Who's Minding Your Store? A Business Owner's Guide to Remote Security
As business owners grapple with the widespread impact of COVID-19, many are adapting, shifting operations and finding alternative ways of doing business. Luckily, when it comes to managing their security, much of this can be done remotely – with the right tools and technologies in place.
Remote security management is still an emerging trend among businesses. However, it’s becoming even more important in today’s evolving environment, as it allows business owners to manage activity, maintain visibility and control and respond to their security needs smarter, faster and from virtually anywhere.
Not surprisingly, technology plays a key role in the evolution of remote security management. It’s just as important to an effective remote security program as it is in our daily lives; it’s the primary driver that offers peace of mind through constant connectivity. Through this connectivity, business owners can leverage remote security features and services to gain enhanced awareness and efficiencies.
Below are three steps business owners can take to manage their security program remotely.
Step 1: Enhance your existing systems.
Review what you have now. Test it. Will your burglar system arm? How long does your video surveillance system store video? Are there employees in your access control system who are no longer with your company? Can you log into your security management portal and see service calls or billing information? Once you confirm this information, then you’re ready to find ways to enhance your existing systems by adding new services and features.
For instance, consider integrating alarm verification technology. By integrating video and/or audio detection technologies into your traditional alarm system, real-time audio, images or video of a potential break-in can be sent to the security monitoring organization and to you, as the business owner.
This is especially important now as many businesses are closed and police departments are limiting the types of calls that they’re responding to in-person, in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19. With this technology, all essential parties can more aptly verify that an actual intrusion is in progress and that police dispatch is required.
When it comes to enhancing video, business owners are often challenged by silent recording failures that create significant gaps in the retained video, which are typically discovered only when owners are trying to find video evidence.
Enhance your video system with a service assurance program that provides a cloud-based software solution for physical security that, unlike traditional IT monitoring tools, provides automated verification that the goals of the physical security applications are achieved.
Step 2: Ensure you select a cellular or network communication system.
In order to maximize your remote security program, you must have the right communication solution in place. It starts with simply selecting a communication service path at your business by implementing either cellular communication or adding service through your network.
It’s important to note that Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) users may experience possible delays in their internet due to the use of a network that isn’t controlled. If the internet is slow, it could take 4-5 seconds for a signal to be transmitted and re-assembled, thus causing communication failures in your system.
After you’ve added the communication path of choice, you will need to add a remote keypad service to have full control. The remote keypad will give you the ability to remotely arm and disarm your system – and view who else did so, which will help greatly if you have different staff opening and closing your business.
Step 3: Leverage cloud technology.
Remote security in the cloud is the next evolution of security management. Using a cloud-capable security camera system provides you with remote management, mobile and web browser viewing and the ability to add 100% cloud recording and backup.
These cloud video systems have been architected to allow maximum flexibility in the choices of cameras and to prevent real-time cybersecurity threats. If you’re wondering whether cloud video surveillance is the right choice for your business.
A fully remote security program will also include a cloud access control system that allows you to create scheduled times for entrances and alarms, manage permissions by granting different levels of user access, monitor events by receiving event alerts and view associated video footage in real-time using cloud video.
Additionally, you can leverage cloud technology to reduce the hassle of lost or forgotten credentials. By issuing mobile credentials alongside cards and fobs, you’ll have the ability to remotely assign and revoke credentials from virtually anywhere, helping you protect high-security areas with authentication. This can also create cost savings and allow for better inventory control.
As you settle into this new norm with your business, consider some of these technologies that can help you manage your security program remotely. A remote security program can give you more control with the flexibility needed for today’s uncertain and ever-changing environment.
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