Having the best, most accessible technical support team will ensure the safety and security of not only your data and staff, but will be an added benefit to your company’s long-term bottom line, as well.

Online Exclusive: Top 4 Security Installation Mistakes to Avoid

Having the best, most accessible technical support team will ensure the safety and security of not only your data and staff, but will be an added benefit to your company’s long-term bottom line, as well.

  • By Phil Lake
  • Feb 25, 2016

When it comes to professional security integrations, having the latest technology installed is of paramount importance. But something that many businesses overlook is the equal importance of a professional service level agreement. If you have an extensive, customized security system installed throughout your facilities, but inadequate service to provide support in times of need, then your security system might actually put your company at a grave potential risk. With that, let’s take a look at our top 4 potential security installation mistakes you might want to avoid.

  1. Hiring a company that has a small technical support team. While doing this may seem like your company would get a more tailored, personable approach, hiring a company that has a small technical support team also means forfeiting backup of technicians and the timeliness and accessibility of a security firm that has multiple locations across your territory, with a geographically dispersed technical on-call support staff.
  2. Economizing on Service-Level Agreements. This is where many companies will face giant security gaps within their custom systems. Research as many SLA’s you can, and gather the facts. Does your company need 24/7 system health monitoring and remote remediation in case of a crisis? Does your company have the capability to have a full-time system technician on staff or would it be more appropriate to hire a company that can remotely support your system. All of the above are great starting criteria as you begin your search for the right security installation company.
  3. Going with an out-of-the-box system. While this may seem like the thriftier option, collaborating, designing and installing a system that is the most tailored to your company size, parameters and compliance requirements is not only far more beneficial in the long run from a security standpoint, but will also secure your bottom line.
  4. Ignoring the importance of a stop-false alarm system. According to Stephen J. Dubner writing for the Freakonomics blog, “False alarms make up between 10 and 20 percent of all calls to police”. Not only that, but according to Joe Mullich from the Wall Street Journal,  “...responding to a single false alarm can cost up to $125, that information can translate into a significant savings over the course of a year.” All the more reason why designing and installing a system that can detect and react to false alarms on your company’s behalf is of the utmost importance.

There are many other points you should look for when scoping out your needs for your next security system installation, such as project scope capabilities, products offered, and overall cost. But having the best, most accessible technical support team, purchasing the right SLA for your company, designing a custom system and finding the right combination of intrusion alarm, access control and video will ensure the safety and security of not only your data and staff, but will be an added benefit to your company’s long term bottom line, as well.

About the Author

Phil Lake has been in the Life Safety/Security, and Controls industries for thirty years. During those thirty years, Phil has had ever increasing responsibility and opportunity and has held the President title for twenty years. The companies he has led include Honeywell, Chubb Security and Siemens--all global firms where Phil made a significant impact. However, Phil is most proud of his work at Knight Security Systems. Working at Knight has been a doubly-rewarding experience, leading and cultivating an environment where each team member has valuable input in the direction of the company. With Phil as President, Knight has been growing at an aggressive pace, fueled by a dedication to service and client satisfaction. Phil holds a Certified General Accountant Degree (CPA equivalent) from the University of Toronto where he studied Industrial Marketing in the Executive Programs.

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