Security Systems for Offices | Best, Types & Cost

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The security system market is flooded with hundreds of hardware solutions that you can use for your business. However, with this many options, it is easy to get confused when picking the right security solution for your business needs.

Not many business owners realise this, but the best type of security system often depends on the scale and type of your business. For example, retail businesses may need different types of security systems compared to warehousing businesses.

In this guide, we will cover the basics of what makes a great security system and how you can pick the right system for your business needs.

The Difference Between Great and Bad Security Systems

When it comes to security, there are literally thousands of solutions that you can employ to either increase surveillance or even prevent crimes on your business premises. Unfortunately, one cannot simply pack on a bunch of security hardware and expect everything to work flawlessly!

The right way to do it is to first identify the needs of your business. This way, you can not only strengthen security, but you may also be able to significantly bring down installation and hardware costs.

How? Well, security doesn’t depend on just the number of installed cameras in an area. Some security companies try to install redundant cameras and while this may increase coverage, it may not be efficient in keeping the area safe – not to mention, this type of bad installation can also result in high costs.

Coverage isn’t everything in a security system because you also need to keep in mind the variety of systems installed.

If installed properly, a professional service company like Calder Security can help assess the most efficient places to install security cameras without breaking the bank. This can significantly help in increasing coverage! Apart from this, installing a wide variety of security systems like Access Control Systems, Intrusion Detection Systems, CCTV, and more can be used to further increase the security of your office.

Here are some of the things to keep in mind when picking the right security system:

Assess your Needs.

Every business is different; therefore, every business requires a slightly different security system. The best way to figure out your needs for your office space is to break down the operations of your business.

We recommend that you start with the employees.

Employees are usually issued keycards; these cards are part of Access Control Systems that monitor and regulate the entry and exit of employees in the office. Access Control Systems are an excellent choice for businesses that want to control the access of their employees and even track their attendance. Some businesses prefer not to go with physical cards because they can be misplaced or worse, they can be stolen and be used by unknown parties, especially if the theft is not reported.

The solution for this type of problem would be to go with fingerprint authentication. Unlike keycard systems, this system requires an initial registration of the employee but once that process is complete, the employee can easily use their thumb or finger to access the office.

Office spaces also usually require surveillance in key areas. For example, it is highly recommended to have an efficient CCTV system in areas where physical money is exchanged. The finance department or the front desk of the business where customers pay should be monitored from at least two different angles.

One angle must track the customer as they enter the office while the other must track the exchange of money and the exit route of the customer. This configuration is important because it helps indemnify the business and, in the case of a breach, it can even aid in police work.

If you are confused about where to start, then we recommend that you list down all the departments in your office and then prioritise them according to your security needs. We have already discussed the importance of the finance department. In the same way, you might also want to cover hallways, staircases, and other entry and exit points to keep track of people.

Choose Variety Over Quantity

As mentioned above, coverage isn’t the only thing that will make your office space more secure. Having variety and flexibility is just as important. Even when it comes to individual systems, it is always better to have a more varied system than one that is rigid.

Let us explain!

CCTV systems are one of the most basic requirements for any office or business premises. However, if you installed a rigid system that doesn’t account for future modifications or improvements, then you won’t be able to get the most value out of your surveillance system. For example, if you install an outdated CCTV version just to save a few pounds then you might not get the ability to move your surveillance footage into the cloud.

Cloud computing is all the rage nowadays and the technology has also profoundly changed the way we look at security. Updated CCTV systems offer the flexibility to back up your footage to the cloud. Many companies offer dedicated and highly secure servers for security footage. The benefit of these systems is that you can get a live feed or view old security footage from anywhere in the world. Of course, these systems come with a few caveats, but if you want a system that can give you access anytime, anywhere, then opt for cloud-enabled CCTV systems.

Similarly, there are many other varied systems that you can employ to increase the security of your office! Just think in terms of futureproofing yourself and you should be able to come up with a comprehensive system for your needs.

Always Take Professional Help

Security companies like Calder don’t just install systems, but they are also capable of providing you with a comprehensive security audit and risk assessment. Audits are an incredibly important part of improving security and they must always be conducted by professionals that have years of experience. A security audit can help highlight gaps in your existing security system and may even help you install a new system with reduced costs.

Please keep in mind that installing a few cameras may be easy, but a security system installed by a professional service will provide you with way more value! For example, if you run a retail business with a storefront and an office in the back, then you will need to employ a security professional to audit the premises.

The security professional will go over the premises and will learn about your needs and expectations from the system. Once they have all the information, they can suggest a comprehensive security system that will set you up for perpetuity! These professionals can also help you cover all the basic legal requirements in the context of security and provide you with a list of necessary security systems (like fire alarm systems) to help you avoid legal issues or accidental damage.

This way, you can save a lot of time and resources and implement the security system in a fraction of the time if you were to do it yourself or by someone less experienced.

Top Security Systems for Offices

Here is a list of all the possible security systems that you may require for your office space:

Intrusion Detection System (IDS)

Intrusion Detection Systems is an umbrella term for all the systems that help prevent intruders in your office space. These systems can include but are not limited to alarm systems, motion sensors, window sensors, and glass break detectors.

Alarm systems are an excellent deterrent for keeping unwanted people off your office premises. These systems are usually installed either outside or near entrances.

Alarm systems have come a long way since their introduction several decades ago. Today, alarm systems don’t just sound off a loud sound, but they can also perform other complex actions. For example, if an intruder triggers a modern alarm, the alarm system can lock the premises, start recording video by tracking the intruder individually, and even send out details of the intrusion to relevant parties.

These comprehensive alarm systems work in tandem with other security systems like cameras, motion sensors, and detectors on the premises and can usually only be installed by highly knowledgeable and experienced companies, like Calder Security.

Access Control Systems

As stated above, Access Control Systems (ACS) are one of the most basic systems that you can use in an office space. These systems work by monitoring and regulating the entry and exit of personnel in your office.

Access Control Systems come in a lot of varieties. An example of a classic ACS system would be an RFID scanner system. This system only allows access when an authorised RFID is scanned. Modern Access Control Systems also include the use of simplified pin codes, biometric authentication, or a combination of both pin codes and biometric authentication.

CCTVs

If you run a small business with compact office space, then the best way to secure your system might be to install a comprehensive CCTV system. CCTVs work by collecting footage data from one or multiple cameras and then storing them on a DVR. These systems have been around since the dawn of modern technology and have been extremely useful in not just monitoring but also preventing and even solving crime-related incidents.

Modern CCTVs can work on both wireless and wired systems, and you can even get cloud-enabled CCTV systems as well. We highly recommend getting a professional opinion from a skilled security company before you purchase any CCTV system. The professional may highlight the need for different camera systems for different areas in your office. For example, the outside space might require IPx cameras that can withstand the outside environment and are rated to work in dusty, wet, or very hot environments.

Some CCTV cameras may also be Artificial Intelligence (AI) enabled. These are a breed of new CCTV systems that combine the best of software and hardware. These systems use computing power to enable features like facial recognition, individual tracking, AI-powered video improvements, and much more.

Fire Safety

As an extremely important requirement for any office space, getting a comprehensive fire alarm system is not just a good practice in general, but it can also help you avoid unwanted loss. According to statistics, there were about 648 office fires between 2015 and 2018. Fortunately, with the advancements in sensor technology and better fire safety hardware, this number has gone down drastically with only 334 office fires reported in 2020/21. This number is expected to go down even further over the years.

Fire safety is an extremely important aspect of protecting your office space because it not only protects your assets but is also capable of saving precious lives. Fire safety equipment can include smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable), sprinklers, and the proper placement of extinguishers along with an evacuation plan. Just like the other systems above, fire safety must also be delegated to highly qualified and professional security companies, like Calder.

IT Security

If the modern world has made one thing clear, it is that most of the threats in a technologically advanced world are usually unseen. In other words, if you run a software business and rely heavily on IT-related tasks, then you might want to put more emphasis on cyber security than just perimeter security.

Office spaces must be equipped to not just prevent but also monitor cyber threats. These threats may not cause a theft of physical assets, but they can result in a significant loss and theft of data which can be invaluable to a business.

For example, if your finance department gets hit with a cyber-attack, then you may be at risk of exposing your financials and even bank accounts! There have been countless cases where hackers have successfully infiltrated and digitally robbed businesses – all from the comfort of their undisclosed locations.

Luckily, Calder Security is more than equipped to help you cover your digital assets and help you install a robust and advanced system to protect your data. Calder can also help you figure out the right infrastructure for your needs which includes backups and even digital security audits and training.

Visitor Management

If your office regularly attracts visitors then you will need to use a visitor management system. This system is an excellent way to keep track of who enters and exits your office.

A visitor management system can also help you track the purpose of each visit as well. The best part is that a visitor management system can work on top of your existing security system. For example, the system can be integrated with Access Control Systems where visitors will be given special key passes that allow them access to specific areas. The key pass can also hold a record of their visit like the time of entry, exit, and the places the card was used.

CONTACT CALDER SECURITY

At Calder Security, we provide a comprehensive range of security solutions that include not just professional installation but also monitoring, maintenance, and repair services.

We are members of the Master Locksmith Association (MLA), approved members of the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), and also conform to all the relevant British and EU Standards.

We follow all the best practices in the industry and install only high-quality, state-of-the-art security systems.

We offer various levels of monitoring via a 24-hour monitoring centre using Dualcom and BT Redcare signalling, which is the most secure alarm monitoring system and the largest supplier of intelligent alarm signalling services in the UK.

We understand the importance of having to regularly maintain security systems since the inability to do so might result in serious faults and consequent vulnerabilities in your property’s security.

We provide professional maintenance checks and reminders for when the checks are due to help you stay compliant with the law and work fast to restore your security systems to excellent condition.

We offer a 24-hour call-out service for customers and can also repair systems not installed by us. Our engineers are highly skilled and can restore faulty systems to full working order in one visit.

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