Physical security systems are a must for most businesses today. According to Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) crime statistics, the number of burglaries reported by businesses in 2018 was almost 30 percent lower than in 2017, a reduction that is explained in part by the rapid growth in the commercial security market.
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This growth is being driven in large part by small businesses, which are becoming more concerned about security and aware of the new technologies on the market combined with wireless technology and advances in access control and video surveillance that are now more affordable than ever before. As a result, businesses of all sizes can now enjoy the benefits of a good security system – one that allows them to cost-effectively protect their customers, employees, and assets.
For most businesses, a security system will consist of one or more of the following types of protection:
- Intrusion Alarms
- Video Surveillance Systems
- Access Control Systems
- Emergency Communication Systems
- Integrated Solutions, which combine one or more of the above
Like your fire alarm system, your security system will require some maintenance to ensure uninterrupted protection. Whether your business is investing in a new security system or you already have a system in place, you will need to know how to maintain it and what to do if the system malfunctions.
Common Issues with Commercial Security Systems
All systems require regular maintenance. While there are some simple steps you can do to maintain your system, it is important to work with a qualified service provider to ensure the necessary inspections are conducted and for any repairs that might be needed. Some of the most common problems with security systems and devices include:
- Repetitive false alarms
- Incorrect programming
- Calibration issues with the system’s sensors
- An inability to arm or disarm alarms
- Problems with security locks on doors not functioning properly
- Problems with the intelligibility of voice evacuation systems
While some of these problems require the help of a service technician, regular maintenance can go a long way to help you avoid most of these issues.
What You Can Do to Help Maintain Your System
If you are having a new business security system installed, ensuring that maintenance services are included in your contract can help to save costs in the long term. There are also some simple steps you can take to help maintain your security system:
- Routinely check the locks on all doors and check the door lock contacts to ensure they are clean and operate smoothly
- Regularly check and clean the lenses on any security cameras and check their connections
- Check with your service provider or your system’s manufacturer to ensure you haven’t missed any firmware updates that could compromise your system
- For any devices that require batteries, make sure they are checked on a regular basis and replaced when necessary
- Make sure your video cameras and motion detectors are always clear of environmental obstructions (e.g., trees/bushes, cob-webs, dust, etc.)
Regular Inspections are Key to Keeping Your System Functional
In the security industry, new and evolving technologies are offering ever more effective and affordable security solutions to business owners every year. Still, no system is built to last forever – access control panels can become less effective over time, cameras can stop working, and wiring can decay.
If you are using a UL listed Central Station Monitoring service and a system that is equipped to provide maintenance alerts, it is likely that you will know right away if there is a problem with your security system, avoiding any interruption.
However, if you are using an older alarm system that isn’t equipped with these features, there are only two ways to ensure that your monitoring station is correctly receiving signals from your security system – you either find out the hard way when an alarm is tripped with no alert or response, or you can have it tested through regular inspections.
You should plan on having your system inspected annually at minimum and more often if possible. Professional inspections should include the following:
- Visual inspection of all your system devices and cleaning of devices if needed
- A “walk-test” of the system in which a technician walks around the protected area randomly testing different components and activating different devices to test the signal and whether it is received at the supervisory panel
- Verification of communication links and ensuring that test signals are received by the monitoring station
- Programming back-ups and applying any software updates
Other issues that should prompt a call to your security company include any damage to a device, loose sensors, fuzzy camera footage, and software compatibility issues.
Partner with a Trusted Company
Koorsen Fire and Security stays up to date on rapidly evolving technology in the security market. Our certified technicians are experienced in the installation and service of all manufacturer’s systems. And, when you have a problem with your security system, you can expect a rapid response from Koorsen’s team of expert technicians. Contact Koorsen today to enjoy the bottom-line benefits and peace of mind that regular maintenance of your security system can provide your business.
