Creating Your Commercial Building Security Plan
Commercial security is unique for each industry and business within those industries. Whether you manage a warehouse, a shopping mall, an office building, a restaurant or flower shop, your business needs a security plan. Assessing the level of security your business or commercial property needs is essential to protect it. Although different businesses each have their own security risks and vulnerabilities, there are common security considerations that protect your business, property and tenants or customers.
Consideration 1: What Kind of Business Do You Have?
Is your business in a commercial district, a stand-alone building? Is it in a mall, office building, or a mixed-use building? Commercial properties may provide your business with its own security system in place – surveillance cameras, access control systems and a security team. Your business may need to plan and install a security system that fits your needs and budget – read on for more information.
Other business considerations. Is your business location in a low or high crime rate area? Depending on location, a basic security system might suit your needs; or you may need an enhanced security system or a private security company may be a good investment.
Although every business is a great investment, evaluate your specific business’s risks. Is theft an issue? Do you need internal cameras or an access control system? Does your business deal with valuable inventory? You may need a more advanced and integrated security system.
Consideration 2: The Best Security Camera for Your Business
Security cameras and surveillance systems are foundational to business security. They deter potential criminal activity, allow you to respond to threats in real-time (especially if you have remote access), as well as provide you with video evidence if anything happens. The size of your property and business will guide the best security camera system that fits your needs.
Well-placed security cameras are often the first layer of security. Cameras discourage burglars or others from committing other crimes before it happens. As with residential security, criminals look for easy targets, not ones that have hurdles. Here are some security camera features to consider:
High-Def (high definition or HD) Video. Security cameras with high definition or high resolution video footage will give the best images. Clear, detailed video is important for identifying people, vehicles and any activity.
Motion Detection. Motion detection or motion-activated cameras begin recording automatically when sensors detect movement. This saves energy and data storage.
Night Vision. Although placing flood lighting or motion-activate lighting along with security cameras is typical, night vision or infrared cameras capture activity at night without extra light or in poorly-lit areas.
Remote Monitoring. These days, remote monitoring is fairly standard, even on video door bells. This feature allows you to monitor your camera and videos wherever you are via your smart phone or on your computer using an app. Remote monitoring technology allows you to respond in real time, whether it’s notifying your security team, security company or local law enforcement.
Consideration 3. Integrated Security Systems
Your business security system is more powerful when integrated with other security components. By integrating your camera and video surveillance, access control system alarm system, lighting system and other safety systems (smoke or fire alarms), you business and/or property has a higher level of protection and fewer security gaps. Security systems can be integrated with building management systems such as:
Access Control Systems. Whether you use something as simple as a lock, a keypad or keycard, or as complex as a biometric system, access control systems give access to only the people who should be on your property. Every business has sensitive areas to be secured, such as an office with a safe, a warehouse storage areas or an office building’s security office.
Alarm Systems. Depending on your alarm and alarm monitoring system’s integration, if your security camera triggers an alarm, your security company and/or local law enforcement can respond quickly.
Building Management Systems. Commercial security systems can integrate with fire alarms, HVAC systems, motion-activated lighting and other systems to create comprehensive protection.
Other Sensors. Environmental sensors can trigger an alarm for carbon monoxide, chemical leak, fire or flooding. These provide you time to respond quickly before too much damage is done.
Consideration 4. Select for Scalability and Flexibility
Your security needs will grow as your business grows or your property expands. Even if you’re starting small, design your business security system with flexibility and growth in mind. If you start with a basic system, allow scalability in your system to add more or upgrade access control, cameras, lighting or other building sensors. By planning for growth, you can add and modify your security system rather than replace it.
Data Storage. Video footage can take up a lot of storage space, especially if you have a high definition camera, if it runs continuously or if you have several cameras. Storing your video data in the cloud allows you to upgrade space should you need it. Cloud storage is accessible anywhere and is less vulnerable to destruction or damage than hard drives on-site.
Consideration 5. Do You Know the Legal Compliances and Requirements for Your Business?
Legal requirement pertaining to security systems varies from location to location and the type of business or property you have. Make sure you are in compliance to local and commercial laws and regulations.
Privacy. Your business security camera footage may need to comply with certain data privacy laws and may include securing footage or restricting access only to authorized personnel.
Safety. Especially when you own or manage commercial property or buildings, building security systems have specific fire safety regulations, smoke and fire detector regulations and access controls in emergencies.
Commercial security is essential to protect your investment, property, assets, employees and tenants. A well-planned and comprehensive security system includes modules that integrate with each other and are scalable with the growth of your business. These building security systems deter intrusion, reduce risks, and discourage crime, keeping your business well-protected.
Rapid International Offers Community Solutions
Safety, Community, Together. Rapid International provides security services, including staffed areas and patrol services, prioritizing neighborhood-based security in collaboration with your community. Rapid’s management has extensive experience in the security industry and in each city, we build partnerships with local law enforcement and emergency service agencies. Together with community members, we work to make people and communities safe and secure.
Please get in touch to learn about our community-level security program – we believe the strength of collaboration and partnership make neighborhoods safer for everyone. In Georgia, call: (706) 844-2586, in California call: (213) 364-1394 or email us at info@therapidway.com.
Quality is never an accident.
John Ruskin – Victorian social critic, writer and philanthropist
It is always the result of intelligent effort.
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