Friday, December 21, 2018

4 Security Systems Questions Most Business Owners Would Never Think Of



With the New Year approaching, now is the time that many companies start to evaluate new projects as well as where capital outlay is needed or desired. Security systems are one of the areas that many companies regard as a “If it’s not broke, don’t fix it” mentality.

However, most business owners aren’t aware of how incremental and continual improvements in your commercial security system usually end up costing less over time, and have a higher employee safety factor. That does not include the rise in efficiency when it comes to your security staff, reduction of time needed for training, and an increase in the overall security of your company and building.

Here are four questions that most businesses won’t even think to ask themselves when evaluating their security needs:

       1.   How much is a good employee worth to me?

Most employers do not connect their security systems with the worth or productivity of their employees. However, many industrial buildings are in areas that have higher crime threats, or are more of a target to potential criminals. Employees are often more affected by these risks than an employer, simply because they are the ones on the front lines of an attack.


They also have the continual distraction of looking over their shoulder at odd noises, unfamiliar people or potential threats during evening or night shifts, or in industrial or urban areas. It’s not just job safety, it’s personal safety that becomes affected. An employee that needs to be on the lookout for potential threats is more anxious, less productive, and more likely to take personal time, because of the additional strain of monitoring for potential issues.

A strong security system allows an employee to focus more on their work, less on distractions or potential issues. Less anxiety and a higher feeling of safety results in fewer vacation days, fewer employees being late, and fewer sick days. And there’s a good case for lower employee turnover as well. These savings alone will probably cover any additional costs associated with improving your security system.

A prospective employee that sees a strong security system and an employer that is willing to invest in their employees’ safety through security systems is also more likely to accept a desired position              .
      2.  How much money will I save by deterring 1-2 major workman’s compensation suits per year?

While you may do everything possible to maintain employee safety, the truth is that accidents can and will happen, especially in a business with a large amount of physical labor. In this issue, your best offense is a good defense.

In terms of security that means stronger access control monitoring, higher quality cameras with fewer blind spots and better integration of systems. These measures deter a lot of false or questionable cases that eat up valuable time, resources and money. They can also provide valuable evidence in an actual case.

      3.   How much money will I save on my commercial insurance premiums or deductible with a stronger security system?

When was the last time you looked into updating your business insurance? One of the underwriting aspects of business is the strength and quality of your security system. You can actually reduce your premium or deductible with a better security system. Staying up to date and continuously improving your security system can also reduce claims made to your insurance, keeping premiums low and reducing capital expenditure.

      4.  How do these savings make my business more profitable?

At the end of the day, while we want to provide the best systems and resources possible to and for ourselves and employees, there’s always a piece of the conversation that has to come back to the bottom line: how does this affect my profit?

None of the measures above improve your incoming revenue. Some people would be quick to write
these measures off because since they don’t bring in more revenue, how can they make you more money?

Which brings me to a favorite phrase about top and bottom line revenue: “Top line is vanity, bottom line is sanity.” It’s not just about bringing revenue in, but keeping more of the money you’re making. This area is where small changes and continual investment in your security system can result in reducing your expenses throughout the year, which overall lead to higher profitability for your company.

Also, if you’re looking to reduce your taxes for the year, a capital expenditure like a security system is an excellent tax deduction. For a free quote or consultation, please contact Quinlan Security Systems at 708-478-0707.








Wednesday, December 05, 2018

Where do You Start When Discussing a New Commercial Security System?


Evaluating a new or updated commercial security system can be very confusing because of all the options available. Speaking with different potential vendors can cause even more issues because of the variety in solutions that they offer. Internal discussions with top level staff can create more stress because everyone has a different perspective.

If you’re wondering how to evaluate your needs and the solutions, here are a couple simple steps you can take to determine your needs and priorities. Arming yourself with this information prior to discussions with outside vendors will make your decision process easier and outline the criteria for a successful security system.

1. What are my priorities?

We know that deterring crime, keeping workers compensation cases to a minimum, top quality security and peace of mind that it’s being handled are top of mind when making security decisions.  Beyond that, are there certain pieces of your system you want to have remote monitoring, better video surveillance, more flexibility with certain points of entry?


Now’s the time to start with a wish list of what you want in a new or updated security system. You can also start by noting the top problem areas or issues where you receive the most complaints.

2.  Do an evaluation of your current security system.

List out the good things that are covered in your current security system. Next, list out problem areas whether the technology, coverage or quality is falling short. Also, what’s the ease of use and training time required for new employees? These answers, paired with your wish list, are your starting point when talking to security systems. These requirements will help vendors list out the equipment and service that you would need.

      3.  Are there are upcoming changes, moves, additions to staff, equipment or anything else that’s going to change my requirements?

Since most companies grow and change over time, even if something is in the works for 1-2 years out, it should be considered in the security requirements for your system. Many security systems can be used for 3-5 years and more, considering the level of technology required for your system and how criminals or disgruntled employees will respond to those changes.

     4.  What’s your budget?

While we would all love to have the Cadillac of security systems, that always comes with a price tag. Discussing budget before, during and after initial discussions with potential security companies helps to set realistic expectations of what can be procured for your company.

Setting these expectations is important for both internal personnel (especially decision makers with no knowledge of security costs) as well as your potential vendors. Your vendors can then put together options that they know will work for your based within your price range.

If you’re still struggling with your requirements for a commercial security system, please reach out to us at 708-478-0707. We would be happy to set up a free assessment for you to determine what you need and a proposed solution.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018

Why It’s Time to Upgrade Your Security System


If it’s been more than 3-5 years since you’ve had your security system evaluated, now may be the time to re-engage. Changes in technology, less reliance on landlines and the ability to integrate multiple systems can mean a significant increase in efficiency, mobile management and improved access control.

Many companies decide to upgrade their security system as a result of one of these issues:

  •             Old Technology
  •        Insufficient Systems
  •        Bad Design
  •        Lack of Service from Current Vendor
  •        Move into New Building
  •        Disgruntled Employee
  •        Getting Rid of Landline


Many older security systems do not communicate well with each other, and attempts to integrate them have been limited based on the technology level. The question really becomes whether it’s more efficient to add onto the current system or replace it completely. 

Better Monitoring Capabilities

Old security cameras can have blind spots, or frequent glitches that significantly lessen their effectiveness and leave you vulnerable to criminal activity. Installing new cameras in optimal locations increase your monitoring capabilities, decrease blind spots and increase your overall security.

Increased Control and Convenience

Improved card readers and access control systems allow you to monitor your security systems more   Monitoring and controlling these security aspects makes it easier to remotely manage your systems, which is a win for both you and your employees.
effectively both onsite and offsite. Being able to unlock and re-lock doors through a mobile security app allows improved security overall.

Save Time and Money Overall

Sometimes old systems can be effectively integrated with new cameras or other updated security features. The real question with these integrated systems is whether it is worth the money to integrate with a newer system instead of completely replacing the old system. The other question is whether this mixed system will deliver optimal quality once installed. We can give you the option that makes 
the most sense for you based on what you already have.

Another advantage of more recent technology is that it can be easier to use, reducing employee time and resources spent on training. Also, maintaining the most up to date security systems can also potentially reduce your insurance premiums or deductibles.

Deter Criminal Activity

The most important benefit of updating your security system is deterrent of criminal activity. Criminals look for outdated security systems with blind spots when choosing their target. Having more advanced technology systems stands out to criminals and can deter them from attacking your business.

If you have outdated security systems or questions about updating your security system, please contact Quinlan Security Systems for no-cost, complimentary assessment of your current system.  We’d be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Friday, September 28, 2018

3 Substantial Benefits to Cloud-Based Security Systems


As cloud-based systems have become more popular, there’s still some trepidation out there as to whether a cloud-based system is truly an advantage over your current onsite security system or locally managed security system. Here are 3 substantial benefits of cloud based security systems.

      1. Higher Quality Security

Most businesses don’t have the resources to implement or maintain the higher levels of security protocols. Cloud based systems offer a wide variety of options and standards that can generally be delivered better than an onsite or locally managed security system.

One major example of this is multi-factor authentication. This means multiple methods of   day, a complicated password and unique login may not be enough to truly protect your building and data.
verification for access. Since hacking becomes more effective every

An example of multi-factor authentication may be having a password, physical token, and fingerprint to login. This reduces the risk of ex-employees or un-authorized employees logging in.

Another example is remote administration via mobile devices. This includes mobile device based access credentials, so that the highest level of security is maintained with the added flexibility of your security staff accessing and monitoring the security system anywhere, anytime it’s warranted.

2.  Better Business Continuity.

Implementing and maintaining your security system online offers a much more robust business continuity plan than an onsite or locally managed security system. In a nutshell:
  • Less exposure to issues caused by hardware failure
  • Lower risk of data loss, due to hardware issues or hacking
  • Automatic off-site back up
  • Disaster recovery plan stored online
  • Increased uptime

With everything stored in the cloud, you have a much lower risk of data loss or disruption due to hardware failure, natural weather phenomenon or fire. Your liability is lower because everything is in the cloud.

With a cloud-based security system, your disaster recovery plan is stored in the cloud as well, so you know exactly where it is. It’s safe from fire, theft or any other onsite disruptions.

3Everyone and everything stays up to date.

With all employees using a cloud based security system, everyone is on the most up to date version of the software. There’s no cost for updating people, new software installations, etc.

Plus patch management is much more efficient. Patches are when the software company makes small improvements in a program or is patching a vulnerability that was discovered. With onsite security systems, an IT person would have to manually run the patch on each and every workstation. With cloud based security software, the patch is handled universally and by the software company. So no employee downtime or IT time required.

Cloud-Based Security System Consultation

If you’re considering a cloud-based security solution, Quinlan Security can help you determine the best fit for your company. Please contact us today to set up a complimentary security consultation.


Thursday, August 30, 2018

August Newsletter for Homeowners

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this Issue:

  • What Home Security Companies Can Do For You
  • Maintaining Home Security Systems is Important
To read more, click here.

Friday, August 17, 2018

August Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:


  • Ask These 3 Questions to Prevent Problems with Your Surveillance Installation
  • Why Electronic Access Control is Seen as a Luxury by Small Firms.


To read more, click here.

Tuesday, July 03, 2018

July 2018 Newsletter for Homeowners

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this Issue:

  • How to Choose a Video Surveillance System
  • Burglaries Often Happen When People Are Home
To read these articles click here.

July 2018 Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:
  • Top 4 Benefits of an Integrated Security System
  • A Guide to Fire Alarm System Types
To read these articles click here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2018

DMP Graphic Touchscreen

Are you looking for a surveillance system to protect your home and family? DMP offers a Graphic Touchscreen Keypad that provides users with an easy to use, intuitive keypad that blends with any decor.

This keypad  will fit nicely into your home or office décor as well as your life-style. From its elegant display, to an intuitive, animated graphical interface, to its simplicity of operation with scrolling capabilities. The DMP Graphic Touchscreen keypad is what you expect from today's security systems.

To learn more about this product click here.

DMP XR and XT Control Panels

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in a security system. DMP provides commercial companies with security solutions that integrate intrusion, fire, and access control in a single, effective system.

DMP's integrated approach enables businesses to arm and disarm their systems, lock or unlock access-control doors, add or delete system users or change their access rights, change schedules and holiday dates, and run reports for analysis and evaluation. Businesses can manage the system onsite or from any Internet-connected computer.

To learn more about this product click here.

Tuesday, June 05, 2018

June 2018 Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.

In this issue:

  • Six Questions to Ask When Selecting Surveillance Systems for Harsh & Rugged Environements
  • Why Fire Safety Labels Should Be Understood, Not Ignored
To read this issue click here.

June 2018 Residential Newsletter

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals. 

In this issue:

  • Why Home Security Systems are Worth the Investment
  • 15 Things to Consider Before Buying a Home Security System
To read these articles click here.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

AXIS Q19 Thermal Network Cameras

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in a security system. AXIS offers a thermal network camera that provides reliable thermal detection with low false alarms.

AXIS Q19 Thermal Network Cameras are a perfect tool for perimeter protection, offering highly performing video analytics. The cameras use thermal imaging, which allows users to detect people, objects and incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from pitch dark areas to a sunlit parking lot.

To learn more about this camera click here.

Arecont Vision MegaView 2 Cameras

Are you looking for a surveillance system to protect your home and family? Arecont Vision offers a bullet camera that provides ample resolution to zoom in for details in live or recorded video.

Arecont Vision MegaView 2 cameras allow you to choose the level of resolution you need. In applications where extreme detail is required, such as license plate or face recognition, a higher resolution camera can be selected to ensure sufficient pixel density is delivered.

To learn more about this camera click here.

Tuesday, May 01, 2018

May 2018 Residential Security News

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.

In this Issue:

  • 10 Reasons to Invest in a Home Alarm System
  • What to Look for in a Home Security Service
To read this issue click here.

May 2018 Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.

In this Issue:

  • Why You Need a Video Surveillance System For Your SMP
  • Understand, prevent, prepare and tackle: Four steps to protecting your business from fire
To read this issue click here.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

4 Channel Indoor Mini Dome Kit

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in a security system. Clinton Electronics offers a indoor mini dome kit that are small and discreet.

This easy-to-install system is perfect for indoor applications where both image quality and overall aesthetic matters. This kit comes with 4 dome cameras and their EX Series DVR. 

To learn more about this camera click here.

PowerSeries TouchScreen

If you are looking for a home security system that delivers an easy interactive way to manage and control security systems, DSC offers a solution that is perfect for your home.

The PowerSeries TouchScreen keypad has been designed with the user at 'top of mind'. Large, clearly recognizable on-screen buttons and intuitive menu-driven screens facilitate ease of use and programming.

To learn more about the PowerSeries click here.

Tuesday, April 03, 2018

April 2018 Residential Security News

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.  If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

  • Tips for Choosing Wireless Security Systems
  • Burglary: A Threat to All Homeowners
To read this issue click here.

April 2018 Newsletter for Businesses

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:

  • Do you know how much downtime of your physical security system is costing you
  • How to Unlock the Intelligence in Today's Security Systems
To read this issue click here.

Wednesday, March 21, 2018

AXIS M50 PTZ Network Camera

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in high-performance cameras. AXIS offers a network camera series that can fit in anywhere.

AXIS M50 PTZ Network Camera Series is a series of discreet, palm-sized PTZ cameras that fit in anywhere. Perfect for smaller installations, they offer an affordable way to see the big picture - and all the important details.

Click here to read more about this camera.

Honeywell Tuxedo Touch

If you are looking for a home security system that is intuitive, easy to learn and easy to use, Honeywell offers a solution that is perfect for keeping your home and family safe.

Honeywell's Tuxedo Touch functions as an advanced home security and automation controller, video camera/recorder and voice enabled system.

To learn more about the Tuxedo Touch click here.

Tuesday, March 06, 2018

March 2018 Commercial Newsletter

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.

In this issue:

  • How to Avert Buyer's Remorse: 6 Questions for Smart Security Shopping
  • 5 Office Fire Hazards and How to Reduce Fire Risk in the Workplace
To read these articles click here.

March 2018 Residential Newsletter

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.

In this issue:

  • What to Look for in a Home Security Service
  • How to Compare Security Systems
To read these articles click here.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

AXIS A4010-E Reader

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in a access control system. AXIS offers a cost efficient card reader to help manage who is going in and out of your building.

The competitively priced AXIS A4010-E is a fast, convenient and reliable complement when installing Axis access control system. With the AXIS A4010-E both the installer and customer can feel confident that the system components will work well together.

To read more click here.

Bosch Dinion AN Bullet 4000

Are you looking for a surveillance system to protect your home and family? Bosch offers a bullet camera that provides high quality HD images.

These outdoor bullet cameras are stylish surveillance cameras that offer excellent resolution in variable lighting conditions. For especially challenging situations where fine tuning or special settings are required, the camera parameters can be individually set using the control buttons on the camera and an On-Screen Display. 

To learn more click here.

Tuesday, February 06, 2018

February 2018 Commercial Security News

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies.

In this issue:

  • 6 Common Building Mistakes That You Must Avoid
  • Choosing the Right video Management Solution

To read these articles click here.

February 2018 Residential Security News

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.

In this issue:

  • How to Compare Home Security Systems
  • Top 10 Ways a Monitored Alarm Can Save Your Life

To read these articles click here.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Pelco Video Management Solutions

Protecting your facility, inventory and employees are important reasons why you should invest in a video management system. Pelco offers a system that bridges the gap between mid-market and enterprise platforms by providing a superior user interface and robust feature set that customers demand.

Ideal for small to mid-size installations up to 100 cameras, VideoXpert Professional installation is seamless and simple. Uniquely designed with IT friendly windows and menus, users enjoy a familiar experience when using VideoXpert Professional.

To learn more about this video management system click here.

Bosch Basic Keypads

Are you looking for an intrusion alarm system to protect your home 24/7? Bosch offers an alarm system that is produces several distinct audible warning tones. Each audible tone sounds different, so users can recognize an event by hearing its unique tone.

The B915/B915I Basic Keypad is a SDI2 bus compatible device. Each keypad has user adjustable options, such as volume and display brightness. The keypad shows two-line system messages for all areas.

To learn more about this keypad click here.

Tuesday, January 02, 2018

January 2018 Residential Security News

Knowing that your home is protected is priceless. Don't entrust your home and family to anyone. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your family safe and secure, staffed by friendly and knowledgeable professionals.

In this issue:

  • The Best Areas for Home Video Surveillance
  • How to Maintain Your Home Security Equipment
To read these articles click here.

January 2018 Commercial Security News

Knowing your business is protected at all times is invaluable. For over 40 years, Quinlan Security Systems has focused on keeping your business protected from external intrusions, property damage and undiscovered inefficiencies. If you are thinking about installing or upgrading your security system, call us today!

In this issue:
  • Three Things You Can Do Today to Get the Most of Your VMS
  • 5 Reasons Why Video Analytics is now the Big Focus in CCTV Surveillance
To read these articles click here.