Theft, burglary, and vandalism are a major concern for any serious business owner. While such crimes have dropped somewhat in recent years, a break-in can still inflict serious costs due to property damage or product loss. For this reason, a commercial security system supported by reliable and rugged mini PCs is a necessary investment.
For hospitals, businesses, factories, and businesses, even a basic system of cameras can help prevent crime by detecting threats and alerting the authorities before criminals can inflict severe damage.
Why Do We Need Commercial Security Systems?
Businesses need security systems for the same reason that boats need life vests and cars need airbags. The sad truth is that the worst can always happen, so you must take precautions. This is especially true when one considers the consequences of not having a security system in place. In 2019, burglaries of both homes and businesses in the United States cost an estimated $3.0 billion, with an average cost of $2,661 per burglary.
Any business that deals with valuable products or assets, such as a jewelry or electronics store, is an obvious target for burglars. For example, hospitals store large amounts of drugs that serve as a tempting target for addicts who can easily overdose on controlled substances. There is always a likelihood, large or small, that a company will be targeted for theft, vandalism, or even sabotage.
Situations That Require Security Systems
With that in mind, what does a business require from its security system? That depends on the most likely threat vectors and the most vulnerable areas of the company.
- Entrances, Exits, and High Foot Traffic: Any area with a high amount of foot traffic requires surveillance. Entrances and exits are the most obvious examples of this issue, but lobbies and workfloors are also high priority.
- Valuables/Asset Storage: Businesses that store or display valuable assets will want to keep their merchandise under close surveillance to prevent shoplifting or burglary.
- Blind Spots: While employees are the first line of defense for any business, they cannot be everywhere at once. If there is a section of the building that workers cannot easily access or monitor, placing a camera there is prudent.
- Personnel Shortages: A dedicated security system can cover when employees or security guards cannot be spared.
Security System Components
A comprehensive commercial security system should include at least several of these elements:
- Cameras: The first and most obvious component, cameras give your security team an extra pair of eyes wherever they are mounted. Security cameras come in indoor and outdoor versions: indoor cameras are typically more discreet, while outdoor cameras are designed to better withstand the elements. Both are available in various resolutions, frame rates, and color vs. black and white.
- Sensors: Motion and thermal sensors are perfect for monitoring a specific area but don't require a dedicated camera. Small, easy to install, and hard to spot, these sensors can detect when someone is approaching a restricted area or trying to access something they shouldn't. Fire detection sensors also fall under this category and are absolutely critical for preventing a blaze from spreading out of control.
- Access Control Systems: A keypad or keycard reader on the business's doors or gates is the ideal way to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the premises. These readers are typically controlled by PLCs, which are both cheap and have low power requirements.
- Computers: Industrial and enterprise PCs serve as the brains of the security system's operations, controlling the cameras and sensors and collecting their data for review. A panel PC's built-in monitor is an elegant solution for monitoring video feeds, for instance. Any computer used in this role must be able to store large amounts of data (as video is very demanding in terms of storage) and capable of 24/7 operations.
Benefits of a Commercial Security System
By implementing an effective security system, businesses can enjoy a full range of benefits.
Crime Prevention
Security systems aid with both directly preventing crime and ensuring criminals are brought to justice. Seeing a camera watching the premises can be enough to dissuade most perpetrators from trying to break into a business's premises or steal merchandise, ensuring that the crime never occurs in the first place.
If a crime does occur, the video footage and sensor alerts can help law enforcement respond more quickly, helping them catch the criminals in the act or gather evidence during the investigation.
Lower Insurance Premiums
Insurance companies charge premium rates based on the risk associated with the business; the greater the risk, the higher the premium rates. By investing in a security system (and therefore lowering the risk associated with the business), a company can enjoy a lower premium on its insurance and save money in the long run.
Support Your Security System with Cybernet Computers
An effective commercial security system is a critical asset for any business or worksite, preventing everything from vandalism to outright sabotage. However, a security system is only as effective as the computers used to support and manage it.
If your company is looking for enterprise and industrial computers capable of managing a security system, contact the team at Cybernet Manufacturing. We would be happy to discuss how our devices can help protect your company from intruders.
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