What Do We Cover In This Article?
If you’ve moved into an old building or having upgraded your security in awhile then you need to understand what are the signs that your corporate security measures need an upgrade? Outdated security systems can increase certain risks can leave your business exposed to security breaches, theft and operational disruptions. In our guide we outline the top five key indicators that your current security setup may no longer meet today’s standards and then we provide actionable solutions you can act upon to bring your measures up to todays standard.
1. Outdated Security Systems Are Leaving Your Business Exposed
Outdated security systems, such as grainy low megapixel CCTV footage, unreliable alarms or ageing access control can leave your business susceptible to crime. Criminals on the prowl will look out for older and defunct systems which will expose your company to potentially becoming a victim of crime.
Common Issues with Old Security Systems:
- Low-quality cameras that fail to provide clear footage.
- Alarms are prone to false activations and their is no or a slow alarm response by a key holder or mobile security guard who responds to building alarm activations out of hours. (This is a great service to have in place over using staff as key holders as it will greatly limit your liability)
- Are you still using traditional keys that can be easily lost or copied?
Example in Action:
A corporate office faced a break-in we responded to with our alarm response service. When we attended site and downloaded the footage as evidence for the Police it was just of blurry shadowy images making it impossible to even identify the intruders IC code. After upgrading to high-definition cameras with night vision and zoom features, they not only improved security but also deterred future incidents.
How to Upgrade:
- Replace old cameras with HD models that include smart features.
- Use biometric or keyless entry systems to reduce risk.
- Integrate alarms with a rapid office keyholding service for faster response times.
2. Security Challenges in Multi-Tenant Buildings Are Increasing
Shared office buildings have the unique challenge of high foot traffic and different faces every day from the multiple businesses that occupy the floors. Without proper access and egress control systems in place along with a manned corporate reception and a visitors booking system, unauthorised access can pose a serious issue especially out of hours in 24 hour access properties.
Key Security Gaps to Address:
- Shared Entry Points: Unauthorised individuals can follow others into the building via tailgated or lack of physical barriers.
- Visitor Tracking Issues: Paper-based logs make it hard to monitor visitors as people rarely wear them properly and they can get disregard and reused easily enough.
- Inconsistent Protocols: Security policies may vary across floors and tenants which leads to confusion.
Example in Action:
A delivery driver tailgated into a secured office area because there was no front of house receptionist. By implementing a staffed security reception the issue would have been resolved by the front of house staff calling down the tenant to collect their delivery from reception.
Solutions to Consider:
- Hire front of house security staff to serve as the first and last point of contact for visitors and tenants.
- Install access control systems with tenant-specific keycards or fobs.
- Implement a unified visitor management platform.
- Conduct safety drills and encourage tenant collaboration on protocols.
3. Your Security System Hasn’t Kept Up with Business Growth
As businesses grow in size and new challenges emerge that you haven’t considered yet you’ll be on the back foot when it comes to security and leaving gaps in your protection when your expanding is one of the worst things you can do. Data theft is as big as physical asset theft these days and can leave you exposed to unlimited fines, reputation damage and legal ramifications.
Signs Your System Isn’t Keeping Up With The Size of Your Business:
- Surveillance is weak or obsolete in new areas of your premises or new buildings you’ve acquired.
- Staff turnover leads to unaccounted for keys or access credentials.
- High-risk areas such server rooms lack proper security.
An Example in Action:
A growing company that manages multiple office spaces struggled to get to grips with the control of access for employees, contractors, and visitors. They were using a physical Paxton key fob system and by switching to a cloud-based access system they eliminated the physical keys and improved accountability with detailed digital logs.
Steps for Scalability:
- Audit your premises to identify vulnerabilities.
- Invest in scalable solutions like cloud-based surveillance and mobile-enabled access control.
- Provide updated training for staff and contractors on new security protocols.
4. Disconnected Systems Are Slowing Down Your Response Times
Fragmented security systems can make monitoring and responding to incidents unnecessarily complicated and difficult. If your alarms, cameras and access controls don’t communicate with one another then your business may face delays in addressing threats or even be unable to effectively.
Challenges of Disconnected Systems:
- Multiple platforms are used to manage different security components.
- Inconsistent procedures due to a lack of centralisation.
- Delayed response times during incidents.
Example in Action:
A facilities manager fully integrated their access control and surveillance systems into a unified dashboard. The change allowed them to respond to emergencies faster and identify issues in real time streamlining day-to-day operations.
Recommended Upgrades:
- Switch to an integrated security platform with a single interface.
- Automate processes like remote locking or instant alerts.
- Regularly test systems to ensure seamless functionality.
5. Employees and Tenants Are Raising Safety Concerns
If you are getting feedback from employees or tenants about your safety issues then take it as a clear signal that changes are needed. Ignoring these concerns can lead to reduced morale, productivity and tenant retention which will hurt the bottom line of the of the property management or asset manager.
Top Concerns Often Raised:
- Poorly lit areas like car parks or building entrances.
- Lack of visible security presence during off-hours.
- Break-ins or theft in shared spaces.
Example in Action:
A tenant expressed concerns about working late due to dim lighting and no visible security cameras. By adding improved lighting and strategic CCTV placement, the business reassured tenants, boosting confidence in workplace safety.
Steps to Address Concerns:
- Add lighting and CCTV to high-risk areas like entryways and parking lots.
- Increase security patrols during evenings and weekends.
- Create a clear communication channel for employees and tenants to report issues.
Take the First Step Toward Better Security
Upgrading your corporate security doesn’t have to be difficult. Start by evaluating your current systems and identifying gaps. A company who specialises in professional security audits can pinpoint areas you may have overlooked and suggest affordable solutions that work for your business.
Being proactive about upgrades protect your property, employees and tenants while streamlining operations. Don’t wait for vulnerabilities to turn into costly problems and invest in modern security solutions to safeguard your business today.
