Office security is one of the most important investments a business or organization can make. It protects against threats, prevents losses, and ensures the safety of employees.
Choosing the right security system requires an assessment of your unique needs and vulnerabilities, a security plan, and ongoing monitoring. Monarch is here to help.
Security Cameras
Security cameras are an important part of any office system as they allow property managers to monitor the building, its staff, and visitors. In addition, security cameras also provide documentation that can be used in the event of a crime.
A security camera’s ability to capture high-definition images makes it easy for security personnel to identify and track suspects. This is especially helpful in cases involving theft and vandalism.
Choosing the right security camera type depends on the building owner’s needs. For example, a dome camera may be best for outdoor installations. A PTZ (pan-tilt-zoom) camera can cover a wider area, allowing the user to control the direction and zoom through user software. A box security camera is typically best for interior locations.
Many commercial office security systems include surveillance cameras as well as other security devices like access control, environmental sensors, and alarms. This integration is essential to a strong security platform as it provides situational awareness to increase the speed and accuracy of response to security alerts. This is particularly true for smart security solutions that leverage artificial intelligence and machine learning tools to improve recognition and alerting.
Upfront costs for commercial office security systems can vary depending on the number of cameras, access control readers, and sensors required to secure a specific space. Additionally, some systems require professional installation, which will add to the overall cost. Some companies offer flexible plans that can be scaled to meet the needs of an organization over time.
Regardless of the initial investment, an investment in commercial office security is one that pays dividends for years to come. Choosing the right system for your business requires careful assessment of risk, a willingness to pay upfront for secure protection, and a comprehensive understanding of how different components work together.
Whether you’re looking for a robust option that protects against break-ins, violence, and other physical threats, or you’re just starting out, a security solution exists to fit your needs. Contact us to learn more about the options available for your specific business.
Access Control
Access control systems allow security teams to manage building entrances, including office entrances, employee-only spaces like on-site gyms and restaurants, and individual elevators in your commercial buildings. An access control system uses a combination of hardware (including card readers and intercoms) and software to monitor and verify the identity of someone attempting to enter the building. The software can then grant or deny access based on their permissions level, preventing unauthorized access and privilege escalation.
This technology is essential to your overall business security solution because it protects against a wide range of threats. For instance, it minimizes the risk of crime like data theft and ransomware attacks by ensuring that your business’s sensitive information is only available to those who are authorized to see it.
It’s important to note that an access control system can be used in conjunction with other office security solutions, such as security cameras and alarms. However, it’s also a good stand-alone security solution for businesses of any size.
There are several types of access control models to choose from, each with its own pros and cons. One of the most popular is role-based access control, or RBAC, which grants access to users based on their pre-set roles. This model works well for companies that prioritize speed, security, and flexibility, but it’s critical to make sure that your access control policies are carefully managed.
Another option is attribute-based access control, or ABAC, which utilizes a combination of rules and policies using attributes like users, devices, environmental conditions, and permissions to decide who can access what. It’s a great option for companies that value security but don’t have the time to manually update their access control list and permissions on a regular basis.
Finally, discretionary access control, or DAC, allows the owner of data to grant temporary access to specific individuals. It’s a flexible model that can be useful for organizations that need to respond quickly to an emergency or special circumstance. Whatever model you select, it’s important to ensure that all employees understand how the access control system works and clearly understand what is expected of them.
Environmental Sensors
While physical protection systems protect businesses from break-ins and theft, other threats must also be considered. The best office security solutions offer robust options that monitor and protect against virtual threats like ransomware and malware, as well as more natural issues such as the quality of air in offices and factories.
Environmental sensors detect a variety of conditions, including temperature and humidity, atmospheric pressure, light and noise, and many others. They can also provide data about trends, helping to identify issues that might require a response or prevent damage in the future.
For example, if temperatures, humidity levels, or TVOC spike suddenly, they could indicate that there’s an issue with the heating or ventilation in the facility, resulting in discomfort for occupants. These changes can be quickly spotted using the Command platform, and users will receive notifications before these conditions become intolerable.
Additionally, environmental sensors can be used to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve safety at the same time. For example, if the level of particulates or air pollutants in a factory increases, this could lead to product spoilage or defects while increasing employee health risks. By monitoring these levels with environmental sensors, manufacturers can make adjustments to their processes and ensure that their products meet the necessary standards.
Similarly, data centers are increasingly becoming dependent on environmental sensors to optimize operations. These sensors can help prevent downtime by detecting when aisles are over-cooled or under-cooled, enabling the data center team to take action before equipment fails. Furthermore, environmental sensors can also help reduce energy costs by monitoring temperatures and humidity, ensuring that the right amount of cooling resources are always used.
Environmental sensors are used in a number of other applications, including water and soil monitoring, wildlife conservation, and disaster early warning. Wind sensors, for instance, are employed to measure wind speed and direction, allowing meteorological alterations to be detected and alert farmers of any issues that may impact crop yields. In addition, solar radiation sensors use photosensitive elements to convert blackbody thermal energy into electrical signals, whereas PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) sensors are designed to measure the portion of natural light crucial for plant growth and organic matter synthesis.
Alarms
Unlike cameras, which only monitor activity that happens at or near the camera’s lens, alarm sensors can detect any type of unauthorized movement. When they do, they trigger a signal that is sent to the panel and then to the central monitoring station. The central station can then take action based on the system’s programming.
A robust alarm monitoring system is a key aspect of the best office security solutions. An alarm master should consolidate network alarms into a single view and make it easy for administrators to manage alarms. It should also support multiple network protocols and legacy and proprietary systems. T/Mon, for example, offers an intuitive geographical interface that enables administrators to view their entire network on a map and drill down into the specifics of sites on the map.
In addition to a visual display, the best office security systems also offer an array of automation and alerting options. For example, Cove’s tripping alarm notification can be received via email, text, pager, or voice. This means that multiple people can verify an alarm in a matter of seconds, which results in a quicker response time than traditional phone calls. Additionally, Cove’s system features progressive notifications. This means that if a technician isn’t available to respond to an alarm, the notification rolls over to the next in line.
Another feature to look for in the best office protection systems is ruggedness. Some thieves try to destroy or disarm security systems in an effort to steal valuable information. Frontpoint offers a solution to this problem with Crash and Smash Protection. This technology makes it impossible for thieves to disable a system that has been programmed with this feature.
The best office security solutions include a combination of elements that provide the most comprehensive and effective protection for businesses. The best options will offer secure protection, automated services, ruggedness, and cost-effectiveness. With these features, any company can protect itself from the many threats that it faces on a daily basis. In addition to preventing theft and violence in the workplace, physical office security systems can prevent fires, natural disasters, and other catastrophes that could threaten the lives of employees and customers.