How to Choose the Right Security System for Your Business

No matter the size of your business—whether it’s a small brick-and-mortar shop downtown or a large commercial warehouse—securing it, both physically and digitally, is essential. While security needs may vary, they all play a crucial role in protecting your assets, employees, and data. For example, in recent years, both Oregon and Washington have seen increases in retail crime rates, making robust security systems even more vital. In these areas, investing in the right solutions is key to safeguarding your business and ensuring peace of mind.

Given the myriad security solutions on the market, securing your business can seem overwhelming. From traditional theft alarms to smart surveillance and more, it’s important to find what best suits your business’s needs. This guide will explore the various security system options available and help you decide on the right route for your business.

Assess Your Business’s Security Needs

The first consideration is what type of business you want to protect. Do you own a small retail store, an office, an industrial warehouse, or a business in a remote location? Evaluate your needs depending on your business type and the number of employees to find the right solution.

For a small storefront with a few employees, video surveillance cameras, door sensors, and a wireless alarm system may be enough. For a large warehouse with numerous employees and valuable inventory, you may consider identity verification systems, security cameras, fire and emergency safety systems, and motion sensors.

Additionally, when shopping for business security solutions, consider the crime rates in your area, what assets or sensitive data need protecting, common threats you encounter, and weaknesses in your current security system. By taking a strategic approach to assessing your security needs, you can ensure the protection of your commercial property, assets, and employees.

Determine the Right Type of Security System

The next step is to decide what systems you should put in place based on your business’s security needs.

There are a handful of different types of security systems to consider, including:

Alarm Systems: These 24-hour monitoring systems utilize motion sensors to detect unauthorized entry into a business and immediately notify the owner of a break-in. Alarm systems protect against burglary and property damage by sounding a loud alarm to deter the intruder and instantly notify the owner and their security company.
Surveillance Cameras: This type of security system helps business owners monitor the activities of employees, customers, and potential intruders or vandals. It can capture critical video evidence of any suspicious activity, which can be used in court. The main types of surveillance camera systems are closed-circuit television, wired video monitoring systems, and wireless video monitoring systems. In areas like Portland, Oregon, where graffiti vandalism is increasing, surveillance cameras can help businesses identify perpetrators.

Access Control Systems: Also called identity verification systems, this type of business security system protects confidential information from unauthorized access. Areas of a business may exist that only certain approved employees should have access to, such as a safe or back office. In this case, an access control system can be used to authorize access using an identification card, a key fob, a personal identification code, a photo verification system, or a biometric recognition system. Access control systems limit and track employee and visitor access so you can have peace of mind.

Smart Security Features: When deciding on a business security system, consider what smart security features are incorporated. Many security systems offer smart features like remote monitoring, mobile alerts, and integration with other smart devices like lighting systems. Accessing surveillance cameras on the go or getting instant phone alerts can help effectively protect your business.

Look for Scalability & Flexibility

Future business growth is another key component to consider as you choose the best security system for your needs. It’s important to consider what the next few years may look like for your business in terms of growth and expansion. Choosing a system you can grow into may save you time and hassle down the road when your needs evolve. Additionally, looking for customizable features can help you tailor the security system to meet your needs over time.

Group purchasing organizations (GPOs) can provide business owners with discounted security equipment, such as motion detectors and video surveillance systems. GPOs allow businesses to purchase commercial equipment by leveraging collective buying power and pre-negotiated contracts. Work with a credible service provider to build a security system that can easily scale as your business grows.

Expert Installation for Reliable Business Security

Choosing the right security system for your business involves a multistep process, including assessing your needs, selecting system types, and evaluating costs and scalability. Be sure to consider your business’s size, location, and the assets you want to protect. Create a comprehensive business security system by picking the most beneficial system types and building a scalable security approach.

Once you’ve found the security equipment you need, it’s time to call in the experts. Powering Pacific Northwest (PPNW) electricians and contractors are ready to help install security equipment to protect your business. Our electrical specialists are licensed and bonded and committed to exceeding safety and quality standards. Find a contractor for your commercial property today.