Before You Invest In A Business Security System, Make Sure You're Working With Genuine Professionals.
One of the smartest investments a business owner can make is in a commercial security system. The right system, installed and monitored by experienced and reputable professionals, offers a sense of safety and peace of mind that extends to your staff and customers. Regardless of the size of your business or the industry or sector you operate in, the risk of a break-in is very real. Taking whatever steps you can to stop that from happening is of the utmost importance, and that includes working with a top notch security system provider.
Business security systems are a different animal than home security systems. While both types of systems are geared towards creating a perimeter defense and alerting you and the authorities to an intruder, businesses have their own set of risks that home owners don't. White collar crime can impact even the smallest business, making things like embezzlement, petty theft of cash or product, fraud, and even arson possibilities you need to prepare for and protect against.
Not all of these types of crimes can be prevented, but the right security solutions can act as an effective deterrent in most cases. At the very least, they can help you to deal with an investigation into any suspicious goings on within your business by providing potential evidence.
A good commercial security system provider knows that all of these things need to be taken into consideration, and will make a point of discussing your business' specific needs with you before installing any type of solution. While that conversation is happening, here are 8 questions you should be asking your potential security system provider.
1) Just How Experienced Is This Commercial Security Provider?
This is probably a question you would have already tried to answer on your own before actually sitting down with a provider, and it's one you really need a clear and honest answer to. The security of your business is of the utmost importance, which means it's not something you want to leave in the hands of an inexperienced provider. Find out not only how long they've been in business, but how much of that time has been spent working with commercial security systems. It's also in your best interest to find out if they have a good working knowledge of fire and life safety services in addition to surveillance and alarm solutions, as these are things that would ideally be integrated into your security system.
2) Are Their Technicians Licensed, Certified, and Trained?
While at first glance installing and maintaining a commercial security system may not seem that complicated, there is a lot that goes into working with this type of specialized equipment. A reputable commercial security system provider will be more than happy to tell you how well-trained their technicians are and the types of certifications they hold. Check for ESA, NICET and manufacturer certifications, and verify that there are no complaints about the provider on file with the Better Business Bureau.
3) Can They Provide References From Businesses Similar To Yours?
Your business has its own set of challenges related to your industry and type of clientele, some of which will likely impact your security solution needs. Knowing that the provider you've chosen to work with is familiar with your type of business because they've dealt with others in your industry before is important. Ask them flat out for references or case studies, and if they refuse to share those with you, it's a sign that they're not as experienced as they might have led you to believe.
4) Which Security Equipment Brands Do They Have To Offer?
A reputable commercial security provider will be a certified distributor of at least a few leading security system brands. By choosing a provider who uses these high-end brands, you'll be working with technicians that have met stringent certification requirements imposed by these brands.
5) Do They Provide Fully-Integrated Systems?
As previously mentioned, even if you're only in the market for the basics right now, you'll want to have the option to add all available types of life safety and security solutions down the road. A fully-integrated system keeps all elements of your safety and security measures in one place, and a commercial security system provider who has experience with all of the elements will be able to give you the best possible service. Ideally, you want to be able to integrate new features into your existing setup with ease, which means you want to work with a provider who can design, install, and maintain everything. This includes video surveillance, access control systems, intrusion detection, emergency communication services, and fire protection.
6) What Types Of Monitoring Solutions Do They Have To Offer?
Generally, commercial security system providers will partner with a professional monitoring company, with that monitoring company being responsible for overseeing your system. This company should, in addition to 24/7/365 support availability, offer redundant backup solutions in the event of a power failure caused by everything from a natural disaster to human error.
7) Does The Provider Itself Offer 24/7 Support?
Criminals typically don't operate on a 9 to 5 schedule, which means you commercial security system provider shouldn't, either. An established provider should have staff available to you around the clock to offer easily accessible support should the worst happen.
8) Are Their Technicians Up To Date On NFPA Codes and Standards?
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) established more than 300 codes and standards each year with the goal of minimizing the possibility and resulting effects of fire and other risks. NFPA compliance is voluntary, but these standards often influence local and state mandates. So while not directly applicable to commercial security systems, a good knowledge of these standards helps a good provider offer better and more knowledgeable services to your business.
Want to find out more about the industry-leading security system technology Powered Protection Inc. provides? Contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or (716) 822-7000.