The first step in purchasing an alarm system is to determine the security needs of your workplace. Begin by considering basic issues such as the size of the workplace and the number of rooms it contains. Then think about potential trouble spots such as doors, windows, and stairwells. Note the current security level of your building—are there locks on the doors, as well as inside and outside lighting twenty-four hours a day? Finally, consider the susceptibility of your property to theft. Are you in a dangerous area of town? What kind of business do you have? Do you keep valuable items on the premises? If you have had previous security problems, determine why your business was the target and how your security failed.
Once you have determined your needs, talk with a few security providers to see what kind of systems they offer you. Security system pricing is based on the size and complexity of the project, but an average installation might cost $1,000 upfront and then $30 per month for monitoring. Ask security companies a lot of questions. Do they provide twenty-four hour monitoring, and if so, what procedures do monitors follow in the event of an alarm? Will you have access to all codes and be able to change them when you want to? Will you be able to keep the security equipment once the monitoring contract is over? Do they provide training? Could you add another company’s equipment to this system later on?
Many security companies will volunteer to come to your workplace and perform a risk assessment. If this assessment is commitment-free, take advantage of the opportunity to get professional advice on your building’s security. You want to choose a company that is competitively priced, but you also want one that recognizes and meets your true security needs.
Finally, after you have installed a system and obtained the proper police permits, make sure your staff is well trained in security procedure. Confirm that everyone has any codes they need and understands how the new alarm system will affect their daily work.