Home security systems get a lot of love these days thanks to the integration of security and home automation features.
But what about business? Security is as legitimate for them as any homeowner. A desire to make a business more secure leads many business owners on a quest to find the best business security system.
So what is the best choice? What is the best security system in 2025? Both are loaded questions.
Every company that manufactures, sells, and installs business security equipment wants to be known as the best.
Meanwhile, tech websites and magazines are not afraid to run posts with the word ‘best’ in the headline. They know it gets clicks.
As far as the business owner is concerned, it’s not a matter of which security company gets the most media attention. It is a matter of which one offers the best system at the best price. It’s really no different from residential home security.
Professionally Installed Business Security
A business owner running a casual online search for the best security system in 2025 will undoubtedly run across a few key players. Vivint is one of them.
Known as much for residential security as their business solutions, Vivint is one of a small number of companies that doesn’t offer DIY security. All their systems are installed professionally.
Here’s what you get with a Vivint system, in addition to professional installation:
- A complete alarm system
- State-of-the-art video surveillance
- Around-the-clock remote monitoring
- A centralized hub
- App-based control
Think of residential home security beefed up for business needs. Customers can purchase only the components they need and know that their systems will be professionally installed and connected by people who know their trade. And after installation, remote monitoring keeps an eye on everything.
Benefits of a Professionally Installed System
Business owners have choices when it comes to security equipment. Needless to say, there are definite advantages to going with a professionally installed system.
First and foremost is the installation itself. Business security can be exponentially more complicated than its residential counterpart. So allowing professionals to do the installation might be the best move for a business owner.
Other benefits include:
- Full support, including training
- Ongoing software patches
- Compatible equipment that works out of the box
- Software and hardware upgrades
- Faster access to new technologies
The big downside to a professionally installed system is its initial cost. A business owner will spend more on equipment.
There is also the monthly subscription charge for monitoring services. Cost is something a business owner needs to consider before choosing professional installation.
DIY Security for Businesses
Business owners don’t have to invest in professionally installed equipment. The DIY option is available to them as well. Its main advantage is lower upfront costs. As for monitoring, business owners can pay for professional monitoring or handle it themselves.
The downside is, once again, the installation. Setting up a DIY security system for business isn’t always easy.
And the more complex the setup is, the more difficult it can be. Businesses tend to need more surveillance cameras than their residential counterparts.
In addition, they need to be incredibly careful about where internal cameras are installed to not run afoul of laws designed to protect privacy.
Self-monitoring can also be a hassle. When a system is monitored professionally, a business owner can all but forget about it.
DIY monitoring is the complete opposite. Business owners and managers need to be vigilant about watching for and paying attention to alerts.
If an alert is issued in the early hours of the morning, the business owner still needs to deal with it.
Tips for Preventing Business Burglary
One of the main goals behind installing a business security system is preventing burglary. Security equipment can put a stop to internal theft as well, but that’s another topic for another post. Preventing burglary is the focus here.
And according to the Houston, TX police department, there are some effective things business owners can do to protect themselves:
1. Install Proper Lighting
Unlike residential burglaries that normally occur during the daylight hours, businesses are more likely to be hit at night. Houston PD recommends installing proper lighting to reduce the amount of cover available to burglars.
It’s smart to light up all points of entry. Every door should be well lit, along with windows around the building. And of course, leave internal lights on after hours.
2. Fortify Doors and Windows
It is easier to prevent burglary when doors and windows are fortified. Experts recommend security doors designed with heavy and solid construction, drill resistant materials, and tempered glass.
It’s recommended to reinforce doors with crossbars and to regularly check for structural weaknesses – like door frames loose enough to jimmy locks or pop out hinge pins.
Doors, windows, and skylights should be fortified with heavy-duty locking mechanisms. The stronger and harder a lock is, the more difficult it is for burglars to breach. Deadbolts are ideal for front and rear doors, by the way.
3. Window Displays and Safes
Houston PD recommends avoiding placing the most expensive merchandise in window displays. The most expensive items should be kept out of view from the street.
Ink there is no point in advertising to burglars what is waiting inside.
Speaking of what awaits inside, it’s common for businesses to keep a certain amount of cash on hand. Cash is normally kept in a safe.
However, it’s wise to limit the amount. Daily receipts should be removed at the close of business and immediately deposited in the bank.
Not only does this limit losses in the event of a burglary, it also prevents employees from passing word that owners leave a large amount of cash in the building overnight.
Remember that the best security system in 2025 is the one that offers the best protection for the most reasonable price. What’s more important is that businesses combine electronic security with tried-and-true security strategies. Don’t rely on electronic security alone.