Spring is a great time to take stock of what’s working for
your company, what isn’t, and where you need to make changes. One critical area
often overlooked by businesses is their security system—is the service
delivering effective protection at a reasonable price, or is it time for a new
partner? Here are 5 critical questions to ask your current business security
system provider:
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE
FOR ME LATELY?
Chances are you know exactly what services and features are
in your contract with a security provider, but it’s good practice to make sure
your alarm company can easily articulate its value to your organization. It
goes like this: if the agent you speak to doesn’t know the difference between a
typical and IP video network solution—or doesn’t know how your video data is
processed and stored—it may be time to shop around. Business security depends
on specificity, not vague generalities.
WHAT ARE YOU DOING
NEXT?
“Good enough” won’t be for very long. Your provider should
have a clear view of the current security market and also a plan for upgrading
and enhancing their systems. If you go looking for a new provider, make sure
they’ve got both technology in place to meet your current needs and a good
handle on where the market is headed—for example, cloud-based video playback
systems and context-based alarm triggers are both hot trends.
ARE YOU MOBILE-READY?
Most of your employees already bring their phones to work,
and you may even utilize several business-enhancing apps such as mobile credit
card readers or secure document scanning services. Your alarm company should be
no different. If they don’t current have a mobile app available, ask why. If
one isn’t in development, consider jumping ship. Many providers now offer apps
that include live-stream video monitoring an on-demand text alerts.
DO YOU OFFER ANY
VALUE-ADDED SERVICES?
Security is only one part of the total package. When considering
new companies this year, it’s worth finding one that provides additional
services to help keep your business safe, like environmental hazard detection.
By pairing video cameras and alarm systems with temperature, water, and gas
leak detectors it’s possible to accomplish two aims with a single provider,
giving you protection against both man-made and natural threats.
Consider the case of a burglarized manufacturing facility—if
intruders cause damage during the theft, a standalone security system only
tells part of the story. Coupled with environmental monitoring, you both
increase the likelihood of an arrest and protect your non-monetary assets.
WHAT’S THIS ALL GOING
TO COST?
Some security providers are vague about total costs or claim
that added features don’t have a set value. You need a company that is up front
about its fees, services, and any other expenses you may incur. What happens if
an alarm goes off by accident, or is misused by an employee? Are extra fees
assessed? If the system fails, is your cost pro-rated? Defining cost is an
essential part of the security conversation. Now is the time to take stock of
your business security system provider and make a change if your current
provider can’t deliver.