Investing in the appropriate security system is vital for the survival of any small business since they are prone to burglary, break-in, vandalism, fraud, shoplifting, and theft by both employees and outsiders. For most small businesses, shoplifting, burglary, or theft dominate other crimes. For instance, in an Insureon survey carried out on more than 3,000 small business owners, 22% of small businesses suffered a case of burglary or theft in 2018 alone.
According to a National Association of Shoplifting Prevention (NASP) estimate, the U.S. has about 27 million active shoplifters. The cost of crime ranges from decreased bottom lines to complete business failure. You should, therefore, prioritize adequate security systems at the early stage of your business. With the right security system, you'll have peace of mind knowing that your source of livelihood is secured.
When it comes to a business security system, most security companies claim to have the best state-of-the-art security system to take care of most small business security needs. But let's face it, there is a fine line between talking the talk and walking the walk. That said, if you're looking for an efficient security system to safeguard your business, this article will guide you toward making an informed choice. First, let's look at the specific features you need to consider.
Features to Look for When Choosing a Security System
Your choice of security system will mostly depend on the setup of your business environment and other specific security needs. However, the following features are worth considering.
Pricing
Unlike a big corporation, a small business may lack the capital to install state-of-the-art security systems. A low-cost security system can help secure your business without damaging your bottom line.
DIY
Hiring installation professionals or experts can be expensive. Consider a wireless system, which will require little or no drilling and will be relatively easier to install.
Monitoring
Look for systems that have a 24-hour monitoring procedure. Such a system will guard against burglary and theft at night and will enable you to monitor various sessions of your daytime business and employees in real-time.
Customization
Is the security system customizable or not? Ideally, go for a security system that you can customize to suit your business security needs. One security system cannot give you all the features you need, so having one you can customize to suit your needs will save you some stress.
Environmental Monitoring
Consider security systems with sensors that are able to detect very high temperatures in case of fire or low water temperature. Most sensors can, in addition, detect smoke, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide buildup, triggering an alarm in the process. Such a system protects against burglary or theft, as well as arson and dangerous gas intrusion.
Access Log
An access log saves you the trouble of using different keys to access your office and other secured locations. Additionally, it keeps track of people who have accessed such locations and what time they did. The access log control, integrated with the alarm system, will immediately alert you when someone tries to gain unauthorized entrance to the location.
6 Small Business Security Systems to evaluate
Choosing a security system with the right combination of features can be a tedious job. However, you don't have to worry about that. Here, we narrow down the six best business security systems that'll suit most of your needs.
Best for Pricing: SimpliSafe
SimpliSafe has the best and most affordable price options suitable for a small business housed in a 20,000-square-foot building with at most 50 windows. At just $229, you can get started with the Foundation — the cheapest starter kit equipped with SimpliCam. Or, depending on your needs, you can go for the Hearth, which incorporates smoke detectors and freestanding sirens.
Both have options for DIY or professional installation. You can opt for either the free package that sounds a basic alarm or paid monthly services to enjoy better features. The standard subscription starts at $14.99, which grants you cellphone alerts and professional monitoring. The $24.99 interactive plan incorporates office systems automation, video surveillance, a smartphone remote control and alerts, and professional monitoring.
You can set up the SimpliSafe security system for basic intrusion detection and environmental monitoring with real-time alerts. You're also able to include smoke detectors, smart lights, smart locks, indoor cameras, etc.
Pros
- DIY installation
- No contract plans
- Inexpensive equipment
- 60-day money-back guarantee
- Three-year equipment warranty
Cons
- It only has smart locks
- Mobile app control requires an upgrade to a paid version
- Lack of weatherproof camera
Best for Automation, Environmental Monitoring, and Home-Based Businesses: Vivint
Vivint's suite of smart home automation features blends with its high-quality security system to make it the best security solution for home-based businesses. Features like smart locks, a doorbell camera, outdoor cameras, a smart thermostat, flood and motion sensors, door and window sensors, and remote garage door controllers help maximize your small business security.
The continuous video recording CVR puts Vivint ahead of the competitors. CVR is hugely beneficial, especially during a patrol against shoplifters or ensuring workers follow security protocols. Both indoor and outdoor cameras are high-resolution cameras equipped with infrared vision and other advanced features. Vivint is your best bet if you are looking for a smart security system equipped with CVR, in addition to an around-the-clock professional monitoring system and remote control of lights, locks, etc.
Vivint is customizable, but installation is handled by their professionals and may cost up to $99. Pricing includes equipment and monitoring; basic monitoring starts at $29.99/month. Premium monitoring allows for smart control and automation at $39.99. With equipment and monitoring, the lowest Vivint security system starts at $53.99/month.
Pros
- Smart device technology enables remote access
- Cameras are weatherproof
- 24-hour monitoring system
- Wireless cameras
Cons
- Requires a professional installer
- Has contracts up to 60 months
- Has no biometric or keycard access controls
Best for DIY: Frontpoint
Although pricier than SimpliSafe, Frontpoint offers a valuable blend of price, equipment quality, and reputation that makes it a good fit for most small businesses. Frontpoint stands out among competitors by having pre-configured sensors and systems for easy DIY installation. The cheapest starter kit goes for $69 and incorporates an intrusion sensor, wireless keypad, and a hub. You can reinforce it by adding pipe freeze and glass break sensors, indoor and outdoor security cameras, etc., or go for the bigger Frontpoint starter kit.
It comes equipped with smart automation, multiple hazard sensors for intrusion and environmental protection. Emergency monitoring uses cellular communication with Wi-Fi backup.
Depending on the features you want, Frontpoint professional monitoring ranges from $34.99 to $49.99 per month and requires a 12-month contract. You can get the best blend of features, including smash-and-crash protection, with a $44.99 plan or a $49.99 plan. Smash-and-crash protection alerts law enforcement once a burglar breaks Frontpoint's control panel. The $49.99 plan allows video monitoring and smartphone remote control and is compatible with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant.
Pros
- Supports DIY setup
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Customized smartphone notifications
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- More expensive than other DIY systems
- Absence of round-the-clock customer service
- Expensive professional monitoring
Best for Cybersecurity: ADT
ADT is the most suitable business security system for a multiple-employee business because of its high-standard security features. ADT comes with cameras, access control systems, flood alerts, video surveillance, an alarm system, and even cybersecurity options for financial theft solutions.
Cloud storage means that you can access your recordings at any time. With the biometric scanner, you can grant access to your employees. You can also do close monitoring using your smartphone. ADT does not give free quotations over the phone but will send a representative to your business location for a consultation and a price. ADT requires a minimum of a 36-month contract for professionally installed systems.
Pros
- Has nine monitoring centers in the U.S.
- An excellent solution for hi-tech businesses
- Wide range of security features
- Can be monitored with a smartphone
- Offers permission and card-based access
- Cellular backup available to mitigate against unexpected outages on landlines
Cons
- No free price quotation
- 36-month contract with a considerable cancellation fee
- Professional installation requires a complete system purchase
Best for Integration: Abode
Abode is a good business security option for businesses looking for a mix of high-end equipment with quality software designed to secure your entire home and business. It is also the best for integration by offering you two security hub options to control your business's security by connecting to your smart devices.
Abode is a DIY security system, although you can decide to go for professional installation. Abode comes equipped with an HD camera and a motion detector. To help reduce false alarms, it also has automatic human detection.
Other features you can get with Abode include a smart lock, keyfob, keypad panel, vibration glass break sensors, water leak sensor, etc. All of these features can easily integrate with Amazon Alexa or Google Home. An abode is a great option for self-monitoring. The free plan doesn't require monitoring fees.
Pros
- Best for integration
- Can connect to your smart devices
- Great for self-monitoring
Cons
- You need to upgrade to have cellular backup
- Professional monitoring services are only available with the most expensive plan
Best for Customization: Link Interactive
Link Interactive made the list because it has great customization potential. You can easily customize your system to suit your business-specific needs. It also has a grill sensor, which is not found in most home security systems. Additional features include door sensors, fire alarms, security cameras, carbon monoxide detectors, and various intrusion detection sensors.
Link Interactive comes with a 12- or 24-month contract with a $30.99/month standard monitoring price. The security equipment comes with a three-year warranty and a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you are not satisfied with the services.
Pros
- Can be customized to your taste
- 100% cellular monitoring for every plan
- DIY installation
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Three-year warranty
Cons
- Limited support
- High cancellation fee
Overall Best for Small Businesses
The best small business security solution will balance quality with price. Vivint and ADT have the best combination of features allowing for automation, environmental monitoring, and round-the-clock protection of your business.
However, they're pricey, can't be installed without professional support, and may be too techy for most small business owners. ADT also guards against cybercriminals. Link Interactive offers excellent customization, which is cool, but it has a high contract cancellation fee. Abode is ideal for integration and self-monitoring. If you're looking for a DIY system with dependable equipment, straightforward pricing, and environmental monitoring, Frontpoint clinched it.
When it comes to the best small business security system, price and DIY installation are prioritized because business owners wouldn't like to hurt their bottom line. This puts Frontpoint and SimpliSafe at the center stage. SimpliSafe has most of the same features Frontpoint has and is also DIYable, in addition to having a more affordable price. Therefore, for small businesses, we give it to SimpliSafe.
Stay on Top of Your Business Finances With Skynova
Providing adequate security to safeguard your business against burglars and thieves is an excellent way to ensure that you don't incur a continuous loss. However, while providing protection, you also need to keep track of your business finances.
With Skynova's accounting software, you do not need to worry about managing your business transactions. Our software helps you maintain proper financial records and generate your financial statement with just a click. While Skynova takes care of your business finances, you can channel more time into ensuring that your business is safe.
Notice to the Reader
This content details the best security system that improves protection for small business owners. The security systems may not be ideal in your specific situation. It's advisable that you seek a security expert for your business security.