How To Choose The Best Security System For Business

Deterring theft through security systems is a way to ensure that the loss of revenue is minimal. Theft and fraud account for an estimated annual loss of revenue that between 5 and 10 percent. These crimes can be perpetrated by customers, employees, or third party criminals meaning businesses can have multiple vulnerabilities. Managers looking to prevent security risks or reduce loss of revenue to criminal acts invest in security systems as a way to protect their assets. Here is how you can choose the best security system for any type of business.

Decide On A Security Budget

The first step in choosing a security system for your business should be to outline a budget. Most security systems are subscription based and prices range from between $15 and $50. Additional costs come in the form of equipment that comes with the security system. For example, a plan may require businesses to buy or rent security cameras and motion sensors. Leasing these systems can lessen the initial purchasing burden. Managers should decide how much money they can spend on security before contracting with any company.

Determine Where The Business Needs Protection

Every business has different security needs and determining your specific needs is an important step to choosing a security system. Managers should make a list of the physical and financial assets of their company that are easily stolen like money, monitors or laptops. Then, they should consider how these items would be accessed, legitimately or otherwise. For example, an electronics store may be vulnerable to criminals breaking the front windows and stealing displayed merchandise. Making a list of vulnerable assets is a good way for business managers to determine what security they need and where they need it.

Security Camera Quality

Most types of security systems come with video cameras and what level of video quality a business needs largely depends on its security concerns. For instance, a business that only monitors one area that will be close to the camera won’t need a high resolution video feed. On the other hand, effectively monitoring a large area requires a camera with an HD resolution. Monitoring certain areas at night may also require infrared or night vision to be effective. Managers must consider what quality of security cameras they need to monitor their business effectively.

Extra Available Equipment

Many plans offer extra equipment to purchase like motion or glass break sensors. These systems can also be more mundane products like reinforced locks or keypads on doors. These items can be invaluable to companies trying to protect themselves in areas that cameras alone won’t help. For example, a reinforced lock can prevent a potential criminal from forcing open a door. Not all security plans provide all types of extra security equipment, however. You should consider what extra equipment your business needs when picking which security company to contract with.

Professional Monitoring

Some businesses need security systems with professional monitoring. This means that the security system hires a person or group of people to watch your business remotely through your equipment. This feature can be valuable for businesses that cannot spare the manpower needed to monitor their cameras or motion sensors. In addition, professional monitoring services may also have direct contacts with local police stations. Of course, this integration lessens the response time and increases the chance of catching criminals. Business managers should consider a service that offers professional monitoring in order to save manpower.

Negotiate Security Packages

Once you know what your needs are, begin negotiating with business security system companies to get the best possible deal. Many companies offer starter kits that represent the minimum amount of protection a system offers. Managers can then negotiate extra protective systems and equipment on top of this price. Additional services like professional monitoring can also be added. As a business’ needs grow, these packages can be negotiated with the provider again after the contract term ends. Managers should take their security needs to companies directly to negotiate the best service package for their business.

A good quality security system can be the first line of defense against revenue loss due to criminal activity. In order to pick the best system they can afford, business managers should outline their budget. Next they should make a list of all the vulnerabilities that their specific business has. A business also needs to consider what kind of camera equipment they need to monitor their property. Businesses may also need to buy extra security devices to cover their operations fully. A professional monitoring service can also be a good choice for certain types of businesses. Business managers should then take these concerns to security system companies to negotiate for a security package. Taking all these factors into consideration is how managers can choose the best security system for their business.