How Can Your Small Business Improve Its Physical Security

Small and medium-sized businesses have been playing catchup for over a decade when it comes to getting the physical security solutions that larger companies utilize. Fortunately, the gap has shrunk in recent years. Today, we thought we would outline the need for these tools and the physical security solutions that your business should be using to protect your assets.

SMBs aren’t just mom-and-pop shops, they can have hundreds of people on the payroll. That doesn’t mean that physical security isn’t important for smaller businesses, it just outlines that even small companies have a lot of people and resources to protect. For the larger business--even the larger SMB--having a team of people looking after the business’ security is typical. These businesses will have security guards on staff whose jobs are to monitor and patrol. 

These organizations typically have all of the following tools in place:

Security Cameras

The innovations to security camera systems have been remarkable in a short period of time. Only a few short years ago it seemed that any surveillance cameras produced images that had lousy detail and were sometimes more of a hindrance than a help. Today’s security cameras, however, have high-definition (HD) cameras with megapixel IP lenses that capture everything in great detail. 

Other improvements include camera systems with a wide dynamic range (WDR), digital signal processing (DSP), and noise canceling. These features help these HD systems create cleaner images in a long list of different environments. Some systems support low-light operations for use in times when businesses are closed. 

Today, there are camera options for all types of businesses, even the mom-and-pop shops we referenced before. A number of options provide additional value through integrations with security companies, or advanced technology features that use AI to analyze any motion detected to trigger a recording, trip an alarm, or simply alert the authorities. 

Security Systems

Outside of your surveillance system, SMBs may want to consider installing a more sophisticated security system on their brick-and-mortar facilities. Looking beyond the digital camera system, businesses can establish motion detectors, door alarms, and access control. These systems typically work through your business’ wireless network, so you will need to have a high-speed and reliable connection, but it is a great investment to protect your business’ assets. 

Access Control

We typically talk about access control as a type of security used to protect your business’ digital assets, but the same principle applies to your physical security. Not all employees need access to all parts of your business, and with a comprehensive access control system, you can make that so. Typically, these systems are a combination of automatic locking and authentication systems that are placed on doors. You can choose from mechanical, which uses a keypad for entry; electronic, which can power any number of authentication systems, such as key fobs or badges; or biometric, which ties access to some type of physical attribute. Whichever you choose, your access control system can be controlled through a secure portal through security software. 

Lighting

You wouldn’t think of lighting as being a strong deterrent against theft, but you would be surprised. Unfortunately, leaving the lights on all the time is wasteful and expensive. To use lighting for security, motion-detecting lights, as well as lights that are set to come on at the same time every day, can ensure that your business isn’t left in the dark when it comes to securing your brick and mortar assets. 

Security is extremely important, of course, but securing against physical theft is just as important as securing against network infiltration and data theft. If you would like to learn more about how the security professionals at Network Solutions Unlimited can help you with your business’ security needs, give us a call at (217) 428-6449 today.