Saturday, April 16, 2011

Alarm Systems: Protect Your Business Inside and Out

By Carl A. Long


Why is an alarm system a must for any business? Theft, including employee theft, vandalism, and fraud cost businesses billions of dollars a year. Protecting your business is essential, and only a complete, reliable alarm system can help you do that. You cannot have eyes everywhere during business hours, and you certainly cannot monitor your location 24 hours a day. You don't have to when you depend on the best alarm systems for businesses. They will literally be the eyes and ears, and the proof and evidence, that you need to protect your business from both internal and external threats.

Statistics from a survey of 25 top retailers in the country show that one in every 28.4 employees was apprehended stealing from their employers; that's over 70,400 people. Over 1 million people were apprehended shoplifting. Billions of dollars in revenue is lost every year. But this doesn't apply to your business: you don't handle retail sales. You trust your employees. You work in a good neighborhood. Unfortunately, none of that is enough to immunize your business from loss or damages.

Businesses need an alarm system that can help them prevent damages or to alleviate or recoup losses on a variety of fronts. A simple front door lock is not sufficient, particularly if you need to be cautious of the people who enter and exit your location on a daily basis for legitimate reasons. While your system should be tailored for your unique needs, look for capabilities like the following:

1. Sensors for sensitive areas, such as data centers, IT or electronics rooms, inventory and supply cabinets and rooms, cash registers, file cabinets, and office doors. 2. Video monitoring. Look for live feeds as well as recorded clips. 3. Remote access, which should include mobile access via a smartphone. 4. Wireless signal independent of a landline. 5. Daily updates. 6. Automatic and remote arming and disarming functions. 7. Real time notifications straight to your email account or mobile device. 8. Individual passcodes to track comings and goings.

Choosing the company that will deliver on promises of protection is crucial. Not only do you want to get a system that is customized specifically for your business and budget, you want to make sure to avoid "trunk slammers," or unreliable companies. These often come to you and solicit your business. They often do not even have an office or insurance, and they will not take the time to examine your business to determine the type of system that will best meet your needs. They promise free or cheap alarms with the signing of a long-term monitoring contract, but often there are hidden fees, and it is unclear who exactly is going to do the monitoring.

Prevent getting scammed or simply getting inadequate protection by checking the credentials of potential security firms. They should be accredited or approved by the Electronic Security Association, the National Burglar and Fire Alarm Association, the Better Business Bureau, or your state's Attorney General's office. Beyond this, however, expect a reliable company to make a site visit, fully assess your unique needs, and train you or your staff in how to use the alarm. Anything less is not acceptable, and this level of professionalism should be demanded.

A complete alarm system for your business is indeed a large expenditure; but when you weight that cost against the potential loss from theft or vandalism, it is a smart business decision. Not only can you help protect your business, you may be able to save from 10 to 20 percent on your insurance when you verify that you have an active security alarm in place. While this saving may not pay for the cost of the alarm, you will see a return on that investment in terms of peace of mind, security, and the knowledge that someone is looking out for you.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment