If you own a small business, the security of your assets and livelihood should be a top priority for you. Statistics show that small businesses lose between Ksh.2,500,000-Ksh3,300,000 worth of products every minute to theft with up to 40% of losses being shoplifting cases. 60% of these businesses don’t survive longer than 6 months after such theft; making security a necessary tool for survival and why you should have a security checklist.
Proper security practices to make sure that your business is protected from a physical security standpoint could mean the difference between keeping your business afloat and going under. There must be clear protocol when it comes to security and following it. Physical security should be an engrained organizational culture, much more than just a surveillance system and a security guard.
Here are some key practices you can apply:
1. CCTV SURVEILLANCE
CCTV systems are recognized in business as a highly effective measure against crime. Modern video surveillance systems now provide high-quality footage that you can remotely monitor and manage. Choose a camera system that can record continuously or automatically start recording when motion is detected. Strategically install the cameras not just inside, but at entry points and places that are not usually within eyesight. Source for a reliable CCTV installer/ equipment provider that will log any activity and provide you with detailed reports of any incidents. This gives you that extra peace of mind that the security of your business is very capable hands.
2. Door Security And Alarms
Small businesses are prime targets for robberies and break-ins. In a small establishment, all thieves need to do is to get through one door and they would have access to almost everything. Most premises secure their main entrance with proper alarms but fail to consider emergency exits and windows. It is important to secure all possible break-in points, exists and entrances for the overall safety of your organization.
• Install trigger alarms on every potential entrance and exit, including windows.
• Protect rooms inside your facility, such as data centers and file storage rooms.
• Make sure every alarm has an emergency power source in case of power outages.
• Test alarms regularly.
3. Access Controls
How easy would it be for unauthorized personnel or intruders to enter your building or office? While a big factor in keeping employees is your ability to trust them, this doesn’t mean that they get free reign and access to everything. An access control system prevents employees from entering unapproved areas and intruders from gaining any access. Access controls can include keycards, biometric scanners, badges and other tools that validate a person’s identity.
You should have visibility into where and when people are entering the building at all times. Running a small business means having few employees, making it possible for them to be all alone and unsupervised at times. In the event an employee engages in illegal activity, access controls make it easier to track down the person responsible.
4. Audit Frequency
Once you have all of these physical security in place, you need to decide how often you’ll evaluate and audit them. Security systems become obsolete and you will need to set checkpoints to keep them updated. In general, it’s smart to audit your physical security systems at least twice per year. Talk to your security system supplier about a maintenance schedule but also have your IT inhouse team do what you can to cover all necessary bases. You don’t want to find out that your security system is out of order after you have been robbed.
5. Manned Guarding
When it comes to physical security, having a security guard sounds like an obvious choice but you would be surprised by how many small businesses overlook this option. Manned guarding is a highly effective way of eliminating criminal damage and theft, making it one of the most proactive security measures that you can take against crime. It is a brilliant proactive solution to your security strategy, ensuring your assets are protected and your insurance cover is not compromised.
We have outlined why a physical security checklist is so important for your small (or big) business. We however know it can be challenging to implement all these new technologies alone. At GuardNow Security Group (K) Ltd, we are very passionate about helping businesses achieve the optimal level of physical and cyber security. Our seasoned IT experts are happy to speak with you to discuss your security needs, whether that involves updating your physical security checklist or building a new one. We are available for site visits and assessment.
Talk to us on +254 733 832466 or visit us at Yala Towers, 9th Floor, Room 901. We are always happy to serve you because your security is our business.
