The past decade has been transformational for business security. With smarter systems that leverage AI for better response and pattern recognition and connect to a wide range of devices, small business owners can be plugged into their organization from anywhere. As more and more businesses deal with property crime—most report losses in the thousands each month—it’s never been a better time to start taking small business security seriously.
Let’s look at the must-have and the nice-to-have features of a modern security alarm system to protect all types of small businesses.
Understanding Business Security Systems
Before assessing the unique security needs of your business, it’s important to understand the basics of business security systems. Modern security systems can essentially be broken down into three key features:
Environmental SensorsThis component of security systems monitors the space itself. Integrating environmental sensors such as smoke detectors, flood and freeze detectors, and more are crucial to protecting a property (and can also provide insurance benefits). |
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Security AlarmsA more traditional form of business security, security alarms feature sensors triggered by intruders or burglars. These sensors can be triggered by broken glass, geofence breaches, opened doors and windows, and more. |
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Surveillance DevicesSecurity cameras are rapidly becoming key components of business security systems. Cameras can take on many forms and cover nearly every angle of a business’ interior and exterior. |
Security Threats to Small Businesses
Small businesses have several security challenges that can threaten property, products, and personnel. The best security system for your business has to take into account the most likely threats:
Components of a business security system
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Physical Security RisksThis includes theft, vandalism, and property damage. |
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Employee TheftEmployees can steal inventory, money, or sensitive information. Small businesses may not have robust internal controls or monitoring systems in place to detect and prevent employee theft. |
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Natural DisastersEvents like floods, fires, earthquakes, or storms can disrupt operations and cause damage to property or inventory. |
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Intellectual Property TheftSmall businesses with valuable intellectual property, such as patents, trademarks, or proprietary information, may be at risk of theft or infringement by competitors. |
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Workplace SafetyFailure to maintain a safe work environment can result in accidents, injuries, or lawsuits. |
While these security issues run the gamut of industries they affect, there are specific security risks that individual industries face.
Security Threats for Retail and Grocery
| More than 20% of retailers claim to experience theft a few times a week. | |
| Retailers also see point-of-sale system breaches, which can lead to large-scale theft and credit card fraud. | |
| Warehouse and logistics teams can cause inventory loss with reckless behavior, leading to workplace injuries and lawsuits. |
Security Threats for Healthcare and Cannabis
| The cannabis industry deals in large volumes of cash, which makes them exceedingly vulnerable to burglary. | |
| Healthcare and cannabis sectors both require tight access control systems to prevent unauthorized entry, which can lead to the theft of cannabis or pharmaceuticals. | |
| Cannabis businesses face significant fire risks. |
Security Threats for Hospitality
| With large numbers of staff and guests, security alarm systems are a major concern for hospitality businesses. | |
| Hotels and resorts are often massive properties, which can enable unruly guests to damage valuable assets. | |
| The hospitality industry also deals with many access control issues, requiring delineated zones of permission for guests and staff. |
Key Features of Security Systems for Businesses
Modern security systems for small businesses have evolved to offer various features to provide comprehensive protection. These features include:
Components of a business security system
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Video Surveillance |
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Access Control |
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Intrusion Detection |
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Fire Alarm Systems and Monitoring |
Live Video Monitoring: A Must-Have for Your Business Security System
Remote monitoring allows business owners to monitor and access those key features from anywhere, at any time, using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. This feature provides numerous benefits, including:
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Real-Time SurveillanceLive video feeds enable business owners to monitor their premises in real time, allowing them to promptly detect and respond to suspicious activities. |
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Incident PreventionThe ability to monitor business premises remotely acts as a deterrent to potential intruders, reducing the likelihood of security breaches and theft. |
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Immediate ResponseIn the event of an incident, remote monitoring allows business owners to take immediate action, such as notifying authorities or activating alarms, minimizing potential damage and losses. |
Mobile Integration: Control Your Security System on the Go
Often, security systems will have dedicated apps that offer remote control. These systems offer several advantages, including:
Remote AccessBusiness owners can arm or disarm their security systems, view live camera feeds, grant or deny access to specific areas, and receive real-time alerts directly from their smartphones so they’re always in tune with the pulse of their business. |
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CustomizationsMobile apps allow users to customize their security settings, such as creating schedules for arming and disarming alarms or setting up specific alerts for critical events. |
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On-the-Go Monitored SecurityWhether in the office, at home, or on vacation, business owners can stay connected to their security systems and respond to incidents promptly, ensuring the safety of their premises and assets by communicating directly with the security monitoring company through the app. |
Automation Capabilities: The Future of Business Security
With automation, security systems can be programmed to arm and disarm at specific times, reducing the risk of human error and ensuring consistent protection. Advanced algorithms can be trained to analyze security data and generate intelligent alerts for suspicious activities or potential security breaches, enabling quick response and mitigation. Moreover, security systems can integrate with other smart devices such as door locks, lights, and thermostats, allowing for seamless automation of security measures and energy-saving initiatives.
Choosing the Right Security System for Your Business
Once you understand the hallmarks and benefits of modern business security systems, it’s time to apply that knowledge to your specific organization. Choosing the right features and components for your business security system is mainly dependent on several key considerations:
Size, Layout, and Location of Business
Is your business a small office or a large complex that includes warehouses and outdoor storage facilities? Understanding the specific geography of your space and the environmental risks associated with your region can be a significant determining factor in the components your system needs.
Type of Goods Stored
If your business deals in small, expensive merchandise, your security considerations will be different than a business that specializes in large, heavy machinery, for example.
Accessibility
Does your business deal with sensitive information or require cordoned-off zones for employees or guests with different access levels?
Workplace Culture
Is your business largely remote? It’s important to consider the frequency of personnel in-office when assessing security needs.
Budget
What is a need-to-have and what is a nice-to-have? Remember, no business security system is set in stone from day one; it’s constantly evolving to your needs.
No matter what features you determine necessary for your business security system, choosing a flexible and scalable system is important. It’s essential that your system can adapt as your needs change and can grow as your business grows.
Security Devices for Comprehensive Protection
Though your system may include variations on these components, almost every baseline business security system will include the following pieces:
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Security Cameras |
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Sensors |
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Alarms |
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Control Panels |
Advanced Surveillance Cameras
Modern surveillance cameras have several premium features that are industry standards. You can get top-of-the-line equipment for lower prices. Some of these features include:
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HD Video |
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Weather Resistance |
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Night Vision |
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Remote View Capabilities |
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Motion Activation |
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Large Internal Storage Capacity |
Intrusion Detection Sensors
Sensors are a key component of any burglar alarm system. Choosing the right sensors for your space, placing them properly, and integrating them seamlessly into a broader security system can dramatically cut down on emergency response time and work to ward off criminals. Here are some of the most common sensors and tips on maximizing their efficacy.
Door/Window Sensors
Door and window sensors consist of a magnet and a sensor. When the door or window is closed, the magnet aligns with the sensor, completing the circuit. The circuit is broken when the door or window is opened, triggering an alarm.
Placement Tips
Install door sensors on all exterior doors and windows accessible from ground level. Place them at a height where they are not easily tampered with but are still within the range of the magnet when the door or window is closed.
Motion Sensors
Motion sensors detect movement within a designated area by sensing changes in infrared energy or microwave radiation. When motion is detected, the sensor triggers an alarm
Placement Tips
Install motion sensors where intruders are likely to pass through, such as hallways, corridors, and large rooms. Avoid placing them near heat sources or areas with excessive movement from pets or HVAC systems, as this can lead to false alarms.
Glass Break Sensors
Glass break sensors use acoustic or shock sensors to detect the sound or vibration of breaking glass. When triggered, they send a signal to the system control panel.
Placement Tips
Install glass break sensors in rooms with large windows or doors, especially those not covered by curtains or blinds. Place them near the center of the room for optimal coverage.
Perimeter Sensors
Functionality: Perimeter sensors use infrared or microwave technology to create a virtual boundary around the premises. When the boundary is breached, an alarm is triggered.
Placement Tips
Install perimeter sensors along the outer perimeter of the property, such as fences, walls, or gates. Adjust the sensitivity settings to minimize false alarms caused by wildlife or environmental factors.
Smart Control Panels
Most security alarm systems will feature a smart control panel that acts as the brain of the system. Many smart control panels contain several convenient features like voice control and touch screens that make them intuitive (and often aesthetically pleasing) centerpieces of the system. Control panels can also integrate with other business systems like employee management, logistics, and more.
Building The Best Small Business Security System for Your Needs
It’s never been easier for small business owners to build their perfect security system. With the vast array of next-gen technologies on the market today, any business owner or security manager can choose from camera systems, alarms and sensors, environmental monitoring, and much more to protect their property and personnel.
With features like automation, app compatibility, and integrations, these systems are suited for a modern, on-the-go workplace culture, and can be easily scaled and expanded as needs change.
If you’re looking to get serious about security, reach out to the experts at Bay Alarm for a free consultation to assess your unique business security needs.
