Look for these Seven Things in a Great Commercial Security Provider
As a business owner or facility manager, you know how important it is to protect the workplace people and the commercial property in your care. With the steady rate of property crime and building break-ins, the importance of having a robust security system is only increasing. When it comes to choosing the right security service provider, there is no shortage of options and the decision can become a challenging one. To make the search for quality safety equipment easier we’ve compiled a list of seven things to look for when choosing a business security system provider. 
1. Find an Electronic Alarm Company with Experience
When you hand the facility safety of your business or property to a security provider, they need to know what they are doing with your facility safety. If the security company has been in business for several years, you can find out the company’s market reputation, ask for client references, and look up customer reviews online. While some new business security providers may be a great option, choosing a security monitoring company with an established history of providing quality protection will ensure that your business is in good hands.
Take time to look over the operational history of the company and find out exactly what you can expect from past customers. Check Google Review ratings, BBB Rating, and don’t be afraid to ask for business referrals from current customers who seek a security solution similar to yours.
2. Look for a Partner in Business Security Services
As an individual business owner, you have specific needs and wants for the safety of your commercial building or office space. Rather than settling for a security provider treating you like everyone else, opt for a security partner who works with you personally. Talk with the security company and discover how the security team will work with you personally. Find a service provider willing to go the extra mile to make sure you have the perfect security monitoring plan in place meeting your needs now and in the future. Don’t just ask questions about alarm monitoring services, but listen to the questions the security company asks you. If the security company is truly interested in putting your security needs first, the security team will be anxious to ask you about your building or office space, what you want from a security system, and how they can best provide for you.
3. Choose a Professional Commercial Security Company with a Wide Range of Solutions
Security system implementation can mean a lot more than just putting in an alarm system. Your customized security solution may incorporate access control, video surveillance, fire panel monitoring, elevator monitoring, digital interactive services and more. Working with a commercial security company that has a broad base of technical specialization ensures that your protection solution is tailored to be the most effective for your organization. Even if you require a basic security system or single monitoring system to start out, your organization’s needs may change over time. Working with a security monitoring company that can support your business growth and evolving security needs ensures a smoother operational transition and proper facility protection in the future.
4. Know About the Electronic Alarm System and Remote Monitoring
Find out how your electronic security system will be monitored and which security personnel will be watching your business property. Ask questions about where the central monitoring station is located and what you can expect if your security alarm goes off. Some providers offer business and commercial intrusion detection systems that allow you to keep an eye on your business facilities through the use of a computer or mobile smartphone. Find out if the security provider is employing up-to-date monitoring technology and discover if the security company is truly passionate about using new methods of protection. The security company should constantly be growing and changing as security providers learn about new security technology that will best keep customers protected. Good service providers also make sure that security personnel are well-trained and can help you with any technical questions or system problems that may arise.
5. Proper Security Licensing and Legal Paperwork are a Must
Before partnering with a security service provider, do some research and make sure the security company is appropriately licensed and recognized as a reputable security company. A good rating with the BBB, ULC Listing, affiliation with CANASA and online customer reviews are a few indicators you can look for. Partnering with a security provider who is not appropriately licensed and certified can cause quite a mess! Also, remember that the security provider you choose will have access to your business facility and all of your important corporate information; ask careful questions about how security employees are chosen and what kind of background checks are run before security personnel are hired. The last thing you want to do is jeopardize your business’ physical security by handing your personal business information over to an untrustworthy worker.
6. Understand the Total System Cost
Before agreeing to any security system, make sure that you understand the total installation cost. Ask questions about what the monitoring system will cost, how much the system will be to keep running every month, what sort of start-up installation fees are involved, and if a service contract is required. A good security provider will be able to give you a total cost estimate that you can keep for your records and will be happy to explain all of the expenses involved with the monitoring system. When a provider isn’t upfront about all costs and service fees, this lack of transparency is a red flag – they’re not a company you should partner with.
7. Ask about ongoing Technical Service & Customer Support
Before installing any security hardware or monitoring system, make sure you understand the equipment warranty and ongoing maintenance service options. No matter how good the electronic alarm system might be, there is always the possibility of a technical defect with electronic equipment. Find out which support team you will contact for technical questions that may arise or maintenance service that may be required. When a service technician visit is required, ask what kind of response time you can expect and what the service costs will be.
Now that you know the seven most important things to look for in a commercial security provider, it’s time to find the right provider and start protecting your commercial building or business facility. Contact us to see how we can help.