When you operate a business in the bustling and busy area of Miami and South Florida you want to make sure that everything you need can be done at the snap of your fingers. There should be no time to waste which is why commercial interactive services are such an important part of your business.
Need to reconfigure your security system? Or maybe you want to work on the audio system throughout the store so you can make PSA’s accordingly. Either way having it all done from one hub rather than configuring many different ones is key.
That’s why understanding not only what a commercial active service is but why you need one is a game-changer. Let’s talk about it.
What is a Commercial Interactive Service?
A commercial interactive service is your go-to one-stop shop for everything you need. It includes your security system, your entertainment system, as well as all things functionality. There is no one specific commercial interactive service as they vary business to business depending on what the service needs to include.
Here are some common elements of commercial interactive services.
Security
This is one of the more important elements of your commercial interactive system. You need to not only keep your employees safe but your guests as well.
- Burglar alarms to alert authorities and employees of a break-in.
- Surveillance cameras to catch any criminals on property.
- Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors to alert of fire of toxic gases.
- Different locking systems to let certain employees/individuals into the areas they are allowed to be in while keeping other areas safe from unauthorized visitors.
Entertainment
This is going to be the part of your business that provides the “WOW factor”. Some businesses care more or less about this depending on the industry.
- Audio systems to play music, make announcements, and communicate across to staff on different channels.
- This may also include TVs/other electronics in the entertainment sector that is within your store/business.
Functionality
Having smart home features is not just for the house but also great for having a business. Instead of going around shutting off every light wouldn’t it just be easier with a click of a button.
- Managing lighting systems for different areas or throughout the entire building.
- Controlling the temperature in different areas of the business.
- A crossover between security and functionality is managing the WIFI services. Many businesses now provide free WIFI to their guests, in order to create a clients/visitors database.
Benefits of Commercial Interactive Services
There are so many benefits that come with integrating a commercial interactive service into your business. You may have already picked up on a few so let’s highlight some of the less obvious ones within the three categories described above.
- Efficiency
It’s obvious that there is an efficiency in terms of not needing to access many different systems when you can control everything all in one. What’s less obvious is that there is both cost-efficiency and environmental efficiency.
Cost-efficiency can come from using electrical services that are more efficient with switching on and off the lights among other electronics. Security replacement efficiency in terms of cost is another benefit (no more lost keys).
Environmental efficiency by having set programming not wasting electricity and resources.
- Better User Experience
This doesn’t just go for those who are using the structure. Of course, employees will benefit but really the customers benefit just as much. Customers will be able to take advantage of better sound systems, WIFI Access Points, and additional interactive services.
Employees can have a more convenient way of signing into work with keyless or Bluetooth access control systems. They also can work with their own channels of communications so not everyone has to listen to certain PSAs.
- Get Updated
Updates become a lot easier once you move over to a tech system. The initial change may be hard but from there maintenance can be relatively low. An update as we know it today consists of just tapping a button and letting the software update itself.
This is the beauty of running a service through technology. It’s also the reason you need to make sure that the tech you are working with is quality and high-functioning. Not all products may be made under the same company but there is a good chance they can function together through Bluetooth capabilities.
Make sure to check this with your security company so you don’t have products that don’t work with each other.
How Do Commercial Interactive Services Work?
Commercial interactive services work differently among different companies. The general theme remains the same but the functionality can differ. This is why it is so important to go with a trusted provider who can manage the whole process for you.
Generally speaking, commercial interactive services will operate out of a single hub. This panel will be controlled by either a security team and/or the owners of the business. On this interactive hub, you can control everything that is included in your package. Should you go with a third-party service for security then you don’t have to worry about this.
You can control and manage the entire system in one cohesive process. Want to dim the lights? No problem. Set the doors to open at 10 AM for business. Easy! This is how a commercial interactive service works.
How to Install Commercial Interactive Service
Installing a commercial interactive service is arguably just as important as having one in the first place. The reason being is that if it is installed poorly you might as well not have one in the first place. Security is only as good as its quality. So, while every business is different, this is the general expectation when you work with a top-quality security provider.
- Initial needs are addressed in a first-time consultation. This gives the security team an idea of what the client needs and budget is.
- An on-site evaluation should be done to understand the square footage of the area and different areas where interactive services will be put. This will help decide what works within the budget and also give the chance for the security team to make recommendations.
- The install process may begin. The amount of time and workers, as well as cost, will vary depending on the project size. This includes what services are being implemented as well as the size of the property. It also depends on whether it will be an ongoing contract or a one-time setup.
Risks of Having Commercial Interactive Services
The risks of having a commercial interactive service for your business are relatively low. Having said that, there aren’t zero. Technology, in general, has both been a blessing and unveiled a new set of issues. Let’s talk about it.
Security Risks
Nowadays the problem is less about physically breaking in and more about cyberhacking. Without a good firewall and online security system, you are opening yourself up to the possibility of a breach. That’s why the installment is so important. This is especially important for businesses as you don’t want your client’s information made public in case of legal problems.
Poor Installation
Commercial interactive systems aren’t cheap. That doesn’t mean that it’s not cost-efficient or worth it in the long run. What is not worth it is having a poor system put in place that doesn’t work the way it should. Or having unnecessary products. This is why when you choose a company like Circle Security Solutions you can rest assured you will have a finished product you love.
Commercial interactive Services FAQs
Regardless of all the information listed above if you are new to commercial interactive systems then you naturally will have some more questions. Don’t fret because we have dedicated this part of the blog to the most FAQs and if you don’t find what you are looking for you can always contact us directly!
What is a monitored service?
We briefly talked about what a monitored service is. You can be either self-monitored or have a third-party monitoring service. Self-monitoring is when you take on all your own security surveillance after the initial setup. You will be responsible for reviewing footage, contacting authorities, and more.
A third-party service is someone who is constantly monitoring or monitoring when told. This is an additional security team that gives the benefit of being able to handle the problems quickly and most efficiently.
Can these services be discounted?
There is no guarantee that a full commercial interactive service will be discounted but more often than not you can work something out with your insurance company. The reason being is that enhanced security systems potential can be exchanged for lower premiums or discounted installs. This is because it makes their product safer and is a great invention for you to get these services.
It’s also possible the company you choose to work with may have certain discounts or special offerings so be sure to ask!
Does the system still work with power outages?
This depends on the setup of the system but as far as security measures go most of the system will be run through both hard-wired and data options. Your security system part will likely run both on power/data and a battery or generator operated option. This way your security system remains intact if the outage is intentional.
This can be discussed when the plans for building the commercial interactive system are started. Technically, you can put your whole system on a generator and don’t have to worry.
Circle Security Solutions Product Showcase
We’ve mentioned a few times the importance of working with a trusted and professional security service. That’s why at Circle Security Solutions you can take a look at our amazing selections of products and services. From quality systems to experienced teams we know what it takes to secure a business and make sure the little things don’t get left behind.
If you are still having doubts about commercial interactive systems then we will be happy to answer them for you. Please call us at 305-667-0444.
Closing Thoughts
Don’t wait any longer to start your discussion and plan on a commercial interactive system. With professionals that can work with your budget, you can enhance your security systems and make the overall user experience for everyone that much better. Don’t let initial prices scare you off because there is not only room for possible discounts but long-term it is likely to save you money!
From entertainment systems to security everything can be done in one single hub under a commercial interactive system. And while there is always the risk of a breach ins security, you run the risk of a physical break-in without it!
A commercial interactive system is a great way to stay up-to-date with the times and keep your business rolling into the future.
