One of the most important parts of protecting your business is to know how to set up your business security systems so that you make the most of the technology that will protect your investment, and you and your employees. You can find someone to set up your system for you, but this is something that you can do on your own. If you set up your system by yourself, you can then easily adjust that same system when your business grows and changes. Your security needs will change as your business does.
One mistake that many business owners make is that they get the wrong size system for their business. They may get something totally inadequate or they may spend way too much on things that they simply do not need to have included in their business security systems. What you want is to set up the perfect system for what you need right now, with the capacity to grow as you need to add more to your system. Find systems that can start out small but have plenty of room for growth. It saves money in the long run.
First, you want to have the usual alarm system included in your business security systems. This means that doors and windows are protected when your business is not open to customers. You should secure both with alarms, and change the codes often. You may have some false alarms, but that is better than someone getting a code that you have become too comfortable with using. Secure your basement windows, if you have any, just as you would any other opening. Some businesses find that bars or doors that secure over glass at night at a good option as well. Don't forget to protect upper floor windows near fire escapes and roof access doors.
Good business security systems also include some type of camera surveillance. You do not want to overdo it with the cameras, as you will never keep up with them, but you want to have important areas covered. This includes all entrances, as well as any parking areas that you may have. These parking areas should be well lit as a part of your business security systems. Criminals avoid lit areas. Your cameras can not pick up anything if your business is unlit, so keep all exterior lights focused and on at night. It'll cost you more in your electric bill, but it could save you money and even someone's life. Get energy efficient bulbs for this task.
You can also have motion sensors as part of your business security systems, but for many businesses, this is overkill. Only invest in these if you really need them. Motion sensors that triggers lights to turn on are cheaper, and usually just as effective. You may have to adjust them for sensitivity, but a light popping on usually scares away anyone with mischief in mind. If you have installed your system, but worry it is not enough or that you missed something, there are other options. Talk with an expert to make sure you are making the most of what you have or if you really do need to expand.