Your business should be kept secure from the inside out. You do your best to monitor employees, customers, and anyone else who walks through your doors. In fact, small businesses spend an average of $3,000 on security. But, how do you know if that’s enough?
There are an average of 2.5 million burglaries every year. You may think of a hardened criminal breaking through glass and lockboxes to get what they want. However, employee theft costs US businesses $1.13 million a year in 2016. And after the pandemic, those numbers continue to rise.
So, you may have the latest IT security software and team to take care of your presence online. However, you still need to ensure you’re doing everything to protect your business physically.
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8 Physical Security Measures Your Business Should Take Immediately
Use the following tips to keep your business monitored and protected.
- Have 24/7 Garage & Parking Monitoring
Aside from monitoring the entry points of your business, you should also keep track of your parking lots or garages. One of the best ways to stop criminals before they can get to the door is by having high-security parking that requires a key fob, dial code, or ID swiping station. Then, cameras should be positioned to see anyone coming in or out. Another step you can take is hiring full or part-time security around your building to perform regular surveillance.
- Maintain Digital Locks Or Pin Pads
Similar to parking access, entry points and any rooms with valuables should require a pin or other code of some kind. It would be extremely helpful to assign codes to employees or leave it up to them to create their own personal ones. You don’t need to keep track of their codes yourself, and they can be responsible for renewing them as necessary. Remember to deactivate their ID as soon as they no longer work for you. You can assign temporary codes for guests, but ask them to use the main entrance to ensure that you keep out unwanted visitors.
- Make All-Access Entrances ID Only
In large and small buildings, one way to add security is by giving all employees an ID card that offers access to the building and other areas.
All professional IDs should have:
- A clear picture of the person
- Their full name
- Job title
- Official company logo or design
Photo IDs with smart key access makes it easy to glance at their face and swipe using a digital reader. Your security team will know right away if someone’s photo doesn’t match their ID. Be certain to set employees up with a photo refresh once or twice a year to keep their appearance updated.
- Benefit From Alarms With Bright Lights
Have bright lights throughout your business, especially near exits. In addition to following fire safety codes, this method is critical if the electricity in your building goes out. If anyone attempts to break it, your system should create a combination of loud noises and bright lights to cause the thief to panic and flee.
Bonus tip: Bright lights at entryways are equally as important in ensuring that you have a solid fire safety plan in case tragedy strikes.
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- Implement Motion Sensor Actions
Place motion sensor-related devices in areas where you frequently find items that go missing. This can mean video surveillance, a camera to take photos, lights that turn on when someone is nearby, etc. If you’re in retail, this may mean setting up a system near a hidden part of the store. You can also enhance the customer experience by providing motion sensor lighting in potentially dangerous places like garages and parking lots.
You should set motion sensors in high-traffic areas like:
- Supply closets
- Inventory rooms
- Cash registers
- Outside private offices
- Hallways
- Exits & entrances
- Reception
- Warehouses
You certainly shouldn’t need to monitor your employees 24/7. But having the evidence to back up any theft claims is necessary to make sure you aren’t taken advantage of.
- Monitor With Video Capabilities
Video surveillance with recording capabilities makes all the difference these days in identifying theft or other wrongdoings. Long gone are the days of relying on grainy, unfocused footage to find a resolution to your security issues. Modern cameras can pick up footage that’s similar in quality or better than the latest smartphone. In some cases, you may even be able to read license plates and see faces clearly, even in dim lighting. Invest in a quality camera system and feel confident that your business is being overseen.
- Ensure Safe & Effective Entry Points
Each entry point to your business should be safeguarded. This is especially true if you own one or more facilities in healthcare, education, child care, finances, and other industries that operate using extremely sensitive information. The last thing you want to worry about is missing files or paperwork containing social security numbers, bank information, addresses, and so on. Customers should feel safe while doing business with you, so it’s your responsibility to take care of them the best way you can.
- Have A Dedicated Check-in System
Have you ever suspected someone snuck into your workplace building?
If you’ve ever had this feeling before, you know how important it is to see that everyone who enters either has a job to do there or is there for another specific reason. Providing employees with ID cards or key FOBs takes care of that at the forefront. However, visitors should be encouraged to visit the front desk or lobby and check in with someone of authority.
Other tools you can use:
- Digital appointment books
- Printed sign-in sheets
- Computer system sign-in
- Designated & monitored waiting area
Even very small businesses can implement a mandatory check-in for guests. This could include speaking with someone on staff about meetings, deliveries, surprise visits, and more. Then, you should have them sign in with a timestamp and reason for their visit to record their intentions. It only takes a few extra minutes and can save your security or office employees a headache later when attempting to recall who walked in while you were working.
Commit To Added Safety For Your Business In Every Form
Don’t skimp on physically protecting your employees, revenue, or yourself. Without adequate protection, you’re exposed to anyone being able to walk into your storefront or office, hustle employees, rob you of your assets, and so much more.
American Sentinel Fire & Security is your trusted source for strong security solutions.