How to Have Fool-Proof Security for Commercial Properties

Commercial properties are usually larger in space and might have more security concerns compared to residential properties as they contain more valuable things on the premises. This would hence also add to the risk and concerns on the security and as a result, commercial properties might employ a security guard company to guard the premises 24/7.

Security companies usually do it with guard tours, i.e, one or more guards periodically roam around the property, covering all the crucial areas and making sure that there is no suspicious person or activity. They are also assigned with additional duties of maintaining some machinery, such as checking temperatures and maintaining optimal conditions for proper working and storage.

But the problem here is that security guards might miss out on unusual activity during their tours or patrols as they have a large space to cover and this might leave security loopholes. It can be in the form of an industrial hazard, a burglary, a robbery, or theft of important information.

In this article, we will tell you how to make the security of your commercial property fool-proof, using only two security systems.

1. Guard Tour System:

A guard tour system is a monitoring system that ensures that the security guards are vigilant on their patrol and are performing their duty effectively. It ensures that guards cover up their assigned route, check all the crucial areas and stay at the required spots.

They can also generate a report of the tours and provide essential information in case of a bad incident that can help with the investigation.

How does it Work?

A guard tour system uses two components, one is a toll that the guard carries and the other are checkpoints established at various crucial points that they are bound to check. There are three types of guard tour systems that are at work.

Types:

1. Analog:

In the analog guard tour system also known as the Watchman’s Clock System, the tool that the guards have is a clock that consists of an analog paper dial and the checkpoints have a key that is shaped like a skeleton.

Every time a guard goes on a tour, he reaches the checkpoint and uses the key to wind his clock, which records the reading of the time and place on the paper.

At the end of the tour, the guard submits it to the in-charge who can review if the guard did his duty right. The paper shows essential information regarding the tour but does not contain other details required for an investigation. Similarly, the paper needs to be changed every day and does not generate automatic reports.

Electronic Guard Tour System:

In this system, the tool is a wand which is an electronic device, lighter than the clock, and can be used for electronic readings with an electronic device installed at the checkpoints. The electronic readings can be in the form of a memory button, bar code, or magnetic strip.

This system works better than a watchman’s clock. The wand can be in different shapes as per the manufacturer but usually, they are in the form of small sticks.

They are also capable of recording essential and detailed information for investigations and can generate automatic reports.

Integrated Guard Tour System:

This guard tour system eliminates the need of carrying an additional object for the readings. Instead, it uses security access passes to record the route and time of a guard tour.

The checkpoints use card readers that can read the cards of the security guards, record time and other details, and then generate an electronic report that can read directly at the station.

The system does is with the help of additional features in the system software that reads all the cards differently and only takes the reading from security guards’ cards as well as allows them to use them for access. The system does not do it for any other cards.

2. Intercom System for Office:

A guard tour ensures the effective and efficient tour of security guards but it does not control the entry points when the guards are not on a patrol. Similarly, mostly one guard covers one route and remains disconnected from his partners while he is patrolling.

To cover up for these two flaws, you need to couple your guard tour system with an intercom system for the office that serves as a medium of communication between your guards and also provides extra security when they are not on patrol.

How does it Work:

An intercom system has two basic parts. The first one is called a base station that is the central place where the guards sit and the rest are substations that are installed all over the premises to cover entry points.

It works with the help of a wire or radio signal and can provide audio as well as video transmission.

Using this system, your guards can keep a check on visitors’ entry and provide access to only those they identify. Moreover, on a patrol, if a guard notices some suspicious activity, he can use the nearest intercom substation to contact the base station and call for backup.

Similarly, the base station can also coordinate with the guards to keep a check on them that everything is alright and also pass on instructions if they think something suspicious is happening somewhere.

Added Benefit:

Apart from security purposes, an intercom system for office has several other benefits. It can be used for interdepartmental coordination.

The substations can be established in all the departments or the departments that require coordination. Similarly, it can be controlled with a base station in the manager’s or administrator’s office who can keep a check on the activities, and monitor the performance and efficiency of various departments.

Similarly, they can configure it for one-way or two-way communication where the boss can pass on instructions to the employees but the employees cannot reply.

It can also be used for authorized entries in the department and to control the visitors. The guards can also use it to directly ask the employee in the department if they have a visitor from outside the office and only grant access on approval.

Read Also : How To Have Fool-proof Privacy & Security For Residential Properties