Security - Alen Security

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

Written by SysAdmin on September 6, 2024. 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.

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.

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

Written by SysAdmin on July 12, 2024. 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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Case Study: Access Control for Your Office Complex

Written by Andrew DeNardo on September 6, 2017. Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Posts, Security.

The Challenge: Replace an Aging Access Control System and Connect Four Office Buildings

The Solution: Linear Emerge Access Control and Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges

A commercial property manager needed to replace an aging access control system and various electronic locks that were not operational. The system worked some days and not others leaving tenants feeling unsafe. They also experienced intermittent outages with their ancient intercom system, if it was working at all.

Enter Alen Security. After receiving a call from this property manager, we visited the site for a walk-thru of the four office buildings. We performed a full evaluation of the existing access control system and its condition. We also consulted with the client about what they were looking to accomplish. The client wanted a property with a modernized system and access control readers for each buildings’ main entrance. They also wanted to replace any electronic locks that were not working properly. The customer was also looking to place the entry doors on a scheduled timer so that they would remain open during business hours. They then wanted the doors locked during the evening and weekend hours, requiring a valid access control card for entry.

Through our evaluation and consultation with the customer we devised a new system that would accomplish their goals. The system included the installation of Linear eMerge Access Control panels in each building. We also used Securitron Power Supplies and HID Thinline II Proximity Access Card Readers. Adams Rite 7410 Electric Strikes were used to replace existing malfunctioning electronic locks. Doors can now open and close on a pre-determined schedule with the installation of a timer relay in each panel. For the finishing touch, we added Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges to each building and networked the buildings to each other. Subsequently, the facilities manager can now control each of the buildings access control systems from one location. Thereby, eliminating the need to travel to an affected building while working off of a laptop plugged into the panel in cramped spaces.

The Result: A happy customer with even happier tenants. This property now has a modernized Access Control system with doors that open and close when they are supposed to. They also have locks that are fully functional. The client can also maintain the system from one location, making for a more efficient operation and improved productivity!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the office complex need a new access control system?

Its aging access control system, electronic locks, and intercom worked inconsistently. These failures left tenants feeling unsafe and made the property difficult to manage reliably.

Can office entrance doors follow an automatic schedule?

Yes. Timer relays allow the doors to remain unlocked during normal business hours and lock automatically during evenings and weekends, when a valid access card is required.

How were the four office buildings connected?

Ubiquiti Wireless Bridges were installed to network the buildings together, allowing their access control systems to communicate across the property.

Can all four buildings be managed from one location?

Yes. The facilities manager can control each building’s access control system centrally instead of traveling between buildings and connecting a laptop directly to individual panels.

What improvements did the new access control system provide?

The property gained reliable electronic locks, scheduled door operation, proximity card readers at the main entrances, and centralized management that improved security and operational efficiency.

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Remote Video Monitoring Never Sleeps on the Job

Written by Andrew DeNardo on June 14, 2017. Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: On-site Guards Were Failing to Secure a Commercial Rental Property

The Solution: Remote Video Monitoring protects 24/7/365

A commercial rental property owner became increasingly frustrated to learn their security guards were sleeping on the job. This was unacceptable and could lead to the possibility of a security breech. Consequently, something had to be done. In response, Alen Security was hired to install an IP video surveillance system. The system he chose would provide remote video monitoring and protect his entire facility of high-tech computer components. We installed twenty (20) Avigilon 2-Megapixel (MP) Indoor Dome cameras with integrated IR and self-learning video analytics. These analytic cameras ‘learn’ and ‘remember’ the daily sequence of activities while alerting the owner of any trespassing. This is accomplished with alarms that trigger notifications to their smartphones and tablets and the central station video monitoring center. Viewing and recording is done in 1080p video while the Integrated IR allows the cameras to function in total darkness.

The event-based remote video monitoring center, staffed by security professionals, schedules virtual guard tours and responds immediately to any alarms, notifying both law enforcement and the property owner, so there is always someone watching over their equipment, personnel and data.

The Result: The best news of all was that this new multi-faceted security system, including the video monitoring, cost almost one third of the amount they were paying per year for a single guard over three shifts, a savings of $75,000 per year per guard!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the property owner replace on-site security guards?

The owner discovered that the guards responsible for protecting the commercial rental property were sleeping while on duty, leaving valuable computer equipment vulnerable.

What equipment was included in the remote monitoring system?

The system included 20 Avigilon 2-megapixel indoor dome cameras with integrated infrared technology and self-learning video analytics.

Can the surveillance cameras operate in complete darkness?

Yes. Integrated infrared technology allows the cameras to record and monitor activity even when the facility is completely dark.

What happens when the system detects possible trespassing?

Triggered alarms send notifications to the owner’s smartphone or tablet and the central monitoring station. Security professionals can respond immediately and notify law enforcement and the property owner.

How did remote video monitoring affect the property’s security costs?

According to the case study, the complete system cost almost one-third of what the property had been paying annually for one guard across three shifts, producing savings of approximately $75,000 per guard each year.

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Remote Video Monitoring of All Your Security Cameras’ Across All Platforms Made Easy

Written by Andrew DeNardo on May 3, 2017. Posted in Blog, Creative, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: Video Monitoring for all of your Video surveillance feeds without being tethered to a single desk or location.

The Solution: Avigilon Control Center (ACC6) Video Management Software with Remote Access capabilities.

Imagine a scenario with the same high-quality Video surveillance coverage you want and seeing it from wherever you are. ACC6 does that for you. So, whether you are in your boss’s office, at a wedding or just at home, ACC6 puts video monitoring at your fingertips.

The feature-rich Avigilon ACC6 Video Management software makes it easy to access your video anywhere or anytime on any device. You can be on your laptop, tablet or smartphone. As a result, you can decipher between serious incidents or a false alarm from anywhere. You can also check in on employees to see if productivity is where it needs to be.

The ACC Mobile app, for both iOS & Android, offers superior preventative protection from the convenience of your mobile device. This combined with Avigilon’s HD adaptive video analytics technology gives you all that you need. Consequently, the latest version of ACC Mobile offers intelligent, accurate and effective real-time video monitoring of your people, property and assets. All this from the convenience and flexibility of your mobile devices.

You can quickly view and respond to alarms, effectively stopping security incidents before they escalate.

So, gone are the days of being tethered to a single screen in a single location for video monitoring. Our state-of-the-art systems allow you to monitor security video feeds across all platforms including desktop computers, laptops, tablets and smartphones.

The Result: Avigilon ACC6 and ACC Mobile Video Management Software is the answer to your video remote access needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problem does remote video monitoring solve?

Remote monitoring allows users to view security-camera feeds without being tied to a particular desk, screen, or physical location.

What devices can be used to monitor security cameras remotely?

Avigilon ACC6 supports remote viewing from desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones.

Is remote video monitoring available on both iOS and Android?

Yes. The ACC Mobile application is available for both iOS and Android mobile devices.

Can users respond to security alarms while away from the facility?

Yes. Users can view camera footage and respond to alarms remotely, helping them distinguish between false alarms and serious incidents before a situation escalates.

Can remote video monitoring help evaluate employee productivity?

Yes. Authorized users can review camera feeds from another location to monitor workplace activity and determine whether productivity is meeting expectations.

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Video Analytics and Access Control Restricts Access to YOUR Company’s Data and Servers

Written by Andrew DeNardo on April 5, 2017. Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Posts, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Challenge: Protecting valuable and sensitive data

The Solution: Video Analytics and Access Control to monitor and restrict access combined with remote video monitoring 24/7/365

A prominent financial institution contacted us to protect a floor full of equipment and infrastructure vital to the organizations functioning. This included their Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) systems, servers, network connections, transfer switches and generator. The client wanted to restrict access with an access control system while still allowing entry for approved personnel.

Alen Security designed a solution that provided them with continuous video analytics for video review and two-factor authentication access control to restrict access. We installed access card readers with keypads requiring both an access card and a special code for entry. Remote video monitoring is also used, so people could also be granted access, remotely, as required. Security professionals approve Personnel access in real time or in advance, as needed.

The video feed from the cameras with video analytics is pushed to monitors either in another part of the building or off-premises. Trained security professionals then view the live or recorded video footage either looking for anomalies or responding to alarms. Authorized users are also able to view the video remotely via their smartphones and/or tablets.

The Result: A more secure area of their facility allowing access to only those on an approved list.

Contact us today at 877-215-2536 (ALEN) or via email at [email protected] to learn more about the state-of- the-art systems that we can customize to YOUR Company’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What equipment was the financial institution trying to protect?

The institution needed to secure a floor containing critical equipment, including servers, network connections, UPS systems, transfer switches, and a generator.

How does two-factor authentication control access to the secured area?

Personnel must present an approved access card and enter a special code. Requiring both credentials provides stronger protection than using an access card alone.

Can personnel be granted access remotely?

Yes. Security professionals can approve access remotely in real time or authorize personnel in advance when needed.

How are video analytics used to monitor the protected area?

Camera feeds are sent to monitors elsewhere in the building or at an off-site location. Trained security professionals can review live or recorded footage for unusual activity and respond to alarms.

Can authorized users view the cameras from mobile devices?

Yes. Authorized users can remotely view the video through smartphones or tablets, providing visibility into the secured area while away from the facility.

Security Case Study: Access Control for Vehicle Dealership with Corporate, Sales, Service and Retail Departments

Written by Andrew DeNardo on March 8, 2017. Posted in Access Control, Blog, Design, Locksmith, Posts, Security, Uncategorized.

The Challenge: A local vehicle dealership and supply company needed access control to secure their brand-new multi-department facility.

The Solution: Access Card Readers with Multi-Level Access Control protocols and a Video Intercom System.

A large vehicle dealership and supply company wanted to secure their multi-department facility. The need was to restrict the flow of traffic throughout their building.

Their building housed their corporate offices as well as sales, service and some retail space. With all of this traffic and activity they needed to control “who went where”. This was a key to restricting the flow of traffic throughout their facility. Our solution was a Physical Access Control System.

We used a multi-pronged Access Control approach including access card readers, keypads, electric locks and a video intercom system. First, they needed to solve for the fact that they receive parts deliveries in the middle of the night. This necessitated a system to avoid having to staff 24/7. To accomplish this, we installed access card readers with keypads and issued them codes. We further integrated their Access Control System with their security system to allow for after-hours deliveries.

Thirdly, we secured their inventory of trucks with electric gates and a video intercom, access cards and a keypad.

Finally, they did not want their retail clients walking into their corporate offices upstairs. So, we installed access card readers to prevent walk-in customers from gaining access to their corporate offices.

The Result: Consequently, they have a more secure facility with access to specific areas restricted to authorized personnel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the vehicle dealership need an access control system?

The dealership’s new facility contained corporate offices, sales, service, and retail departments. Access control was needed to manage traffic and prevent people from entering areas where they were not authorized.

What access control equipment was installed?

The facility received a combination of access card readers, keypads, electric locks, electric gates, and a video intercom system.

How could the dealership accept deliveries after business hours?

Delivery personnel received access credentials and keypad codes. Integrating the access control and security systems allowed approved overnight deliveries without requiring the dealership to remain staffed around the clock.

How was the dealership’s truck inventory protected?

Electric gates, access cards, a keypad, and a video intercom were used to restrict access to the area containing the truck inventory.

How were customers prevented from entering the corporate offices?

Access card readers were installed between the public retail space and the upstairs corporate offices. Only authorized personnel could enter the restricted office area.

Security Video Surveillance Case Study: Updating Outdated Security Systems

Written by Andrew DeNardo on February 8, 2017. Posted in Blog, Design, Digital, Security, Video Monitoring.

The Challenge: Multiple, low resolution, outdated analog video surveillance systems, in multiple locations

The Solution: Integrate new IP components with their existing analog system for updated security and functionality

This client, a large Pharmaceutical manufacturing company in Northern NJ had totally outgrown their old security system. They had multiple systems from multiple vendors. They were recording on multiple DVRs. All of this this was providing them with low resolution data, which was being monitored from multiple locations! This was NOT effective cost wise, nor from a security standpoint.

We devised a solution which allowed them to integrate new IP components with their existing analog system. This meant that they did not have to pull out everything and install an entirely new video surveillance system. This resulted in some state-of-the-art functionality, allowing them to transition as their budget allows, to an entirely up-graded system.

The solution was an IP Video Surveillance System with Analog Encoders and a new 21 TB Network Video Recorder (NVR). The encoders convert their analog data and the new NVR consolidates their data into a single, more streamlined system. This also allows them to monitor the system remotely. Avigilon software was also installed to enable remote access. This way they no longer need to be in a specific location or in front of a specific monitor to access their information

In addition, exterior cameras were strategically placed to monitor walking paths. These cameras provided additional public safety. We also installed new IP cameras in their Clean Rooms. These new cameras allowed the staff to monitor the workflow process in these rooms without disturbing them, which helps maintain safety as well as helping to ensure regulatory compliance.

The Result: This single video surveillance system provides them easy access to, and quick searches of, their data. Also, new Ultra HD 8K 30MP HD Pro Cameras link to 4K Monitors which allow prospective clients to see into and view demonstrations in the Clean Rooms without interrupting the process, giving them an added benefit they never had before.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the pharmaceutical company need to update its surveillance system?

The company had outgrown its low-resolution analog systems. Multiple vendors, DVRs, and monitoring locations made its surveillance difficult to manage, less secure, and inefficient from a cost standpoint.

Did the company have to replace its entire analog surveillance system?

No. New IP components were integrated with the existing analog equipment, allowing the company to upgrade gradually as its budget permitted.

How were the analog cameras incorporated into the new system?

Analog encoders converted the existing camera data so it could be consolidated within a new IP surveillance system and stored on a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

Could employees monitor the upgraded system remotely?

Yes. Avigilon software provided remote access, allowing authorized users to view surveillance information without being at a specific monitoring station.

How did the new cameras support clean-room operations?

IP cameras allowed staff to monitor workflows without entering or disturbing the clean rooms, supporting safety and regulatory compliance. Ultra-high-definition cameras and 4K monitors also allowed prospective clients to view demonstrations without interrupting operations.

Security Case Study: New Video Surveillance System Reduces Guard Costs

Written by Andrew DeNardo on January 4, 2017. Posted in Blog, Design, Monitoring Solutions, Security, Video Analytics, Video Monitoring.

Video Surveillance System Upgrade

The Challenge: The customer had an old analog video surveillance system and on-site guards which were ineffective and expensive to maintain.

The Solution: An Avigillon IP Video Surveillance System Solution with IP Cameras and a Network Video Recorder. Therefore, providing them with improved security at a lower cost.

A multi-location trucking supply company was using an outdated analog video surveillance system to protect their site and equipment. They were also employing on-site guards to watch their premises.

Hence, they contacted us to upgrade their overall system. So, we installed an IP Video Surveillance System from Avigilon. The system included twelve (12) 3 Megapixel IP H3A Bullet HD cameras for the exterior and eight (8) 3-Megapixel H3A IP Day/Night HD Indoor Dome cameras for the interior. We also installed a 21TB Network Video Recorder (NVR) to record all of the action.

The new video surveillance system provided improved image quality, better monitoring of employee activity and better secured their grounds. This also gave them the ability to remotely access the data. So, to augment the new security system, we were able to add Video Analytics and Video Monitoring. With this ability, we instituted ‘rules’ and ‘triggers’ related to access and certain timeframes. This now allowed them to create alarms to alert them of any incidents. Interestingly, the first thing that they discovered with this new monitoring system was that their guards were not as actively engaged as they needed to be. Therefore, with the new system being monitored at a remote central location, they were able to eliminate their on-site guards. This allowed them to greatly reduce their costs.

The Result: A much MORE secure site and at a LOWER cost, saving the customer $75,000 per year per guard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the trucking supply company replace its surveillance system?

The company’s outdated analog cameras and on-site guards were expensive to maintain and did not provide the level of security needed to protect its locations and equipment.

What equipment was included in the new surveillance system?

The company received 12 exterior bullet cameras, eight interior day-and-night dome cameras, and a 21-terabyte network video recorder.

What improvements did the IP cameras provide?

The new cameras delivered clearer images, better coverage of the property, improved monitoring of employee activity, and remote access to surveillance footage.

How did video analytics improve the company’s security?

Video analytics allowed the company to establish rules and triggers for specific access events and timeframes. The system could then generate alarms when potentially suspicious activity occurred.

How much did the company save by using remote video monitoring?

Remote monitoring allowed the company to eliminate its on-site guards while improving security. According to the case study, this saved approximately $75,000 per guard each year.