Security Systems For Companies | Why Security, Types, Measures

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Are security systems really necessary for companies and are they worth the investment?

The short answer is a resounding “yes”. But why?

A good security system can protect your business from theft, fire, and unwanted access. All companies, small and large, face such threats daily and there’s no way to predict when or where they’ll happen.

According to a study of police-recorded crimes across the UK, there were 606,282 crimes against businesses in 2018/19, which included offences like burglary, robbery, shoplifting, and theft by an employee.

Also, companies faced direct financial losses of up to £230 million per year because of fires erupting in the workplace!

As a business owner, it is your responsibility to protect your company and its assets. Investing in an efficient security system will keep threats at bay and give you more control over your business’s activities, resulting in peace of mind.

Here’s a list of the recommended security systems that offer comprehensive safety and security:

BURGLAR ALARMS

A burglar alarm is a basic physical security requirement for all businesses. It works as an effective deterrent against burglars and intruders.

A burglar alarm is made up of several electrical components that detect movement or the opening of doors and windows via sensors and detectors.

In its most vanilla form, when any such unusual activity is detected, a loud alarm is sounded to alert those nearby of the threat, along with scaring away the intruders.

But there is more to the humble burglar alarm! Read on.

RECOMMENDED BURGLAR ALARMS FOR COMPANIES

The bells-only system is the most common type of burglar alarm but is rarely suitable for companies. When activated, it produces a loud alarm, often accompanied by flashing lights.

These types of alarms might work for companies that have a security guard, which can be quite expensive, to look after the property at all times, and who are trained to tackle the threat, calling the relevant authorities ASAP.

These systems are unmonitored and rely on someone close by to respond to them. If there is no one nearby, they might go unnoticed resulting in successful break-ins and serious losses.

It’s a matter of chance since businesses are unattended and empty at night, which is a great time for burglars to strike.

Dialler burglar alarms work just like the bells-only alarm with the additional feature of you (the owner) or your nominated keyholders being contacted in the event of an alarm trigger.

Most diallers allow the users to save three to ten numbers to be contacted in such emergencies. As soon as someone responds, the system stops contacting anyone further.

You can either have the system linked to your phone line, in which case it’ll use your landline to call the emergency contacts, or to your GSM mobile network, in which case you would require sim card topped with credit all the time.

These are great since someone will be automatically alerted in the event of an alarm trigger, but carry the risk of inaction on the contacted person’s part due to unavailability.

At times, weak mobile signals or disrupted phone lines might affect the system’s performance resulting in no one being contacted at all.

But there is another type of alarm system that provides a more comprehensive solution relative to the above alarms.

Monitored burglar alarms

Monitored burglar alarms are the most effective and recommended burglar alarm system for companies. They are connected to a professional monitoring centre that monitors the system 24/7 and verifies the alarms received for a monthly fee.

The constant checking and verification process ensures that the alarm never goes unnoticed, regardless of the property being empty or not. The system is also equipped to detect and verify false alarms, which can be caused by improper arming and disarming of the system, or weak batteries.

Our engineers at Calder Security are experts and offer installations of the highest standards. Our systems are designed specifically for each business, using equipment from trusted manufacturers including Texecom, Visonic, Scantronic, Risco, and Pyronix which are thoroughly tested before they are installed on your property.

All of our burglar alarm installations comply with standards: PD6662: 2010, DD243, and BS8243, and our systems meet the stringent requirements of BS4737 AND European Standard EN50131 (Intruder Alarm Systems in Buildings).

We have experts manning our monitoring centres using DualCom and BT Redcare GSM, the best alarm signalling services in the country, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and signal transmission.

CCTV SYSTEMS

According to The Guardian, a CCTV (Closed-Circuit Television) system is the top deterrent for burglars, right after barking dogs and heavy doors.

These systems work by helping you keep a constant eye on what’s happening on your property using cameras, lenses, monitors, and recorders. The camera picks up video footage which is then sent to the recorder and is displayed on a monitor.

RECOMMENDED CCTV SYSTEMS FOR COMPANIES

There are two main types of CCTV systems – both suitable for companies.

Choosing the best one for your business depends solely on your personal preference and requirements. Understanding how the technologies work will help you make a more informed decision for your company’s safety:

Analogue systems

Analogue systems work by sending the analogue footage from the camera to a Digital Video Recorder (DVR) via a coaxial cable, where it is converted to digital format.

These systems are ideal for small businesses with a lower budget. The catch is that the frame rate for analogue cameras is pretty low which results in blurry, low-quality images, and they have a narrower field of view and require more cameras to cover the same area.

The upside is that there are High Definition (HD) analogue cameras that have tremendously improved resolution and picture quality, giving the digital systems a serious run for their money.

Calder Security offers analogue HD systems where you can get 4 or 5-megapixel cameras for better surveillance footage.

Digital systems

Digital systems, also called IP (Internet Protocol) systems consist of digital video cameras that send and receive real-time compressed digital data wirelessly through the internet.

This can also be done using an ethernet cable connected to a router or modem. IP cameras have their own IP/MAC addresses, which enables them to be easily added to any pre-existing network infrastructure.

Digital systems have a higher resolution, with the image quality being made better with every iteration. Because of their superior imagery, they offer zoom-in capabilities, which are very useful for surveillance and proof. The data is encrypted, ensuring its safety from hackers.

They are specialized to work at either day or night – rain or snow and are widely suggested by many law authorities.

The only downside to these systems is the high ‘cost’ involved. But then again, you must look at it as an investment rather than a cost.

After all, you cannot put a price tag on your company and its valuable assets.

Regardless of the system chosen, you must opt for professional CCTV monitoring services for your company. CCTV monitoring ensures that your property is being watched over by a professional monitoring staff in real-time, notifying you, your nominated keyholders, or the police, in the event of a break-in.

A CCTV system integrated with other security systems in your company, such as burglar alarms, can be quite effective and provide maximum safety and security.

At Calder Security, we design every commercial CCTV system bespoke to each business, conducting surveys to assess the exact needs and requirements.

We only use quality equipment from manufacturers such as HIK Vision and every installation is designed to work seamlessly with all other security measures to create a comprehensive solution.

FIRE ALARMS

Businesses are required by the law to have an effective fire alarm system in place, making it an integral part of any business operation, small or large. The inability to do so can result in heavy fines and jail time for the people responsible – who are usually the owners and people in charge.

All fire alarm systems operate using specialized detectors that can sense smoke or heat which then triggers the alarm to warn others in the building.

Fire alarms not only detect accidental fires but are also effective against arsonists!

Commercial systems must also incorporate fire alarm monitoring equipment which would alert the monitoring centres and the fire department to take the necessary action.

RECOMMENDED FIRE ALARMS FOR COMPANIES

There are two types of fire alarms that are great at protecting you and your company.

Deciding on a suitable system is dependent on several factors such as the size of your company, the number of staff, and the type of company you run. Let’s look at the types in detail:

Conventional fire alarms

Commercial fire alarms have automatic sensors, manual activation/call points, or a combination of both, all connected to the central control panel.

They work by dividing the property into zones that give a rough idea as to where the fire has occurred. The precision of knowing where a fire has started is controlled by the number of zones and circuits that have been wired within the building.

For this reason, conventional fire alarm systems are more suited for small companies that operate in a small area. They are less precise, and therefore, cheaper than their counterparts.

Addressable fire alarms

Addressable fire alarms are the most modern type of fire alarm system, comprising of a series of detectors and devices that all connect to the control panel.

These systems have an address for each device that can pinpoint the exact location of the threat. When one of the system’s components is initiated, it shows the component’s address on the fire alarm panel.

They are more suited for companies that operate in a larger area or are at a higher risk of fires.

Commercial premises are required by law to conduct fire risk assessments and have a fit for purpose fire alarm system in place.

Our experts Calder Security will help you choose the best system for your fire safety needs, offering fire alarm systems that comply with British Standards, HSE regulations, Building Regulations, and Fire Officer Guidelines.

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Access control systems are also called door entry systems and are another very effective option for deterrent burglars and intruders, and limiting unwanted access.

These systems offer a keyless entry that gives you control over who enters your premises, making it hard to break into. It is particularly effective since keys can be lost or stolen, compromising your security for just enough time for burglars to strike.

Access control systems have readers, that are connected to a network, which work by giving access using an intercom, proximity fob or card, keypad, or even a biometric system.

It checks for when the right credentials are entered, giving access to the area. In case of the wrong credentials being entered, access is denied.

The system tracks who enters and exits the building, and alerts the owners or whoever is responsible for the unwanted access, such as when there is a break-in or someone enters the premises after hours.

RECOMMENDED ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR COMPANIES

There are variations of access control systems and deciding the best one for your company is based on factors including the nature of your business, the number of users, and the security procedures within the company.

Key card access control

Key cards are the simplest form of access control systems and can be inserted into a reader to grant quick and secure access. However, there is a risk of losing the card, putting the integrity of the system in danger.

These systems are suitable for companies that are low-risk and do not have valuables to look after.

Keycode access control

Keycodes or PINs are an effective method of maintaining secure access that works by entering a specific code to gain access to an area of the premises.

The risk here is either forgetting the code or losing it.

Provided that there is no human fault, key codes work great at keeping companies secure, restricting unwanted access.

Biometric access control

Biometrics use fingerprints, handprints, and a retina scan to secure access to certain areas. They are used for advanced security and are the most secure access control systems.

They are the most expensive and difficult to install systems, particularly useful in companies that have valuables and highly confidential assets that they need to protect.

Our Specialist security engineers at Calder Security offer all types of access control systems and can recommend the best type of system for your needs.

We are experienced with creating sophisticated access control systems for large scale commercial enterprises as well as smaller businesses.

REASONS YOU NEED A SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR COMPANY

The right security systems will keep your company safe from all kinds of threats, giving you countless other benefits. Here are a few:

Protection from theft

Security systems such as burglar alarms, CCTV systems, and access control help keep intruders away and restrict unwanted access. Burglars keep an eye on properties they plan on breaking in to and the presence of alarms and CCTV cameras is effective at scaring them away.

Prevent employee theft

Employee theft is a serious challenge for most business owners resulting in serious losses over time.

It’s human nature that when people know they’re being watched, they tend to keep a check on their behaviour since they know that if they get caught, which is highly likely if there’s CCTV monitoring in the area, they would have to face the consequences.

Minimizes fire damage

Fires can be deadly and can force many companies, especially small ones to completely shut down.

They can be caused by anything, even something inconsequential as smoking – or anything malicious like arson. Fire alarms help detect such threats at the earliest sign for you to take the necessary action, saving both, lives and property.

Makes you responsible and compliant

Employees, as well as customers, feel safe when they know they are working for and entering a company that cares for their safety and is compliant with regulations.

Also, having security systems saves you from heavy fines and helps lower your insurance premiums as well. So, it’s a win-win!

Peace of mind

Knowing that your property is safe and secure from threats such as theft and fire gives a sense of relief, and professional monitoring services double that protection, even in your absence.

Photo by Dan Burton on Unsplash

Recommended Security Systems For Companies