Business security should be high on the list of your finance company as you not only have staff to protect but also, equipment which may hold sensitive computerised files.
Not only does good security measures act as a theft deterrent, but they can also help identify any health and safety incidents or simply control who has access to certain areas. It is also important to note that should the unthinkable happen, you have done all you can to either prevent the occurrence or be able to provide images should they be needed.
A good security system should:
Notify you of an unauthorised entry – Record evidence of unsolicited activities – Allow quick access to when and where incidents have happened – Restrict access to unauthorised persons
Your security needs will depend on various factors such as assets and site size so please get in touch for a free site security audit.
Discover more about your Business Security options
CCTV Systems for your Finance Company
Finance Companies naturally have a lot of data to protect which is usually held on computers and servers (and possibly on physical files.) You need to ensure that you have a means of detecting any potential damage to that property and if damage is done, identify the culprit. CCTV can help with that.
Likewise, you’ll have staff that need protecting and CCTV can help with that, too because with the right features, CCTV can identify incidents as they are happening and send notifications to security staff.
IP CCTV cameras are the new business standard for CCTV. They convert video footage and images into data, which is then transmitted to either a central PC held within the office or to any location of your choosing. You can then use the appropriate software to view the footage.
A good IP CCTV system will enable you to check your site via an app, notify you of any authorised entry, and enable you to search a specific area for an incident very quickly.
Camera recommendations for your Finance Company
There are three main types of cameras:
- Fisheye Cameras eliminate blind spots with their 180-degree and 360-degree surround view (with the right placement.) They can detect events across an entire area, focus and record those events whilst maintaining a wider visual.
- Dome Cameras are harder to spot and tend to be ideal for more covert viewing. Dome Cameras can rotate 360-degrees and tend to be best for internal environments. They also tend to be known as “Vandal-proof,” because of their durable casing, they can withstand quite vigorous of activities compared to their fisheye and bullet counterparts.
- Bullet cameras tend to be the better option for outside monitoring especially with their longer-range capabilities.
Based on an average finance company’s business size, we recommend Dome Cameras for internal use as these will cover all sizes of areas and Bullet cameras to monitor the exterior of the building and any entrances to the site any designated car parks. There are a wide-range of useful features for your CCTV system. These are the most popular features for finance companies:
- Panoramic view (no blind spots)
- Tamper detection
- Weather protection
- Night-vision
- Intrusion detection
- Auto-tracking
- Infra-red
- Line crossing (if someone intrudes on a boundary such as a fence)
- Object removal detection
- Facial detection
- Self-learning video analytics
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Does your Finance company need an Intruder Alarm?
A finance company may not have stock to protect but you will still have assets such as equipment that will need protecting. Imagine if you went into work and found all of your computers and servers gone. What impact would that cause to your finance company?
When you start analysing the cost and impact, it’s well worth putting in an Intruder detection system.
Our recommendation for your Finance Company
There are three main types of intruder alarms; Bells Only, Dialler and Smart.
- Bells Only will activate the alarm when triggered and it will make a lot of noise but not notify anyone. The idea is that you are relying on the sound being enough to deter the opportunist from going any further.
- Dialler alarm when activated will automatically call a pre-specified phone number.
- Smart intruder alarm is similar to the Dialler alarm except it will contact you via your app.
For your finance company, we recommend a minimum of the Dialler alarm so that you are informed quickly of any unauthorised attempts and can put measures in place. We also recommend that you ensure your intruder alarm has the following features:
- Motion detectors – detect movement within the area it can monitor
- Shock sensors – for any attempts at entry via windows
- Alarm – which alerts through sound and lights
- Panic buttons – if you are within the building and notice a break-in you can act on it
- App – ideal for key holders who want to keep an eye on the business when not there.
Access Control suited for your Finance Company
Finance companies have equipment, staff and property that need to be protected. You need to reduce the possibility of an opportunist stealing or causing malicious damage by making it as difficult as possible for unauthorised people to gain access.
Best types of Access Control for your Finance Company
Pin Code
A device is attached to an entry point which is programmed with a PIN code. Authorised staff members will be given the code, which will allow them entry to that protected space. A device could be programmed so each individual has their own PIN code rather than a universal code.
It’s more cost-effective than the pass or fob but it does rely on people’s memory. Additionally, someone with a PIN can easily share their code with another.
Access Pass or Fob
Similar to the PIN Code access control, except the device associated with it is programmed to accept a pass or fob. It allows quick access but can be programmed so it still restricts access to certain locations for different individuals however the physical pass can be standardised across the whole business so that everyone looks the same.
A couple of flaws of the access pass are that they are used continuously so they can be subject to wear and tear and they can be cloned, lost, stolen or shared.
Intercom
Before a visitor can be granted access to the building, you can use the video intercom to identify them and check they have an appointment before they are permitted access. Intercoms are usually fitted on key entrance points and managed by your reception desk.
Which Fire Alarm is best for your Finance company?
Fire alarm regulations state that all business premises must have ‘an appropriate fire detection system’. Essentially, you need a detection system in place that allows everyone to be warned so they can quickly and safely exit the building.
Most finance companies tend to be office based so whilst you are unlikely to store high-risk substances, your business may still be large enough that by law, you require a fire alarm.
What type of Fire Alarm does your Finance company need?
UK Fire Alarm regulations don’t specify the exact type of fire alarm you should have, it should just be ‘appropriate’ for your business. With that in mind, there are three main types of fire alarms that are used in businesses; Conventional, Addressable and Wireless.
If your finance company is small, then a Conventional Fire Alarm is the best option. Conventional Fire Alarms works on zones, so it divides your business area into different areas. When a fire happens, the fire alarm panel will show you the zone but not the exact location.Conventional Fire Alarms are entry-level fire alarms and tend to be the cheapest system available.
If your finance company is large, or in a large office block, you’ll need an Addressable Fire Alarm. The Addressable Fire Alarm tells you exactly where the fire is, whether there is smoke, heat or even if there is a fault. Each device has its own unique electronic address which then displays on the fire alarm panel.
These Fire Alarms can be integrated to activate a selection of fire safety features such as shutting down equipment or deactivating elevators. They are more complex fire alarm systems so are therefore, on the more expensive side of fire alarm systems.
You should only need a Wireless Fire Alarm if you don’t want a lot of cabling used because of the historic nature of the building or if it is in a place where there its multiple businesses such as a business park.
Security Barriers for your Finance Company
Secure your finance company as much as possible to make it difficult for opportunists to access as much of your site as possible, putting every obstacle in their way so they deem it too risky to attempt a break-in.
Protect your site with the right security gate or barrier.
Ideal Security Gates and Barriers for Finance Companies
Turnstiles
Turnstiles help to control the flow of visitors and automatically permitting entrance to authorised visitors as long as they have the relevant fob, pass or mobile to gain access. Turnstiles stop people “tailgating” behind others as they only let one person in at a time, through which stops any unauthorised entry.
Turnstiles are usually found in larger finance companies, particularly when you have many coming in to start shifts at the same time.
Drop Arm Barrier
A drop arm barrier is typically found at entrances to private or large sites and particularly at entrances to the car park.
The barrier arm is down until access is granted by either a guard onsite or via an integrated access control system, then it is automatically raised.
Palisade Fencing
Palisade fencing protects the boundaries of your site, regardless of whether it is a regular shape or not. It acts naturally as a deterrent because of the height, lack of footholds to climb and the points at the top. Palisade fencing is easy to maintain and extremely durable; long life span and can be protected from rusting.
Integrate your palisade fencing with your intruder alarm and line beam technology to make your site extra secure.