: How to Choose a Security System for a Small Business

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(556 Words)
A security system can protect a small business from would-be thieves and other threats. There are many security systems that one can purchase, each with different features and prices. Consider the following tips when selecting your system.
Decide whether you want a monitored system or a non-monitored system
Security systems come in two major flavors: monitored and unmonitored. With an unmonitored system, an alarm will sound when a breach is detected. Lights may flash as well. This will generally be it. No one will be notified of the alarm, although of course someone may call the police upon hearing the alarm. The idea is that many robbers will run at the first sound of an alarm since they do not want to be caught red-handed. With these types of systems you generally play a large upfront fee, but that will comprise the total cost beyond future repair.
A monitored system will also often have an alarm and perhaps lights. However, in addition to these, someone at the alarm company will be notified. They may then call one of the business workers at their homes, the security guard in the building if one is present or the police directly. When they call, you may be able to give a code indicating that everything is all right or that you need help. These may not be as expensive at the beginning because you will have a constant monthly cost.
When deciding which of these is right for your small business you will need to take into account cost. Overall the monitored one usually ends up to be far greater in cost since you will have a monthly output. For some this is worth it. Others will find the unmonitored system to be enough of a deterrent and want to save the money.
Consider the value of the items in your small business
Think about what you store in your small business. You may be more likely to have an expensive monitored system if you are a jewelry store with a lot of expensive items or a business with a lot of computers. If instead, however, you have files that are not really valuable and that are backed up anyways on computer systems, then it might not be worth the money. Think about things that might hold value that you might not think of such as files with customers’ credit card numbers. Also remember that just the sign that says the business is protected by an alarm can scare some robbers.
Consider the features that you want
Different alarm systems have different features, and the more in depth and complicated you get, the more it might be. You can decide whether you want something that will be functioning during the day such as at a small bank or something that is just for at night when the business is closed. You might get alarms that go off when a door is opened, a window is broken or just with motion. Look at the packages to see what is right for you.
You may look to get a recommendation for a particular company to find the best security system for your small business. You can ask other small business owners you know or look for reviews on the Internet. Consider the above tips to help you find such a system.
Updated On: 07/29/2010 Published On: 07/29/2010 Article ViewerClose
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