For property owners everywhere, business security is a major concern. So leave it to SentriForce’s experts to help you identify the best security system for businesses. We’ll break down the pros and cons of the most common security solutions to help you get an idea of which business security solution(s) work best for your specific industry.
For this guide, we’ll analyze the most significant business security solutions you’ll find at construction sites, retail stores, commercial properties, and apartment complexes.
Click here if you want to jump to a specific business security system:
Managed Video Surveillance Services
Physical Barriers
Security Guards
CCTV Cameras
Alarm SystemsAs surveillance experts, we want to point out that business security solutions work best in tandem. While you may opt for security camera installation in Houston, it never hurts to add extra layers of protection.
Safeguarding your apartment community against crime or keeping your workers and property safe is a challenge, as criminals are becoming increasingly cunning. However, by installing an around-the-clock security system, your business will take a proactive approach to protect your assets and deter crime. But before blindly choosing a system or service, it’s essential to learn how each security solution functions. After you’ve achieved that goal, you’ll be able to install the best security system for your business.
Why Do Businesses Need Security Camera Installation & Crime Prevention Services?
Before diving into the specifics of each security solution, it’s important to describe why your business needs professional security services in the first place. Between criminal activity and potential risks associated with having a concentration of valuable property, the price of negligence can stack up quickly.
The National Equipment Register notes that construction jobsite
theft costs the industry up to:
$1,000,000,000 every year
Criminal activity resulting from unauthorized entry to construction sites presents
several threats:
To operations
Ongoing works and schedules can be disrupted.
To peace of mind
Contractors can lose confidence in the security of their site.
To life
The worst-case scenario is that trespassers cause damage that can injure, maim, or kill others. In addition, deliberate actions such as arson can endanger the lives of those on the site.
To property
Assets such as equipment, materials, and tools can be stolen. As a result, businesses may delay projects and spend thousands of dollars on property replacement.
While the above statistics and information specifically apply to construction sites, it’s easy to see how it correlates to other industries. Retail stores, offices, apartment complexes, HOAs, and other businesses face similar financial and timeline setbacks whenever a crime takes place. Therefore, investing in a proven business security system is in your best interest.
What Are the Most Common Business Security Options?
Now that you’re fully invested in the benefits of professional security solutions, you need to figure out which methods you want to employ for your business.
Utilizing a mixture of different solutions is effective, but it’s not always feasible. Whether you’re on a strict budget or expanding your current security setup, it’s important to weigh the cost and effectiveness of every option. At SentriForce, we’re proud to offer comprehensive packages that include security camera installation in Houston and other areas across the country. In addition, our team provides a long list of invaluable security services, such as equipment maintenance and video investigation, at an affordable price. Learn more about our offerings and their advantages below.
1. Managed Video Surveillance Services
Managed video surveillance services blend technology and human insight to mitigate risk and secure your properties. Compared to any other single security solution, managed video surveillance services provide a clear solution for a variety of issues.
It goes beyond simply deterring crime. The video surveillance system records evidence of illegal activities, which can be handed to law enforcement to help find the culprit and recover any stolen property. Additionally, this comprehensive service can include other security measures, such as live video monitoring, that help prevent damage before it happens. If a threat is detected, the video surveillance system will catch and record criminal activity, and an off-site surveillance team will intervene by contacting authorities and activating remote sirens and alert systems.
Managed video surveillance services provide the benefit of multiple layers of protection, and they are generally more affordable than paying for several other services at once. But what do these services include? If you were to choose SentriForce, our team would take care of the security camera installation process in Houston or any of our other service areas. Additionally, we’ll maintain and upgrade the equipment as needed. From a financial perspective, managed video surveillance services reduce the burden on property owners by centralizing security needs and features with a single company.
Additionally, the service provider is responsible for managing recorded evidence, contacting authorities, and supplying the equipment and man-hours to perform the surveillance.
Pros:
Cost-effective compared to other security solutions
Centralizing technology, surveillance methods, and trained personnel under a single contracting company model significantly reduce the cost of surveillance and security for property owners.
Cons:
Provides a level of security that may not be required by all sites
Live video monitoring is a comprehensive surveillance and security package that might seem excessive in some instances. While it is a flexible cost that can be scaled and adapted to individual needs, some extremely basic security options may be slightly cheaper.
Access to a video investigation team
Managed video surveillance services give property owners access to a team of forensic video investigators trained to review and identify suspicious activity for evidence collection in the event of a security breach or safety concern.
Susceptible to false alarms in certain circumstances
If the video surveillance system isn’t laid out or managed carefully, there’s some risk that you’ll run into false alarms. Between motion detection and personnel monitoring multiple feeds, it’s possible to register animals or workers moving through regular areas. While this isn’t super common, and it’s an easy mistake to correct, it does happen from time to time.
Professional monitoring and security setup agents
As a dedicated security team, managed video surveillance agents can help set up equipment in the most logical and effective way to provide maximum coverage. Additionally, trained surveillance personnel have the necessary expertise and experience when it comes to spotting suspicious activity and providing accurate reports and evidence.
Many people don’t know managed video surveillance is an option
Lots of people don’t even know managed video surveillance services are an option. Most people only consider CCTV and traditional forms of on-premises surveillance, or they assume remote surveillance and security is some kind of high-tech, government-only situation. But that’s simply not true.
Managed video surveillance services are an incredibly easy-to-access security solution. And with ever-increasing technological advances, it’s always evolving to cover more security and safety concerns.
If you want to choose the overall best business security solution rather than employing multiple options,
we believe managed video surveillance services provide the most bang
for your buck.
Read reviews from our customers.
2. Physical Barriers
Physical security deterrents, like gates and fences, have certain limitations. However, they’re still a common business security solution for a wide range of applications. Secure fencing, blockades, and other barriers should be suited to the particular area you want to protect.
For example, perimeter fencing is good for small areas with minimal property or where security camera installation would be impossible. Think small construction sites without a lot of equipment left overnight. On the other hand, iron gates or bigger concrete barriers may be better suited to large open areas with multiple access points.
If you do choose this type of physical security measure, it should be checked regularly to make sure it has not been damaged or tampered with. As an example, it can be easy to remove sections of temporary fencing to allow loading or unloading, only to forget to close them properly, leaving the site exposed.
Pros:
An important first line of defense
Barriers are a solid option for security, both physically and psychologically. Physically, their function is obvious: to keep people out. Psychologically, it identifies the acceptable security boundaries of any given place, making it easier to see when people have crossed into off-limits territory.
Cons:
Can be bypassed by committed thieves
Unfortunately, a fence isn’t enough to stop a determined thief. If someone is committed to stealing or some other crime, as it’s not too challenging to climb a fence.
Additional benefits:
- Can be enough to deter
opportunistic criminals - Prevents trespassing
- Cost-effective
- Easy to install and manage
Must be inspected regularly
Chain-link fences, concrete blocks, and other barriers can be tampered with. It’s important to regularly inspect your barriers for signs of damage or attempted trespassing, which can be time-consuming.
Does not protect against criminal acts committed by those who already have access to the site
In the event a criminal already has access to the site, a physical barrier is essentially useless. If they stole a key, worked for the site itself, or found an opportunistic entry point, there’s not much a fence will do to prevent theft.
Additional counterpoints:
- Unlike other business security solutions, barriers don’t aid in the detection or apprehension of criminals
- Must be combined with other security solutions to provide a good level of protection
By applying several varied layers of security, you can
significantly reduce the risk to your property
Read reviews from our customers.
3. Security Guards
Human security guards provide a physical presence on your site and that can be a very effective visual deterrent for opportunistic thieves and vandals looking for an easy target.
Security guards may patrol a site around the clock in shifts, providing authorized access for deliveries and visitors when required. If a crime does take place, security guards may be able to handle the situation directly or at least provide a direct account of details to authorities. However, first-hand accounts still don’t trump clear, factual evidence offered by security camera recordings.
While they offer some property managers a sense of protection, security guards also present potential risks and liabilities. Plus, they are expensive to employ. Learn more about the managed video surveillance vs. security guard debate here.
Pros:
Can serve as visual
deterrent
Having on-site staff can act as a visual deterrent, at least for areas where the security guards are directly present.
Cons:
Can only monitor one area at a time
Security guards can only effectively watch their immediate surroundings. This means they either have to patrol or keep an eye on specific areas of your property. This limits your scope of protection, which is why security guards work best in tandem with other business security solutions.
24/7 security solution
Guards can work in shifts to provide around-the-clock security for a variety of different property types. In addition, there is some flexibility in terms of patrols or static guard stations.
Very expensive
Whether a security guard is an in-house employee or a contractor, they’re an expensive business security solution. You could be essentially subsidizing full salaries, benefits, and other expenses related to maintaining a quality in-person security force.
Quick on-site
intervention if a threat
is detected
On-site security can respond to threats and intervene if needed. Depending on the security level and environment, it could be as simple as having a first-hand, on-the-scene witness of events.
Does not provide evidence of criminality to identify and apprehend criminals
While security guards can identify and intervene during criminal activity, they simultaneously prevent risk to both themselves and potential evidence. People are unreliable, and in a security situation, the high-stress environment could make testimony or activity less reliable than a remote option.
Additional counterpoints:
- Prone to human error
- Exposes employers to greater liability and insurance costs
We design and install intelligent, scalable, and effective
business security solutions for construction sites.
Read reviews from our customers.
4. CCTV Cameras
CCTV cameras are a solid option in some capacity, but without personnel to monitor the video feeds, they’re basically just cameras recording events. While still useful, it falls short of providing the comprehensive coverage that managed video surveillance services offer, in spite of the fact that they’re based around the same technology.
In many cases, CCTV is an in-house cost, so you may have more control over the locations and application of the cameras. But that also means that you’re responsible for personally monitoring, maintaining, and keeping track of the various CCTV equipment. So if you’d like to take a hands-off approach, then explore the managed video surveillance services from our Houston-based company. We will handle security camera installation, maintenance, record keeping, and more.
Pros:
Monitor every part of your property without having to be physically present
Similar to managed video surveillance systems, you can set up CCTV cameras to cover major areas of interest on your property. This can help you potentially see and prevent criminal activity.
Cons:
There can be blind spots in certain areas of the site
Without a tactical application, CCTV can essentially focus on pointless areas. You have to really know where cameras should survey before installing them, as moving them can be expensive and time-consuming. In addition, watching low-traffic areas may provide very little security.
24/7 monitoring
Some CCTV setups offer a 24/7 surveillance capability, provided you have access to the necessary energy resources, someone to manage the monitoring, and a solid setup for recording material.
Monitoring cameras is very time consuming
If you’re using your own CCTV system, you’ll need your own monitoring team as well. Watching monitors is time-consuming, so you can’t necessarily pull team members to handle it, and hiring a whole in-house team means adding all of those employment costs just to watch cameras.
Record and store footage for evidential and insurance purposes
CCTV’s main appeal is the ability to record and store footage that could provide vital evidence after some kind of criminal activity.
Power outages could mean a loss of surveillance
Power outages, tampering, and unexpected technical malfunctions are risks associated with CCTV cameras. You could have surveillance downtime, and dedicated criminals can easily mess with inexpensive camera gear. Typically, only top-of-the-line CCTV systems have options to avoid power issues.
You can just outsource this for way less money
CCTV is basically a less involved version of managed video surveillance services, but it’s a more expensive business security solution. You’ll have to pay upfront for the equipment and either manage the entire system yourself or hire people to do it in-house. Using a contractor or a service like ours does the same thing as CCTV, only you’ll experience more benefits, fewer headaches, and save money along the way.
Take Advantage of Multilayered
Security
Read reviews from our customers.
5. Alarm Systems
Alarms are a mixed bag when it comes to security. They’re certainly loud and act as a good deterrent and alert system, but in most cases, alarms are only triggered after something happens to your property.
If someone is trespassing, committing theft, or breaking and entering, an alarm may deter them, but it won’t undo or prevent whatever damage they’ve already done. Motion sensors can set off alarms, silent alarms, or strobes to help scare people off, so you’ve got flexible options, but it’s still limited in terms of effective security and preventative measures. That’s why alarms are best paired with more advanced business security solutions.
Pros:
One of the most basic security solutions
Unlike CCTV or other solutions, alarms are simple and effective. Just install the alarm, and whenever it’s triggered, it does what it’s supposed to do. You don’t need a team to monitor your alarms, and they don’t require complicated maintenance.
Cons:
Can be expensive when compared with other security solutions
More advanced and integrated alarm systems are expensive, and many come with some level of security package provided by the manufacturer or installation company. In terms of cost, they can stack up quickly for a moderately effective security solution.
Warn of fire and smoke as well as physical intrusion
Alarm systems can function as a security measure and hazard notification. Many alarm systems are designed to account for a number of potential threats, including physical intrusion and fire.
Does not provide evidence of criminality for the identification and arrest of intruders
Most alarm systems are simply that, an alarm. They won’t actually help identify potential intruders, and they offer very little in the way of evidence and active security. They may prevent a certain level of damage, but they’re not a multi-faceted response.
Easy to install and can be integrated with other security systems
Arguably the most important aspect of alarms is their capacity for connectivity. They’re easy to install in most cases, and you can set alarms to trigger additional security measures if the alarm is tripped. Alarm systems may send a signal to the authorities, activate localized lighting, or activate other interconnected systems.
Not a great standalone security option
Finally, alarms work best together with other business security solutions. Ideally, you would want automated camera systems tied to the alarm trigger area, and potentially on-prem security personnel that can respond to any alarms once they’re going off. Otherwise, it’s just loud noise until someone gets there to address the incident.
Take Advantage of Multilayered Business Security Security
Protection and deterrence work best in layers. By applying several varied layers of security, you can significantly reduce the risk to your property while safeguarding against potential threats, damages, or accidental loss.
In most cases, you’ll benefit most from a combination of installing security cameras and adding a couple of extra surveillance options. And we’re not just saying this because we specialize in surveillance. We believe that the combination of physical, on-premises security in some form and managed video surveillance services is the closest you can get to completely secure.
If you absolutely must choose just one security solution, we suggest choosing managed video surveillance services. It brings together the human capacity for judgment calls and attention to detail, and the major benefits of technology in the form of advanced camera and imaging tech, as well as recorded video for evidence collection and review.
Safeguard Your Commercial Property Or Construction Site With SentriForce
At SentriForce, we design and install intelligent, scalable, and effective security solutions for businesses located everywhere from Houston to Orlando. Our managed video surveillance systems actively deter and intervene when a threat is identified. and live video monitoring ensures police are dispatched upon detection of criminal activity. That’s why you can count on SentriForce to provide the best business security solutions all in one comprehensive package.
Find out more about our security solutions
for construction sites
Read reviews from our customers.
