How to Assess Your Business for Security Equipment
While there’s a lot of talk about cybersecurity for small businesses, physical security systems are just as important to consider. The safety of your property, assets, and people is paramount to your business’s success. Likewise, good physical security can improve your cybersecurity measures as well.
First, you have to look at what your needs and vulnerabilities are. Here are the parameters and trends in security equipment to guide your next investment.
3 Essential Security Components
Physical security generally includes the following three main components:
- Hurdles: These might be placed as the first line of defense to discourage attackers or as a barrier against accidents and environmental disasters. These measures include fencing, fireproof safes, multiple locks, etc.
- Monitoring and Notification Systems: These are light and heat sensors, smoke detectors, wireless detectors, alarms, cameras, access control, and CCTVs.
- Disarming Attackers: When an attacker enters, it takes advanced measures to stop them before damage is done. This includes recovery methods that help businesses rehabilitate from accidents or natural disasters effectively.
What to Look for in Security Equipment for Your Business
As you search for a business security system, you should ask yourself what your needs are. Consider the following in your selection: features you should have, interoperability with your existing systems, cost-effectiveness, and proper network and video capabilities.
Look for features that include:
- Easy deployment, use, and maintenance
- Good network integration
- Ability to secure existing assets as you migrate and scale
- Support open standards (systems being compatible with one another)
Keep in mind scale as you look for a system. Using the network as a platform for integrating security measures is a great consideration.
Physical security is an investment in your business operations. The benefits certainly outweigh the consequences of risking your property, damages, and even personal safety. If you have an existing security system, it’s a good idea to assess it for effectiveness, budget, and value.
4 Physical Security Trends on the 2023 Radar
It’s important to assess your current physical security systems for any failures or areas of improvement. Here are some current trends in physical security to consider if you’re looking to upgrade your current system.
Keyless Lock Systems
Throw out the giant ring of keys for something more streamlined and secure. Copying keys can cause several security hazards if they are lost or stolen. This becomes a high probability when changing hands several times without appropriate documentation. Keys are also clunky and increase the bulk of items to remember.
Many companies opt for keyless lock systems that enable higher security standards. These include: keypads, proximity readers, biometrics, or iris readers. Depending on your business needs, you can customize any of your keyless lock systems to meet the demands of your industry. By working with the right security system installer, your keyless lock system could incorporate the following:
- Automated building schedules for access in multiple rooms
- Remote control of the system via the web
- Auto-locking features based on schedules/preferences
- Bulletproof design built to last
Video Surveillance and Software + Analytics
Many more small businesses are turning to surveillance systems that provide security even from remote locations. A camera on its own can be a deterrent to bad actors, but without data collection and monitoring, it can leave your business vulnerable.
Today’s video surveillance systems are much more streamlined and provide a direct connection to an alarm system with motion sensors. Data collection goes through software and analytics systems to help identify red flags, patterns in movement around your establishment, and help you monitor your business security systems smarter. Look for the following attributes in a video surveillance system:
- Analog and digital cameras; Both with 720p HD quality at the minimum
- Wireless access to real-time activity through the internet
- Security system tailored to your building
- Alerts via text or email if motion is detected
Mobile App
We conduct so much of our daily lives on our phones. Mobile app security systems are also on the rise with small enterprises. Rather than staying connected to a monitor constantly, you can get updates on your enterprise security at the tips of your fingers.
Mobile apps can give you instant feedback if there is motion around your establishment. You can hook up your video surveillance through your mobile security app or give access to the employees remotely via an app. Instant knowledge and the ability to react quickly in the case of a security breach are essential reasons to have a mobile security application. Here’s what to look for in a mobile app:
- Ease of integration with existing systems
- Ability to control locks and lights from the application
- Quick and easy installation
- Intuitive alert system that allows you to customize functions for your needs
Thermal Access Control
The 2020 pandemic brought on a new era of health security. Hospitals and medical centers will benefit from thermal access control systems that take temperatures at the point of entry.
It’s not feasible to take the individual temperatures of everyone entering a business. Thermal imaging can quickly assess a person’s body heat levels for feverish symptoms. Here’s what to look for in an effective thermal access control system:
- Verify the presence of a mask from 9.8 feet away and with an arc 4.3 feet wide
- Detect anyone with a fever quickly, easily, and reliably
- Records historical temperature and mask status alarms that can be searched for and exported
- Allows for onsite viewing and centralized management of alarms, video, and temperature results
Your Safety Is Our Business at Millennium
There is no question of the value of a security system for your business. It’s more than peace of mind knowing that your assets, people, and property are safe. You are in control of how your day-to-day life functions.
But where do you begin with security systems? What do you need? What will give you the best value?
With over 15 years in the business, Millennium Fire & Security has made it more than business to deliver affordable, effective security systems for businesses and family homes. We don’t believe in surprises or “gotchas” when working with our clients.
We know what’s at stake for our customers, and we are here to provide accessible security systems that will only provide reliability and value for the long-term. If you are interested in an assessment of your premises for security equipment, reach out to our team for a consultation.