Of course, we are often asked by potential new customers, how much their new security systems will cost.

However, without entering into a formal quoting process this is a very hard question to ask as the are so many variables.

The variables can be:

• The volume of CCTV cameras required

• Camera type, brand, and resolution

• Installation challenges such as wiring, and connectivity

• The volume of doors you need to control access to an from

• How many fobs and readers you may need

• Whether CAP is working in isolation, or alongside an onsite incumbent supplier / contractor

• If you are managing security internally or need 24/7 offsite CCTV monitoring

Typically a security system costs a multiple of:

• Amount of hardware and equipment required to deliver the required outcome

• How much time is needed on-site to install the system

• The number of installers required

At CAP, we work to a structured quotation process that includes a free site survey, system design proposal and quote, confirmation, installation, and ongoing maintenance.

Security systems help businesses detect and deter a range of crimes. This can include theft, break-ins, theft, trespass, and vandalism.

Furthermore, securing access and managing visitor flow are key objectives that different security systems can tackle.

The different types of security systems are:

• CCTV: Professionally installed CCTV systems help to monitor sites for break-ins, theft, and intruders. Internal security cameras are used to monitor staff and manage health and safety

• Access control: Typically, access control systems are used to…. control access to a site or physical premises! The range of access control systems include door entry, time and attendance, and intercoms

• Door entry systems: These systems include a key fob, card, and smartphone-based door access. Furthermore, video and audio intercoms are used to manage access at the front door, or between areas of a site

• Perimeter security & protection: A site’s perimeter is often the first line of defense. Solutions such as perimeter CCTV, protection, and detection systems help businesses protect sites from intruders, and organised criminals

• Intruder detection: Thermal CCTV cameras, infra-red beams, illuminators, PIDs and AI-drive analytics are all solutions that can be deployed to deter intruders, especially in low light conditions

Yes, our business is SSAIB Approved.

For those who don’t know what this is, it is a security industry accreditation awarded to companies who pass a rigorous yearly assessment.

This yearly audit comprises of:

• Spot checking our security system installations for quality of work

• Ensuring the systems we proposed and customers accepted reflect what has been installed

• Checks that we are working to processes, along with detailed systems design proposals

Further to SSAIB here are some of our other certifications:

• SafeContractor Approved

• Carry ECS cards

• PASMA certified

The best security system for a small business is one that meets a company’s requirements and objectives. There are many considerations when we recommend the best security system for a small business including:

Budget: A company’s budget is an important consideration for owner-managed and small businesses. If we know the budget we will know which security brand to recommend. There is also the option to pay for your security system on finance. Therefore, if 60 smaller payments are better than one, talk to us today about our buy now, pay monthly options

Objectives: For any business, objectives need to be met. For us to meet them, we need to know what they are. If you are looking to deter break-ins, a CCTV or perimeter surveillance system is the best choice. For those looking to prevent unauthorised access, a door entry & control system is a solid choice. If the objective is to manage the flow of vehicles and deliveries around your site, ANPR cameras and intercoms will be our strongest recommendation.

Setting and location: The setting is an important factor too. If you are looking to monitor external areas after dark, thermal or night vision cameras should be considered. The setting also dictates the camera type. PTZ cameras are perfect for perimeter surveillance. Fisheye cameras are a solid choice for offices and classrooms. Bullet and turret cameras are the right call when monitoring external areas around warehouses, shops and more.

Yes, absolutely – our security systems engineers and installers are DBS checked.

We often work at sites where safeguarding is key, such as schools, doctor’s surgeries, old people’s homes, and other NHS sites.

Our security systems installers carry DBS cards, and our business is SSAIB Approved.

This adds further reassurance for our customers knowing they are in safe hands with CAP GLOBAL. You can find out about our SSAB Approved status in another of these FAQs.

How do security systems work? That depends on the security system in question!

As a quick summary:

• CCTV cameras monitor your site, with footage fed back to a system that stores your footage for you to review. Security cameras can be fitted with sensors, that will alert you to the presence of an intruder

• CCTV monitoring systems perform the same role. However, if a camera sensor is triggered, an offsite team will receive an alert and deal with the threat(s)

• Access control systems work by either presenting a card or fob to a ‘reader’ to gain access. These systems can be set to allow universal access via the front door, and restricted access to other areas of your site

• Perimeter alarms send a signal to an internal or external security team when triggered. Sensors and infra-red beams can be used to detect the presence of an intruder