6 Signs You Need To Upgrade Your Commercial Security System
As business owners, we are used to upgrades to computer software and hardware, getting our communication systems up to the latest standard and renewing the skills of our employees. We tend to forget about the one basic system that protects our commercial properties along with our stock, equipment and vehicles. Let’s take a look at the signs that highlight you need to invest in a wireless alarm system or upgrade your current system.
1. The system is at least five years old and is not mobile friendly
It could be that you inherited the security system when you took over the premises or you had them built and a system installed that was fit for purpose at the time. If something goes wrong and you cannot easily get a replacement for the old system, it is definitely time to upgrade. If you did fit a wireless system at the time but the software or hardware have not been updated, this gives the opportunist thief an easier target when trying to find the vulnerability in the system.
If you cannot access a number of functions of the current security system by use of a smart phone or remote system, it is also time to change. Being able to arm the system, remotely control lighting, door locks, cameras and much more, will save you time and give you peace of mind.
2. There have been changes to the business
As the company has changed or expanded, it could be there are areas of the property that are not protected adequately. A wireless alarm system is a smart piece of technology that can grow and adapt with your business plans and is very easy to install. If you have added on extensions or separate buildings that need protection, there are wireless 3G kits that you can buy so that you can have security that is tailor made for your needs.
3. The system uses landlines to alert your security firm or the police
As technology has gotten smarter, so has the common criminal and, if you are still using a landline to connect to the police or security firm once an alert goes off, you need to upgrade. Today’s would-be thief can search the internet to establish where phone lines are located and from there, it is a simple matter when on-site to cut the line, if they think it is linked to the security system.
With a wireless system including WiFi cameras, this makes it much more difficult for a burglar to access and close down. Plus, with remote monitoring of the site, you can get alerts on your smartphone if anyone accesses the site or enters onto the premises.
4. The current system uses wired sensors
Again, this is a weak point in your security system that thieves will target as they can very easily be disabled. This is not the case with a system that uses WiFi because the sensors are less visible and therefore not as easy to render useless. A wireless alarm system will provide you with door and window sensors that are wireless, giving greater security, peace of mind and may even help reduce insurance premiums.
5. The current system has low resolution cameras
The older cameras do not give the best picture quality, nor do they have the storage capacity that new systems provide. High definition cameras provide a better-quality video, and depending on where they are positioned, could pick up on details such as makes of vehicles and even registration details as well as clearer images for the police to use.
6. Staff still use a key to access the premises
Key and lock systems are reliable but keys can easily be copied, staff could lose a key or have them stolen and using a key means that other than having a list of key holders, you don’t know who, and when people are going in and out of the premises. Having a keypad to access the building also logs exactly who is coming on site and when staff leave, it is very easy to change the access code to prevent any unwanted visitors.
If you recognise any of the above as applying to your business – it is time you upgraded your commercial security system today.
