People used to take security for granted back when things were more peaceful and there were not so many threats to worry about. These days, however, only those with nothing to lose can really afford to ignore security measures. In fact many private homes now sport an assortment of surveillance video cameras, sensors and alarms.
It is therefore surprising that in some business establishments commercial security systems are only employed after something has already gone wrong. In some cases, where existing commercial security systems are in use, it takes a bad incident to prod the owners to upgrade them to adequate levels. These people realize too late that a camera missing at a particular entrance, or a sensor at a sensitive area could have prevented significant losses. In many cases the cost of the security system or component they have failed to install is so tiny when compared to the losses they have incurred.
The Importance of Security Assessments
After you have accepted the need for commercial security systems, the next step is to assess the security threats you need to protect against. This will help define the features and capabilities your security system needs to have.
For example, the areas covered by a business establishment would determine how many video surveillance cameras need to be deployed and where they should be installed. Generally, larger areas require more cameras. If some areas are not properly lighted, the video cameras there may have to be fitted with night vision capability. Where it is important to make out faces and license plate numbers, high definition (HD) cameras can be installed.
Access control systems and equipments should match the company’s needs. For small businesses, such as a mom and pop store, access control ID cards and badges may not be that important; they may even be unnecessary. But as the number of employees and areas of operations rise, the need for efficient access control measures increase. The main purpose of access control systems is to limit entry to secure spaces and access to sensitive data only to those who absolutely need them. Such systems only work properly when access permissions are judiciously granted. This article on cio.com offers tips on handling data security threats.
On the need for intrusion detection systems, you should assess the areas where people would try to gain unauthorized entry, and the way they are likely to go about it. You can pick the type of sensors based on your assessment. Sometimes a simple contact break sensor is enough, but there are also sensors which detect heat, motion, pressure, etc. You assessment of the business premises will also determine the number and locations of required intrusion detection sensors.
Most people fail to assess for the need to install sensors which can warn of hazards such as toxic fumes and the like unless these are mandated by law. But an investment in personnel and property safe always pays off; for all you know the life you protect may be your own.
Assessments help ensure you get adequate security for your business, no more and no less; then you can sleep well knowing your assets are protected.
The post Commercial Security Systems – An investment for peace of mind appeared first on .
