When you’re a business owner, there are a lot of things to keep up with. You have to manage inventory, staff, customer service issues, licenses … the list goes on. Perhaps one of the most important things you should always keep an eye on is your business’ security. You don’t want any action—deliberate or accidental—to jeopardize the safety of your employees and customers or the integrity of your business. There are a lot of moving parts to business security, and business security systems can help you manage them, prevent incidents, and react in the event of something going wrong.
Feature 1: High-Definition Cameras
Cameras that provide crystal-clear visuals have become a cornerstone of the security world. We would even argue that any system that lacks this capability isn’t worth investing in at all. Clear, reliable footage is vital in identifying important people, vehicles, and other elements within captured incidents.
When selecting cameras for your business security systems, look for:
- Resolutions of at least 1080p
- Night-vision capabilities
- Wide dynamic range
High-definition cameras act as a deterrent to many would-be intruders, but also a valuable tool in investigations following any incident.
Feature 2: Motion Detectors
Motion detectors are another highly effective component of security systems for business properties. They can minimize false alarms while complementing other aspects of your system—such as high-definition cameras. Motion detectors detect suspicious and unauthorized movement and trigger an alarm. This feature is effective in environments where access is restricted, or during off-hours in which no authorized personnel are on the premises. More-advanced motion detectors have the ability to distinguish between harmless activity—such as an animal walking by—and actual security threats.
Feature 3: Access Control Systems
These systems are a major factor in making sure only authorized personnel are able to access specific areas of your business. A basic example of this would be a keycard lock on a door leading into an employees-only area, but your options are much more technologically advanced than just that. Other examples that effectively control access are:
- Retinal scanners
- Fingerprint scanners
- PIN systems
By limiting access to sensitive areas of your business, you can safeguard valuable assets and information.
Feature 4: Remote Monitoring
Nearly everyone has a smartphone these days, meaning security can be monitored from anywhere. You don’t even have to be on the premises to view security feeds and footage, check alerts, control locks, and update access control permissions. Many business security systems have robust mobile and desktop apps that make managing every aspect of your security easy from anywhere there’s wi-fi or cell coverage.
Feature 5: Alarm Systems
Alarms are an effective tool in making criminals panic and alerting everyone that something is amiss. They can include audible alarms for the benefit of those in the area, as well as silent alarms that alert the authorities in the event of a hostile incident such as a robbery. These alarms can also integrate into other emergency response services to ensure victims of a crime or other incident are taken care of. A reliable alarm system ensures quick action when time is of the essence.
Feature 6: Cybersecurity Integration
Digital threats are as significant as physical ones in some ways. Because of this, integrating cybersecurity into your security system as a whole can maximize the safety of your people and assets. When this is done, cybersecurity tools can:
- Utilize end-to-end encryption to achieve the secure transmission of data
- Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure secure access to security systems
- Update software to address identified vulnerabilities
- Conduct security audits that help identify and minimize risks
- Use intrusion detection to prevent unauthorized access
Feature 7: Scalability and Customization
No two businesses are identical, so no two business security systems should be identical either. A system that offers scalability and customization options allows business owners to adapt as they grow, without worrying about their security tools becoming compromised or obsolete. Whether it’s adding cameras, reconfiguring setups, or integrating entirely new features, security systems for business properties need to be flexible.
Feature 8: Environmental Monitoring
Effective business security systems offer more than just intrusion detection and response. They also have the ability to safeguard against environmental threats. Systems with sensors that detect fire, smoke, flooding, and temperature fluctuations can alert you to non-criminal occurrences that could otherwise go unnoticed. This kind of monitoring plays a vital role in the safety of your premises. Here’s how you can utilize it:
- Install smoke detectors for early fire detection.
- Use flood sensors in any areas that are prone to flooding or leaking.
- Install temperature sensors in critical locations such as server rooms.
- Make sure alerts are sent in real-time to prevent delayed response.
Feature 9: Backup Power Supply
A security system is no good if it isn’t receiving any power. Backup power supplies like generators and uninterruptible power supplies will help your system stay up and running even in the event of a power outage. This is a crucial feature, as outages such as this could be exploited—or even caused by—criminals seeking to gain unauthorized access to businesses.
Feature 10: Professional Monitoring Services
Professional monitoring gives you yet another layer of security by alerting experts automatically—rather than relying on you to call 911. These services have the ability to assess the threat, notify the proper authorities, and ensure a swift response to an incident. With someone overseeing your business security, you can focus on running your business!
Business Security You Can Count On
Robust business security systems are substantial investments, but when you consider what’s at stake, the choice is easy. With so many features available, you can create a system that truly protects what’s important—your people, supplies, and sensitive information. If you’re ready to give your business the security upgrade it deserves, we’re happy to help you in your endeavor. Reach out and let’s make a plan!
