If you’re about to open a new business location, it’s essential that you know the steps to install a business security system. Installing a business security system doesn’t have to be complicated.
Choosing a Security Systems Provider
The first step to installing a business security system is to find a security install company. Doing this as soon as possible is vital so your installer can coordinate with any other contractors you’re working with.
To find a security systems provider, try asking your insurance provider, general contractor, or architect to recommend a security installer that meets your business and insurance policy requirements.
Choose a security provider that mainly deals with businesses instead of one that mainly deals with residential security systems. The former will have more experience navigating insurance policies and local laws, as well as the more complex and variable needs of a business.
You should also determine what you require from a security system, which can help narrow down your options. Some things to think about include access control, intrusion alarms, and video surveillance.
Though it’s important to know what you want from your security system, we recommend that you come in with an open mind. Your security provider may recommend a solution that is more well-suited to your individual business needs than what is more popular or well-known.
The Two Phases of Security System Installation
At this point, your security provider will get to work. There are two parts to installing a business security system.
1) Walls Open
When the walls are open, electricians and plumbers ready the space for use. This is when it is easiest to install the wiring.
It’s good to first determine where the main control panel and surveillance video will be stored. The first should be easily accessible, while the second should be blocked off from the public and unauthorized individuals. If you ever decide to go for a SOC (Service Organization Controls) audit, this will be one of the things assessed. If you’re struggling to find a suitable place, ask your security team – they will be happy to work with you. At this point, you should also tell your insurance company about your security systems company to negotiate a rate decrease.
If you’re in this stage but haven’t found a provider yet:
A good security systems installer will work with you no matter what stage you’re at, though, as mentioned earlier, it’s best to bring a security provider onto the project as early as possible.
At DGA, we usually are involved early so we can work with your architect or designer to see where to place security devices for the most efficacy and the least amount of visual disruption. We balance aesthetics and protection so that the architect is happy with the visual result and so that you are assured that the business is fully secured. Nowadays, this is even easier since security companies offer discreet cameras and can hide security devices so that they are unobtrusive.
2) Walls Closed
Once the electricians and plumbers have completed their jobs, the walls are closed and painted. Now your security professionals will install and mount your security cameras, access control readers, motion sensors, door sounders, etc.
After your system is online, you and your staff will receive training on how to operate your system.
If you’re in this stage but haven’t found a provider yet:
If your walls are already closed, a security company can still work with you. Security professionals will go over the placement of all devices to minimize damage to the building. The wiring process may become slightly more difficult, but it shouldn’t be a roadblock.
If you are looking for a security system after a break-in, your security professionals will review the building and the events of the crime to identify vulnerable points. Using this data, they will recommend devices to deter and capture crimes, such as face-height surveillance cameras (instead of birds-eye cameras).
Conclusion
We hope that this article helped make the security installation process clearer. DGA Security is a highly experienced, UL Listed business security systems installer providing access control, intrusion alarm, and video surveillance among other services. To learn more about DGA, schedule a free consultation with us.