How to make sure your security equipment is working and updated when you need and the key benefits of preventive maintenance
You did it all right: checked your building, listed your vulnerabilities, contacted a specialist, discussed your concerns, approved a security plan, installed, tested and felt very safe, after all.
After 6 or 12 months you still feel safe, as your equipment can be considered pretty new, but your security system is not only made of electronic hardware, they run a very sophisticated software and there are many engineers and technicians working hard to keep them a step ahead of the criminals and any bugs and issues they might have.
It is mandatory to keep the electronic security equipment’s software updated to keep up with the new versions and protection that are available from time to time.
What’s more, many types of equipment such as Reed switches, PIR (Passive Infra-Red) sensors or Detectors have internal batteries and must be replaced from time to time.
Ongoing Maintenance may be required by the council and is critical to hassle-free operations, ensuring that electronic door locks, security footage and/or an alarm system are ready and working, and the failure to do so is an offence carrying a fine of up to $20,000, and a further $2,000 for every day the offence is continued.
Security systems need regular checks and maintenance to replace batteries, complete software updates as well as check its general health.
IQ Security Technicians are constantly checking systems and servicing them, that's why they made a list with some of the top signals showing that it is time for a preventive call to your electronic security technician.
1. Council Regulations
Council regulations* recommend that the building owner/tenant establishes a compliance schedule regime of preventive and responsive/corrective maintenance, ensuring that systems or features that contribute to the proper functioning of a building, such as electronic door locks, are regularly monitored and maintained, as follows:
- Owner’s obligations include a compliance schedule of preventive maintenance as he is responsible for being aware of any specified system installed in their building and ensuring it is listed on a compliance schedule;
- Alarm Systems need 12-Months Checks for insurance records and hassle-free operation.
- Access Control include a few daily checks, monthly checks and 6-monthly checks made by Certified Company and Maintenance records kept for building WOF and 12A;
- CCTV Security Cameras require 6-Month Checks for hassle-free operation and firmware updates to keep the system secure.
2. Date and Time
Found alterations on your security equipment (especially alarm system) date and time? It can be a signal that it’s time for replacing batteries or service required.
3. Unseen Signals
Unfortunately, many of the problems cannot be detected by users, like batteries or sirens not working properly, stuck magnetic sensors that aren’t used often, or other issues that can only be found with a thorough exam from a qualified technician.
4. Users changes
From time to time, your staff and contractors might change. When it happens, it is mandatory that you update your access cards, alarm system codes and passwords to keep a controlled access to your assets and electronic security systems.
5. Software Updates
From time to time many bugs and new cyber crimes are discovered by software engineers and technicians. Companies invest thousands of dollars to keep their systems safe, updated and ahead of the criminals.
To make sure you have the latest updates and be protected it is mandatory that you do regular updates on your systems, avoiding hacks, cyber attacks and other issues.
If you like, you can subscribe to your supplier's newsletters to get to know about the latest updates available. In addition, keep an eye on the media to check for any reports of new crimes or cyber attacks. They can be an indicator that your security equipment suppliers are working in new versions of the software for updates.
6. Security Equipment Updates
When the technicians service your equipment, they can also check if it is still in good conditions and if there is something better you can do to upgrade, increase protection, reduce risks and improve your security.
They are in constant training, visiting suppliers and checking for the latest security trends, so they can give you an updated analysis of your equipment conditions. You can be sure that they will share any concerns and keep you informed about the news.
Again, you can subscribe to your supplier's newsletters to get important updates on equipment, software and also the new trends in the security industry in order to evaluate if it is the right time to invest in a new equipment for your ever-changing security needs (and budget).
7. Changes in your Building
If you have had any changes in your building like alterations, partitions, new decoration or any other changes, they might have changed the efficiency of your security system by blocking the sensors ow creating new blind spots to your CCTV camera system.
To make sure everything is still operational and there are no compromises, it is important to ask for a security check.
8. Other Equipment Installation
Eventually, wires, connections and conduits can be changed by accident when new equipment or other services are performed (e.g. installing internet fibre or new HVAC system). It also requires an expert check to make sure everything is in place and working well.
The benefits of Ongoing Maintenance are numerous and have a huge impact on your security and costs:
Insurance
If in one hand, as it gives you extra protection, having a security system can give you a considerable discount on your insurance premium, on the other hand, they can also refuse to pay the claim in case of lack of security equipment maintenance.
Warranty
Some equipment, such as Satel Alarms, for example, have a lifetime warranty and you don’t want to risk the warranty, right?
To ensure the best performance of your electronic security system, it is highly recommended that you perform a regular maintenance schedule.
Warning: changing the batteries yourself can invalidate any product warranty, so talk to your security integrator before trying it.
ROI
Security equipment is a considerable investment made by any company or building manager. That’s why it is so important to make it worth it and get as much as you can from it in return. To get the most of your equipment, meaning better performance and efficiency, it is important to perform preventive maintenance, as the better you take care of it, the longer it will last, reducing costs and giving you peace of mind.
Risk Management
When it comes to the management of your assets, it is important to know that all Alarm Systems, Access Control and CCTV solutions that protect your business and buildings are fully operative.
Having your security equipment constantly maintained can prevent failure and avoid external hacking attacks of your building security system, for example.
Reduces Costs
Nowadays, instead of an eventual call to your company for a emergency service when it happens, it is possible to hire a comprehensive maintenance package for one annual fixed cost and obtain a great saving in your budget for operational costs management, including patches, updates, services, adding and removing users, labour and more.
You can always rely on Security Experts and Consultants to check your vulnerabilities, run regular maintenance and updates and monitor your security system.
IQ SECURITY provides a wide range of services related to electronic security, from design through to implementation, monitoring and maintenance for Commercial, Retail & Corporate buildings.
Contact our Security Experts, get FREE Consultation and ask about our OpEx Optimizer maintenance comprehensive package.
