Security System - Phased Approach

🛡️ Security Investment Timeline

Phase Timing Focus Investment Monthly Cost
Phase 1 Months 1-6 Outdoor storage startup $500-1,500 $0-30
Phase 2 Months 6-12 Building customer base $3,000-5,000 $50-100
Phase 3 Year 2 Professional operation $8,000-12,000 $125-200
Phase 4 Year 3+ Full integration $15,000-25,000 $200-300

🚦 Phase 1: Minimal Security (Months 1-6)

"Agricultural Storage" Positioning

Component Description Cost Purpose
Padlocks & Chains Number outdoor spaces $200 Basic security
Solar Motion Lights 6-8 units around perimeter (12 total units) $300-600 Deterrent & visibility
Trail Camera 1-2 units for problem areas $200-400 Evidence if needed
Warning Signs "24 Hour Surveillance" $50 Psychological deterrent
Manual Log Book Record all access $10 Critical for consent
Documentation Priority: Keep manual log of EVERY site visit, photo diary showing agricultural use, record vehicle counts (prove 3-5/day).

📹 Phase 2: Basic Monitoring (Months 6-12)

Building Credibility (20-40 customers)

Gate Enhancement ($1,500-2,000)

  • Connected keypad with logging
  • DoorKing 1812 or similar
  • Individual codes per customer
  • Access reports for consent

Basic Camera System ($2,000-3,000)

  • 4 cameras total
  • 2× Gate cameras (overview + LPR)
  • 2× Building corners
  • Dahua/Uniview NVR

Simple Monitoring: Self-monitoring via app ($50-100/month) or basic alarm monitoring without guard response.

🔒 Phase 3: Professional Security (Year 2)

Scaling with Growth (40-60 customers)

Upgrade Details Investment Benefit
Complete Camera Coverage 8 AI-enabled cameras, 30+ days retention $4,000-6,000 Full perimeter visibility
Professional Monitoring 24/7 center, guard response available $125/month Insurance compliant
Access Control Integration Cloud management, auto-lockouts $2,000-3,000 Automated operations
Revenue Opportunity: Charge security premium of $10-15/month for "secure storage" - potential added revenue of $200-400/month.

⚡ Phase 4: Full Integration (Year 3+)

Professional Operation (60-100 customers)

Complete System Features

  • 8 AI-enabled cameras with analytics
  • Professional NVR with RAID storage
  • Integration with management software
  • Individual unit access control
  • Mobile app for customers
  • Automated billing integration

Advanced Capabilities

  • License plate recognition
  • Facial recognition (optional)
  • Motion analytics & alerts
  • Remote lock/unlock
  • Customer self-service kiosk
  • Integration with insurance

🏢 Recommended Vendors

Category Vendor Product Phase Website
Cameras Dahua IP cameras & NVR 2-4 Visit
Cameras Uniview Budget IP systems 2-3 Visit
Cameras Hikvision AI-enabled cameras 3-4 Visit
Access Control PTI Security StorLogix system 3-4 Visit
Smart Locks DoorBoss Wireless unit locks 4 Visit
Gate Systems DoorKing 1812 Access Plus 2-3 Visit
Monitoring ADT NZ 24/7 monitoring 3-4 Visit

💡 Key Security Principles

  • Start Simple: Don't over-invest before having customers
  • Document Everything: Critical for consent and insurance
  • Scale with Revenue: Each phase justified by income
  • Maintain Agricultural Look: Important for initial consent
  • Focus on Deterrence: Visible security prevents most issues
  • Integrate Gradually: Add features as complexity grows