Safeguarding Success: How to Choose the Perfect Security System Provider for Unparalleled Protection.

In today's increasingly hostile world, many security leaders are grappling with global uncertainty as they plan to address the threat landscape in 2024. With growing concerns about potential economic and social turmoil, they face an increased likelihood of criminal activity. Consequently, a significant number of organisations are bolstering their security investment.

?However, as security technology becomes increasingly powerful and more complex, choosing the right security system provider to protect your people and assets can be challenging.?

Whether you are looking for a burglar alarm to detect unauthorised entry to your premises, a video surveillance system to monitor and record activities, even an access control system to??? regulate and manage the entry and exit of individuals within your facility, or a completely integrated system hiring the right professional installer offers numerous benefits. Firstly, experienced companies have the knowledge and expertise to assess your specific security needs and recommend the most suitable system for your property. They will also ensure the system is correctly installed and devices optimally positioned for maximum effectiveness.

?So here are a few practical tips to help you source the best supplier for your needs. Whether you are looking to invest in a new security system, expand your current one, or switch to a new service provider, choosing the right security partner is crucial. Making the wrong decision frequently results in significant disruption and losses. However, carefully considering the following points, you can select the right security system provider that meets your requirements.

1.?Financial / Economic Standing Check financial stability.?

• Check financial stability.
• What's their turnover in the relevant disciplines? Is it applicable to your system requirements? A company installing ￡1,000.00 intruder alarm or small video systems may not have the resources or in-house capability to implement larger or more complex video surveillance systems, Access Control, or integrated system projects.
• Do they have insurance cover relevant to the level and nature of work undertaken??

2. Technical Capacity?

• Choose an installer that offers comprehensive services, including in-house design, installation, ongoing support, and maintenance. This will ensure that your security system remains in optimal working condition.
• Does their name appear on the SECURITY SYSTEMS AND ALARMS INSPECTION BOARD (SSAIB) or National Security Inspectorate (NSI) list of approved installers or carry similar relevant third-party approval? The NSI and SSAIB are the two primary industry inspectorates in the U.K., providing independently assessed Approval and Certification Schemes, accredited and monitored by UKAS.
• Ask about staff skills, experience, and numbers. Do they have sufficient resources? Are they qualified in the relevant disciplines??TIP?check whether system designers and technical staff are CTSP - Certified Technical Security Professional Registered. The register, which is available online, corroborates that the individual has the competence and qualifications to carry out the job correctly.?
• Are staff directly employed, vetted to appropriate standards such as BS7858:2019 Screening of individuals working in a secure environment CoP, and possess ID cards? Furthermore, do they have corporate clothing so they are easily recognised on-site??
• Does the company have the requisite project management skills and adequate resources to implement your project efficiently with minimum disruption??
• Do they have the in-house technical ability to support the system they are installing? Do they have dedicated installation and service engineers? In many smaller organisations, the installation and service engineer is one and the same person, which could be better. If he is doing a service call for someone, he is not carrying out your installation and vice versa.?
• What accreditations, awards and memberships do they hold? For example, are they ISO9001:2000 Quality Assured, 14001 Environmental Management, 45001 Occupational Health, ISO 27001 Information Security Management, etcetera??
• Are they registered with CHAS, Construction Line, SafeContractor, Linkup, etc.??
• Do they have a procedure for appointing and managing sub-contractors??
• Do they provide, in advance, all makes and models of equipment being proposed? Are all products non-proprietary so you don't get locked into them? Are there partnership certifications in place for the products they use?

3. Project Experience?

• Can they demonstrate experience in projects similar to those that you require?
• Can they provide at least three customer references for the required discipline in your area/industry sector? Is it a similar size and type??
• As well as taking up references, make a site visit and take the opportunity to check the general quality of the installation. Looking behind equipment and in control panels is a good indicator of the standard of quality. Is the wiring neat and professionally terminated using the appropriate connectors, and are cables clearly marked? Nine times out of ten, you will find a bird's nest of wires.
• Ask the customer if the project was completed on time, within budget and safely.?
• Do they have the relevant Health and Safety Documentation, Method Statements and Risk Assessments? Ask for samples.?
• Do they provide you with handover documentation and a comprehensive O&M Manual? Again, ask for a sample.?

4. Aftercare support?

• Do they provide a 24-hour, 365-day-a-year technical assistance line handled by trained personnel? Do they have a service team with call-out engineers available around the clock who are experienced in repairing the type of system you have installed? There is little point in sending a burglar alarm engineer to a fault on a total integrated system just to meet call response times.?
• Do they hold spares for the equipment they propose to install, have a dependable active relationship with the equipment manufacturer or supplier, or do they install 'flavour of the month'??
• Do they provide a comprehensive preventative maintenance support facility with a choice of service levels??

5. Reputation and Relationship Approach

• Finally, consider their experience and reputation in the industry. Check out reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their level of customer satisfaction.
• Ask yourself, am I comfortable with these guys, and can I work with them on a regular basis? Do our values and priorities match?
• Do they have a secure online portal so I can access daily security updates, service level reports, and log troubleshooting requests, as well as easy-to-use communication hubs for feedback and as a repository for best practices?

Conclusion?

Investing in a reliable security system is crucial in safeguarding your property, assets, and, most importantly, your people. A professionally designed and deployed security system offers numerous benefits, such as real-time monitoring, instant alerts, and the ability to deter criminals from even attempting a break-in.?

However, choosing the right security system installer is equally essential as having a security system. A professional installer can guide you through the process, help you choose the right system(s) for your specific needs, and ensure a seamless installation process. They can also provide ongoing support and maintenance for your security system.?

Take the time to evaluate your options, ask the right questions, and make an informed decision. Remember, a reliable security system and a professional installer will provide you with the peace of mind you deserve and save you from disruption, potential losses and damages.

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