Blog

How To Choose the Best Business & Office Security System

February 9, 2024

Ensuring the safety and security of your business premises and assets is of utmost importance in today’s increasingly complex and threat-prone environment. However, choosing a security system for your office or business involves more than just purchasing technology. It requires a comprehensive process of identifying the protection you truly need.

Let’s explore how you can begin your organization’s business security system installation process.

Identify Your Security Needs

Your business needs a robust security strategy to ensure the safety of your organization’s assets and uninterrupted business continuity. The foundation of any effective security plan is a thorough understanding of your current vulnerabilities and requirements.

Once you have the necessary information, you can tailor your security system to meet your business’s specific challenges and demands.

Conduct a Thorough Security Assessment

Start by asking critical questions about your business and what you’re trying to protect. What is your primary concern? Do you need surveillance, monitoring, life safety alarms, or a combination of these? What kind of assets or information do you need to protect?

Identifying your needs helps you target the type of business and office security system most relevant to your business. For instance, a warehouse will have different security requirements to an office.

The following are some points to consider during your security assessment:

The size and layout of your premises
Potential entry points and vulnerabilities in your establishment
Valuables or sensitive information housed in your offices
The number of employees and visitors your office handles daily
Current security system capabilities

Evaluate Compliance Requirements

Depending on your business type and location, legal or regulatory standards may dictate specific security measures. Whether it’s data protection laws for IT firms or access controls for manufacturing plants, compliance is a crucial aspect of your security needs assessment.

Failing to meet these requirements can lead to severe penalties and increased risk of security breaches. For this reason, reviewing relevant legislation and industry standards is vital to ensure your security system meets all necessary compliance requirements.

Review Historical Incidents

An effective way to assess your security requirements is to examine previous security incidents that have impacted your business or similar organizations. By analyzing these incidents, you can identify vulnerabilities in your current security setup and learn from past mistakes to prevent future breaches.

Incidents like unauthorized access, data theft, or vandalism can provide valuable insights into the threats your security system needs to address. Using this knowledge, you can make informed decisions that enhance the resilience of your business against potential threats.

Explore Security System Options

Once you have a solid grasp of your security requirements, you can examine the different technologies available for security systems. To help you make an informed decision, consider the following essential components when choosing a security system:

Alarm Systems

Modern security alarm systems for business operations serve as the first line of defense, capable of distinguishing between routine activities and genuine threats, thus minimizing false alarms. They are designed to alert you and the monitoring service in an emergency, ensuring a quick response.

Access Control Systems

Access control systems are essential for managing who enters and exits your office and when. They can range from simple keypads to advanced biometric systems, allowing you to restrict access to sensitive areas and track every movement within your premises. Cloud-based access control systems offer remote management, enabling you to grant or revoke access permissions from anywhere.

Intrusion Alarms

Business alarm system installation notifies you against unauthorized entries using door/window sensors, motion detectors, and broken glass detectors. Customizing these systems to your business premises’ layout and the required sensitivity level is crucial for their effectiveness in detecting and alerting you to intrusions.

Surveillance Cameras

Video surveillance cameras act as a deterrent and aid in gathering evidence during an incident. The latest surveillance cameras come with high-definition recording, night vision, and even AI-powered analytics for unusual activity detection, providing comprehensive coverage of your premises.

Choose the Right Security System Provider

After identifying your security requirements, the next crucial step is knowing how to choose a security system provider that can effectively meet your needs. Here’s what to consider to ensure you make the best choice:

Reputation and Experience: A provider’s reputation in the market is a testament to their reliability and the quality of their services. Look for companies with a solid track record of delivering effective security solutions to businesses like yours.
Customization and Scalability: Your business is unique, and so are its security needs. The right provider should offer customizable security solutions tailored to your specific requirements and scaled to accommodate changes to ensure continuous protection.
Ongoing Support and Monitoring: Effective security does not end with installation. Opt for a provider that offers comprehensive ongoing support and monitoring services. This includes regular maintenance checks, software updates, and 24/7 monitoring for any security breaches.
Integration with Existing Systems: If your business already has some security or IT systems in place, selecting a provider who can integrate the new security solutions with your existing infrastructure is crucial. This ensures a seamless operation, reducing potential compatibility issues and maximizing the effectiveness of your overall security strategy.

Safeguard Your Business Assets With Advanced Security Solutions

As a business owner, it is crucial to recognize that security systems are not merely additional expenses but rather an indispensable investment in the continuity of your business operations. By implementing a comprehensive security strategy, you can ensure the protection of your business assets and employees by guarding against potential threats.

At Aeon Systems, we specialize in providing top-notch security solutions for businesses. We understand that each business has unique security requirements and budget constraints. This is why we offer customized business security system installation services tailored to meet your specific needs. Our experienced security professionals and technicians personally oversee the installation of your chosen security systems, ensuring that your business is protected against potential threats.

Contact Aeon Systems today to get started!

2024 Retail Security Trends: Enhancing Safety in Brick-and-Mortar Stores

December 11, 2023

As we hurdle towards 2024, the retail industry is continuously evolving, adapting to new technologies, and facing increasing security challenges. This shift is particularly crucial for brick-and-mortar retailers, who must strike a balance between providing a seamless shopping experience and implementing robust security measures. In this article, we explore the latest trends in retail security and the role of commercial security providers in enhancing safety in physical stores.

Transition from Home to Retail Security

In recent years, home security systems have seen significant advancements, from high-resolution surveillance cameras to smart locks and automated alarm systems. These innovations are now being adapted and expanded upon in retail environments, providing commercial security systems with a new level of sophistication and effectiveness. The transition from home to retail security involves scaling these technologies to meet the unique challenges faced by brick-and-mortar stores, such as high foot traffic, large-scale inventory management, and the need for customer-friendly security measures.

Advanced Video Surveillance

High on the list of security measures for retailers is advanced video surveillance. Modern surveillance systems incorporate high-resolution cameras that provide clear, detailed footage of your store. More importantly, these systems are increasingly enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI-powered surveillance can identify suspicious activity, track customer movements, and even analyze customer behavior to optimize store layouts and product placements. In essence, these systems serve a dual purpose: deterring theft and gathering valuable insights for business growth.

Effective Checkpoint Control

Checkpoint control systems are another crucial component of retail security. These systems prevent shoplifting and unauthorized access, ensuring that only paid-for merchandise leaves your store. Electronic article surveillance (EAS) systems and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology play a significant role in modern checkpoint control. EAS systems trigger an alarm when tagged items pass through detection antennas at store exits, while RFID tags enable real-time tracking of merchandise, contributing to efficient inventory management.

Comprehensive Alarm Monitoring

Alarm systems form the backbone of retail security. Sophisticated alarm monitoring services for business premises are designed to detect break-ins, theft, and unauthorized entry, alerting store personnel and local authorities in real time. Today’s alarm systems are interconnected with other security components, enabling quicker response times and comprehensive security coverage. For instance, a triggered EAS system can activate surveillance cameras to record the incident, providing valuable evidence for subsequent investigations.

Fire Alarm and Safety Systems

Fire detection and alarm systems are a non-negotiable aspect of retail security. These systems protect your assets, employees, and customers in the event of a fire, providing early warnings and triggering immediate emergency response. Modern fire alarm systems are often integrated with other security systems, ensuring a coordinated response to emergencies. For example, in the event of a fire, your security system can automatically unlock all doors, facilitating swift evacuation.

Interactive Security Solutions

Interactive security solutions represent the future of retail security. These systems allow for real-time monitoring and control of your security measures, often remotely via mobile devices. Alerts of potential security breaches can be sent directly to your phone, enabling quick decision-making and immediate action. From viewing live surveillance footage to remotely controlling locks and alarms, interactive security solutions put the power of security management in your hands, wherever you are.

Conclusion

As we move towards 2024, the advancement of retail security systems is clear. From high-tech surveillance and checkpoint control to comprehensive alarm systems and interactive solutions, retailers have a plethora of options to enhance the safety of their premises, products, and people. Staying updated with these technologies is not just a matter of protecting your assets; it’s about providing a secure, enjoyable shopping experience for your customers.

Home Security Trends To Follow in 2024

November 17, 2023

Technology progresses and evolves so rapidly that keeping up is sometimes challenging. But, there is comfort in knowing that technological advancements translate to improved home security systems.

Here’s a list of five home security trends we believe will take off and become more prevalent next year and beyond.

Five Security and Smart Home Trends for 2024

Enhanced Smart Home Integration

There is a growing preference for seamless physical security measures and solutions with a holistic approach. Smart home technologies are becoming more present in regular households, mainly because they are now more affordable and available to general consumers. And as homeowners become more tech-savvy, many gravitate towards the most advanced home security system – namely, security solutions that integrate with smart home devices.

We can expect a surge in voice-controlled home security trends. Given the popularity of Amazon’s Alexa, Apple’s Siri, and Google Assistant, many homeowners are now more comfortable using voice assistants to activate IoT-supported home security features, like locking multiple doors simultaneously, activating “away from home” protocols, and more.

2. Improved Physical Intrusion Detection (PID)

IoT technology provides the platform for new trends in security technology, specifically for physical intrusion detection in residential properties. For example, doors and gates with access control mechanisms (i.e., biometric locks and RFID or key card-access doors) will be integrated with other security measures like surveillance and motion sensors. Collectively, these technologies will work harmoniously to enhance PID protocols. If surveillance cameras and sensors detect people’s presence in places where they shouldn’t be, the system will automatically alert on-site security personnel or inform the homeowner’s security services provider.

3. Connected Home Security Systems

One of the smart home trends in 2024 that we can expect a higher demand for is Internet-connected home security and surveillance. Many households with young children have CCTV cameras with branded mobile apps through which parents can view real-time and recorded CCTV footage. Some CCTV home systems even include VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), allowing parents to “call” people at home and talk to them via an audio speaker connected to the surveillance cameras.

Connected home security systems are also helpful for homeowners who frequently travel. The ability to check inside and outside their houses, see how their pets and houseplants are doing, and whether people are loitering in their yard in their absence offers absent homeowners peace of mind.

Social media is also promoting new trends in security technology like one. Videos of exciting and funny interactions between homeowners and delivery personnel, toddlers and pets, etc., are often uploaded on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook and get thousands to millions of views. As more people appreciate the usefulness of connected home security systems, it is one of the home security trends that will continue in the next couple of years.

4. Environmental Monitoring

We can expect any house with the most advanced home security systems to include devices monitoring environmental conditions. The scope of physical security is expanding to include detecting environmental factors that could put residents’ health and safety at risk. We can expect home security systems to have sensors and electronic monitoring devices that track the real-time status of indoor air quality, indoor temperature, humidity, etc.

These features are similar to sensors that detect gas leaks and alert homeowners if carbon monoxide in the air exceeds safe levels. They aren’t new, but combining them with home security artificial intelligence creates a more holistic home security system. Residents will not only be safe against intruders but also environmental elements that could endanger their health.

5. More Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Integrations

Now that we’ve mentioned home security artificial intelligence, we have many expectations about the roles of AI and machine learning in smart home trends for 2024. Below are examples of home security features that these technologies are continuing to enhance:

Voice and facial recognition for access control systems – Hands-free devices are in high demand, and this feature has now been extended to home security solutions. Although many homes will continue to use security and locking mechanisms with keypads, there is a growing market for security systems that use voice or facial scans to open locks or disarm home security.
Behavioral analysis – AI-powered home security solutions have machine learning capabilities that can be taught to analyze residents’ behavioral patterns. The system will then alert homeowners if there are deviations or unusual activities inside the premises, like if the television is on for five hours during a school day when the house is ideally empty.
Predictive and preemptive alerts – Just as home security systems have been taught to analyze irregular human behavior, they are also given artificial intelligence to predict potentially dangerous situations and proactively prevent security threats. Environmental monitoring is one example of this feature.
hermal imaging for perimeter security and restricted area sensors – Reinforcements for physical security now include thermal imaging. It is a valuable feature in restricted areas and perimeter surveillance cameras that aren’t high-definition (HD CCTV cameras are often installed only in main entrances and exits with the highest foot traffic as it isn’t cost-effective to spend more for HD CCTV that points at an empty field all day).
High-definition video cameras – Every year, surveillance cameras are made better by integrating high-definition cameras that can capture video footage with incredible detail and clarity. We’ll see more affordable CCTV cameras that can record high-quality videos in daytime and nighttime, indoors and outdoors, and in bright or low-light environments.

Protect Your Home and Loved Ones through Reliable Home Security

Security systems are an investment that pays off every time you go to bed comfortably and peacefully, knowing that your family is protected from intruders. There’s so much we can’t control, but we can always exercise caution and take safety precautions as best we can by investing in robust home security solutions.

Aeon Systems, a trusted provider of residential security systems, can provide you with reliable, holistic home security solutions that suit your lifestyle and budget. We provide comprehensive services, from installation to alarm monitoring. Our seasoned security specialists and technicians will personally install your chosen security systems and make your home safe for your family. We offer round-the-clock customer service and support and 24/7 alarm monitoring at our fully-staffed monitoring station in Dallas-Fort Worth.

Learn more about the latest home security solutions, and find out what you can install in your home. Contact Aeon Systems today.

How AI Is Changing Commercial Security

September 11, 2023

Artificial intelligence, AI, has enjoyed widespread acceptance in the past decade, making a mark in physical security technology. Security devices that carry the label “AI-powered” appear more reliable, with business owners more inclined to trust products with AI functionality. What exactly is AI in security, specifically in commercial security?

This blog explores what makes up an AI commercial security system and how it enhances commercial and business security.

What Is an AI Security System?

The introduction of AI in security has made it easier for security personnel to carry out their duties in ensuring the safety of everyone within commercial establishments and business premises. AI is a branch of computer science that enables machines to behave or act as humans do. It gives machines a brain to “think” and perform cognitive functions – tasks that typically require human intelligence, like perceiving, reasoning, and learning.

AI is intrinsically connected to machine learning. This is another branch of computer science that collects data and gives machines and computers the ability to “learn” things without a technician having to program explicit commands telling them what to perform.

AI and machine learning operate synchronously, as AI tells a machine what to do, while machine learning enables it to learn and enhance its built-in commands the more it performs AI-operated tasks.

Consider how intelligent surveillance cameras work in an AI security system: artificial intelligence allows cameras to detect objects in live or recorded footage. It alerts the security system when it detects a threatening presence, like a person stepping into a restricted area, as opposed to an unthreatening object such as a bird flying close to the camera or a stray cat running across the turf. Machine learning enhances the AI’s ability to distinguish between these two, teaching the computer system and improving its ability to interpret data independently.

Key Features Of an AI Security System

What can be expected of AI-powered commercial security systems? These technologies are some of its key features. You’ll also find some examples of real-world AI commercial security applications.

Machine Learning – Machine learning improves an AI security system over time. Its extensive applications include enhancing access control and recognizing threats by identifying subjects in real-time or stored video footage. Machine learning is also used to protect Internet-based security systems that may be vulnerable to malware infections and hacking.

24/7 Surveillance – Since an artificial intelligence security system is machine-operated and needs little to zero human supervision, it can ensure consistent, high-level surveillance security. Modern CCTV cameras with AI and machine learning capabilities are a great example. They provide continuous, vigilant surveillance and don’t require human presence except for the occasional monitoring and routine checks of recorded footage.

Smart Functions – Security devices that turn on at a voice command or automatically as one enters the premises are examples of AI-powered smart features in a business security system. Other functions are auto-adjustments (such as for thermostat settings), auto-activation, and auto-switch-off.

Real-Time Alerts to Authorities – With an AI security system having cognitive abilities to discern threats from non-threats accurately, it can alert the appropriate offices or security teams once its learned red flags are tripped.

Companies providing commercial surveillance and security services typically have a 24/7 monitoring center. They have full-time security technicians who call clients when their security alarms go off to verify emergencies. These technicians then contact the authorities, firefighters, or first responders if necessary.

Proactive Threat Prevention – Modern AI commercial security systems can preempt potentially dangerous incidents that harm people’s safety. Systems that monitor indoor environmental conditions like air quality, temperature, and smoke detectors are perfect examples. They have built-in sensors that identify irregular heat patterns, for example, and trigger fire-preemption protocols, such as making the smoke detector alarm go off or broadcasting an evacuation alert through the building’s PA system.

Behavior Analysis – We now have sophisticated technology that analyzes human behavioral patterns and detects anomalies that might be considered threats. Behavioral analysis tech tied into biometrics (ID systems based on individuals’ fingerprints, voice, or facial features) can further enhance a commercial security system’s accuracy. For example, they can identify who enters the office after hours or deny unauthorized people access to the vaults, warehouses, back offices, etc.

These are just some examples of enhanced security features thanks to AI. We can look forward to even more impressive enhancements in the future. AI is very versatile and can be integrated into many information technology systems and applications, so businesses might enjoy more customizations to satisfy their unique security needs in the future.

Choose the Right Artificial Intelligence Security System for Your Business

Physical security should be a priority when you operate a physical store or conduct business in an office or building. More than safeguarding your business processes and assets, ensuring your and your employees’ safety while on the job is a must.

Finding the best AI security system for your business will require thoroughly studying your security needs, starting with identifying the dangers your employees or customers potentially face on your premises and finding an equivalent security solution.

Comprehensive systems designed to provide umbrella protection against known physical threats like burglars, vandals, trespassers, and structural fire risks are convenient and cost-effective. Still, in some cases, customized on-site security solutions are a must. Every business has unique security requirements, which may require a strategically-crafted system of security devices and technology.

Aeon Systems can provide the security solutions your business needs. We’ve provided comprehensive and affordable commercial security solutions to local business owners in Arlington, Texas. As a family-run company, we are hands-on in helping customers design a custom security network for their business establishments. We offer AI-powered access control, alarm monitoring, fire and video surveillance systems for commercial and industrial applications.

Investing in AI security systems protects your business and employees from physical threats. Contact Aeon Systems for a consultation and request a free quote.

5 Best Cloud-Based Access Control Systems in 2023

June 19, 2023

In the past, access cards and keypads were considered the height of security and access control to various premises. They proved valuable and effective. However, these traditional methods of automated access control are expensive to maintain. Moreover, they need closer supervision and management.

Businesses today require a more scalable, efficient, and mobile method of managing access control in offices and facilities. Cloud based access control best meets these needs and more.

What Is Cloud Based Access Control?

Cloud based access control systems enable administrators to remotely manage and control physical access to restricted areas in an office, business establishment, or facility. Cloud access control allows administrators to lock doors and gates or grant specific individuals entry without visiting the premises.

Since access control is done through the cloud, administrators enjoy the convenience of a centralized security management system. They have complete visibility and control over access controls sans the cost, complexity, and dependence on physical devices of the more traditional keypad or key-card access locks.

94% of companies around the world now use cloud computing and optimize its benefits for their everyday operations. Therefore, switching or upgrading from traditional to cloud based access control systems shouldn’t be difficult.

Top Access Control Systems for Businesses

Physical access control systems can improve security and accessibility throughout your business premises and facilities. Finding a system that works best for your organization is imperative.

To get you started, here are five of the best access control systems available today:

1. Brivo

Brivo is a cloud based access control system designed for big and small properties. It’s easy to scale up or down, thanks to built-in options for managing physical access to one building or a multi-building complex.

Brivo provides tools to manage access and credentials via a laptop or smartphone remotely. Property managers can manage access controls, whether they are inside or outside the premises. It offers the following safety features:

Entry logs – A useful feature for monitoring tenants and visitors coming in and out of the premises.
Personnel control – A sophisticated security feature that only lets people in after they’ve completed a daily screening process.
Energy usage monitoring – An extra feature that helps property managers control lighting and heating to reduce energy consumption.
Create Schedules – You can now set times for entrances and alarms.
Manage Permissions – You can easily grant levels of access for any employee in your company.
Monitor Events – You can get event alerts and access real time video of any part of your business.
View Reports – You can receive event data in an easy to read and understand report

2. Butterfly MX

Butterfly MX “makes property access simple” by enabling property managers and access control supervisors to manage permissions and open any door or gate via a mobile app. It is one of the top access control systems used in various venues such as apartment buildings, gated communities, student housing, commercial establishments, offices, senior living communities, industrial facilities, and more.

With Butterfly MX, property managers can:

Manage physical access to rooms or buildings using Butterfly MX’s web-based dashboard
Manage building-wide access while on the go through their mobile phones
Quickly grant access to new visitors
Use various entry methods to categorize access permissions
Communicate with people at doors and gates through an integrated video intercom

This cloud based access control system has four components:

A powerful access controller that enables remote access control management
A Mullion reader that recognizes key fobs, cards, and windshield tags distributed to on-site employees, residents, workers, guests, etc.
A keypad that can read RFID cards and serves as an alternative access point for guests given PIN codes to enter restricted areas.
A vehicle reader that detects windshield tags and allows verified guests to enter the main entrances without having to stop or step out of their cars.

3. Openpath

Openpath provides technology for keyless access entry and cloud based access control. It is a sophisticated system that enables users to open a locked door and enter restricted areas using their mobile phones. With Openpath, facilities can implement a truly hands-free entry protocol.

Openpath also offers the following safety features:

On-site security system integration – Openpath can connect to your on-site security system. So if an intruder breaks into your facility, Openpath can alert your emergency monitoring provider to provide immediate backup.
Access scheduling – Openpath allows administrators to heighten security by specifying when people are allowed access to certain areas of the facility. This is very useful when permitting third-party service providers, such as outsourced cleaning staff or plumbers, on the premises.

4. Kisi

Kisi is another flexible cloud based access control system that works for big and small properties. It is also used in various industries, such as multi-tenancy buildings, commercial buildings, and corporate offices.

Property administrators and security managers can enjoy the following functionalities with Kisi:

Multi-site management – Administrators can remotely manage multiple locations with ease.

Access groups and roles – Kisi allows administrators to create groups and manage their access levels based on their roles on site. This makes managing access controls and credentials easier and faster. Administrators can assign guests and new staff to their corresponding groups, and they will automatically inherit that group’s access configurations.

Elevator controls – This feature is useful in facilities that separate work areas by floor. Staff can only access the levels they are allowed to enter.

Video and security hardware integration – Kisi can be connected to video intercoms, doorbells, face scanners, automatic locks, alarm systems, and other security devices.

5. Salto KS

Salto KS is more geared toward the hospitality industry, and multifamily residential, retail, and commercial buildings. Administrators can manage and control access permissions through a web-based dashboard or mobile app. The best part is that tenants can also use the Salto KS app to open their doors using their smartphones and give visiting guests temporary digital keys.

The Salto KS system gives administrators the following management features:

Automate access controls with Groups and Roles – Admins can create user groups and roles with their respective access settings.
Remote management – Admins can create and adjust access permissions remotely.
Entry logs – Salto KS tracks and logs entry events, which admins can review according to date and time.
Provide physical access options – Salto KS offers wireless smart locks, wall readers with or without keypads, and RFID key fobs.

Strengthen On-Site Security With the Best Cloud Access Control Systems

Choosing the best access control systems for your business facility is crucial as it will positively impact everyone’s safety and well-being. More importantly, it will keep confidential data, network systems, and business-critical equipment safe and ensure your business’s continued operation.

Aeon Systems, a company specializing in security system installations and services, can help set up a cloud based access control system for your business. We serve clients in different industries, helping them establish access protocols and giving them tools and technology to manage physical access controls independently.