For any business with stock or equipment in this day and age, a good commercial security system is pretty much essential. They should protect you, your employees, your stuff and in the end your profit margins. So you should be aware of the latest technology available and the different systems that are available to install or retrofit.
Here we describe three key that can affect the success of your security system and how you might look to improve them.
Your Employees
- Better staff training: Make sure your staff are up to speed on emergency procedures, entry and exit locking procedures, how to activate your security alarm systems and how to turn them off and what to do if something has gone wrong.
- Access to cash should be controlled. This can include installing safes, creating unique log ins for POS system, implementing late night trade procedures, changing till point positions and more. Try to reduce the exposure of your staff to crime by installing protective devices and clear signs to discourage thieves.
The Perimeter Of Your Business
- Are high quality locks on gates been installed? Has fencing been damaged? Are items such as bins located close to fences?
- Do you have sufficient lighting for night time activity? Have you installed devices such as timers or motion detectors to help scare off potential burglars?
- How about your windows and doors? It is surprising how many warehouses or factories have cheap locks installed, or have used hollow doors on some exits that can be easily kicked in. Experienced commercial locksmiths can help advise on better locks and perhaps even digital options could be considered. Windows should have security grills and stronger protective screens than just a cheap fly screen installed.
- Fire safety devices such as sprinklers and smoke alarms should be tested regularly and should also meet Australian standards. Security goes beyond criminal activity. Fires can be caused by arsonists and hooligans as well as electrical faults or accident.
You Security And Emergency Plan
- Surely you have a security and emergency plan in place right? If you don’t, make one as soon as possible.
- Do you have floor plans detailing locations like assembly points, emergency exits and retreat locations clearly marked? Training staff to follow procedures in this respect is vital too.
- Do you provide a way for staff fill out incident and maintenance forms? They are a great way to prevent future problems from occurring.
- Enact a procedure to regularly change combinations, passwords, access codes, pin numbers, alarm systems codes and computer log in details. It is amazing how often old staff, visitors to businesses, short term contractors and the like are involved in burglaries after they have learned codes to access buildings or different areas within them.
At the end of the day planning is key. Talk too consultants about security, follow their advice and stay diligent in the implementation of procedures and maintenance of your security systems as often as possible.