Your quick guide to selecting a security systems company

Why is it important to have a trusted security partner? Because you’re trusting them to provide the ultimate security for your assets, your premises, your vehicles, and your site. You’re trusting them to install systems that have the potential to save lives in an emergency situation, and you’re trusting them to provide a system that will monitor who is on your site and where they’re allowed to go. You’re trusting them to secure the most vulnerable areas of your site, so you must have the confidence that the company you select to be responsible for the installation and maintenance of your security and surveillance system are, in fact, trustworthy. And there’s also reliable, honest, qualified, accredited…

Why should you have security at all?

This is a good place to start. You might think that a security system isn’t worth the investment when there’s so many other areas of your business that demand a slice of the budget. A security system isn’t a profit-generating tool for your business, but it does have the potential to protect your business so it can continue to operate. What it delivers is:

1. Peace of mind and reassurance that your business is secure and protected and that you’ve met the requirements of your insurance policy.
2. You’ve ticked all the boxes in terms of ethical practices (particularly in relation to CCTV) – you’ve covered duty of care to your staff, contractors, and visitors.
3. In the long term, you’ll achieve cost savings from an integrated security system. You’ll no longer need to employ a physical guard. A security system is self-sufficient, fully operational 24/7 and doesn’t need breaks. It may also reduce your insurance premium in the long term.

What to look out for with a security and surveillance company

Make sure that the company has the relevant accreditation! This is so important – it means that they, as a minimum, comply with the requirements of industry standards. Zicam has National Security Inspectorate (NSI) gold accreditation which means we meet the highest technical standards with a commitment to continuous improvement and it’s something we’re very proud of.

Testimonials are essential to learning about your potential new security company. You can take them almost as an independent view of the services offered – they’re a recommendation straight from another customer so act as a trust element for future customers. We’re fortunate that our customers readily give us testimonials because they’re such a powerful marketing tool.

Be mindful of what the company is asking you in your first conversation. Your needs are paramount so there should be no quick quote or aggressive upselling from your first contact. The first thing I – or any one of my team – will ask about first is your needs: why are you looking for a security system? Then I’ll want to understand the individual site – what’s the square footage or size, is there a physical perimeter in place? How many staff do you have on site and what vehicle movements are there on a daily basis will be the next question, followed by the site value – what’s the site used for, is there heavy plant or machinery on site? Once I’ve got that information, then I’d want to review your insurance policies with you to check for caveats in the policy to make sure all eventualities are met for that site. Only then, will we start talking about a quote.

The big 5: steps to selecting a security and surveillance company

1. Research. Look at their website and find out what they’re offering. Check company social media to find out what they’re saying about themselves and what other people are saying about them.
2. Longevity. Check out their trading history. How long have they been successfully working within the industry – it shows commitment, good customer service, and continuous improvement.
3. Testimonials and recommendations. This is so important. Testimonials are a first-hand experience of the company from the customer perspective.
4. Value for money. Are they competitive? Here’s where you should perform your due diligence. Ring some other companies and find out what they would quote for the same job.
5. Aftersales care. This is one that’s easily forgotten, but important when selecting your security company. Are they going to continue to support you in the long term?

There’s a great security and surveillance company I know of called Zicam that I would readily recommend for all your security requirements. They’re fully accredited, have been in the industry for 25 years, and have great testimonials. I’m sure they’d love help you out with your new integrated smart security system. Why not give them a call?

Dave Salisbury, Managing Director, Zicam Integrated Security Limited.

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