HOW TO CHOOSE A COMMERCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM INSTALLER

Types of commercial security system installer companies

Commercial security installation companies provide different types of service, so it’s important to work with a service provider that meets the specific requirements of your building and industry.

Some may provide a comprehensive service covering all aspects of commercial security. Other companies may focus on a specific type of service, such as commercial alarm system installation service or a security camera installation service only. 

Commercial security system installation services

The term ​‘commercial security system installation’ covers a wide range of services delivered by trained, certified security professionals. Commercial security system installers can help clients at every stage of a project from initial planning through to post-installation support.

Security assessment

Commercial security installers use their experience to assess existing installations. They can identify gaps in coverage and vulnerabilities that could put a building and its occupants at risk. The installers provide a report with recommendations for improving security.

For new installations, security installation professionals work with client stakeholders to determine the level of security required in different areas inside and outside a building. They aim to establish priorities for security investment by identifying areas that require the highest levels of security.

They also make initial recommendations on the most appropriate type of security technology to maximize situational awareness and ensure the highest levels of protection for the building and its occupants.

Security system planning

Following an initial assessment and agreement on the security goals and priorities, installation professionals carry out detailed surveys and prepare plans for the security system’s installation.

This could cover determining components for lockdown safety, location of access control readers, position of security video cameras, location of security doors and location of intrusion detection and fire or smoke sensors and alarms according to local regulations and building codes.

Commercial security system installers also plan for the infrastructure required to support the planned deployment. This will include power supply and network connectivity for cameras (for retail security camera systems, for example) alarms, sensors and access control system components.

The planning process also includes calculating storage requirements for security data from camera feeds, alerts and access systems. Depending on the size of current and estimated future storage requirements, installation professionals may recommend on-site storage on local servers or a CCTV cloud storage solution, which offers scalable capacity and remote access capability.

In addition to a documented plan, the commercial security installation company should provide detailed drawings showing installation points and other services. They will also ensure that the planned installation meets all applicable standards and regulations.

Security component recommendations

Professional commercial security installers can help clients select the hardware and software components needed to meet their security goals.

They can recommend options for analog or digital security cameras, brands for security or safety alarms, materials and locking systems such as school door locks for security doors, readers, intercom systems and authentication technologies for access control systems. They may also recommend specific components for specialized spaces, such as parking lot camera systems for wide, often dimly-lit spaces.

A trusted business security installation service company should recommend systems and components that offer good performance and robust reliability to ensure long service life with minimal maintenance.

Budget forecasts

To ensure that these plans meet clients’ budgets, commercial security system installers provide budget forecasts that cover equipment procurement and installation costs.

They may also provide a range of commercial security system and business alarm system installation costs, with fees for different equipment choices and deployment methods. For example, to reduce installation costs, they may recommend surface mounting for equipment rather than flush fitting.

Security and commercial alarm system installation

Most companies provide the skills to carry out comprehensive commercial security system installation. However, some providers only provide the risk assessments and product recommendations, and work with trusted business security installation partners for the installation of the deployment.

In addition, some installers are specialized for specific components only. If a client only needs alarms to be fitted, for example, a specialist commercial alarm system installer has the skills and experience to carry out a comprehensive assessment, planning and installation service.

A commercial security system installer will wire and configure the recommended components and, if necessary, customize them to meet the client’s specific security needs. They connect components to power supplies and networks, linking them all to the security management system. Where necessary, they can also carry out any modifications to the building to accommodate security components or cabling.

When installation is complete, they test and validate the system to ensure that everything is working according to specification in the commercial security system installation plan. They then hand over the system to the building’s security or property management team.

Support and maintenance

Following installation and handover, professional business security and commercial alarm system installation companies can carry out ongoing support and maintenance. The service could include ad-hoc repairs and upgrades, in addition to scheduled and proactive maintenance in line with manufacturers’ service schedules.

They can also carry out regular inspections to ensure that systems are operating correctly. Local regulations often require regular testing and inspections from a professional commercial alarm system installation service, so be sure to ask about this when building a long-term budget and plan.

When to use a commercial security system installer

There are a number of scenarios where working with a commercial security installer or specialized business alarm system installation service would prove beneficial.

Planning a new security installation

This may be a building where there is only minimal security or none at all, or it may be a new property that is currently under construction. It may also be a building where new owners are taking over and want to ​‘rip and replace’ an existing installation before moving in.

In this scenario, it’s important to bring in an installer at an early stage to help plan and specify the new commercial security system installation.

Upgrading an existing security or alarm installation

The existing security system or commercial alarm system installation in a building may be using outdated technology, which lacks important features found in the latest systems. There may be gaps in security coverage because of expansion, change of use or other factors that create vulnerabilities.

A security installation service professional can assess the existing business installation to identify vulnerabilities or opportunities to improve security performance.

Maintaining an existing installation

Regular inspection and maintenance is essential to ensure reliable operation of business security system installations. However, an IT team or security team may not have the resources to maintain a large commercial security system.

In this case, a commercial security system installer can provide an expert maintenance service, freeing internal teams for more important tasks.

Why it matters to choose the right commercial security installer for your business

Professional planning, installation and support

Business security system installation service companies employ skilled, experienced professionals who are fully trained and hold certifications from security manufacturers. Property owners can be confident that their security systems will be designed, installed and supported by experienced technicians with the latest technology.

Single-source service

Commercial security system installer companies provide all the necessary skills and resources from within their organization. This provides clients with a single source of contact and accountability for their business security and alarm installation services. Clients do not have to deal with multiple suppliers, which can raise coordination problems and cause delays to the project.

Local security knowledge

Installation providers with a local office have good local knowledge of the specific threats in their neighborhood, as well as the local compliance requirements. They can provide advice on the level of security solutions needed to minimize risk, and are familiar with local regulations and building codes that apply to commercial security installations.

Reduced internal burden

Installation specialists take on the time-consuming tasks that internal IT or security staff cannot handle because of time constraints. Installers can also provide ongoing support for commercial security and business alarm system installations as part of their service packages.

Faster project completion

Experienced professional installers can provide a fast, efficient service that can reduce project delays and ensure security systems are quickly available to protect the property and its occupants.

Selecting a security system installer for your commercial property

It’s essential to choose an installation provider that offers the range of services you need. Business security system installations are complicated, and a professional is the best choice for complete end-to-end service with a comprehensive security installation. Even for an ad-hoc camera or alarm systems installation, cloud IP camera installation, access control installation, or general office security systems upgrade, commercial security system installers apply the latest knowledge and industry trends to keep your business protected.

To ensure you get the best service for your business security system installation, use the below checklist to know when to look for when comparing commercial security and alarm system installation service companies.

Checklist for hiring a commercial security installer

• Up-to-date certification. The service provider’s team should hold the appropriate industry accreditations and equipment training for the type of surveillance system you are planning. Ideally, they should have a local office so that they are familiar with security risks in your areas or around your commercial buildings. 
• Highly rated. Where possible, ask for references from previous customers or visit other properties that the company suggests as reference sites. 
• Availability and installation timeframe. Check the commercial security system installer’s availability and capacity to complete installation within a timeframe that meets your operational requirements. You want a trusted partner to work alongside to keep your physical security watertight and your business safe.
• Within budget, without sacrificing security. Compare costs with other providers by requesting consultations and quotes. It’s important to note that the lowest cost may not represent the best possible security solution.

Find a commercial security system installer near you