The real cost of your security setup goes beyond invoices…
When taking on a new security provider a lot of organisations focus on the cost (rightly so) however beyond the hourly rates, total spend and annual cost projection – the real cost of your security isn’t always on paper.
If the security setup is inefficient, inflexible, poorly managed, it could be quietly draining your time, affecting team morale, and increasing operational risk – all of which will carry hidden costs.
With this is mind lets explore the real cost of your security setup and most importantly what you can do about it.
You are Still Managing The Security Team
Do you find yourself having to chase rotas, covering for absences or even checking if a guard has turned up? If that is the case, your provider is not managing their people properly – and that is a cost to you.
Your security provider should be ensuring everything is running smoothly when it comes to their security team – even when there are issues it should be resolved within their organisation and it certainly shouldn’t be taking you away from your core responsibilities.
Hidden Cost: Time spent on managing personnel issue and time away from core responsibilities.
What To Do: There should one single point of contact – a dedicated operations manager to handle scheduling, communication and any on site issues.
You Hear About Incidents From Someone Else
Ever had to hear about an incident from a member of your staff (or worse from a visitor) rather than your security provider?
Security should be your eyes and ears – the first to respond when things go wrong and the first to inform you about any incidents. If you are being informed too late, its not just inconvenient, its risky!
When issues are not handled correctly even a minor incident can escalate and snow ball into a huge problem.
Hidden Cost: Loss of control and safety concerns.
What To Do: Check that your provider has a structured and efficient incident reporting process – with audit trails and escalation routes.
Strained Site Relationships
If the security team feels disconnected and aren’t gelling with the other members of the team (cleaning, reception, maintenance staff) – the entire site can suffer.
The security team should complement your existing team members. not clash with them. It could go beyond a strained relationship – it could negatively effect your reputation.
Hidden Cost: Staff morale could be down and cause unnecessary friction in day-to-day operations.
What To Do: Speak to your security provider and relay your concerns – they should do a proper briefing on roles, tone and customer service. Also integrating security into wider site training and culture can go a long way.
Inflexibility When You Need It Most
Security should be scalable and flexible to your site demands – within reason of course. We understand that sometimes our clients face unexpected footfalls, or have a one-off event they may need help in covering. We anticipate these things and understand the importance of being agile and responsive.
If you provider is slow to react and you are stuck in a rigid service model, you will be left exposed and overpaying.
Hidden Cost: Stress and frustration – unnecessary pressure on your role, risk of site vulnerability.
What To Do: Speak to your provider about scalable security and be clear with your site needs – esp if you manage multiple sites. Also, make sure there is flexibility in the contract.
A Lack of Control or Visibility
If the relationship with your security provider is just answering their monthly invoice emails than how do you know what you’re paying for? There should be service reviews, incident data, improvement logs etc. Basically a clear performance report on a regular basis or as and when you require them.
Hidden Cost: No service improvements or accountability.
What To Do: Service reviews should be done in a regular basis and performance backed by data. Any security provider who takes their role seriously should already be doing this.
The Real Cost of Security
So with all these discussion points in mind – what does your security setup really cost? It isn’t just what you spend – its also what you lose when things aren’t working properly. The cost often show up as:
- Repetitive issues taking up time and efficiency
- Frustrated teams dealing with easily preventable issues
- Negatively impact your reputation
- Lack of peace of mind
A reliable, integrated and proactive security provider doesn’t just save money it protects your time, your teams and your reputation.
Need fresh par of eye on your current setup?
We offer free, no-obligation site security assessment to help you uncover the real cost of security. Get in touch today!
