Whilst security may not be top of the agenda for small businesses, cutting costs and corners in terms of protecting the organisation against crime can be a dangerous false economy.
Thefts, break-ins and vandalism can have a serious impact, not only on the business balance sheet but can also seriously disturb day-to-day operations, leaving staff and potentially customers unsettled.
Historically, small businesses have been constrained by numerous factors in their efforts to protect employees and property against crime and vandalism.
The perceived cost of even basic intruder systems often means that purchasing decisions are placed under close scrutiny and are often driven by the demands of insurance companies rather than to achieve better levels of security.
Installation importance
Complexity has also traditionally been a key factor in the decision making process. If not installed correctly, wired intruder systems can cause severe disruption, especially for outlets such as hairdresser salons or small retail outlets where space is at a premium and untidy cabling can be an unwelcome by-product of keeping unwelcome visitors out.
However, despite the occasional apathy towards security, increasing levels of burglary and reported assaults on employees has led the SMB sector to step up to the plate and examine what the industry has to offer in terms of technology.
Additionally, as the cost of these solutions has reduced significantly due to market competition and widespread availability, smaller enterprises can realistically improve the level of security in the workplace.
SMBs can now look beyond ‘bells only’ alarm systems and instead take advantage of more integrated technologies, as below.
Intruder detection
From basic solutions, such as a small retail shop using intruder sensors at its doors to protect against unauthorised entry from outside or magnetic sensors to safeguard prescription drugs in a pharmaceutical cabinet, through to the latest wireless sensor technology and hold-up buttons to help protect staff and customers in the event of a robbery, intruder detection has come a long way from a simple box alarm.
CCTV and surveillance
A good CCTV system has multiple benefits for the small business, both in terms of protecting against the external threat and also the increasing threat of internal theft and shrinkage within the business.
Not only can surveillance technologies help deter theft and fraud but they can also discourage workplace violence and false accident claims and help protect customers and employees
Electronic access control
As with intruder detection and CCTV, small businesses across the UK are increasingly recognising the value of electronic access control as an affordable security proposition.
Organisations such as ADT can help businesses find the right level of access control technology for their needs, from a single-door access control system for a retail store and simple photo ID badging systems for visitors through to sophisticated visitor management platforms using smart card technology to authenticate visitors as they enter and exit high security areas.
Small businesses looking to overhaul the security systems they have in place should firstly consider the following things before rushing to any decision:
• Identify the security problems faced by your business
Different businesses have very different needs and getting the balance right between keeping burglars out and being guilty of overkill is vitally important.
• Consider the quality of the security provider
A badly fitted or poorly maintained security system is likely to cause as many problems as it solves, so ensuring that the provider comes with a good reputation and experience is crucial. Look out for National Security Inspectorate and British Security Industry Association accreditations.
• Explore the required level of monitoring and rapid response required
An alarm is only as good as the response it invokes. Monitoring is a crucial aspect to ensure that a keyholder or the police can be alerted to potential problems thus limiting the risk of loss
• Keep your security working
Ongoing service and maintenance of your security equipment ensures it works when it needs to and protects the investment you have made in the solution. ADT provides service and maintenance on their own or competitor products including call outs, parts and regular servicing.
Any chosen security protection solution should help ensure that your people, property and assets are protected 24 hours a day from crime.
The system will provide a crucial deterrent to burglars and vandals and should raise a response when it is required.
Integration to match your business needs is also vital, giving you the flexibility to enable secure out of hours working and deliveries, as well as the capability to manage your employee movements for a building or a number of locations through one interface.
The current economic climate has placed a huge amount of strain on small businesses and led decision makers to question every purchasing decision.
Yet, of all the areas ripe for cutbacks, security and employee safety should not be one.
SMBs should be working closely with reputable security providers to establish how the right technology can deliver the right protection to their business, stimulating a safe and secure working environment for both employees and customers alike.
http://www.info4security.com/story.asp?sectioncode=10&storycode=4125006&c=1
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