How to Find the Right Security System for Your Business

Modern business security systems come in a wide range of options with multiple features available. It’s essential that businesses of all sizes understand their own security needs, as well as the critical components that make up a business security system, so they can customize a system that best protects their people and properties. Here, we’ll explore the main components of security systems for small businesses, businesses with multiple locations, and large enterprise businesses.

Security systems for small businesses: what you need to know

Modern security systems for small businesses are available with a wide variety of features, technical capabilities, and budget ranges. It’s essential that small business owners understand the security needs of their organization, as well as the options available to them within their budget. When considering a security system for a small business, it’s important to know the basics.

Main components of a small business security system

Security systems for small businesses typically consist of some combination of the following:

Cameras

Video cameras are an essential front-line tool in security systems for small businesses. Security cameras can provide a critical view of any interior or exterior space 24/7 and allow small business owners to view historical footage or replay on demand. There are many high-tech security camera options on the market, in a wide range of budgets; most modern security cameras allow users to easily view live or historical footage from a smartphone or laptop.

Sensors

Sensors can detect movement inside and outside a facility and trigger an alarm when a door opens, motion occurs, glass breaks, or smoke is present. Security sensors can detect movement in hard-to-see areas, filling in gaps in even very comprehensive security systems.

Alarms

Alarms work with cameras and sensors to alert small business owners, monitors, or authorities when movement or smoke is detected. A triggered alarm can help prevent loss and vandalism by alerting trespassers and stopping them in their tracks. When that alarm is connected to a monitoring center, a professional security expert can assess the situation, shut down false alarms, engage trespassers verbally, or alert authorities of a true emergency. For most businesses, fire alarms are required by local laws and must be compliant with specific standards.

Access control

Access control is a sophisticated security solution that allows businesses to control who accesses their locations with technology instead of traditional lock-and-key methods. Access control systems verify users using a variety of methods, which can include biometrics, key fobs, pin codes, key cards, or multi-factor authentication methods. System managers can add and remove users easily and gain a wealth of data on who accesses their properties, and when.

Video monitoring

Live video monitoring services ensure your small business has a professional pair of eyes on it at all times, in real-time. With live video monitoring services, when an alarm is triggered a video is sent to a security professional who can access the footage. They then analyze the situation, alert the authorities, and/or engage with the intruder verbally over a speaker at the location.

Artificial intelligence (AI)

Many modern video cameras contain advanced analytical functions that can detect people, cars, and faces; perform people or traffic counting functions; and protect hard-to-secure equipment outside of a fenceline. AI components can greatly expand the tools in a small business security system toolbox.

Dispatch

When your alarm triggers, security agents will dispatch local authorities to a property. Having a video capture of the incident makes it a “verified alarm,” which can speed up police response and make all the difference in the success of a small business security system.

What should I look for in a small business security system?

Ease of use

Modern security systems are designed to be easy to learn, use, and understand. Many have online dashboards that can be accessed from a laptop or smartphone; they should be user-friendly, intuitive, and easy to access on the go.

Budget

Small business security systems are available in a wide range of budgets and levels of protection. Businesses should ensure they get the protection their specific organization needs, at a price that is within their budget.

Accuracy/trust

At a minimum, a small business security system should instill trust in its users. Accuracy is essential, and users should have complete trust that their small business security system is up to date, working properly, and has all the tools needed to keep them and their properties safe.

Local presence

Local companies can boost any small business security system’s effectiveness. Locally based employees are more likely to understand regional crime rates and trends in criminal activity. They’re also more likely to have strong, established relationships with local law enforcement agencies and can work with them in the event of an emergency to ensure your small business stays safe and protected.

Up-to-date tech and equipment

Technological advancements in security equipment and data move quickly, so small business owners must look for equipment that offers the latest technology on the market. Investing in high-quality equipment that uses the latest technology is the best way to ensure business owners are doing everything possible to protect their people and products.

What are the benefits of security systems for small businesses?

A security system for a small business should, at a minimum, protect against theft, vandalism, and fire while helping business owners focus on other responsibilities, confident that security is an afterthought. Beyond that, some main benefits include:

Reduced liability

A robust security system for a small business is an essential tool in reducing liability. If a business does everything within its power to protect itself, its staff, its customers, and its products, then they stand to greatly reduce their liability.

Trust and safety of employees and customers

People are what make any small business thrive. Staff and customers need to feel safe at all times; if they don’t, they’re much less likely to work at or patronize a small business. Their safety is an essential part of a small business’s success.

How to Buy Security Systems for Businesses With Multiple Locations

Businesses with multiple locations

Businesses with multiple locations will require a more complex security solution than a small business or a single-location organization. With more people and properties to protect, they may need advanced solutions to ensure coverage of their sites.

What does a typical security system for a business with multiple locations include?

Cameras

For businesses with multiple locations, security cameras are a front-line tool in monitoring multiple properties at once and keeping staff and inventory safe. Security cameras are available with a wide range of features, and can provide business owners with live or archival footage from any laptop or smartphone. They are an essential way for business owners to stay on top of their properties and ensure they have the tools to examine any incidents or emergencies that may arise.

Sensors

Sensors can play an essential role in a multi-site business security system. High-quality security sensors can detect motion around a site’s exterior or in hard-to-view spots of the interior. And when trespassers are able to breach an exterior alarm system, sensors can notify a monitor or dispatch system of unusual activity on a site.

Access control

Access control systems allow businesses to control who accesses their locations using technology rather than traditional lock-and-key methods while gaining valuable data in the process. Access control systems verify users through a variety of methods, which can include biometrics, key fobs, pin codes, key cards, or multi-factor authentication methods. Access control security systems work well for businesses with multiple sites by removing the burden of depending on security guards for access or collecting keys from recently separated staff.

Alarms

Alarms can be triggered by cameras and sensors when unusual movement is detected, glass is broken, a restricted area is breached, or smoke is detected. Alarms can help multi-site businesses prevent loss and lower vandalism and theft by alerting trespassers that they’ve been detected, stopping them in their tracks. For most multi-site businesses, fire alarms are required by local laws and must be compliant with specific standards.

Video monitoring

Live video monitoring services ensure all of your properties have a pair of professionally trained eyes on them when needed. When an alarm is triggered, a security agent is able to review the footage. They then analyze the situation, alert the authorities, and/or engage with the intruder verbally over a speaker in the location. For businesses with multiple locations, a video monitoring service can help ensure all sites receive a high level of attention when it’s most needed.

Artificial intelligence

Many security cameras contain advanced analytical functions that can detect people, cars, and faces; perform people or traffic counting functions; or even perform license plate recognition. For managers of multi-site businesses, AI components can greatly expand the tools in their security system toolbox.

Dispatch

When an alarm triggers or a live video monitor confirms a security incident, they then dispatch local authorities to a property. Alarms that are verified by video can speed up response times make all the difference in the success of a multi-site business security system.

What should I look for in a security system for businesses with multiple locations?

When investing in a security system for businesses with multiple locations, owners should be on the lookout for systems that provide:

Accuracy and trust

A strong multi-site business security system should instill trust in owners and the users at each site. If owners trust that their security is well covered, they can focus on other things and not worry about the safety of their people and products.

A system within their budget

Businesses with multiple locations should look to secure comprehensive protection from a high-quality security system that is within their budget. It’s critical to focus on the needs of each specific multi-site business and to customize a multi-site business security system that serves those needs best.

A local presence

Local staff are more likely to understand regional trends in criminal activity well and have long-standing relationships with local law enforcement. A security service with a local presence can work with multi-site businesses as a true partner to proactively ensure businesses are best protected against immediate threats.

Up-to-date tech and equipment

It is essential for a multi-site business security system to utilize the latest and most up-to-date technology. Multi-site business security systems that cut corners on older technology leave critical tools on the table, and make themselves vulnerable to gaps in coverage.

What are the benefits of security systems for businesses with multiple locations?

A strong security system for a business with multiple locations should provide complete security coverage and trust, freeing up owners and managers to focus their time elsewhere. Additionally, some of the benefits include:

One point of contact

An ideal security system comes from a provider that can offer one point of contact for any questions, concerns, or issues. Having multiple contacts for different parts of the system (fire versus burglar alarm) can be time consuming and lead to communication issues.

Risk reduction

A robust security system can help businesses protect against theft and damage and do everything available to ensure the safety of their staff and customers. Reducing risk is a critical component of helping a multi-site business thrive and is one of the major benefits of a multi-site business security system.

How to Buy Enterprise Business Security Systems

Large enterprise businesses face numerous challenges in keeping their people and properties safe. Their needs are complex, and they require a comprehensive security solution to ensure they’re protected against theft, trespassers, and vandalism.

What does a typical security system for a large enterprise include?

An enterprise business security system will typically include:

Cameras

Most large enterprise security systems rely heavily on video cameras. They are the first line of protection: video security cameras can monitor both inside and outside most sites, with a clear view of any interior or exterior.

Sensors

Sensors can detect movement that cameras or live monitors might miss. They’re an essential part of an enterprise business security system: detecting motion, glass breaks, and smoke for full security coverage. Plus, when trespassers are able to breach an exterior alarm system, sensors can trigger the alarm.

Access Control

Most enterprise business security systems will utilize access control security. Access control systems are sophisticated security systems that allow businesses to control who accesses their properties through modern technology rather than a traditional lock-and-key method. Users in an access control system typically access sites through key fobs, pin codes, biometrics, multi-factor authorization, key cards, or some combination of these. An access control security system allows enterprise businesses to add or delete users quickly, access historical data, and gain a broad or detailed overview of how their sites are accessed through comprehensive data.

Alarms

Burglar and fire alarms help ensure enterprise business security systems work effectively and keep employees and customers safe. Alarms can help enterprise businesses prevent loss and lower vandalism and theft by alerting trespassers to stop them in their tracks. Fire alarm systems are a critical safety tool in keeping staff and customers safe, and come with strict design and installation requirements.

Live video monitoring

With live monitoring, the moment an alarm is triggered, a trained professional can access live video footage and assess the situation. They can disable false alarms, engage trespassers verbally over speaker systems, or alert authorities in the case of a true emergency. For large businesses, live monitoring services can help owners feel confident that all of their locations receive attention from security professionals when needed.

Artificial intelligence

Many security cameras contain advanced analytical functions that can detect people, cars, and faces; perform people or traffic counting functions; or even perform license plate recognition. For managers of large enterprise businesses, AI components can greatly expand the tools in their security system toolbox and help ensure they have an in-depth awareness of their properties at all times.

Dispatch

When an alarm triggers or live video monitors confirm a security incident, they then dispatch local authorities to a property. Clear, quick dispatch is essential in a true emergency, and video footage can expedite police response, making all the difference in the success of a large enterprise business security system

What should I look for in an enterprise business security system?

When exploring enterprise business security systems, owners should look for a system that contains:

The right budget

The right enterprise business security system should offer you robust protection within your budget. With a variety of services available, business owners should focus on the specific needs of their particular business and work with a trained security professional to design a security solution that reduces risk and keeps their people and property safe. Make sure to select a security provider that understands the budget needs and multiple decision makers of a multi-site business.

Accuracy/trust

An enterprise business security system is of little use if it isn’t accurate and doesn’t instill trust in its users. Business owners should be able to trust that their security system and monitoring services are highly accurate and responsive so they can focus on other things.

Local presence

A locally based security partner can work with large enterprise businesses to ensure their coverage protects them best from local trends in crime and vandalism. Locally based monitors are also more likely to have established strong relationships with law enforcement agencies, making them a trusted authority in communications and dispatch.

Up-to-date tech and equipment

Large enterprise businesses who want robust protection must ensure they’re using the latest technology and equipment. Enterprise business security systems that cut corners on older technology leave critical tools on the table, make themselves vulnerable to gaps in coverage, and may need updates or replacements sooner than anticipated.

What are the benefits of business security systems for large enterprises?

When an enterprise business invests in a security system, they expect many benefits, from basic protection from theft and vandalism to keeping their staff and customers as safe as possible. Beyond that, a robust security system for enterprise businesses can help them:

Reduce liability

Liabilities can cost companies millions, and a strong security system is the first step in reducing a business’s liability burden. By ensuring that staff and customers are as protected as possible, businesses can ensure they remain profitable and secure.

Stay compliant

For large businesses with multiple locations, it’s especially important to stay compliant with all local and federal laws. A strong security partner can help enterprise businesses ensure they’re fully compliant and operating within their local regulatory environment, reducing headaches and fines down the road.

Contact Bay Alarm today to learn more about how to choose the right business security system for your needs based on the size of your organization and the type of business.