The Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Right Commercial Security System for Your Business

What is the most important criteria for selecting the right commercial security system for your business? Read to learn more.

Last Updated:
April 29, 2024
| ~
5
min Read
By
Kailey Boucher
,
Marketing Writer
,
LVT

Choosing a retail security system is like ordering food at The Cheesecake Factory. Hear me out...

The Cheesecake Factory’s menu has 21 pages of options, so finding something delicious isn’t the problem—choosing what to order is. You could play it safe and go for something tried and true, like a burger and fries. Or maybe you're looking for something a little lighter, like a fresh salad or an appetizer. Or, if you really want to go all out, you might order an appetizer spread, a hearty steak dinner, AND a slice of that infamous cheesecake for dessert. 

Like the overwhelming Cheesecake Factory menu, the commercial security market is overflowing with options. 

On the basic end, you've got straightforward camera systems to keep an eye on things—the security version of a burger and fries. Then there are the comprehensive solutions that really go big—solar-powered cameras, cloud-based remote monitoring software, deterrent lighting, two-way speakers, and more. The full steak dinner experience, if you will. 

With so many solutions available, picking the right one for your business can feel even more daunting than navigating that 21-page menu.

Luckily, we’re here to help. In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into some of the solutions on the market and explain why LVT is the best remote monitoring security system for retail and other businesses. 

WHAT IS A COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM?

A commercial security system is a solution that safeguards business environments against security breaches, theft, and other threats, often comprising both hardware components like cameras and alarms as well as software for monitoring and management. These systems can include surveillance cameras, access control mechanisms, intrusion detection sensors—or some combination of these solutions—to provide comprehensive security.

KEY BENEFITS OF COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS 

Commercial security systems not only safeguard businesses against various threats but also significantly enhance the overall experience for customers. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Asset protection: Safeguarding valuable resources such as inventory, equipment, and cash reserves from theft or vandalism.
  • Incident response: Enabling swift detection and response to security breaches or emergency situations, minimizing potential damages and operational disruptions.
  • Liability mitigation: Reducing legal risks associated with negligence or inadequate security measures.
  • Business continuity: Maintaining uninterrupted operations by addressing security threats and minimizing downtime caused by incidents or breaches.
  • Peace of mind: Providing a sense of security and confidence for stakeholders and employees and enhancing the overall experience for customers.

TYPES OF COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS

Different businesses have different needs. Often, a one-size-fits-all solution just won’t cut it. Let’s explore some of the most common systems and their pros and cons. 

ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

Access control systems are the gatekeepers of your premises, allowing authorized individuals to enter and restricting unauthorized access. 

PROS OF ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

  • Access control systems provide a secure and controlled environment, reducing the risk of unauthorized entry and potential threats.
  • Many systems keep detailed logs of entry and exit activity, enabling you to track and monitor personnel movements.
  • Some access control solutions allow you to assign different access privileges to employees, contractors, and visitors based on their roles and clearance levels.

CONS OF ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS

  • Regular maintenance, software updates, and potential hardware replacements may be required to ensure optimal performance and security.
  • Proper user training and well-established procedures are essential to minimize operational errors and ensure the system is utilized correctly.

VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

Video surveillance systems provide a visual record of activities on your property. They act as a deterrent and aid in incident investigation and resolution.

PROS OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

  • The mere presence of visible cameras discourages potential intruders and criminal activities.
  • High-quality video footage provide valuable evidence in the event of incidents or disputes.
  • With modern systems, you can monitor your premises in real time from anywhere, ensuring constant vigilance.

CONS OF VIDEO SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS

  • Video surveillance systems may raise privacy concerns, especially in areas where employee or customer privacy is a consideration.
  • Storing and managing large volumes of video data may require significant storage capacity and robust data management protocols.

ON-SITE MONITORING TEAMS

An on-site monitoring team provides a physical presence and immediate response capabilities—this solution is often used to complement electronic security systems.

PROS OF ON-SITE MONITORING TEAMS

  • The presence of security personnel serves as a visible deterrent to potential intruders.
  • Security personnel can adapt to changing situations and handle a wide range of scenarios, from access control to emergency response and beyond. 

CONS OF ON-SITE MONITORING TEAMS

  • Maintaining an on-site monitoring team can be expensive, especially for 24/7 coverage or large facilities.
  • Despite training, human error or misjudgment remains a potential risk factor.
  • In worst-case scenarios, on-site monitoring puts human lives at risk. 

INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS

Intrusion detection systems are designed to detect and alert you to unauthorized access or activities, enabling a swift response to potential threats.

PROS OF INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS

  • These systems provide early warning of potential intrusions, allowing for timely response and mitigation efforts.
  • Intrusion detection systems can be tailored to your specific needs and facility layout, ensuring optimal coverage and sensitivity in the areas that matter most. 

CONS OF INTRUSION DETECTION SYSTEMS

  • Some intrusion detection systems may be prone to false alarms, which can lead to unnecessary disruptions and response efforts.

HOW TO CHOOSE A SECURITY SYSTEM FOR YOUR BUSINESS

Selecting the right commercial security system requires a careful evaluation of your specific needs, risks, and operational requirements. Below are a few tips to help you choose the best option for your business. 

1. CONDUCT A RISK ASSESSMENT

Conduct a risk assessment to identify potential vulnerabilities, hazards or threats to your business. This will help you strategically allocate resources and establish protocols that fortify your defenses against the most relevant dangers to your operations, assets and personnel.

2. EVALUATE YOUR BUDGET

Commercial retail security systems can vary significantly in cost, depending on the complexity, features, and scale of the solution. It's essential to establish a realistic budget and prioritize the most critical components that directly address your business's security needs.

3. KEEP SCALABILITY IN MIND

As your business grows and evolves, your security needs may change. Choose a system that can be easily expanded or modified to accommodate future requirements, such as additional cameras, access points, or monitoring capabilities.

4. THINK ABOUT INTEGRATION WITH EXISTING SYSTEMS 

A good security system makes your life easier, not harder. If you have existing security components or IT infrastructure, ensure that the new system can seamlessly integrate with them for efficient management and operation.

THE BEST REMOTE MONITORING SECURITY SYSTEM FOR RETAIL & OTHER BUSINESSES

Just like ordering a steak dinner with all the bells and whistles at the Cheesecake Factory, with LVT, you're going big. Our remote monitoring systems combine multiple capabilities into one powerful solution that deters, detects, and defends against threats.

What makes LVT stand out? Our solar-powered cameras provide crystal-clear surveillance, paired with cloud-based software for remote monitoring from anywhere, at any time. But we don't stop there—our Units also feature deterrent lighting and two-way speakers to actively discourage unwanted behavior. Plus, setting up LVT is a breeze—no wiring or drilling required. 

Whether you’re searching for the best retail security systems or looking to secure a warehouse, construction site, or something else, our flexible systems have you covered.  

Contact our team today to get started.

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