How To Train Employees On Using The Security System

So you finally got a new security system installed at your business. It’s got everything you need. It has camera surveillance systems, access control systems and more.

As a business owner, you and your managers have been trained on how to use the system. However, the rest of your employees have not been trained. You’re probably asking yourself: What’s the best way to train my employees?  What should I do?

Following the tips below will help you successfully train your employees on using a business security system.

Have Regular Training Sessions

After the system is installed, you will want to have a brief training session where you can show all the employees how to use the system. Take the time to go over the system several times. Also be sure to let your employees ask questions.

Be sure to have periodic security system training sessions for new employees and if you get any system upgrades for your security system.

Create Rules

Creating rules is very important. You will want to create several rules including:

• Who should operate the system
• When the system should be armed
• Who should get the key code

Create rules and policies on the security system will ensure your employees know how to operate the system.

Provide Literature To Employees

Be sure each of your employees also gets copies of the literature to review how to use the system. Make sure the literature is easy to read and follow. You also want to make sure the literature is easily available so employees can reference it when needed.

Have A Point Person

Designate one or two people to be the point people for the security system. These will be the go-to people when someone needs a question answered about the security system. Make sure these people are fully trained on the system.

If you have a larger company, you may want to designate someone from every department as a point person.

Summary

Following these tips will ensure your employees know how to use your business security system. Also be sure to contact your business security provider, for any suggestions or help on training your employees.

Easy Ways To Cut Business Security Costs

Like most businesses, you’re probably looking for ways to save money in 2011.

There are the obvious areas to cut such as office supplies, travel expense and IT. TechRepublic had an excellent article on how businesses can cut costs relatively pain free. The list included ditching the fax machine, going paperless and embracing telecommuting.

However, you also may be looking at ways to cut business security costs. This is a fine line to walk. You want to save money. But you also don’t want to compromise the security of your business.

Here are some easy ways for you to cut businesses security costs without compromising your level of security.

Know Your Needs

A lot of times, businesses don’t know what they really want when it comes to security. Take the time to sit down and really plan out what level of security your business needs. Think about areas of your business you want to protect.

Consider your security options. Do you need an access control system? Do you need security camera surveillance systems?  Knowing what options your business needs will help you save money in the long run.

Shop Around

Be sure to shop around. Like anything you purchase, you want to consider all of the options on the table. Find a security system company that has a long track record of helping businesses. An upstart company could cost you money down the road. Be sure to get customer testimonials for any security system company you consider.

Finding a reliable security company will save you money in the long run because you won’t encounter any hassles.

Find A Reliable System

This may seem common sense, but many businesses do not take the time to look at a security company’s track record. Try to find out if false alarms are frequent. Talk with customer references about any problems with their system.

With false alarms fines rising, you’ll want to find a security company that has a track record of very few false alarm problems.

Have System Regularly Tested

In order to cut security costs, you’ll want to see how often the company comes out to test your system. You’ll want to find a company that tests your system and provides you with technical support when needed. This can help to prevent false alarms and ensure your system is properly running.

Summary

Following these tips will help you cut security costs in the long run. Remember, security comes before savings. Compromising your security could cost you more money down the road. Take your time and do your research when looking for ways to cut business security costs.

Business Security Solutions and Your Smartphone

Neilsen reports that by the end of 2011, 1 in every 2 Americans will own a smartphone.

For business owners, this gives them another great way to monitor the store while not physically there.  Security camera surveillance systems can be watched via live streams using a smartphone.

Have you ever thought of your smartphone as the extra line of protection in your business security solutions?

Keeping an eagle eye on your store has more benefits than just preventing shoplifters and burglars.

Workplace fraud and theft creates a $600 billion loss for businesses each year in America.

Being able to monitor your store in real time allows you to target areas where your business could save money.

• How do employees behave while on the clock?
• Is any shoplifting or employee theft occurring?
• Is it necessary for me to have four workers in my business at 8PM?

Using your smartphone to view your surveillance cameras can also keep security costs down.  A grocery store owner in Detroit uses his smartphone to view his store’s video surveillance system.

Having a live streaming view of what is happening in your store at all times helps to keep your valuables safe.

Business theft takes around 10% out of every sales dollar nationwide.  In the United States, property crime occurs every 3 seconds. Property crime can include:

• Retail Theft – Shoplifting
• Employee Theft – Embezzlement of Cash/Merchandise/Inventory
• Robberies

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates that 75% of employees steal from work in some way.

Hiring a security guard is an expense many small businesses cannot afford.  Being there to watch over your employees shoulders at every turn may not give you the needed answers.

The ability to use a smartphone to view surveillance cameras in real time is a useful tool for savvy business owners.  Use what most people cannot live without to give your business one extra layer of protection.

The Security Benefits of Video Surveillance Systems

We all know that camera surveillance systems are aids in helping to prevent shoplifting and catch shoplifters.

According to the National Learning for Shoplifting Prevention, approximately $35 million in goods are stolen each day from stores around the country. Security camera surveillance systems can help cut down on this astronomical number for several reasons:

• Visual Theft Deterrence: Security cameras are great visual theft deterrents.
• Observation & Identification: Security cameras can catch shoplifters in the act.
• Remote Video Management: Security cameras include remote system viewing and management.
• Digital Recording & Storage: It is easy to retrieve images and video from security cameras.

Just scan the news headlines and you’ll see security cameras play a major role in helping to catch shoplifters. Security cameras also help deter employee theft.

In addition to preventing shoplifting, security cameras are great tools to combat vandalism and fraudulent lawsuits.

Vandals will think twice before vandalizing a property with security cameras. Additionally, security camera video can be a helpful tool in defending your business against fraudulent personal injury lawsuits.

Today’s security cameras deliver high-resolution video with sharp images. Additionally, security camera development has made great advances in improving video quality at night when lighting is poor.

Should a crime occur, it is very easy to pull images from today’s surveillance cameras. Most systems allow you to retrieve images by date, time, camera or alarm. Many security camera systems allow you to print images and create evidence CDs on the spot for police.

To find out what surveillance system is right for your business, it is best to consult with a security systems specialist.

What Type Of Security Camera Is Right For Small Businesses?

A few weeks ago, we talked about Which Type of Security Camera Is Right For You. In the blog post, we discussed several types of security camera surveillance systems.

Today, we thought we’d dive deeper into the security camera conversation and see what type of security camera is right for small businesses. Here are the options:

• Box Security Cameras – These cameras are the larger, bulky cameras hanging in corners of stores. Box security cameras are used as visual theft deterrents.
• Bullet Security Cameras – These cameras are small and have a cylinder shape. These cameras are favored by many small businesses because of their small size.
• Dome Security Cameras – These cameras blend in with the surroundings. Businesses use dome security cameras because no one can tell which way the camera is pointing.

For small businesses, the best business security solution is the domed security camera. There are several reasons why a small business should buy a dome security camera:

1. Dome security cameras are harder to vandalize: Because of its design, these cameras are harder to disable or damage. A vandal will think twice before messing with a dome security camera.
2. It’s harder to tell where the camera is pointing: Because of its black dome, vandals cannot see which way the camera is pointing, making it harder to commit a crime.
3. Dome security cameras seem less intrusive: Because of its design, these cameras do not make customers feel like their every movement is being watched. This creates a better atmosphere for your business.

While dome security cameras are usually the best bet for small businesses, we suggest that you discuss your business security options with a professional. They can help you make sure you are making the right decision.

Which Type Of Security Camera Is Right For You?

There are many types of security camera surveillance systems and even more different features to choose from when selecting how to prepare your business security solution.

Each camera is meant for different business needs and different circumstances so choosing the right one for your needs is essential. In this article we’ll go through the three most common used cameras so you can get a better understanding of your options.

Box Security Cameras – When most people think of security cameras, this is what they think of first. Generally for indoor use, the bulky cameras are meant to be seen and act as a deterrent to crime. Their biggest strength comes from their ability to magnify details and reach ranges that are not always possible with other cameras. You will most often see these cameras in retail shops and banks.

Bullet Security Cameras – These ultra small cylinder shaped cameras (called lipstick cameras by some) are perfect for small spaces and remaining undetected. Good for indoor and outdoor use, these cameras are used for both home security and business security and many are equipped with excellent infrared capabilities that can see up to 20 ft. in the dark.

Dome Security Cameras – Dome cameras are versatile indoor and outdoor (with weatherproofing) devices that are commonly used to blend in with the surroundings. Domes are frequently tinted so nobody can tell which way the camera is pointing as well as vandalism proofed so they cannot be easily disabled. You generally see these cameras in department stores and indoor malls since they fit with the surrounds and do not make customers uncomfortable.

These three options all come equipped with a number of features that are designed to meet your security needs. Check with your security company to find exactly which camera is best for you.

Things To Consider When Buying Business Security Cameras

When buying security camera surveillance systems, it’s important that you understand exact what you’re getting and why you want it.

Some people have expectations for their camera surveillance systems that are simply not possible or would require a different type of system entirely. To prevent this, everyone should know what their cameras can and cannot do before deciding to buy them.

Know What You Want To Monitor – What areas of your business do you want to monitor with your security camera and how good does the quality need to be? Different cameras are good for different things and selecting the right one can make the difference between an effective system and a useless one.

Understand The Risks of Security Cameras – Security cameras provide an expectation of protection from people entering your business. That’s why fake security cameras can be a legal risk. If people expect protection but don’t get it, your business can suffer the consequences.

Let People Know You’re Monitoring Them – Part of the usefulness of security cameras is that they prevent people from committing crimes because they don’t want to be filmed. Use signs to make sure that your employees and customers are well aware of your security cameras.

Don’t Expect To Record Voices – In most areas, video recording is completely legal but recording conversations without someone’s permission is against the law. That’s why CCTV systems do not offer audio functions.