How Much Does a Business Security System Cost?

Pricing a business security system invariably ends up being more complex than anticipated. There are a number of factors and fundamental integrated systems to include which determine the final amount. If you aren’t aware of what these are, it is very difficult to know the answer to the question of how much does a business security system cost?

In this article, we will walk you through the general components that a typical SME (small to midsize enterprise) might be interested in, as well as give you a ballpark figure to base your estimations on.

So, How Much Does a Business Security System Cost? #

To start with, the average cost of a security system for your SME can be calculated based on the following factors:

• Hardware components - $2,500 to $3,000
• Cybersecurity - $50 to $6,000 annually (network security software)
• Installation costs - $300 to $500
• Security monitoring and reporting - $480 to $1,440 annually

Let’s take a closer look at each of these.

Hardware Components #

A business security system can consist of several hardware systems, which can either be used in isolation or integrated into one. Of these, a system may include any of the following, depending on SME size:

Intrusion Detection #

Components of an intrusion detection system typically include motion sensors, alarm keypads, control panels, and window and door contacts to identify any breaches to the physical property. These are normally powered by electricity or battery, with a backup battery where needed.

Components start at $30 each for contacts and can go up to $150 for a control panel. The total price will be based on the size of the system you need for your business property.

Surveillance Systems #

Video surveillance and CCTV systems are common in the business setting. Monitoring the work area not only helps to lower the incidence of crime but also protects employees. Furthermore, the surveillance can also be useful in the instance that an insurance claim or question of liability arises.

Video cameras are priced upwards from around $15 each, with indoor business units averaging about $99 each. Top-end systems or kits with several cameras can easily add upwards of $500.

Access Control #

In the business environment, access control is smart lock functionality paired with monitoring capabilities. Businesses manage and monitor who comes through the door, providing individual-based access authority both internally within the building, as well as at the exterior entrance.

The components needed for this type of setup include mobile, passes, tags or fobs, wall or card readers, access control keypads, door lock hardware, and control panels. These are typically priced per system component needed, starting at a minimum of $1,500 for the hardware.

Environmental Monitoring #

To accurately calculate a commercial security system cost, one should include environmental monitoring to protect people and assets contained within the walls. Sensors detect changes in the internal environment of the building, notifying operators should they detect smoke, carbon monoxide, water pooling, etc.

Pricing these, the business will need various components such as a fire/carbon monoxide alarm panel, detectors, call points, sounders, flashers, and sprinkler systems, as well as power supply accessories. Panels can start at $300, detectors at $60, sprinkler systems at $2 per square foot, and a siren at $60.

Cyber Security #

Security threats to your business aren’t just physical – cyber-attacks which have dire consequences for your network and data can happen too. For this reason, it is critical to secure the various facets of this approach, including:

• Data
• Applications
• Network and IT ecosystem
• Cloud software
• Hardware to ensure that it is running up to date software

SMEs can expect this to cost, on average, $1,400 annually.

Installation Costs #

In some cases, the installation of specific components may be free provided you purchase the hardware from the same company. That or the installation fee is built in.

This is not always the case though, so it is advisable to budget for installation charges, especially if you are integrating the components mentioned above.

Installing an alarm system with environmental monitoring devices will start at $300 for smaller premises, and, typically, your cybersecurity and access control will be included in the annual license fee.

Alarm Monitoring #

The main cost component of monitoring will be for your alarm/intrusion detection system. This is to ensure that, should a security threat of any type be detected, the monitoring center will instantly be notified and can take the necessary action to respond to the situation.

Although you will be quoted a monthly fee of between $40 and $120 for monitoring, it can come packaged as an annual contract, especially if you are on the medium side of SME.

Conclusion #

There is no simple answer to how much a business security system costs. Ultimately it will depend on the size of the business, type of system required, and the level of integration that is desired.