Office Security On The Go With The New VendorFind App

March 8th, 2012

Having access to high quality, low cost service providers can help move any business forward. Our new app gives you a simple and cost-effective way to connect with the best business services for your needs.

The VendorFind app features all of InsideUp’s 20 business service provider categories, including VoIP, call center, payroll, human resources, business internet,  web development,  credit card processing, collection agencies,  business cash advance and many more.

Are you looking for corporate security services?  VendorFind will let you tap into InsideUp’s comprehensive knowledge base to learn about office security services before you make your decision and choose a vendor.

You’ll also have access to tools such as informative videos, wikis, vendor ratings and “Quick Guide” overviews of each category including office security. Easily link to our Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn pages for additional information and special deals from select vendors.

Once you’ve found the service you need, simply submit a quick survey to be instantly matched with vendors that fit your criteria–and receive custom, competitive quotes from multiple providers. Have additional questions about business services? Simply click on our phone number displayed on the app to speak to a representative.

Finding qualified service providers has never been easier! Say you’re meeting your business partner to discuss your new office security campaign. Simply access the office security category on your mobile phone to start receiving quotes from pre-screened office security agencies. You could realistically save up to 60% on office security services for your next campaign. And that’s just one example; with VendorFind at your fingertips, you can be sure you never pay too much for the business services you need.

The VendorFind app is a real time-saver for businesses that don’t want to advertise for a service provider and then face the ordeal of researching each provider to find the one that best matches their needs and budget.

Download the free VendorFind app today and see how easy it is to connect with the business services that will help your company grow.

 

Office Security and Alarm Service: Taking It to One Step Higher

January 26th, 2012

Anyone who wishes to employ an office security system normally goes for motion sensors, door/window contacts and sirens, as these are the most commonly used surveillance equipment. However if you are not content with basic security configurations, there are several things that you can do to beef up your office security system.

Advanced Alarm Systems

 There are a few things that you can use to strengthen your business alarm system. Consider having an alarm service that employs a back-up system. Today, you can find many alarm systems that provide 24-hour backup in case the phone line fails. Radio or GSM (cell phone) is usually used to inform the central monitoring station that the phone line is no longer in operation. But what would you do in the case of a power shutdown? The alarm system is something that you can’t afford to have fail, even for a single second, especially if your company uses a VoIP protocol for communication. A battery backed-up alarm system service is the answer to the problem.

Some office security services also offer a two-way monitoring system which can help make the alarm system service more efficient. This allows the central monitoring station to communicate with the office and help manage the mishap. The system uses the security keypad as an intercom system for two-way communication.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems are another useful modification that you can do to your office security system. Ever hear of a proximity card? You might have seen people flashing a card against a sensor device. That’s a proximity card. The card only allows authorized entry and the system is usually deployed at the entrances. You can embed proximity cards with photo IDs of your employees to allow them access into the office.

Smartcards are gradually becoming popular in access control systems. Employing the latest technology, these cards are capable of storing a high amount of information. Detailed employee records can be stored in and managed using smartcards, which can allow it to be used for additional functions, such as maintaining employee account balances etc. Being a relatively new technology, smartcard-based access control systems are costly.

Video Surveillance

Advanced office security systems often employ cameras to monitor the daily routine in and around the office. Once you have decided for a video surveillance system, you’ll need to choose between the Charged Couple Device (CCD) camera and the Digital Signal Processing (DSP) camera. The latter is a more powerful kind that generates a high definition video, which can be used for detailed monitoring. CCD cameras are analog devices that provide comparatively lower video quality, but are, however, more economic solutions.

Other factors that may be given consideration before making the buying decision include:

  • Size of the camera
  • Black and white or color
  • Types of lenses used
  • Advanced features such as tilt, pan or zoom etc.

Main Components of an Office Security Alarm System

October 5th, 2011

Control Panels – Power for the entire business security system is located in the control panel, which is connected to all the other alarm components.

The control panel is usually installed in a concealed location, either in the roof or the server closet, to prevent the possibility of the office security system being disabled by an intruder.

Security keypads – Installed near the main entrance, the security keypad will and allow employees to enter and exit the office. A digital readout on the pad will state whether the system is activated.

Some office security system keypads are equipped to allow two-way communication so someone stationed at the central monitoring station can speak directly through this device to someone on the outside. This enables security personnel or other authorized persons to verify the authorization of someone who has triggered the alarm.

Extra keypads for your office alarm system can be installed at secondary locations if you choose. The cost for each additional keypad is approximately $100.

Motion Detectors – When an intruder enters the area, the motion detector, also known as a passive infrared (PIR) detector, will sense the changes in infrared energy levels and trigger the alarm.

Door and Window Contacts – These are magnetic devices placed alongside window frames and door jambs to trip the alarm system when a window or door is opened.

Glass-Break Sensors – Sensitive devices that will trigger the office alarm when they sense the acoustic shock waves caused by breaking glass.

Sirens – Extremely loud horns, often accompanied by strobe lights, can be affixed to the interior and exterior of your building to draw immediate attention to any intrusion.

How to Select a Commercial Alarm System Vendor

September 26th, 2011

When you’re ready to purchase a monitored commercial alarm system, speak with a few different dealers before you have your system installed. This will give you an idea of the types of alarm systems each vendor provides as well as how the systems are priced.

A reputable commercial company will send a representative to meet with you at your location to conduct a risk assessment of your facilities. They should discuss your security challenges with you and offer recommendations regarding security solutions that will best suit your needs.

Your next step will be to obtain written quotes from at least three different companies. Make sure each quote includes setup and monthly monitoring fees, equipment costs and warranties. Even if the first company you speak to offers you a competitive price on your ideal alarm system, take the time to meet with two or three more vendors. Each offer may include a different mix of security and pricing for you to consider.

Next you will want to obtain references from each vendor. Reputable companies should be able to supply you with a list of satisfied clients who have given permission to be contacted. These clients can answer your questions regarding the quality of service they received from their security system provider. Be ready to ask questions such as:

  • Was the vendor’s contract clearly written, with all pricing details disclosed?
  • Did they install the equipment within a reasonable time frame?
  • Was a customer service representative available to resolve any issues?
  • Did the dealer provide adequate training for you and your employees?
  • Does the company allow visits to central monitoring station?
  • Have you had an intrusion, and if so, did the central station dispatch authorities promptly?
  • Does the dealer work with central monitoring stations who comply with guidelines established by watchdog organizations such as Underwriters Laboratories?
  • Will the alarm company notify you before they sell your contract to a different central station?

Verify any dealer you’re considering with outside organizations such as the Attorney General’s office, the Better Business Bureau and the National Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (NBFAA). These organizations can provide you with additional information on the quality of a vendor’s service and tell you whether the company has all required licenses in place.

Office Security & Alarm Services-How the Monitoring Station Works

September 26th, 2011

To make an informed purchasing decision it’s vital that you understand the role of the central monitoring station. This is the part of your security system that actually does the work of protecting your establishment.

The business security system’s control panel, which is connected to the phone lines, will be programmed with information regarding your business location and other important details. When an intrusion is detected and the alarm system is tripped, the control panel will relay all the relevant information to the central monitoring station. Within ten seconds, the central station will contact your office, either by phone or, if you have dual-communication monitoring, by speaking directly through the security keypad intercom.

If security personnel reach a live person they will confirm this person’s authorization by asking for their pass-code. If they receive no answer, or an incorrect pass-code is given, the central station will immediately alert the authorities. They will then contact a designated key-holder, someone within the company who will determine whether a break-in has occurred.

Internally managed central stations are required to alert authorities within forty-five seconds whenever the alarm goes off. They are also required to have a reliable backup power source in place. This can be either a second station or a backup generator with ten to fifteen days of reserve power.

Your company’s central monitoring station may be located outside your state, but this should not pose a problem. However, you will want to find out how the station operates and how they will be monitoring your alarm system.

Most monitored burglar alarm systems provide the option of having 24-hour backup that commences whenever your phone lines are down. A cellular or radio system will transmit a signal to the central monitoring station when a phone line is dropped.

In the event that all electrical power is lost, a backup battery will activate to keep your alarm in service. If your organization relies on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) phone service, having a backup system is vital. Since VoIP technology is governed by different standards than traditional phone systems, most alarm systems will require a backup system to transmit the monitored signal via VoIP. 

Quick Guide to Office Security & Alarm Services

August 30th, 2011

Every year, theft and vandalism costs businesses billions of dollars in terms of lost merchandise and costly business equipment.

Such crimes also take a toll on businesses because of the resulting lost data and personal information their customers have entrusted them with.

Business alarm systems offer more than just a way to protect against intruders. Many businesses also sustain a significant amount of loss due to theft by their own employees.

Fortunately, many such incidents can be prevented through the use of monitored commercial alarm systems. A monitored burglar alarm system will ensure the safety of your company and its employees by helping to deter burglars and eliminate employee theft.

Monitored alarm systems detect unauthorized entry through a series of monitoring devices. When an intruder is detected, the alarm system transmits a signal to a central monitoring station.

These nation-wide centers provide year-round, twenty-four hour service and will immediately notify local police so they can dispatch officers to the scene when needed. Most alarm systems are very straightforward and user-friendly.

Once you find a good vendor and determine what type of security system will work best for your establishment, you should be able to have the system of your choice installed and operating within one or two business days.