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How Partnering with a Commercial Security Company Can Keep Your Facility Protected

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Commercial Security Systems.

If you are the owner of a commercial facility, distribution center, manufacturing center, a warehouse or a small office you know how important it is to have the assistance of a commercial security company. Partnering with the right company can help you avoid risks, mitigate issues, and keep your facility and team protected both on-and-off-hours.

Alen Security is here to show how partnering with a commercial security company can keep your facility protected.

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Guidance Through Expertise & Experience

Commercial security companies have the necessary experience and knowledge to help you understand the latest security threats, intrusion methods, and common ways theft can occur. They can tailor your security measures to fit the needs of your facility to ensure that you are well-protected.

Security System Recommendations & Installation

There are several security systems that you will want to have installed within your facility to make sure that you are keeping a close eye on occurrences, as well as systems in place to prevent entry. These systems include:

• IP Video Surveillance: IP Video cameras can be installed throughout your facility to capture daily events, as well as keep monitoring well after closing time. The footage can be saved locally or via a cloud-based service, both allowing for remote monitoring with the ability to view the footage anytime from anywhere with internet access.

• Access Control Systems: A terrific way to keep sensitive areas secure is through Access Control. These systems help keep certain areas of your facility secure and provide detailed audit reporting. You can use cards, fobs or even a mobile credential on your smartphone to allow users with the necessary credentials to access these areas, while other team members will be kept out.

• Security Alarms: In the event of a break-in, you will want peace of mind and an alarm to sound to notify a central station or even anyone on-site , as well as the nearby authorities.

• Commercial Fire Alarm Systems: Whether it is arson or electrical, it is a devastating experience to your facility, resulting in damage, harm, and potentially loss of life. Staying ahead with the right system can help you save lives and mitigate damage.

Assessing Risk & Customizing Solutions

Experienced commercial security professionals can conduct a thorough walkthrough of your facility to identify access points and security weaknesses. Using the information that they gather during this stage, they will be able to tailor security solutions to your specific needs.

Ongoing Maintenance, Support, & Training

A commercial security company is not a simple one-time hire. It is a partnership that is there for you long after the installation of your security systems. Should a system go down, or you need help figuring out one of the features, or you have new hires that need to know how to operate the security systems, the right commercial security partner will be there for guidance and support.

Start Your Partnership with a Commercial Security Company Today

If you are currently trying to figure out the current security needs of your facility, partnering with a commercial security company like Alen Security can be a step in the right direction. We can tailor your security needs to ensure that no entry or exit is in the blind, the right areas are protected by access control, and the alarm systems are in place to notify you and your team of anything that may be amiss.

Contact Alen Security today!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why should a facility work with a commercial security company?

A commercial security company can help facility owners understand current threats, intrusion methods, and common forms of theft. It can then recommend security measures based on the facility’s specific risks and layout.

What happens during a commercial security assessment?

Security professionals walk through the facility to identify vulnerable access points, blind spots, and other weaknesses. They use those findings to recommend system types and placements that fit the property.

What security systems might a commercial facility need?

Depending on the facility, recommendations may include IP video surveillance, access control, security alarms, and commercial fire alarm systems. Each system addresses a different part of protecting employees, property, and sensitive areas.

Can commercial surveillance systems be monitored remotely?

Yes. IP surveillance footage can be stored locally or through a cloud service and viewed remotely from any location with internet access.

Does a commercial security company provide support after installation?

The relationship continues after installation through system maintenance, technical support, and employee training. Support may be needed when equipment goes down, employees need help with a feature, or new team members must learn how to operate the systems.

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The Top Security Threats to Your Facility (And How to Prevent Them)

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Access Control, Commercial Security Systems, Monitoring Solutions, Security.

Whether you’re a business owner or facility manager, it’s important to consider the security needs of your facility. There are several factors that pose a threat to your business, staff, and inventory. Luckily, partnering with a commercial security company like Alen Security can help thwart these issues and ensure the safety and security of your facility.

Here’s a look at the top security threats to your facility and how you can prevent them:

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Break-Ins & Theft

Theft is the biggest threat facing any business. It could be theft of inventory, equipment, documents, and even the personal belongings of your staff. Locks and security alarms are vital for your facility. They can help prevent unwanted entries, but should your locks be bypassed, the alarms are there to notify your team and emergency responders of an unlawful entry and video surveillance systems can work as both a preventative and forensic tool.

Employee Theft

Not all theft occurs from outsiders. According to Ernst & Young, U.S. companies lose about 20% of every dollar to workplace fraud and theft. It’s hard to spot theft from within, aside from missing or unaccounted for inventory. Access Control Systems can help you keep certain areas closed off to top personnel, which will record entries into these areas.

Having a reliable monitoring system in place, like IP Video Surveillance, can help you spot employee theft so you can have a record for termination and consulting law enforcement. Not only can you monitor your facility remotely and use cloud storage to keep more footage, but the mere presence of these cameras can help employees think twice about theft and even promote productivity.

Vandalism

There are various degrees of vandalism, all of which can harm your business. Whether it’s broken windows, graffiti, or trash strewn about, you’ll want to try and prevent these juvenile practices. A strong preventative is having both monitoring and alarm systems, to give a chance for the would-be perpetrators to reconsider and leave your facility unaffected.

Accidents & Disputes

Depending on your business, accidents aren’t always avoidable, and they can be a detrimental occurrence to your facility. Having monitoring systems in place can help you capture video footage of the incident so you can get a clear determination of how and why it occurred. The footage can be used to establish a record to be used in any legal situations resulting from the incident. Access Control systems with audit trails can also let you know who was onsite at the time of an incident.

Fires

Fires can be a destructive threat to your facility and staff. It’s important to have a reliable fire alarm system in place that can detect the onset of smoke so you can evacuate the building. Our Commercial Fire Alarm systems can provide an ample warning while detecting where the smoke was first detected so incoming first responders can be notified of where the alarms were triggered to help mitigate the spread of the fire.

Stay Ahead of These Threats by Partnering with a Commercial Security Company

All of these potential threats can pose considerable risks to your facility but having these systems in place can help you reduce the severity of these risks. Let our team at Alen Security help you manage the security needs of your facility so you can avoid the common threats.

Contact us today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How can a facility protect itself against break-ins and theft?

Secure locks help prevent unwanted entry, while alarm systems notify employees and emergency responders if those locks are bypassed. Video surveillance can also discourage intruders and provide evidence after an incident.

How can security systems help prevent employee theft?

Access control can restrict inventory and other sensitive areas to approved personnel while recording each entry. IP video surveillance provides a visual record and may discourage employees from attempting theft.

What can businesses do to discourage vandalism?

Visible surveillance cameras and alarm systems can make potential vandals reconsider targeting the property. Recorded footage can also help document broken windows, graffiti, property damage, or other vandalism.

How can security footage help after an accident or workplace dispute?

Video footage provides a record of how and why an incident occurred. Access control audit trails can also show who was present at the facility when the incident happened.

How do commercial fire alarms protect a facility?

Commercial fire alarms detect smoke and provide time to evacuate the building. They can also identify where the alarm was triggered, helping incoming responders locate the affected area and limit the fire’s spread.

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A Complete Guide to Addressing Your Facility’s Commercial Security Needs

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Access Control, Commercial Security Systems, Monitoring Solutions, Security.

No matter your industry, the need for commercial security systems and processes is important. Whether you have inventory to protect, sensitive areas to keep closed off, or alarm systems to notify your team of a break-in, having these systems and protocols in place can make a huge difference in your overall security measures.

At Alen Security, we’re here to give you your complete guide to addressing your facility’s commercial security needs.

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Have a Security Audit & Walkthrough

The first step towards establishing a security plan is to conduct a thorough audit and walkthrough of your facility. You’ll want to look for any weak areas of your facility that could pose a risk for intruders or a blind spot for internal/external theft with your current security measures.

Entryways are crucial for monitoring, so you’ll want to find the best positions for monitoring systems that give you a full view of what’s going on. At this point, you’ll also want to consider clearance levels for your teams to the sensitive areas of your facility.

Review the Necessary Equipment

After conducting a thorough walkthrough of your facility, and establishing the weak points and entryways, you’ll want to review your options for security cameras. IP Video Surveillance systems feature remote video monitoring capabilities, meaning that you don’t even have to be on-site to review the footage.

These systems can store footage locally, or you can use a cloud-based system, which would allow you to store footage off-site and not have to maintain the equipment on-site allowing for a lower total cost of ownership.

Installing the Security Systems

Having a professional security company install your systems is the best way to ensure that the process is done correctly and that the systems are effective. While monitoring systems are crucial, so are locks and alarms, to be there to prevent intrusions, or to alert in the event of a bypassed door.

You’ll also want to install an Access Control System for the sensitive areas within your facility. These systems can be remotely unlocked through a mobile app, and access can easily be granted or revoked for any of your team members while proving you with thorough audit reporting.

Lastly, you’ll want to have a reliable Commercial Fire Alarm System in place to help you keep your staff safe and your facility protected. These systems can detail where smoke was detected for incoming first responders so they can fight the fire at its source.

Partnering with a Commercial Security Company

Finding a commercial security company to partner with is the best way to enhance your security measures for your facility. Alen Security has years of experience with handling the security needs of commercial and industrial businesses. We can conduct a walkthrough to develop a plant for implementation of security systems and a protocol to follow to ensure that your facility remains safe and guarded.

When you’re ready to take the next step to elevate your facility’s security needs, Alen Security is here to help you. Contact us to get started!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in creating a commercial security plan?

Begin with a security audit and walkthrough. This process identifies vulnerable areas, poorly monitored entryways, surveillance blind spots, and sensitive spaces that require restricted access.

Should surveillance footage be stored locally or in the cloud?

IP surveillance systems can use either option. Local storage keeps footage at the facility, while cloud storage keeps it off-site, supports remote viewing, and removes the need to maintain onsite storage equipment.

Why should a professional install commercial security systems?

Professional installation helps ensure that cameras, locks, alarms, and other equipment are positioned and configured correctly. Proper placement is necessary for effective monitoring and intrusion detection.

What can an access control system do?

Access control systems protect sensitive areas by allowing managers to grant or revoke employee access. The article also explains that doors can be unlocked remotely through a mobile application and that the system provides detailed audit reports.

How does a commercial fire alarm help emergency responders?

The fire alarm can identify where smoke was detected. Responders can use that location information to find the source of the fire and focus their efforts when they arrive.

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The 5 Benefits of Having IP Video Surveillance in Your Facility

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Commercial Security Systems, Video Monitoring.

No matter what business your facility conducts, keeping an eye on things is paramount to ensuring that operations are running smoothly, and that no unlawful activity is being conducted. IP video surveillance offers a range of benefits that simply go beyond their monitoring abilities.

At Alen Security, we’re here to list the top five benefits of having IP Video Surveillance in your facility!

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IP Video Surveillance: Monitor from Anywhere

Our IP Video Surveillance systems offer you the ability to remotely monitor your cameras wherever you are (with internet access, of course).  The video can be viewed on your smartphone, tablet or computer.  We can also install always-on viewing stations in your office for viewing your cameras throughout the day or you can opt to just view on your desktop/laptop as you need to.

So, whether you’re working from home, taking the day off, or you’re on vacation, you can easily log in and monitor the goings-on of your facility without having to be on-site.

Easy to Integrate & Connect with Other Devices

Simplicity is important with operating your facility’s security systems. Luckily, IP Video Surveillance systems are easy to use and can integrate with your Access Control System allowing you to immediately see video clips from doors alarms or events without having to search through hours of video. You’re also able to view all of the video remotely, right on your smartphone, tablet or computer.

Clear & Effective Footage

The footage that you get from today’s IP Video Surveillance cameras is much clearer with advanced search functionality compared to traditional security cameras and monitoring systems from the past. A clearer image and improved functionality mean more details that the footage can provide, whether it’s better views of an identifying feature, or something that would’ve otherwise been missed in a grainier feed.

Improved Productivity with IP Video Surveillance

IP Video Surveillance cameras can be a great motivating tool for your team. Knowing that they’re being monitored not only ensures a lower risk of employee theft, it can also keep them busy focusing on their tasks and get them done in an efficient manner. The video can allow you to perhaps see opportunities where you can improve your processes and efficiencies.

Extensive Storage Allowing for Better Record Keeping

One main difference that sets IP Video Surveillance systems apart from most security camera systems is the ability to store more footage. The cloud-based storage system means not having to recycle tapes and lose out on important footage that may not yet be relevant to an investigation. With cloud storage, you’re able to reference older footage easily. The footage can also be stored on local systems, but using cloud storage, you’re able to keep footage for longer.

Install IP Video Surveillance in Your Facility Today

Now that you’ve learned the benefits of having IP Video Surveillance systems in your facility, you’re ready to determine if it’s the right step for you and your monitoring and security efforts.

When you decide that it’s time to install IP Video in your facility, you can look to us at Alen Security for assistance. We can conduct a walkthrough of your facility to determine key points for camera placement to ensure that the area is completely covered. We’re also here long after installation, should the camera systems need any maintenance or updates.

Contact us today to get started on enhancing your security and monitoring efforts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can IP video surveillance cameras be viewed remotely?

Yes. With an internet connection, authorized users can view their facility’s cameras from a smartphone, tablet, or computer—even while working from home or traveling.

Can IP video surveillance integrate with an access control system?

Yes. Integration allows users to quickly view video connected to door alarms and access events, eliminating the need to search through hours of footage manually.

Does IP video surveillance provide clearer footage?

IP cameras typically provide clearer images than traditional surveillance cameras. This can make it easier to identify people, objects, and important details during an investigation.

Can video surveillance help improve employee productivity?

Visible cameras may encourage employees to remain focused while also helping management identify inefficient processes, potential theft, and opportunities for operational improvement.

How is IP video surveillance footage stored?

Footage can be stored locally or in the cloud. Cloud storage can retain more video for longer periods and makes it easier to access older footage without recycling physical tapes.

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The Top Methods for Warehouse Loss Prevention & Security

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Commercial Security Systems, Warehouse Security.

Warehouses are essential components of the supply chain, and they store a vast amount of valuable goods and materials. As such, it’s crucial to ensure their safety and security to prevent losses due to theft, damage, or other risks. It’s vital to have warehouse security systems in place.

At Alen Security, we aim to meet the commercial security needs of warehouses by providing warehouse security systems and methods for ensuring total security and protection for their warehouse, inventory, and staff. Here are some top methods for warehouse loss prevention and security:

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Implement Access Control Systems:  

Limiting access to the warehouse can prevent unauthorized personnel from entering and stealing or damaging the goods. Access control measures like, Access Control Systems with Readers and Keypads with single or multi-layer authentication can help track who enters the facility and when. Access Control Systems allow you to put your doors on a schedule and provide Access levels for which personnel can access which doors. It also provides audit reporting to let you know who accessed which doors when.

Implement IP Video Surveillance Systems: 

Installing a warehouse IP Video Surveillance System can help deter theft and damage and improve productivity. A warehouse security camera system can also provide real-time monitoring of the warehouse and alert security personnel in case of a security breach. The footage from your warehouse security camera system can record locally or and use cloud-based storage—allowing you to save the footage and access it remotely.

Install Warehouse Security Alarm Systems: 

Installing warehouse security systems like a security alarm with motion detectors, door contacts, and glass break sensors can help provide peace of mind while deterring  theft and potential damage. The central station is always there to alert you and local law enforcement in case any alarms are triggered.

Train Employees in Security: 

Employees should be trained in safety and security procedures and should be made aware of the importance of maintaining a secure warehouse environment. They should be educated on how to identify suspicious activities, what to do in case of an emergency, and how to report security incidents.

Conduct Regular Inspections: 

Regular inspections of the warehouse can help identify potential security risks and prevent them from escalating into larger problems. These inspections should include checking for damaged or missing inventory, ensuring that all security measures are functioning correctly, and identifying any potential vulnerabilities in the facility. Alen Security also provides an annual inspection of your installed security equipment as part of our annual service contract plans.

Inventory Management Systems: 

Implementing inventory management systems can help track inventory and prevent losses due to misplacement or theft. These systems can provide real-time inventory data and help identify potential discrepancies in the stock levels.

Secure Loading Docks: 

Loading docks are a common area for theft and security breaches. Securing them with Armored Door Contacts, gates, fences, and warehouse security camera systems can help prevent unauthorized access and ensure that all goods are accounted for.

Implement Environmental Controls: 

Environmental controls like fire alarms and sprinkler systems can help prevent damage due to fire or water. These incidents can be spontaneous or be the result of human error. Having a contingency plan to extinguish the fire before it spreads is vital at ensuring that your warehouse inventory avoids damage and that your team is safe.

Partner with aCommercial Security Company 

Security is vital to loss prevention in a warehouse setting. Having the right systems in place can help you monitor and mitigate theft or damage. When you’re trying to have a plan to enact and potentially avoid lost or stolen inventory, having a commercial security company as a partner can make all the difference.

If you own or manage a warehouse or distribution center, and you feel that your security and loss prevention could be stronger, get in touch with us at Alen Security. We can lay out a plan to help ensure that your warehouse and inventory are protected and surveilled with the right warehouse security systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do access control systems help prevent warehouse losses?

Access control systems restrict entry to authorized personnel and can assign different access levels for specific doors. They also create audit reports showing who entered each area and when.

What security systems should a warehouse have?

A well-protected warehouse may use IP video surveillance, access control, motion detectors, door contacts, glass-break sensors, and monitored alarms. Together, these systems help deter theft, document incidents, and alert the appropriate people when a breach occurs.

Why should warehouse employees receive security training?

Employees need to recognize suspicious activity, follow established safety procedures, respond appropriately during emergencies, and know how to report potential security incidents.

How can warehouses protect their loading docks?

Loading docks can be secured with armored door contacts, gates, fences, and surveillance cameras. These measures help prevent unauthorized access and ensure incoming and outgoing goods are properly accounted for.

What role do regular inspections play in warehouse security?

Regular inspections can uncover damaged inventory, malfunctioning security equipment, and vulnerabilities before they develop into larger problems. They also help confirm that existing loss-prevention measures are working correctly.

Access Control Systems Add Security and Convenience to Growing Company

Written by SysAdmin on . Posted in Access Control, Commercial Security Systems.

The Challenge:  

A growing national marketing and software company, soon to be expanding globally, needed something different with their access control systems. Systems that were hands-off and could maximize their ROI with automatic updates and provide relative ease of use when adding new team members to the systems was very important to them. It was also vital to their day-to-day operations that they save time and expense and have the capability to access the system from any of their locations. 

They were also looking for the ability to use a credential on their Smartphone and a way to send a temporary credential via email in a moment’s notice.

The Solution:  

After learning of their concerns and wanting to assist in their growth, goals, and efficiency, we implemented cloud-based access control systems within their offices. These systems work based off a user-friendly app that team members can download on their smartphone—allowing for no-touch access.

The system is Bluetooth-capable and allows for remote short-notice credential access. It also works in tandem with their cloud-based video surveillance system—giving them a full spectrum of security across all locations.

They also maintained access to standard features like user roles, audit reporting and facility lockdown, among others, while also being able to remotely view their cameras at any of their locations.

The Result: The client realized immediate efficiencies and saw improvement with their mobile credentials and ease of access with their security systems. So much so, they’re looking to implement their cloud-based access control systems into their European expansion—providing remote access from across the Atlantic.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the growing company need a new access control system?

The company needed a system that could support its national and international growth while reducing the time and expense required to manage security across multiple locations.

How did cloud-based access control improve the company’s operations?

The cloud-based system provided automatic updates, simplified the process of adding new employees, and allowed authorized administrators to manage access remotely from any location.

Can employees use their smartphones as access credentials?

Yes. Employees can use a user-friendly smartphone app and Bluetooth connectivity for convenient, no-touch access to approved areas.

Can temporary access credentials be issued remotely?

Yes. Administrators can send temporary credentials by email on short notice, making it easier to provide controlled access to visitors or other approved individuals.

Does cloud-based access control integrate with video surveillance?

Yes. The company’s access control system works with its cloud-based video surveillance system, allowing administrators to manage access and remotely view cameras across all locations.