Easy Ways To Cut Business Security Costs

Like most businesses, you’re probably looking for ways to save money in 2011.

There are the obvious areas to cut such as office supplies, travel expense and IT. TechRepublic had an excellent article on how businesses can cut costs relatively pain free. The list included ditching the fax machine, going paperless and embracing telecommuting.

However, you also may be looking at ways to cut business security costs. This is a fine line to walk. You want to save money. But you also don’t want to compromise the security of your business.

Here are some easy ways for you to cut businesses security costs without compromising your level of security.

Know Your Needs

A lot of times, businesses don’t know what they really want when it comes to security. Take the time to sit down and really plan out what level of security your business needs. Think about areas of your business you want to protect.

Consider your security options. Do you need an access control system? Do you need security camera surveillance systems?  Knowing what options your business needs will help you save money in the long run.

Shop Around

Be sure to shop around. Like anything you purchase, you want to consider all of the options on the table. Find a security system company that has a long track record of helping businesses. An upstart company could cost you money down the road. Be sure to get customer testimonials for any security system company you consider.

Finding a reliable security company will save you money in the long run because you won’t encounter any hassles.

Find A Reliable System

This may seem common sense, but many businesses do not take the time to look at a security company’s track record. Try to find out if false alarms are frequent. Talk with customer references about any problems with their system.

With false alarms fines rising, you’ll want to find a security company that has a track record of very few false alarm problems.

Have System Regularly Tested

In order to cut security costs, you’ll want to see how often the company comes out to test your system. You’ll want to find a company that tests your system and provides you with technical support when needed. This can help to prevent false alarms and ensure your system is properly running.

Summary

Following these tips will help you cut security costs in the long run. Remember, security comes before savings. Compromising your security could cost you more money down the road. Take your time and do your research when looking for ways to cut business security costs.

Access Control Systems Add Additional Security To Your Business

A few weeks ago, we discussed access control cards and what to look for in an access control system. Today, we will explore the benefits of an access control system.

An access control system has many benefits to your employees and your company. An access control system:

• Restricts unauthorized entry
• Limits employee access
• Controls building security schedules

Some people believe that access control systems are for sophisticated businesses and corporations such as hospitals and large pharmaceutical firms, but these systems are beneficial to all types of businesses.

With access control cards, businesses can authorize only certain employees to gain access to different parts of the building. This in turn protects sensitive company documents and resources.

Other benefits include:

• Access control cards control employee and visitor access
• Access control systems schedule time and areas by user authority level
• Access control systems allow you to add, modify or delete employee profiles without delay
• Access control cards can be customized to include employee photo identification badges
• Access control systems’ design allow for easy system expansion
• Access control systems allow you to remotely manage the system from multiple locations
• Access control systems allow you to easily view and print system activity reports

When selecting an access control system, be sure you work with a security company that can offer comprehensive services, performance guarantees, outstanding client care and technical support.

Are Access Control Cards Best For Your Business Security Solution?

When evaluating business security systems, you will want to consider your access control systems options. Access control systems are critical in creating a safe workplace environment.

It may be hard to believe, but it is much easier for someone to steal something out of your office during the day than at night.

During the day, the office must remain open, so employees can freely enter and exit the office. Unlocked doors present an opportunity for thieves to steal valuable employee belongings as well as important documents critical to business operations. An access control system keeps entrances securely  locked during the day.

Many businesses issue access control cards to their employees. With an access control system, doors remain securely closed until an employee positions their access control card near the sensor.

Access control cards are excellent for large and small businesses. Here are some things to find out before pursuing an access control system:

• What is the size of your office?
• How many employees do you have?
• How many doors need access control card readers?
• How sophisticated do you want the system to be?

These are just a few of the things you should write down before discussing access control systems with a business security provider. Be sure to work with a company that provides excellent technical support to help you and your employees learn how to use the access control system.

Critical Steps To Choosing A Strong Business Security System

Choosing a business security system can be a difficult and time-consuming process. It requires patience and collaboration among decision makers at your business.

There are several critical steps you need to follow when choosing a business security system.

Step 1: Discussion

• Have a period of time to discuss what type of security you want for your business. Be sure to discuss a budget. Take as much time as you need to talk during the discussion period. You want to have a clear plan of what security needs are most important.

Step 2: Security Cameras

• Discuss with your employees and managers if they would like surveillance cameras. For some, this may be too intrusive. Be sure to discuss locations. You may want cameras outside of your business.

Step 3: Access Control Cards

• Discuss if access control cards are the right fit for your business. Access control systems keep doors locked until an employee uses his or her access control card to remotely open the door. This is a good day-time business security solution.

Step 4: Fire Alarms

• Having a fire alarm is a very important safety feature. You will want to find a company that has good working relationships with fire departments across the country.

Step 5: Security Alarm

• You will need to have a discussion about what type of security alarm you want. Do you want motion detectors, 24 hour monitoring, etc. See what security features best match your business and your budget.

Once you have discussed various business security solutions, you will be able to work with a security system provider to help carry out your business security plan.

Access Control Systems – What are they?

Access Control Systems – What are they?

Many people make the assumption that Access Control and Security systems are the same thing. This is not the case. Security Systems only control unwanted access. Access control systems also provide access to personnel that are allowed to enter the premises.

By being the first thing that your employees encounter when coming to work the access control system sends the message to the employee that there is an attempt at providing a safe work environment.

Access Control Systems are an Automatic Gate keeper that provides all of the following without security personal:

• Keep unwanted people from entering secure areas
• Provide access to restricted areas
• Provide audit trails to critical areas with complete documentation of who, when,
• And where entries were made.
• Provides a complete database of all employees and their movements throughout the day

Access control systems work with the following devices:

• Proximity Cards
• Key card
• Swipe Cards
• Keyfob

More advanced systems offer fingerprint and retina scanning devices. These types of systems require that the person physically be there and eliminates the reduced security by users exchanging cards.

Access Control Systems give the business owner the ability to control multiple areas of entry. A keycard can be programmed for a user to allow entry to particular areas while excluding access to other areas. This can all be accomplished via a computer interface. There is no need to have the user get a new card because they are now allowed or excluded from critical areas.

In the event of a user being terminated there keycard access can be revoked whether they turn in their keycard or not.

Access Control Systems can also provide another added value. Many larger companies’ especially International companies have a high number of employees. Access Control Systems can track attendance and automatically work with payroll systems to avoid hard copies and manual calculations.

If loss of inventory poses a problem the access control systems can help with that too. When access control systems are integrated with 24 hour surveillance you can see who and what is leaving your location.

Hue and Cry can evaluate your business to see if an access control system is right for you. Give us a call today – 800-762-3196