Over the last decade, commercial security has changed. It has gone from primarily providing enhanced safety and security, to what is now a complete business system that can enhance productivity, boost compliance, and provide health support. Security technology, today, is one of the most invaluable tools and serious investments of any organization. So, when should your business consider a commercial security system upgrade?
The signs may surprise you.
What is a Commercial Security System?
A commercial security system is designed to provide protection for commercial buildings and businesses, such as restaurants, hotels, warehouses, stores, or offices. They are also known as electronic security systems when they use video surveillance in addition to alarms. Since they are intended for the business and commercial environment, commercial security systems are more durable and robust in features and capabilities than residential systems.
Why Do Commercial Security Systems Need Upgrading?
Commercial security systems are designed to provide protection from risks such as intrusion and fire, and may additionally be used to enhance business operations. Many technologies and components comprise these systems. Like all other technologies, commercial security systems and their components are subject to problems such as degradation, compatibility issues, and more. Upgrading your system helps avoid serious problems such as security gaps.
While it is tempting to avoid upgrading your commercial security system for as long as possible, doing so can jeopardize the safety of employees and facility security. Why?
- It can be more vulnerable to cyber security attacks
- It can be incompatible with any newer technologies you wish to implement
- You may be relying heavily on something that has become ineffective (Criminals may have already found a workaround to older technology)
What are the Signs You Need a Commercial Security System Upgrade
If a commercial security system exhibits any of these signs, contact a security professional to have your system evaluated.
It is Difficult to Integrate New Elements
Upgrading your system doesn’t always mean that you need a complete system overhaul. It is often possible to use many of the existing elements and add new ones to enhance the system’s full functionality. However, one very obvious sign you need to consider more serious changes is when it becomes near impossible to integrate new security elements into your existing system without significant expense if it is indeed possible at all.
Your System Doesn’t Serve Your Business Adequately
Another obvious sign that a commercial system upgrade is a good idea is that when you find your organization would benefit from features that are not available on your existing system or do not cover the facility the way you’d desire. For example, it might make sense to consider an upgrade if you want extended video monitoring capabilities such as temperature monitoring or facial mask recognition, but your current system cannot support the software.
Your Current System is Increasing Costs
As a technology owner, you know how quickly things evolve. With cell phones, for example, it isn’t always that your current phone does not work; it is that the newest generation offers additional features that can make your life easier or your job more efficient to the point it makes a new phone the more economical choice. The same is true for your commercial security system. It often ends up that keeping an older system working and having to work around incompatible systems costs far more in the long run than an upgrade. Substandard electronic security often leads to higher labor costs.
Your Current System is Not Contributing to Profitability
Today, commercial security systems offer far more than pure security. The right systems can also aid in improved operational efficiency and decreased fraud cases, which both help increase profitability. When a security system lacks the capabilities needed to assist in these functions, it is important to consider your options.
Security System Components are not Integrated
Having disparate systems is another clue you need to consider upgrading your system. Even when your video surveillance, access control, intrusion, and fire systems all work adequately, if they do not work together intuitively, you do not have a system that serves your organization optimally.
It’s Not Mobile Friendly
If you cannot access and control your systems from your smartphone, it is probably time for a change. Having the ability to arm and disarm your system or monitor it remotely provides much more than peace of mind. It can also aid in operational efficiencies and more.
Your Business Has Grown
If your business has grown, likely, your security system is no longer adequate to meet the new demands. Any change in square footage, increased foot traffic, a change to the layout, or added entrances and exits all impact your security effectiveness. Other changes, such as having increased or more valuable products or equipment onsite, may also indicate a need to assess or upgrade your current security system.
Situational Impact Necessitates Change
In many industries, such as healthcare, the availability of extended security system capabilities can drive new regulations and compliance issues that could necessitate changes and upgrades to your systems. Sometimes, outside circumstances will highlight new demands. We saw this with the Coronavirus outbreak, which led many facilities to upgrade systems to include temperature and facemask recognition technologies as well as implement more handsfree access control options.
Your Current Provider Does not Understand Your Industry
Understanding security technology is only half the battle when it comes to the best implementation of that technology. The other half is having a deep understanding of your industry, risks, location, and operational processes as an end-user. If your provider does not have this understanding or isn’t investing the time to learn it, you may end up with serious deficiencies in your electronic security systems.
About Sierra Group
As a united, multi-disciplined service-focused company specializing in electronic physical security, we have a unique 360° perspective that gives us the ability to help you meet your specific security needs with laser precision.
If you are looking for a security integration and management company or are interested in learning more, please contact us. Our goal is to help you reach yours.
Learn more about the Sierra Group difference here, or reach out to us at:
Chris Jeske
ESD Manager
818-266-7462 (cell)
1-(888)-880-4949 ext. 230
cjeske@callsierra.com
www.callsierra.com
