BSEE
ecurity companies come in all different shapes and sizes, from sole traders working in a specific locality through to large international companies with considerable resources and accreditations. And there are a lot of them. If you’re looking for a new security system, or want to upgrade or extend an existing one, it’s difficult to know where to start. I can’t tell you which company is right for you, but I can impart one key piece of advice that should be at the heart of your search: look for a security company that takes the time to understand the security ‘pain points’ of your specific site and can deliver a solution that directly addresses them. In the commercial world, there’s no set menu when it comes to security systems. Every organisation has its own requirements, just like every site has its own layout, usage etc. A supplier who takes a prescriptive approach to security will never deliver you the best outcome.
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By Andy Wray, general manager SME, Stanley Security
So what does this security company look like? And does size matter?
Company size
Let’s start with the size of the company. There seems to be a general impression that you get a more personal service, tailored to your needs, when dealing with smaller, local companies. However, with less resources and staff, that service may not be as reliable as that provided by a larger company. Whilst larger security companies have considerable resources, are you in danger of being one of many customers and therefore less important to them? And aren’t they ‘faceless’ organisations where you never deal with the same person twice?
We hear these comments regularly but I’d like to debunk the idea that you can only get a bespoke security system and personal service if you use a small security company in your locale. Firstly let me start by saying there are some very good local security companies out there so by no means do I want to discredit the work they do. There are also some not so great national security companies!
The larger security companies can offer an excellent level of service tailored to your precise needs but check to see you get a dedicated account manager or a single person who acts as the main point of contact. Whilst you may not need to contact your Account Manager to get a repair done, for example, he/she remains the go to person who is most familiar with your requirements.
Larger security companies can also offer attractive finance options for customers. Look for those that offer in-house finance solutions, such as Stanley Assure rental finance, as these are far more flexible than going through third parties and can be structured to suit your specific requirements.
Is there a process in place?
Ultimately, whether it’s a small or large company, it’s the approach they take that matters and how they fulfil your security needs. This approach should start with a security risk assessment to determine what issues are most likely to affect the site and its activities, alongside a review of current security arrangements if it’s an existing property. If it’s a small, straightforward project your account manager should have the expertise to be able to design the security system. If your requirements result in a more complex system then a dedicated in-house system designer should be involved. The system design should be presented to you along with a detailed estimate and a time line for the works. For existing properties, a scrupulous, competent security company will try to utilise existing security equipment that may be in place, to help keep costs down and wastage to a minimum. Ideally the company should not be tied into a specific manufacturer so they can recommend product that suits
uOnce you green light the project, the installaon should commence to a set meline
FIRE, SAFETY & SECURITY One security solution doesn’t fit all
uThe key to success in most security installaons is listening to the customer’s requirements and designing a system that meets those needs
your needs, not one that matches their product portfolio first and foremost. They should also be up to date with latest developments in security. You may think this unnecessary for a relatively small security system, but not all new technologies and product come with a hefty price tag. For example, Stanley OneDoor is a new smartphone-based access control system that removes the need for cards and tags with users gaining access via their smartphones through an app; it’s a neat, cost-effective and thoroughly modern approach to access control.
Once you green light the project, the installation should commence to a set timeline. If you are using a smaller local company, make sure they have sufficient staff to start the job in a timely fashion and complete it without dividing their time between other installs. If it’s a national company you opt for, check to see if they have a team locally based to the site. The last part of the project, but an extremely important one, is the commission and handover. It’s at this stage that you need to reconcile what was agreed and what has actually been achieved.
On going support
Once the security system is up and running, it needs regular maintenance, so check what servicing options are available through your installer. Also, what level of response can be expected if something goes wrong with the system; how quickly can they respond?
uUlmately, whether it’s a small or large company, it’s the approach they take that maers and how they fulfil your security needs
16 BUILDING SERVICES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEER OCTOBER 2019
Lastly, is your security provider able to offer system monitoring? The key to success in most security installations is listening to the customer’s requirements and designing a system that meets those needs. An off the peg suit may do well for work, but an off the shelf security system rarely does. A division of Stanley Black & Decker (SWK), Stanley Security is one of the leading security providers in the UK and around the world. Stanley Security provides the best of both worlds, a local company with global resources and one of the most trusted names in security.
www.stanleysecurity.co.uk Read the latest at:
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Once the security system is up and running, it needs regular maintenance, so check what servicing opons are available through your installer
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