Choosing the Best Burglar Alarms for Your Workplace
Securing your workplace is an investment that can help to protect your business assets, sensitive data and employees. But choosing the best burglar alarm system can feel like an overwhelming task – there are just so many options out there today!
There are lots of different factors if you want to make an informed decision and find the burglar alarm that fits you. In the following post, we will outline the most important things to consider when searching for the best burglar alarms to protect your workplace.
Balancing your budget
The first factor to consider is your budget. Commercial burglar alarm systems can range from basic setups to advanced systems that include integrated security features such as motion detectors, video surveillance capabilities, and even remote monitoring. By assessing your financial limits, you can quickly narrow down your options.
While it might be tempting to go for the cheapest option, a quality system can save you money in the long run by providing more comprehensive protection and minimising the risk of theft or damage to your property. Consider your budget and try to find an alarm that offers the features you want for an appropriate price.
Workplace dimensions
The size and layout of your workplace are other important factors to consider, as they will impact the best burglar alarms for your needs. Small offices only require basic alarms with door and window sensors, while larger facilities may require more extensive solutions – especially if you have multiple entry points or CCTV.
For businesses spread across many locations, you may need an advanced system that offers zone-specific monitoring. Remember, your system should cover all entry points and vulnerable areas. Blind spots are the danger here, so you want to minimise these as much as you can.
Common types of burglar alarms
As we mentioned above, there are so many different types of burglar alarms these days. This variety exists because each has been designed to suit different security needs. Understanding the pros and cons of each can help you to pick one that is tailored to the specific needs of your business.
Wired systems
These are often considered to be the most traditional type of burglar alarm. They don’t rely on wireless connectivity, making them ideal for long-term use without any complications. However, they can be expensive and difficult to install, especially in large or complex buildings where you need multiple alarms to cover more space.
Wireless systems
You’ll find wireless alarms are generally easier to install and much more flexible. Some can even be expanded with additional sensors. They usually operate on radio signals and are a good option for businesses that don’t want invasive, extensive installations. You should know that these systems can be vulnerable to signal interference.
Monitored systems
Monitored systems are connected to a professional monitoring service, which will notify authorities if you have a break-in. This acts as an extra level of security and peace of mind, but they often come with monthly fees or additional subscriptions which can be expensive over time.
Key features
The best burglar alarms come with many different features designed to suit the needs of commercial properties. Here are some useful features to consider:
- Motion sensors: These will detect movement in specific areas, triggering alarms when any unexpected activity is detected.
- Door and window sensors: Sensors detect when doors, windows, or other entry points are opened by force, triggering an alarm.
- Environmental sensors: These can help to detect additional hazards found in the environment, such as smoke, flooding or fire.
- Remote access: You’ll find that many modern systems will offer remote access, usually through a smartphone app. This is very helpful if you manage multiple locations and need to grant access to different employees and different times.
- CCTV Integration: One of the strongest forms of protection is to integrate your alarm system with CCTV. This allows you to visually confirm that a break-in has occurred, reducing the risk of false alarms and helping authorities investigate and respond to incidents quickly.
Ease of use
Complex burglar alarms can be difficult to use and maintain over time. Because of this, a complex system that requires extensive training might not be the right choice for you. Aim to select a system that is simple to use, with clear instructions and user-friendly controls.
You should also consider how much maintenance is required. Some systems might need regular battery changes, software updates, or even professional servicing to reliably protect your business.
This is where a trusted team like Incognito Systems can provide additional value. We’ll make sure you understand every facet of your burglar alarm and be on hand to help with any issues. Our team also provides ongoing maintenance packages, so you’re never left unprotected.
Warranties and customer support
Another factor to consider is how much support you will be given with a burglar alarm. Customer support is vital for more extensive, complex systems, as things can go wrong and you may need to contact somebody. This goes hand-in-hand with warranty. A fair, strong warranty offers peace of mind if there are any equipment failures or malfunctions with your system.
Get the best burglar alarms for your business
If you’re looking for the best burglar alarm for your commercial site, Incognito Systems can help. We provide a personal service for commercial burglar alarms, starting with a face-to-face consultation where we can discuss your requirements and look at your site properly.
Following this, we can talk through your options and any specific requirements or preferences you have. This allows us to hand-pick a burglar alarm that fits your needs and budget.
From there, we’ll handle the installation with a professional, experienced team to get things done quickly and efficiently to the highest standards. You then have the option of an ongoing maintenance package to ensure your burglar alarm stays at its best.
Sound good? Contact us today and get a transparent quote or more information.