Organisations that function across multiple sites face increased security threats and must therefore install effective solutions ideal for use across locations.
With increased footfall, extra premises to be compromised and more demand on security systems to work seamlessly across sites, multi-location organisations must bolster security solutions to cope with potential security threats.
A.P.E Fire & Security helps businesses find the perfect security solutions to fit their requirements. With many years’ experience in designing, installing and maintaining security systems for a variety of sites, A.P.E Fire & Security has listed tips and recommendations for multi-location organisations below.
Multi-Location Security Considerations
As with any security system design and installation, there are plenty of considerations to factor in, especially for multiple locations. Here are some of the security considerations exclusive to multi-site systems:
- Compliance – If organisations span jurisdictions, different rules and regulations may apply, even to security systems. Before purchasing or installing anything, one needs to find out exactly what is allowed, including permitted purposes and placements.
- More sites = more risk – Each new site presents more risk of theft, crime and safety issues. It is critical that each and every site is suitably protected and not overlooked.
- Threat level variation – Some sites may present more risk of security threats and different types of crime, meaning security must cater to the varying threat accordingly. For example, sites in a quiet, suburban setting may be at less risk than a site in a higher crime area which requires bolstered security measures.
- Site differences – Beyond crime statistics, there may be many physical differences between sites that impact security installations. A huge warehouse, as an example, will have different security requirements to the offices handling business administration.
Unify Systems for multi-Location Security
It is critical that all sites of an organisation are controlled, monitored and managed with one main system, including security
Unify Systems - It is critical that all sites of an organisation are controlled, monitored and managed with one main system, including security. Ideally, the same products, software, systems and even contractors are used across locations to ensure consistency across the board.
CCTV, access control systems and intruder alarms are far more effective when unified than independent.
By standardising procedures, technology, installers and more, organisations have effective security measures. In the event of an incident, at any location, security systems are quickly notified and responders are quick to act. If multiple sites have different security systems, there may be confusion and complications which slow the reaction to an emergency situation.
Install Access Control Systems
Multi-location organisations must have effective and expansive access control systems to cope with the many people coming and going. Old fashioned keys are not sufficient for the sheer numbers and security threat of multiple locations, therefore modern, complex systems are suitable such as cards or key fobs.
Modern access control systems are successfully unified and managed with software, ideal for multi-site organisations who need to be able to alter who can enter and when.
For example, some staff may only be permitted access to a certain location, whereas managers may be able to go into all. New staff can be instantly added onto the system, old staff removed and even access time limits set for short term entry requirements such as contractors performing work.
Access control systems aren’t just useful for restricting who can get in where, when, but also for tracking. If an incident occurs, most complex systems have logs and records kept for a certain amount of time so irregularities or issues can be traced back.
Remotely Monitor
Modern remote monitoring systems can be controlled from anywhere, provided there is an internet connection
CCTV monitoring is key to effective multi-location security. Each site can be constantly monitored from one central monitoring room with remote monitoring, which streams security camera footage to devices.
This means one team of authorised personnel can be responsible for all buildings’ security at one time from a singular place, instead of having multiple smaller security teams at each site.
Another advantage of modern remote monitoring system is that it means security solutions can be controlled from anywhere, provided there is an internet connection. This allows security managers and other such roles to arm alarms, control locks, monitor and get notifications no matter where they are.
Even if a main security base is far from some sites, reactions can be just as fast and effective.
Partner with A Security Firm
The suitable way to ensure all sites are standardised and that systems will work seamlessly across all hardware and software is to enlist experts such as A.P.E Fire & Security.
Leaving individual sites to create their own security solutions could result in inconsistencies, longer responses to incidents and ineffective systems. Security experts can come in, fit the same technology that works in a unified manner across sites and still deliver tailored plans as per each location’s requirements, ensuring an organisation and its premises are secure.
Risk Assess Each Site
As mentioned above, each site will be different and have unique requirements, therefore it is key to initially assess these and understand variations before investing in solutions. Security assessments are critical for organisations of any size.
Security firms will be able to give expert advice and guidance on appropriate designs, placements and products for each site to provide suitable security solutions. Failure to properly plan and assess prior to investment and installation can result in ineffective systems and wasted money.
