How to Choose a Commercial Security System

What Is a Commercial Security System?

A commercial security system is designed to safeguard employees, data, equipment, and other valuable assets. These systems provide peace of mind and 24/7 protection.

Commercial security systems include:

• Burglar alarms with Central Station Monitoring
• Security cameras and video surveillance
• Comprehensive smart security systems
• Access control

Why Businesses Need Commercial Security Systems

Commercial security systems serve multiple purposes:

• Deter theft, vandalism, and other unsavory activities
• Provide data on employee productivity
• Track operational efficiencies
• Monitor inventory
• Generate valuable business information

Who Should Install Your Commercial Security System

It's best to work with a reputable provider, such as General Security, for guidance, recommendations, and best practices.

Critical Commercial Security Components

Why You Need a Professional Facility Review

A professional service provider should conduct a comprehensive facility review. A complete walkthrough determines:

• What you're trying to protect and accomplish
• Equipment types needed
• Placement and installation requirements
• Number of devices required
• Weakened or vulnerable entry points

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

Smart Security System Features

Smart components are programmed and managed through mobile device apps, such as Alarm.com. These systems enable:

• Remote check-ins on your business
• Property monitoring from any location
• Operations oversight at any time
• Location-independent access

7 Essential Questions for Your Commercial Security Review

When conducting a security review, consider these questions:

1. How many entrances and exits are located throughout the building?
2. What are the physical features of the space and location?
3. How many employees work on-premises? How will they securely enter and exit?
4. Are there any vulnerable or weakened entry points?
5. How many easily accessible windows are located throughout the building?
6. Do employees stay past daylight? If so, how many will be present after hours and on weekends? Where will they be?
7. 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
• Smoke and carbon monoxide fumes

Alarm Control Panels & Contact Sensors

What Alarm Control Panels Do

Alarm control panels serve as your system's information hub. Control panels and keypads provide peace of mind and 24/7 protection for employees, data, equipment, and other valuable assets.

Where to Place Control Panels

Control panels should be out of sight,  hidden away in utility closets or basements. Keypads should be placed within easy reach, near main doorways, and in other entry areas.

Where to Install Contact Sensors

Contact sensors are optimally installed where thieves and vandals are most likely to enter:

• Doors
• Windows
• Garages
• Gates

Position sensors out of general reach to prevent damage and tampering.

Smart Features of Contact Sensors

This technology provides smart triggers and real-time alerts activated or powered down through the Alarm.com app:

• Setting indoor/outdoor lights
• Opening windows, doors, or gates after hours for access
• Raising or lowering the temperature at certain times
• Auto shutdown when dangerous carbon monoxide and smoke fumes are present

Where Professional Providers Recommend Security Camera Placement

Security Cameras

A professional security provider will recommend placing indoor/outdoor cameras in vulnerable areas of your business:

• Doors
• Windows
• Vents
• Walkways
• Parking garages
• Off-street areas

Security Camera Placement for Retail and Hospitality

For retailers, hospitality operations, and other businesses conducting customer transactions, cameras should be added at:

• Point of sale areas
• Check-out areas

Security Camera Placement for Professional Services

Financial institutions, accounting firms, medical offices, and other professional services should place cameras:

• Near file cabinets
• Near drawers
• In other areas where important documents reside

Outdoor Camera Installation Best Practices

When adding outdoor cameras:

• Ensure the view is not blocked
• Position away from direct sunlight
• Place in a hidden location
• Ensure wide-viewing angle

Fire & Life Safety Devices

Why Businesses Need Commercial Fire Alarm Systems

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.

Maintenance Requirements for Fire Safety

A fire and life safety plan for your business should be:

• Regularly serviced
• Checked
• Inspected to ensure working order
• Inspected for fire code and safety compliance

Simply having a fire and life safety plan isn't enough.

Commercial Security Protection & Employee Productivity

Business Activity Analytics with Alarm.com

When working with an Alarm.com partner, such as General Security, you gain access to Business Activity Analytics for strategic monitoring and management practices.

Business owners can add technologies as part of their security camera package:

• Virtual rules around motion detection
• Virtual rules around group gatherings
• Virtual tripwires for occupancy
• People-counting measures
• Heat mapping
• Queue monitoring
• Crowd gathering detection

Benefits of Business Activity Analytics

These technologies transform the way you protect your business and automatically generate weekly and monthly reports with invaluable insights.

Data Commercial Security Systems Can Monitor

Commercial security systems monitor important internal data:

• Employee productivity
• Employee arrival/departure times
• Customer traffic and marketing analytics
• Inventory tracking
• Insurance cost reduction (in some cases)

Fraud Detection & Employee Theft

How Commercial Security Systems Prevent Theft

Approximately 75% of employees have stolen from their employer at least once. Considering such alarming statistics, a commercial security system can detect:

• Fraud
• Employee theft
• Shoplifting

Reduced Insurance Costs & Increased Property Values

How Commercial Security Systems Increase Property Value

Installing a commercial security system can:

• Increase property values
• Provide benefits should you decide to move or sell the business

Insurance Discounts for Commercial Security Systems

Some insurance companies offer up to 10% off in discounts on commercial policies.

Important: Check with your carrier for specific amounts and qualifications.

Access Control

What Access Control Systems Do

Access control systems use uniquely designed codes to:

• Monitor unauthorized entries
• Manage unauthorized entries
• Restrict unauthorized entries via magnetic swipe ID keycards or key fobs

Features of Access Control Systems

Access control systems manage:

• Personalized security clearance levels
• Safety audits
• Employee activity logs

Employee Productivity

How Security Cameras Monitor Employee Productivity

Security cameras and accompanying video surveillance monitor:

• Those responsible for opening and closing the facility at designated times
• Accountability functions
• Productivity functions

Customer Traffic & Marketing Insights

What Video Surveillance Can Track

Video surveillance can track and monitor useful customer data:

• In-store purchases
• Customer behaviors
• High-traffic areas
• Promotional display effectiveness
• Marketing insights

How Business Owners Review Footage

Business owners can review closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage via cameras, monitors, and video management software.

Inventory Tracking

How Security Systems Detect Internal Crimes

An effective security system can detect internal crimes, like embezzlement and theft.

How Security Systems Help Locate Inventory

Business owners can better locate inventoried items that might have been considered lost or stolen.

What Commercial Security Systems Monitor

Commercial security systems monitor important internal data and provide valuable insights:

• Employee productivity
• Employee arrival/departure times
• Customer traffic and marketing analytics
• Inventory tracking

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

When to Choose Professional Installation

A professionally installed security system is your best bet when you have:

• Multiple locations
• Multiple technologies
• Multiple equipment types
• Higher-level security needs

Benefits of Professional Installation

Professional installation guarantees:

• 24/7 support
• Service, should you encounter any issues
• Service for any questions or concerns

When DIY Installation Is Suitable

DIY installation is suitable for:

• Tech-savvy business owners comfortable installing security systems
• Business owners comfortable maintaining security systems
• Business owners comfortable troubleshooting security systems on their own

DIY installation can save money in the long run, especially if you purchase equipment from a professional service provider offering local assistance.

Why Work with an Experienced Provider

It's important to work with an experienced provider 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 all industries. Request a free quote from us today!