Commercial Security Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your commercial building safe involves more than just installing a security system. It also includes preventative maintenance and troubleshooting. Just because you have a security system doesn’t mean that it works properly 100% of the time.

Security system maintenance is vital to the security of any commercial building. Not only does it help prevent frustrating and expensive system breakdowns, but it also ensures that your security system will do what it was designed to do: keep your building and its occupants safe.

Most of Watchmen Security’s commercial customers have made the modern transition to full cloud security with providers like Eagle Eye and door access with companies like Brivo.

Oftentimes when our techs arrive to inspect other company’s systems, we find lots of devices that are not functional, such as cameras that no longer work and video recorders that do not function at all. 

Since these outdated systems are only on-premise and not cloud-based the building owner is not even aware of their vulnerability. The benefits of cloud-based systems like Brivo and Eagle Eye are that software updates are downloaded automatically.

Cloud health monitoring notifies Watchmen when components are not functioning correctly and most fixes can be executed online at no charge. This technology also helps to avoid expensive in-person service calls. 

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SECURITY SYSTEM MAINTENANCE CHECKLIST

While selecting the right equipment puts you in a better position to keep your commercial building secure, routine maintenance will ensure that it is always performing at its best.

Here is a brief checklist you can follow to ensure that your security system continues to work effectively.

1. Check for software updates
2. Test security sensors
3. Verify camera placements
4. Inspect and clean security devices
5. Test alarms and communication systems
6. Schedule annual inspections and preventative maintenance

1. Check for software updates

Performing daily checks and upgrading your system software is the first step to maintaining any security system.

Regularly monitoring the status of your security system’s software will help you detect and address problems as they occur. This ensures that communication to the security system is working and that if anything were to happen, your building remains safe and sound.

Most alarms have some sort of visual cue that informs you that you need to check the status of the device. This often consists of a blinking or flashing light, a message, or an email notification.

2. Test security sensors

You should also inspect the sensors on your security system to ensure that they are working correctly.

For instance, a wireless door sensor might lose contact with your security alarm panel, which will prevent an alarm from being generated if an intruder attempts to enter through that particular door.

Call the company that installed your security system or Watchmen Security to alert them that you wish to conduct a sensor test.

Next, open the door or enter the area of the particular sensor you want to test, then step in front of each motion detector. Your security company will let you know if your security system triggered an alarm.

3. Verify Camera Placements

If you have surveillance cameras installed, you will want to make sure each camera is correctly aligned and is producing a clear picture and recording 

If you do not currently have security cameras installed, speak to a security system professional at Watchmen Security to help you decide the correct camera technology for your needs and the best location for them. They will be able to help locate blind spots in your commercial building based on its configuration and layout.

Take a look at our state-of-the-art video surveillance systems!

4. Physically inspect and clean devices

To ensure your security system works the way it should be, physical inspections and a thorough cleaning go a long way.

When inspecting your security system, be sure to have your security company technician check for any faulty equipment and clear away any environmental obstructions.

The technicians should also clean any lenses, sensors, and cameras, as dust may trigger false alarms or cause unresponsive equipment. Sensors installed in poorly ventilated areas get especially dirty, so be sure to pay special attention to those areas, as well.

While you’re already inspecting your systems, be sure to test your access control systems and fire alarm systems. These are facets of your security system that you definitely want to be working effectively at all times.

If you decide to check your fire alarm system, make sure you let your local fire department know. You don’t want them to think it’s a real emergency.

Recommended Read The Latest Access Control Technology: A Move Into the Future

5. Test alarms and communications systems

You will also need to make sure that each computer is properly communicating to your security system and will sound the correct alarms in the event of an emergency.

Additionally, you will also want to make sure that these alerts are also promptly communicated and received by your security monitoring service to ensure that response time is quick.

6. Schedule regular maintenance and inspections

Lastly, you can simplify the entire security system maintenance process by scheduling inspections and preventative maintenance with your security provider.

Scheduling a professional inspection and maintenance service not only takes some of the burden off of your shoulders but also allows a professional to verify that your equipment is working the way it was designed to.

Additionally, your security provider will run more detailed tests on your security system to find and address any issues that might have been overlooked. They can also suggest any improvements that will increase the effectiveness of your security system.

WATCHMEN SECURITY CAN IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF YOUR COMMERCIAL BUILDING!

Ensuring the safety and security of your commercial building is a top priority at all times. We hope this article has provided you with an adequate checklist to help you keep your commercial building secure.

If you’re a commercial building owner or manager in the Kansas City area and have any questions or concerns about your building’s overall security, give Watchmen Security a call today.

At Watchmen Security, we understand you have the responsibility of ensuring your commercial building’s safety and security, which is why we remain one of the top commercial security systems providers in the Kansas City area.

When you are looking for a Kansas City security company you have many options. The right security system can make all the difference in the world and there is a great deal of loss at stake. Our commercial security systems typically involve the following elements:  1.  Intrusion system or what was traditionally referred to as an alarm system, 2.  A camera security system also known as video surveillance, 3.  Access control or door access control which was commonly referred to as a card swipe system and 4.  Fire protection.

Intrusion systems are often composed of elements like door contacts, motion detectors and glass breaks.  The purpose of an intrusion system is to notify the building owners when a breach has occurred and intruders are attempting to enter a building without permission. Most intrusion systems include a horn or talk down speaker on site and a live monitoring station used to notify building owners and local law enforcement if a dispatch is warranted. A well-designed and installed intrusion system should be considered the bare minimum for any commercial business or building.  This scope is fairly simple and most local security companies are capable of installing intrusion systems.