Every company has unique security needs, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Business owners can opt for professional support or take a DIY approach, depending on what fits their situation.
Let’s look at the modern security system landscape and help clarify the differences between professional and DIY security solutions.
The Basics of Business Security Systems
Business security is more flexible, accessible, and data-rich than ever. Business owners are looking for protection and the system that best suits their needs.
Components of a business security system
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Video surveillance:Features security cameras to capture and record on-premise footage. |
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Intrusion prevention:Utilizes an array of sensors (motion, entry, glass break), to detect and report unwanted activity. |
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Burglar alarms:Include sirens and alarm devices that go off when triggered. |
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Access control:For customizing access to a physical space, protecting areas with valuable inventory and sensitive data. |
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System monitoring:Live, on-call human support that responds in the event of a triggered alarm. |
DIY Security Systems for Businesses: What You Need to Know
A DIY security approach is a viable option for smaller companies with simple safety needs who are comfortable managing the operation independently. Here are some basics about how DIY security works and its benefits.
Why Business Owners Choose DIY
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It can seem cost-effective:Many owners believe they can save money by eliminating or greatly reducing installation, maintenance, and contract costs. |
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It doesn’t require expertise:DIY security components are designed to be easy to use and ready out-of-the-box, meaning they are simple enough to set up with no previous experience or expertise. |
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It could save time:Business owners can buy the components they think they need and try to set them up themselves. |
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It can avoid unnecessary services:If you buy and install only the system you think you need, you may avoid unnecessary features. |
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They can appear flexible:Scale up―or down―depending on the direction your business needs to go. This can be particularly appealing for new companies with small-scale operations. |
What You Need For a DIY Security System
Most DIY systems include the following components:
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Base stationThis acts as a system hub. It locates, links to, and controls the alarm sensors in the system. |
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Video camerasOptions include indoor and outdoor, wired and wireless. |
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Alarm sensorsDetects door entry, motion, and glass break. |
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Control panel/KeypadArm and disarm alarms, adjust settings, and check system status. |
How to Set up a DIY Business Security System
Here’s an overview of a DIY set-up process:
Step 1Charge the base station and control panelby connecting them to Wi-Fi (if needed) and placing them in centralized locations. |
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Step 2Connect all devices and sensorsto the base station, including door, motion and noise sensors, and all video cameras. |
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Step 3Position cameras and sensorswhere they will provide maximum security coverage. |
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Step 4Customize your settingsto your preferred detection levels and alarm response. |
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Step 5Testthe system and troubleshoot as needed. |
Professional Security Systems for Businesses: Comprehensive Protection
A professional security system combines advanced security technology with trained professional support. It’s the most comprehensive way to protect staff, inventory, and physical space from the threats business owners face today.
Expert Business Security Services and Skill
The best security features won’t help if they aren’t installed properly, maintained well, or upgraded appropriately. An experienced security partner ensures these steps are done right.
Access to the Latest Technology
It’s hard enough to stay up on the newest products when you have a business to run. A professional security partner will help keep you in the loop on the latest tech developments and whether they can benefit your business, like:
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AI-enhanced cameraspaired with monitoring and analytic capabilities that can distinguish true threats from non-threats in real-time. |
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Virtual fence sensorsthat detect and deter intruders in a large outdoor space that would have required multiple security guards to patrol. |
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Web management platformsthat make it easy to monitor the system, access footage, and review incidents from anywhere and anytime. |
Professional Support
Do you feel confident about what happens next if a burglar alarm goes off?
Live monitoring guarantees 24/7 support and is ready to respond quickly and appropriately to any incident. When an alarm is triggered, professional monitoring agents will review live footage, verify if the threat is real, issue warnings to deter the threat and alert local authorities if the incident persists.
In addition to monitoring support, a business security partner can provide supplemental protection through guard patrols and standing guards.
Professional support eases the burden of protecting your business and instills confidence in your company’s safety.
Key Differences Between DIY and Professional Security Systems
When deciding between a DIY or professional security system, business owners should understand the strengths and weaknesses of these systems. With that in mind, here are some key differences between DIY and professional security systems.
No expert installation for a DIY system
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The security system must be set up, formatted, connected, and tested by the business owner. And with no warranty, if the system doesn’t work there’s no simple solution. |
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A professional installer has the technical know-how to evaluate, recommend, and troubleshoot throughout the process. Any issues that pop up during installation will most likely be covered by warranty. |
No monitoring for a DIY business security system
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All system monitoring is done by the business owner or staff in addition to regular work duties. |
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The system is monitored by on-call professional agents, who are available 24/7 in case of a triggered alarm. |
DIY systems can be cheaper but more difficult to customize
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Users can add (or remove) equipment or services based on their needs, but won’t have regulatory or safety guidance from experts on what those needs are |
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Good security companies will work with business owners on their security needs, creating tailored packages that limit liability and maximize employee and property protection. |
Professional systems are easier to maintain
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All system maintenance is up to the business owner. This could include navigating multiple warranties or service issues with disparate security products. |
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A key feature of professional security is maintenance support, saving business owners time and resources. |
Should You Choose a DIY or Professional Security System for Your Business?
Deciding how to protect your business starts with knowing what you want to protect. A retail store won’t have the exact security needs as a school. Taking stock of the overall picture is a must.
Factors to consider:
SizeThis applies not only to the physical space but also to the staff. The larger the space and the more people in that space, the more security is needed. A smaller space and staff could be manageable with a DIY approach. There’s no exact ratio, so consult with a security expert to determine the scale of your business’ security needs. |
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LocationIs after-hours theft common where your business is located? Have nearby businesses suffered from break-ins and vandalism? Then, a professional service that offers 24/7 live monitoring might be right for you. Considering the specifics of where you are is essential so you can match it with the security solution that makes sense. |
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InventoryKnowing what you want to protect can help you decide how to protect it. Is there valuable inventory on-site? Is the safety of the staff the most important goal? Whether it’s inventory, people, property, or all of the above, the investment in security should be proportionate to your investment in the business. |
Work with our security experts
Work with our security experts to explore options or learn more about the best security solutions for your business.
