Every business needs a security system to make sure that everything is safe when nobody is on the business premises. There are a variety of commercial security systems available on the market today in a variety of configurations and sizes. However, many business owners find it challenging to choose the best commercial security systems for their needs as they are not aware of various things to look for when selecting the best commercial security systems.
One of the biggest problems is that there are a lot of options and sellers use a variety of fancy names to sell their services. Here is a list of factors that business owners need to consider to help them choose the right security system for their needs.
Choosing the Best Commercial Security Systems
One of the first things you need to do is to determine the security requirements of your business. For instance, the security needs of a jewelry store are going to be a lot different from a lumber yard. Similarly, a retail store has different security needs as compared to an old office. Therefore, you need to think and figure out the space that you want to monitor.
For instance, you need to decide whether you want to see both the employees and the customers. You also need to decide whether you need to keep a watch only on inside of the building or on the outside also. You should write down everything that you would want in a security system to satisfy your security needs.
Most of the commercial security systems of the decade past used the closed-circuit TV that recorded videos to the tape. While most of the security options available today come with CCTV, a number of advances have been made in the technology and a lot more features are available these days. For instance, you have the option to choose a specific monitoring service that is ready to respond 24 x 7 in any situation when an alarm is triggered.
Also, this service can be connected to the security system through a cellular connection or a hard phone line. Another feature that is becoming more common these days is the ability to see video feeds from the CCTV on a smart device. This allows you to see whether a particular alarm is due to an employee fumbling with the system or whether there is a burglary in progress.
One of the most overlooked things is the ease of operating the security system when it comes to commercial security systems. You will need to issue unique passports to be employees to allow them to arm and disarm the alarm at various times. Similarly, pass-codes may also be issued to employees for providing access to restricted areas.
Ideally, the best commercial security system should allow you to change, add as well as remove pass codes quickly and easily as employees are hired and let go on a constant basis.
When it comes to security, cost is the last thing that you should consider. However, this does not mean that you should sign the contract without giving second thoughts to the cost of the security system. You should definitely have a budget for your security system but you should not choose a system solely on the basis of cost.
Before choosing a system, you should ask for a complete breakdown of the overall cost of the protection. It should include monthly maintenance fees, monitoring fees, installation costs, lease fees for devices and other such things. Compare the cost of various providers along with the features before you decide to sign a contract.
Another important factor that you need to understand is how a triggered alarm is handled by the security system. You need to find out whether the security system uses the Internet connection or the phone system and backup plans of these services when things change or connection goes down. You also need to find out who is going to respond to the alarm and how long will it take for them to respond.
Also, how they are going to enter the premises and what is going to be their response. In simple terms, you need to find out everything that is going to happen in case someone tries to break into your business premises.
When it comes to signing the contract, some companies want their customers to sign a multi-year contract that also comes with auto renew. Most of these contracts come with a 30 day window for cancelling the contract. However, if you do not remember to cancel the contract during that time, you may be liable for contract fees or other fees. Therefore, you should read the contract carefully before signing it.
You also need to understand who owns the security system. Some companies will sell you system whereas others will only lease it. You also need to ask the security company whether you will be able to take the security system with you in case you move. In addition to the ownership of the equipment, you also need to ask the company about the warranty for the equipment. While most of the security equipment works without any issues, there may be times when you may need to change a damaged sensor or camera.
Overall, you should research the offers given by various companies to figure out the right commercial security system for your needs. As mentioned above, you should not base your decision on cost alone. On the other hand, you should be clear about various charges and stay away from companies that want you to pay for hidden charges or an upgrade that you never ordered.