This article takes a deeper look at some of the benefits and limitations of DIY and professional installations, and how they may affect small business owners.
For small business owners, security is one of the most important things to consider. In this regard, the owner can choose DIY solutions that they can install themselves, or they can rely on systems integrators to set up more complex systems. Each option has its benefits and limitations. This article takes a deeper look at some of the pros and cons of DIY and professional installations, and how they may affect small business owners.
Pros and cons of DIY solutions
DIY or do-it-yourself solutions, as their name suggests, are consumer-grade, off-the-shelf products that users can get from regular electronic stores. Compared to commercial-grade solutions, DIY products are less expensive and can pretty much cover small businesses’ basic security needs.
“Consumer-grade cameras support plug-and-play, wireless, and cloud-based installation. Limited wiring – usually only power – results in fast and easy installation,” said Bob Mesnik, President of Kintronics.
“Pros [of DIY solutions] include low upfront cost, fast deployment, and simple mobile access. For basic awareness, it can be sufficient,” said David Morris, SVP of Operations at Interface Systems.
Indeed, DIY solutions’ lower cost can be quite appealing for users, especially owners of small businesses. But they must also weigh this against DIY solutions’ limitations and drawbacks, for example poorer integrative capabilities, reduced reliability and fewer cybersecurity features.
“DIY solutions are lower in cost and are increasingly more capable in their technology. However, these systems are generally subscription-based video surveillance products with limited integrations into other consumer products. While cost and ease of use present an appealing argument, the pitfalls of having consumer-grade products in a commercial environment may mean that the business owner is more susceptible to the bypass of their security systems, and over time the inherent operational costs of the subscription may not outweigh the costs of the potential risks to the business,” said Terry K. King, VP of STC Operations at Guidepost Solutions. “These systems can be easily set-up on a business network and offer limited cyber protections – thus creating a higher level of business risk to the business owner with limited support by the manufacturer.”
Pros and cons of professional installations
Professional installations, meanwhile, provide users with benefits that DIY solutions can’t. These include expert system design, optimized placement, 24/7 monitoring, redundant communications, and stronger documentation for liability and insurance purposes.
“Pros of professional installation include providing a higher level of security for businesses with valuable inventory, multiple entrances, complex floor plans, and ongoing support needs. These systems include advanced features and integration with other security systems, such as door access control, and better software that helps detect security problems,” Mesnik said. “The professional system may also include AI-enhanced camera systems that provide immediate notifications when someone enters the premises with a gun, when inventory is removed, or when a person falls down.”
Furthermore, professional installations are typically handled by systems integrators who are well-versed in deploying security systems.
“Quality of product and quality of installation is the primary benefit of using a professional solution and installer. Whether it is intrusion detection monitored after hours by a third-party monitoring firm with associated cameras, or it is access control with audit trail capabilities for the building perimeter and key areas of protection – a professional installer is certified and trained to deliver the products being installed,” King said.
Daniel Lim, Director of Prowler International, concurred with King’s remarks. “The primary advantage of professional installation is the consultative approach. An expert ensures that the equipment selected actually aligns with the business objectives, providing a 'right-first-time' solution. Beyond the technical setup, professionals ensure aesthetic integrity with neat cabling and provide a seamless handover through testing and commissioning,” Lim said.
Inevitably, setting up a professional security system with the help of a systems integrator will come at a higher cost. Maintenance service agreements that cover hardware and software support may also be included. But in the long run, the cost saved from reduced security incidents, reduced replacement of parts and reduced service calls may be worth the investment.
“Small businesses often are more susceptible to the impact of a security event and thus ensuring that the security spend should be calculated not against the capital and operational costs but rather on the overall risk appetite of not investing in a professional level of security,” King said.
“While the upfront investment is higher, this cost is typically offset by the time-savings for the business owner and the 'worry-free' protection provided by an After-Sales Service Level Agreement (SLA),” Lim said.
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