Did you know that 18 percent of all violent crime cases across the country happen in the workplace?
Such facts fade away in the face of small businesses only obsessing over security costs. While that’s crucial, it’s not the only narrative. If your business isn’t secure, you will pay a lot more than the monthly security costs. You’ll end replacing lost assets, recruiting, and even settling lawsuits.
So how can your business stay secure? Here is a closer look at four commercial security systems that can bolster your firm’s physical security.
1. Video Surveillance
On average, businesses and other organizations worldwide spent $42.94 billion on video surveillance security in 2019 alone.
Why?
For starters, video surveillance is one of the most effective crime deterrents for small businesses. When burglars and other criminals see a physical video surveillance system in place, they can’t be sure if it’s working. That gives them pause and can save your business significant costs due to security breaches.
Additionally, when you deploy video surveillance in your business, you have video evidence when a crime does happen. That typically comes in handy in an investigation and more so when filing your insurance claim.
In more delicate workplace problems like cases of sexual harassment, video surveillance is fast becoming key in resolving issues wisely. The same goes for employee theft situations where you need evidence to avoid a costly lawsuit tied to wrongful termination.
When thinking of video surveillance, there are generally three systems to weigh. You can opt for standalone cameras that record straight to a DVR. With a standalone camera, you get a live feed, but you have to access it locally.
Other businesses tend to go for a battery-powered video surveillance system. In this case, the camera relies on batteries to make things simple. Such cameras are typically motion-sensitive and record one they pick up some activity nearby to conserve battery power.
A more recent option is the integrated video surveillance system, where cameras are connected to the internet to deliver a live stream across your devices. Even though they may cost you more, such systems tend to offer you greater control in monitoring your business.
2. Security Glass
For small businesses that handle cash and/or high-value goods, using security glass is mission-critical. Simply put, security glass is glass that has been laminated and heat-treated.
The ultimate aim of security glass is to be safer and more resistant to breaking. When glass breaks, it disintegrates into shards with jagged edges that pose a danger to those in the vicinity. Security glass is treated with heat to prevent it from breaking in this manner. Instead, it breaks into cubes that won’t inflict injuries.
There are two major types of security glass, and each offers a unique take on security and safety.
Tempered glass is heated to 1200 degrees to make it more resistant to breaking. If it does break, it disintegrates into cubes and not shards.
Since tempered glass is more common, many small businesses use it to meet state and local governments’ compliance requirements. However, tempered glass does not stand up to projectiles and break-ins effectively.
On the other hand, laminated glass is highly resistant to projectiles, break-ins, and even blows from hammers and bullets. Laminated glass comprises two tempered glass pieces with a polyvinyl butyral (PVB) layer in the middle. Thus, you can rely on the laminated glass to protect your business as it can take repeated blows without breaking.
3. Reinforced Doors
Forcible entry is the bane of many small businesses across the country as it’s a common tactic criminals use to breach the security of many firms. With that in mind, knowing how to reinforce a door and make it more secure for your business can potentially make or break your operations.
A well-reinforced door needs a robust frame to act as the backbone that absorbs repeated kicks. Additionally, you need to look for a reinforced door with secured hinges that can’t be screwed off or tampered with. A good security door also needs to have strike plates for greater protection and be made of tough material.
The main drawback for many small businesses in using reinforced doors for security is purchasing and installing them. However, if you consider the savings a security door gives you in preventing break-ins, you can quickly realize that it is a cost-effective investment in the long run.
4. Access Control
Lock-and-key systems have served businesses well over many decades. However, advancements in technology and operations have meant that the traditional lock-and-key system needed an upgrade. Now we have access control systems.
Access control systems are a set of tools that help you control who interacts with your operations and how they do so. The ultimate goal of access control is to give you peace of mind when securing your firm, all while not hampering operational convenience.
Some common examples of access control systems you can use in your small business include PIN codes, biometric scanners, and key cards. Such tools give you more granular control on who is entering or leaving the premises and who can access information relating to your business.
As you design your access control systems plan, you need to account for three types of access. That is, access to consumable products like food, stationery, etc., access to enter and exit physical locations within the premises and access to information.
You’ll also need to designate security levels for every employee in the business, so they only gain access to that which helps them execute their tasks.
Are You Ready to Invest in Commercial Security Systems?
Your business will always pay for security one way or another.
Instead of waiting to pay for damage due to security breaches in your firm, you can proactively invest in commercial security systems that protect your business. Ensure you assess the many options in the market to identify solutions that enhance your business workflow without sacrificing convenience.
While security is critical in running a successful business, it’s only one aspect out of many that make up a thriving firm. Our website gives entrepreneurs insightful tips and resources to increase their odds of success. Check out more of our content today to learn how you can level up your business.
