Would that a person could conduct the business of their company in a stress-free, secure environment without worrying about theft, break-ins, and all manner of assaults against their company. Alas, that paradisaical vision is attainable – but not without some diligence and expense. The goal is not to establish adequate security monitoring. That part is easy. Rather, the goal is to establish adequate security monitoring in an efficient manner.

In addition, companies need to keep in mind that the issue is multi-faceted. When people discuss the subject of security monitoring, they usually have physical security in mind. There is much more, however, as the following list indicates:

• Employee Monitoring – No one of course wants to become Big Brother, but some business environments require a closer than normal monitoring of employees. For example, Overwatch Security Advisors performed an assessment for a company that used on-the-ground guard monitoring. OSA discovered that the monitoring was nearly non-existent, because the guards spent their time riding around in golf carts and visiting each other.
• Inventory/Product Monitoring – Some businesses deal in products that are highly valuable plus highly transportable. Monitoring systems and proper inventory control can help prevent the improper transportable part of that equation.
• Computer Security Monitoring – Not all company products are tangible ones. Computer programs represent one of those areas that contain sensitive information in need of protection, and hence, monitoring.
• Per incident monitoring – A concept that has grown out of the desire to utilize tech where humans might drop the ball, or worse be paid to turn their head. All scenarios are possible when you have live monitoring; so are the liabilities. Live monitoring has its place and is not dead; but the industry whispers about the inefficiency and cost. Algorithmic monitoring allows the camera to do the bulk of the heavy lifting and the agent/person to act on the event. Its way more cost effective too!

These are but examples. Other examples exist or occur as variables depending on the nature of the business. But, the issue of monitoring remains, regardless. Installing the supporting infrastructure is only half of the solution.

OSA conducted an assessment where the company had spent a considerable amount of money for on-the-ground security. OSA determined that a combination of on-site guards and off-site monitoring would save the company over $400,000 annually.

In closing, an important question. Who monitors the monitors? It’s rare, but still possible. Those assigned to protect instead become the threat. That is reason enough to consider outside monitoring vs. in house protection. Peace of mind and an accountable party, the two best reasons for professional, efficient monitoring is the ticket to paradise.