4 Best Practices for Your Commercial Security System

October 24, 2023 by Anas Mustafa

Commercial properties and residential properties have similar yet different needs. The things you are protecting are also different. When it comes to commercial properties, you are not only looking after the building, but also the stock, merchandise, staff, and customers inside and outside.

Commercial needs change as time goes on, and security systems must evolve to keep up. Sadly, this also means that criminals evolve in their tactics as well. Still, by following the key practices outlined below, you can aid your security system in keeping everything and everyone safe, while deterring criminals.

1. Consider time and location

The time of day has the highest impact when it comes to choosing the right system, closely followed by the location of the system and its key elements. Most crimes happen at night when there are fewer people around. Dark corners and large, dimly-lit open spaces open you up to a world of potential crimes.

Daytime sees highs and lows in foot traffic. The highs are the hardest to monitor and secure, lending chances to opportunistic criminals who will randomly strike, instead of planned attacks that often happen at night.

Careful planning will help to eliminate some issues and deter others. Surveillance cameras overlooking parking lots, waiting areas, and behind counters give you the power to see what’s happening even during your absence.

Night vision, colour recording, and secure storage on-site provide you with usable and credible evidence if needed in court. Visible cameras put off criminals as they know you are watching them and give your staff confidence that you take their safety seriously.

You can secure entranceways utilizing features such as keypad entry, smart locks, and timers to further boost security.

2. Limit access

Access to your commercial security system should be limited to as few people as possible. Essentially, the more people have access to key systems, the more likely issues will arise.

Key management team members should be the only people who can use the system when you are not there. The security system should also be in a secure room, separate from that of staff common areas, so, again, only key people have access. Smart locks and a camera near the door will help to keep this room safe.

This room should house only the security system. That way, data storage devices, computers to access the cameras, and security system features are separate from commonly used equipment and on a different server to provide increased security.

To aid these key people in the operation and maintenance of the security system, an up-to-date operating manual should be on hand and kept in the secure room. This standard operating procedure, or SOP, will detail how to use the system, perform regular updates, and do maintenance checks for things like tampering with the cables or cameras, and how to program new codes and deactivate old ones.

3. Updates and regular maintenance are key

A system is only as good as its current version. With cyber-attacks being one major concern, ensuring that your system is updated regularly and has all the correct security patches and virus protection will secure your system, making it harder for criminals to hack into.

Try to avoid deleting any footage from your cameras, as this may be required in the future. Old footage to be archived could be transferred to another storage device to free up space in the main one.

Many security surveillance systems will keep footage from 3 days to 90 days. After that, it is automatically deleted to accommodate new footage. By transferring this data regularly to a separate storage device, you can retain it for longer in case of drawn-out police investigations.

Implementing routine checks allows you to keep up with the general maintenance of equipment that is visible to the public. Any damage to cables or the cameras should be reported to the security company so they can replace the broken equipment.

Smart locks and keypads should also be checked, as day-to-day wear and tear will affect their proper function.

4. Professional installation

With commercial properties, it is beneficial to let the professionals install the security system. The installation itself could extend to running cables behind walls, up high ladders, or under stone spaces. Professional installers have the time and expertise to do such work without disrupting your business.

Cameras can be effectively placed and positioned while a computer is set up and the security programs are installed and checked. One person from the team can watch the monitors to make sure the cameras are operating without obstruction, while the other one bolts and adjusts them as needed.

The team can also train and guide you in how to correctly use your new system, eliminating the guesswork and allowing you to fully utilize your investment.

The Best Security for Your Commercial Business

Your business is why you get up in the morning and the reason your customers keep coming back. So, it only makes sense that you entrust your security with the award-winning experts who can handle all your security needs.

Trusted by thousands of Canadians, Canadian Security Professionals are here to make your commercial business safe and increase your staff satisfaction.

Call 1-877-494-9911 and talk to one of our highly trained and friendly team members, or for a free quote online, contact us here. Let us get you connected and secured today!

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