There are an average of over 400,000 commercial burglaries each year. For some business owners, this information is enough to convince them it’s time to install a commercial surveillance system on their property to boost their business security.

However, according to David Oles, Integrated Systems Consultant for American Alarm, a surveillance system all on its own won’t bring business owners the security they’re after. “[Business owners] think they need to install cameras for security to catch people when they break in, but that’s not [always] the right solution.”

Instead, Andy Klein, Integrated Systems Consultant and Systems Designer for American Alarm, suggests that it’s important to do a needs analysis with a security consultant to truly understand if the owner even needs a security camera at all—and if they do, what for. 

A needs analysis, says Klein, “can get business owners to a place where maybe they don’t need all these cameras. Maybe they only need one or two and maybe cameras aren’t even the applicable technology they need. Perhaps we really need to be talking about installing a burglar alarm or adding access control.”

Surveillance Cameras Offer Support Far Beyond Security

Both Klein and Oles confirm that security is often not what business owners use their cameras for at all. Instead, they find that owners need the cameras for reasons such as:

• Workers’ comp
• Watching specific pieces of equipment
• Employee theft
• Ensuring certain processes happen as they should (ex: snow plowing)

“For example, a business owner could need a camera not for security, but for, say, watching a parking lot to see how often the plow driver comes by in the winter” says Oles.

Professional Business Security Systems vs. DIY Security Cameras

A thoughtfully planned and executed surveillance strategy can improve multiple aspects business owners may currently struggle with. From workers’ comp and employee shrinkage to property damage and day-to-day production surveillance, the possibilities of a security camera extend far beyond security itself. 

However, some business owners may wonder if they can achieve these results with a DIY approach. While DIY solutions may offer less up-front cost than a professional security company as well as no recurring fee, according to Klein, getting too excited by the lower initial dollar figure may be shortsighted:

“The most important thing for a business owner to consider when deciding between DIY versus professional security is that a professional security company like American Alarm brings with it people who have decades upon decades of combined experience in understanding criminology, the intricacies of security systems, what they can do, what they can’t do, what protection the owner needs, where they need it, and why they need it. There’s also a clear difference in DIY quality and professionally installed equipment. Business owners deserve to have an expert qualified individual walking them through a third-party-designed security system that includes integrated technology that actually addresses their specific needs.”

Expert Guidance Ensures Better Business Security—and a Potential Discount

Business owners who choose a professionally monitored security system may even receive an added financial bonus to offset the cost. “Monitored burglar alarm systems will most likely get you a discount from whoever is insuring the property,” Oles points out, “That discount per month often offsets the bulk of, if not even more than the cost of the monthly monitoring.”

To know for sure what sort of surveillance and security you need, it’s important to call the experts to come out and assess your property. “The best way to start is with a site visit,” Oles advises, “we want to understand what your concerns are, take a look at the building itself, and then do a walk-through to come up with a punch list of important areas.”

After that, it’s time to execute on your new security plan to ensure that all your security devices work together to keep you well-protected against any potential business threats.

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