As Canada’s urban landscape grows, nearly 73.7% of Canadians now live in these vibrant downtown areas. Given this increase, ensuring the security of your commercial downtown property becomes critical.
This blog will assist you in comprehending the incredible power of commercial building video surveillance.
You will find out the security challenges faced by the downtown property owners, and how modern technological devices linked to remote video surveillance can protect your commercial property in the middle of the city.
With Sirix at your side, security becomes effortless as expert operators monitor alerts and follow established procedures, ensuring your commercial building is managed efficiently.
What are the security challenges for downtown commercial properties ?
Understanding the security challenges for downtown commercial properties is crucial due to the unique characteristics of these locations.
Downtown areas are usually the central business districts of cities. They are distinguished by their high population density, heavy foot traffic, numerous commercial establishments, and a mix of residential and commercial properties.
These factors create unique security challenges for business property owners and their employees. Some of the major security challenges for downtown commercial properties include :
- Downtown areas often experience higher crime rates than other parts of the city.
- Many downtown areas attract homeless individuals, leading to safety concerns for commercial property owners.
- Downtown properties are more susceptible to vandalism and graffiti due to their visibility and accessibility.
- Employees, visitors, and subcontractors may be bothered by loitering, which is common in downtown areas.
- Downtown parking lots can be hotspots for criminal activity such as car theft and assaults.
After describing the numerous security challenges that downtown commercial properties face, it is critical to consider effective solutions. Enter video surveillance, which can significantly improve the security of your commercial building.
How does video surveillance improve the security of your commercial building ?
The following factors highlight the benefits of video surveillance for commercial buildings :
- Crime Prevention and Deterrence : Commercial CCTV systems offer advanced security for businesses. They help prevent theft, vandalism, unauthorized entry, and other crimes.
- Enhanced Security : By continuously monitoring the premises, a video surveillance system significantly improves commercial buildings’ security and gives you a full picture of your business.
As soon as an alarm is triggered, remote operators respond quickly to suspicious activities or emergencies.
- Incident Investigation : In the unfortunate event of a crime or incident occurring within the building or your parking lot, video footage becomes valuable evidence for investigation.
It helps law enforcement authorities identify suspects and gather crucial information about the event.
- Employee Safety : Video surveillance ensures employees feel secure while working and can help monitor potentially hazardous areas to prevent accidents.
- Parking Lot Safety : Theft, automobile break-ins, assaults, and other criminal acts are common in parking lots.
Video surveillance in this area can help identify and address such issues, providing a safer environment for employees and visitors.
- Visitor Monitoring : In commercial buildings, keeping track of visitors and their activities is essential. Video surveillance assists in monitoring visitor entry and exit, helping to ensure that only authorized personnel are accessing sensitive areas.
Securing key zones of your commercial building: Finding vulnerable areas and using the right devices
To fully protect your commercial downtown property, smart security solutions for the following key areas must be installed :
- Entry and exit points
- Elevators
- Parking lots
- Restricted areas (accounting offices, server room, utility room, supply and inventory rooms, executive offices, file storage rooms, etc.)
Continue reading to learn about the best video surveillance methods and technologies for each area mentioned above.
Commercial building video surveillance at access control points.
It is critical to monitor who enters and exits corporate buildings in order to improve overall security. As a result, access control must always be maintained at points of entry and exit.
Efficient security solutions to protect your points of access
REMOTE CONCIERGE
To maintain robust security, the main doors of a commercial building can be operated through a remote concierge system, ensuring controlled access for visitors.
A remote concierge service allows you to verify identities, grant access, and monitor incoming visitors remotely. Security operators perform these tasks from a remote monitoring center to which all of your building’s security devices are linked.
When a guest approaches your building’s door or gate, an alarm goes off at the security operations center, and an operator assists them remotely.
This service improves commercial building security and reduces the possibility of unauthorized entry.
This is the step-by-step process of how remote concierge works :
| Step 1 | An individual arrives at your gate or entrance. |
| Step 2 | An alarm is triggered through motion detection, the push of a button, door contact, or other means. Consequently, the operator at the remote monitoring center receives the live video. |
| Step 3 | The operator may ask for the visitor’s credentials via two-way audio and one-way video. In other words, the visitor may present their ID or pass in front of the camera at the operator’s request for the operator to check and validate. |
| Step 4 | The operator follows the SOP depending on the situation. |
| Step 5 | The operator adds notes to the event. The case is closed. Conversations are saved. |
If you want to explore in-depth how remote monitoring has become a powerful tool, visit our blog, What is Remote Video Surveillance, and how does it work?
AXIS NETWORK INTERCOM
The Axis network intercoms are the ideal security device for remote concierge because they combine video surveillance, two-way communication, and remote entry control capabilities.
The Axis Intercom System is equipped with several other features to enhance commercial building security and communication, including:
Button for Call Out : The Intercom System features a dedicated call-out button, enabling outsiders to initiate communication with Sirix’s remote operators. This facilitates efficient communication for visitor assistance or emergency situations.
Normal Card Reader : The Intercom System supports traditional card readers, accommodating various access control methods to cater to diverse user preferences.
PIN Code Integration : To add an extra layer of security, the Axis Intercom System allows individuals to input a unique PIN code for access, ensuring that only authorized personnel can enter restricted areas.
For employees, utilizing card readers or PIN code systems is effective. This approach is also beneficial for regular visitors, such as delivery personnel and cleaning crews, allowing them swift access without the need to consistently engage with remote operators, thereby streamlining entry and conserving time.
What are the benefits of using Axis network intercoms ?
- They enable secure, barrier-free entry, allowing face-to-face communication with visitors from remote locations.
- They offer outstanding audio capabilities, ensuring clear conversations and accessibility features for hearing-impaired individuals.
- Models with integrated access control readers (RFID) enable hassle-free physical access to premises for authorized personnel.
- The intercoms provide eye-level visibility of visitors, even in challenging lighting conditions.
- Audio and video analytics can trigger audio warnings or recordings based on specific events, such as a visitor approaching or detecting aggressive sounds or gunshots.
- The system allows for the recording of hazardous events and sends instant alerts in the case of emergencies, such as break-ins or fires.
Here’s an advanced access control solution tailored for remote concierge services, designed with a key feature to elevate the user experience.
AXIS VISITOR ENTRY FOR GENETEC
The Axis visitor entry for Genetec not only simplifies and secures the entry and exit of visitors to the commercial building, but it also eliminates the need for physical keys or access cards, improving the user experience.
And how does it do that? With an integrated QR reader !
This intercom includes the following features all on the same unit :
- A button to call out and speak with the remote concierge
- A normal card reader
- A pin code keyboard
- A QR code reader
This is how it functions:
Issuing QR codes :
Before arrival, individuals are issued a unique QR code. These QR codes act as digital credentials, granting access to specific locations within the facility.
The QR codes can be issued either by the security management of the building or by the security operations center that is in charge of remotely securing your premises through remote live monitoring.
Access Procedure :
Upon arrival at the access point, the person presents their smartphone or device with the QR code to the Axis Intercom System. The QR code reader scans the code, verifying its authenticity and validity.
Simplified Access :
Once the QR code is verified through the remote monitoring center, the door opens automatically, granting access to the authorized person.
Now, how can you protect your commercial building from forced entry and break-ins ?
We recommend using a combination of these two reliable and effective tools to combat illegal entry:
1. The T. Rex Exit Detector is a sophisticated and cost-effective request-to-exit device for access control applications. It is placed inside the building at the top of a door frame to monitor people leaving (exit doors).
It serves as an alternative to traditional exit buttons. It has the following benefits :
- The device incorporates innovative technologies, making it the fastest and most reliable exit detector available.
- With the help of the X-Y Targeting feature, the zone of detection (of the person approaching) can be precisely adjusted to target particular regions.
- The door is automatically unlocked or swung open without a manual button.
- The device is hands-free and also includes a door alarm sounder, which is controlled independently by the access panel.
- False “Door Forced Open” alarms are avoided with the help of infrared detection.
2. AMS-25/26 SERIES 3/4” PRESS FIT MAGNETIC CONTACT
This device is a magnetic door contact to monitor door movements. When the door opens, the two magnetic components separate.
If the door opens (meaning the magnets separate) but the T. Rex exit detector doesn’t register someone from inside opening the door, it’s likely an unauthorized entry from the outside—potentially a break-in.
In such a scenario, these combined sensors trigger an alarm to the remote monitoring center. A security operator will then check the footage from the camera positioned outside the door, reviewing both the recorded clip at the time of the potential breach and the live feed.
If a break-in is confirmed, the operator will follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). And it is through these two components that your building can be saved from the costly damages that a break-in can cause.
Commercial building video surveillance for elevators
Many commercial building owners commonly install security cameras within elevators for enhanced safety.
With recent updates to the ASME elevator safety code, this practice has become even more essential.
Specifically, the updated ASME requirements for elevator safety now include:
- Two-way communication for people with speech or hearing impairments
- Capacity for video
- Show a message indicating that assistance is available.
LIFT INTERCOM + REMOTE VIDEO MONITORING
To meet the new code requirements, the best security solution is to have your security installer set up a lift intercom that includes a touch screen and a security camera inside the elevator cabin.
This equipment can be linked to the building’s 24-hour security center or a remote video monitoring center to ensure quick response and enhanced security.
How does elevator video monitoring work ?
Let’s walk through the process of elevator video monitoring using a scenario: Imagine someone with a speech impairment who trips and falls inside the elevator and needs assistance.
Step 1 : The person in distress will push the “PHONE “ button.
Step 2 : A trained security operator at the remote monitoring center immediately receives the call.
Step 3 : The security operator communicates with the person inside the lift via the 2-way speakers.
Furthermore, the operator has access to live video footage via the security camera installed inside the cabin. The operator can then assess the situation.
The lift passenger cannot respond verbally in this case. This is where a touch-screen intercom comes in handy.
Step 4 : The operator sends a series of questions on the screen. The passenger responds by pressing the Yes or No buttons.
Step 5 : The remote operator dispatches the appropriate emergency personnel to the scene based on the answers provided by the passenger.
Step 6 : To reassure the passenger in distress, a message stating that assistance is on its way appears on the screen inside the lift.
Commercial building access control solutions for restricted areas
Protecting vulnerable areas in a commercial building—such as the CEO’s office, server room, and accounting offices—is vital to safeguard personnel, prevent security breaches, and maintain operational efficiency.
We recommend employing Axis readers as part of a robust access control system.
These devices, whether card readers or pin code keypads, can be installed on any door within your building to limit access, ensuring only authorized individuals gain entry.
Commercial video surveillance for your parking lots
Commercial building parking lots are an important area to safeguard. They can, indeed, be the site of loitering, vandalism, assault, and theft.
To combat these crimes, Axis has developed a robust solution that monitors your property and deters loiterers, the Axis Loitering Guard.
Continue reading to discover what it is, how to set it up, and its functionality.
Solution setup
Install the AXIS P3265-LVE Dome Camera and the AXIS C1410 Network Mini Speaker at strategic places throughout your parking lots, and set up the Axis Loitering Guard. Your trusted security installer can handle this task.
Loitering detection
This loitering detection solution offers two primary modes to monitor moving objects, including humans, on your property:
1. Individual Object Tracking:
- Every moving object, such as a person, is tracked separately.
- Each object gets its own timer, usually set for 2 minutes.
- If an individual stays in the monitored area for over 2 minutes, an automated voice talk-down is triggered.
For example, if two people enter the area, they are both tracked separately, and if either one remains for over 2 minutes, the automated voice talk-down is launched.
Individual timers for each moving object are shown in red circles on the image below.
2. Continuous Movement Tracking:
- The timer starts as soon as significant movement is detected in the secured area.
- The automated voice talk-down will trigger after 2 minutes of ongoing movement within the area.
- It doesn’t matter if the initially detected individual leaves the area; as long as there’s continuous movement for over 2 minutes, the automated voice talk-down is launched.
One timer for all moving objects in the secured area is shown in the bottom left corner on the image below.
Watch this short YouTube video to see the AXIS Loitering Guard in action.
Configuration tip: AXIS Loitering Guard
Automatic voice talk-down
After the loitering detection timer expires, the Auto Voice-Talk Down function is activated automatically.
The Axis C1410 Network mini speaker is linked to the Axis P3265-LVE Dome camera to deliver an automated voice message alerting the individual that their presence has been detected and instructing them to immediately vacate the premises.
Click below to hear an example of a voice talk-down for your commercial building parking lots:
These voice warnings are often efficient to dissuade criminals and make them leave your property.
Alarm triggering and remote operator intervention
If the person continues to loiter after the automated vocal warning, an alarm is triggered at a remote monitoring center, such as Sirix, after the amount of time you specify.
There, a trained remote security operator will follow established SOPs, calling the police or contacting your emergency list as appropriate.
Looking for a security operations center to monitor your premises? Here is the Top 10 Live Video Monitoring Companies in Canada (2023).
Other technologies that enhance the security of your commercial building
SENSORS FOR WATER FLOODS
Massive commercial structures dating back many years may occasionally have broken pipes, resulting in property damage and flooded basements.
Water Detection Sensors will sound an alarm as soon as they detect the presence of water, reducing the risk of extensive damage and continuously protecting your properties and facilities.
The main advantages and characteristics are as follows :
- The detector is designed to detect ground-level water and is especially suitable for basements in commercial buildings.
- The detector features a visible signal quality indicator, making finding the optimal installation location easier without frequent trips to the keypad.
- Configuration can be done directly from the panel, eliminating the need for hardware switches or reopening the detector after closure.
- The device has a long battery life of 8 years under typical use and offers low battery indication to ensure continuous functionality.
MOTION DETECTORS
Motion detectors strategically placed throughout your commercial building can help detect suspicious behavior after hours, especially when combined with remote video monitoring.
They send an alarm to the remote monitoring center to which your security devices are connected when they detect movement.
A security operator responds to the alarm by reviewing live video footage. They follow the SOPs based on what they see on your premises.
This could include contacting someone on your emergency contact list, performing a voice intervention, or calling the authorities.
For a reliable motion detector, we recommend the Blue Line Gen2 TriTech Motion Detectors from Bosch.
The Blue Line Gen2 TriTech Motion Detectors are used in intrusion alarm systems and have the following features :
- These detectors use a combination of PIR and microwave Doppler radar detection with advanced signal processing.
- There are pet-friendly models available that can distinguish between human intruders and pets, reducing false alarms.
- The First Step Processing (FSP) feature allows instant responses to human targets without false alarms from other sources.
- Microwave Noise Adaptive Processing adjusts to background disturbances, reducing false alarms without compromising detection.
- The detectors have a flexible mounting height and do not require adjustments, making installation easier and reducing false alarms.
- The detectors have improved resistance to sabotage and false alarms caused by external sources.
To provide our readers with even more valuable insights, we’re wrapping up this blog by sharing five best practices for commercial building video surveillance, recommended by a distinguished security professional.
Top 5 video surveillance tips for commercial buildings from a Sirix security expert
Jonathan Potvin serves as the Executive Vice-President and co-owner of Sirix.
With over 15 years of experience in the physical security sector, he offers the following five top recommendations for commercial building owners and managers to optimally safeguard their properties against theft and related crimes.
1. Strategic Camera Placement:
Install surveillance cameras at crucial points such as entrances, exits, parking lots, and vulnerable areas like server rooms or financial departments.
It’s advisable to get a security design plan from your security installer, outlining the positioning of all security devices, to ensure optimal coverage and minimize blind spots.
2. Engage With Your Security Installer:
Don’t hesitate to ask questions to your security installer about the security technologies proposed. This way, you can ensure that you’re getting the best fit for your specific needs, and you may even save money by avoiding unnecessary features or technology.
Your security installer should be able to explain to you clearly the purpose and benefits of each proposed device in a way that you can understand.
3. Schedule Regular Security Checkups:
To maintain optimal security and efficiency, regular checkups of your surveillance system are essential. Security technologies can occasionally malfunction or become outdated over time. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that your systems are functioning at their best and can help identify any issues before they escalate.
It’s a good idea to arrange these checkups with your security installer, who can advise on the frequency and type of maintenance needed based on your unique system and setup.
4. Consider Cloud-Based Video Analytics:
With technological advancements, cloud-based video analytics have become a game-changer in the world of security. They offer almost infinite storage for camera footage, bypassing the need for physical storage devices on-site.
Furthermore, they allow for rapid deployment of security solutions and facilitate powerful analytical capabilities. You can sort, filter, and analyze surveillance footage with ease, enabling you to make informed decisions about your security needs. Cloud solutions are cost-effective, scalable, and offer remote access – which means you can monitor your property anytime, from anywhere.
5. Educate Your Personnel:
It’s critical that your personnel understand your security protocols and procedures. Regularly educate your employees about the importance of these procedures, how to react in case of an emergency, and the role they play in maintaining the security of the building.
For instance, they should know how to properly manage access controls, respond to alarms, and report any suspicious activities. When everyone is on board and informed, the security system is significantly more effective. Remember, your employees are your first line of defense.
FAQ’s
What is commercial building video surveillance ?
Commercial building video surveillance involves using the latest technology and recording methods to help businesses reduce costs and protect their assets.
The operator of a commercial video security system receives footage from a building security camera system via an internet connection.
Why is video surveillance necessary for commercial buildings ?
Video surveillance is necessary for commercial buildings for the following reasons:
- Visible cameras or sign boards with warnings such as “Live Surveillance” deter potential criminals, decreasing the likelihood of theft, vandalism, or other illegal activities.
- Video evidence from a crime or incident can be used as strong support in investigations and legal cases.
- Surveillance systems give commercial building owners and security personnel a real-time view of suspicious activities.
What types of video surveillance systems are available for commercial buildings ?
There are various types of video surveillance systems available for commercial buildings, including:
- TVI Cameras: Transport Video Interface cameras transmit analog video over coaxial cables.
- IP Cameras: Internet Protocol cameras transmit data digitally over an IP network, offering higher resolution and advanced features.
- Wireless Cameras: These cameras are connected to the network wirelessly, providing flexibility in installation.
How much does a commercial video surveillance system typically cost ?
The price of a commercial video surveillance system depends on several elements, such as:
- The size of the building
- The required number and type of cameras
- The quality of video storage
- Additional features like remote access and video analytics.
Can commercial video surveillance footage be accessed remotely ?
Yes, many modern commercial video surveillance systems offer remote access capabilities. Trained operators can view live or recorded footage and act appropriately according to pre-established SOPs.
This surveillance footage can easily be accessed via a secure internet connection on your smartphones, tablets, or computers.
Can commercial building video surveillance systems detect and alert for unusual activity ?
Yes, AI-enabled cameras can detect suspicious behavior and aid in the prevention of shoplifting.
How do I choose a commercial building video surveillance system ?
To choose a commercial building video surveillance system, it is important to take care of the following requirements :
- Determine the areas you want to cover and the specific security requirements of your building.
- Choose the appropriate camera types (e.g., IP cameras for high-resolution needs).
- Consider sufficient storage capacity and backup options for video footage.
- Look for systems that can integrate with other security and access control solutions.
- Engage with a reputable vendor for proper installation and maintenance.
Conclusion
Commercial building video surveillance is crucial for protecting properties downtown. It deters crime, enhances security, aids investigations, and ensures employee safety.
You can be certain that your downtown building is the safest if it has advanced technologies like robust access control solutions, flood detectors, multifunctional intercoms, loitering detection solutions, powerful speakers, advanced motion detectors, and reliable forced entry detection technology.
By embracing these solutions, businesses can create safer environments, deter criminals, and focus on their core operations with peace of mind.
Take control of your security today with Sirix’s remote video surveillance solutions. Safeguard your business and valuable assets with advanced technology.
Contact us today for a customized commercial building security solution for better security and productivity.
