8 Ways to Secure Your Business Premises

Security threats and business theft prevention are always on the forefronts of business owners’ minds, regardless of the type of organisation. Whether it’s an unseen digital threat to the systems you use or a simple physical threat to your premises, it’s so important to make sure that the safety of yourself, your employees, customers and your data remains a top priority.

So what are the best ways to protect your physical property from accidental threats or targeted attacks? It’s vital to take steps proactively rather than after your premises have been compromised, so here we’ve listed 8 steps to ensure you’re maximising your security and protecting your offices or buildings as effectively as possible.

1. Understand what needs to be protected

The initial step to all safety procedures is to fully understand what the risks are. Take a look at your business and your premises to see what needs to be protected as an absolute minimum, then think about what you would like to go the extra mile to secure. 

It’s important to look at the overall logistics of your business too – how many employees do you have? How many clients or customers will need to visit and gain entry to your premises, and how often will this happen? 

Highlighting these details from the beginning will help you find the right solutions for your needs and ultimately protect your space as cost-effectively as possible. 

2. Take a good look around

Once you’ve pinpointed what you want to protect, a simple survey of your surroundings can highlight a lot of issues you might not have considered. 

There may be some unidentified blind spots outside the building or some older, unused points of entry that could cause potential problems if not secured, so note these down and get them fixed. 

Consider whether there is adequate lighting provided outside your premises (this can hugely reduce safety threats) and if there are any obstructive trees or greenery that could add to concerns.

3. Review your security policies

Businesses often have good ideas in mind but if security policies are not written down, they can be pretty useless. Once you’ve put some protocols in place for ensuring the safety of your building, make sure these are understood by all levels of management, communicated well to employees and made clear to any visitors who will be interacting with them on a regular basis.

4. Implement employee training

Following on from the above, communication of security procedures is key as unfortunately, a lot of compromises can occur due to your employees. Without this knowledge, they might not know how to act if something goes wrong, and they may accidentally breach policies. And whilst it is rare, some rogue employees might try and share information with people outside of the business. 

Trust is important within all companies, so make sure all current employees are aware of any new points or systems you’re bringing into the business and reiterate any basics or existing policies you have too. 

Updating any displayed information around your building can help ensure everyone is on the same page. And if you are introducing any new major security systems, it might be worth asking individuals to sign a copy of your new policy to confirm they have fully understood how things will be working from now on. 

5. Rethink your CCTV

Security cameras are a basic requirement when it comes to securing your premises, both as a deterrent to any potential intruders and as a way to capture the comings and goings of visitors to your property. 

There are several options to consider when it comes to CCTV, and here at ICT Solutions it’s one of the bespoke services that we offer. With high definition recordings, the ability to watch live or recorded footage from anywhere and Intelligent Video Analytics to help you search for particular footage, it’s an essential addition to every business. 

From our initial survey of your premises to installation and post-implementation, we’re confident in the thoroughness of our CCTV systems. We also offer CCTV repair, maintenance and servicing, so if you’re unsure whether your existing system is up to scratch, we can help identify any problems to make sure things are running as efficiently as possible.

6. Keep an eye on who has what

A simple but effective system if you’re still using physical door keys is to make sure you’re monitoring who within your business has access to what. 

A basic checklist for each new employee is often a good place to start – when were they provided with a set of keys? Which keys have they got an individual copy of? Are these keys numbered? This is especially important if any keys are lost – making a note of when they were lost and who by, can highlight any concerns or recurring problems, plus you know exactly how many copies are now unaccounted for. Don’t forget to ask for keys to be returned from any employees who have left the business as part of the offboarding process too! 

Whether you have a small number of staff or a larger team, it’s true that equipping them with a set of keys can be a big worry from a safety point of view, as well as a logistical nightmare so you may want to consider updating your entry system entirely.

7. Consider an access control system

If you’re interested in ditching the basic system of keys for your building’s access, your next step is to consider an access control system – otherwise known as keyless entry technology. 

There are different options available when it comes to a bespoke access control system and here at ICT Solutions, we can design and install the perfect solution for your business needs.

The three most common choices are RFID Technology (key fobs or cards), Biometric Technology (which uses some aspect of an individual’s biology to identify them and allow entry), and access control card readers (simple cards that can be kept in a wallet or purse). 

There are advantages to all of the options listed above, and that’s where it helps to have a specialist onboard to find the perfect match to your business. 

ICT Solutions have developed a four-step system to ensure the right system for your property is installed in a way which minimises disruption to your business; our aim is to avoid any network downtime or loss of productivity while we’re working.

8. Install a door entry system

Suitable for use on external or internal doors, door entry systems are a very efficient and popular way to manage access to different parts of a building. 

This is something that we offer here at ICT Solutions. There are a variety of door entry systems available, from basic intercom systems that just require a buzz to video and audio entry systems and wireless intercom systems. 

Not only do these door entry systems strengthen the security of your building, but they also offer a range of benefits. As well as their modern and sleek appearance, these systems also give you advance notice of who’s coming in and can provide simpler management of staff (meaning you don’t have to worry about individual keys!). Plus, they can act as an easy crime deterrent. 

If you’re also wanting to protect particular rooms inside your building – perhaps a director’s office or a meeting room – they’re a great way to control access here too. 

ICT Solutions can give you peace of mind  

Whichever security system you decide to implement in order to keep your business safe, it’s important that you find a system that’s tailored to you. At ICT Solutions, we always take a personal approach and make sure the technology fits your company and not the other way around. 

Whether you’re looking for CCTV, access control systems or a door entry system, we personalise our services to your business’ needs so you can rest easy when it comes to your security. 

Get in touch with us today to find out more about our thorough four-step approach and to make sure your premises are as safe as possible.