Business Security Systems: Are You Protected?

How It Works?

Chances are you already have a high speed internet connection at your business. Well using a completely wireless system you can connect right to your existing system and have speedy alarm signals. By using wireless technology paired with a security camera, you'll also have access to keep watch over your business when you are offsite via a smartphone or computer. You can also go the wired or hybrid security system route but it is a little more involved. You can read more about wired vs. wireless alarm systems here.

Custom Packages to Meet Your Small Business Needs

Mid-Sized and Multi-Location Businesses

Have a larger business? Guardian has custom built commercial alarm systems, built to spec and even come with an exclusive, VIP customer service line. Have multiple business locations? No problem, Guardian has software that allows you to log in online and track all your locations at once. You can access alarm activity, see the event history remotely, change user codes, manage restricted area access, and even program doors to lock at specific times, all online. Visit Guardian Protection or call 866-533-6717 to learn more.

Not quite ready to make the jump? Some companies like SafeMart offer a no-risk trial that allows you to try it out, no strings attached. Call 888-793-5462 or visit SafeMart to request a demo account.

Keep an Eye on Your Employees

Think of an interactive video security camera as an extra set of eyes to not only make sure your employees are not stealing but also to ensure they are not wasting valuable time and resources on the job. By using the app, you'll be able to take your company with you wherever you go and have full 24/7 access to it in your pocket. Now you can sleep at night knowing that you have a way to watch after your business after hours.

Video cameras are also a great way to discourage potential theft. By keeping the camera in a visible area, potential shoplifters or unmotivated employees will know they are being watched. You can even take it one step further by posting a sign that says there is a surveillance camera in use, like many retail dressing rooms or parking garages do.

Check With Your Local Government & Building Management

It's a good idea to go ahead and give your building management or landlord a heads up in advance of your new system. They'll appreciate that you are taking the extra precaution to be protected, but they might have restrictions or guidelines that you should be aware of. Also be sure to check to see if there are any restrictions in your area on whether public surveillance is allowed and how it can be used. Lastly, check with your local police department to see if your city/county requires any special permits.

Business Security System Success Stories

Protecting Your Company's Proprietary Information at AEGIS FinServ

Jim Angleton, the President of AEGIS FinServ, a corporate prepaid debit card company, works in an industry with technologies that can attract corporate espionage. Due to the nature of their business, they have more than 300 cameras installed inside and outside their 5,000 square foot facility. They insist guests power down all electronic devices and place them in secured lockers at the point of entry to their facilities. They also fully disclose that no electronic devices are welcome beyond the reception area.

One day they had a visitor walking through their facilities. As he was nearing the research and development section, they noticed he was fidgeting with his hand in a back pocket. Reviewing camera feeds at various angles, their security detail saw that he was powering a small device. Coupled in his hand was a small camera. Trying to act natural, in the palm of his hand, he was trying to operate his digital camera for good pictures of proprietary information of their systems. Thanks to security cameras, they were able to confirm that was the case and confront him. They found a small digital camera and he was politely escorted out of our facilities. Although flattered that they had a system worth trying to copy, they applaud the numerous business security system advantages that provide a vigilant eye. Angleton says, "it's worth every penny!"

Catching a Potential Thief in Action at Children's World & Children's World Uniform Supply, Inc.

Tim Holliday, from Children's World and Children’s World Uniform Supply, Inc., the National Runner-up Independent Small Business of the Year in Sarasota, Florida has been in existence since 1964. About 5 years ago, they moved their retail store from a small one-story location, to a large, two-story location. In the new location, they knew that they would never be able to see everything going on in the store, so they installed security cameras on both floors of the building, as well as outside in the parking lot. "We use them all the time. Our lunchroom/backroom downstairs, and our administration and departments upstairs can see monitors that show everything going on," says Tim. "This has allowed us to better help customers that may be wondering around without an employee's help."

It has also allowed them to watch potential shoplifters in the store, and even their vehicles in the parking lot. They had an instance where a group of people came in the store who were acting suspicious. One employee watched them on the security cameras and called the police while everyone else was paged with a secret code to watch the floor closely. The group caught on that we were on to them, and left the store with nothing. To take extra precaution, the company obtained the prospective criminals' car information and tag number, which they gave to the Sheriff, who paid them a visit at their home. Thanks to having the security system installed, they not only prevented inventory from being stolen, they also were able to stop the potential thieves from revisiting their store.

Protecting Your Inventory at All Touch Points at Ritani Jewelry

Kevin Flaherty, VP of Marketing for Ritani, a designer of high-end engagement rings and diamond jewelry sells product in over 300 jewelers across the U.S. as well as online. He gives his first hand account as to how security cameras help to protect his business. Flaherty said, "As you could imagine, we employ a significant number of security cameras in our business to protect the valuable inventory we have on hand. Basically every interaction with a product in our facility is monitored via security camera. We have found it to be very effective in deterring theft, but that isn't the biggest benefit. The bigger one is protecting ourselves and our customers in the shipping process. Most issues with our product happen once they leave our facility. The more people that touch the product, the more opportunity for something to go wrong. With the cameras, we can document every touch point of a product to ensure to a customer and our insurance agents that we either did or did not handle a product properly and the product arrived or left our facility in a particular condition. When a package arrives and the contents are not as documented, we can show evidence via security cameras. Because of this process, issues with our product are few and far between."

Still Not Convinced You Need Business Security Systems?

Think about the recent tragedy with the bombing at the Boston Marathon. FBI officials were able to use security cameras along with personal videos and photos from people like you and me to help piece together and make sense of the events leading up to the attacks. They were even able to use this information to identify the criminals responsible. This just goes to show you that having a security system for your business not only protects you, your employees, your information, your inventory and assets, it can also help save lives. Are you using a security system or camera in your business? If so, let us know in the comments below.