One of the most important aspects of opening or running a business is installing a comprehensive security system. While this provides huge benefits for any kind of business, there are specific benefits if you’re in the food service industry, making a restaurant security system vital.
Benefits of a Restaurant Security System
One of the obvious benefits of a restaurant security system is that it will protect your assets. Restaurant operations require a lot of cash to be stored on the premises, with deposits being made at various times of the day. This makes them a prime target for thieves, both during and after business hours. If any unauthorized person tries to force their way inside while the business is closed or enter a secured office area, the system will alert you and the authorities right away.
However, there are assets to protect beyond your money, equipment, and food supplies. A commercial security system will help ensure the safety of your staff and employees. With the push of a button, you can send out an alert immediately and receive a faster response from emergency response personnel if an incident occurs.
A restaurant security system also brings your establishment into the big leagues, giving it a professional polish and telling anyone who visits that you mean business when it comes to security.
In addition to appearances, a comprehensive security system can help protect you from lawsuits, as your camera system will constantly record everything that happens on the premises, both inside and out. The savings potential isn’t limited to legal liability; having a system installed can also lower your insurance rates.
A commercial security system is more than just a burglar alarm. Here are some of the parts that come together to make up a comprehensive restaurant security solution.
Fire Monitoring
Besides theft and burglary, one of the biggest threats to any restaurant is a fire. Because of the nature of the restaurant business — with employees using deep fryers and open flames — fire is constantly on the forefront of any owner’s mind. Boxes stacked too close to a stove can go up in an instant, engulfing your business and destroying your entire business.
A fire monitoring system works to alert authorities the instant it senses smoke. Time is of the essence once a fire breaks out. The faster fire crews arrive on the scene, the sooner they can go to work to reduce the damage to your business.
Video Surveillance
An important part of a restaurant security system, modern video surveillance does more than help you piece together an incident after it happens. Today’s video surveillance technology lets you check on video feeds remotely so that you know what’s happening at your restaurant even when you can’t be there. Monitor what’s going on at the front of the house and make sure that your employees are taking care of your customers. Video cameras also put an observant eye behind the scenes — in the kitchen and storage areas. Keep tabs on who is coming and going from your office. They even offer analytics, like tracking traffic patterns of your employees and customers.
If an incident does occur, video evidence can be helpful in identifying suspects or absolving your restaurant of liability if someone files a lawsuit against you.
Security for Today’s World
An increasingly important aspect of commercial security systems is Situational Awareness Security Control (SASC). These systems monitor for things such as gunshots and can immediately alert authorities if there is a potential threat. As the situation plays out, an SASC system can share real-time information with all of the necessary emergency personnel through live video and audio feeds. In addition to contacting the appropriate response teams, the system thoroughly documents every aspect of the incident. It also allows monitoring center personnel to directly address people on the premises (perpetrator or victims) via the enabled audio feed.
Customized Access Control
A busy restaurant typically has a large number of people coming and going all day and night. This means the manager that arrives before everyone else to open up in the morning and the cleaning crew that pops in after hours to get everything ready for the next day. Without a security system, it can be tough to keep track of who’s gaining access to your business.
This is how access control can help. They allow you to set customized access for specific people at times that you choose. Set unique codes for each employee or maintenance person. If someone quits or you hire a new person, it’s simple to quickly add and delete codes. Access control systems keep a record of who entered and at what time. Together with your video surveillance system, they’re an excellent way to keep tabs on what’s going on at your restaurant when you’re not around.
Every Restaurant Is Different
Because no business or building is the same, security systems aren’t one-size-fits-all. An experienced commercial security system provider will be able to visit your location and create a customized restaurant security system that provides total coverage everywhere you need it. This will give you greater peace of mind, as running a restaurant is hard enough without security and safety concerns.
At ProTech Security, we have a strong history of experience, innovation and customer service. The ProTech Security Advantage is more than 30 years of service in Northeast Ohio and a strong commitment to providing quality, cost-effective protection for homes, businesses, educational institutions and government facilities. To see what ProTech Security can do for you, contact us today.
