Owners of small businesses know how hard it is to run a business. Owners already have plenty to do, from managing daily tasks, communicating effectively with clients, and ensuring high-quality service.
A small business security system is essential to protect your assets and revenue. Add in loss due to vandalism and data breaches, and you can see the importance of workplace security.
Large corporations are more likely to survive theft or other business-related crimes than small businesses, such as restaurants, retail stores, and manufacturers. However, they have much smaller financial margins.
Small business owners understand the importance of having a business security plan in place. Small businesses and organizations can be crippled by the loss of valuable electronics, products, or inventory. Business owners have many options when it comes to protecting their business premises.
Is your business in need of a security system?
Small businesses almost all have some form of security system in place. Security systems for small businesses can help protect equipment, inventory, and sensitive information. Most small businesses have motion sensors, alarm sirens or video cameras that protect your customers and employees from harm.
Many business security systems now include more than cameras and sensors thanks to connected technology. Business owners can connect to their premises and monitor them in smarter, more efficient ways as technology advances.
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Different types of security systems for business settings
Security cameras, alarms, and automated security systems are all common for small businesses. Each type of security system has its strengths and weaknesses. Some types can be remotely managed using smartphone apps.
There are many types of security systems available for businesses, including door sensors and biometrics scanners. These can be used to inform small business owners who has what access and who is going to where. Every time a sensor detects an intruder in their warehouse, business owners can get alerts on their smartphones. Smart locks, which are inexpensive and allow for virtual access to selected employees, can increase safety and security at work.
You have to choose between small business alarm systems and small business security cameras.
What is better to secure small business premises? Security cameras or an alarm system? Alarms with motion detectors are a deterrent for burglars. The alarm sounds immediately if there is any movement.
Automated small business security systems offer the best of both:
It is important to look at multiple products to ensure seamless protection and coverage when choosing the right business security system. Modern business security systems can be linked together with small business smart technology to provide seamless coverage and protection.
Automated small-business security systems combine both security cameras and alarms while also addressing their weaknesses. These systems allow for 24-hour monitoring and keep small business owners informed about potential security threats via their smart devices.
Combining a small business camera with an alarm security system allows business owners to be notified immediately there is movement on the premises. They can also view live footage to see what is triggering the alarm. These systems can be combined to give a complete view of small business premises. This will make it easier for small business owners and managers to handle false alarms and real ones.
The benefits of Smart Technology for Small Business Premises Security
Although small businesses may require a modest initial investment to secure their premises, the benefits of workplace security far outweigh the costs. You can reduce the risk of theft, vandalism, and physical theft of customer data by improving your business security.
These are some of the benefits of small-business security systems:
- Safety and security. Customers and employees can feel safe knowing that there are cameras and alarms around. A panic button can give employees the ability to contact authorities if necessary.
- Increased professionalism. Customers will feel valued and safe when you have a security system in place.
- Deterrence against theft. Burglars are more likely to break into small businesses that have a security system.
- Quick responses. Automatic systems send alerts whenever motion sensors are activated or motion sensors are set off. This allows you to immediately take steps to protect your property.
- Protection against liability. Security camera records can be used to prove your side in customer complaints and liability claims.
- Insurance savings. Many insurers will offer discounts for improving your business security.
- Less shrinkage. Security camera deter theft in the house and help you identify inventory that is being wasted.
Top 12 Workplace Security Tips
There are specific uses for security products, so a strong security system makes use of all the options. These workplace security tips can help you get the best out of your small-business security system.
To deter criminals, place security cameras at conspicuous places.
Properly displayed security cameras alert criminals to the existence of a security system. This improves business security and increases the chance they will move to less-secure premises. You should install security cameras near loading bays, windows and other areas that see a lot of traffic.
Some business owners might be tempted to buy a cheaper “dummy” security cam, which looks and acts like a security camera but does not do anything.
A dummy security camera may deter or fool criminals, but small business owners risk missing important evidence if there is any crime in the area. Use real security cameras whenever possible.
For safe monitoring, install glass-break or motion sensors at every entry point.
If someone enters your business after hours, motion detectors will notify you immediately. Owners can quickly alert authorities by receiving a notification from their glass break detector or door sensor if a crime is underway.
To prevent theft, lock up your laptops and other important equipment at all times.
Burglars are more likely to steal cash and small, portable items. Stolen laptops and other valuable equipment can be secured to make theft less likely.
Use a smart safe for peace of mind and protection.
Cash and important documents are kept safe by a bolted smart safe. If someone attempts to open the safe outside of normal work hours or without authorization, the safe will notify the business owner via the owner’s smart phone.
For security breaches to be prevented, reinforce doors with security features.
Sometimes, the best workplace security tips are the most reliable. It makes it more difficult to break in by installing deadbolts and latches on doors and other entry points. Burglars won’t spend too much time on the scene of crime. They prefer to be quick and decisive. A strong latch can be a good first line of defense and may even provide all you need to deter criminals.
Use biometrics and ID cards.
ID cards are used to ensure safety and security at work. They allow customers, supervisors, and staff to quickly identify employees and identify unauthorised intruders. Biometric locks provide additional security by protecting sensitive information or equipment behind biometric locks.
Protect your business’ security with small-business smart locks.
Key theft or loss has been an issue in every business security system. Smart locks allow business owners to authorize keyless access for employees and revoke access as necessary.
To minimize risk, limit room access to employees who have special clearance.
It is important to restrict access to sensitive areas such as counting rooms, servers rooms, and warehouses. Employees and trespassers can be prevented from gaining unauthorised access through biometric or keyless smart locks, ID cards, and biometric systems.
After closing, close all windows and doors and lock them.
It’s easy to increase business security by locking all doors and windows at night. Employees can forget about it as they close the door. You can program smart locks to lock at certain times. This reduces the chance of an unlocked door being forgotten.
Close blinds before closing them. This prevents burglars from “window shopping”, which is when they take inventory of your inventory and plan to steal.
Tip: To save more energy, check out our blog post about the most energy-efficient windows for small businesses to reduce energy consumption.
To keep your customers and employees safe, install energy-efficient lighting.
Energy-efficient office lighting can increase employee safety by eliminating dark areas, and reducing the chance of accidents in low-light situations.
You can use outdoor solar LED lights for security when it is dark outside. It is easier for criminals to hide in dark areas if your business’s exterior is well lit. Outdoor lights can make parking lots safer for customers and employees.
Pro Tip: Looking for more information about business lighting? Our blog post about LED vs. CFL lights bulbs.
Keep your small business looking professional to signal to criminals.
Keep your property and landscaping in good condition to deter criminals from targeting small businesses. This will limit the potential hiding places for criminals and sends a signal that you care about your property. It also gives prospective customers a first impression of your business.
Use recommended cybersecurity techniques to protect digital assets
It is important to think about virtual security when evaluating security systems. Security is key for small business owners. They should use recommended cybersecurity practices to protect all customer data and information. This includes installing antiviral software, password protection, and restricting the number of employees with administrative privileges on computers.
How to prepare you and your staff for workplace security
Small business security plans can be designed and implemented to increase safety awareness. Employees should share responsibility for security and be trained to adhere to established security procedures.
Small business security plans can help you prepare for any emergency.
- Small business security plans should include the following:
- Disaster recovery and planning: Pre-arranged staff roles
- Pre-determined evacuation routes.
- An index of contact information for employees.
- These are the procedures for backing up your information safely in case of power failure.
- To revoke access or privileges for employees who leave the company, a checkout list is used.
- Establish procedures for opening and locking down the business.
A small business security policy should outline the standard procedures.
Businesses can be protected from security breaches by having a clear outline of acceptable behavior. These policies should detail who has access to what areas of the business, who can authorize visits and so forth. These policies can be used to help small businesses track who enters or exits their business, and increase your business security.
For improved workplace security awareness, train employees.
It’s crucial to train employees how to avoid conflict with angry customers and other dissatisfied members of the general public.
Training employees in safety can help them prevent and treat injuries, as well as reduce their risk of being sued. Customer service is an important part of keeping your business safe. Studies show that friendly, attentive staff can decrease the chance of theft.
Tip: For more information about employee training, visit FEMA’s training program on workplace safety awareness.
To protect sensitive information, schedule document destruction on a weekly or monthly basis.
While most news stories about online data breaches are focused on software vulnerabilities and hacking, data can also be stolen by other means. For example, data can be accessed through the trash of a company to find documents.
You should immediately destroy all client or employee information.
To avoid potential losses, be aware of security scams
In the context of information security social engineering refers to behavior that manipulates people. Social engineering is used in many scams. This includes sending an email that threatens immediate legal action and inviting someone to simply walk into a restricted area like they belong.
Make sure your employees are aware of possible scams that could target small businesses. Train them to be suspicious.
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