Security camera systems are a vital part of owning a business today. They are intricate for the contemporary business and the customers who visit them.
Business security needs often vary from one company to another. Therefore, organizations looking to set up security camera systems must understand each business's needs and how to adequately meet them.
As a business owner, the most important thing on your list other than running your business effectively and smoothly is its security and safety.
Having the proactive and necessary theft deterrents lets you focus easily on your business operations, knowing that your business is protected and safe from threats such as burglary, vandalism, and more.
While you can't always prevent these crimes, you can set up a business security camera and access control system to protect your business and help authorities identify criminals.
Finding the perfect business security camera system for your company will require many questions and hours of research, not the least of which will determine the overall price.
But how much will it actually cost to purchase and install a business security camera system in your company? It depends on many factors.
What Components Impact The Cost of a Commercial Security Camera System?
Since there are several aspects to a business security system, it's critical to understand how each of these aspects can affect prices. Essentially, a business security system will consist of four primary costs depending on the following components:
- Hardware
- Installation and activation
- Monitoring
- Cost of repairs
All these components influence the security camera system cost to varying degrees. They depend on other factors peculiar to the secured business, such as the nature, size, and number of clients or visitors the company receives daily.
Let's explore these security camera components in more detail and consider how they influence the overall cost of business security cameras.
1. Hardware
Hardware is the most expensive component in the equation, accounting for nearly 60% of the total cost. General labor accounts for roughly 30% of the price margin, while security additions and other parts account for only 10%.
Business security systems consist of different hardware, including any physical part of your security camera system. These include sensors, monitors, alarms, bolts, nuts, sprinkler systems, video surveillance, access control systems, and many others, depending on the security system used.
Hardware systems can either be integrated into one or used in isolation. The total cost of hardware can vary depending on the security system.
Some of the main hardware components of a business security camera system include:
Intrusion detection hardware: Intruder detection hardware is a practical necessity and a preemptive measure in every business security system. It typically includes motion detectors, sensors, alarm keypads, security fences, control panels, and reinforced intruder-sensitive doors and windows. This helps to identify breaches and warn the business of any intrusion into the physical property.
Since every business has varying needs, the cost varies depending on the components of the security camera system. Every business manager or owner must strategically plan and assess risks to determine what best suits them. The total price will depend on the size of the security system you need for your commercial property.
Surveillance systems: Security surveillance systems consist of CCTV and video surveillance, which are common in the commercial setting. They allow a company to monitor the work area and gather evidence in the event of a crime. This not only helps to reduce crime incidence but also protects staff and clients. Furthermore, surveillance systems can also help with an insurance claim or a liability issue.
The price of a surveillance system depends on the company's size, the number of security cameras needed to protect the property, and whether the cameras will be used to monitor the business indoors and outdoors. The average cost will be based on your security needs.
Access control system: An access control security system helps to electronically secure doors to the company that can only be accessed by individuals with access cards, codes, keypads, and even facial recognition cameras. It is a smart lock functionality of the security system paired with monitoring capabilities.
An access control hardware is typically connected to an existing network, or a different network is established for this purpose.
Businesses use access control hardware to manage and monitor access to certain areas on the property, giving individual-based access authority at the exterior entrance and internally within the premises.
2. Installation
Security cameras will almost always require installation fees, and the cost of installing business security cameras often depends on the provider you work with.
Think about the value of proper installation when it comes to getting it from an experienced installation team. Analyzing your mount with the right height, angle, bracket, and mounting method helps ensure the maximum viewing area is captured.
While there's no fixed installation cost, it is crucial to consider the type of security camera system that will be installed and its complexity and scope. This will allow you to evaluate the installation fee's price.
When it comes to security camera system installation, two primary factors play a significant role in influencing the cost:
- Business size: The size of the business facility will significantly impact installation costs. Small retail businesses may get by with just one or two security cameras. At the same time, a larger enterprise with over 100 employees working with sensitive and private client data may require substantially more cameras than that.
- Installation fee discounts: Security companies sometimes give labor and installation fee discounts or do not charge any fee, especially if a new business agrees to a long-term security monitoring contract.
3. Business Monitoring
Business Security MonitoringBusiness monitoring is an integral part of a business security system. It allows an external security team to be notified when your business security system is triggered.
Your security system is effective with a professional monitoring center evaluating situations or footage during a security threat. Hence, security monitoring delivers an additional line of defense since a monitoring team can take the necessary action to respond to business security threats.
- The business size and the devices being monitored: The number of cameras and sensors monitored against burglary, fire, alarm, etc., will influence your monthly bottom line.
- The type of monitoring (traditional landline vs. cellular system): You may choose between standard landline or cellular security monitoring for your business. Cellular monitoring is becoming more popular, while landline monitoring has a lower monthly cost but gives criminals an easy way to shut down the security system. It comes down to individual preferences.
Knowing that security professionals are monitoring your business 24/7 helps you focus on other parts of the company and its operations while keeping it safe from all security threats.
4. Maintenance and Repair Costs
Maintaining your business security cameras will return your initial investment by working effectively without disruptions. Annual maintenance servicing helps keep your security camera system working as it should. This will require a fee for each maintenance visit.
Your security camera system can also malfunction for various reasons, such as power surges, bad weather conditions, or general wear and tear. Regardless of the issue, you must hire a professional engineer to resolve it quickly.
Other Factors to Consider
- New vs. existing building: The age of a building affects the installation cost, as it's more challenging to install a security camera system in an older building without pulling things apart. Most newer buildings are much easier to adapt since they are constructed to accommodate security system schematics. At most, only minimal changes are needed.
- The building size: Larger business spaces have higher commercial security camera system costs because they need more hardware and labor. On the other hand, smaller buildings require less hardware and installation labor when setting up business security systems.
- Outdoor vs. indoor: Exterior security camera systems must be modeled to resist damages related to extreme weather, temperature, and intentional vandalism. Where indoor security is concerned, these might not be included. These added considerations may influence the overall cost.
Choosing a Business Security Camera System
Once you've learned everything about the cost of commercial security camera systems, it's time to choose the best fit for your business.
Here are some questions that would help you make a decision:
- What are your business security needs, and what do you plan to achieve from a security camera system?
- Do you want to monitor what's going in or out of the premises?
- What is your overall budget?
If you still can't choose a security camera system that would work best for your business size and type, don't worry; we’re here to help.
As stated, the average security camera system cost is greatly based on components and individual circumstances, especially in particular industries. Office spaces, health facilities, hotels, bars, and other companies that work with a large volume of daily clients should expect to conduct extensive research and evaluate their business needs before deciding to buy.
The best thing to do is consult with a security company like AIS to discuss their services and their cost. Ultimately, you decide how much you want to spend on your security system. You have control over what services and products you wish to purchase and any additional fees you'll be willing to pay.
At AIS, we offer timely information and products that allow you to protect your business. You deserve peace of mind for protecting your commercial property from outside threats and breaches. Contact us today to learn more about business security cameras.
