Shopping For A Commercial Security System
Many small and medium-sized business owners focus hard on building their businesses. While they master the issues of their trade, they don’t always give much thought to essential, but very unfamiliar things like commercial security systems.However, alarm systems are essential – especially to businesses which deal with expensive inventory, trade secrets and technology.
There are several alarm issues a business may need to examine, including:
– Monitored alarm systems
– Panic/hold-up alarms
– Surveillance systems
– Security card access and related technology
– A security consultancy to deal with special situations related to your business
– Upgrades to an existing security system
– A repairs and maintenance contract for your security system
– Security patrols
Eliminate any security system company which cannot provide all your needs. Best practice is to have one system provider managing all aspects of your security. Alarms should be integrated. This is as much of a management issue as a practical choice.
The next step is to consult your short list of providers. This is very much like a job interview, and you need to be sure that the company you select can meet all the requirements of your business.
There are also some additional requirements which will help you choose the right security provider easily:
Communications: The best security system providers are experts, and like all real professionals, their communication abilities should be excellent. During consultations, these firms will provide comprehensive information regarding their services, and present extremely well on a business to business basis. They’ll also answer your questions regarding security issues very clearly and explain how their services provide superior capabilities and cost-benefits.
Service quality: The best indicators of a good security system service are their clients. If a company has a long list of major corporate clients, they pass the service quality test. Corporate security is an extremely demanding sector, requiring formal risk management scenarios. To get good contracts, a security company has to be excellent. Companies like Chubb and GE Security are known for their excellence in commercial systems.
Technology: The best operators use advanced technology like proximity cards and very efficient monitoring systems. These systems should meet or exceed market standards, and offer a good value for your money.
Contract terms and prices: Look for standard contracts, which are straightforward and clearly state all terms and conditions. Top providers are also highly competitive in terms of prices. Make sure your study of providers includes a range of costs for services.