Don't settle for a false sense of security
Mie-Yun Lee, Editorial Director, BuyerZone.com
Knowing that a mere deadbolt and window glass separates your office's assets from would-be
burglars can be disconcerting. Thinking about the impact of such a loss on your business
can be downright insomnia inducing. An alarm system can quickly bring you peace of mind.
Commercial security providers employ a variety of equipment to secure your business.
Door/window sensors and glass break detectors help secure your office's vulnerable points,
with motion sensors detecting movement within the office. Sirens and strobe lights alert
neighbors and potentially scare off would-be burglars. And for those who work in higher-risk
situations involving valuables like cash or jewels, a strategically placed holdup button
that immediately calls for help can provide that extra security.
For an alarm system to work, you will also need to sign up for service. It can be basic
monitoring, in which a central station alerts you or the police when an alarm has been
triggered. Advanced options include opening/closing reports, which list when the system
has been armed and disarmed, and notification if the phone line used to communicate the
alarm system status to the central station has been cut. In addition, the forgetful will
appreciate the ability to arm and disarm the system remotely and to be notified if the
system is not armed by a certain time.
When considering systems, make sure the suggested proposal is adequate. To provide
the lowest bid, some security companies may recommend a setup that fits your budget but
is less successful at meeting your security needs. Obtaining a minimum of three bids
can help ensure that you wind up with the optimal security design for your office, whether
it be your existing one or new office space.
Also find out what the company will actually provide. Installation, service, and monitoring
may not all be handled directly by that provider. Neither may billing, particularly if
you're given "free" equipment where your contract may actually be sold to a financing
company. Regardless of who owns your contract, check on service availability and turnaround.
If an alarm won't arm, how quickly can someone get to your place of business to fix it?
Expect costs of $500 to $2,000 for equipment, plus a minimum $25 per month for monitoring.
Equipment costs will increase with the implementation of high-tech security devices like
retina readers and fingerprint readers. Similarly, additional services like opening/closing
reports will impact the monthly pricing.
A typical contract lasts from two to five years, with a shorter term typically available
if you purchase the equipment. As always, ask about the contract terms. If you are not
satisfied with the service, what happens to your contract? In addition, a lot of consolidation
is going on in the industry; it can be helpful to understand the company's commitment
to the industry or to have an understanding of what happens to your contract if the company
sells or goes out of business. By checking on all these areas, you can ensure that you
don't get left with a false sense of security.
