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Do Security Services Produce a Return on Investment?
Security Guard Services have traditionally been considered a cost-of-business that did not produce a return on investment (ROI). Business must spend money to keep from losing more money, or so the thinking goes. A recent article in Buildings.com shows how creative property managers are reconsidering this idea and discovering that security services really can produce a measurable return.See the article, "Making Security Pay" here: http://www.buildings.com/Default.aspx?TabId=3413&ArticleID=9526
The first way that security services can produce a ROI is by lowering general liability exposure for property owners according to Joe Marcello, Executive Vice President of National Operations for IPC International Corp. This translates into fewer claims and lower insurance premiums.
Patrol officers whose job is to prevent and report damage and vandalism can also by tasked with turning off lights, turning down heat and air conditioning after hours and performing other basic maintenance tasks. Leveraging the money already being spent on security services may achieve savings in other departments like maintenance and reception.
Security officers often provide concierge services in Class-A office buildings. In addition to providing security escorts, officers hand out fliers and applications, make appointments and reservations and screen visitors for business tenants. Building managers understand that a higher level of value-added services leads to higher rents and occupancy rates in competitive markets.
Another highly effective method for maximizing returns on security is to install cameras, card readers and other technical systems to automate security functions. These technologies allow companies to reduce the number of guard patrols without compromising the security of the facility.
In retail, manufacturing and distribution businesses, security services produce a return by preventing damage, loss and shrink. Commercial property managers are learning that security services can produce a clear return on investment for their businesses as well by thinking outside the box, utilizing technology and expanding the scope of the guard services.
Reliant Security provides value-added security services and technology solutions to clients throughout the western United States.
Sincerely, Matthew Cooper, CPP VP Reliant Security
