At this time of the year, many business owners are wisely spending their downtime considering their moves for the year ahead. While the end of the year always presents ample opportunity to forward-plan, it can be especially prudent considering the current economic state of play.
It’s well known that crime figures rise in tandem with economic periods of fragility, and therefore businesses should pay close attention to their security protocols to stay lean and agile. However, it is important to choose your tools wisely, to afford unnecessary costs.
Here we will take a look at the best way for business owners to safeguard themselves from crime, without breaking the bank.
1 – Think of the bigger picture
Time and time again we speak to businesses who have fallen foul of flashy and expensive security systems that look impressive but don’t do what they need them to do. Rather than relying solely on one type of tool – for instance CCTV – businesses should think about the big picture. A CCTV system is great at recording crime, but you should aim to stop it in its tracks. Tools like gates, turnstiles and automatic barriers can help you do just that.
2 – Begin with a risk assessment
Before rushing into any rash or expensive decisions, you should seek out a thorough review of your needs with the help of a perimeter security provider. A good facilitator should take into account several different factors. For example:
- How does your business operate?
- What industry-specific needs do you have?
- Are there any geographic or business constraints to consider?
- What threats does your business face?
- Are you vulnerable right now?
These are just a few examples of the types of questions that need to be considered in a full and thorough risk assessment.
3 – Consider the long-term benefits
It is important to pay a fair price for your chosen security tools. There are many businesses out there that will charge far more than the appropriate value and are happy enough to recommend the wrong products. However, beyond the immediate costs, you should think about how those products could save you money too.
For example, while a tool like an automatic barrier might represent a higher cost than a manual one, it may also reduce the need for you to operate the barrier yourself, or pay manned guards to do so.
Access control equipment like fobs, keypads or even automatic number plate recognition can be used to grant entry and save on your personal costs.
4 – Breakdown cover
As well as the obvious upfront costs, you should also be wary of hidden costs that may arise such as in the event of damage to your tools.
Imagine the scenario – a heavy-duty goods vehicle has skidded on ice and damaged your security gates. You’re due to close for the Christmas period and you find yourself unable to secure a technician who has the parts required to repair your gate. Not only could your festive plans be scuppered, but you could also be leaving your business open to criminal threats while you are away.
This is why it is important to choose a provider who can both repair and replace parts easily should the situation arise.
5 – Don’t cut corners
Never cut corners when it comes to perimeter security. Choose experienced providers with plenty of feedback and reviews online. This can ensure that you not only receive a good quality product but that it is installed to a high standard and won’t let you down in the future.
The solution
Whether your business runs from small retail premises or a large industrial site, Here at Gateway Automation we can provide you with a free, no-obligation risk assessment, feasibility survey, and quotation to assess your perimeter security requirements.
We have over 40 years of combined experience and expertise and can also provide a nationwide reactive callout service with engineer response times of 8 hours, 24 hours, 48 hours, and 7 days. We supply spares and parts for all manufacturers’ equipment means that any problems can be dealt with quickly. Please contact us on 01522 682255 for more information.
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