Best Commercial Security Systems For Your Business

If you own a business, the assets you keep on the premises are worth a lot- and not just financially. Whether you run an office with state of the art computers, a hospitality business with expensive kitchen appliances or a warehouse filled with merchandise, these items are your livelihood and if stolen, you could lose far more than just money.

 

Installing a professional commercial security system is the best way to protect any business, particularly if you have extensive operations, high-value assets or a larger physical location which is vulnerable to intrusion. What’s more, if you choose to install specialist security, your insurance rates will be lower too.

 

With this in mind, you need to consider which security solutions are best for your needs. Whilst some business owners might just need one or two cameras and a secure mechanical lock, others may wish to invest in a complete system with integrated CCTV, internal and external alarms and smart access control. Below we explore the various security features that are available for commercial organisations so that you, as a business owner, can find peace of mind.

Wired vs. Wireless systems

The best commercial security solutions integrate numerous elements of security in one complete package- but which is the best way to set up an integrated system at your premises? There are two main options: wired and wireless- both of which can be linked to security cameras, motion sensors, security lighting, burglar alarms and more.

 

A wired system is set at key points within a building and when triggered by a potential problem, sends a signal to the business owner, security team or the emergency services, depending on how it’s programmed. However, the signal is transmitted via a landline phone system so if phone lines are down in bad weather, the system won’t work. Another issue with wired arrangements is that false alarms are common, which can waste police time.

 

Wireless systems are the contemporary alternative and are much more popular nowadays. When triggered, an alarm or notification is sent via broadband WiFi or a mobile network, both of which are more reliable than a phone line. Just remember, you’ll need a reliable broadband provider and a decent bandwidth.

CCTV systems

If you need 24/7 surveillance of your business premises but don’t have the means to hire full time security staff, CCTV is the answer. This could simply mean one or two cameras internally to keep an eye on who’s coming in and out, or could entail installing an extensive system across a large site so that no area is hidden.

 

When you choose a CCTV system, your professional security company will visit your site or property to carry out a survey. During this survey, a security specialist will aim to identify any ‘weak spots’ on your premises such as dark corners that aren’t visible to passers-by or doors and windows that are tucked away. By covering the vulnerable points on your premises, your cameras will catch intruders red-handed.

 

The effectiveness of a CCTV system depends on the location and number of cameras; whilst cameras can be strategically hidden in order to catch unsuspecting trespassers, it’s also worth having an extra outdoor camera as a deterrent. This could be a functioning camera or a dummy model, designed to warn intruders away from trying to enter your premises. So, whilst you may already have a CCTV system in which the cameras are hidden, it’s worth considering investing in one or two more outdoor security cameras to cover all bases.

 

Whilst a standard CCTV system can be proficient for some businesses, there are additional features available which can enhance security even further. Some cameras have a conditional recording mode which commences recording when a condition is met- for example, a gate is opened or someone steps over a boundary. Another option is to incorporate automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) so unauthorised vehicles attempting to enter the premises won’t be let in (if you link your system to an access control panel) or you can program it to alert you via your smartphone.

 

With recent advancements in technology, CCTV video is now much better quality. In the past, videos have been admissible in court due to blurry or grainy images but with new megapixel cameras, the finest details are clear to see. With modern security cameras, users can also zoom in and out or watch frame by frame playback.

Security lighting

For a more low-cost but similarly effective solution, security lighting acts as a deterrent and can catch burglars in the act. The reason most burglaries happen at night is because perpetrators simply do not want to be caught and the darkness provides a natural cover. With bright LED security lights, there are no dark corners to hide in or dimly lit pathways to sneak along.

 

While a mock outdoor camera can deter people from trespassing, lighting is the best way to stop them as bold intruders may just risk it if they suspect the cameras are fake. Security companies are also able to link up lighting to motion sensors so that lights activate if there is any movement- this is particularly useful if you’re on the premises alone and want to feel protected, but also takes trespassers by surprise.

 

By combining lighting and CCTV, you’ve got yourself an extremely tight security system. However, if both would be too costly or you don’t feel that cameras are necessary, LED outdoor lighting is the most effective solution both financially and in terms of security.

External and internal door locks

It goes without saying that you’ll need a sturdy locking system for external doors. If you’re happy to carry keys and you trust your staff with them, then there’s no reason why a traditional mechanical lock can’t offer a reliable line of defence. However, if you’d prefer an electronic code lock or perhaps a smart system which has fingerprint or face detection software, an expert security company will be able to advise which is appropriate for your requirements.

 

When it comes to keeping your business and assets safe, external security is just one aspect. Whilst you need to ensure unauthorised persons cannot come inside without approval, there are certain areas within your commercial building that you may want to keep restricted from visitors or staff. With an access control system, the internal doors on your premises can be programmed to allow or disallow certain people through. For example, if you keep confidential data in your office, you could install a key card system which only allows your card through the door. Card, code or smart locks work best for internal door entry systems as they eliminate the need for individual keys being passed around and potentially getting lost or forgotten.

 

Both your internal and external door locks can be enhanced with fire safety precautions to limit any damage to equipment or harm to employees in the unfortunate circumstance of a fire. Some business owners may also opt to integrate time and attendance software into their entry systems in order to make admin and payroll simpler to manage.

Commercial safes

If you run a cash flow business like a cafe, bar, restaurant or shop, having a reliable safe on site is essential. After a busy shift when you don’t have time to immediately bank your takings, you’ll need somewhere totally secure to hide them away- a professional commercial safe will certainly do the job.

 

With either a key, code or fingerprint locking system you can ensure that no one apart from you and your trusted staff can access what’s inside. Most safes are also fireproof, protecting cash and valuables in case of a fire. Commercial safes are available in a variety of sizes, from very small boxes designed to slot under a counter to large walk-in safes for securing confidential documents and files.

Integrate smart technology

As we’ve mentioned throughout, recent developments in smart technology have made security solutions doubly efficient. Along with wireless systems and fingerprint locks, many security systems can be integrated with a smartphone app, enabling you to control your business’ security and receive updates on the go. With smart features, you can also access your security control panel through a website portal which is accessible from anywhere there’s a secure Internet connection.

 

Some systems also allow for video notifications or live streaming so that you can monitor your premises and personnel at a distance. This application makes false alarms to the emergency services far less likely, as you can check via your security cameras whether the motion that triggered an alarm is a genuine threat or not.

Guardian Security: Offering comprehensive commercial security systems in the South West of England

Here at Guardian Security, we provide businesses across the South West with highly secure commercial security systems so that business owners, their employees and assets are kept safe at all times. We also offer home security systems so that our customers can keep their most sentimental possessions as well as their families safe.

 

Whether you need an extensive CCTV installation, smart access control systems or sturdy safes to keep your money secure, give us a call today on 01392 277 467 or send an enquiry on our contact page.