Security Consultation - Do You Need One!
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What do security consultants do? Security consultants produce solutions to complex
security problems. Many people make the mistake of confusing a security company
salesperson as a security consultant. Let me say with no uncertain terms that while a
salesperson may be quite qualified to be a security consultant their loyalty is to their
company.
You may have security personnel on your staff. These people may be well qualified to
advise upper management on decisions concerning security matters, and their opinions
may be quite valid. It never hurts to have a system of checks and balances. This is where
security consultation firms come into the picture. Upper management would be remiss in
their duties to simply make a decision based on the recommendation of a one sales
person or a staff member with out first researching that recommendation or at least
requiring written justifications and cost benefit analysis. A security consultant can verify the
validity of claims that other individuals make. They can also provide independent estimates
and recommendations as to which integration and installation companies to utilize based
on industry reputation.
Some consultants will bury their recommendations in thirty pages of how an installation is
to be performed. They will specify equipment installation procedures to how wire splicing is
to be performed. I applaud their attention to detail. While it looks good on paper, I don't think
it is necessary. In my opinion a security consultant's first responsibility is to make sure that
the customer is making the right decision in any security project that is undertaken.
If you do work with a consultant it is important that the consultant know exactly what your
expectations are. Do you prefer functionality and low cost, concealed locking hardware, or
all the bells and whistles. There are different situations that warrant installation of each. If
the environment is one of production an entity may prefer functionality and low cost. If space
is leased or you want to may a good impression on high profile clients one may want to
have transfer hinges and electronic door lever sets installed. If an area is the subject of
public or private tours a company may wish to install all the bells and whistles. When I say
bells and whistles I am talking about biometric hand readers, video intercom systems,
video analytics systems integrated into access control, high security mechanical locks, and
other serious security measures.
Before you make a decision about what type of equipment should be installed make sure
you consider the maintenance costs. Generally the more expensive or more specialized the
equipment or installation procedures, the more expensive maintenance will be.
By:
John Leonard, CPP
Versatek, LLC
www.versateksecurity.com
March 29, 2008
security problems. Many people make the mistake of confusing a security company
salesperson as a security consultant. Let me say with no uncertain terms that while a
salesperson may be quite qualified to be a security consultant their loyalty is to their
company.
You may have security personnel on your staff. These people may be well qualified to
advise upper management on decisions concerning security matters, and their opinions
may be quite valid. It never hurts to have a system of checks and balances. This is where
security consultation firms come into the picture. Upper management would be remiss in
their duties to simply make a decision based on the recommendation of a one sales
person or a staff member with out first researching that recommendation or at least
requiring written justifications and cost benefit analysis. A security consultant can verify the
validity of claims that other individuals make. They can also provide independent estimates
and recommendations as to which integration and installation companies to utilize based
on industry reputation.
Some consultants will bury their recommendations in thirty pages of how an installation is
to be performed. They will specify equipment installation procedures to how wire splicing is
to be performed. I applaud their attention to detail. While it looks good on paper, I don't think
it is necessary. In my opinion a security consultant's first responsibility is to make sure that
the customer is making the right decision in any security project that is undertaken.
If you do work with a consultant it is important that the consultant know exactly what your
expectations are. Do you prefer functionality and low cost, concealed locking hardware, or
all the bells and whistles. There are different situations that warrant installation of each. If
the environment is one of production an entity may prefer functionality and low cost. If space
is leased or you want to may a good impression on high profile clients one may want to
have transfer hinges and electronic door lever sets installed. If an area is the subject of
public or private tours a company may wish to install all the bells and whistles. When I say
bells and whistles I am talking about biometric hand readers, video intercom systems,
video analytics systems integrated into access control, high security mechanical locks, and
other serious security measures.
Before you make a decision about what type of equipment should be installed make sure
you consider the maintenance costs. Generally the more expensive or more specialized the
equipment or installation procedures, the more expensive maintenance will be.
By:
John Leonard, CPP
Versatek, LLC
www.versateksecurity.com
March 29, 2008