Last month we covered the Canadian businesses that need a security system the most, so today we’re going to explain what to prioritize when choosing a security system and the key elements of a professional commercial security setup.
The Basic Elements of a Good Commercial Security System
The basic elements of a good commercial security system include intrusion detection, video surveillance, alarm monitoring and access control. The right combination will depend on your property, operating hours and the main areas you need to protect.
Intrusion Detection
Intrusion detection comes in at the top of the list of security priorities. An intrusion alarm detects entry or movement while the system is armed. The equipment should cover accessible entry points and relevant interior areas.
Common Canadian businesses that should install intrusion detection and alarms include establishments that have valuable inventory, tools or equipment on-site and the premises are unattended after closing. These can include all types of retail stores, restaurants, warehouses and manufacturing facilities, and automotive repair shops to name a few.
A basic but reliable intrusion detection system includes:
- Door and window contacts to detect intrusions
- Motion detection to detect movement within a coverage area
- Glass-break detection to detect the sound of breaking glass
With professional intrusion detection in place, a break-in will trigger an alarm as it happens and allow a faster response that will help limit theft and property damage.
Professionally Installed Alarm Monitoring
Alarm monitoring works hand in hand with intrusion detection by connecting your alarm system to a monitoring centre that receives and handles alerts.
When the alarm is triggered, operators follow an established response protocol that verifies the alarm and contacts you or a designated key holder, and/or dispatches emergency services when it is appropriate to.
A professional commercial alarm setup can include:
- A control panel to receive and process signals from sensors
- A keypad or app for arming and disarming the system
- A siren that sounds when an audible alarm is triggered
- A connection to a monitoring centre for alarm handling
- A backup battery for continued operation during power outages
With intrusion detection and alarm monitoring combined, your business benefits from stronger protection against break-and-enters, theft and vandalism, and reduces the costly disruption a break-in can cause.
Security Cameras and Video Storage
To further deter theft, vandalism, and in some cases potential violence, your system should include professionally installed security cameras.
This combination adds a visible deterrent to your property and records evidence that helps you identify those involved and support a police investigation.
With professionally installed security cameras, you’ll benefit from:
- A visible deterrent to theft and vandalism
- Clear footage to help identify people and review activity
- After-hours visibility with low-light or infrared features
- Time-stamped evidence to help investigate alarm events and losses
- Remote access to live video and stored recordings
With camera support, your existing intrusion detection and alarm monitoring system benefits from a stronger loss prevention profile, while recorded footage makes it easier to investigate incidents like missing stock, disputed transactions and damage, without having to rely only on witness accounts.
The security company you work with will handle the installation and setup, and tailor the camera system to your specific security needs. They’ll also train you on how to use the system so you can manage your system independently.
Card and Fob Access Control
Card and fob access control is another layer of beneficial security that helps restrict entry to your building and staff-only areas.
Individual credentials let you decide which doors each person or employee can unlock and when.
With professionally installed access control, you’ll benefit from:
- Door access permissions tailored to individual employees
- Defining schedules based on shifts or operating hours
- Quick deactivation of lost cards and former employee credentials
- Assigning temporary access to visitors or contractors
- Time-stamped access records to support incident reviews
Your security company will install the hardware and configure access permissions and schedules for your business. They’ll also train you on how to issue or deactivate credentials, update permissions and review access records on your computers and devices.
When these security measures all work together, your business benefits from stronger protection and gives you and your team greater peace of mind. Instead of worrying about potential losses or disruptions, you can focus more on growing your business while your security company takes care of the rest.
Millennium Security Services installs commercial security systems in Brantford and across South Western Ontario. Contact our team to review your property and get a clear recommendation for arming your business with the best business security in the business.