From the experts at Boon Edam, here are tips for making the case for physical security systems
1. Introduce security awareness among all team members in your company, not just the C suite.
Most team members understand the inherent threat of workplace or public venue security. Don’t tell your staff about security threats, teach them making staff members active participants in the companies awareness of insecure entrances, non-ID'ed visitors, and other security situations. This helps create ownership that executives want to see from staff. Using a security metaphor: don’t lock them out of awareness, but bring them in to proactiveness.
2. Make the case for ROI and risk versus reward.
The most credible threat is not a global, catastrophic threat, but often a tangible threat in your own neighborhood, so to speak. Security technology providers can often offer concrete examples of security threats and subsequent solutions based on similar location, size of company or building, or intended purpose. Discussing the most common threat can lead to a productive ROI conversation about the best technology fit for your most credible threats.
3. Emphasize that security is not a one and done thing.
Once the technology is implemented, it’s easy to want to set it and forget it. But security should become a part of your company's fabric. Teach building management or IT staff how to troubleshoot common problems so that inadvertent gaps in security coverage don't boil down to, "The system wasn't working right, and I didn't know what to do."
4. Address management's concerns about the effect this physical security will have on company staff.
Use terms like it’ll have a non-effect on personnel, which can help ease minds -- both management and staff. This helps underscore the point that the security solution is not difficult to implement or live with. Actually the best security system is one that works so seamlessly it’s not disruptive.
