance, real-time alerts, and alarm systems, to prevent and detect vulnerabilities.
That being said, browsing through security system options can be quite the undertaking, as today’s market has many, and each business has different needs. To that point, we’ve narrowed down the five most important aspects to look for when choosing the best security system for your business. Here’s what they are.
1. Open and Close Reports
Open and close reports track and document the access of doors or entry points. These reports provide a time-stamped log of who opened or closed each entry point and at what time. With this kind of data, businesses can gain insights into access patterns and activities on the property, foreshadowing potential security issues before they escalate.
To increase the efficiency of open and close reports, businesses are encouraged to implement the following:
- Maintain such reports on every door and entry point
- Add alarm sensors to windows
- Regularly review and analyze reports
- Ensure detailed logs
By using open and close reports, businesses can develop a more assertive security strategy that effectively mitigates risks and enhances safety measures for everyone.
2. Visibility and Alerts from Cameras
It’s not enough to invest in just any type of surveillance camera, as businesses need to consider a few critical factors in order to detect potential threats and alert personnel accurately. These are, namely, camera visibility and real-time alerts.
Visibility
Comprehensive visibility involves these non-exhaustive factors:
- High-resolution imaging
- Night vision
- Low-light capabilities
First, it’s important to choose cameras that feature high-resolution footage because of their ability to capture clear, detailed images for accurate identification, i.e., facial features, license plates, and suspicious activity.
Additionally, light conditions may vary depending on the zone, type of lighting, and time of day. Some rooms or areas of a business property may be entirely shrouded in darkness, while others may be dimly illuminated by faint lighting. In such cases, cameras with night vision and low-light capabilities may be necessary to ensure proper surveillance in nearly any lighting condition.
Businesses should also consider the overall visibility of their premises to monitor personal injuries, product or property damages, or other incidents, be they accidental or intentional. Strategic camera placement, in this case, is crucial for capturing these events and providing playback capabilities to assist with legal matters and insurance claims.
Alerts
Real-time alerts are a crucial feature of surveillance cameras, providing immediate notifications of unusual or suspicious activities. These alerts can be customized to specific zones and integrated with other security aspects, such as alarms and access control mechanisms. Moreover, it’s essential to look for cameras with motion detection capabilities, which trigger alerts when movement is detected in specified areas.
3. Temperature Monitoring and Remote Adjustments
Temperature monitoring involves tracking temperature levels within a business. This is particularly helpful for environments in the food service industry that need to monitor refrigerators or freezers. It is also used for labs, server rooms with expensive electronic equipment, and manufacturing plants, where temperature control is vital to the integrity of products and the safety of employees. However, many other types of businesses may still benefit from the following temperature monitoring advantages:
- Regulatory compliance and safety
- HVAC energy efficiency
- Continuous flow of business operations
- Enhanced quality of temperature-sensitive products
All of this being said, unforeseen temperature fluctuations may occur at any time, so selecting a system with remote adjustment capability is critical. Whether you own multiple businesses in different locations or spend time away from the office, this feature allows immediate HVAC control anytime, anywhere. More importantly, remote adjustments ensure a rapid response to temperature issues, which could prevent potential damage to products and assets.
Power outages may also be a significant concern for businesses. For example, a restaurant or deli that loses power in the middle of the night could find months worth of food and ingredient inventory spoiled by morning. A system with instant notifications during this disaster will enable you to take swift action to mitigate product damage and money lost.
4. BAA (Business Activity Analytics)
Business Activity Analytics (BAA) is an advanced video analytics solution that provides the following insights to improve security measures:
- Heat mapping
- Queue monitoring
- Occupancy tracking
- People counting
- Crowd gathering detection
With BAA, surveillance cameras are now able to offer actionable data on foot traffic patterns, wait times, and the number of people in various areas. This allows businesses to gain nuanced insight into zones within their store or property, respond quickly to threats and issues, and refine security practices.
5. Access Controls
Access controls are used to manage and regulate who can enter specific areas of a business. These typically require specific authentication methods, such as PIN codes, key cards, or biometric scans, to ensure that only authorized personnel can access restricted areas.
Modern access control systems tend to include the following features:
- Customizable permissions
- Real-time monitoring and alerts
- Emergency override options
Businesses implementing access controls usually experience less risk of unauthorized access to confidential information, assets, or products, ultimately enhancing best security practices and protocols.
What’s The Best Security System For Your Business?
Choosing the best security system will safeguard not only your finances and assets but also the well-being of your employees and overall business operations. However, with so many variations of security systems on the market, choosing the most robust one for your business can be difficult. That’s why our team of security providers at General Security is dedicated to helping you navigate these options. We offer expert guidance for the best security system to enhance peace of mind and ensure the highest level of protection.
Contact us today at 1-800-343-2250 to Request a Free Quote.