Top Reasons Businesses Are Switching from Traditional Security to Virtual Guards

But all across the country, that scene is becoming increasingly rare as businesses discover a more effective alternative. Virtual guard services are transforming how companies protect their assets, and the shift is accelerating.

In this brief article brought to you by ArcEye Defense we look at why business owners who make the switch rarely look back.

Virtual Guards See More and See Better

Let’s face it: Physical guards are limited by their two feet. If they’re checking the back entrance, they’re not watching the front gate. If they’re patrolling a parking lot, they’re not monitoring a loading dock.

Virtual guards don’t have that limitation. Thanks to strategically placed cameras with zero blind spots, virtual guards can view multiple angles at once and switch perspectives instantly. Every entry point, every vulnerable area, every corner of your property stays under watch 24/7.

Faster Response Means Fewer Incidents

Traditional guards often respond after something happens. By the time they notice a problem and reach the area, though, damage may already be done. It’s a reactive method of security.

Virtual guards work differently. They can identify suspicious activity the moment it starts and intervene via two-way audio and alarms. They can also notify the nearest onsite guards, the business owner, and/or local law enforcement.

In many cases, incidents stop before they escalate into theft, vandalism, or liability issues. Speed matters in security, and remote monitoring is simply the quickest.

Security without the Safety Risk

Here's something traditional security companies don't like discussing: physical guards face real danger when confronting criminals. Even routine patrols involve risks; think slips, falls, and vehicle accidents.

When a guard gets hurt on your property, you're potentially facing workers' compensation claims, lawsuits, and the terrible conscience of knowing someone was harmed protecting your assets.

Virtual guard services are simply safer. Nobody needs to physically confront criminals to protect your property. This approach keeps everyone safer and your property secure.

Lower Long-Term Costs

Traditional security guard services can easily cost a couple hundred thousand dollars once you factor in wages, overtime, insurance, training, turnover, and coverage gaps. For businesses that need overnight or 24/7 coverage, costs rise even more.

Virtual guard services deliver comprehensive coverage for a fraction of that cost. You're getting superior protection while significantly reducing expenses. For businesses managing tight budgets, this difference isn't trivial; it's transformative.

It's rare to find situations where you can cut costs and get better results simultaneously, but virtual guards deliver exactly that.

Scalability and Flexibility

Opening a new location means hiring and training additional guards, managing expanded schedules, and multiplying costs. With virtual guards, expansion is straightforward.

Really it just entails commercial security camera installation services along with connecting them to your existing monitoring system. Then, the virtual guards take it from there. The incremental cost is modest compared to hiring entirely new security staff.

Similarly, if you need more intense monitoring during high-risk periods (like holiday shopping seasons, special events, or after experiencing incidents), virtual systems can be adjusted quickly.

The Hybrid Approach: Best of Both Worlds

For some businesses, the optimal solution combines both approaches. Virtual guards provide constant monitoring and immediate threat detection, while a smaller physical security presence handles specific tasks greeting visitors, conducting detailed inspections, or responding to certain situations.

If you're considering upgrading your security approach, ArcEye Defense makes the transition smooth and straightforward. Call or message us today to get started with a free consultation.