As difficult as it may be to hear, the COVID-19 virus isn’t going anywhere soon and is something we must get used to living with. But if you’re a business owner, trying to keep your employees and your building safe during cyclical shutdowns can be a challenge. That’s why now may be the perfect time to consider upgrading your business security. Doing so now could save you headaches in the future.
Think about how COVID-19 has impacted the way you run your business. Many businesses were forced to shut down for extended periods, making them sitting targets for thieves who knew the property was empty. Others had to reduce the number of staff members in their buildings, creating rotating schedules that made keeping track of who was in the office difficult.
Additionally, employees are now reluctant to touch any surface which could be harbouring the virus, like door handles, security keypads, and touch readers, all of which must be routinely sanitized multiple times a day.
When Should I Consider a Security Upgrade?
Here are some scenarios to consider which may indicate it is time to improve your current security system…and not all have to do with COVID-19.
- Have you increased the number of people you employ?
- Has your business production increased over the last year?
- Have you expanded your business, opening a new location?
- Has your company experienced a recent break-in or cyber-security breech?
- Is your current security system old, outdated, and/or behind in routine maintenance?
- Does your current security system require “touch heavy” interaction for employees to gain access to the building (the use of keypads, key cards, or touch readers)?
Potential Upgrades That Can Benefit Your Business
It’s important to realize just how important additional security measures can be when protecting your business and employees as we all learn to navigate this “new normal”. Consider the following changes and/or upgrades to your current system:
- Conduct a security audit – This should be step number one when determining how to best upgrade your security system during a global pandemic. Have a security professional evaluate your current security measures and look for any gaps in security. He or she will then be able to make recommendations tailored to your specific needs as to how best to improve your current system.
- Consider adding an access control system – such systems allow your employees to enter and exit your building and various areas using a touch-free system. Some security businesses offer mobile access, allowing employees to enter and exit using their mobile devices and/or smartwatches.
- Install or evaluate the placement of video cameras – If you don’t currently have video monitoring, consider installing a system. Video images not only help in the event of a robbery but they can also be used to identify employee theft and to monitor who is in the building at any given time. If you do have cameras in place, be sure their positioning is checked during your audit.
- Consider cloud-based security monitoring – Keeping your business afloat as the world adjusts to living with COVID-19 means being prepared for future occasional shutdowns. Having a cloud-based monitoring system installed allows you to keep an eye on your building from the safety of your own home. And, with real-time reporting and activity notifications, the system will alert you when someone is on your property.
If you’re ready to have your current security system assessed and upgraded, contact us at One & Only Locksmiths. Our expert staff has over 50 years of experience with both residential and commercial security and uses the latest tools and technology to get the job done reliably and efficiently.
We look forward to helping to keep you, your business, and your employees safe.