Implementing an innovative and costly intrusion detection system today is sometimes out of the question, as decision-makers are increasingly pressured to reduce unnecessary spending. Yet both physical and digital crime rates continue to skyrocket. This conundrum highlights a serious concern for many decision-makers: Is investing in expensive security systems worth it in the long run?

The short answer is yes. Unfortunately, not many executives will be won over with a simple smooch on the cheek and the promise of something more down the road. Managers want to be wooed, and the only way to do that is to provide supporting evidence that may sway their opinion one way or another.

1. Prevent Costly Crimes

This is most likely the biggest and most obvious benefit of implementing a physical security system. Nevertheless, it would be unwise not to state the undeniable.

Therefore, it is necessary to say: If decision-makers implement an integrated security system, they will reduce crime taking place in their facility. When executives have full-fledged monitoring capabilities, they can ensure no one, including malicious insiders or straight-up criminals, breaks into their building after hours, steals valuable assets or vandalizes personal property.

Access control systems, in particular, are commonly considered among the most effective intrusion detection solutions, as they limit an individual's ability to enter otherwise restricted areas. If a person doesn't have the right credentials, whether that means an ID card or fingerprint for a biometrics system, they will not be allowed in. It's as simple as that.

Now that the obvious has been stated, let us move on.

2. Improve Internal Operations

How can a physical security system improve corporate processes, you ask? Simple. By becoming a company that follows in the footsteps of his Big Brother.

While this is not necessarily the truth, it is also not exactly a lie. When decision-makers implement video surveillance cameras, for example, they have the unique ability to observe how employees act on a daily basis. By analyzing the footage, executives can assess whether any procedures are slower than they should be and why. Improving these tasks has the potential to yield multiple financial results, including reducing time to market, eliminating backlog and enhancing long-term operation.

3. Enhance Customer Experience

Although this benefit can apply to a number of different industries, it's main prospect is retailers. Businesses with brick-and-mortar shops are already having difficulty maintaining operations during the digital age, when consumers buy more items on their smartphones and tablets than they do in an actual store.

Executives should consider implementing surveillance cameras so they can gain more insight into how consumers act in the building. When the footage is analyzed, decision-makers can determine if any items put people off from their usual buying habits or even if end aisles get in the way off shopping carts. This data enables managers to make changes to their store or speak with supply chain managers about what needs to be changed to retain customers.

The ongoing macroeconomic crisis is putting an enormous amount of pressure on companies of all sizes and industries. But decision-makers should not be discouraged so easily. While there are many innovative IT solutions that offer enhanced cost-saving capabilities, there are also more relevant investments that can provide more than one benefit.

Executives that take the time to find the right physical security system will likely be in a unique position to gain a competitive advantage over rival firms in a number of ways. Not only will their buildings be more secure than other companies', but managers will also be able to save money and even boost long-term revenue opportunities.