How to Choose a Commercial Security System

Designed to safeguard employees, data, equipment, and other valuable assets, a commercial security system provides peace of mind and 24/7 protection.

Whether you require a burglar alarm with Central Station Monitoring and security cameras, or a comprehensive smart security system, it’s best to work with a reputable provider, such as General Security, for guidance, recommendations, and best practices.

While used to deter theft, vandals, and other unsavory activities, commercial security systems also provide data on employee productivity, efficiencies, inventory, and other valuable information.

Below, we’ll discuss important considerations, such as usage and placement, installation, equipment, and more.

Critical Commercial Security Components

It’s recommended to consult a professional service provider such as General Security for a comprehensive facility review. A complete walkthrough is necessary to understand what you’re trying to protect and accomplish. This will help determine important elements, such as equipment types, placement and installation, number of devices, and weakened or vulnerable entry points. 

Multiple locations and satellite offices should also be included in this review process. 

Adding convenient smart components to your system is another consideration. Programmed and managed through mobile device apps, such as Alarm.com, this grants remote check-ins on your business, property, and operations at any time—regardless of your location.

Whether hiring a professional, or conducting your own security review, it’s best to consider the following:

• How many entrances and exits are located throughout the building?
• What are the physical features of the space and location?
• How many employees work on-premises? How will they securely enter and exit?
• Are there any vulnerable or weakened entry points?
• How many easily accessible windows are located throughout the building?
• Do employees stay past daylight? If so, how many will be present after-hours and on weekends? Where will they be?
• What types of additional security will be required for 365/24/7 operations?

Commercial Security Equipment & Placement Guidance

Proper device placement is important to best protect your business and assets. Alarm systems with 24/7 Central Station Monitoring, sensors, security cameras, and fire and life safety devices must be installed properly to detect burglaries, vandals, employee theft, and smoke and carbon monoxide fumes.

Consider the following recommendations for proper device placement.

Alarm Control Panels & Contact Sensors

Designed to safeguard employees, data, equipment, and other valuable assets, a commercial security system provides peace of mind and 24/7 protection.

As your system’s information hub, control panels and keypads should be placed within easy reach, such as main doorways or other entry areas.

Contact sensors are optimally installed where thieves and vandals are most likely to enter, including doors, windows, parking garages, and gates. It’s best to position these out of general reach, to prevent damage and tampering. 

This technology also boasts smart triggers and other real-time alerts activated or powered down through the Alarm.com app, such as setting indoor/outdoor lights, or opening windows, doors, or gates after-hours. Thermostats can also be set to raise or lower the temperature at certain times, or for auto shutdown when dangerous carbon monoxide and smoke fumes are present.

Security Cameras

A professional security provider will recommend placing indoor/outdoor cameras within vulnerable areas of your business, such as doors, windows, vents, walkways, parking garages, and off-street areas.

For retailers, hospitality operations, and other businesses conducting customer transactions, it’s prudent to add cameras at the point of sale and check-out areas. Financial institutions, accounting firms, medical offices, and other professional services should place cameras near file cabinets, drawers, and other areas where important documents reside.

If adding outdoor cameras, ensure the view is not blocked and away from direct sunlight. They should also be in a hidden place, but with a wide-viewing angle.

Fire & Life Safety Devices

Adding a commercial fire alarm system provides additional protection against damages, injuries, and possible fatalities. It’s best to work with a professional on this important process, from planning to final inspection. 

Simply having a fire and life safety plan for your business isn’t enough—it should be regularly serviced, checked, and inspected to ensure working order and fire code and safety compliance.

Commercial Security Protection & Employee Productivity

When working with an Alarm.com partner, such as General Security, you’ll also have access to Business Activity Analytics for strategic monitoring and management practices. Business owners can add technologies, such as virtual rules around motion detection or group gatherings, as part of their security camera package. These technologies include virtual tripwires for occupancy and people-counting measures, as well as heat mapping, queue monitoring, and crowd gathering.  

Not only does this transform the way you protect your business, it also automatically generates weekly or monthly reports with invaluable insights. 

Commercial security systems can also monitor important internal data, such as employee productivity and arrival/departure times, customer traffic and marketing analytics, and inventory tracking. In some cases, it can even facilitate insurance cost reduction. 

Fraud Detection & Employee Theft

According to online tech industry employment platform Leftronic: “75% of employees have stolen from their employer at least once.” Considering such alarming statistics, a commercial security system to detect unsavory activities including fraud, employee theft, and shoplifting may be the best solution.   

Reduced Insurance Costs & Increased Property Values

Installing a commercial security system can increase property values and provide other benefits should you decide to move or sell the business. In addition, some insurance companies might also offer up to 10 percent off in discounts on commercial policies. It’s best to check with your carrier for specific amounts and qualifications.  

Access Control

Through uniquely designed codes, this system can monitor, manage and restrict any unauthorized entries via magnetic swipe ID keycards or key fobs. This also manages personalized security clearance levels, as well as safety audits, and employee activity logs.

Employee Productivity

Security cameras and accompanying video surveillance monitor those responsible for opening and closing the facility at designated times, and serve other accountability and productivity functions. 

Customer Traffic & Marketing Insights

Video surveillance can track and monitor useful customer data regarding in-store purchases and other behaviors, such as high-traffic areas, promotional displays, and marketing insights. Business owners can then review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage via cameras, monitors, and video management software.

Inventory Tracking

An effective security system can detect any internal crimes, such as embezzlement and theft. Business owners can also better locate inventoried items that might have been considered lost or stolen. 

Commercial security systems monitor important internal data and provide valuable insights, such as employee productivity and arrival/departure times, customer traffic and marketing analytics, and inventory tracking.

Professional vs. Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Installation

A professionally installed security system professionally is your best bet, especially if you have multiple locations, technologies, equipment, and higher-level needs. This also guarantees 24/7 support and service should you encounter any issues or have any questions or concerns. 

DIY is suitable for tech-savvy business owners comfortable installing, maintaining, and troubleshooting security systems on their own. While this can save money in the long run, it’s best to purchase equipment from a professional service provider offering local assistance. 

Making the Most Prudent Decision

It's important to work with an experienced provider, such as General Security, to determine the best commercial security package to protect your employees, property, business, and assets.

General Security provides commercial security solutions for organizations of all sizes and industries. Request a free quote from us today!