Online Exclusive: How to Check for Updates Within Your Security System
If you have had any professional security system integration in the past, then you know that purchasing a Service-Level Agreement to keep you online is of paramount importance.
According to a recent report from the FBI, businesses account for 28.4 percent of all reported burglary offenses in 2015. And with 1.5 million annual burglaries occurring in the United States, it’s all the more important that you’re using a proactive, reliable security system so that you experience the least amount of downtime. With that in mind, here are our top four methods to check your security system for updates so that you don’t have to worry.
- Install Local System Monitoring Device
Oftentimes, clients have the manpower, but lack the hardware to help monitor during off-duty hours. You can check for updates just by physically checking the hardware or looking at server data reports. But for example, here at Knight, we implement a platform that can monitor your current system’s functionality, and make sure everything is up-to-date and working as intended. What we’ve found since starting this program is that devices like this will initiate more than 50 percent of our service activity, so that system downtime is better mitigated for all of our clients.
- Check Your Server for Alerts
As previously mentioned, one of our core components here at Knight is the ability to consistently monitor and detect possible system issues with our patented system health monitoring methodology. But if you’re looking for a simple way to check your system for errors, look for server alerts. Your server will tell you if your system is experiencing excessive CPU/RAM utilization, traffic congestion, as well as hard drive errors.
- Keep Up-to-Date on Hardware
Just by routinely inspecting your hardware, you can find many ways in which your devices can falter. Issues like low batteries, temperature spikes or dips, or even issues like faulty fan speeds are bound to happen. Luckily, they can be easily seen and detected if you make system inspection a part of your monthly routine.
- Proactive Service
If you have had any professional security system integration in the past, then you know that purchasing a Service-Level Agreement to keep you online is of paramount importance. According to Wired, “in order to survive in today’s world, one must be able to expect the unexpected as there are always new, unanticipated challenges. The only way to consistently overcome these challenges is to create a strong initial set of ground rules, and plan for exceptions from the start...Just as any IT project would have a roadmap with clearly defined deliverables, an SLA is equally critical.”
At the end of the day, SLA’s are there to protect your business in case of downtime, emergency, or even if it’s just routine maintenance to get you the latest software updates. Because even though it may seem like no news is good news, when it comes to your security, there are no second chances.
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.