In the last few months, Chicago businesses have become a common target for “Crash and Smash” attacks and overnight break-ins. Thieves are targeting all kinds of businesses including those that were thought to be uncommon choices. One of the most frustrating issues is that the break-ins are often motivated by small amounts of cash or odd items like cooking oil from restaurants.

This was the case of local bakery Defloured, who was recently burglarized TWICE during the month of January. During the first incident, “ two male suspects broke the front window, entered and took an unknown amount of cash before getting into a dark-colored vehicle and driving east, police said.” The second incident was similar except it was the front door that was damaged and property was taken.

These crimes are frustrating for businesses because there is a great loss from the damage that’s done to the establishment and they are often forced to close temporarily to repair the damage. It’s an unfair situation for small business owners who lose business and are left with a feeling of vulnerability to it happening again.

Can your Business security system evolve to help minimize damage from local crime trends?

Simple changes like upgrading security equipment and training can make a real difference while an incident is in motion. This is how businesses can give a makeover to their burglar alarm and video surveillance systems to minimize loss.

Alarm Monitoring for Businesses

1. Have a plan to respond quickly when an incident is in motion. It’s important to store your alarm passcodes in a place that’s easy to access and only share it with employees you trust.  This includes regularly updating the contact list to ensure former employees are removed and new added. When a business owner stays up to date with this data, communication between your business and the monitoring company is more efficient.  In case someone tries to break-in, the alarm will be triggered and the monitoring company will call the contacts in your emergency list. Additionally, upon confirming the situation, they will dispatch police in just a few minutes.

2. Install additional motion sensors near windows and doors. Are there any additional areas in your business that need attention? Perhaps you only have sensors on the front and back door but want to secure a side window or gate? Reassessing you security needs will ensure that your business is not stagnant in any aspect including protecting additional areas that were originally missed.

3. Inform your security company of changes in schedule. Life happens and if your business undergoes a renovation or will be temporarily closed, inform your security company.  If they are aware of these changes, they can work with the monitoring station to better handle an emergency.

Video Surveillance for Businesses

1. Install additional outdoor cameras in entrances and exits or relocate a current camera to a more efficient place. In some instances, its not necessary to buy additional cameras but better distribute the ones you already have. if you are unsure if this can be done, a professional company can help you asses how to rearrange your system to maximize coverage.

2. Discuss new concerns with your security provider. Stay up to date with news and crime on your neighborhood to identify trends. If your business has outdoor security cameras and your footage can be of assistance, consider giving access to police. This way, burglars will be caught faster. Additionally, speak to your security provider to hear they recommendations.

3. Schedule training with employees to give them confidence to use the system efficiently. Do you have new employees? Skipping training is a big mistake! Everyone that operates the system should know how to manage simple features. These include playback, download footage, and passwords. When they’re know this process, it eliminates the need to call us for support. Not that we don’t want to help, but we want you to be confident and able to handle it all.

The post Does your Business Security System Need a Makeover? appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Wondering why these clients decide to hire us instead of the many corporate solutions? Read on to discover how we stand out from the competition.

1. VinTech Systems has an established reputation, licenses, and insurance.

From time to time, we get requests from people that lose touch with the company that installed their system.
The most common reasons are that the company is permanently closed or the person that installed the system doesn’t answer their calls.

The best way to avoid this situation is to verify the company’s credentials before hiring them.

VinTech has been in business for more than 16 years. We are also licensed, insured, and have dozens of positive reviews on Google.

Additionally, our accreditation from the Better Business Bureau has an A + rating for the past 5 years.
If you’re not familiar with The BBB, this is a trusted source to find information about a company including: background, ratings, and complaints for thousands of U.S. businesses.

2. We are both accessible and approachable.

From quotes to installations and technical support, we help you through all the process with in-house employees. This means you will likely be speaking to the same team members over time and they’ll be familiar with you and your system.

We understand that there’s no worse feeling than waiting for days (or weeks) to resolve an issue that involves your security system. This is why we also provide in-house technical support. We ‘feel’ your frustration when you share with us that you switched to a small company because you can experience “the personal touch” that they didn’t receive with corporate companies.

The better we get to know you, the better we’ll be able to accommodate solutions for your needs.

3. Small business VinTech offers multiple brands to balance quality with price

We do our best to work with your budget but we do caution clients that a lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. To compare a security system estimate, it’s important to understand what it offers. The key is to evaluate the equipment and services on the same scale.

Compare apples to apples.

For example, a client called us to request an estimate for 3 high definition security cameras. We provided a quote for mega-pixel cameras with a wide dynamic range function. This was the best option for the area that the client was trying to cover as it blocks sunlight. (Regular high definition cameras will not capture details if there is excessive sunlight.)

Our client asked why our price was higher than a corporate competitor.

We reviewed the estimate and explained that the other company was offering regular high definition cameras. If they wouldn’t have shared these details with us, they could have purchased a system with the wrong capabilities or that they didn’t need.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by product terms and prices, send us a written quote and we can help you compare or match it. We’ll do our best to make sure you’re getting the best value, quality, and service for your security needs.

4. VinTech provides a reasonable warranty on labor and equipment.

All of our labor and equipment comes with a warranty. We strive to make our clients happy and if for some reason, there’s something we missed during installation, you can call us and we’ll make it right.

This is how one of our recent clients agree:

“Very pro and came back to adjust system – they wanted it done right!” _ Doug McBride

We provide a reasonable warranty because we have confidence in our team and we strive to deliver great service.

5. We offers maintenance plans for all of our systems.

Proper maintenance can save you lots of money and time. When you join our maintenance program, we include two services per year and additional perks (think discounts on parts or labor.) Maintenance plans that are purchased with installation have additional discounts but we still offer these at any time for all our clients.

Many small businesses are great but not all can provide the “personal touch” that VinTech strives for. Give us a call and you’ll speak to a real person from day 1!

The post Why Hire Small Business VinTech Systems for your Next Security Project. appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Here is how.

Receive a Discount on Insurance Premiums

Many insurance companies provide a discount on insurance premiums if the property has a security system in place. In a way, they are providing an incentive for theft protection and the possibility of reducing the number of claims. This is a win-win situation for a property owner. Not only will you get an initial discount but if your claims decrease, you will also keep premiums from rising.

If you are unsure about the requirements needed to get a discount, talk to your insurance provider to find more information. Many require a certificate of installation to verify that a security system has been installed in your property. If this is the case, the company that installed your system can provide this for you. Currently, VinTech Systems provides certificates of installation for burglar alarms only. Our clients for which we have installed alarm systems and have a current monitoring service can request a certificate.

Resolve a Slip and Fall Claim

According to the National Safety Council, falls accounted for more than 8 million injuries in 2019. To put it into perspective, 8 million is a lot when the City of Chicago reported to have 2.7 million residents in that same year. Moreover, more than 39,000 of these incidents resulted in deaths. This is why the possibility of an incident like this happening in your property should be taken seriously.

A slip and fall claim cannot only cost you thousands of dollars but it can also mean serious legal problems. This is where a high definition security camera can be helpful. Footage from a camera can help you dispute a false slip and fall claim. It can clear you from liability and even save you from receiving a fine or sentence.

Reduce or Replace Security Personnel

A security system might seem like a high investment at the beginning. Especially when you are trying to decide which system(s) are best for your property. However, if you already have security personnel in your building, those two or three salaries a year will probably add to a much larger sum after a couple of years. Additionally, unlike security guards, a security system can monitor 24hr/7.

A Security Camera System is Always Recording

For example, a high-definition security camera records motion and automatically stores footage. In case of an incident, this footage can be used for evidence. Nonetheless, some camera systems might have a storage limit. One of the factors that affect video storage is whether the camera is focused on high or low traffic areas.  This is why it’s important to download and save footage as soon as an incident happens. VinTech Systems takes pride in designing systems that work with the needs of our clients to make sure their footage requirements are met.

A second example is access control. This system can help you restrict who has access to your property and at which times. For example, office employees can be set up to have access to the front entrance of the building from 6 a.m. to  6 p.m., cleaning personnel from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and overnight security guards from 11 p.m. – 6 a.m. As precise as you want it to be, access control allows you to control who accesses your property. You will hold the “key” to your success in reducing incidents and losses in your property which in return will save you money. And although security systems cannot completely replace security personnel, they can effectively monitor activity and provide time stamped evidence.

Reduce Wear and Tear on Smart Devices and Cost of Energy Bills

The latest technology in security systems allows you to connect smart devices to remotely control lights, thermostats, and other appliances from an app. Turning off these appliances when not in use, can certainly reduce the cost of your electric bill. Furthermore, this capability can also extend the life of your devices. This means that more time will pass before you have to replace them.

The most important thing about having a security system in your property is to give you peace of mind but that doesn’t mean you won’t appreciate the additional perks. From saving time and resources to preventing losses, the right security system can save you money in more than one way. With these simple steps, you also make sure that you are getting the best return for your investment and help preserve valuable resources for future generations.

The post 4 Ways Security Systems Can Save you Money appeared first on VinTech Systems.

Finding the right camera system for your business can be a challenging because there is a lot of information available. Many companies tend to list products on their websites including a description of their specifications and sometimes even prices. When choosing a camera system for your business, reading about a product doesn’t cut it. Business owners need answers that get to the point, are easy to understand, and help them make the right call. Finding the right security camera system goes hand and hand with finding the right company for the job. These are some key points to keep in mind when deciding which company and system to choose.

Are site surveys important?

So, site survey simply means that a consultant/project manager visits your business, talks to you about your security goals, and your specific concerns. This is a good opportunity to ask questions and establish a budget. Waiting until you receive a formal proposal to inform the company you have a budget will create redundant communication. On the other hand, being completely open about your business needs will show that you are serious and have taken the time to do research.

Working with a company vs. a DYI System

Let’s face it, many companies make it seem like it’s simple to buy and install your own camera system. Initially, this option might be cheaper, but buyers are in for a big surprise. They don’t tell you that this system is basically a “one time purchase”. Who will fix the system if it malfunctions? Do they provide maintenance services? Can you find and replace parts easily?

Will the replacement parts be available when you need them? Do they have reliable customer service? Will that company be there in five years? The main difference between security companies and DYI systems is that companies are not interested in selling products but in providing full service with long-term results. A professional company will be familiar with your business and will work with you to achieve your security expectations.

HD is the way to go

Basically we are talking about resolution here. Do you remember seeing those cameras where face features are unrecognizable? Those are older versions are analog systems. Not very helpful anymore or ever, really. Most high definition systems now range from 420 pixels to up to full 1080 pixels. The larger the area you want to cover, for example warehouses or parking lots, the more resolution you need. Choosing a high resolution camera will reduce the amount of cameras you need and the cost of the system itself.

Choose weatherproof cameras

Do you live in the Chicago area? If yes, you often experience drastic weather changes, and so will your camera system. If your camera surveillance system will be placed outside, weatherproof cameras are a must in Chicago. It will prevent your cameras from extreme rain, wind, and snow. You can also consider placing them under an area that is sheltered to give them additional protection.

Know your camera lens

There are two main types of lens: varifocal and fixed. For cameras with a fixed length lens, measuring for field of view must be precise. Once the camera is installed, what you see on the screen will be its only focus. A camera with an adjustable lens will give you greater flexibility, as its flexibility will give you more coverage. The lens’ size and width will determine what you can see on the security cameras. The larger the lens size, the farther you will be able to see.

Finding the right system for your business doesn’t have to be difficult. However, you have to do research and pick a competent company to give you the best advice. Before you reach a decision, consider local businesses. There are many local security companies that are like gems among their large counterparts.

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One day you recognize that your property is in crucial need of security.  You begin by researching a few local companies, reviewing their ratings, and making phone calls. Some companies reply immediately, others a few hours later and some let’s say, too late to consider. Once you’ve identified a few good candidates, you get to the last step of the process: reviewing the proposals. That’s the most critical part of the decision making process.

Being in the service industry, we’ve worked with many customers. We’ve heard numerous stories from clients who regretted not comparing vendors and accepting the first proposal or the lowest bid, which ended up costing them much more in the long run.

When a bargain isn’t always a bargain.

If a contractor’s low bid seems too good to be true, it probably should not be trusted. A contractor may have the lowest initial bid, but they will usually try to make up the difference through hidden charges and fees for materials and service equipment not included on the original bid. “Unexpected” charges can result in property owners paying an amount equal or greater than the highest bid.

So how can you identify the best solution at the best price?

Ask the following three questions:

What are you really quoting here?

Comparing Apples to Apples

A lower price doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the best deal. To compare a security system contract efficiently, it’s important to understand what it offers. The key is to evaluate the equipment and services on the same scale. Compare apples to apples. For example, recently a client called us for an estimate on installation of high definition security cameras. We provided a quote with 3 mega-pixel cameras with a wide dynamic range function to block sunlight because we know regular high definition cameras will not capture details if there is excessive sunlight. Our client asked why our price was higher than the other company.  We explained that the other company only offered regular high definition cameras. We suggested that the client ask the other company if they would match with the same or at least similar functionality for the cameras. Without understanding what type of system or equipment they’re comparing, most people will likely choose the lower bid. When quotations offer the same quality on equipment, other variables such as warranty on equipment, warranty on labor and maintenance plans will increase the value.  What is most important to you?

What is the warranty on the equipment and what does the maintenance consist of?

Quality versus Quantity

Companies offer anywhere from 3 months to 2 years’ warranty on the equipment and/or labor. Do not assume either of these will have a warranty unless it is clearly stated on the estimate. Ask about their maintenance plans and the benefits of adding this plan at the time of your installation. Proper maintenance can save you lots of $$$ and time. Learning about these policies will give you a good start in building a relationship with your new security provider.

Do you have a list of references and can I contact them?

Online reviews vs. Personal recommendations

The company you choose to work with needs to be able to respond to your needs promptly. Ask for references, if possible for projects similar to yours. Instead of saying something like: “I heard great things about your security company, how do you like the service?” try this: “I am looking for a security provider and contacted your current company, can you tell me what type of security system you have, how long you’ve been with them and your overall experience? These questions leave room for the client to speak freely. Online reviews are great, but might only be the first impression of a company. Ask for references of long-term clients as they will be able to give you a more comprehensive overall review of the company.

We hope these questions will be helpful with your next security project. Good luck.

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