The Tribune

By GAYLORD TAYLOR

DUE to the high level of crime, security has come to be the watchword for almost all businesses in the Bahamas.

However, one shortcoming is that most companies look at security as only one facet of their operations, and not as an essential component of all of their functions.

You might ask what I mean by this. The answer is very simple – businesses think of security in a physical sense, when security should be a part of their overall business outlook.

Security services like alarms, door access controls, camera systems, guard services and data protection should all have functions that complement your business goals.

For example: guards should know all of the services that your company provides, so much so that they can act as a spokesman for your company and not just a physical deterrent for criminal activity.

Your camera systems should be aesthetically pleasing, and give your business a professional look.

These are small things, but they add so much to the overall ‘feel’ persons get when dealing with a company.

Secondly, the cost of your security solutions should be practical.

Spending $15,000 to protect a $50 investment is just as impractical as spending $50 to protect a $15,000 investment.

Most small business owners today look at cost versus quality when investing in security solutions and that is not wise.

Any security professional worth his or her salt will tell you that in the security field, going cheap is just like doing nothing.

Criminals can recognise a dummy camera or shoddy installation of a system – remember they have a lot of time to train.

Most small business owners are unaware that their systems should be integrated to provide a multi-layered approach to their security protection.

Beware of any security company or professional who doesn’t walk you through all of the advantages, and more importantly disadvantages, of the security services they are selling.

It’s not a good feeling to have lost thousands of dollars because you simply weren’t informed and made a poor decision.

Just like going to your doctor, ask questions.

If they are truly professionals, they should be more than willing to tell you the ins and outs of their system.

Each part of your solution should assist both your business and your wallet. There are many choices today in the security field for business’ to choose from, a good rule of thumb when looking for a security company is competent managers with industry standard training or certification.

Also consider how long the company has been doing business, their client list, and their work standard.

Small businesses cannot afford to waste money on such an essential feature, so you should ensure that any company getting your business comes with benefits.

• Gaylord Taylor is a former police officer with more than 17 years of experience in the security field. He is a certified maritime security officer and safety auditor, and holds certifications in other security disciplines as well.