10 Ways NOT to blow your Security budget - Part 2

A couple of months ago we wrote part 1 of how not to blow your security budget. Here is part 2 to complete the 10 ways not to blow your security budget

6.       Software licenses

Do you understand your software license structure and associated fees if additional access-controlled doors and CCTV cameras are added to your security system?  Understand what drives costs into the license agreement:

a)      Adding a new access-controlled door

b)      Adding a new CCTV camera

c)      User access quantities

d)      Reaching a license threshold

7.       Sales

a)      Watch for sales commissions

b)      Be target specific! Identify specific risks and threats to your building/s before deciding to purchase any piece of security equipment and or service.

c)      Match security purchases hardware/systems/services against specific risks to your situation.

8.       System Design & Asset Lifecycle

How well do you know your access control system? If there was a 12 Hour power cut would your security system still be operating at 9am the next morning?

a)      Know your systems and their emergency backup capacities!

b)      Avoid unexpected costs associated with emergencies and system failures

c)      Minimize reactive callout costs through system design

d)      Plan for asset lifecycle replacement – minimise surprises

9.       Guard Services, Mobile Patrol and Response

Security guards play an important role in physical security and they can do what electronic systems can’t do. When you integrate guards with policy, procedure, electronic systems, locks and barriers you start to achieve the ‘Security in depth’ principle.  As your business changes – so too should your security guard service requirements.

a)      Take ownership

b)     Be specific - what, when & why

c)      Always match service to specific risk

d)      Review regularly – adjust hours, shifts, responses & tasks to present day business security needs

10.   Strategic Security

Are you working towards or maintaining a planned approach to your physical security e.g. working with a one to five year security plan? Do you have a security manual with agreed criteria and agreed standards?
If not, now is the time to take control! 

Create/update your strategic security plan to include:

              a)      Clear security policy and procedure documents

              b)      A strategic security plan – follow it – stick to it!

             c)      Explicit Security budget with monitored performance to include
     i. Capex
ii.      Opex – including vandalism – replacement of damaged items – it will happen!

Stay within budget and maximise cost savings with:

   a)      Knowledge

   b)      Planning

   c)      Strategy

The SAARA Security team can’t stress enough the importance of knowing and understanding your systems well – get involved in the detail!

You need to understand your systems to keep costs at bay.  Hardening security systems to make them more resistant.

If you’d like to know more about any of the areas mentioned above, please get in touch by filling out the Contact Us section and one of Security experts will be in touch.

Knowledge, planning, and strategy will save your budget!