Securing Your Business in Uncertain Times: The Importance of Advanced Commercial Security Systems

From rising crime rates to new health and safety regulations, companies must figure out a very complicated security environment while still focusing on their core operations. Fortunately, advanced commercial security systems offer a range of solutions to help businesses mitigate risks, ensure compliance, and provide peace of mind to all stakeholders.

The Growing Security Industry

The global private security services industry is estimated to be worth a staggering $180 billion in the coming year, and this figure is expected to continue rising as people become more concerned about various risks. This growth reflects the increasing importance that businesses place on comprehensive security measures to protect their interests.

Key Drivers for Implementing Advanced Commercial Security Systems

1. Rising Crime Rates Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020, there has been a significant increase in commercial burglaries targeting both essential and nonessential businesses. Thieves have taken advantage of shuttered locations and the perception that some businesses may have more cash on hand. Additionally, retailers have reported higher instances of shoplifting and point-of-sale shrink. To combat these threats, businesses must invest in robust commercial security systems that deter criminal activity and protect their assets.
2. Expanded Security Perimeters The need to enforce social distancing guidelines has led businesses to reconsider their security strategies. Retailers offering curbside pickup or delivery services now face new challenges in safeguarding their employees and customers in outdoor areas. Expanding commercial security solutions to cover these additional spaces is crucial for maintaining a safe environment.
3. Strict Workplace Regulations Industries like the restaurant sector must be especially vigilant in ensuring that employees adhere to stringent food safety protocols and health regulations. Implementing advanced security technologies, such as interactive monitoring solutions with live video and two-way audio communication, allows trained security personnel to monitor compliance and intervene when necessary.
4. The Benefits of Remote Monitoring Video surveillance with remote monitoring is a powerful tool for businesses looking to enhance their security measures. Trained operators located off-site can connect to live video and audio feeds, scanning various camera locations to identify potential threats around the clock. This virtual security presence acts as a deterrent to criminals and enables swift intervention in the event of a security breach. Remote monitoring is particularly valuable for businesses with shuttered locations or increased activity levels.
5. Automation for Efficiency Modern security solutions offer the ability to automate certain tasks, such as delivering customized voice messages at specified intervals. These messages can remind employees and customers about proper safety practices, hygiene guidelines, and social distancing requirements. Automation helps businesses maintain a consistent level of security and compliance without overburdening staff.
6. Addressing Delayed Law Enforcement Response Times The current crisis has stretched law enforcement resources thin, prioritizing health-related issues over other matters. Consequently, fewer police officers are available to respond promptly to commercial burglar alarm signals, potentially leading to increased losses for businesses. To mitigate this risk, companies are integrating video surveillance and remote monitoring with their basic alarm systems. This allows professional operators to dispatch security personnel immediately upon alarm activation, minimizing the window for theft or vandalism. Furthermore, video footage of the incident can aid in tracking and apprehending criminals.
7. Minimizing False Alarms and Penalties False alarms can result in hefty penalties for businesses, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. By adding video cameras to their commercial security systems, companies can provide live video feed of any security threats occurring on their premises. This video verification helps determine the validity of an alarm signal before involving law enforcement, reducing the risk of false alarms and associated costs.
8. Combating Inventory and Cash Shrink Integrating point-of-sale reporting and other solutions with video surveillance systems empowers loss prevention experts to quickly detect and track anomalies, preventing inventory and cash shrink. Even in large-scale operations with thousands of employees and millions of transactions, this approach enables the identification of primary offenders, safeguarding the company’s bottom line.
9. Enhancing Operational Efficiency through Remote Auditing and Visual Reporting Business owners and managers can leverage video surveillance solutions to remotely monitor various aspects of their operations, ensuring compliance with safety guidelines, hygiene protocols, cash handling procedures, and employee productivity standards. Outsourcing the monitoring task to audit specialists allows for efficient assessment of business processes without the need for constant on-site presence. Visual reporting helps identify key problem areas and delivers actionable insights to minimize shrink and boost employee productivity.

As businesses are still figuring out the challenges of reopening and adapting to new policies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the importance of advanced commercial security systems cannot be overstated. Practices such as physical distancing and heightened safety measures will likely persist for the foreseeable future. By utilizing a combination of remote monitoring, automation, and visual reporting, business owners and managers can ensure compliance among employees and customers while promoting a secure environment for all. Investing in comprehensive commercial security solutions is not only a matter of protecting assets and mitigating risks but also provides peace of mind to everyone involved in the business.